Abstract:
An adjustable fishing pole holder system which is adaptable to temporarily but securely mount on a variety of receiving structures is described. The adjustable fishing pole holder system of the invention may be mounted on horizontal structures of various cross-sections such as the hand rails of bridges, catwalks, jetties or similar structures. The adjustable fishing pole holder system may also be mounted on vertical or angled structures such as pilings and the like. The adjustable fishing pole holder of the invention is attached to a receiving structure by at least one adjustable strap which may further comprise a ratcheting strapped tightener. A fishing hook eye retainer is provided which allows a fisherman to securely attach a hooked line in order to prevent snag injuries. The invention may also be used to hold other devices such as flag poles or other pole-like structures.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This U.S. non provisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Non provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/684,847 which was filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on Aug. 20, 2012, and which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates generally to the field of devices utilized to mount pole-like elements to other structures. Such pole-like elements may be, for example, fishing poles, flagpoles, or other similar pole-like elements. It is often desired to mount such pole like structures to more permanently affixed structures in order to secure them for use, display, or other purposes. Typical examples of such uses are to hold a fishing pole for use during fishing or for display, to hold a flag pole for display of a flag, and other similar uses. More specifically, the apparatus of the invention is directed to an adjustable mounting apparatus that is adjustable on multiple axes, is adjustable as to the angle at which the pole is held, is adaptable to various shapes and sizes of structures upon which the apparatus is mounted, is easy to deploy and utilize and enables the mounting of a pole element at virtually any orientation the user desires, on virtually any structure. 
         [0006]    2. Background Art 
         [0007]    There are known in the art certain fishing pole mounting apparatuses which are designed to mount a fishing pole onto a more permanently affixed structure. Typically, these devices incorporate complicated brackets which require hardware such as screws, nuts, and the like to secure to the permanently affixed structure. These legacy devices are typically designed to affix onto a flat horizontal surface such as the gunwale or transom of a boat and are not generally adaptable for use on structures such as the handrails of bridges, jetties or catwalks; nor are they adaptable for use on vertical structures such as pilings or hand railings of docks and similar structures. This means that the fisherman who is fishing from, for example, a bridge, jetty or catwalk, must hold the fishing pole at all times. This means that his hand are not available for other purposes such as cutting and handling bait, receiving phone calls, or any other activity while the fishing pole is in use. 
         [0008]    As an example of background art, U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,346 to Mason describes a fishing pole holder that affixes to a horizontal surface of a boat which is adapted to receive a cylindrical rod affixed to the bottom of the fishing pole holder. While this fishing pole holder will hold a fishing pole onto the transom of a boat, it is not adaptable to various structures that are vertically oriented, nor can it mount to structures such as hand railings of bridges or other similar structure. 
         [0009]    Another example of a fishing pole holder of the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 2,481,272 to Williams. Williams describes a fishing pole holder that affixes to a horizontal surface of the boat, for instance the transom, to hold a fishing pole in position for trolling. While this fishing pole holder will hold a fishing pole, it is not adaptable to various structures that are vertically oriented, nor can it mount to structures such as a hand railing of bridges or other similar structure, nor is it adapted to operate on multiple axes. 
         [0010]    Still other fishing pole holders are described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,427,602 to Hanke, U.S. Pat. No. 2,427,602 to Nelson, U.S. Pat. No. to Fahringer, Sr. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,899 to Danielewicz et al. None of these devices are adaptable to various structures that are vertically oriented, nor can they mount to structures such as hand railings of bridges, catwalks jetties or other similar structures. 
         [0011]    Oftentimes fishermen find themselves fishing from structures such as bridges, catwalks, or boats; or wading near pilings, jetties, and similar structures that are adjacent to or above the water. It is desired that there be a means for mounting a fishing pole onto such structures while the fishermen are waiting for fish to bite, or while the fishermen are attending to other tasks such as baiting a hook, cleaning fish or performing other chores. It is a shortcoming of the fishing pole holders of the prior art, therefore, that a means for mounting a fishing pole onto a structure which is adaptable to various types of structures, various cross-sections of structures, able to be mounted in either a horizontal or vertical position, and allow for the ability to adjust the angle of the fishing pole as it is held in the fishing pole holder does not exist. The devices of the prior art are not able to perform these functions. 
         [0012]    What is needed in the art therefore is an adaptable fishing pole holder that is adaptable as described above and is easy to deploy and use. The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art in a compact, fully adjustable, economical and easy to use manner. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention comprises a system and/or method that have one or more of the following features and/or steps, which alone or in any combination may comprise patentable subject matter. 
         [0014]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the invention is directed to an adaptable, adjustable fishing pole holder system that is usable on various types of structures and in various orientations. The fishing pole holder system, in a preferred embodiment, comprises a base mounting block that is adapted to receive a fishing pole holder, which itself may be adapted to receive and hold a fishing pole or similar structure such as a flag. The invention may comprise an adjustable fishing pole holder with the ability to be adjusted to hold a fishing pole or other rod at a variety of angles, and a base mounting block which may be adapted to receive the fishing pole holder, and may also be adapted to be strapped on a receiving structure by one or more adjustable straps. The invention may also comprise the base mounting block of the invention, upon which alternative fishing pole holders may be attached at the user&#39;s determination. In a preferred embodiment, the fishing pole holder element of the invention may be, for example, of the type known as No. 230 Power Lock with Combination Side/Deck Mount produced by Scotty Fishing and Outdoor Products of Sidney, British Columbia, Canada. The fishing pole holder system of the invention is adapted to mount to horizontal, vertical, or angled structures of any cross-sectional shape by virtue of the unique and novel features of the base mounting block of the invention. For instance, the fishing pole holder system of the invention may be strapped onto the handrail of a jetty, bridge or other structure; alternatively, it may be strapped onto a vertical piling such as used in marinas, boat docks and the like. While various receiving structures such as bridge hand railings, pilings, and other structures are described in this patent application, it is to be understood that the receiving structure is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the present invention, and that the invention is adapted to be mounted on virtually any receiving structure. 
         [0015]    A preferred embodiment of the system of the invention utilizes one or more straps to secure the base mounting block of the fishing pole holder system of the invention to a receiving structure. The straps of the invention are adjusted for a snug fit on the receiving structure in order to secure base mounting block of the fishing pole holder system in place on the receiving structure. Once in place, the fishing pole holder system of the invention may be utilized to store a fishing pole, to hold a fishing pole at any given angle while a baited hook has been deployed, to hold a fishing pole in place while fishermen performs operations such as attaching hooks, sinkers, bobbers, bait, fishing lures or the like to a fishing line, and other similar uses. A fisherman may utilize a plurality of the fishing pole holder systems of the invention to hold any number of fishing rods, allowing the fisherman to utilize his or her hands to perform other operations and also allowing the setting of multiple fishing lines thereby increasing the probability of catching fish. 
         [0016]    An alternate embodiment of the base mounting block of the fishing pole holder system of the invention further comprises a removable cutting board which may itself further comprise a hinged extendable cutting board to increase the cutting board surface available to the fishermen. In this alternate embodiment, the cutting board may be held in place by the use of one or more spring-loaded plungers or other retainer device which allows the cutting board to be removed when not in use. The removable cutting board provides a stable horizontal surface which may be used to cut bait or support any other operation the fisherman desires. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments or some of the alternate embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the fishing pole holder system of the invention mounted onto a horizontal receiving structure such as a bridge or catwalk handrail using the bottom surface of the base mounting block to securely contact the horizontal receiving structure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the fishing pole holder and its base, with the other elements of the fishing pole holder system not shown for clarity. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the fishing pole holder system of the invention mounted onto a vertical receiving structure which may be found, for example, on a bridge, catwalk, or piling. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the fishing pole holder system of the invention mounted onto a small diameter receiving structure using the v-groove of the base mounting block to securely contact the small diameter receiving structure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the fishing pole holder system of the invention mounted onto a horizontal receiving structure and in which a fishing rod has been placed in the fishing pole holder, and the fishing line hook is retained by fish hook retaining eye in the front surface of the base mounting block. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  depicts perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the fishing pole holder system of the invention which shows the removable cutting board and hinged cutting board extension, in which the hinged cutting board extension is shown in the closed position and first cutting board arm and second cutting board are in alignment with the first and second slots of the base mounting block, and the cutting board and hinged cutting board extension are being motivated toward the base mounting block. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the fishing pole holder system of the invention showing a perspective view of the removable cutting board and hinged cutting board extension in which the hinged cutting board extension is shown opening on its hinge. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention mounted on to a tubular structure of circular cross section using the arcurate bottom surface of the base mounting block to contact the structure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  depicts a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention mounted on to a tubular structure of circular cross section using the v-groove in the rear surface of the base mounting block to contact the structure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  depicts a cross section view of an alternate embodiment of the invention in which spring loaded plungers are utilized to retain the first cutting board arm in the first slot of the base mounting block, and to retain the second cutting board arm in the second slot of the base mounting block. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11   a  depicts an isometric projection of the front surface of a preferred embodiment of the base mounting block of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11   b  depicts an isometric projection of the bottom surface of a preferred embodiment of the base mounting block of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11   c  depicts an isometric projection of the top surface of a preferred embodiment of the base mounting block of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11   d  depicts an isometric projection of the right side surface of a preferred embodiment of the base mounting block of the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11   e  depicts an isometric projection of the left side surface of a preferred embodiment of the base mounting block of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  depicts a rear surface view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  depicts a cross section cutout view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which a fishing pole holder is attached to a top surface of the base mounting block of the invention using threaded fasteners in counterbored holes. 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention, showing a cutting board mounted on onto the base mounting block by the sliding engagement of the first cutting board arm with the first slot in the base mounting block, and the sliding engagement of the second cutting board arm in the second slot of the base mounting block of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    The following documentation provides a detailed description of the invention. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective of the fishing pole holder system of the invention is shown, in which the fishing pole holder system is mounted onto a receiving structure  200  which may be, for instance, the handrail of a bridge, catwalk, or other similar structure near the water. While receiving structure  200  is shown as being circular in cross-section, the fishing pole holder system of the invention is adapted to mount onto any cross-sectional shape such as flat, rectangular, elliptical, square, or any other cross-sectional shape. 
         [0038]    A base mounting block  140  is preferably adapted to receive a first strap  112  and a second strap  113  through a first receiving slot  141  and a second receiving slot  142 , respectively. The first receiving slot  141  and the second receiving slot  142  each provide two pathways for straps  112  and  113 , respectively. The paths through receiving slots  141  and  142  allow the straps to pass up, through and over base mounting block  140  as shown. Alternatively, first receiving slot  141  and second receiving slot  142  provide a pathway traversing through base mounting block  140  such that straps  112  and  113  may pass entirely through base mounting block  140 , exiting from the rear of base mounting block  140  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The exiting openings of slots  141  and  142 , located on the rear face of base mounting block  140 , are depicted further in  FIG. 5 . Although two straps are shown, only one strap may be utilized, or any number of straps may be utilized. Receiving slots  141  and  142  may be slots as depicted in  FIG. 1 , or may simply be indentations, or chamfers, in receiving block  140  adapted to receive first strap  112  and second strap  113 . Alternatively, no slots or indentations may be used such that first strap  112  and second strap  113  simply strap around base mounting block  140 . The straps are tightened onto the receiving structure  200  by use of strap tighteners  110  and  111 . First strap tightener  110  and second strap tightener  111  may be any type of strap tightener known in the art such as, for instance, ratcheting strap tighteners, cam action strap tighteners, or any other strap tightener known in the art which is suitable for cinching a strap down onto a receiving structure such as receiving structure  200 . The particular type of strap tightener utilized is not to be construed as a limitation of the invention. Base mounting block  140  may be fabricated from plastic, metal, wood, or any material known in the mechanical arts for structural uses as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0039]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , fishing pole holder mount  121  may be affixed to base mounting block  140  by any means that in the art such as, for example and not by way of limitation, threaded fasteners, welding, chemical bonding, molding, press fit or the like. The method of attaching fishing pole holder mount  121  to base mounting block  140  is not to be construed as a limitation of the invention. An alternate embodiment of the fishing pole holder system of the invention comprises fishing pole holder mount  121  and base mounting block  140  fabricated as a single piece using techniques such as casting, molding, machining, hand working, or the like. Fishing pole holder mount  121  may further comprise at least one receiving orifice  123  as depicted in  FIG. 2  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). A preferred embodiment of the fishing pole holder system of the invention comprises a fishing pole holder mount  121  that further comprises two orthogonally oriented receiving orifices  123  and  124  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0040]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , retaining eye  130 , discussed further below, is securely attached to base mounting block  140  by threaded engagement or any other means known in the art. Furthermore, opening  125 , creating a passageway through base mounting block  140 , located below retaining eye  130  as shown in  FIG. 1 , is usable to provide alternate means of mounting the fishing pole holder of the invention, for instance using a single mounting strap to secure the fishing pole holder to a horizontal, vertical or other structure. 
         [0041]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , opening  125  extends through base mounting block  140  to provide an alternative means for passing a strap through the base mounting block in order to attach the invention to various structures. This may be done as an alternative to using straps  112  and  113 . The use of a strap in conjunction with opening  125  is an alternate embodiment of the invention that greatly increases the adaptability of the invention to certain structures, for example those structures which may not lend themselves easily to use of straps  112  and  113 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a fishing pole holder  100  that is adapted to attach to mount to base mounting block  140  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) is depicted. It is shown that fishing pole holder mount  121  is adapted to receive cylindrical mount  122  which is affixed to fishing pole holder mount attachment flange  120 . Cylindrical mount  122  may, in a preferred embodiment, further comprise splines which interlock with splines incorporated into receiving orifice  123 , and also optional receiving orifice  124 , allowing the fishing pole holder to be used in an orthogonal or angled position and still allow for secure adjustability of the fishing pole to a desired angle. The use of splines is preferred in order to prevent fishing reel cradle  101  from spinning after being mounted into fishing pole holder mount  121 . Likewise, receiving orifice  124  may also be splined in a preferred embodiment so that when it is desired to utilize receiving orifice  124 , fishing reel cradle  101  does not spin when cylindrical mount  122  is inserted into optional receiving orifice  124 . Still referring to  FIG. 2 , fishing reel cradle  101  may be supported by fishing pole holder attachment flange  104  which further comprises a through hole. The through hole is adapted to provide a clearance hole for a threaded rod which is an element of fishing pole angular locking element  105  (not shown in  FIG. 2  but shown in  FIG. 1 . In a preferred embodiment, the threaded rod extends through the through hole in fishing pole holder attachment flange  104  and is accepted by a female threaded element in fishing pole holder mount attachment flange  120 . By loosening or tightening fishing pole angular locking element  105  a desired pressure may be applied between fishing pole holder attachment flange  104  and fishing pole holder mount attachment flange  120 . If a fisherman desires to adjust the angle of fishing pole holder  100 , fishing pole angular locking element  105  is loosened and fishing pole holder  100  is rotated into the desired position. After fishing reel cradle  101  is rotated into the desired position, fishing pole angular locking element  105  is tightened thereby causing fishing reel cradle  101  to be held firmly in place. This method of adjusting the angle of fishing reel cradle  101  applies to each orientation in which the fishing pole holder system of the invention is utilized. 
         [0043]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , fishing pole holder  100  is adapted to receive a fishing pole or any other similar structure through cylindrical fishing pole receiver  103 . The fishing pole is inserted butt end first into cylindrical fishing pole receiver  103  and slid into the cylindrical opening of the fishing pole holder until such time as the reel comes to rest in fishing real cradle  101 . Fishing pole holder  100  may further comprise a rotating fishing pole lock  102  which may be used to secure the fishing pole into place. Rotating fishing pole lock  102  may further comprise a threaded interface to fishing pole holder  100 , or may comprise a sequential series of resistance features or ratchet features such that fishing pole lock  102  does not become unlocked during use. Thus, in this manner, a fishing pole may be inserted into the fishing pole holder system of the invention and locked into place so that the fisherman may leave the pole unattended without fear that the fishing pole will be dragged into the water by a large fish, or fall out of the holder on its own. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a preferred embodiment of the fishing pole holder of the invention is shown affixed to a vertical receiving structure  201 . In this orientation first strap  112  and second strap  113  are utilized to affix the fishing pole holder system to vertical receiving structure  201  in similar fashion as is shown in  FIG. 1 . It can readily be seen that fishing pole holder  100  is now held in a horizontal position and maybe rotated by loosening or tightening fishing pole angular locking element  105 . As discussed above in relation to  FIG. 2 , in a preferred embodiment of the invention, receiving orifice  123  (not called out in  FIG. 3  but depicted and called out in  FIG. 2 ) may further comprise splines, and cylindrical mount  122  (not called out in  FIG. 3  but depicted and called out in  FIG. 2 ) further comprises matching splines. When cylindrical mount  122  is inserted into receiving orifice  123 , the splines interlock to hold the fishing pole holder system of the invention securely in place, not allowing rotation once cylindrical mount  122  is inserted into receiving orifice  123 . If however the fisherman desires to adjust the vertical angle of fishing pole holder  100 , this may be accomplished by removing, rotating, and reinserting cylindrical mount  122  in any splined position as allowed by the splines in cylindrical mount  122  as engaged into the splines of receiving orifice  123 . This angular adjustment may be performed in any orientation in which the fishing pole holder system of the invention is utilized. Also shown for reference in  FIG. 3  are first receiving slot  141 , second receiving slot  142 , fishing pole receiver  103 , fishing pole lock  102 , fishing reel cradle  101 , fishing pole holder attachment flange  104 , fishing pole holder mount attachment flange  120 , fishing pole holder mount  121 , base mounting block  140 , opening  125  and retaining eye  130 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of preferred embodiment of the fishing pole holder of the invention is shown mounted onto a small diameter handrail or similar horizontal receiving structure  202 . In this orientation, base mounting block  140  has been rotated such that v-groove  146  rests upon the small diameter receiving structure  202 . First strap  112  and second strap  113  are utilized to affix the base mounting block onto horizontal receiving structure  202  by operation of tightening first strap tightener  110  and second strap tightener  111 . The method of adjusting the angle of fishing pole holder  100  by loosening or tightening fishing pole angular locking element  105  (not shown in  FIG. 4  but shown in  FIG. 1 ) is performed in similar fashion as is used in other orientations described herein. Also depicted in  FIG. 4  are fishing reel cradle  101 , fishing pole lock  102  and opening  125 , which provides a passageway through base mounting block  140  to allow a strap to pass through for securing to receiving structures of various configurations in alternate positions. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective of the fishing pole holder system of the invention is shown in which a fishing rod  210  has been inserted into fishing reel cradle  101 . This is one of many uses of the apparatus of the invention. Fishing hook  211  has been threaded through fishing at retaining eye  130 , where it is securely retained allowing fishermen to perform other tasks such as cutting bait. The fishing pole holder system of the invention therefore provides a stable apparatus upon which a fisherman may insert a fishing rod and secure a fishing hook which may prevent injury due to the sharp points of the fishing hook that may be free to float or fly in the wind. Fishing hook injuries are a significant component of all fishing injuries: the incorporation of the optional retaining eye  130  may prevent such injury if used to hold the fish hook in place so as to prevent it from swinging freely on the end of a fishing line. Fishing pole holder mount  121  is attached to a top surface of base mounting block  140  by any means known in the art, including but not limited to threaded fasteners. First strap  112  and second strap  113  are tightened by operation of first strap tightener  112  and second strap tightener  113  such that base mounting block  140  is securely held in place on receiving structure  200 . Opening  125 , which provides a passageway through base mounting block  140  to allow a strap to pass through for securing to receiving structures of various configurations in alternate positions, is also depicted. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an alternate embodiment of the fishing pole holder system of the invention is shown in which optional cutting board  160  and optional hinged cutting board extension  170  are depicted. Cutting board  160  may comprise a first cutting board arm  168  and a second cutting board arm  169  that may slide into first slot  161  and second slot  163  respectively (not shown in  FIG. 6  but shown in  FIGS. 10 and 14 ) which are located on either side of base mounting block  140 : first slot  161  is located on base mounting block  140  right side surface  192  and second slot is located on base mounting block left side surface  193 . Slots  161  and  163  have a width and a depth. The widths of slots  161  and  163  are dimensioned to accept the thickness of the material used to fabricate cutting board  160  in a sliding engagement such that first cutting board arm  168  may be slidingly engaged with first slot  161  and second cutting board arm  169  may be slidingly engaged with second slot  163  when first cutting board arm  168  is in alignment with first slot  161  and second cutting board arm  169  is in alignment with second slot  163 , and cutting board  160  is motivated towards base mounting block  140  as indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 6 . The depths of slots  161  and  163  are dimensioned to retain cutting board  160 . An optional first spring-loaded plunger  164  may be contained in first cutting board arm recess  166  and a second spring-loaded plunger  157  may be located in second cutting board arm recess  167 , such that first spring loaded plunger  164  engages into first hole  165  located in first slot  161  and second spring loaded plunger engages in second hole  158  located in second slot  163  as cutting board  160  is slidingly engaged in first slot  161  and second slot  163  on either side of base mounting block  140 . Cutting board  160  may also include an optional hinged cutting board extension  170  which is hingedly attached to cutting board  160  by hinge element  180  and may be rotated into an open position. Hinged cutting board extension  170  is depicted in the process opening in  FIG. 7  by operation of hinge element  180 . In  FIG. 6 , hinged cutting board extension  170  is depicted in a closed position, where a surface of hinged cutting board extension  170  rests upon a surface of cutting board  160  as shown. Opening  125 , which provides a passageway through base mounting block  140  to allow a strap to pass through for securing to receiving structures of various configurations in alternate positions, is also depicted. Fishing pole holder  100 , including fishing pole holder mount  121 , and third slot  162  are shown for reference. 
         [0048]    As used in this disclosure, “spring loaded plunger” or “spring loaded ball retainer” means a spring loaded device such as that known as a spring plunger or a ball plunger manufactured by Jergens Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio, which comprises a cylindrical body having an internal cavity containing a spring, which operates to press on a ball, cylinder with an external spherical end surface or similar structure in a direction such that the external spherical end surface of the ball or similar structure protrudes beyond the end of the cylindrical body in its natural extended state, but may be pressed and motivated inward towards the cylindrical body when a force is applied against the spring loaded ball or similar external spherical end surface in a direction oriented towards the cavity. “Spring loaded plunger” means any similar structure as hereinbefore described that has a substantially spherical spring loaded surface that may be depressed by the force described, and which returns to its original extended position with the force is removed. The external surface of the spring loaded plunger may comprise male threads for installation into a female threaded hole in a receiving body or may be a smooth cylindrical surface or other shape surface for press fit into a receiving body. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in which first cutting board arm  168  of cutting board  160  is slidingly engaged with first slot  161  and second cutting board arm  169  is slidingly engaged with second slot  163 . First slot  161  is located in right side surface  192  of base mounting block  140 , and second slot  163  is located in left side surface  193  of base mounting block  140 . Hinged cutting board extension  170  is hingedly engaged with cutting board  160  as depicted in the figure. Hinge element  180 , which may be any type of hinge known in the mechanical arts such as, for example and not by way of limitation, a piano hinge or other similar hinge, may be attached to an edge of cutting board  160  and also attached to an edge of hinged cutting board extension  170  as shown such that hinged cutting board extension  170  may be rotated into an open position in which hinged cutting board extension  170  is coplanar with cutting board  160 , forming an essentially unitary planar surface for preparing bait, cutting fish and the like. Cutting board  160  may be releasably retained onto mounting block  140  by operation of spring loaded plungers  157  and  164  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). When cutting board  160  is motivated towards base mounting block  140  such that first cutting board arm  168  of cutting board  160  is slidingly engaged with first slot  161  and second cutting board arm  169  is slidingly engaged with second slot  163 , first spring loaded plunger  164  is engaged with and captured by first hole  165  located in first slot  161 , and second spring loaded plunger  157  is engaged with and captured by second hole  158  located in second slot  163 . 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the base mounting block  140  is shown mounted onto a horizontal receiving structure  200 . Base mounting block arcurate surface  145  rests upon horizontal receiving structure  200  and is held firmly in place by operation of first strap  112  as tightened by first strap tightener  110 , which may be any type of strap tightener known in the art such as ratcheting strap tighteners, cam action strap tighteners or any other type of strap tightener known in the art. Strap  112  passes through first receiving slot  141 , around horizontal receiving structure  200 , and over top rear chamfer  197 . Once tightened, first strap  112  holds base mounting block  140  firmly in place against horizontal receiving structure  200 , allowing a fisherman to insert a fishing rod into a fishing rod holder (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) attached to a surface of base mounting block  140 . In this manner the fisherman may utilize his hands for purposes other than holding the fishing rod. Base mounting block v-groove  146 , which is located in base mounting block rear surface  195 , is also depicted in  FIG. 8 . While this view depicts the operation of first strap  112  and first strap tightener  110 , it is understood that second strap  113  and second strap tightener  111  may operate in like manner. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the base mounting block  140  is shown mounted onto a horizontal receiving structure of smaller diameter  202 . Base mounting block v-groove  146 , which is preferably formed as a  90  degree “v” shape, but may be any angle, rests upon small diameter receiving structure  202  and is held firmly in place by operation of first strap  112  as tightened by first strap tightener  110 , which may be any type of strap tightener known in the art such as ratcheting strap tighteners, cam action strap tighteners or any other type of strap tightener known in the art. Strap  112  passes through first receiving slot  141 , around horizontal receiving structure  200 , and over bottom rear chamfer  196 . Once tightened, first strap  112  holds base mounting block  140  firmly in place against horizontal receiving structure  202 , allowing a fisherman to insert a fishing rod into a fishing rod holder (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) attached to a surface of base mounting block  140 . In this manner the fisherman may utilize his hands for purposes other than holding the fishing rod. Base mounting block arcurate surface  145 , which is located in base mounting block bottom surface, is depicted in  FIG. 9 . While this view depicts the operation of first strap  112  and first strap tightener  110 , it is understood that second strap  113  and second strap tightener  111  may operate in like manner. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a cross section view of an alternate embodiment of the invention is shown, in which a cutting board  160  has been slidingly engaged with first slot  161  and second slot  163 . First cutting board arm  168  comprises a first cutting board arm recess  166  (not shown in  FIG. 10  but shown in  FIG. 6 ), which further comprises first spring loaded plunger  164 . First spring loaded plunger  164  engages first hole  165  located in first slot  161  when first cutting board arm  168  is aligned with first slot  161  and cutting board  160  is motivated towards base mounting block  140 . First slot  161  comprises a width adapted to receive first cutting board arm  168  in a sliding engagement, and first slot  161  has a depth adapted to retain cutting board  160  when first cutting board arm  168  is in sliding engagement with first slot  161 . First spring loaded plunger  164  engages with first hole  165  when first cutting board arm  168  is in sliding engagement with first slot  161 , thus impeding further motivation of cutting board  160  once first spring loaded plunger  164  engages with first hole  165 . The impediment to motivation of cutting board  160  by the engagement of first spring loaded plunger  164  with first hole  165  may be overcome by a user firmly grasping cutting board  160  and pulling it away from base mounting block  140 . The impediment to motivation of cutting board  160  by the engagement of first spring loaded plunger  164  with first hole  165  operates to releasably retain cutting board  160  in first slot  161 . Likewise, second cutting board arm  169  comprises a second cutting board arm recess  167  (not shown in  FIG. 10  but shown in  FIG. 6 ), which further comprises second spring loaded plunger  157 . Second spring loaded plunger  157  engages second hole  158  located in second slot  163  when second cutting board arm  169  is aligned with second slot  163  and cutting board  160  is motivated towards base mounting block  140 . Second slot  163  comprises a width adapted to receive second cutting board arm  169  in a sliding engagement, and second slot  163  has a depth adapted to retain cutting board  160  when second cutting board arm  169  is in sliding engagement with second slot  163 . Second spring loaded plunger  157  engages with second hole  158  when second cutting board arm  169  is in sliding engagement with second slot  163 , thus impeding further motivation of cutting board  160  once second spring loaded plunger  157  engages with second hole  158 . The impediment to motivation of cutting board  160  by the engagement of second spring loaded plunger  157  with second hole  158  may be overcome by a user firmly grasping cutting board  160  and pulling it away from base mounting block  140 . The impediment to motivation of cutting board  160  by the engagement of second spring loaded plunger  157  with second hole  158  operates to releasably retain cutting board  160  in second slot  163 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11   a  through  11   e,  isometric views of the base mounting block  140  of a preferred embodiment of the invention are depicted. It is to be noted that the preferred embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 11   a - 11   e  depict base mounting block as a substantially rectangular solid, but that other shapes are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Base mounting block  140  has a length l as shown in  FIG. 11   a , a depth d as shown in  FIG. 11   d , and a height h as shown in  FIG. 11   d . The length, width and height of base mounting block  140  are shown for orientation purposes and for clarity in the description and the claims. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 11   a , a front view of base mounting block  140 , showing front surface  190  is shown. Top surface  194 , right side surface  192 , left side surface  193  and bottom surface  191  are identified. Opening  125 , which creates a passageway passing through base mounting block  140  from front surface  190  to rear surface  195  (not shown in  FIG. 11   a ) is depicted. Retaining eye  130  is also depicted. Opening  125  extends through base mounting block  140  to provide an alternative means for passing a strap through the base mounting block in order to attach the invention to various structures. This may be done as an alternative to using straps  112  and  113 . The use of a strap in conjunction with opening  125  is an alternate embodiment of the invention that greatly increases the adaptability of the invention to certain structures, for example those structures which may not lend themselves easily to use of straps  112  and  113 . 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIG. 11   b , a bottom isometric view of the base mounting block of a preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted. Bottom surface  191 , which may comprise an arcurate surface for enabling a more secure mounting to a tubular receiving structure, is depicted. Right side surface  192  and left side surface  193  are indicated for clarity. Bottom rear chamfers  196  and top rear chamfers  197 , which allow for easy passage and retention of tightening straps, may be present in base mounting block  140 . 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIG. 11   c , a top isometric view of the base mounting block of a preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted. Top surface  194  is indicated. Front surface  190  and left side surface  193  are also indicated for clarity. Top surface  194  of base mounting block  140  may also comprise at least one, but preferably a plurality, of holes  151 , which may be threaded to receive threaded fasteners for attaching a fishing pole holder to base mounting block  140 . 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIG. 11   d , a right side isometric view of the base mounting block of a preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted. Right side surface  192  is indicated. Top surface  194  and bottom surface  191  are indicated for clarity. V-groove  146 , which runs lengthwise in rear surface  195 , is depicted. First hole  165 , which is adapted to receive the ball of first spring loaded plunger  164  (not shown in  FIG. 11   d ) may be located at the juncture of first slot  161  and third slot  162 . Bottom surface  191  may be an arcurate surface to facilitate mounting the invention onto a tubular receiving structure. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 11   e,  a left side isometric view of the base mounting block  140  of a preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted. Left side surface  193  is indicated. Top surface  194  and bottom surface  191  are indicated for clarity. Second hole  158  which is adapted to receive the ball of second spring loaded plunger  157  (not shown in  FIG. 11   e ) may be located at the juncture of second slot  163  and fourth slot  159 . V-groove  146 , which runs lengthwise in rear surface  195 , is depicted. Bottom surface  191  may be an arcurate surface to facilitate mounting the invention onto a tubular receiving structure. 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a rear view of the base mounting block  140  of a preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted. Right side surface  192  and left side surface  193  are indicated. Top surface  194  and bottom surface  191  are also shown for reference. Opening  125  extends through base mounting block  140  from front surface  190  (not shown in  FIG. 12 ) to rear surface  195  to provide an alternative means for passing a strap through the base mounting block in order to attach the invention to various structures. V-groove  146 , which runs lengthwise in rear surface  195 , is depicted. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a cross section is shown in which fishing pole holder mount  121  is depicted as attached to top surface  194  of base mounting block  140  by use of at least one threaded fastener  150  which, in this preferred embodiment, resides in at least one counterbored through hole  152  in fishing pole holder mount  121 , and is threadingly engaged with threaded hole  151  in top surface  194  of base mounting block  140 . In a preferred embodiment a plurality of threaded fasteners  151  are located in matching plurality of counterbored through holes  152 , and are threadingly engaged in a matching plurality of threaded holes  151 . 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , an alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in which first cutting board arm  168  of cutting board  160  is slidingly engaged with first slot  161  and second cutting board arm  169  is slidingly engaged with second slot  163  (not shown in  FIG. 14 ). First slot  161  is located in right side surface  192  of base mounting block  140 , and second slot  163  is located in left side surface  193  of base mounting block  140 . Counterbored through holes  152  are also for reference. 
         [0062]    Although a detailed description as provided in the attachments contain many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not merely by the preferred examples or embodiments given.