Abstract:
A fishing rod and tackle carrier is disclosed. The container encloses a portion of a fishing pole. The fishing pole has a reel and a rod. The container includes two substantially rigid and opposing end walls. The end walls are spaced apart a distance large enough to suspend the pole and permit the reel to fit inside the container. The upper rims of the end walls define opposing recesses which are shaped to receive one or more rods with such rods being held securely in place when the lid of the container is closed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C., S.119(e) of United States provisional application 60/616,213 filed Oct. 7, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to sport fishing gear, in particular a carrier for fishing rods and tackle.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The sport of fishing often requires the fisherman to carry a substantial amount of equipment to the fishing site. This equipment can include rods, reels, bait, artificial lures, knives, weights, floats and other tackle. This equipment can be damaged or lost if it is not properly stored and protected. For example, an unprotected pole can be dropped or the rod or reel can be damaged when the fisherman is moving through rough terrain from one fishing location to another. Sand becoming lodged in the reel as a result of the reel being dropped or dragged can be particularly damaging.  
         [0004]     There are some known devices which can be categorized as fishing pole carriers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,953 of Taylor issued May 16, 1995 discloses an open-faced tackle box. The tackle box has vertical end panels each having a slot to receive a fishing pole. The rod is suspended between the slots. The tackle box thus holds one or two fishing poles for convenient carrying.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,455 of Bracken et al. issued Jul. 11, 2000 discloses a protective container for a fishing pole. The container has openings in the end walls to permit both ends of a fishing pole to protrude from the container. A compartment within the container permits storage of a plurality of fishing hooks. The patent does not disclose means to protect the reel of a fishing pole.  
         [0006]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fishing rod and tackle carrier, preferably for carrying one or more telescoping rod and reel sets and miscellaneous tackle.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a container for a portion of a fishing pole and associated tackle. The fishing pole comprises a reel and a rod. The container includes two substantially rigid and opposing end walls. The rigid end walls are spaced apart a distance large enough to permit the reel to fit within the interior of the container between the walls. At least one and preferably both of the rigid walls include a recess opening upwardly to receive and cradle a rod. Two foldable and opposing walls permit the container to be collapsed when not in use. A fastener is adapted to fasten a fishing pole to the container.  
         [0008]     In one embodiment, the fastener includes a lid and a cover extendable across the lid. The cover is attached to a selected one of: one of the rigid walls, one of the foldable walls, and the cover is also releasably attached to a selected one of: the other of the rigid walls, the other of the foldable walls.  
         [0009]     In an alternative version, rigid side and end walls are provided. An upper rim cap comprising rigid molded plastic cover, shaped like an inverted trough, is fitted onto the upper edge of the side and end walls to form a durable upper rim for the carrier. Either of the side walls or end walls, or both, may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid closed-cell foam to provide flotation. Additional flotation may be provided within the cover, this flotation preferably comprising foam closed-cell foam retained within a fully enclosed pocket within the cover. The foam within the cover also provides additional protection for the rod and reel and other contents of the container.  
         [0010]     In one embodiment, the container is sized to house a plurality of rod and reel sets.  
         [0011]     The fishing rod carrier according to the present invention protects fishing rods and reels from damage, while providing a secure means to carry the rods and reels (one or more thereof) as well as associated tackle.  
         [0012]     An advantage of the fishing rod carrier according to the present invention is that it has storage compartments like pockets or storing fishing tackle and other small items.  
         [0013]     Another advantage of the fishing rod carrier according to one aspect of the present invention is that it is collapsible to permit better storage of the carrier when it is not in use.  
         [0014]     While the invention will be described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the present patent specification as a whole. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it will be understood that all dimensions and sizes described herein, both relative and absolute, may be varied within a broad range to provide a carrier sized to the desired use. As well, materials described herein are merely intended to be illustrative and are subject to a range of alternatives. Directional references herein such as “upper”, “lower”, “horizontal”, etc. are merely intended for convenience of description. As well, “fabric” includes vinyl or other flexible sheeting material; “foam” includes any type of rigid or semi-rigid buoyant material.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fishing pole carrier, according to the present invention, with a top cover removed from the carrier;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is an end view of the fishing pole carrier;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the fishing pole carrier, with the top cover removed and a fishing pole within the carrier; and  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of two of the fishing pole carriers attached together, one on top of the other. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0020]     In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given identical reference numerals where appropriate. All dimensions described herein are intended solely to illustrate an embodiment. These dimensions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention that may depart from these dimensions.  
         [0021]     Turning to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a carrier  10  for carrying a fishing pole and tackle. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier  10  is substantially rectangular in shape with an open top. It will be understood however that a variety of different shapes are possible. The carrier comprises a frame composed of rigid or semi-rigid panels, described below, covered by fabric such as waterproof Nylon™. Front and rear side walls  12  and  16  of the container  10  are perpendicular to end walls  20  and  24 . The carrier includes a floor  17  which is rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. The side walls may comprise panels fastened to the end walls along the respective lateral edges of the walls by suitable means, for example gluing or stitching. Alternatively, the carrier comprises an exterior fabric shell  14 , which may include internal pockets which retain rigid or semi-rigid panels in position to form the respective walls. Alternatively, the fabric cover simply slides over the panels and is held in place by other means. The floor  17  preferably comprises an integral part of the fabric cover  14 . An optional foam block  51  rests on the floor  17  and may be glued or otherwise fastened to the cover.  
         [0022]     The end panels or walls  20  and  24  are made of a substantially semi-rigid and preferably buoyant material such as closed cell polymeric foam. The end walls  20  and  24  can be each made of a 5 inch by 9 inch by ¾inch block of closed-cell semi-rigid polymeric foam. Alternatively, especially if supplemental flotation members are provided, the end panels may comprise non-buoyant or less-buoyant material, such as rigid or semi-rigid plastic or metal panels, for increased support and strength. For example, the end walls may comprise closed-cell foam or corrugated plastic. The upper portions of side and end walls  12 ,  16 ,  20  and  24  define an upper rim which is capped with a rigid plastic rim cap  34 . The rim  34  includes opposed depressions or recesses  26  and  28  set into the end walls  20  and  24 . The recesses  26  and  28  are aligned with each other to receive a rod and reel. With the cover of the carrier open, a rod and reel may be simply rested on the upper rim, with the rod resting within the opposed depressions  26  and  28 . The depressions restrict movement of the rod and reel relative to the carrier. The depressions are relatively broad so as to accommodate two and possibly more rod and reels positioned side by side. The depressions  26  and  28  are also reasonably shallow, such that a typical rod when resting within the depressions is either substantially flush with the rest of the rim or more preferably protrudes slightly above, thus permitting the carrier lid to contact the rod so as to prevent unwanted movement when closed. For example, the handle portion of the rod may protrude upwardly above the rim.  
         [0023]     In one embodiment of the fishing pole carrier, the walls  12  and  16  are each made of a 9 inch by 10½inch flexible plastic sheet. These flexible walls permit some bulging for oversized cargo. They also permit the carrier  10  to be collapsed for better storage. In addition, plastic is a suitable material for making a water-resistant container. Alternatively, the side walls  12 ,  16  may comprise a single sheet of semi-rigid material which curves to form a channel-shaped member which comprises the opposed side walls as well as a floor. Closed cell polymeric foam is a suitable material for making a container that is water-resistant and can float on water. The side walls may also comprise closed-cell foam or corrugated plastic panels. It will be understood however that the type of material used to construct the walls of the container is not in any way essential to the invention. Also the characteristics of the container&#39;s walls are not essential to the invention.  
         [0024]     The fabric covering  14  comprises a waterproof abrasion and tear-resistant material such as heavy Nylon™ or Corduroy™. The covering  14  also includes various pockets and other attachments as described below. The covering  14  may comprise two layers which retain foam panels therebetween to form at least some of the walls and floor of the carrier. The cover  14  preferably includes a drain hole (not shown) extending through the floor  17 .  
         [0025]     The upper rim of the carrier  10  preferably comprises a slip-on rigid molded plastic rim cap  34 , which is shaped like an inverted trough. The rim cap  34  slips over the uppermost rim of the carrier and is glued into place with a suitable waterproof glue. The rim cap  34  defines the shape of the upper rim, including depressions or openings  26  and  28 , which are formed integrally with the rim cap. The cap  34  also provides structural support for the carrier and serves as a substrate to retain the outer covering  14 , which is glued to the cap  34 .  
         [0026]     The carrier  10  also includes optional exterior pockets  40  and  42 . The pocket  40  can accommodate small items of tackle such as hooks, spare fishing line, sinkers, lures and worms. It will be seen that any convenient number of pockets  40  and  42  may be provided, with a range of suitable sizes. The pocket  42  can accommodate larger items such as a cell phone, pliers, a small first aid kit and tools. In one embodiment, a second smaller or a series of smaller pockets are attached on the outside of the pocket  42 . The pockets  40  and  42  have flaps  44  and  48  respectively which can close the pocket openings. Velcro™ or other attachment means can be used for holding the flaps  44  and  48  in place. The carrier  10  could also have a special sleeve for carrying a water bottle.  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a cover  50  covers the top of the carrier  10 . The lid  50  comprises a flap of the fabric cover  14  which when closed covers the carrier and extends partway down the front wall  12 . A semi-rigid closed cell foam panel  52 , having a degree of resiliency, is fastened to the inside surface of the flap  50  for additional flotation and to contact and snugly grip the poles when closed. The resiliency of the panel  52  enhances the frictional contact between the panel  52  and the poles held within the case by permitting the panel  52  to press downwardly on the poles to retain them within the depressions  26 . A Velcro™ connector  58  secures the flap  50  to the front panel  12 .  
         [0028]     A handle  60  on the cover  50  permits carrying of the carrier  10  when the cover  50  is fastened over the top of the carrier  10 . The handle  60  can be made from a 5½% inch by 1¾inch piece of suitable material. It will be understood however that a variety of alternative handles are possible.  
         [0029]     Optional loops  64  and  66  are attached to the wall  24 . Loop  68  is attached to the flap  44 . These loops permit attachment of fishing accessories such as a fish chain. The carrier  10  can also have one or more loops or hooks for hanging the carrier up for storage. The loops of hooks of the carrier  10  can be made of any suitable material such as metal or plastic.  
         [0030]     Placement of the fishing pole  70  in the carrier  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The fishing pole  70  includes a reel  74 , a rod  78 , and a handle  80 . The fishing rod  78  rests on the two cutouts  26 ,  28  such that the handle  80  protrudes rearwardly and a portion of the rod  78  protrudes forwardly with the reel  74  being cradled between the cutouts and thus protected from the elements within the interior of the carrier  10 .  
         [0031]     The reel  74 , which in the illustrated embodiment is below the fishing rod  78 , fits within the interior space of the carrier  10 , defined by the walls  12 ,  16 ,  20  and  24 . The cutouts are sufficiently deep to permit a conventional rod to fit substantially within the cutouts, such that when the cover is closed the rod is held firmly and without slippage.  
         [0032]     The carrier  10  is sized to fit a generally conventional reel attached to a conventional pole. For different applications, the carrier may be sized accordingly. For example, for carrying larger rods and reels, the size may be increased. In an alternative embodiment, the carrier has wider end walls and recesses permitting it to accommodate a plurality of rods. Rods may be secured by use of Velcro™ straps to keep the poles attached to each other and/or to the carrier. The rods may conveniently be retained in opposing directions to position the respective reels in an offset relationship for more compact storage. This positioning is convenient if the rods are highly collapsible.  
         [0033]     The fishing pole  70  is preferably fastened to the carrier  10  by a suitable fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener comprises a top or lid  50  and the cover  54  (see  FIG. 2 ). The cover  50  may permit some side-to-side movement of the fishing rod  78  within the openings  26  and  28 ; up and down swinging of the rod however is substantially prevented by the illustrated fastener means. Side-to-side movement may be substantially minimized by cinching down the cover  50 .  
         [0034]     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , two of the carriers  10  can be attached one on top of the other by attachment means  84 , which in the illustrated embodiment comprises two zippers which extend along the edges of the walls  12  and the walls  16  (walls  16  not shown in  FIG. 4 ). It will be appreciated that the carriers  10  could be attached to each other by other means (for example by clips or hook and loop fasteners).  
         [0035]     An optional adjustable waist belt  90  can be used to attach the carrier  10  to the waist of a user. In this manner, both of the hands of the user are free. The belt  90  is therefore particularly useful when the user desires to have the carrier  10  at his side while fishing with his boots in the water. Other means for easing toting of the carrier  10  are possible (e.g. a shoulder strap).  
         [0036]     The carrier  10  can assist a fisherman in protecting his reel from damage when he wishes to change his hook, bait, or other item attachable to the end of the fishing pole line. Instead of dropping the fishing pole to the ground while he works with items on the end of the line, the fisherman can keep the fishing pole in the carrier  10 .  
         [0037]     Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention a fishing rod and tackle carrier that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the broad scope of the invention.