Abstract:
A fishing hook retaining apparatus and method, utilizing a retaining apparatus secured to a shaft of a fishing pole. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a sleeve having a magnet in an interior portion thereof, and a channel extending part of the way through an upper portion thereof. A hook is retained therein by the passage of a portion thereof through the channel, and the contacting of the hook with the magnet. The apparatus may be secured to the shaft, in one embodiment, with an O-ring that is looped over two opposing securing members, and about the shaft of the pole. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises two upwardly angled opposing sides, with a bar interposed therebetween. In a third embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base having retention ends which couple the apparatus to the shaft of the pole. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus is integral with the shaft of the pole.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/151,039 filed Jun. 13, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,152,359 in the name of the Applicant, to which priority is claimed. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for retaining fishing hooks and, more particularly, to embodiments of fishing hook retaining apparatuses and methods that permit the retention of a hook while protecting a fly located thereon. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A common problem encountered by fishermen of all skill levels relates to the storage of hooks. There is a need for a convenient means for storing hooks that are not being used, whether on a long-term basis between fishing outings, or during a particular fishing outing when a different hook is being utilized or during a break in fishing. Storage, to be effective and safe, should secure the hook in a place where neither its barb nor point is at significant risk of coming into contact with the hand or other body portion of the fisherman or bystander. 
   In the area of fly fishing, the problem is made more complicated by the fact that care needs to be taken to not damage a fly during the storage of a hook that is still coupled to a fly. Flies can be delicate and expensive, and the mishandling of a fly can harm it and reduce its effectiveness. 
   There is a need therefore for a fishing hook retaining apparatus and method that facilitates the storage of a hook when not in use, in a manner that is protective of the fly. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a fishing hook retaining apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises, in combination: a sleeve having an interior of sufficient size to secure therein a barb and a point of at least one fish hook; wherein an underside of the sleeve is shaped to conform to a shaft of a fishing pole; means for securing the sleeve to the shaft; a channel in an upper surface of the sleeve, extending from a front edge of the sleeve part of the distance toward a rear edge of the sleeve. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, fishing hook retaining apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises, in combination: a sleeve having an interior of sufficient size to secure therein a barb and a point of at least one fish hook; wherein an underside of the sleeve is shaped to conform to a shaft of a fishing pole; means for securing the sleeve to the shaft; a channel in an upper surface of the sleeve, extending from a front edge of the sleeve part of the distance toward a rear edge of the sleeve; wherein an interior of the sleeve is divided into a first side and a second side; a magnet secured in the interior of the sleeve within the first side. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, fishing hook retaining apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises, in combination: a base; opposing sides projecting upward at a substantially ninety degree angle from the base; a bar interposed between the opposing sides; wherein the opposing sides are angled from a first end to a second end thereof, so that the bar is coupled at substantially the highest point of opposing sides. 
   In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for retaining a fishing hook is provided. The method comprises: securing a fishing hook retaining apparatus to a shaft of a fishing pole; wherein the fishing hook retaining apparatus comprises, in combination: a sleeve having an interior of sufficient size to secure therein a barb and a point of at least one fish hook; wherein an underside of the sleeve is shaped to conform to a shaft of a fishing pole; means for securing the sleeve to the shaft; a channel in an upper surface of the sleeve, extending from a front edge of the sleeve part of the distance toward a rear edge of the sleeve; wherein an interior of the sleeve is divided into a first side and a second side; and a magnet secured in the interior of the sleeve within the first side; inserting the fish hook into an open end of the channel so that barb and the point are inside the sleeve; and inserting at least the point portion of the fish hook into the interior of the sleeve; positioning the fish hook so that at least a portion thereof is brought into contact with the magnet. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fishing hook retaining apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side, cross-sectional view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a rear view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 7  is a first side view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 8  is a second side view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 1 , with a hook therein and in position on a shaft of a fishing pole. 
       FIG. 10  is a front view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 1 , with a hook therein and in position on a shaft of a fishing pole. 
       FIG. 11  is a front view of a fishing hook retaining apparatus, consistent with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a rear view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 13  is a top view of a fishing hook retaining apparatus, consistent with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is a side view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 15  is a side, cross-sectional view of a fishing hook retaining apparatus, consistent with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  is a side view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 17  is a top view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 18  is a front view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 19  is a front view of a fishing hook retaining apparatus consistent with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 20  is a rear view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 21  is a top view a fishing hook retaining apparatus consistent with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional side view of the fishing hook retaining apparatus of  FIG. 21 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring first to  FIGS. 1-10 , a fishing hook retaining apparatus  10  (“apparatus 10”) consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the apparatus  10  defines a sleeve  12 . The underside  14  of the sleeve  12  is preferably shaped to conform to a fishing pole shaft  15 . Projecting from each side of sleeve  12 , substantially perpendicular thereto, may be securing members  16 . 
   As best seen in  FIGS. 5-6 , an upper surface  17  of each securing member  16  is preferably angled in an upward direction outward from the sleeve  12 . The upward angling of the upper surface  17  is intended to facilitate, as described in more detail below, the securing of the apparatus  10  to the shaft  15  with an O-ring  19  (see  FIGS. 9-10 ) or other fastener. As also seen in these drawing figures, a lower surface  21  of the securing member is preferably angled in a downward direction outward from the sleeve  12 . The downward angling of the lower surface  21  is intended to further conform the lower surface generally of the apparatus  10  to the shape of the shaft  15  to which the apparatus  10  is being secured. It should be noted that where sufficient gripping force can be achieved with a particular O-ring or other fastener, it may be unnecessary to provide an upward angling of the upper surface  17 , and/or to provide a downward angling of the lower surface  21 . 
   It is preferred to provide a channel  20  in an upper surface of the sleeve  12 , extending from a front edge  24  of sleeve  12  part of the distance toward rear edge  26  of the sleeve  12 . Preferably, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 , and  7 - 8 , the channel  20  terminates before the rear edge  26 , so that, as will be described more fully below, it will not be possible to pull a hook  13  all of the way through sleeve  12 . As best seen in  FIGS. 1-2 , it is preferred that channel  20  have a substantially V-shape, so that the channel  20  narrows from its opening to its close. This tends to promote the positioning of the hook  13  relative to the magnet  32 , as herein described in greater detail below, while also making insertion of the hook  13  into the channel  20  relatively easier for the user. 
   Turning now to a description of the interior of the sleeve  12 , it is preferred that the interior be divided into a first side and a second side. Preferably, the first side is utilized to secure at least one magnet  32  therein. The second side is utilized to permit the insertion of some portion of a hook  13  therein, including, preferably, the hook point  13   a  and barb  13   b . To facilitate a clear division of the interior of the sleeve  12  as herein described, and to promote ready securing of the magnet  32  in the first side, it may be desired to provide an upward projecting ridge  36  along a bottom interior length of the sleeve  12 , and a downward projecting ridge  38  along a top interior length of the sleeve  12 . As best seen in  FIGS. 4-6  and  9 - 10 , the magnet  32  may be secured in the first side by inserting it therein, so that a first side of the magnet  32  contacts an interior side of the sleeve  12 , and a second side of the magnet  32  contacts each of ridges  36  and  38 . It may be sufficient to press fit a magnet  32  into position, or it may be preferred to provide glue or other securing means to more securely retain it into position for use. As shown by way of example in  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, it may be desired to provide a molded, angled portion  39  proximate the opening of the sleeve  12 , against which an end of the magnet  32  would abut. This would further facilitate insertion of the hook  13  by facilitating its entry into the sleeve  12 , and would prevent the hook  13  from being magnetically coupled to the magnet  32  until the hook  13  is in position within the interior of the sleeve  12 . 
   It is preferred that the apparatus  10 , other than the magnet  32 , be a one-piece assembly. In particular, it is preferred that it be formed from a single piece of molded plastic, though other materials may be substituted as desired. 
   It should be noted that it may be desired to provide an apparatus having substantially the features of apparatus  10 , without providing a magnet  32  therein. In such a configuration, securing of the hook  13  would be accomplished by, for example, the placement of tension on fishing line coupled between the hook  13  and a fishing reel. 
   It should be noted that one or more than one apparatuses  10  may be positioned along a shaft  15 , as desired. The apparatuses  10  may be positioned above the shaft or below the shaft, proximate the handgrip or remote from it—as desired. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 11-14 , a fishing hook retaining apparatus  40  (“apparatus 40”) consistent with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the apparatus  40  preferably comprises many of the features identified above with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-10 , which are shown in  FIGS. 11-14  using the same reference numbers as used above. The embodiment of  FIGS. 11-14  is distinguished from the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-10  by the elimination of the outwardly projecting securing members  16 . In their stead, coupling of the apparatus  40  is accomplished by other means. For example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , a base  42  may be provided, extending beyond a front and rear end of the apparatus  40 , which base  42  may be coupled to a fishing pole shaft (not shown) by any desired means, such as the retention of ends of the base  42  below a ring or other grasping means, the gluing of the base  42  to the fishing pole shaft, or otherwise. 
   The advantage of apparatus  40  as compared to apparatus  10  is the elimination of the O-ring, and the provision of a more permanent, more secure connection between the apparatus and the fishing pole shaft that does not require securing members  16 . Other than with respect to the coupling thereof to the fishing pole shaft, the apparatus  40  functions like the apparatus  10  with respect to the insertion and storage of hooks therein. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 15-18 , a fishing hook retaining apparatus  50  (“apparatus 50”) consistent with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the apparatus  50  preferably comprises a base  52 , opposing sides  54  projecting upward at a substantially ninety degree angle from the base  52 , and a bar  56  interposed between the opposing sides  54 . 
   As best seen in  FIGS. 15-16 , it is preferred that the opposing sides  54  be angled from a first end to a second end thereof, so that the bar  56  is coupled proximate the highest point of opposing sides  54 . This permits ready insertion of the hook  13 , with the point  13   a  clearing the shaft  15  when in position. As noted above with respect to the base  42  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 10-14 , the base  52  may be coupled to a fishing pole shaft  15  by any desired means, such as the retention of ends of the base  52  below a ring or other grasping means, the gluing of the base  52  to the fishing pole shaft, or otherwise. 
   The apparatus  50  may be positioned along the shaft  15  as desired. In one embodiment, the apparatus  50  may be positioned proximate the handgrip, in the region where a keeper ring might otherwise be located. 
   The size of the apparatus  50  components can be varied as desired, taking into account the size of the hook  13  and/or shaft  15  with which it is to be used. A width of about 0.3″ would be satisfactory for many uses, and a length of a top portion thereof of about 0.6″ would similarly be suitable for certain uses. However, these dimensions can be varied. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 19-22 , a fishing hook retaining apparatus  60  (“apparatus 60”) consistent with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the apparatus  60  preferably comprises many of the features identified above with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-10 , which are shown in  FIGS. 19-22  using the same reference numbers as used above. The embodiment of  FIGS. 19-22  is distinguished from the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-10  by the elimination of the outwardly projecting securing members  16 , and the integration of the apparatus  60  into the shaft  15 . In this manner, the apparatus  60  will not protrude, or at least the amount of protrusion can be reduced, as compared to the apparatuses  10 ,  40  and  50  described above. This can serve to limit any interference that the apparatus  60  might otherwise cause with fishing activities. As best seen in  FIG. 22 , it may be desired to slightly recess a top portion of the sleeve  12 , creating a slight stop  62  at either or both ends thereof, to further reduce the profile thereof. 
   The size of the apparatus  10 ,  40 ,  50  and/or  60  components can be varied as desired, taking into account the size of the hook  13  and/or shaft  15  with which it is to be used. A width for the sleeve  12  of between about 0.2 and 0.25″ would be satisfactory for many uses, and a length of the sleeve  12  of about 0.6″ would similarly be suitable for certain uses. A sleeve height of between about 0.2 and 0.25″ would similarly be suitable for certain uses. However, these dimensions can be varied as desired without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. 
   It should be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific arrangement, materials and components shown and described above, but may be susceptible to numerous variations within the scope of the invention. It will be understood that the above description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention are susceptible to various modifications, changes and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.