Patent Publication Number: US-2019174734-A1

Title: Rod holding device and methods of use

Description:
This non-provisional patent application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 62/596,798 filed Dec. 9, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and relied upon. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to holding devices, and more particularly to adjustable rod holding devices. 
     Transporting rods such as fishing rods can be challenging due to the length of the rods and the difficulty of holding rods in a bundle. This is due not only to the multiple appendages on the rods such as reels, handles, eyelets, fishing line, hooks, and lures, but also due to unbalanced weight distribution from one end of the rod to another. The length of rods can make storage in a boat or elsewhere very difficult and can be an obstruction and safety hazard for people walking inside a boat. Rods that are not tucked away can easily catch on overhead structures such as electrical lines, branches, and garage door obstructions. 
     What is needed are rod holding devices that can arrange and hold rods in a compact bundle yet capable to access any one individual rod. What is needed is a rod holding device that is quickly releasable from an anchor point somewhere on a boat so the rods can be stored as a convenient bundle and easily moved. The rod holding device needs to be adjustable to various angles whereby it is generally upright when used for fishing, or folded down to prevent catching the rods on any nearby objects either overhead, on sides, or within a given boat. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The article of invention is a rod holding device useful for the transport and storage of rods. In preferred embodiments, the article of invention is in the form of a fishing rod holding device. 
     In one form, a fishing rod holding device comprises a low strut releasably fixed to an anchor at an inferior end. 
     In one form, the low strut is in the form of an elongate cylindrical tube. 
     In one form, the low strut is generally vertical. 
     In one form, the low strut comprises a transition interface fixed to an inferior end for releasable coupling with an anchor. 
     In one form, an anchor supporting a low strut is secured to a base panel of a boat. 
     In one form, a boat seat comprising a transition interface is substituted with a rod holding device for fixation in anchor fixed to a base panel of a boat. 
     In one form, a pivot strut is pivotably coupled to a superior end of the low strut. 
     In one form, a pivot strut is in the form of an elongate square or rectangular tube. 
     In one form, a first range plate is fixed to at least one of a low strut and a pivot strut. 
     In one form, a first range plate is spaced from a second range plate and are fixed to at least one of a low strut and a pivot strut. 
     In one form, one or more of a first range plate and a second range plate are fixed by welds to at least one of a low strut and a pivot strut. 
     In one form, a range plate is generally flat with a generally circular profile defined by a perimeter face. 
     In one form, a range plate comprises a generally arcing clamp channel defined by a channel face inset from a perimeter face and wherein the channel face extends between an outer range face and an inner range face. 
     In one form, the clamp channel extends through an arc greater than 90 degrees. 
     In one form, the clamp channel extends through an arc of at least 120 degrees. 
     In one form, the clamp channel extends through an arc of about 160 degrees. 
     In one form, the clamp channel extends through an arc of more than 180 degrees. 
     In one form, an arcing clamp channel extending between an outer range face and an inner range face terminates in a first stop surface and a second stop surface at opposed ends of the clamp channel. 
     In one form, an alignment notch extends inward from the perimeter face of a range plate between a first stop surface and second stop surface for seating of a portion of one or more of a low strut and a pivot strut. 
     In one form, an alignment notch of a range plate is defined by a notch face. 
     In one form, an alignment notch of a range plate is generally square or rectangular in profile. 
     In one form, a range plate comprises a generally centralized pivot aperture defined by a pivot face which extends between an outer range face and an inner range face for housing a pivot bolt. 
     In one form, a weight aperture is positioned medial to a clamp channel and extends between an outer range face and an inner range face for weight reduction. 
     In one form, one or more of a first range plate and a second range plate are fixed to a strut surface at a superior end of a low strut. 
     In one form, one or more of a first range plate and a second range plate are fixed at an alignment notch to a strut surface of a low strut using a weld. 
     In one form, a pivot strut comprises a pivot hole at an inferior end for housing a pivot assembly to serve as a pivot axis. 
     In one form, a pivot hole on a pivot strut is aligned with a pivot aperture on a range plate for controlled pivoting motion therebetween using a pivot assembly. 
     In one form, a pivot strut comprises a clamp hole spaced from an inferior end for housing a clamp assembly for holding a desired angulation between a pivot strut and low strut. 
     In one form, a clamp hole on a pivot strut is aligned with a clamp channel on a range plate for pivotal clamping therebetween using a clamp assembly. 
     In one form, a pivot assembly comprises a pivot spacer, a pivot bolt, a pivot nut, a first pivot washer, and a second pivot washer. 
     In one form, a clamp assembly comprises a lock spacer, a clamp shaft, a first inner clamp washer, a second inner clamp washer, a first outer clamp washer, a second outer clamp washer, a first clamp knob and a second clamp knob. 
     In one form, a first clamp knob is fixed to a clamp shaft. 
     In one form, a second clamp knob threadably engages a clamp shaft. 
     In one form, a first clamp knob and a second clamp knob threadably engage a clamp shaft. 
     In one form, a clamp shaft comprises an enlarged clamp head. 
     In one form, the clamp head comprises drive faces. 
     In one form, a holder assembly comprises an upper rod holder and a lower rod holder. 
     In one form, a holder assembly comprises an upper rod holder, a lower rod holder, and one or more of a first holder stabilizer and a second holder stabilizer extending between the upper rod holder and lower rod holder. 
     In one form, a portion of a holder assembly is fixed to a distal end portion of a pivot strut. 
     In one form, a portion of a holder assembly is fixed to a distal end portion of a pivot strut using one or more of welds and fasteners. 
     In one form, an upper rod holder comprises an upper rod collar. 
     In one form, an upper rod collar is generally oval having a generally oval first central aperture. 
     In one form, a lower rod collar is generally oval having a generally oval second central aperture. 
     In one form, one or more of the first central aperture and second central aperture are sized to house a pivot strut therein. 
     In one form, an upper rod collar and a lower rod collar are fixed on a pivot strut in planes generally perpendicular to a pivot strut. 
     In one form, spaced radially from said upper rod collar and said lower rod collar are a plurality of cages. 
     In one form, said plurality of cages extending from the upper rod collar generally reside in a common plane with the upper rod collar. 
     In one form, said plurality of cages extending from the lower rod collar generally reside in a common plane with the lower rod collar. 
     In one form, an upper cage defines an upper rod tunnel for containing a portion of a rod therein. 
     In one form, a lower cage defines a lower rod tunnel for containing a portion of a rod therein. 
     In one form, individual upper cages are generally aligned with individual lower cages such that a rod can be captured therein along aligned axes. 
     In one form, a holder assembly is fixed to a distal end of a pivot strut. 
     In one form, a holder assembly is fixed to a distal end of a pivot strut using welds. 
     In one form, a pivot strut is moveable through a range of motion thereby positioning rods held within a holder assembly in a plurality of angular positions. 
     In one form, a clamp shaft portion of a clamp assembly travels within a clamp channel of a range plate wherein said assembly may be locked at any position within the clamp channel. 
     In one form, a clamp shaft portion of a clamp assembly travels within a clamp channel of a range plate wherein said assembly may be locked predefined positions within the clamp channel. 
     In one form, a clamp shaft spans across a pair of spaced range plates. 
     In one form, a pivot range of a pivot strut is limited by interference between a portion of a clamp assembly and one or more of a first stop surface and a second stop surface within a range plate clamp channel. 
     In one form, a clamp assembly is locked by advancing one or more of a first clamp knob and a second clamp knob causing a frictional locking between the clamp assembly and corresponding range plate in a locked configuration. 
     In one form, a clamp assembly is unlocked by reversing advancement of one or more of a first clamp knob and a second clamp knob causing a reduction of frictional locking between the clamp assembly and corresponding range plate in an unlocked configuration. 
     In one form, a user places a fishing rod holding device in an unlocked configuration and adjusts a corresponding pivot strut to a new predetermined position then changes the corresponding clamp assembly to a locked configuration. 
     In one form, a clamp assembly is in the form of a cammed quick release rod and skewer. 
     In one form, a cammed quick release rod and skewer comprises a cam pad on which a cam lobe from a cam lever articulates. 
     In one form, a cam shaft is positioned generally perpendicular to a clamp shaft of a cammed quick release rod and skewer. 
     In one form, a clamp assembly is locked by pivoting a cam lever causing a frictional locking between the clamp assembly and corresponding range plate in a locked configuration. 
     In one form, a clamp assembly is unlocked by reversing pivoting of a cam lever causing a frictional unlocking between the clamp assembly and corresponding range plate in an unlocked configuration. 
     In one form, one or more of a first range plate and a second range plate comprises a plurality of recess surfaces inset from an outer range face. 
     In one form, the recess surfaces are radially centered and spaced about a clamp channel. 
     In one form, a lock face extends between the recess surfaces and the outer range face. 
     In one form, lock pockets are formed in an outer range face of a range plate and are defined by a recess surface and a lock face. 
     In one form, a lock pocket is sized and shaped to seat an outer clamp washer. 
     In one form, and in a locked configuration, an outer clamp washer abuts a lock face to prevent pivoting movement of a range plate from a predesignated position. 
     In one form, and in an unlocked configuration, an outer clamp washer is able to move past a lock face on the range plate to provide for pivoting adjustment of a holder assembly to a predesignated position. 
     In one form, a fishing rod holding device comprises a transition interface at a proximal end of a low strut. 
     In one form, a transition interface is in the form of an interface cup. The interface cup comprises an inner cup face having a size and profile for seating a proximal end of a low strut therein. 
     In one form, an interface cup comprises an outer cup face having a size and profile suited for seating within an anchor. 
     In one form, a boat seat comprising a transition interface is substituted with a rod holding device for fixation in an anchor fixed to a base panel of a boat. 
     In one form, an interface cup comprises a high position boss for seating within a complementing high notch of an anchor thus preventing rotation therebetween. 
     In one form, an interface cup comprises a low position boss extending inferiorly for seating within a complementing low socket of an anchor. 
     In one form, an interface cup comprises a lever lock for releasably securing an interface cup within an anchor. 
     In one form, a base comprises a cup holder portion sized and shaped for seating a corresponding transition interface therein. 
     In one form, an anchor has a broad base having screw holes at its periphery. 
     In one form, a broad base is secured to a base panel using one or more base screws. 
     In one form, a base panel is the floor of a boat. 
     In one form, a base panel is on the rail of a boat. 
     In one form, a base panel is a horizontal surface elevated from the floor of a boat. 
     In one form, when a fishing rod holding device is removed from an anchor, the anchor may be used to support a seat. 
     In one form, a fishing rod holding device holds a plurality of fishing poles. 
     In one form, a fishing rod holding device is removed from an anchor for storage. 
     In one form, a fishing rod holding device with one or more fishing rods seated within an upper rod tunnel and lower rod tunnel is removed from an anchor for storage as a combined fishing rod and fishing rod holding device unit. 
     In one form, a lever lock is depressed to release a transition interface from an anchor. 
     In one form, a clamp assembly is in the form of a clamp shaft that is biased in one direction. 
     In one form, a clamp assembly comprises an engagement knob mounted on one end. 
     In one form, a clamp assembly comprises an engagement spring for biasing a clamp shaft in one direction. 
     In one form, an engagement knob comprises a radially positioned engagement face sized to engage a lock pocket on range plate. 
     In one form, an engagement knob comprises at least one grasp face for grasping by a user&#39;s hand. 
     In one form, an engagement knob comprises a stop face for engagement with an outer range face of a range plate. 
     In one form, distracting an engagement knob against engagement spring force unlocks an engagement face from a lock pocket providing consequent angle adjustment of a pivot strut relative to a low strut. 
     In one form, a clamp shaft is pivotable through a clamp channel for adjustment of a pivot strut angle. 
     In one form, a range plate comprises a series of lock faces forming lock pockets along the length of a clamp channel. 
     In one form, the lock faces are sized and shaped to seat an engagement face of an engagement knob therein. 
     In one form, a first range plate comprising a series of lock pockets along a clamp channel is paired with a second range plate absent of lock pockets along a clamp channel. 
     In one form, a low strut terminates in a releasable foot configured for releasable fixation to an anchor plate. 
     In one form, the releasable foot comprises a foot plate fixed to the low strut. 
     In one form, one or more welds join a low strut to a foot plate. 
     In one form, a base strut reinforces the junction between the low strut and foot plate. 
     In one form, the base strut is in the form of a tube. 
     In one form, the base strut resides within the low strut. 
     In one form, the low strut comprises at least one weld notch at an inferior end for joining the low strut with the base strut using a weld. 
     In one form, a base strut is seated in a ring aperture extending through the foot plate between a foot bottom and foot top. 
     In one form, a foot plate comprises an opposing first slot and second slot extending between a foot bottom and foot top from a foot end face of the foot plate. 
     In one form, an upper lock aperture for housing a lock bolt extends from a foot top to a foot bottom of a foot plate. 
     In one form, a lock bolt is housed in an upper lock aperture. 
     In one form, an anchor plate is configured for releasable locking with a foot plate. 
     In one form, an anchor plate comprises opposed anchor end surfaces. 
     In one form, an anchor plate comprises opposed anchor side surfaces. 
     In one form, an anchor plate comprises opposed first plate holes extending between an anchor top surface and anchor bottom surface at one end of the anchor plate. 
     In one form, an anchor plate comprises opposed second plate holes extending between an anchor top surface and anchor bottom surface of the anchor plate. 
     In one form, the first plate holes and second plate holes are positioned at opposed ends of the anchor plate. 
     In one form, at least one of the first plate holes and second plate holes are counter sunk or counter bored for seating of the head of a plate fastener therein. 
     In one form, lock collar is configured for seating within one or more of a first slot and second slot of a foot plate to provide releasable fixation at one end of the foot plate. 
     In one form, the lock collar comprises a toe wall sized to fit within one for more of a first slot and second slot of a foot plate. 
     In one form, the lock collar comprises a bottom collar face for seating against an anchor top surface. 
     In one form, the lock collar comprises a radially enlarged rim spaced from the bottom collar face. 
     In one form, the radially enlarged rim comprises a rim face for engaging the foot top of a foot plate when the lock collar is seated within a first slot or second slot. 
     In one form, the lock collar comprises a collar aperture extending through the lock collar along a central axis. 
     In one form, the lock collar comprises a countersunk or counter bored head recess for seating the head of a plate fastener therein. 
     In one form, the anchor plate comprises a lower lock aperture extending between an anchor top surface and an anchor bottom surface of an anchor plate. 
     In one form, the lower lock aperture is threaded to complement the lock bolt. 
     In one form, the upper lock aperture and lower lock aperture are aligned when the releasable foot is mated with the anchor plate. 
     In one form, a first foot plate fastener extends through the collar aperture of a lock collar and through a first plate hole of an anchor plate then seated in a panel of a boat. 
     In one form, a second foot plate fastener extends through a second plate hole of an anchor plate then seated in a base panel of a boat. 
     In one form, the head of a second foot plate fastener is seated in a counter sunk or counter bored portion of a second plate hole. 
     In one form, the low strut stands generally vertical in an operational configuration where the rod holding device is anchored to a base panel of a boat or other vehicle. 
     In one form, the rod holding device is released from an anchor secured to a base panel of a boat or other vehicle in a storage configuration. 
     In one form, a rod holding device is made substantially from non-corrosive materials such as non-corrosive metals and polymers. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings, wherein each drawing is according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a rod holding device; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an exploded perspective view of the rod holding device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a side view of a rod holding device illustrating a tilted holder assembly positioned in one direction; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the rod holding device of  FIG. 3  with tilted holder assembly positioned in an opposed direction; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a side view of the rod holding device of  FIG. 3  with tilted holder assembly at a discrete position within a range; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of the rod holding device of  FIG. 3  illustrating an alignment between upper cages and lower cages in which rods are captured; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of a rod holding device utilizing an alternative style of first range plate and second range plate; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of a range plate utilized on the rod holding device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of a range plate utilized on the rod holding device of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a perspective view of a pivot assembly; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a perspective view of a clamp assembly; 
         FIG. 12  depicts a perspective view of an alternative clamp assembly in the form of a cammed quick release rod and skewer in an unlocked configuration; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of an alternative clamp assembly in the form of a cammed quick release rod and skewer in an locked configuration; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a perspective view of an upper rod holder; 
         FIG. 15  depicts a perspective view of a lower rod holder; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a perspective view of a low strut; 
         FIG. 17  depicts a low perspective view of a transition interface in the form of an interface cup; 
         FIG. 18  depicts a high perspective view of the interface cup of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  depicts a high perspective view of a rod holding device having a transition interface in the form of a releasable foot and anchor plate system and a spring loaded clamp assembly; 
         FIG. 20  depicts a partial perspective view of the releasable foot and anchor plate system of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  depicts a perspective view of the anchor plate assembly of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 22  depicts an exploded perspective view of the anchor plate assembly of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 23  depicts a partial perspective view of the spring loaded clamp assembly and releasable foot of the rod holding device of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 24  depicts an exploded partial perspective view of the spring loaded clamp assembly and releasable foot of the rod holding device of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 25  depicts a partial bottom perspective view of a weld joining the releasable foot and base strut; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the spring loaded clamp assembly of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a first range plate used with a spring loaded clamp assembly; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a second range plate used with a spring loaded clamp assembly; 
         FIG. 29  is a partial perspective view of a spring loaded clamp assembly in a locked configuration; 
         FIG. 30  is a partial perspective view of a spring loaded clamp assembly in an unlocked position. 
         FIG. 31  is a partial perspective view of a rod holding device with a plurality of fishing rods seated within an upper rod tunnel and lower rod tunnel of a holder assembly wherein the rod holding device is engaged with an anchor fixed to the floor of a boat and whereas the holder assembly is partially folded down in a operational configuration; 
         FIG. 32  is a partial perspective view of a rod holding device with a plurality of fishing rods seated within an upper rod tunnel and lower rod tunnel of a holder assembly wherein the rod holding device is engaged with an anchor fixed to a bench at the stern of the boat and whereas the holder assembly is folded down; 
         FIG. 33  is a partial perspective view of a rod holding device with a plurality of fishing rods seated within an upper rod tunnel and lower rod tunnel of a holder assembly wherein the rod holding device is engaged with an anchor fixed to a bench at the stern of the boat and whereas the holder assembly is extended generally upright; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view illustrating one form of anchor common in the prior art for releasably securing a post to a floor; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a releasable foot and anchor plate system of  FIG. 19  whereas the anchor plate is mounted to the rail of a fishing boat in an operational configuration; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a rod holding device with fishing rod held therein, removed from its anchor for storage at a separate location in a storage configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Select embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive way, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the invention described herein. Like numerals indicate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views and wherein various embodiments are separated by letters (i.e.  100 ,  100 B,  100 C). 
     In one embodiment,  FIGS. 1-6  depict an embodiment of a fishing rod holding device  10  comprising a low strut  14  releasably fixable to an anchor  134  at an inferior end. The low strut  14  in this embodiment is in the form of an elongate tube and comprises a transition interface  12  fixed to an inferior end of low strut  14  for releasable coupling with an anchor  134  ( FIG. 34 ). A pivot strut  16  is pivotably coupled to the low strut  14 . 
     In this embodiment, a first range plate  18  is fixed to low strut  14  at strut surface  15 . First range plate  18  is spaced from a second range plate  20  with each fixed to low strut  14  by welds although fasteners are used in other embodiments. A first range plate  18  and a second range plate  20  are generally flat with a generally circular profile defined by perimeter face  46  ( FIG. 8 ). One skilled in the art will recognize profiles besides circular may be used. Each range plate comprises an arcing clamp channel  42  defined by a channel face  44  inset from a perimeter face  46  and extending between an outer range face  17  and an inner range face  19 . Arcing clamp channel  42  extending between an outer range face  17  and inner range face  19  terminates in a first stop surface  34  and a second stop surface  36 . An alignment notch  38  extends inward from perimeter face  46  of a range plate between a first stop surface  34  and second stop surface  36  for seating of a portion of a low strut  14  therein. Alignment notch  38  is defined by a notch face  40 . Here, alignment notch  38  is generally rectangular in profile. Each of first range plate  18  and second range plate  20  comprises a generally centralized pivot aperture  48  defined by a pivot face  50  extending between outer range face  17  and an inner range face  19  for housing a pivot bolt  62 . 
     In this embodiment, a weight aperture  52  defined by weight face  54  ( FIG. 8 ) is positioned medial to clamp channel  42  and extends between outer range face  17  and inner range face  19  for weight reduction however the weight aperture may be absent in some embodiments. One or more of first range plate  18  and second range plate  20  are fixed at alignment notch  38  to strut surface  15  at a superior end of low strut  14  by weld  154 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a pivot strut  16  comprises a pivot hole  23  extending along Axis F at an inferior end for housing a pivot assembly  22 . A pivot hole  23  on pivot strut  16  is aligned with pivot aperture  48  on a range plate for controlled pivoting motion therebetween using a pivot assembly  22 . 
     Pivot strut  16  comprises a clamp hole  21  along Axis E spaced from an inferior end for housing a clamp assembly  24  therein. Clamp hole  21  extends perpendicular through pivot strut  16  and is aligned with a clamp channel  42  on a range plate for pivotal clamping therebetween using a clamp assembly  24 . 
     Pivot assembly  22  ( FIG. 10 ) comprises a pivot spacer  56 , a pivot bolt  62 , a pivot nut  64 , a first pivot washer  58 , and a second pivot washer  60 . In some embodiments, a bushing, such as a bronze bushing may be utilized to reduce wear between pivot bolt  62  and pivot strut  16 . 
     One embodiment of a clamp assembly  24  ( FIG. 11 ) comprises; a lock spacer  66 , a clamp shaft  80 , a first inner clamp washer  68 , a second inner clamp washer  70 , a first outer clamp washer  72 , and a second outer clamp washer  74 . In this embodiment, first clamp knob  76  is fixed to clamp shaft  80 , whereas second clamp knob  78  threadably engages clamp shaft  80 . In other embodiments, first clamp knob  76  and second clamp knob  78  both threadably engage clamp shaft  80 . Advancing either or both first clamp knob  76  and second clamp knob  78  causes a frictional compression that clamps the pivot strut  16  in a desired position. 
     Holder assembly  25  comprises an upper rod holder  26  and a lower rod holder  28  and one or more of a first holder stabilizer  30  and a second holder stabilizer  32  extending between the upper rod holder  26  and lower rod holder  28 . A portion of holder assembly  25  is fixed to a distal end portion of pivot strut  16  using one or more of welds and fasteners. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14-15 , upper rod holder  26  comprises an upper rod collar  82  which in this embodiment is generally oval having a generally oval first central aperture  102 . Lower rod collar  83  is generally oval and has a generally oval second central aperture  104 . One or more of first central aperture  102  and second central aperture  104  are sized to house a pivot strut  16  therein. Spaced radially from the upper rod collar  82  and said lower rod collar  83  are a plurality of cages illustrated as cages  84 - 99 . Cages  84 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90 ,  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  extend from upper rod collar  82  and generally reside in a common plane G with upper rod collar  82 . Cages  85 ,  87 ,  89 ,  91 ,  93 ,  95 ,  97 ,  99  extend from lower rod collar  83  and generally reside in a common plane H with lower rod collar  83 . 
     Upper cages  84 - 98  (even) define upper rod tunnels for containing a portion of a rod  150  therein. Lower cages  85 - 99  (odd) define lower rod tunnels for containing a portion of a rod  150  therein. In this embodiment, individual upper cages are generally aligned with individual lower cages as illustrated in  FIG. 6  such that a rod  150  can be captured therein. This alignment between cages is also illustrated in  FIG. 3  as Axis A and Axis B show alignment between rod tunnels of cages of upper rod holder  26  and lower rod holder  28 . In some embodiments, the reel of a fishing rod is larger than the size of a corresponding upper rod tunnel (i.e. first upper rod tunnel  106 ) and therefore serves as a reel stop to keep the rod and reel positioned within holder assembly  25 . 
     In this embodiment, holder assembly  25  is fixed to a distal end of pivot strut  16  using welds  154  ( FIG. 6 ). Pivot strut  16  is pivotable through a range of motion thereby positioning rods  150  held within a holder assembly  25  in a plurality of angular positions. For example,  FIG. 1  illustrates a generally upright orientation wherein a rod stored in holder assembly  25  would be held in a similar orientation. This generally upright orientation is useful while fishing. However,  FIG. 3  illustrates a holder assembly  25  orientation that would be tilted toward one end of a boat such as the stern, whereas  FIG. 4  illustrates a holder assembly  25  orientation that would be tilted toward an opposed end of a boat such as the bow.  FIG. 5  illustrates a holder assembly positioned at a discreet position within a range thereby providing an adjustable angular relationship between Axis C of pivot strut  16  and Axis D of low strut  14 . 
     Clamp shaft  80  of clamp assembly  24  travels within a clamp channel  42  of first range plate  18  and second range plate  20  wherein said clamp assembly  24  may be locked at any position within the clamp channel  42 . In this embodiment, a pivot range of a pivot strut  16  is limited by interference between a portion of a clamp assembly  24  and one or more of a first stop surface  34  and a second stop surface  36  at terminal ends of a range plate clamp channel  42 . 
     In this embodiment, clamp assembly  24  is locked by advancing one or more of a first clamp knob  76  and a second clamp knob  78  causing a frictional locking between the clamp assembly  24  and a corresponding range plate in a locked configuration. Clamp assembly  24  is unlocked by reversing advancement of one or more of a first clamp knob  76  and a second clamp knob  78  causing a reduction of frictional locking between clamp assembly  24  and a corresponding range plate in an unlocked configuration. 
     Adjusting the angulation of a holder assembly  25  comprises the steps of placing a fishing rod holding device  10  in an unlocked configuration and adjusting a corresponding pivot strut  16  to a new predetermined position, then changing the corresponding clamp assembly  24  to a locked configuration. 
     In one embodiment, low strut  14  is removably housed in a generally vertical orientation within a bore of an anchor device. A variety of coupling mechanisms utilized in the prior art that provide stationary holding of a low strut may be utilized. It is preferable that the coupling mechanism includes the ability to release and remove a rod holding device for storage purposes although the low strut may be permanently fixed in a predetermined position.  FIG. 17-18  illustrate one style of coupling mechanism available from the prior art for utilization with the anchor  134  of  FIG. 34 . In this embodiment, fishing rod holding device  10  comprises a transition interface  12  at a proximal end of a low strut  14  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Here, transition interface  12  is in the form of an interface cup. Interface cup  128  comprises an inner cup face  130  having a size and profile for seating a proximal end of a low strut  14  therein. Interface cup  128  also comprises an outer cup face  132  having a size and profile suited for seating within anchor  134  ( FIG. 34 ). Interface cup  128  comprises a high position boss  122  for seating within a complementing high notch  140  of anchor  134 . Interface cup  128  also comprises a low position boss  124  for seating within a complementing low socket  142  of anchor  134 , and a lever lock  126  for releasably securing an interface cup  128  within anchor  134 . Further to this embodiment, anchor  134  comprises a base  136  portion comprising a cup holder  138  portion sized and shaped for seating a complementary transition interface  12  therein. Anchor  134  has a broad base  136  having screw holes at its periphery for securing to a base panel  148  (such as a floor or rail of a boat) using one or more base screws  146 . In this embodiment, base panel  148  is the floor of a boat but may also be in the form of a horizontal surface elevated from the floor of a boat. When a fishing rod holding device  10  is removed from an anchor  134 , the anchor  134  may be used to support a removable seat. 
     Fishing rod holding device  10  in preferred embodiments holds a plurality of fishing poles  150  as illustrated in  FIGS. 31-33 . In addition, in some embodiments, fishing rod holding device  10  may be removed from an anchor for storage as illustrated in  FIG. 33  by depressing lever lock and lifting then relocating fishing rod holding device  10  with any fishing rods  150  therein. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of a fishing rod holding device  10 B comprising one or more range plates (first range plate  18 B and second range plate  20 B) having a plurality of lock pockets for locking of a holder assembly  25 B in a variety of predetermined angular positions with respect to a low strut  14 B. Here, a clamp assembly  24 B is in the form of a cammed quick release rod and skewer  77 B ( FIG. 12, 13 ) which comprises a cam pad  67 B on which a camlobe  69 B from a cam lever  73 B articulates. A cam shaft  71 B is positioned generally perpendicular to a clamp shaft  80 B of the cammed quick release rod and skewer  77 B. The clamp assembly  24 B is locked by pivoting cam lever  73 B wherein camlobe  69 B creates compression against cam pad  67 B causing a frictional locking between the clamp assembly and corresponding range plate  18 B,  20 B in a locked configuration ( FIG. 13 ). A clamp assembly is unlocked by reversing pivoting of a cam lever  73 B causing a frictional loosening between the clamp assembly and corresponding range plate  18 B,  20 B in an unlocked configuration ( FIG. 12 ). A cam handle  75 B is disposed on cam lever  73 B for gripping by a user. In some embodiments, range plate pairs are used in one of the following configurations; both range plates comprise lock pockets, only one range plate comprises lock pockets, and neither range plate comprises lock pockets. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , one or more of a first range plate  18 B and a second range plate  20 B comprises a plurality of recess surfaces (first through fifth recess surfaces  158 B,  160 B,  162 B,  164 B,  166 B) inset in an outer range face  17 B. The recess surfaces are radially centered and spaced about a clamp channel  42 B. A plurality of lock faces (first through fifth lock faces  159 B,  161 B,  163 B,  165 B,  167 B) extend between the respective recess surfaces and corresponding outer range face  17 B. A plurality of lock pockets (first through fifth lock pockets  168 B,  169 B,  170 B,  171 B,  172 B) are formed in an outer range face  17 B of a range plate and are defined by a corresponding recess surface and a lock face. 
     Each lock pocket is sized and shaped to seat a first or second outer clamp washer  72 B,  74 B (in alternative embodiments, cammed clamp assemblies may be used with lock pockets removed). In a locked configuration, a corresponding outer clamp washer abuts a lock face to prevent pivoting movement of a range plate from a predesignated position. In an unlocked configuration, an outer clamp washer is able to move past a lock face on the range plate to provide for pivoting adjustment of a holder assembly to a predesignated position. 
       FIGS. 19-30  illustrate yet another embodiment of a rod holding device  10 C. In this embodiment, a clamp assembly  24 C is in the form of a clamp shaft  80 C that is biased in one direction. The clamp assembly  24 C comprises an engagement knob  222 C mounted on one end of clamp shaft  80 C by for example threads, pins, clips, compression, or other means known in the art. An engagement spring  212 C is seated over clamp shaft  80 C adjacent clamp head  81 C for biasing the clamp shaft  80 C in one direction. A washer  214 C may be placed against the spring base. An engagement knob  222 C comprises a radially positioned engagement face  220 C sized to engage a lock pocket (i.e. ninth lock pocket  176 C) on first range plate  18 C. 
     In this embodiment, engagement knob  222 C comprises at least one grasp face  242 C for grasping by a user&#39;s hand to distract clamp assembly. In addition, engagement knob  222 C comprises a stop face  218 C for abutting with outer range face  17 C of range plate  18 C. First engagement threads  216 C on clamp shaft  80 C engage with second engagement threads  217 C of engagement knob  222 C. Distracting engagement knob  222 C against engagement spring  212 C force unlocks engagement face  220 C from a lock pocket thereby providing consequent angle adjustment of pivot strut  16 C relative to low strut  14 C. Once a new angle adjustment is chosen, engagement knob  222 C is released causing consequent engagement of engagement face  220 C in an alternative lock pocket. During this angular adjustment, clamp shaft  80 C is pivotable through clamp channel  42 C for adjustment of a pivot strut angle α (between Axis C and D). 
     As noted in  FIG. 27 , first range plate  18 C comprises a series of first through ninth lock faces (i.e. respectively  159 C,  161 C,  163 C,  165 C,  167 C,  177 C,  178 C,  179 C,  181 C) forming first through ninth lock pockets (i.e. respectively  168 C,  169 C,  170 C,  171 C,  172 C,  173 C,  174 C,  175 C,  176 C) along the length of clamp channel  42 C which is defined by channel face  44 C. As illustrated, the lock faces are sized and shaped to seat an engagement face  220 C of engagement knob  222 C therein. Force from engagement spring  212 C causes stop face  218 C to remain adjacent to outer range face  17 C until disengaged by the user. First range plate  18 C and second range plate  20 C (absent of lock pockets along a clamp channel) are positionally aligned as illustrated in  FIGS. 29 and 30 . 
     In this embodiment ( FIG. 19-25 ), low strut  14 C terminates in a releasable foot  186 C which is configured for releasable fixation to anchor plate  189 C. The releasable foot  186 C comprises a foot plate  188 C fixed to low strut  14 C. In some embodiments, one or more welds join the low strut  14 C to the foot plate  188 C. In other embodiments, a base strut  180 C reinforces the junction between low strut  14 C and foot plate  188 C. As illustrated, the base strut  180 C is in the form of a tube and resides within low strut  14 C. 
     In this embodiment, low strut  14 C comprises at least one weld notch  195 C at an inferior end that joins low strut  14 C with base strut  180 C using a weld  194 C. Base strut  180 C, having a base face  182 C at an inferior end and radial face  184 C, is seated in ring aperture  192 C. Ring aperture  192 C is defined by ring wall  190 C and extends through foot plate  188 C between a foot bottom  204 C and foot top  206 C. A weld  194 C secures base face  182 C to ring wall  190 C as illustrated in  FIG. 25 . Foot plate  188 C comprises an opposing first slot  198 C (defined by first slot face  196 C) and second slot  202 C (defined by second slot face  200 C) extending between a foot bottom  204 C and foot top  206 C from a foot end face  205 C of foot plate  188 C. Foot plate  188 C also comprises opposing foot side faces  207 C. 
     As illustrated, anchor plate  189 C is configured for releasable locking with a foot plate  188 C. An upper lock aperture  208 C for housing a lock bolt  210 C extends from a foot top  206 C to a foot bottom  204 C of foot plate  188 C. Anchor plate  189 C comprises opposed anchor end surfaces  248 C and opposed anchor side surfaces  250 C. In addition, anchor plate  189 C comprises opposed first plate holes  230 C and opposed second plate holes  232 C extending between an anchor top surface  244 C and anchor bottom surface  246 C at opposed ends of the anchor plate  189 C. In this embodiment, at least one of the first plate holes  230 C and second plate holes  232 C are counter sunk or counter bored for seating of the head of a plate fastener therein. 
     Further to this embodiment, lock collar  228 C is configured for seating within one or more of first slot  198 C and second slot  202 C of foot plate  188 C to provide releasable fixation at one end of the foot plate  188 C. The lock collar  228 C comprises a toe wall  236 C sized to fit within one or more of a first slot  198 C and second slot  202 C of foot plate  188 C. A bottom collar face  241 C seat against an anchor top surface  244 C. A radially enlarged rim  234 C is spaced from the bottom collar face  241 C for seating of foot plate  188 C therebetween. The radially enlarged rim  234 C comprises a rim face  239 C for engaging the foot top  206 C of a foot plate  188 C when the lock collar  228 C is seated within a first slot  198 C or second slot  202 C. In addition, lock collar  228 C comprises a collar aperture  240 C extending through lock collar  228 C along a central axis. A countersunk or counter bored head recess  238 C provides seating the head of a plate fastener therein. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , anchor plate  189 C comprises a lower lock aperture  209 C extending between anchor top surface  244 C and anchor bottom surface  246 C of anchor plate  189 C. In this embodiment, lower lock aperture  209 C is threaded to complement lock bolt  210 C. Upper lock aperture  208 C and lower lock aperture  209 C are aligned when releasable foot  186 C is mated with the anchor plate  189 C. First foot plate fastener  224 C extends through collar aperture  240 C of a lock collar  228 C and through a first plate hole  230 C of anchor plate  189 C then seated in a base panel of a boat. In this embodiment, second foot plate fastener  226 C extends through a second plate hole  232 C of an anchor plate  189 C and is then seated in a base panel  148 C of a boat. The head of second foot plate fastener  226 C is seated in a counter sunk or counter bored portion of a second plate hole  232 C. 
       FIG. 31  illustrates one embodiment of a fishing rod holding device with one or more fishing rods  150  seated within an upper rod tunnel and lower rod tunnel of a holder assembly  25 . Here, holder assembly  25  is shown angled towards the bow of the boat.  FIG. 32  illustrates another embodiment of a pair of fishing rod holding devices  10  with one secured to an anchor  134  fixed to a base panel  148  on the floor of a boat and the other fixed to an anchor  134  fixed to a base panel  148  elevated from the floor of a boat  152  in front of boat motor  153 . The low angled position not only makes transport of rods tidy and convenient, it also angles fishing rods  150  such that they clear overhead obstacles such as garage door headers. In addition, the feature to lower fishing rods  150  adds convenience of neatly storing fishing rods in a boat while not obstructing the use of a boat cover. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates yet another embodiment of a fishing rod holding device  10  seated in an anchor  134  fixed to an elevated base panel  148  of a boat  152 . In this embodiment, some of the fishing rods  150  are held in aligned upper and lower rod tunnels  106 ,  108  of corresponding cages whereas other fishing rods are angled outwards by insertion into rod tunnels that are misaligned. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates one style of anchor  134  known in the prior art secured to a base panel  148  of a boat  152  by the use of base screws  146 . A cup holder  138  is sized and shaped to receive a transition interface  12  of the variety illustrated in  FIGS. 17-18  and utilized in the rod holding device of  FIG. 7  and other embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 33 , cup holder  138  seats transition interface  12  therein thus holding low strut  14  generally vertical in an operational configuration. Anchor  134  comprises high notch  140 , low socket  142 , and lever notch  144  to complement respective features high position boss  122 , low position boss  124 , and lever lock  126  of transition interface  12  for seating therein. 
       FIG. 35  illustrates one embodiment of a releasable foot  186 C locked into an anchor plate  189 C that is fixed to a base panel  148  of a boat. Each lock collar  228 C is seated in a respective first slot  198 C and a second slot  202 C of foot plate  188 C. Lock bolt  210 C extends through foot plate  188 C and securing into anchor plate  189 C. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates an embodiment of a fishing rod holding device  10  released from its anchor  134  in a storage configuration and here resting against the wall of a garage. 
     The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.