Abstract:
A connector assembly for a fishing pole is provided with a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a spring. The first connecting member has a locking stud. The second connecting member has an L-shaped slot therein for axial receipt of the stud and rotated locking engagement with the stud. The spring is interposed between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The spring is configured to axially urge apart the first connecting member and the second connecting member when provided in rotated locking engagement therebetween. One of the first connecting member and the second connecting member includes a tapering surface. Another of the first connecting member and the second connecting member includes a mating contact surface configured to mate in engagement with the tapering surface to tighten engagement between the first connecting member and the second connecting member as the first connecting member and the second connecting member are urged apart by the spring.

Description:
RELATED PATENT DATA  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/655,792, which was filed Sep. 4, 2003, entitled “Fishing Rod Connector, and Connector Assemblies for Fishing Poles”, and naming Duane C. Markley and Ron Stokes as inventors, and which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention pertains to fishing poles, and fishing rods. More particularly, aspects of the invention relate to connector assemblies for fishing poles and fishing rods.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     A typical fishing pole has a handle, a rod, and a plurality of line guides spaced apart along the rod. Typically, the rod is a straight rod. A reel seat is provided on the handle for supporting a fishing reel. Line from the reel is guided along the rod via the line guides which are axially aligned along the rod. Line leaves the rod at a distal end via a line guide provided on a tip end of the rod. In many cases, the rod includes a plurality of segments that are joined together with ferrules to enable breakdown and storage of the fishing pole. However, these rods are typically 6, 7, 8 or even 9 feet long which means they are not compact, even when broken down and stowed.  
         [0004]     Several attempts have been made to provide a compact fishing pole. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,541,759; 2,559,934; 2,610,427; 3,216,144; 4,027,419; and 5,444,934 disclose various fishing poles with short rods that attempt to provide benefits of longer rods through various structural features.  
         [0005]     Fishing rods having high strength-to-weight ratios without abrupt changes in bending strength along their length are desirable. Such strength-to-weight ratios may be achieved using rods wherein the butt end of the rod locks into the end of the handle.  
         [0006]     Many fishing rods having a one-piece rod utilize a chuck arrangement at the end of the handle in which threading of the collet of the chuck causes the butt end of the rod to be captured in the chuck. During use, increased stress occurring at the joint between the chuck and the butt of the rod may result in the chuck becoming loose and eventually having the rod break loose from the handle.  
         [0007]     In one approach, a rod is secured to the handle of a fishing pole by providing a close tolerance between an end of the rod and a socket formed in the tubular member of the handle. However, since the rod and the handle are not secured against rotation with respect to each other, there is a risk that the reel and line guides may move out of alignment with each other.  
         [0008]     Furthermore, such conventional locking devices typically require the provision of close tolerances and snug fit between the end of the fishing rod and the socket of the handle, thereby creating assembly friction from metal-to-metal contact. However, this arrangement requires excessive force to assemble or dismantle the rod from the handle.  
         [0009]     In another approach provided by U.S. Pat. No. 3,811,215, a locking device is disclosed for securing a rod to a handle of a fishing rod at a position for a fishing reel.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,559,934 discloses a fishing rod that connects to a resilient support structure. The fishing rod includes a handle for mounting at the butt end of the fishing rod. The butt end of the rod is adapted for mounting in a tube of a nipple having an extension that is configured to extend into and is securely fixed in a hollow tube of a coil spring. The butt end of the rod is slidable into the nipple and is secured therein by a set screw. However, this construction fails to provide ease of convenience in the form of easy assembly and disassembly of the rod from the handle. Furthermore, the handle is not configured to accommodate a variety of fishing rods.  
         [0011]     Accordingly, improvements are needed to eliminate the above-described deficiencies.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     A fishing pole is provided having a handle assembly and a fishing rod configured to be removably connected to the handle assembly using a connector assembly. The fishing rod and the handle assembly are fixedly secured against turning with respect to each other, thus reducing the possibility of reel and line guides moving out of alignment with respect to each other. Furthermore, several configurations are provided in order to achieve reliable locking of the fishing rod to the handle assembly while enabling disassembly of the fishing rod from the handle assembly, when desired. The connector assembly that is provided for removably mounting the fishing rod to the handle assembly includes a locking feature for securing the rod to the handle assembly in order to prevent turning of the rod and the handle assembly with respect to each other. In other cases, the connector assembly may be used for removably mounting individual ones of a plurality of fishing rods to the handle assembly.  
         [0013]     According to one aspect, a connector assembly for a fishing pole is provided with a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a spring. The first connecting member has a locking stud. The second connecting member has an L-shaped slot therein for axial receipt of the stud and rotated locking engagement with the stud. The spring is interposed between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The spring is configured to axially urge apart the first connecting member and the second connecting member when provided in rotated locking engagement therebetween. One of the first connecting member and the second connecting member includes a tapering surface. Another of the first connecting member and the second connecting member includes a mating contact surface configured to mate in engagement with the tapering surface to tighten engagement between the first connecting member and the second connecting member as the first connecting member and the second connecting member are urged apart by the spring.  
         [0014]     According to another aspect, a fishing pole is provided which includes a handle assembly, a rod, and a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a pair of complementary mating connectors configured to removably support the rod from the handle assembly. One of the connectors includes a retaining member having one or more longitudinal engagement grooves extending lengthwise of the retaining member. The retaining member includes one or more retention slots disposed transversely of the longitudinal engagement grooves, and another of the retaining members has one or more projecting fingers extending generally transverse of the retaining member and configured for axial insertion through the longitudinal grooves and transverse displacement into the retaining member upon relative transverse displacement of the handle relative to the rod from a first position to a second position.  
         [0015]     According to yet another aspect, a connector assembly for a fishing pole is described. The connector assembly includes an insertion member, a receiving member, and one or more retention slots. The insertion member has one or more outwardly projecting pins. The receiving member has one or more longitudinal engagement grooves along a length of the receiving member. The receiving member includes one or more retention slots displaced laterally of the grooves and configured to receive the one or more outwardly projecting retention pins. The one or more retention pins are received in the one or more retention slots upon insertion and rotation of the rod from a first receiving position to a second locked position.  
         [0016]     According to even another aspect, a fishing pole is provided with a handle assembly, a rod, and a retaining member. The rod includes a locking/unlocking end. The locking/unlocking end of the rod includes a pair of outwardly projecting fingers disposed along the rod. The retaining member is provided by the handle assembly and is configured to removably support the rod from the handle assembly. The retaining member has proximal and distal ends. A longitudinal engagement groove formed along a length of the retaining member may be used to guide the locking/unlocking end of the rod from the distal end of the retaining member to the proximal end of the retaining member. The retaining member further includes a pair of retention slots disposed from the groove and configured to receive the pair of projecting fingers upon insertion of the locking/unlocking end of the rod in the retention member via the engagement groove and rotation of the rod from a first position to a second position.  
         [0017]     According to yet a further aspect, a fishing pole is provided which includes a handle assembly and a rod. The handle assembly includes a female connector. The rod includes a male connector configured to mate/demate in complementary engagement with the female connector. The male connector has an outwardly projecting finger disposed radially outwardly of the rod. The female connector and the male connector cooperate to provide a connector assembly for removably connecting the rod and the handle. The female connector includes a tubular retaining member having an engagement groove extending lengthwise of the retaining member and configured to guide the rod from a distal end to a proximal end of the retaining member. The retaining member further includes a retention slot disposed laterally of the engagement groove and configured to receive the projecting finger upon insertion of the rod into the retention member via the engagement groove and rotation of the rod from a first position to a second position.  
         [0018]     According to even a further aspect, a fishing pole is provided which includes a handle assembly, a rod, and a connector assembly. The handle assembly comprises a handle. The rod is configured to be removably supported by a handle. The connector assembly is configured to mount the rod onto the handle. The connector assembly includes a male member including one or more outwardly projecting fingers disposed about a circumference of the male member. The connector assembly also includes a female member which has an axially extending cavity configured to receive the male member including a receiving member having one or more grooves configured to receive the one or more projecting fingers. The one or more grooves facilitate insertion of the rod from a distal end to a proximal end of the receiving member. The female member also includes a compression member disposed in the cavity and configured to move between first and second compression states, wherein the second compression state has greater compression than the first compression state; and wherein the receiving member includes one or more retention slots configured to lockingly mate with the one or more projecting fingers upon sufficiently urging the compression member from the first compression state to the second compression state using the rod to enable rotation of the rod from a first position to a second position to enable coupling of the rod to the handle.  
         [0019]     According to still a further aspect, a fishing pole is provided including a handle assembly, a rod, and a connector assembly. The connector assembly has a first coupling end portion and second coupling end portion, one of the first and second coupling end portions provided by the handle assembly, and another of the first and second coupling end portions provided by the rod. The first coupling end portion includes a first retaining member having one or more longitudinal engagement grooves along a length of the retaining member, a lateral guide surface extending between each groove and a respective slot, and one or more retention slots. The second coupling end portion includes a second retaining member having one or more projecting fingers disposed about a periphery of the second retaining member. The one or more retention slots of the first coupling end portion are configured to receive the one or more projecting fingers of the second coupling end portion upon engagement of the first and second coupling end portions via the engagement grooves and rotation between the first and second coupling end portions from a first position to a second position. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fishing pole having a connector assembly according to one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the fishing pole of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the fishing pole of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a partial breakaway perspective view of the fishing pole of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the fishing pole of  FIG. 1  including the connector assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of a fishing pole connector assembly taken from the encircled region  5  of  FIG. 4 , and with a rod illustrated as removably mounted in locked engagement with the handle using the connector assembly.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the fishing pole of  FIG. 1  including an alternatively constructed connector assembly similar to the one depicted in  FIGS. 1-6  and showing assembly of tubular insert pieces that cooperate to provide a tubular insert of the connector assembly.  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a vertical sectional view of the connector assembly taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a vertical sectional view of the connector assembly according to another embodiment, wherein the retaining member is formed from a single tubular piece having a plurality of longitudinal grooves extending along an inner periphery of the retaining member for receiving a plurality of projecting fingers of a rod portion.  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a vertical sectional view of the connector assembly according to yet another embodiment, wherein the retaining member (e.g., female receiver) is formed from a single tubular piece having a single longitudinal groove extending along the retaining member for receiving a projecting finger of a rod portion.  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a partial breakaway vertical view of another embodiment of a connector assembly for a fishing pole shown in  FIGS. 5-7  including the connector assembly with a tubular insert piece (with one shell removed) disposed in a cavity to receive a rod that is illustrated as removed from the connector assembly.  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a partial breakaway vertical view of yet another embodiment of the connector assembly for a fishing pole shown in  FIGS. 5-7 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a partial breakaway vertical view of even another embodiment of the connector assembly for a fishing pole shown in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is a partial breakaway and exploded perspective view of a connector assembly for a fishing pole as shown in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 15  is a partial breakaway vertical view of another embodiment of a connector assembly for a fishing pole shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 16  is a side view, and  FIG. 17  is a partially disassembled vertical view of another embodiment of the connector assembly for a fishing pole shown in  FIG. 5 , but omitting the handle assembly.  
         [0037]      FIG. 18  is a partially dissembled vertical view of another embodiment of the connector assembly for a fishing pole shown in  FIG. 5 , but omitting the handle assembly.  
         [0038]      FIG. 19  is a partial breakaway vertical view of a connector assembly for a fishing pole according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 20  is an exploded partial perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention wherein a proximal end of a rod is provided with threads and a lock nut, and where the threaded end mates with corresponding female threads in a female receiver of a handle in order to mate and lock the rod with the handle assembly of a fishing pole.  
         [0040]      FIG. 21  is a partially disassembled and exploded side view of a fishing pole with a connector assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, the exploded view including a partial breakaway view of a connector assembly configured to engage retention pins on a leading end of a rod within a female receiver of a connector assembly for a fishing pole.  
         [0041]      FIG. 22  illustrates a rod having an alternatively constructed rod end portion with a tapered configuration that enables snug assembly of a rod with a handle.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0042]     This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).  
         [0043]     Reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of Applicants&#39; invention. Various exemplary implementations are described below and depicted with reference to the drawings comprising fishing poles having handle assemblies, fishing rods and connector assemblies for mounting the fishing rods to the handle assemblies according to various aspects of the present invention. A first embodiment is shown and described below in a first configuration with reference generally to  FIGS. 1-5 . A second embodiment is shown and described below with reference to  FIGS. 6-8 . A third embodiment is shown and described below with reference to  FIG. 9 . A fourth embodiment is shown and described below with reference to  FIG. 10 . Various other embodiments are shown and described below with reference to  FIGS. 11-22 .  
         [0044]     While the invention is described by way of various preferred embodiments, it is understood that the description is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments, but is intended to cover alternatives, equivalents, and modifications which may be broader than these embodiments such as are defined within the scope of the appended claims.  
         [0045]     Furthermore, in an effort to prevent obscuring the invention at hand, only details germane to implementing the invention will be described in great detail, with presently understood peripheral details being incorporated by reference, as needed, as being presently understood in the art.  
         [0046]     A preferred embodiment fishing pole in accordance with the invention is first described with reference to  FIGS. 1-6  and is identified by reference numeral  10 . Fishing pole  10  removably supports a fishing reel  12  onto which fishing line  14  is spooled for removal and retrieval when casting and retrieving a fishing hook (not shown). Fishing pole  10  includes a handle assembly  16  that supports a rod  18 . According to one construction, rod  18  is removably supported for mating and demating with handle assembly  16  using a connector assembly. One suitable connector assembly is described below with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 . Alternative connector assemblies are provided as shown in  FIGS. 7-22  according to various aspects.  
         [0047]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , fishing rod  18  includes a base  20  which supports an outer coil spring  22  and an inner coil spring  24 . A first rod portion  26  is carried distally of outer coil spring  22 . Additionally, a second rod portion  28  is carried distally of inner coil spring  24 . Fishing rod  18  has a dual-tip construction wherein first rod portion  26  terminates in a first line guide  30  at a distal end and second rod portion  28  terminates in a second line guide  32  that is provided intermediate first line guide  30  and base  20 .  
         [0048]     More particularly,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate such a dual-tip construction wherein first rod portion  26  is substantially longer than second rod portion  28 , and wherein first rod portion  26  and second rod portion  28  diverge from base  20  relative to one another so as to separate rod portions  26  and  28  at the respective distal ends. In order to achieve such a diverging, dual-tip construction, first rod portion  26  and second rod portion  28  each deviate from axial alignment in an upward direction away from a direction of bend that would be imparted by fishing line tension being applied to rod  18  while landing a fish. In essence, each of the first rod portion  26  and the second rod portion  28  comprises an arcuate section that is shaped upwardly and away from a direction of loading when retrieving a fish. Because of this upward shape, a connector assembly is needed that prevents rotation of rod  18  relative to handle assembly  16 .  
         [0049]     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , handle assembly  16  includes a reel seat  34  which is provided along a top surface. A threaded ring  36  mates with complementary threads on handle assembly  16  to move ring  36  forward and aft along handle assembly  16  to entrap a reel  12  atop reel seat  34 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Such a construction of a reel seat  34  is configured for mounting a casting reel  12  atop handle assembly  16  and is well understood in the art. Alternatively, varying other types of reels can be incorporated for mounting onto a reel seat  34  of handle assembly  16 .  
         [0050]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , rod  18  is shown in an unloaded state, and is further shown in dashed lines in a deformed state when fishing line  14  is loaded while retrieving a fish. More particularly, first rod portion  26  is initially bent along with coil spring  20 . First rod portion  26  is longer than second rod portion  28  such that first line guide  30  is spaced significantly further away than second line guide  32  from reel  12 . Hence, a greater bending moment is imparted to first rod portion  26  when a fish loads fishing pole  10 . As first rod portion  26  is downwardly deformed, outer coil spring  22  is also deformed until outer coil spring  22  begins to contact with inner coil spring  24 . Such contact actually stiffens and strengthens the combination of coil springs  22  and  24  so as to impart some additional bending stiffness to first rod portion  26 . Subsequently, first rod portion  26  continues to bend to an even greater degree. As first rod portion  26  is displaced downwardly an ever-increasing amount, angulation of line  14  to second line guide  32  is increased as line  14  leaving second line guide  32  to pass through first line guide  30  (in the deformed downward position) increases the triangulation and loading of second rod portion  28 . As this effect is increased, second rod portion  28  is more greatly loaded, which imparts additional bending stiffness to rod  18 . Second rod portion  28  is then downwardly bent, along with inner coil spring  24 , so as to impart additional bending stiffness to rod  18 . Even furthermore, coil spring  24  is loaded to an even greater degree, which adds additional bending stiffness as the rod is further downwardly deformed by loading via line  14 .  
         [0051]     Also shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a receiver  38  is configured to removably receive rod  18  from handle assembly  16  pursuant to the construction depicted in  FIGS. 4-7  below. Receiver  38  is provided at a distal end of handle assembly  16 , with a handle  40  being provided at a proximal end of handle assembly  16 . Receiver  38  may be formed as a unitary piece from the distal end to the proximal end of the handle assembly  16 .  FIGS. 4-7  illustrate construction of a quick connection assembly  42  that is used to mount rod  18  onto handle assembly  16 . Handle assembly  16  is constructed from a pair of mating left and right handle assembly shells, such as handle assembly shell  48 .  
         [0052]     Alternatively, handle assembly  16  can be made from a single piece, or from multiple pieces that are attached end-for-end, or by some other means. For example, handle assembly  16  can be made using multiple insert pieces, such as by providing insert piece  46  as a separate piece. Optionally, insert piece  46  can be integrally molded into handle assembly  16  so as to form a half cylinder therein. In order to facilitate an understanding of construction for quick connection assembly  42 , only handle assembly shell  48  is shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , with the opposed handle assembly shell  47  being removed to facilitate viewing therein.  
         [0053]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a slightly enlarged cylindrical rod end  44  is integrally formed on base  20  of rod  18  and is sized to be axially received within a female receiver  45  of quick connection assembly  42 . Accordingly, rod end  44  forms a male receiver that removably mates and demates with female receiver  45 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 5  shows an enlarged view of a fishing pole connector assembly  42  taken from the encircled region  5  of  FIG. 4 . More particularly,  FIG. 5  shows rod  18  removed/uncoupled from the female receiver  45  while  FIG. 6  shows rod  18  as locked in mating engagement with female receiver  45 . The connector assembly  42  includes a tubular formed piece  46  to provide a mating surface within female receiver  45  for receiving rod end  44 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , wherein rod  18  is removed from connector assembly  42 .  
         [0055]     In one case as shown in  FIG. 5 , formed piece  46  is molded or cast into shell  48 . In another case as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , retaining member/female receiver  145  includes a formed piece  146  comprising a half cylinder, and a complementary insert piece  147 . The formed piece  146  is inserted and fastened with rivets, screws, or adhesive into shell  48 . Likewise, the complementary insert piece  147  is inserted and fastened with rivets, screws, or adhesive into a handle assembly shell that is complementary to shell  48 . Receiver  38  includes an axial cavity formed by the handle assembly (such as shell  48 ). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , female receiver  45  is formed by cooperation of formed piece  46  and a complementary formed piece, and slots  52  and  54  are formed along the length of female receiver  45 . In another embodiment, female receiver  45  may be made from a single tubular member as shown in  FIG. 21 .  
         [0056]     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 5 , rod end  44  has a pair of exposed retention pin ends  50  (or optionally a single cross-pin) which both extend radially outwardly from the free end of rod end  44 , positioned at locked or in-use 3:00 o&#39;clock and 9:00 o&#39;clock positions in assembly, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In one case, a single cylindrical pin is press-fit into and through a cross-bore in rod end  44  so that opposed opposite ends of the pin provide pin ends  50 . In one embodiment, the retention pin ends  50  (or projecting fingers) may extend radially outwardly from leading end  49  of rod  18 . In another embodiment, the projecting fingers may extend inwardly as illustrated by fingers  1450  in  FIG. 19 . In order to facilitate assembly, female receiver  45  includes a pair of longitudinal slots  52  and  54  that receive rod end  44  of rod  18  when rotated 90 degrees from an operating position to place it into an insertion position such that retention pin ends  50  are provided at 12:00 o&#39;clock and 6:00 o&#39;clock positions.  
         [0057]     Accordingly, retention pin ends (or pins)  50  are received longitudinally and axially within longitudinal slots  52  and  54 , after initially receiving rod end  44  within frustoconical entrance portion  56 . Upon receiving rod end  44  in the rotated, insertion position, leading end  49  of rod end  44  is urged against a base plate  58  so as to compress a coil spring  64  of female receiver  45 . A pair of dog legs  60  and  62  on base plate  58  restrain motion of base plate  58  between maximum compressed (e.g., a second position) and unpressed positions (e.g., a first position) by way of a pair of slots  70  and  72 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . The base plate  58  is provided for urgable engagement with the coil spring  64  and configured to engage the proximal end (e.g., leading end  49 ) of rod  18  to bias the one or more projecting fingers  50  into the one or more retention slots  76 .  
         [0058]     In one embodiment, the retention pin ends  50  (or projecting fingers) may extend radially outwardly from leading end  49  of rod  18 . In another embodiment, the projecting fingers  50  may extend inwardly as illustrated by reference numeral  1450  in  FIG. 19 . In order to facilitate assembly, female receiver  45  includes a pair of longitudinal slots  52  and  54  that receive rod end  44  of rod  18  rotated 90 degrees from an operating position or insertion position such that retention pin ends  50  are provided at 12:00 o&#39;clock and 6:00 o&#39;clock positions.  
         [0059]     An inner end  66  of tubular insert piece  46  of female receiver  45  includes a pair of receiving grooves  76  each sized to receive one of retention pin ends  50  securely and rotationally fixed therein, after compressing base plate  58  and coil springs  64  sufficiently to enable rotation of rod  18  and pin ends  50  sufficiently to orient pin ends  50  at the in-use 3:00 o&#39;clock and 9:00 o&#39;clock positions. As noted above, rod end  44  and retention pins  50  are received by receiver  45 , the pins aligned at 12:00 o&#39;clock and 6:00 o&#39;clock positions, generally referred to as the “insertion position”.  
         [0060]     Once rod end  44  is received by receiver  45 , it is urged into a locking position as described above by rotating the rod from the insertion position to the in-use 3:00 o&#39;clock and 9:00 o&#39;clock positions, generally referred to as the “in-use position”. For example, the engagement grooves  52  and  54  and the retention slots  76  may be provided at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to one another. In this exemplary embodiment, once rod  18  is inserted in receiver  45 , it may be rotated either in clockwise or counterclockwise directions by an angle of 90 degrees so as to rotate the rod  18  from the insertion position to the in-use position. Upon rotation of rod  18  from the insertion position to the in-use position, coil spring  64  urges base plate  58  back into an extended position such that retention pin ends  50  (of  FIGS. 5-6 ) are securely retained within receiving grooves  76  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Accordingly, rod  18  of  FIG. 4  is securely retained in the in-use position by way of the resulting quick connector assembly  42 .  
         [0061]     In order to remove rod  18  from handle assembly  16 , a user merely axially forces rod  18  into quick connection assembly  48  so as to cause compression of spring  64 . Subsequently, the rod is rotated such that pin ends  50  are moved to the insertion position (e.g., 12:00 o&#39;clock and 6:00 o&#39;clock positions) from the in-use position (e.g., 3:00 o&#39;clock and 9:00 o&#39;clock positions), respectively, for removal of rod end  44  and pin ends  50  via the longitudinal slots  52  and  54 .  
         [0062]     As shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , spring  64  is provided within a co-axial bore  68  that is formed between the pair of handle assembly shells (where shell  48  provides one of the pair of complementary shells).  
         [0063]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of an alternatively constructed fishing pole (similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1 ) including an alternatively constructed connector assembly  142  (similar to the one shown in  FIG. 5 ) prior to assembly together of tubular insert pieces  146  and  147  forming a tubular insert of the connector assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Tubular insert pieces  146  and  147  form two complementary pieces that form a tube within the pair of handle assembly shells. Tubular insert piece  147  may be fixed in an assembly shell (not shown) that is complementary to the assembly shell  48 . Upon fixing of tubular insert piece  147  in the complementary assembly shell (not shown) with adhesive, fasteners or welding, tubular insert piece  147  together with the complementary shell are urged in the direction shown by the arrow in  FIG. 7  in order to create a tubular insert (e.g., female receiver  145 ) of the connector assembly. That is, upon assembling the handle assembly shells via fasteners, the pair of handle assembly shells and insert pieces  146  and  147  provide for a tubular insert piece (e.g., female receiver  145 ) within the pair of handle assembly shells (e.g., shell  48  and its complementary shell (not shown)) that receives and retains rod end  44  of rod  18 .  
         [0064]     Additionally, as shown in the two embodiments of  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , a kick-down portion  74  is provided along base  20  of rod  18  that helps to orient an axial portion of rod  18  in a desired location relative to handle  40  and reel seat  34  (see  FIG. 4 ). The length and angle of kick-down portion  74  can be varied in order to modify the relative elevation of the axial portion of the rod relative to the handle, depending on the configuration of a fishing reel being utilized in conjunction with the handle.  
         [0065]     According to one construction, handle assembly shells, including handle assembly shell  48 , are formed from a single piece of die cast aluminum. According to another construction, the handle assembly shells are formed from a plastic, or filled plastic material, such as a carbon or graphite filled plastic material or fiberglass material.  
         [0066]      FIG. 8  is a vertical sectional view of the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 7  (but assembled together), wherein the tubular insert (e.g., female receiver  145 ) is configured as a plurality of tubular pieces (e.g., tubular insert pieces  146  and  147 ) as described above at  FIG. 7 .  
         [0067]      FIG. 9  is a vertical sectional view of the connector assembly in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, wherein the tubular retaining member  245  (similar to female receiver  145  of  FIG. 7 ) is configured from a single tubular member  246  having a plurality of longitudinal grooves  252  and  254  extending along a length of tubular member  246  in an inner peripheral surface of tubular member  246 . Grooves  252  and  254  are configured to receive projecting fingers  50  of rod  18  shown in  FIG. 7 . Other than female receiver  245  being configured as shown in  FIG. 9 , the rest of the operation of mounting a rod to a handle using a connector assembly is similar to what has been described above with regard to the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-7 .  
         [0068]      FIG. 10  is a vertical sectional view of another alternatively constructed connector assembly in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, wherein the tubular female receiver  345  is configured from a single tubular member  346  having a single longitudinal groove  352  extending along a length of tubular member  346 . Groove  352  is configured to receive a projecting finger  50  of rod  18  ( FIG. 7 ). It will be appreciated that a rod  18  having a receiving end  44  and having a single projecting finger/retaining pin  50  may be used in order to mate in locking engagement with member  346 . But for member  346  being configured as shown in  FIG. 10 , the rest of the operation of mounting rod  18  to handle  16  using connector assembly  42  is similar to what has been described above with regard to the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-7 .  
         [0069]      FIG. 11  is a partial breakaway vertical view of yet another embodiment of the fishing pole shown in  FIGS. 1-6  including a connector assembly having a tubular insert piece made from two shells and disposed in a cavity configured to receive a rod illustrated as removed from a connector assembly  542 . A rod  518  is shown as removed/uncoupled from female receiver  545 . A leading end  549  of rod  518  includes a tabbed member  504  in the form of a D-end crimped member. The tabbed member  504  includes a pair of retention members  550 ,  551  formed by crimping, or forging, member  504  on the leading end  549  of rod  518 . The retention members  550 ,  551  provide fingers that are configured for engagement in retention slot  508  of female receiver  545  of connector assembly  542 . The tubular insert piece  546  provided in the female receiver  545  includes an edge  506  disposed near an end of the tubular insert piece  546  and proximal to coil spring  564 . Edge  506  enables unlocking/uncoupling of rod  518  by way of rotation in a single direction (e.g., clockwise) as rod  518  is forcibly urged into receiver  545  to compress spring  564 . The end recess of edge  506  prevents unlocking/uncoupling of rod  518  by rotation of the rod in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow as in  FIG. 11 .  
         [0070]     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 11 , female receiver  545  is formed from insert piece (or shell)  546  and a complementary insert piece (not shown). Axial slots  552  and  554  are formed along the length of female receiver  545 . Retention members  550 ,  551  of tabbed member  504  are received longitudinally and axially within longitudinal slots  552  and  554 , respectively, after initially receiving leading end  549  of rod  518  at entrance portion  556  of female receiver  545 . Upon receiving rod  518  into female receiver  545  so as to compress spring  564  and clear edge  506 , rod  518  is rotated 90 degrees to an in-use position from the insertion position in order to lock and engage retention members  550 ,  551  into respective retention slots  508  by way of a transverse entrance portion  509  that communicates with each retention slot  508 . By working in reverse order, the pair can be unlocked. The operation of connector assembly  542  is similar to the operation of the connector assembly described above with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , and therefore will not be repeated.  
         [0071]     In another embodiment, instead of having a tabbed member  504  (including retention members  550 ,  551 ) on rod  518 , a pair of retention pins  950  as indicated in  FIG. 17  may be used, further details of which are provided below with reference to  FIG. 17 .  
         [0072]      FIG. 12  is a partial breakaway vertical view of another embodiment of connector assembly  642  for a fishing pole (similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 ). As shown in  FIG. 12 , a male member  644  of rod  618  is removed from a complementary female receiver  645 . One of the shells has been omitted in order to facilitate viewing. However, it is understood that female receiver  645  is constructed similar to the female receiver of  FIG. 8 . A tubular insert piece (formed from two shells)  646  includes a pair of retention slots  608 ,  610 , respectively, in each shell and having respective, transverse entrance portions  609 ,  611 . The retention slots  608 ,  610  are provided in the tubular insert piece  646  spaced at a distance “d” with respect to each other. Similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , another tubular insert piece (not shown) complementary to the tubular insert piece  646  is retained within connector assembly  642 .  
         [0073]     Rod  618  includes a pair of retention pins  650 ,  651 , which are spaced apart with respect to each other a distance “d” corresponding to the distance “d” between retention slots  608 ,  610 . The retention pins  650 ,  651  may be provided on either side of the receiving rod end (or member)  644  as shown in  FIG. 12 , or may be alternatively provided only on one side of the receiving rod end  644 . Upon insertion of rod  618  into female receiver  645 , the pair of retention pins  650 ,  651  engage and mate in locking engagement with the pair of retention slots  608 ,  610 , respectively.  
         [0074]     But for the differences disclosed herein, the rest of the features depicted in  FIG. 12  are similar to what has been described above with regard to the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . In one case, a single cylindrical pin is press-fit into and through each of a pair of cross-bores in rod end  644  so that opposite ends of the pins provide pin ends  650 ,  651 , respectively. In another case, short pins are inserted into opposed bores in an outer circumferential surface of rod end  644  without passing completely through rod end  644 . In one case, pins  650 ,  651  are made from metal such as steel or aluminum. In another case, retention pins  650 ,  651  are integrally formed from rod end  644  by machining rod end  644  from a single piece of metal, such as aluminum.  
         [0075]      FIG. 13  is a partial breakaway and disassembled vertical view of another embodiment of a connector assembly  742  for a fishing pole that is slightly different than the embodiment of  FIG. 12 . In this embodiment, a rod end  744  of a rod  718  includes pairs of retention pins  750 ,  751  (or projecting fingers) that extend radially outwardly from leading end  749  of rod  718 . Furthermore, coil spring  764  is shown to be conically tapered from one end to the other. The tapered configuration of coil spring  764  eliminates the need for a washer (or base plate) that might otherwise be required with the coil spring configuration shown in  FIG. 5 . The remaining construction details for the operation of the device of  FIG. 13  are similar to what has been described above with regard to  FIG. 12 .  
         [0076]     As depicted in  FIG. 13 , female receiver  745  is formed by a shell-shaped inserts, such as insert  746 . Each insert forms a portion of a cylindrical tube into which a pair of retention slot  708 ,  710  are machined for receiving pins  750 ,  751 , respectively. The inserts, such as insert  746 , are glued into a cylindrical bore within handle shell  748  using an adhesive, such as an industrial grade epoxy adhesive. Retention slots  708 ,  710  each include a cylindrical portion  761 ,  763  and a frustoconical portion  765 ,  767 , respectively. Each cylindrical portion  761 ,  763  communicates directly with the respective transverse entrance portion  709 ,  711 . As a respective pin  750 ,  751  is received into portion  709 ,  711 , rod end  744  is rotated to bring pin  750 ,  751  into respective cylindrical portion  761 ,  763 , while compressing spring  764 . Spring  764  urges rod end  744  outwardly such that pins  750 ,  751  are forced into engagement with frustoconical portions  765 ,  767  so as to snugly render rod end  744  within connector assembly  742  so as to prevent any looseness between the rod end and the handle.  
         [0077]      FIG. 14  is a partial breakaway and exploded perspective view of an alternative connector assembly  1742  for a fishing pole similar to connector assembly  742  of  FIG. 13 , and prior to assembly of tubular insert pieces  1746  and  1747  into handle shells (such as shell  1748 ), pieces  1746  and  1747  cooperate to form a tubular insert of the connector assembly  1742 . Tubular insert pieces  1746  and  1747  form two complementary, mating pieces that that cooperate to provide a tube that is glued between a pair of handle assembly shells (such as shell  1748 ) as shown and described with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0078]      FIG. 15  is a partial breakaway vertical view of another embodiment of a connector assembly  842  for a fishing pole (over that shown in  FIG. 5 ). In this embodiment, a rod  818  (or male member) is shown to be removed/uncoupled from female receiver  845 . The connector assembly  842  includes a tubular insert piece  846  made from two shells and configured to provide a mating surface within female receiver  845  for receiving rod end  844 . A receiver  838  in handle shell  848  includes respective cavities A and B formed by the assembly of shell  848  and its complementary substantially mirror-image shell (not shown). A coil spring  864  is provided in central bore  872  of female receiver  845 . In operation, a leading end  849  of rod  818  is passed through a hole in a washer plate  858 , through spring  864 , and is urged against a cylindrical base plate  857 . Upon sufficiently urging the base plate  857  with the leading end  849  of rod  818 , spring  864  extends into bore  870  (as indicated in  FIG. 15 ) of female receiver  845 . A pair of dog legs  860  and  862  on base plate  857  guide motion of base plate  857  along slots  890 ,  892  between maximum compressed (extension of spring  864  into bore  870 ) and unextended positions (prior to extension into bore  870 ).  
         [0079]     The base plate  857  is provided for urgable engagement with one end of the coil spring  864 . A second end of spring  864  is configured to be fixed to a second washer-shaped base plate  858  having dog leg ends that are trapped in slots  863 . Leading end  849  of rod  818  is inserted into a coaxial cavity inside the coils of spring  864  and through base plate  858 . Upon insertion, leading end  849  of rod  818  urges against base plate  857 . Increased stiffness is experienced by rod  818  as coil spring  864  is stretched into bore  870  due to urging of leading end  849  of rod  818 . Operation of the rod to lock/couple and uncouple from female receiver  845  is similar to the operation that has been described above with regard to  FIG. 5 . In one exemplary case, instead of having one set of retention pins  852  on a rod end  844 , a pair of retention pins as shown in  FIG. 12  may be provided. In such a case, female receiver  845  is configured to have a corresponding pair of retention slots to receive the pair of retention pins to provide locking engagement of rod  818  in the retention slots.  
         [0080]      FIG. 16  is a side view and  FIG. 17  is a partially disassembled vertical view of another embodiment of a connector assembly  942  for a fishing pole (similar to that shown in  FIG. 5 ) using a pair of tubular insert pieces, but with one piece removed in  FIG. 17 . Connector assembly  942  provides an insert piece  905  that includes a first shell  902  (see  FIG. 17 ) and a second, complementary shell  903  (see  FIG. 16 ) that cooperate to provide a female receiver  945 . Shell  902  is made separately and is affixed to the other shell  903 , after inserting spring  964 . One shell includes alignment pins and the other shell includes bores for receiving the pins to facilitate aligned assembly. For example, such affixing may be done using an adhesive (such as epoxy), or the shells may be welded together, or formed from a single piece of material. Shell  902  receives a spring member (e.g., a coil spring)  964 , and cooperates with shell  903  (see  FIG. 16 ) to provide a female receiver  945  into which a pair of complementary tubular insert pieces are fastened or glued, one of which is shown as insert piece  947  in  FIG. 17 . Female receiver  945  includes one or more longitudinal anti-rotation ribs  904  (see  FIG. 16 ) on an outer surface that extend longitudinally from one end to the other. Ribs  904  are provided to prevent axial rotation of receiver  945  when trapped in complementary slots provided between handle shells (such as shell  48  of  FIGS. 5-7 ).  
         [0081]     In addition to having a longitudinal rib  904  on either side of receiver  945 , a pair of circumferential ribs  906  and  908  is also provided on receiver  945 . In operation, longitudinal ribs  904  prevent rotation of receiver  945  when entrapped between a pair of handle shells. Furthermore, circumferential ribs  906  and  908  prevent axial removal of receiver  945  from between a pair of handle shells when assembled together in the form of a handle. It is understood that such a pair of handle shells has complementary slots configured to receive, in assembly, ribs  904 ,  906  and  908  and an aperture to receive receiver  945 .  
         [0082]     Semi-cylindrical insert piece  947  includes longitudinal slots  952  and  954  formed along the length of female receiver  945 . The pair of longitudinal slots  952  and  954  axially receive pins  950  on rod end  944 . Remaining operation of the locking engagement of rod end  944  in female receiver  945  is similar to the operation as described in the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6 .  
         [0083]      FIG. 18  is a partially disassembled vertical view of another embodiment of a connector assembly  1042  for a fishing pole (similar to that shown in  FIG. 5 ). It is understood that connector assembly  1042  is received between a pair of handle shells (not shown) to form a handle assembly (not shown). In this embodiment, a spring member (e.g., coil spring)  1064  is provided in a rod end portion  1044  of rod  1018 , and a tubular insert piece  1047  (made from a pair of shells) is provided in a female receiver  1045 . The rod end  1044  further includes a pair of retention pins  1050  provided on an end that is proximal to female receiver  1045  of handle assembly  1018 . Spring member  1064  is disposed between base plates  1070  and  1072 . Base plate  1070  is configured with a central hole to slide along rod end  1044  from a first position to a second position upon insertion of leading end  1049  of rod  1018  into receiver  1045 , while base plate  1072  is rigidly affixed onto rod end  1044 . Upon insertion of leading end  1049  of rod  1018  into female receiver  1045 , retention pins  1050  are received axially and longitudinally within longitudinal slots  1052  and  1054 , and base plate  1070  is restrained by edge  1053  of tubular insert piece  1047 . Retention pins  1050  are engaged to lock into retention slots provided between the insert pieces (similar to that shown in  FIG. 5 ).  
         [0084]      FIG. 19  is a partial breakaway vertical view of even another embodiment of a connector assembly for a fishing pole  1410 . The fishing pole includes a handle assembly  1416  having a handle assembly shell  1448 . In order to facilitate an understanding of the construction of connector assembly  1442 , only a single handle assembly shell  1448  is shown, with the opposed/complementary handle assembly shell being removed to facilitate viewing therein. Such shells are held together with threaded fasteners (not shown).  
         [0085]     Connector assembly  1442  includes a first coupling end portion  1421  (provided by a cylindrical rod end fitting) that is glued onto a base  1420  of rod  1418  and is sized to be axially received within a second coupling end portion  1445  (provided by a female receiver). Portion  1421  is machined from aluminum and has a bore that receives epoxy glue and is sized to receive a proximal end of rod  1418 . Accordingly, the first coupling end portion  1421  forms a male member that removably mates and demates with second coupling end portion  1445 . The first coupling end portion  1421  includes a pair of retaining members  1419  each having a longitudinal engagement groove  1424 . Each retaining member  1419  also has a lateral guide surface  1426  and one or more retention slots  1428 . In one embodiment, the engagement groove  1424  extends from a proximal end  1423  of the first coupling end portion  1421  and leads to retention slot  1428  via the lateral guide surface  1426 . The lateral guide surface  1426  extends between groove  1424  and a respective slot  1428 .  
         [0086]     In order to facilitate assembly, the second coupling end portion  1445  includes a pair of projecting fingers/retention pins  1450  configured for locking engagement in retention slots  1428  of the first coupling end portion  1421 . In one embodiment, coupling end portions  1445  is provided by the handle assembly  1416 , and coupling end portions  1421  is provided on rod  1418 . Alternatively, portion  1421  can be provided on handle assembly  1416 , while portion  1445  can be provided on rod  1418 . The second coupling end portion  1445  comprises a second retaining member  1446 . In one embodiment, projecting fingers  1450  are disposed about a periphery of the second retaining member  1446 . In one case, two opposed fingers  1450  are provided by member  1446 . The periphery of member  1446  may include an inner peripheral surface. In another case, the periphery of member  1446  may include an outer peripheral surface. The corresponding pair of retention slots  1428  of the first coupling end portion  1421  are configured to receive the respective pair of projecting fingers  1450  of the second coupling end portion  1445  upon engagement of the first and second coupling end portions  1421 ,  1445  via the engagement grooves  1424  and rotation between the first and second coupling end portions  1421 ,  1445  from a first position to a second position, while compressing spring  1464 . According to one construction, the first and second positions are separated by an angle of 90 degrees with respect to one another.  
         [0087]     Accordingly, first coupling end portion  1421  (having engagement grooves  1424 ) is received longitudinally and axially within the second coupling end portion  1445  having a second retaining member  1446 . After initially receiving the first coupling end portion  1421  axially into the second coupling end portion  1445 , engagement grooves  1424  of the first retaining member  1419  receive the projecting fingers  1450  (or retention pins) longitudinally and axially. Upon sufficiently urging the first coupling end portion  1421  into the second coupling end portion  1445 , base plate  1458  contacts end portion  1449  of the connector assembly  1442 . Upon further urging the first coupling end portion  1421  into the second coupling end portion  1445 , such force compresses coil spring  1464  provided between base plate  1458  and a stop member  1428 . Stop member  1428  is provided adjacent the distal end of the first coupling end portion  1421  and coil spring  1464  is seated against stop member  1428 .  
         [0088]     Thus, coil spring  1464  moves between an uncompressed state to a compressed state, as indicated in  FIG. 19 , upon urging of the base plate  1458  towards the stop member  1428 . Such urging may be accomplished by insertion of the first coupling end portion  1421  of rod  1418  into the second coupling end portion  1445 .  
         [0089]     Upon sufficiently coupling the first end portion  1421  into the second coupling end portion  1445 , projecting fingers  1450  serve as guides that are axially and longitudinally received in engagement grooves  1424 . Fingers  1450  further guide into retention slots  1428  via lateral guide surface(s)  1426  upon rotation of the first coupling end portion  1421  from a first position to a second position (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 19 . Accordingly, rod  1418  is securely retained in an in-use position by way of resulting quick connector assembly  1442 . Spring  1464  urges fingers  1450  into seated engagement within slots  1428 .  
         [0090]     In order to remove rod  1418  from handle assembly  1416 , a user is required to force rod  1418  axially toward quick connection assembly  1442  to cause compression of spring  1464 , after which rod  1418  is rotated from the second position to the first position (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction). In this manner, projecting fingers  1450  that are engaged in locking position retention slots  1428  are urged into unlocking position via lateral guide surface  1426  and into engagement grooves  1424  for easy uncoupling of the first coupling end portion  1421  of rod  1418  from the second coupling end portion  1445 .  
         [0091]     As shown by the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 7-10 , the second coupling end portion  1445  of  FIG. 19  may be similarly configured either using a plurality of tubular pieces or a single tubular member.  
         [0092]      FIG. 20  is another embodiment of the present invention wherein a rod end  1144  of rod  1118  is provided with male threads  1104  that mate with corresponding female threads  1106  in female receiver  1145  in order to engage rod  1118  with receiver  1145  of a handle assembly of a fishing pole. Furthermore, a lock nut  1102  is provided on threads  1104  to forcibly engage with an end of female receiver  1145  to further secure rod  1118  from rotation relative to receiver  1145 .  
         [0093]      FIG. 21  is a partially disassembled and exploded side view of a fishing pole according to another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector assembly configured to engage retention pins provided on a rod end  1244  of rod  1218  into a female receiver  1245 . Female receiver  1245  includes a tubular insert piece  1247  and a complementary tubular insert piece  1246  configured to be inserted into a cylindrical hollow tube  1206 . Retention members (or fingers)  1212  provided on one end of the female receiver  1245  extend radially outwardly to mate in complementary end slots  1213  provided in tube  1206  to restrain motion of the connector assembly  1242  and prevent receiver  1245  from being completely received into the hollow tube  1206  as the connector assembly  1242  is inserted into an end of cylindrical hollow tube  1206  adjacent to the female receiver  1245 . Pieces  1247  are glued into tube  1206  with epoxy. Likewise, tube  1206  is glued within a bore in handle assembly  1216 . Optionally or additionally, tube  1206  can be pinned or riveted within a tube of handle assembly  1216 .  
         [0094]     An opposite end portion  1207  is inserted coaxially within a tubular bore of handle assembly  1216 . A trim collar  1214  has a nut that is engaged over threads  1205  on the tube of handle assembly  1216 . A trim collar  1214  (mostly cosmetic) is provided over connector assembly  1242 , after gluing tube  1206  into handle assembly  1216 .  
         [0095]      FIG. 22  illustrates a rod  1318  having a rod end portion  1344  with a tapered configuration extending from a first end (having retention pins  1350 ) toward an opposite end of rod  1318 . The tapered configuration of rod  1318  may be added to all the embodiments described above where a complementary female shape is added to the female receiver (not shown). Although a single pair of retention pins  1350  is shown in  FIG. 22 , a plurality of pairs of retention pins may be employed depending on the desired configuration of a connector assembly for a fishing pole.  
         [0096]     Accordingly, the previous embodiments depict various fishing poles that present the action of a relatively long pole, such as a six or seven-foot long fishing pole, in the package size of a two to four-foot long fishing pole with the added convenience of easily attaching and removing of the rod to the handle. Furthermore, the connector assembly in the various above-described embodiments enables individual ones of a variety of fishing rods to be removably coupled to the handle, according to user desires. Alternatively, individual ones of a plurality of handles may be removably coupled to a fishing rod, fulfilling the desires of a user wishing to use a specific handle with different rods.  
         [0097]     Thus, because of the relative ease of separating the rod from the handle, an ability is imparted to change between different fishing rods for an existing fishing pole. For example, different length fishing rods can be provided with a common fishing pole. Likewise, the ability can be provided to change between embodiments by providing different fishing rods. For example, one fishing rod might have two coil springs, whereas another fishing rod might have a single coil spring. Likewise, the configuration of single and multiple tips can be switched by merely switching between the selected fishing rod that is joined to the fishing handle.  
         [0098]     Thus, the ability to easily switch various fishing rods on an existing handle of a fishing pole, or to switch various handles on an existing fishing rod of a fishing pole, enables configuring a relatively short fishing pole so that multiple individuals may fish at a crowded location, such as on a small fishing boat, where the casting room required is significantly reduced by the relatively short fishing pole length.  
         [0099]     Furthermore, such easy locking/unlocking of fishing rods to a handle, and vice-versa, using the connector assembly makes transportation and carrying of the configuration easy, especially in the disassembled state, to locations that are relatively hard to access.  
         [0100]     In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.