Patent Publication Number: US-2015060378-A1

Title: Fishing rod and reel carrier

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
     The present invention relates generally to a fishing rod and reel carrier. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fishing rod and reel carrier that can be easily mounted to a vehicle and then removed and mounted on a wall. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
     Fishing is a very popular and exciting sport. Fishermen often take several rods with reels attached thereto with them when they go fishing. This can be for the purpose of providing a fishing pole outfit for each person in the fishing party, but quite often it is for the purpose of having different rod and reel combinations available for different fishing conditions, or, as in the case of a tournament fisherman, for quickly switching from one lure to another by merely grabbing a different rod and reel outfit. One of the main challenges when planning a fishing trip is carrying fishing poles to and from the desired fishing spot, particularly when transport with an automobile is required. The problem is exacerbated when bringing multiple rods on fishing excursions. The rods are long and flexible. The reels are somewhat fragile. 
     When a person is attempting to move several fishing rods from one location to another, that person in the past has had relatively few options. The most common practice is to remove the reels from the rods and to break down and store the rods in individual carrying cases. Another alternative is simply to leave the reels on the rods and to carry the rods together or stack them together. The disadvantage of the latter approach is the chance that someone will step on the rods or that the rods and reels will be damaged by striking one another. Persons that fish extensively have a need for a convenient means for carrying their fishing rods in their vehicles. For short trips, it would be particularly convenient if the rods could be carried in an assembled condition. But when assembled, their lengths may prevent them from being carried inside the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a fishing rod and reel carrier for transporting and mounting one or more fishing rods and reels. The carrier includes a carrier frame which mounts on a ferromagnetic surface. A plurality of fishing rod holders are mounted to the frame. A plurality of suction cups are secured to the frame to removably adhere the frame to the ferromagnetic surface. A plurality of magnets are secured to the frame to removably attach to the ferromagnetic surface to aid in keeping the suction cups affixed to the ferromagnetic surface. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of transporting and mounting one or more fishing rods and reels on a fishing rod and reel carrier includes: mounting a carrier frame on a ferromagnetic surface; providing a plurality of fishing rod holders mounted to the frame; removably adhering the frame to the ferromagnetic surface with a plurality of suction cups secured to the frame; and removably attaching the frame to the ferromagnetic surface with a plurality of magnets secured to frame to aid in keeping the suction cups affixed to the ferromagnetic surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity. 
       In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) may be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting. 
         FIG. 1  is a front, three-dimensional view of a fishing rod and reel carrier, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of a fishing rod and reel carrier, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of a fishing rod and reel carrier, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a fishing rod and reel carrier, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of a fishing rod and reel carrier, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a front, three-dimensional view of a fishing rod and reel carrier mounted to the roof of a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a front, three-dimensional view of a fishing rod and reel carrier mounted to a wall, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a front, three-dimensional view of a magnet support housing, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a magnet support housing, in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     In the description that follows, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations of these specific details are possible while still achieving the results of the present invention. Well-known processing steps are generally not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obfuscating the description of the present invention. 
     In the description that follows, exemplary dimensions may be presented for an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The dimensions should not be interpreted as limiting. They are included to provide a sense of proportion. Generally speaking, it is the relationship between various elements, where they are located, their contrasting compositions, and sometimes their relative sizes that is of significance. 
     In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, often both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) will be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front, three-dimensional view of the fishing rod and reel carrier (hereafter “carrier”)  10 . The function of the carrier  10  is to store or display one or more fishing rods and reels, as well as to transport the rods and reels on a motor vehicle or a marine vessel. In general terms, the carrier  10  is designed as a roof top carrying device for automotive vehicles, and more particularly, to a fishing rod holder for automotive vehicles. The principal object of the carrier  10  is to provide a fishing rod holder for automotive vehicles, which will be easily attached to, and removed from the tops of cars, trucks, and the like. Further, carrier  10  may be separated from the car top and carried as a portable unit to the ultimate fishing site. The unit can be transported as a whole without dismounting individual rod and reels but also remounts to a wall, ceiling, boat, or car allowing the user to disengage or engage individual rods at will. The carrier  10  is also constructed so that the fishing equipment can be carried completely assembled so that the fisherman is ready to fish when the rods and reels are removed from the carrier. 
     Carrier  10  consists of a carrier frame  12 , which mounts on a conventional, ferromagnetic roof  60  of an automobile  62  (as seen in  FIG. 6 ) with a plurality of suction cups  14 , such as suction cups  14   a,    14 , b,    14   c,  and  14   d  ( 14   a - 14   d ) and a plurality of magnets  16 , such as first and second magnets  16   a  and  16   b,  as seen in  FIG. 3 . The carrier frame  12  provides a rigid mounting structure on which to mount the fishing rods and reels  46   a,    46   b,    46   c  and  46   d  ( 46   a - 46   d ) for carry, transport, and mounting purposes. Preferably, carrier frame  12  is constructed of a lightweight but strong material, such as metal or a plastic polymer. Carrier frame  12  may have any suitable dimensions, such as a length of about 34 inches to about 40 inches and a width of about 20 inches to about 30 inches. 
     The structure of carrier frame  12 , as best seen in  FIG. 3 , includes a first elongated support  18  and a parallel second elongated support  20 , and two struts, rear strut  22  and front strut  24 . Each of the two parallel, elongated supports  18  and  20  has two downward sloping leg sections. First parallel elongated support  18  contains downward sloping leg sections  18   a  and  18   b,  and second parallel elongated support  20  contains front and rear downward sloping leg sections  20   b  and  20   a,  as seen in  FIG. 3 . Rear strut  22  is attached, preferably by welding, to rear downward sloping leg section  18   a  of first parallel elongated support  18  and rear downward sloping leg section  20   a  of second parallel elongated support  20 . Front strut  24  is attached, preferably by welding, to the first parallel elongated support  18  and to the second parallel elongated support  20 . 
     At the bottom of each of the front downward sloping leg sections  18   b  and  20   b,  and rear front downward sloping leg sections  18   a  and  20   a  as best seen in  FIG. 3 , of the two parallel elongated supports  18  and  20 , respectively, are suction cups  14   d,    14   c,    14   b  and  14   a,  respectively. Suction cups  14   a - 14   d  may be attached to the free end of the downward sloping leg sections  18   a,    18   b,    20   a,  and  20   b  in any appropriate manner, such as with an articulating joint. Suction cups  14   a - 14   d  are well known temporary locking mechanisms, which use negative pressure of air to adhere to nonporous surfaces, such as the roof of a vehicle, and in the process creates a partial vacuum. Suction cups  14   a - 14   d  are essential to providing the basis for hold-down strength to the roof  60  of the automobile  62 , as seen in  FIG. 6 . It is within the terms of the preferred embodiment that suction cups  14   a - 14   d  be locking suction cups such as rotating lever actuated suction cups where rotating the levers in a first direction creates a strong, continuous hold and rotating the levers in the opposite direction breaks the suction. Locking suction cups are designed to enhance the hold of the carrier  10 , onto the roof  60  of a vehicle  62 . While suction cups with a rotating lever are described, it is within the terms of the preferred embodiment to use any type of locking mechanism and even suction cups without a locking mechanism may be utilized. 
     Suction cups  14   a - 14   d  are attached to the carrier  10  with articulating joints (not shown). Each articulated joint is comprised of a diamond shaped base plate that has been pressed in the center to provide an inset for a rounded head screw that fits up into the inset and runs through a finish washer and threads into the carrier frame  12 . The countersunk/pressed inset fits up into the finish washer allowing a liberal amount of swivel in any direction allowing the suction cups  14   a - 14   d  to conform to the contour of a car roof  60 . The base plate has two separate holes on the far corners which allows it to be mounted on the top of the suction cup. The articulating joint provides a link between the locking suction cups  14   a - 14   d  and the carrier  10  and allows sufficient adjustability to various roof  60  contours. 
     A first fishing rod support arm  26  extends between the two parallel elongated supports  18  and  20 . First fishing rod support arm  26  is attached to the elongated supports  18  and  20  by two upstanding supports  26   a  and  26   b,  each of which are attached to first and section central sections  18   c  and  20   c,  respectively, of the elongated supports, respectively. Upstanding supports  26   a  and  26   b  suspend the support arm  26  approximately 1 inch to about 4 inches below central sections  18   c  and  20   c.    
     Mounted upon first fishing rod support arm  26 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , are a plurality of rod handle holders  28 , such as rod handle holders  28   a,    28   b,    28   c,  and  28   d  ( 28   a - 28   d ). The rod handle holders  28   a - 28   d  and shaft holders (described below) grip the rods and retain them within the confines of the carrier  10  for display or transport while allowing rapid removal or insertion by the user with one hand. Rod handle holders  28   a - 28   d  each contain a gripping element  30   a,    30   b,    30   c,  and  30   d  ( 30   a - 30   d ), respectively, which temporarily secure the fishing rods. Each of the gripping elements  30   a - 30   d  consist of two sections of material, preferably rubber, which are tightly engaged against each other. When the fishing rod is pushed down between these two sections  30   a - 30   d  of rod handle holders  28   a - 28   d,  respectively, it is temporarily secured therein. When the user chooses to remove the fishing rod from between these two sections  30   a - 30   d  of rod handle holders  28   a - 28   d,  respectively, it is simply pulled out from between these two sections. 
     A second fishing rod support arm  32 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , extends between the two parallel elongated supports  18  and  20 . Second fishing rod support arm  32  is attached to the elongated supports  18  and  20  by two upstanding support  32   a  and  32   b,  each of which are attached to central sections  18   c  and  20   c  of the elongated supports, respectively. Two upstanding support  32   a  and  32   b  suspend the support arm  26  approximately 1 inch to about 4 inches below central sections  18   c  and  20   c.    
     Mounted upon second fishing rod support arm  32  are a plurality of shaft holders  34 , such as shaft holders  34   a,    34   b,    34   c,  and  34   d  ( 34   a - 34   d ). The shaft holders  34   a - 34   d,  are aligned with the rod handle holders  28   a - 28   d,  and grip the rods and retain them within the confines of the carrier  10  for display or transport while allowing rapid removal or insertion by the user with one hand. In a preferred embodiment, shaft holders  34   a - 34   d  may include a clamp of the type  28   a - 28   d  or a clip, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , formed of two sections that can engage each other and form a narrow passageway designed to press a rod into the clamp and then pull the rod from the clamp to easily remove it. It is also within the terms of the preferred embodiment that the clamp or clip forms a closed opening into which the end of a fishing rod can be inserted. In either case, the clamp or clip  34   a - 34   d  allow the user to temporarily secure the fishing rods when engaged, but also allow for easy removal. Further, it is within the terms of the embodiment that there be a protective lining, such as rubber on the inner wall of the shaft holders  34   a - 34   d  to protect the fishing rods. 
     There is a plurality of permanent magnets  16   a  and  16   b  that are attached to the carrier frame  12  of carrier  10 , as seen in  FIG. 3 . Although two magnets are illustrated, one or more magnets may be attached to the carrier frame to secure the carrier frame in place as discussed hereinafter. When the carrier frame  12  is mounted to the roof  60  of a motor vehicle  62  or a mounting plate  70  secured to a wall  72  or ceiling (not shown), the magnets  16   a,    16   b  are removably attached to the ferromagnetic roof of the motor vehicle  62 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , or to the mounting plate  70  secured to a wall or ceiling, as shown in  FIG. 7 . The magnets  16   a,   16   b  function to aid in keeping the suction cups  14   a - 14   d  secured to the ferromagnetic roof of a motor vehicle  62 . The magnets  16   a  and  16   b  function to increase the degree of adherence of the carrier  10  to the vehicle roof. In operation, the magnets  16   a,    16   b  cause the suction cups  14   a - 14   d  to tightly adhere to the roof  60  by drawing the magnets towards the carrier frame  12  after they have been in physical contact with the ferromagnetic roof. 
     Magnet  16   a  is disposed adjacent to the underside  22   a  of the rear strut  22 , as seen in  FIG. 5 . Referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  8  and  9 , a magnet support housing  80  is shown for moving the magnet  16   a  away from rear strut  22  and then back towards the rear strut. The magnet support housing  80  is preferably a square or rectangular hollow tube  82  and is mounted to the underside  22   a  of strut  22  by means such as welding so that the opening at one end of the hollow tube abuts against the underside  22   a  of strut  22 . The magnet support housing  80  includes an elongated, square or rectangular rod  84  disposed within the interior walls  82   a  of the square or rectangular hollow tube. The rod  84  is sized to allow it to move through the interior walls  82   a  without any rotational movement. A threaded bore  86  extends at least partially through the length of the rectangular rod  84 . A threaded rod  52  is received within the threaded bore  86 . One end of the threaded rod  52  extends through a circular opening in strut  22  and has a handle  36  affixed thereto. A permanent magnet  16   a,  typically having a cylindrical shape, is mounted to the lower end  84   a  of rod  84 . Preferably, the permanent magnet  16   a  is mounted to the lower end  84   a  so that it does not rotate with respect to the handle  36 . 
     Magnet  16   b  is disposed adjacent to the underside  24   a  of the front strut  24 , as seen in  FIG. 3 . Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  8  and  9 , a magnet support housing  80 , which is identical with the one described with regard to  FIG. 5  is shown for moving the magnet  16   b  away from front strut  24  and then back towards the front strut. The magnet support housing  80  is preferably a square or rectangular hollow tube  82  and is mounted to the underside of strut  24  by means such as welding so that the opening at one end of the hollow tube abuts against the underside of strut  24 . The magnet support housing  80  includes an elongated, square or rectangular rod  84  disposed within the interior walls  82   a  of the square or rectangular hollow tube. The rod  84  is sized to allow it to move through the interior walls  82   a  without any rotational movement. A threaded bore  86  extends at least partially through the length of the rectangular rod  84 . A threaded rod  52  is received within the threaded bore  86 . One end of the threaded rod  52  extends through a circular opening in strut  24  and has a handle  42  affixed thereto. A permanent magnet  16   b,  typically having a cylindrical shape, is mounted to the lower end  84   a  of rod  84 . Preferably, the permanent magnet  16   b  is mounted to the lower end  84   a  and does not rotate with respect to the handle  36 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a permanent magnet  16   a  (or  16   b,  as seen in  FIG. 3 ) is mounted to the lower end  84   a  of rod  84 . Each permanent magnet  16   a  has a countersunk circular opening  88  through which screw  87  fits loosely and extends upward to attach to rod  84 , permitting magnet  16   a  to fit against the lower end of rod  84 , yet rotate freely with respect to rod  84 . There is space in between the magnet  16   a  and the rod  84  to allow for slight articulation to conform to various contours. The upper end of threaded rod  52  extends downward from attached handle  36  through a circular opening in strut  22  through a threaded nut  89  is secured by an adhesive or a locking nut at the threaded portion only leaving enough vertical clearance between the underside of handle  36  and the top of nut  89 , so handle  36  can be rotated freely to move rod  84  up or down within hollow tube  82  without turning magnet  16   a,  yet adapting to minor variations of roof contours. A stop washer  91  serves to separate the handle  36  from the strut  22 . This design functions so that when the handle  36  is turned in either direction to raise or lower the magnet  16   a,  the magnet does not tend to rotate, however due to the space between the magnet and the rod  84 , the magnet can be turned manually if desired. 
     In operation, after the suction cups  14   a - 14   d  of the frame are mounted to the roof  60  of a motor vehicle  62  or a mounting plate  70 , the magnets  16   a  and  16   b  are moved into contact with the roof or mounting plate by rotating the handles  36  and  42 , respectively. Being that the rod  84  does not rotate in the hollow tube  82 , the magnets contact the roof or mounting plate without any rotation. Also, when the handles  36  and  42  are moved in the opposite direction to retract the magnets  16   a  and  16   b,  the magnets do not rotate and therefore don&#39;t mar the finish on the roof or the mounting plate. 
     The magnets  16   a,    16   b,  used in combination with the handles  36  and  42 , respectively, allow the user to safely raise and lower the magnets  16   a,    16   b  to the roof or wall mount at a controlled rate in order to keep from damaging the roof or magnet. When the handles  36  and  42  are turned in one direction, the magnets  16   a  and  16   b,  lower and then engage the roof  60  or wall mount  70 . To withdraw the magnets  16   a,    16   b  from the roof  60  or wall mount  70 , the handles  36 ,  42  may simply be turned in the opposite direction to move the magnets towards struts  22  and  24 . 
     A wind deflector  44  is mounted to the carrier frame  12  of carrier  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , preferably using a plurality of conventional screws that connect to the downward sloping leg sections  18   b  and  20   b  of first and second parallel elongated supports  18  and  20 , respectively. Typically, the wind deflector  44  can be constructed of any suitable material such as for example a plastic polymer. The wind deflector  44  serves to reduce wind noise while being transported on motor vehicle roofs and affords some protection for the carrier  10  from airborne debris. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the carrier  10  in use. Carrier  10  is temporarily mounted to the roof  60  of automobile  62 . Secured within carrier  10  are a plurality of fishing rods and reels  50 , such that are commonplace items for fishing activities. Usually, the reels, not shown, are mounted on the fishing rods  50  for long periods, and are transported as a part of the rod assembly. As illustrated, the rod handle holders  28   a - 28   d,  as shown in  FIG. 1 , grip the rod handles  50   a  of the plurality of fishing rods  50  and shaft holders  34   a - 34   d  grip the shaft portions  50   b  of the fishing rods  50  and retain them within the confines of the carrier  10  for display or transport while allowing rapid removal or insertion with one hand. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a separate, ferromagnetic wall mounting plate  70  which provides a docking point for carrier  10  when affixed to a wall or ceiling  72  (not shown). The carrier  10  is designed to attach to the mounting plate  70 , using the magnets  16 . The carrier is placed against mounting plate  70  and secured in place with the magnets  16 . While the mounting plate  70  is shown to be larger than the footprint of the suction cups  14 , it is within the terms of the preferred embodiment that the mounting plate only be large enough to receive the magnets  16 . To remove the carrier  10  from the wall, the magnets  16  are retracted from the wall mounting plate  70 . 
     Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, etc.) the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.