Patent Publication Number: US-7707766-B2

Title: Device and method for casting

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/782,563, filed on Mar. 15, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates generally to fishing devices and methods, and more particularly, to devices for fishing rods and methods for casting a fishing rod using a device. 
   BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
   Fly fishing is a form of sport fishing and may also be considered an art. Other forms of fishing include bait or spin casting. In bait or spin casting, the lure is thrown and the line goes along with the lure, whereas in fly casting, the line is thrown and the lure goes along with the line. 
   A fly cast is made by executing the rod to move the entire length of line backwards and forwards to be cast in the air in a forward direction using the rod to deliver the line and a fly at the terminal portion thereof to the water. In typical fly casting, the casts may be between twenty and sixty feet in length. 
   It is more difficult to learn to cast a fly line than to use a spinning reel and rod. The skills applicable to spin casting do not apply to fly casting and may also be counterproductive to learning the art. The proper cast of a fly rod may also be counterintuitive, leading many to pursue other types of fishing instead. 
   A fly rod is typically longer than a bait or spin casting rod. To an extent, the weight and speed of the line is used to throw the line, but it is the loading and unloading of the rod that is used to impart speed and a wave motion to the line. The speed and wave motion increase the efficiency of the fly cast to a substantial distance with accuracy. 
   In fly casting, a basic motion is to cast the line back and forth in a straight line accelerating to a stop. An additional amount of line may be added while casting back and forth, until a suitable length is achieved. When a suitable amount of line is in motion, the cast is complete by allowing the line to fall to the water surface. The motion described above is one that must be mastered, although it is counterintuitive. The caster must learn the appropriate motions of the body and the rod so the tip of the rod moves through a very small arc at the appropriate time. By using the appropriate motions, speed, and power, the line goes backward and forward in a “tight loop” configuration. Making a movement in an inappropriate direction or decelerating to a stop at the inappropriate time results in an ineffective cast. 
   Although fly fishing is considerably more difficult than conventional casting, casting properly with a spinning rod and reel and other fishing rods also poses difficulties to any caster. 
   There remains a need for a device and method to assist the caster in casting fishing rods, including spinning and fly fishing rods. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a device according to an aspect of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in context with the end of a fishing rod; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in context with a fishing rod; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of the device according to another aspect of the invention; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a wrist strap according to an aspect of the invention; 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  are front and side views, respectively, illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in conjunction with  FIG. 6  in context with a caster; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a device according to another aspect of the invention; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a forearm strap according to an aspect of the invention; 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the device of  FIG. 9  in conjunction with the forearm strap of  FIG. 10  in context with a caster; 
       FIGS. 12   a ,  12   b , and  13  illustrate alternative embodiments for securing the device to a rod according to another aspect of the invention; and 
       FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b  illustrate an embodiment according to another aspect of the invention for securing the wrist strap to the device. 
   

   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Briefly described, a device for coupling to a fishing rod, according to an aspect of the invention includes a handle, which includes a member with an aperture for receiving a reel seat of a rod; and, an arm extending from the member comprising a grip for receiving one or more digits. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a method for casting a fishing rod includes the steps of coupling a handle according to the above-described device to a rod and coupling the handle to a user with a wrist strap, where the user may cast the rod using the handle to make desired repetitive movements. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a device for coupling to a fishing rod includes a handle, which includes a substantially cylindrical member for coupling onto a rod, an arm extending from the member and disposed at a selected angle thereto, where the arm includes a grip for receiving one or more digits. 
   In another aspect of the invention, a method for casting a fishing rod includes the steps of coupling a handle according to the above-described device to a rod and coupling the handle to a user with the forearm strap, where the user casts the rod using the handle and desired casting movements are repetitively made through the reciprocating movements of the rigid member. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In one embodiment, a device for coupling to a fishing rod includes a handle, which includes a member with an aperture for receiving a reel seat of a rod; and, an arm extending from the member comprising a grip for receiving one or more digits. The handle may include a curved portion for conforming to the hip and/or thigh area of a user. The member and aperture may be substantially cylindrical. The arm may be disposed at a selected angle relative to the member. The arm may extend from the member in a first direction for a first selected distance and thereafter extend in a second direction for a second selected distance. The first direction may be approximately 90° relative to the member and the first selected distance may be approximately 4 inches. The second direction may be approximately 90° relative to the first direction and the second selected distance may be approximately 2 inches. The grip may include one or more curved portions for receiving one or more digits. The grip may further include an indentation for receiving an additional digit. 
   The member may further include a coupling device for receiving a wrist strap. The wrist strap may include an adjustable band for placing around a wrist. The wrist strap may further include a reciprocal coupling device for releasably coupling to the coupling device of the member. The reciprocal coupling device of the wrist strap is attached thereto with a selected length of cord. The selected length of cord may be approximately two inches. The reciprocal coupling device of the wrist strap may be coupled to the coupling device of the member. The coupling device may be in the form of a ring and the reciprocal coupling device may be in the form of a hook. The wrist strap may be formed from hook and loop material. 
   In another embodiment, a method for casting a fishing rod includes the steps of coupling a handle according to the above-described device to a rod and coupling the handle to a user with a wrist strap, where the user may cast the rod using the handle to make desired repetitive movements. The wrist strap prevents the wrist of a user from opening more than 45°. 
   In another embodiment, a device for coupling to a fishing rod includes a handle, which includes a substantially cylindrical member for coupling onto a rod, an arm extending from the member and disposed at a selected angle thereto, where the arm includes a grip for receiving one or more digits. The handle may include a curved portion for conforming to the hip and/or thigh area of a user. The arm may extend from the member in a first direction for a first selected distance and thereafter extend in a second direction for a second selected distance. The first direction may be approximately 90° relative to the member and the first selected distance may be approximately 4 inches. The second direction may be approximately 90° relative to the first direction and the second selected distance may be approximately 4 inches. The grip may include one or more indentations for receiving one or more digits. 
   The cylindrical member may further include an aperture adjacent the base thereof for receiving a rigid member. The rigid member may be coupled to a forearm strap. The forearm strap may include an adjustable band for placing around a forearm. The rigid member may further include a stop for coupling to the cylindrical member. The rigid member may be disposed through the aperture of the cylindrical member and the stop is disposed on the free end of the rigid member. 
   In another embodiment, a method for casting a fishing rod includes the steps of coupling a handle described above to a rod, and coupling the handle to a user with the forearm strap; wherein the user casts the rod using the handle and desired casting movements are repetitively made with more power and speed than one hand alone to achieve the necessary acceleration to a stop through the reciprocating movements of the rigid member. The rigid member prevents the wrist of a user from opening more than 45°. 
   As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the term “or” refers to an inclusive “or” and not to an exclusive “or”. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present); A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present); and both A and B are true (or present). 
   The terms “a” or “an” as used herein are to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. The description herein should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless indicated to the contrary. 
   Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In addition, the materials and methods are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. It is to be understood that the devices and methods used can vary and are not limited to the devices and methods described herein, as a skilled artisan will appreciate. 
   One of the differences between casting a fly rod and casting a spinning rod is the weight of the lure. A fly (lure) typically has considerably less weight than a lure, and, based on the weight, cannot be thrown very far. In contrast, the weight of a lure typically used on a spinning rod can be thrown almost as far as one is able to cast. Because of these differences in weight, the line on the fly rod is made thicker and heavier. 
   When casting a fly rod, the beginning of the cast is slow, but continues to accelerate in speed up to an abrupt stop at the end. The same principle applies to both the forward and backward cast. Using one hand to grip the rod while moving the line in repetitive forward and backward directions is one of the most difficult techniques associated with casting, as it is difficult to generate the speed needed while staying on an even and vertical plane for a successful cast. 
   Advantageously, it has been found that the addition of a device, according to an aspect of the invention, to a fishing rod and the methods for use thereof improves the casting ability of the caster by doubling the power and speed which in turn makes it much easier to achieve an acceleration to the stop by guiding arm movement through an appropriate casting motion. The device is designed for coupling or attaching to any commercially available fishing rod, and is made of inexpensive and lightweight materials. 
   Use of the device on any rod enables a caster to use both hands to enable the generation of speed needed to complete a successful cast. The caster uses the primary casting hand to hold the rod and reel. A second hand on the device, which is not burdened by the weight of rod or reel, provides more power to the cast. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the use of a second hand increases the power of the cast at least twofold. In addition, the device, including the handle and strap coupled thereto may be used by a right or left-handed person. 
   Lightweight materials are used for manufacturing the device so the weight does not interfere with or adversely affect the casting of the rod. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, graphite, stainless steel, higher-grade polycarbonate, fiberglass, titanium, wood, cork, and combinations thereof. As an example, the device may be made of a material that matches the composition of the rod. Alternatively, for example, the device may be manufactured entirely from 6061 grade aluminum, and may also include polycarbonate inserts on the outer surface of the grip to provide comfort to the caster and also to provide friction to prevent slippage. Alternatively, the device may be manufactured entirely from polycarbonate and the outer surface of the grip may have grids or other suitable markings integrally molded therein to provide friction. Many of the above-described materials are also inexpensive and readily available. 
   Referring now to the Figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a device  10  according to an aspect of the invention. The device  10  includes a handle  12 . The handle  12  includes a member  14  with an aperture  16  for receiving a reel seat  18  of a rod  19  (illustrated in  FIG. 3 ). The member  14  may be substantially cylindrical. The aperture  16  may be substantially cylindrical for receiving the reel seat  18 . 
   The reel seat  18  typically has a threaded male portion for which the aperture  16  is adapted to receive. Regardless of whether the male portion is threaded, a rubber grommet or shim  17  for coupling with the reel seat of the rod may be provided. A suitable member for receiving a rod  19  may be a clamping device  20  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The aperture  16  of the member  14  may be coupled to a rod  19  by using bolts or screws  23  (or springs—not shown) to couple the two portions  21 ,  21 ′ of the clamping device  20  together. Additional and alternative coupling devices are described below with regard to  FIGS. 12   a ,  12   b  and  13 . 
   An arm  24  extends from the member  14  and includes a grip  26 . The interior surface  27  of the grip  26  for a full finger enclosure includes curved portions  28  and  30  for receiving one or more digits, for example, the ring and pinky fingers of a caster&#39;s hand. The exterior surface  29  of the grip  26  for a full finger enclosure may include an indentation  32  for receiving an additional digit, for example, the third finger of a caster&#39;s hand. 
   In this embodiment, the thumb and index finger are free to guide or toggle the fishing line, whether on a fly or spinning rod. The exterior surface  29  of the grip  26  also may include a curved portion  31  which fits into the caster&#39;s palm. The arm  24  may be disposed at a selected angle relative to the member  14  and to the rod  19 . A suitable angle may be 90° from the member, illustrated as α-A in  FIG. 1 . With the device  10  coupled to a rod  19 , the arm  24  may extend a selected length in a first direction X at a 90° angle relative to the rod, and extend a selected length in a second direction Y at a 90° angle relative to the first length ( FIG. 2 ). 
   A suitable length for the arm  24  is approximately 4 inches, but may be more or less, depending upon the size of the rod  19 , or the size of the hand of the user. The entire length of the handle  12  of the device  10  is approximately 4.5 inches, and the height is approximately 2.5 inches, but the dimensions are not limited thereto. 
   Although the arm  24  of the handle  12  is illustrated at a selected angle (α-A) relative to the member  14 , it is to be understood that the handle  12  may be made, according to the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims, in many different shapes and sizes. For example, the arm  24  may curve outwardly from the member  24 : it is not limited to any particular geometry. Regardless of the geometry or shape of the arm  24 , the grip  26  on the arm  24  should be suitable, however, for receiving one or more digits. 
   The device  10  may also include on the member  14  of the handle  12  a coupling device  34  for receiving a wrist strap  36  ( FIG. 6 ). The coupling device  34  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  is in the form of a loop, eyelet, or ring, but alternative shapes and coupling devices  34  may also be suitably used. The coupling device  34  may be attached to the outer surface of the member ( FIG. 1 ), or alternatively may include a plate  33  bolted between the clamping device portions  21 ,  21 ′ with a loop  25  extending beyond the outer periphery of the member  14 . A suitable clamping device  20  may include a two-bolt detachable plate  21  and  21 ′ with a rubber or other suitable lining  17  for standard size rod handle diameters, and clamp screws (steel 20 t, ¼ inch) or bolts  23  for clamping the plates  21  and  21 ′ of the device  20  together. Additional and alternative coupling devices are described below with regard to  FIGS. 12   a ,  12   b , and  13 . 
   The handle  12  is illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  in context of the end portion (and an entire) fishing rod. Although a fly rod is illustrated, it is to be understood that the device  10  according to the invention may also be used on a spinning rod, casting rod, or when spey fishing or saltwater fishing. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , an alternative embodiment according to an aspect of the invention is illustrated. In  FIG. 5 , the grip  26  includes a curved portion  29 ′ and  31 ′ for receiving one or more digits of the caster&#39;s hand. In  FIG. 5 , the full finger enclosure is not included (as in  FIG. 1 ). 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , wrist strap  36  is illustrated. The wrist strap  36  may include an adjustable band  38  for placing around a caster&#39;s wrist. The band  38  may be formed of a hook and loop material, for example VELCRO®, which can be easily adjusted to the size and shape of a wrist and secured by pulling the adjustable band  38  through a slotted portion  40  and applying pressure to the material. Suitable materials also may include leather, cotton, plastic or other conventional materials used in forming straps. The material selected for the strap should not be extensible when finally adjusted to fit the wrist, as the expansion of the material could interfere with desired casting movements. The wrist strap  36  may include a reciprocal coupling device  44  for releasably coupling to the coupling device  34  of the member  14 . As illustrated, the reciprocal coupling device  44  is a ring or clasp, but may also include a hook, clip, and other suitable devices for easily coupling and decoupling. The coupling device  44  is attached to the strap  36  by a cord  42 . An additional coupling device is illustrated in  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b.    
   Cord  42  is made a suitable flexible and strong material, for example, nylon. The material should not be extensible, as the length of the cord  42  is intended to remain substantially the same, that is, the selected length of the cord  42  provides the caster with the ability to make repeated movements with the wrist in achieving perfect or nearly perfect casts. Repeated movements “teach” the muscles of the arm to make the same movements, and hence provide the muscles with “memory” to continue making the repeated desired casting movements. 
   To successfully cast a fly rod, one must abide by a series of rules and actions. The first important step in making a cast is to accelerate the rod backwards to an abrupt stop while moving the line and fly through the air. To do this with finesse requires speed, power and control, as a fly rod can be clumsy to use with its associated leverage and spring weight working against the caster. The second important step is to allow the line to unroll behind the caster before bringing the movement of the rod to an abrupt halt and accelerating to the fore position. This also requires control, in addition to the ability to perfectly position the rod in the fore and aft positions. 
   The device may advantageously be used in the following manner. The caster makes casting movements by moving the rod backwards and forwards (in a substantially vertical direction relative to the surface of the ground or water) with a sufficient amount of line extending from the end of the rod. Upon reaching sufficient speed in the line, which properly loads the rod, a cast is made onto the water. With one hand on the rod, and a second hand on the device, additional acceleration of the cast and additional control of the caster&#39;s ability to stop the cast is greatly improved. This is imperative for a good cast. The handle of the device allows the caster to use the non-dominant hand or arm to provide power and stability in the movement of the rod. When the device is used with the wrist strap coupled to the handle, the stopping of the cast is at the proper angle, which creates continuity and encourages good technique. It is in the extended position that the cord prevents the wrist of the caster from opening more than 45°. One can readily ascertain that the device is useful both for the novice and the seasoned caster. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , a front view of a caster holding the handle  12  coupled to a rod  19  is illustrated. The cord  42  is illustrated in a collapsed position. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the cord  42 ′ is illustrated in an extended position and is taut as the caster casts the line. While one hand is on the rod, the curved portion  31  of the handle  12  may be used as a leverage point for pushing and pulling the handle  12  with a second hand. 
   The extended cord  42 ′ prevents (or teaches) the user from substantially deviating from the movement of the wrist in a further backward direction (more than 45°), which typically results in a bad cast. It is to be understood that a deviation of 5° in either direction will not likely result in a bad cast, but a further deviation of an additional 5° or more will likely result in an unacceptable cast. A suitable length of cord  42  is approximately 2 inches, but may be slightly longer or shorter in length, depending upon the needs of the user. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a device according to another aspect of the invention. In this embodiment, the device  50  attaches to the bottom or butt end of a rod  52  at a location below the reel  54 . In this embodiment, the device  50  comprises a substantially cylindrical handle  56  for coupling with a rod  52 . The handle  56  should be of sufficient size to accommodate any commercially-available rod, and may also be adjustable, depending upon the needs of the user. The handle  56  also includes an aperture  58  at the end thereof for receiving a rigid member  60 . 
   Referring still to  FIG. 9 , the aperture  58  may be slotted to permit easy sliding of the rigid member  60  (illustrated in  FIG. 10 ) through the aperture  58 . A forearm strap  62  is suitably coupled to the rigid member  60  which prevents the wrist of the caster from opening more than 45° during a cast. The rigid member  60  may be made of but is not limited to aluminum, and may be made of another suitable material or combinations of materials. To prevent the rigid member  60  from slipping through the aperture  58 , and to keep the rigid member slidably coupled to the handle  56 , a suitable stop  64  is coupled to the end thereof. 
   The handle includes an arm  66  extending therefrom which includes one or more depressions  64  and  68  for receiving one or more fingers of a hand. The outer surface  70  of the arm  66  may also be curved to fit into the palm of the user. This embodiment allows the thumb, index, and middle finger to freely move and which remain available for controlling or guiding the fishing line. 
     FIG. 11  illustrates the device in use. One end of the rigid member  60  is disposed through aperture  58  and the opposite free end of the rigid member is attached to an adjustable strap  62  for placing about a forearm. The adjustable strap may be made of hook and pile material, for example, VELCRO®. When casting the line, the rigid member will slide reciprocally through the aperture  58 . The rigid member  60  is a selected length to stop the cast at 45°. 
     FIGS. 12   a ,  12   b , and  13  illustrate alternative embodiments for coupling a device to a rod. In  FIG. 12   a , a locking knob  80  with a threaded rod  82  pivots on a hinge  84 . In  FIG. 12   b , a cutaway portion indicated by dashed lines in  FIG. 12   a  is illustrated. In  FIG. 12   a , a portion of the ring member  14 ′ has a slotted portion  86  ( FIG. 12   b ) for receiving the locking knob  80 . In  FIG. 13 , an adjustment knob  90  is lockably engaged with a portion of the ring member  14 ′ with a cam  92 . The cam  92  may be easily moved in an upward position  93  (shown in phantom) to open the member  14 ′ and in a downward position  95  to lock the member  14 ′ around a rod  19 . 
     FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b  illustrate an alternative embodiment for securing a wrist strap  36  to the member  14 . The wrist strap  36  has a bar  94  for slidably engaging with an encasing slot  96  disposed on the member  14 . The bar  94  easily inserts into the encasing slot  96  and may also be removed easily, but will not likely disengage from the slot  96  during use. 
   The devices according to the invention may also be used when fighting a fish. Once a fish is hooked on the line, the device can be rested on the thigh in the area adjacent the hip. This position helps to distribute the pressure, as with a conventional round fighting butt, but has a larger surface area to disperse the energy. When saltwater fishing, the handle may be placed under the arm and hooked onto the back thereof to increase leverage and to free the hands for stripping the line. 
   The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive view and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. For example, a fishing rod may be designed to include the handle according to an aspect of the invention during manufacture, and avoid the need to place a separate device on a rod. In this embodiment, the device, including at least the handle would be integrally incorporated and formed with the rod during manufacture thereof and result in a complete unit. 
   Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims.