Patent ID: 12239119

Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, it is seen that the multifunction fish holder of the present invention, generally denoted by reference numeral10, is comprised of a base layer12that is made from a flexible material such as cloth, which can be cotton or cotton blend, woven terrycloth, etc. As seen, the base layer12can generally be in the shape of a fish torso, although the specific shape is not of concern as long as the base layer12has sufficient elongate properties. The base layer has an inner surface14and an opposing outer surface16, and a midline18, which, as seen inFIG.4, runs horizontally and separates the base layer12into two, substantially similar sections. A grip layer20is attached to the inner surface14of the base layer12in appropriate fashion, such as via adhesion. The grip layer20is made from a non-slip, flexible material such as rubber, neoprene, silicone, etc., and may have a non-smooth texture on its outer facing surface for additional grip capabilities.

A fish hook remover22, of appropriate design, is removably attached to the base layer12, at the outer surface16thereof, the fish hook remover22extending generally along the midline18when so attached. The fish hook remover22is secured to the base layer12via one or more hook remover straps24attached to the base layer12. The hook remover straps24may be closed so that fish hook remover22slides into and out of the loop formed by the hook remover straps24and base layer12or the hook remover straps may be openable so that the fish hook remover22is placed into position along the base layer12and the hook remover straps are then closed and cinched about the fish hook remover22and secured in the closed position in appropriate fashion such as via the use of cooperating hook and loop material (not illustrated) on each of the two strap sections (or strap section and the base layer).

Attached to the base layer12, to the outer surface16thereof, is a tape measure26of appropriate design. The tape measure26can be fixedly attached to the base layer12in appropriate fashion such as via adhesion, fasteners, etc., or the tape measure26can be removably attached to the base layer12in appropriate fashion such as via cooperating hook and loop material, snaps (neither illustrated), etc.

A pair of pliers28is removably held within a pouch30located on the outer surface16of the base layer12. An optional openable pouch strap32can be used to help secure the pliers28within the pouch30. If desired a lanyard34can have one end attached to the pliers28and its opposing end attached to the multifunction fish holder10(to the base layer12, to the pouch30or strap32, etc.,).

A clip36is attached to the base layer12on a side opposite the side to which the tape measure26and pouch30are attached in order to allow a user to attach the multifunction fish holder10to their pants pocket or similar location and help prevent the multifunction fish holder10from becoming lost. The clip can be of any typical design such as a basic pocket clip, the illustrated tethered clip, etc.

At least one grip strap38is attached to outer surface16of the base layer12in appropriate fashion, either on one side of the midline18or on both sides of the midline18, one grip strap38on each side of the midline18so that the multifunction fish holder10is ambidextrous in use. The grip strap38allows a user to slip their hand H through the opening created by the base layer12and the grip strap38so that the hand H is snugly held therein, allowing for a better and more secure grip of the multifunction fish holder10by the user.

A rib40is attached to the base layer12along at least a portion of the midline18on either the inner surface14(either under or over the grip layer20) or on the outer surface16thereof. The rib40is made from a hard yet somewhat flexible material, such as flexible plastic and is puncture resistant to help to prevent a user from being stabbed by the fins of a fish F when gripping a fish F using the multifunction fish holder10. The rib40is attached to the base layer12(and possibly the grip layer20) in appropriate fashion such as via adhesion.

As seen, decorative elements, such as a fish tail42, fish fins44, and fish body printing46can be located on the multifunction fish holder10for aesthetic purposes.

In order to use the multifunction fish holder10of the present invention, a user places their hand H through one of the grip straps38and wraps the multifunction fish holder10about a fish F such that the grip layer20is in contact with the fish F. The grip layer20, by being made from a non-slip material, allows for a firm steady grip on the fish F without undue slippage even if the fish is still struggling. The rib40prevents any sharp back fins of the fish F from piercing through the multifunction fish holder10in order to protect the user's hand H from the sharpness of the fins. The rib40is sufficiently flexible to allow the bending of the rib40whenever the base layer12and grip layer20are bent about the midline18when wrapping the multifunction fish holder10about the fish F. The user removes the fish hook remover22and uses the fish hook remover22to remove the hook J from the fish F. The user measures the fish F using the tape measure26. As the pliers28are needed, they are removed from the pouch30and used in appropriate fashion and thereafter returned to the pouch and strapped in.

The multifunction fish holder10can be clipped to the user's pants pocket, to a handbag, to a side of a tackle box etc., via the clip36. The multifunction fish holder10can be simply hosed off with water as needed when it becomes a bit funky.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.