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Title:
FISHING REEL HOLDER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/205890
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A rack for holding a fishing reel is disclosed herein. The rack comprises a retaining plate having a rear surface and an elongate aperture therethrough for receiving a reel foot of the fishing reel. In use, the reel foot is inserted through the elongate aperture and then rotated into substantially orthogonal alignment with the aperture so that the reel foot bears against a rear surface of the retaining plate, thereby retaining the fishing reel in the rack. The rack may further comprise a rear plate which may be mountable on a mounting surface. The retaining plate is spaced forwardly of the rear plate by one or more spacers. In some embodiments the rear plate and the retaining plate are configured for mutual interlocking engagement with one another.

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Inventors:
REID JORDAN JOHN (AU)
WARREN ANTHONY JACK (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2016/050540
Publication Date:
December 29, 2016
Filing Date:
June 24, 2016
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
CHOPRAB PTY LTD (AU)
International Classes:
A01K97/06; A47B81/00; A47F5/08; B25H3/04
Domestic Patent References:
WO2014081467A12014-05-30
Foreign References:
JP2014140310A2014-08-07
US4343172A1982-08-10
US5678700A1997-10-21
US4303158A1981-12-01
US4378882A1983-04-05
US6742789B12004-06-01
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
FB RICE (77 St Georges TerracePerth, Western Australia 6000, AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

1. A rack for holding a fishing reel, the rack comprising a retaining plate having a rear surface and an elongate aperture therethrough for receiving a reel foot of the fishing reel, whereby, in use, the reel foot is inserted through the elongate aperture and then rotated into substantially orthogonal alignment with the aperture so that the reel foot bears against a rear surface of the retaining plate, thereby retaining the fishing reel in the rack.

2. The rack according to claim 1, wherein the retaining plate is suspended from an overhead surface.

3. The rack according to claim 1, wherein the retaining plate is arranged, in use, to be mountable on an upright mounting surface, the retaining plate being spaced from the upright mounting surface at a distance sufficient for the reel foot to bear against the rear surface of the retaining plate without engaging or abutting the mounting surface.

4. The rack according to claim 3, wherein the rear surface has one or more spacers rearwardly extending therefrom.

5. A rack for holding a fishing reel at a desired location on a mounting surface, the rack comprising a rear plate mountable on the mounting surface and a retaining plate spaced forwardly from the rear plate by one or more spacers; the retaining plate having an elongate aperture for receiving a reel foot of the fishing reel, whereby, in use, the reel foot is inserted through the elongate aperture and then rotated into substantially orthogonal alignment with the aperture so that the reel foot bears against a rear surface of the retaining plate, thereby retaining the fishing reel in the rack.

6. The rack according to claim 5, wherein the retaining plate and the rear plate of the rack are configured for mutual interlocking engagement with one another.

7. The rack according to claim 6, wherein the retaining plate comprises a plurality of lugs configured to facilitate a snap-lock fit with the rear plate of the rack and the rear plate comprises a plurality of slots, the slots being correspondingly positioned and shaped to receive the lugs of the retaining plate.

8. The rack according to claim 6 and claim 7, wherein the rear plate comprises a forwardly projecting portion, wherein the forwardly projecting portion is configured to space the retaining plate forwardly of the rear plate when the retaining plate and the rear plate are in mutual interlocking engagement with one another.

9. The rack according to claim 8, wherein the slots are in the forwardly projecting portion of the rear plate.

10. The rack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of elongate apertures are transversely aligned on the retaining plate.

11. The rack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of elongate apertures are vertically aligned on the retaining plate.

12. The rack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of elongate apertures are configured in an array of transversely aligned elongate apertures and vertically aligned apertures on the retaining plate..

13. A portable container for holding a fishing reel comprising a case having a retaining wall located in an interior space defined by the case, wherein the retaining wall has an elongate aperture for receiving a reel foot of the fishing reel, whereby, in use, the reel foot may be inserted through the elongate aperture and then rotated into substantially orthogonal alignment with the aperture so that the reel foot bears against a rear surface of the retaining wall, thereby retaining the fishing reel in the retaining wall of the case.

14. The portable container according to claim 13, wherein the case comprises a floor, a pair of opposing front and rear walls, a pair of opposing side walls, a closure positionable between an open and a closed position, and a handle for carrying the case.

15. The portable container according to claim 14, wherein the retaining wall is spaced between the pair of opposing front and rear walls.

16. The portable container according to claim 14, wherein the retaining wall is spaced above and in parallel alignment with the floor of the case.

Description:
Fishing Reel Holder

Technical Field

[0001] A fishing reel holder is disclosed. Particularly, though not exclusively, a fishing reel holder adapted for retaining and storing one or more fishing reels, such as spinning reels, fly reels, and baitcast reels, is disclosed.

Background

[0002] A fishing reel is a rotary device attached to a fishing rod, for storing, winding up or letting out a fishing line. Several different styles of fishing reels, including fly reel, centrepin reel, baitcasting reel, spinning (fixed-spool) reel, spincast reel or an underspin reel may be employed interchangeably with different styles and weights of rods, depending on the style of fishing or type of fishing line. Consequently, keen anglers may possess several fishing reels (even of similar style) which may accompany them on fishing trips and expeditions so that the appropriate reel may be employed as the circumstances deem necessary.

[0003] The fishing reel is usually detached from the fishing rod when not in use, and stored separately from the rod, typically in a tackle box or in neoprene pouches to protect them from damage, corrosion or scratches to the finish on the fishing reel.

Summary

[0004] Generally, a fishing reel holder is disclosed. The fishing reel holder may take the form of a rack for holding and displaying a fishing reel in a desired location or a portable container for holding the fishing reel, for example during transport.

[0005] A rack for holding a fishing reel is disclosed. The rack comprises a retaining plate having a rear surface and an elongate aperture therethrough for receiving a reel foot of the fishing reel, whereby, in use, the reel foot may be inserted through the elongate aperture and then rotated into substantially orthogonal alignment with the aperture so that the reel foot bears against a rear surface of the retaining plate, thereby retaining the fishing reel in the rack. In one embodiment, the retaining plate may be suspended from an overhead surface. Alternatively, the retaining plate may be arranged, in use, to be mountable on an upright mounting surface, the retaining plate being spaced from the upright mounting surface at a distance sufficient for the reel foot to bear against the rear surface of the retaining plate without engaging or abutting the mounting surface.

[0006] One embodiment disclosed herein relates to a rack for holding a fishing reel at a desired location on a mounting surface. Said rack comprises a rear plate mountable on the mounting surface and a retaining plate spaced forwardly from the rear plate by one or more spacers; the retaining plate having an elongate aperture for receiving a reel foot of the fishing reel, whereby, in use, the reel foot may be inserted through the elongate aperture and then rotated into substantially orthogonal alignment with the aperture so that the reel foot bears against a rear surface of the retaining plate, thereby retaining the fishing reel in the rack.

[0007] In one embodiment, the retaining plate and the rear plate of the rack are configured for mutual interlocking engagement with one another.

[0008] In one example, the retaining plate comprises a plurality of lugs configured to facilitate a snap-lock fit with the rear plate of the rack.

[0009] The rear plate may comprise a forwardly projecting portion, wherein the forwardly projecting portion is configured to space the retaining plate forwardly of the rear plate when the retaining plate and the rear plate are in mutual interlocking relationship.

[0010] The rear plate comprises a plurality of slots, the slots being correspondingly positioned and shaped to receive the lugs of the retaining plate. In some embodiments, the slots may be provided in the forwardly projecting portion of the rear plate. [0011] A portable container for holding a fishing reel is also disclosed. The portable container comprises a case having a retaining wall located in an interior space defined by the case, wherein the retaining wall has an elongate aperture for receiving a reel foot of the fishing reel, whereby, in use, the reel foot may be inserted through the elongate aperture and then rotated into substantially orthogonal alignment with the aperture so that the reel foot bears against a rear surface of the retaining wall, thereby retaining the fishing reel in the retaining wall of the case.

[0012] In one embodiment the case may comprise a floor, a pair of opposing front and rear walls, a pair of opposing side walls, a closure positionable between an open and a closed position, and a handle for carrying the case. The retaining wall may be spaced between the pair of opposing front and rear walls in parallel alignment therewith.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the retaining wall may be spaced above and in parallel alignment with the floor of the case.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0014] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the fishing reel holder as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a fishing reel;

[0016] Figures 2a and 2b are a perspective views of two alternative embodiments of a rack for holding a fishing reel in accordance with the disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a rack for holding a fishing reel in accordance with the disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a rack for holding a fishing reel in accordance with the disclosure;, [0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portable container for holding a fishing reel in accordance with the disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a rack for holding a fishing reel, wherein the rack comprises a retaining plate and a rear plate configured for mutual interlocking engagement with one another;

[0021] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the rack shown in Figure 6;

[0022] Figure 8 shows a partial view of a rear surface of the retaining plate of the rack shown in Figures 6 and 7;

[0023] Figure 9 shows a partial detailed view of a snap-lock engagement of the rear plate with the retaining plate of the rack shown in Figures 6 to 8; and

[0024] Figure 10 shows a further partial detailed view of the snap-lock engagement of the rear plate with the retaining plate of the rack shown in Figures 6 to 9.

Description of Embodiments

[0025] Embodiments of a fishing reel holder in the form of several fishing reel racks and a portable container for holding a fishing reel will now be described by way of example only.

[0026] The fishing reel holder as described herein is configured to hold a fishing reel 100 as generally shown in Figure 1. The fishing reel 100 has a body 102 with a rotating head 104 and a line spool 106, a handle 108 for rotating the rotating head 104, and a reel foot 110 extending from the body 102 via a shank 112. When used for angling, the fishing reel 100 may be assembled with a fishing rod (not shown) by attaching the reel foot 110 to the fishing rod in longitudinal alignment therewith.

However, when not in use, the fishing reel 100 is detached from the fishing rod by detaching the reel foot 110 from the fishing rod, and the fishing reel 100 is stored separately from the fishing rod. [0027] Referring to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like reference numerals throughout, there is shown several embodiments of a fishing reel holder in the form of a rack 10 and a portable container 10' .

[0028] The rack 10 includes a retaining plate 12 having a front surface 14 and a rear surface 16. The rack 10 is provided with a plurality of elongate apertures 18 in the retaining plate 12.

[0029] The apertures 18 are shaped and sized to receive a reel foot 110 and at least part of a shank 112 attached to the reel foot 110. Although each aperture 18 is depicted in the figures as substantially identical in shape and size, it will be appreciated that the apertures 18 may vary in shape and size relative to one another in order for the rack 10 to hold a plurality of fishing reels 100 having respective reel feet 110 of various shapes and sizes.

[0030] In use, the reel foot 110 is inserted through the elongate aperture 18 and then rotated into substantially orthogonal alignment with the aperture 18 so that the reel foot 110 bears against a rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12, thereby retaining the fishing reel 110 in the rack 10.

[0031] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2a, the rack 10 is provided with a plurality of apertures 18 transversely aligned in the retaining plate 12. In this way, a plurality of fishing reels 110 may be retained and displayed in horizontal alignment with one another in the rack 10.

[0032] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 2b, the plurality of apertures 18 are vertically aligned with one another in the rack 10. In this way, a plurality of fishing reels 110 may be retained and displayed in vertical alignment with one another in the rack 10.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 3, the rack 10 is provided with a plurality of apertures 18 configured in an array of transversely aligned and vertically aligned apertures 18. In this way, a plurality of fishing reels 110 may be retained and displayed in horizontal and vertical alignment with one another in the rack 10.

[0034] The rack 10 may be configured to be suspended from an overhead surface. For example, an upper portion 20 of the retaining plate 12 may be provided with conventional overhead fasteners to attach and/or suspend the rack 10 from the overhead surface. Exemplary fasteners include, but are not limited to, fasteners such as hooks and eyes, pin/clip assemblies, anchoring assemblies, screws, bolts, nuts and so forth.

[0035] Alternatively, the rack 10 may be configured to be mountable on an upright mounting surface such as a wall, door or cupboard. In this way, one or more fishing reels 110 may be conveniently stored and displayed in a desired location.

[0036] In some embodiments, the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12 may be arranged to be directly mountable on the upright mounting surface. However, in order to allow the reel foot 110 to rotate freely without engaging or abutting the upright mounting surface, it will be appreciated that the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12 may be spaced from the upright mounting surface. In some embodiments, the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12 may be provided with one or more rearwardly extending spacers which abut(s) the upright mounting surface. In this way, the one or more spacer(s) and the rear surface 16 define a space into which the reel foot 110 may be inserted and rotated freely without engaging or abutting the upright mounting surface, thereby preventing the fishing reel 100 and/or the upright mounting surface from being scratched or damaged. Alternatively, the mounting surface may be provided with one or more spacer(s) to define a space between the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12 and the mounting surface in which the reel foot 110 may be inserted and rotated freely. The spacer(s) may be integral with various mounting means employed to mount the retaining plate 12 to the upright mounting surface.

[0037] In another embodiment shown in Figure 4, the rack 10 further includes a rear plate 22. In this particular embodiment, the rear plate 22 may be mountable on the mounting surface. The retaining plate 12 is spaced forwardly from the rear plate 22 by one or more spacers 24 interconnecting the retaining plate 12 and the rear plate 22, thereby defining a space into which the reel foot 110 may be inserted and rotated freely without engaging or abutting the rear plate 22.

[0038] The spacers 24 may be located at regular intervals between the retaining plate 12 and the rear plate 22 to improve the rigidity of the rack 10. In one embodiment, the spacers 24 may be transversely aligned with the elongate apertures 18.

[0039] The spacers 24 may take any suitable form as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the spacers 24 may take the form of spacer blocks as shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, the spacers 24 may take the form of a plurality of seam welded joints between the retaining plate 12 and the rear plate 22, each joint located between transversely aligned elongate apertures 18. In another embodiment, the spacers 24 may take the form of respective opposing end walls interconnecting the retaining plate 12 and the rear plate 22 at respective edges thereof. In other

embodiments, the spacers 24 may take the form of bolts or screws.

[0040] The rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12 of the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3 or the rear plate 22 of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 may be provided with conventional mounting means as will be well understood by persons skilled in the art including, but not limited to, mounting brackets, screw mountable supports, railings, hooks, and hook and loop fasteners, and so forth. In an alternative embodiment, the rear plate 22 of the rack 10 shown in Figure 4 may be fixed to the upright surface by an suitable adhesive.

[0041] Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a portable container 10' for holding a fishing reel. In this embodiment, the portable container 10' takes the form of a case 26. The case 26 may have a floor 28, a pair of opposing front and rear walls 30a, 30b, a pair of opposing end walls 32, a closure 34 positionable between an open and a closed position, and a handle (not shown) for carrying the case 26. [0042] The portable container 10' also includes a retaining wall 12' located in an interior space defined by the floor 28, opposing side walls 30 and the pair of opposing end walls 32 of the case. Similar to other previously described embodiments, the retaining wall 12' has a plurality of elongate apertures 18. Each elongate aperture 18 is configured to receive a reel foot 110 of the fishing reel 100, whereby, in use, the reel foot 110 may be inserted through the elongate aperture 18 and then rotated into substantially orthogonal alignment with the aperture 18 so that the reel foot 110 bears against the rear surface 16 of the retaining wall 12', thereby retaining the fishing reel 100 in the retaining wall 12' of the case 26.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the retaining wall 12' is spaced between the pair of opposing front and rear walls 30a, 30b. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the retaining wall 12' may be spaced above and in parallel alignment with the floor of the case. In this way, one or more fishing reels 110 may be conveniently stored and transported in the portable container 10' along with other fishing equipment used on a fishing expedition or trip.

[0044] Figures 6 to 10 depict an alternative embodiment of the rack 10. In this particular embodiment, the retaining plate 12 and the rear plate 22 of the rack 10 are configured for mutual interlocking engagement with one another.

[0045] In this particular embodiment, the retaining plate 12 is generally rectangular and has a plurality of elongate apertures 18 therein disposed in transverse alignment with one another. The retaining plate 12 includes a rim 36 extending rearwardly around a rectangular periphery 38 thereof. The retaining plate 12 also includes a plurality of lugs 40 configured to facilitate a snap-lock fit with the rear plate 22 of the rack 10.

[0046] The plurality of lugs 40 are spaced apart from the rim 36 in parallel alignment therewith at intervals around the rectangular periphery 38 of the retaining plate 12. Some lugs 40 may also be disposed proximal to the elongate apertures 18. For example, in Figure 8, a pair of lugs 40 extend from the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12 proximal to each end of the apertures 18.

[0047] Each lug 40 includes a projecting element 42 depending from the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12 and a lug element 44. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10, the lug element 44 has a triangular cross-section having an inclined surface 46 and a transverse surface 48. The transverse surface 48 is spaced apart in parallel alignment with the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12. The transverse surface 48 of the lug element 44, the projecting element 42 and the rear surface 16 define a groove 50. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the lug element 44 may be shaped according to other geometries. For example, the lug element 44 may have a rectangular cross section.

[0048] The rear plate 22 is correspondingly shaped and sized to fit within a space defined by the rim 36 extending along the rectangular periphery 38 of the retaining plate 12. In this particular embodiment, the rear plate 22 is also generally rectangular.

[0049] The rear plate 22 has a rear surface 52 and a front surface 54. The rear surface 52 of the rear plate 22 may be adapted for mounting on a mounting surface. The front surface 54 is configured to be in close facing spaced proximity to the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12.

[0050] The rear plate 22 includes a rim 56 extending around a rectangular periphery 58 of the rear plate. The rim 56 extends forwardly and rearwardly of the rear plate 22. In use, the rim 56 is disposed in close facing relationship with the rim 36 of the retaining plate 12.

[0051] The rear surface 52 of the rear plate 22 may be provided with a plurality of stiffening ribs 58 extending between opposing longitudinal sides 60 of the rim 56. The stiffening ribs 58 may be disposed at intervals along the opposing longitudinal sides 60. [0052] Around the rectangular periphery 58 and proximal to the rim 56, the rear plate 22 is provided with a forwardly projecting portion 62 having a front surface 64 and a rear surface 66. The rear surface 66 of the forwardly projecting portion 62 is stepped down from the rear surface 52 of the rear plate 22.

[0053] The forwardly projecting portion 62 has the effect of spacing the front surface 54 of the rear plate 22 from the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12, thereby defining a space between the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12 and the front surface 54 of the rear plate 22 in which the reel foot 110 may be inserted and rotated freely. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the front surface 54 of the rear plate 22 may bias the reel foot 110 to bear against the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate, thereby aiding retention of the fishing reel 100 in the rack 10.

[0054] The forwardly projecting portion 62 is provided with a plurality of slots 68 correspondingly positioned and shaped to receive the lugs 40 of the retaining plate 12. In use, when the lugs 40 are received in the slots 68, the forwardly projecting portion 62 engages the inclined surface 46 of the lug element 44 before being received in the groove 50 defined by the transverse surface 48 of the lug element 44, the projecting element 42 and the rear surface 16. In this arrangement, the front surface 64 of the forwardly projecting portion 62 abuts the rear surface 16 of the retaining plate 12. The rear surface 66 of the forwardly projecting portion 62 abuts the transverse surface 50 of the lug element 44, thereby providing a bearing surface against which the transverse surface 48 of the lug element 44 may reside. Embodiments of the rack 10 may be fabricated from any suitable rigid material including, but not limited to, metals such as aluminium or steel, or alloys thereof; polymeric materials, in particular injection moulded polymeric materials such as HDPE; high density polypropylene (HDPP), wood, and composite materials such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), medium density fibre (MDF), particle board, and so forth. In particular, the rack 10 described with reference to Figures 6 to 10 may be fabricated by suitable injection moulding techniques to form the retaining plate 12 and the rear plate 22 from two corresponding moulds. [0055] Embodiments of the case may be fabricated from any relatively lightweight suitable rigid material including, but not limited to, metals such as aluminium or steel, or alloys thereof; polymeric materials, in particular injection moulded polymeric materials; leather, and so forth.

[0056] In alternative embodiments, it will be appreciated that the portable container 10' may take the form of a bag, which may be fabricated from any relatively lightweight suitable flexible materials.

[0057] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0058] In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the apparatus and method disclosed herein.