Abstract:
To provide a better experience for ice fisherman and fisherman generally, the present inventor devised, among other things, apparatus, assemblies, components, and methods for holding a fishing device, such as a fishing rod. One exemplary apparatus includes an adjustable rod holder pivotably mounted or coupled to a base structure. The rod holder, which can be strapped or otherwise attached to one or more types of fishing rods or poles, has an adjustable center of gravity and/or an adjustable pivot point. The adjustable center of gravity and/or pivot point allows users to balance the fishing rod at various tip angles, up or down, and thus to position the rod in a way most suitable for the type of desired fish. The exemplary apparatus is particularly suitable as a replacement for the conventional tip-ups used in ice fishing, because it provides advantages of conventional rod &amp;reel fishing with those of conventional tip-up fishing.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/618,458, which was filed on Mar. 30, 2012 and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND PERMISSION 
       [0002]    A portion of this patent document contains material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. The following notice applies to this document: Copyright ©2012 Karol R. Baugh 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0003]    Various embodiments of the present invention related to systems, methods, and apparatus for holding fishing rods. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in the world. One of the most common ways to fish entails use of a fishing rod or pole that is attached to a fishing line with a baited hook. The fishing rod is typically held by a user as the line and hook are submerged in a lake, pond, river, or other body of water believed to contain fish. In northern winter climates, the lake or pond may be partially frozen, with users boring a hole through a thick layer of ice to access the water and fish below. 
         [0005]    One problem the present inventor recognized in ice fishing concerns use of tip ups, which evolved to allow fishing without the need for holding a fishing rod. A tip-up is a spring-loaded fishing device that senses a fish strike (bite) on a fishing line and automatically jerks a portion of the upward while simultaneously raising a small flag to signal the strike. The device is very popular because it allows users to enjoy ice fishing while sitting in the comfort of warming houses, typically portable ones positioned on a frozen lake. 
         [0006]    Unfortunately, tip-ups require users attempting to catch a fish to pull in their fishing line hand over hand, typically while kneeling on the ice or otherwise bending over. Moreover, tip-ups are not suitable for catching fish, such as crappy and walleye, that are sensitive to the line resistance imposed by these spring-loaded mechanisms. Indeed, tip-ups can frequently be triggered by such fish striking without getting hooked, forcing users to leave the comfort of their warming houses to reset their tip-ups without the reward of an actual catch. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, the present inventors has identified a need to provide better ways of ice fishing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    To address one or more of these and/or other needs, the present inventor devised, among other things, apparatus, assemblies, components, and methods for holding a fishing device. One exemplary apparatus includes an adjustable rod holder pivotably mounted or coupled to a base structure. The rod holder, which can be strapped or otherwise attached to one or more types of fishing rods or poles, has an adjustable center of gravity and/or an adjustable pivot point (or axis). The adjustable center of gravity and/or pivot point allows users to balance the fishing rod in a wide-range of positions, including at various tip-up and tip-down angles, and thus to position the rod in a way most suitable for the type of desired fish. 
         [0009]    In the exemplary embodiment, the center of gravity is adjustable via the selective movement or repositioning of one or more weights along the length dimension generally or substantially perpendicular to a pivot axis of the rod holder. The pivot point can be adjusted in predefined increments via placement of a pivot rod or axle that mounts to the base structure through one of a set of two or more through-holes in the rod holder or adjusted continuously by placing the pivot rod through a pivot slot or slide and locking in and a mechanism for selectively securing the relative position of the pivot rod within the pivot slot. In some embodiments, the slot or pivot slides includes ridges or troughs that engage the pivot rod, allowing the user to adjust the tip angle of the rod incremental steps. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    This document incorporates the following listed figures to aid in describing the concepts, structures, functions, operations, and/or advantages of various embodiments of the present invention. The figures are annotated with numbers or other labels that are referenced in the text of the detailed description that follows. For simplicity and clarity, like reference numerals in the figures refer to identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, some, if not all, elements in the figures may not only omit the detail of actual physical embodiments of the invention, but also may not have been drawn to scale. The depicted dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements to facilitate understanding. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of an exemplary fishing rod or pole holding apparatus corresponding to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2 , a profile view of the exemplary apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 , also corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3 , a top view of the  FIG. 1  apparatus in a folded or storage mode, also corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4 , a side view of the  FIG. 1  apparatus in the folded or storage mode, also corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are respective side and end views of an exemplary adjustable rod holder assembly, which can be used with the apparatus in  FIG. 1  and which corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 7 and 8  are respective side and end views of another exemplary adjustable rod holder assembly which can be used with the apparatus in  FIG. 1  and which correspond to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 9 and 10 , showing respective top and profile views of a slot closure portion of the exemplary  FIG. 1  apparatus, corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0018]    This document, which incorporates the drawings and the appended claims, describes one or more specific embodiments of one or more inventions. These embodiments, offered not to limit but only to exemplify and teach various aspects of the invention, are shown and described in sufficient detail to enable persons skilled in the relevant art to make and use the invention. Thus, for sake of brevity and to avoid obscuring the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those of skill in the art. 
         [0019]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show an exemplary rod holder apparatus  100  in a operational or normal usage mode, and  FIGS. 3 and 4  show the apparatus in an inoperative folded or storage mode. Apparatus  100 , which employs a novel tip-down balance mechanism, includes three main parts: a base frame or support frame  110 , an adjustable rod holder assembly  120 , and an optional fishing rod  130  (shown only in  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0020]    In overview, base frame  110  includes vertical support members or arms  112  and  113  which are held at a specific angle relative to a base portion  111  via an angle brace assembly  114 . Adjustable rod holder  120  is pivotably and removably mounted via a pivot rod  127  to upper portions of the vertical support members. A handle portion  131  of fishing rod  130  is strapped or otherwise removably and securely mounted to the rod holder assembly, enabling the rod to pivot about an axis  127 X defined by pivot rod or axel  127 . In the exemplary embodiment, the rod holder  120  has an adjustable center of gravity and an adjustable pivot point (or axel-through position). Its center of gravity is adjustable via the selective movement or repositioning of weight assemblies  124  and  125  along its length dimension, Le, a dimension generally or substantially perpendicular to axis  127 X. The rod holder pivot point can be adjusted via placement of the pivot rod through one of a set of two or more through-holes in the rod holder or via use of a pivot slot in the rod holder along with means for selectively securing the relative position of the pivot rod within the pivot slot. 
         [0021]    More particularly, base frame  110 , which takes the exemplary form of a wooden rectangular foldable frame, including a base portion  111 , two generally vertical support members  112  and  113 , and an angle brace assembly  114 . 
         [0022]    Base portion  111  includes respective left and right side members  1111  and  1112  and respective front and rear cross members  1113  and  1114 . Left and right side members  1111  and  1112 , which are generally parallel to each other and have the same nominal dimensions, have respective front portions  1111 F and  1112 F and respective rear portions  1111 R and  1112 R. Front portions  1111 F and  1112 F are held in fixed relationship to each other via front cross member  1113 , and rear portions  1111 R and  1112 R are similarly held via rear cross member  1114 . Rear portions  1111 R and  1112 R are pivotably mounted via conventional fasteners, such as a nut-bolt-and-washer assembly, to respective lower end portions  1121  and  1131  of vertical support members  112  and  113 , permitting their rotation about an axis  111 X (defined by the fasteners or (not labeled). Also included are angled stop blocks  1115  and  1116  to stop over-rotation of the vertical support members away from base portion  111 . The exemplary embodiment stops rotation of the vertical supports at an angle of approximately 75 degrees from horizontal (from base portion  111 ); however other embodiments provide an angle of in the range of 85-90 degrees. 
         [0023]    Vertical support members  112  and  113 , which are generally parallel to each other and have the same nominal dimensions, also include respective intermediate or middle portions  1122  and  1132  and respective upper portions  1123  and  1133 . Intermediate portions  1122  and  1123  are pivotably coupled to cross member portion  1141  of angle brace assembly  114 . 
         [0024]    Angle brace assembly  114  includes not only cross member portion  1141  but also a brace leg  1142 , and a brace stop member  1143 . Cross member portion  1141 , which is positioned between vertical support members  112  and  113 , has a left end pivotably coupled, for example bolted, to intermediate portion  1122 , and a right end pivotably coupled to intermediate portion  1132 . Although any pivotable coupling or mounting arrangement can be used, the exemplary embodiment feeds an axle with threaded ends through a bore in the cross member or two headless bolts threaded into the respective ends of the cross member to define a rotational axis  114 X. The threaded ends of the axle or the headless bolts extend through countersunk holes in intermediate portions  1122  and  1132  of vertical support members  112  and  113 . (The holes are countersunk to receive lock nuts and washers and provide clearance for the vertical support members to rotate about axis  111  X between base frame side members  1111  and  1112 .) 
         [0025]    Brace leg  1142  extends generally perpendicularly from cross member portion  1141 . in the exemplary embodiment, which is formed of wood, brace leg  1142  is fastened to cross member portion  1141  via a mortise-and-tenon joint. A lower end portion  1142 A of brace leg  1142  is angled or beveled to rest flush on a top surface of front cross member  1113  and to engage brace stop member  1143 . Brace stop member  1143 , in the exemplary embodiment, takes the form of a rectangular block fixedly mounted to the top surface of front cross member  1113 . (In some embodiments, the stop member takes the form of an indentation, recess, or opening in the surface of cross member  1113 , and in others it takes the form of either a hook or loop doth patch, with the end of the brace leg having the loop or doth patch. Some embodiments may attach a metal plate or several nails or screws into the end of the brace leg and embed or fasten a magnet to cross member  1113 .) The length of the brace leg and position of brace stop member  1143  define a base frame support angle  1142 X (best shown in  FIG. 2 ), the angle of base portion  111  relative to vertical support members  112  and  113 . 
         [0026]    Pivotably coupled to the upper portions  1123  and  1133  of the vertical support members is adjustable rod holder assembly  120 , best shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  5 , and  6 . 
         [0027]    Rod holder assembly  120  includes an elongated body  121 , rod retainer members  122  and  123 , a center-of-gravity (or weight distribution) adjustments  124  and  125 , adjustable pivot portion  126 , and a pivot rod  127 . Body  121 , in the exemplary embodiment, takes the form of an elongated 1 inch×0.75 inch wooden bar having first and second end portions  121 A and  121 B, which define a body length. In the exemplary embodiment, body length is in the range of 8 to 18 inches (20.3-45.7 cm), for example 12 inches (30.4 cm). Mounted to respective end portions  121 A and  121 B of the body portion are rod retainer members  122  and  123 . 
         [0028]    In the exemplary embodiment, rod retainer members  122  ad  123  take the form of VELCRO™ hook-and-loop strap, with a loop-cloth strip encircling each of the end portions and a 5-6-inch (12.7-15.7 cm) long strap of hook cloth attached to the loop cloth. The length of strap is chosen to enable securely strapping the handle portion of a fishing rod, pole, or other fishing device to body portion  121 , generally configuring or orienting the body portion to be in a parallel relationship with the handle portion of the fishing rod (shown for example in  FIG. 2 ). Adjacent end portions  122  and  123  are slot or slide portions  1241  and  1251  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) of center-of-gravity (or weight distribution) adjustments  124  and  125 . 
         [0029]    Adjustments  124  and  125  also includes repositionable weight members  1242  and  1252  which respectively extend through slot or slide portions  1241  and  1251 . The slot or slide portions are oriented with their length dimensions generally parallel to the length or longitudinal dimension of body portion  121 . In the exemplary embodiments, each of weight members  1242  and  1252  take the form of a nut-and-bolt assembly, with the bolt extending through its corresponding slot or slide portion and a nut (for example a wingnut) that threads onto the bolt. The wingnut can be loosened to permit sliding the longitudinally along the length of the body portion, shifting the center of gravity of the adjustable rod holder. More acute center-of-gravity adjustments can be achieved by adding washers, to weight members  1242  and  1252  and/or by lengthening the body or slot or slide portions  1241  and  1251  of the adjustable rod holder. (In some embodiments, the body portion, for example, can take the form of a telescoping structure which allows further adjustment) Located between weight adjustments  124  and  125  is adjustable pivot portion  126 . 
         [0030]    In the exemplary embodiment, adjustable pivot portion  126  includes a set of set of two or more through-holes, for example through-holes  1261 ,  1262 , and  1263 , with through-hole  1261  positioned at a midpoint along the length of body portion  121 , and through-holes  1262  and  1263  equally spaced from and an positioned on either side of through-hole  1261 . Pivot rod  127 , a metallic cynlindrical rod extends through one of the through-holes, thereby defining that through-hole as the pivot point for the pivotably mounted rod holder assembly.  FIGS. 7 and 8  show respective side and end views of alternative rod holder assembly  120 ′ which can be substituted for the rod holder assembly  120 . Notably, assembly  120 ′ omits weight distribution adjustments  124  and  125 , and replaces pivot adjustment  126  with pivot adjustment  126 ″ and pivot rod  127  with a threaded pivot rod  127 ′. Adjustment of the pivot point for rod holder assembly  120 ′ is achieved by loosening one of windnuts  1266  or  1267  that are threaded oto pivot rod  127 ′, and sliding pivot rod  127 ′ longitudinally forward or backward along pivot slot or opening  126 ′. When the desired tip angle is achieved (assuming attachment of a fishing rod to the rod holder assembly), the wingnut is tightened, thereby fixing position of the pivot rod relative to the body of the rod holder assembly. Pivot slot or opening  126 ′ can have a smooth profile to permit continuous adjustment of the pivot point along the length of the slot, and/or it can include troughs or grooves, as shown via profile line  1265  that define a series of incremental pivot point positions. The profile of the slot and groove spacing can be laser or CNC-machine cut into a block of wood or other material, or molded using conventional techniques. Some embodiments add similar profiles to the slots for weight distribution adjustments  124  and  125 . 
         [0031]    In operation, the exemplary apparatus, specifically rod holder assembly  120  and/or  120 ′, provides one or more ways to balance a fishing rod at a desired tip angle:
       1) selection of the pivot point (via pivot hole selection or continuous or discreet pivot point selection;   2) position of the rod holder assembly along the length dimension of the fishing rod; and/or   3) adjustment of the weight distribution of the rod holder assembly by moving, for example sliding, one or more of the weights (bolt and wing nut) forward or backward along the length dimension of the rod holder assembly.       
 
         [0035]    More specifically, the exemplary apparatus provides several ways to fine tune the tip angle with any fishing rods that can be mounted to an appropriately scaled (sized) version of the apparatus. To this end, normal operation of the apparatus entails a user attaching the adjustable rod holder (aka “balance sticik”) using the rod retaining members, for example VELCRO straps, slightly forward of the reel of the fishing rod, with one strap behind the fishing reel and the other in front of It. After attachment of the fishing rod to the balance stick, the user selects a pivot point, for example via insertion of the pivot rod through one of the pivot holes or through sliding of the pivot rod along the pivot slot to a desired location and securing ft in place with a wingnut tightening or through use of an alternative securing mechanism (for example spring biased damping mechanism. A middle positioned pivot point is generally a believed to be a good starring point. For embodiments that include the adjustable weight distribution feature, the user can adjust position of one or more of the weights, adjusting the center of gravity of the balance stick forward or backward relative to the center of the stick. Additional weights in the form of washers can be added. 
         [0036]    The rod holder assembly can then be mounted on the upper portion of the vertical support members, specifically by placing the ends of the pivots rods into corresponding slots in the ends of the vertical support members.  FIGS. 1 ,  9  and  10  shows these slots as well as retainer tabs  1281  and  1282  that pivotably attached to the tops of the vertical support members. The tabs can be rotated to cover or uncover the slot openings in the vertical support members. I In the covered position with the pivot rod installed in the slots, the retainer tabs prevent the pivot rod from escaping the slot, for example if the base support frame is tipped or flipped over. Some embodiments may use an L-shaped slot, with the L lower portion of the L directed toward the front (i.e. in the direction of the rod tip. 
         [0037]    When the combined fishing rod and rod holder assembly are pivotally mounted to the base frame, the user can set the depth, perhaps with a line stop of some kind, bait the hook and start fishing. The exemplary embodiment allows the rod to actually bob freely up and down on its own as the minnow or other bait moves freely. With the exception of actually baiting the hook and possibly removing the fish from the hook, the process of setting up and packing up at the end of the day can mostly be done without removing gloves. 
         [0038]    Moreover, as  FIGS. 3 and 4  show the exemplary apparatus, specifically base frame  110  folds flat after removal of the rod holder assembly. In the exemplary embodiment, the rod holder assembly must be removed to permit fold down of the base frame. In some embodiments, the base frame includes a magnet mounted to an interior portion of one or both of the vertical support members, which can be used to hold the metal pivot rod and/or the rod holder assembly, Additionally some embodiments include additional retainer taps on the side portions of the base frame which can be pivoted inward to prevent inadvertent unfolding or opening of the base frame, In some embodiments, magnetic fasteners are used to maintain the frame in a dosed or folded position. In some embodiments, the body of rod holder assembly includes a longitudinal end bore with a retainer tab cover for storage of the 0.125-inch diameter×5.25 inch retaining rod. 
         [0039]    The exemplary apparatus or system also facilitates use of open water rods and reels as well as traditional shorter rods with reels or jig poles for ice fishing. The system, particularly its elevated pivot point, eliminates the need for anglers to remove gloves and crawl around the ice, not only resulting in a warmer, more comfortable ice fishing experience, but also enabling them to spend more time catching fish. 
         [0040]    The exemplary system enables ice fisherman to fish pan fish and game fish with conventional fishing tackle, One can select the rod length and action to match the reel size and the strength of the fishing line. Fishing entails securing the rod to a “balance stick” placing the pivot rod in a sturdy base. The system allows the fish to pull the rod forward to the level of the ice and still take line from a reel with a chosen drag adjustment. The rod cannot be pulled down the hole because of the attached base frame structure. The fish can be played in a normal manner, tiring the fish. The fishing rod can be used to and the fish rather than bringing it in hand over hand as required using a tip up. 
         [0041]    Exemplary Advantages 
         [0042]    One or more of the exemplary embodiments provide one or more of the following advantages:
       1. The “Balance Stick” quickly and easily attaches to almost any rod without using screws, turn screws, bolts or collars or any drastic rod modifications. There are no rod alterations necessary and most certainly no hole to drill in rod handle or reel seat. Nearly any fishing rod and reel Including even a  10 ′ bamboo pole with a reel can be quickly set up, and perfectly balanced, using the balance stick, and securely placed in a solid tip down rod holder ready to fish.   2. Set up and take down is fast, and it is easy to pull up and move from spot to spot and it is also convenient to pick up at the end of the day.   3. Fishing rods are safe from being pulled down the ice fishing hole because they are securely attached to the balance stick and a sturdy fixed base.   4. Allows early detection of a fish taking the bait, and fish can take out as much as 4-5 feet of line puffing the rod downward to the ice, until resistance is felt from the reels drag. it often happens that a fish will strip most of the line from a tip up and then drops the bait with the fisherman coming up empty handed Using a rod and reel, as the exemplary apparatus permits, the fisherman may come up without a fish but not terribly inconvenienced.   5. Rod movement up and down usually last for some duration when the rod is well balanced in the “Balance Stick.” This is often a desirable technique used to attract and stimulate fish to strike. This action can be turned on or turned off depending how the rod and reel are situated in the “Balance Stick”.   6. Exemplary system is positioned completely positioned above the ice. No more kneeling or bending over the ice. (height of the pivot point is raised above the ice; some embodiments allow the height to be adjusted.) Rod activity and movement can be observed as well as any line being removed from the reel by a fish. Tip up fishing is done with the reel on the end of a shaft below the ice. When a tip up flag goes off the fisherman is aware of two things, either the shaft of the tip up is moving or it is motionless. (Some embodiments include passive or electronic audible or visual alarms that are triggered by movement or tilting of the rod, for example, a bell or chime)   7. The fisherman can stand upright rather than kneel and crawl around the ice to set depths and bait the hook.   8. More fish are landed. Using a rod and reel is a better way to fish, setting the hook, playing the fish and landing the fish all are better. Hand-over-hand retrieval often results in the fish tearing the hook from its mouth.   9. When the fish is landed the extra line is reeled in, not curled and tangled on the snow and ice. Issues related to winding up frozen and tangled line are no longer a problem.       
 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0052]    In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. 
         [0053]    The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued. 
         [0054]    Moreover in this document, relational terms, such as second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. 
         [0055]    The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.