Butts Patents (Class 43/23)
  • Patent number: 7707766
    Abstract: A device for coupling to a fishing rod includes a handle which includes a member with an aperture for receiving a reel seat of a rod and an arm extending from the member comprising a grip for receiving one or more digits is provided. A device may also include a handle, which includes a cylindrical member for coupling onto a rod, an arm extending from the member and disposed at a selected angle thereto, where the arm includes a grip for receiving one or more digits. Methods for using the devices and coupling to a user to repetitively make desired casting movements are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventors: Brian W. Millen, Brian W. Millen, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100050496
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fishing rod with ergonomic handle. The disclosed fishing rod places the angler's wrist in a more ergonomically correct position while waiting for a fish to strike. To accomplish this the fishing rod includes a flexible rod including a plurality of ferrules extending downward; a handle including a primary handle substantially parallel to and vertically above the flexible rod and a secondary handle extending upwards from the primary handle. The primary handle also includes a reel seat for downward attachment of a fishing reel. A transition structure is joined at one end to the flexible rod and at the opposing end to the upper portion of the secondary handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Chi Huynh
  • Publication number: 20100050495
    Abstract: An integrated fishing rod holder kit incorporates a grip coupler that replaces a butt cap on a preexisting fishing rod that has a hollow rod blank having a void space that extends linearly through from the butt of the rod through a rear grip end and forward through the grip area and reel seat area of the rod towards the fishing rod tip. The grip coupler is securely fixed to the rear grip end coaxially and preferably about the rod blank butt end that is revealed after the butt cap is removed. The grip coupler has external threads on its outer surface for engaging a coupler engagement collar of a rod holder body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: PAUL T. BROOKS
  • Publication number: 20090113782
    Abstract: No fishing rods have any way to keep them from flying out of your hand while casting. With my Universal Fishing Rod Safety Grip it makes your grasp on the fishing rod handle more secure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Earl Driggers
  • Publication number: 20090013584
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a fishing rod (10) for fly fishing, comprising an oblong, thin and elastic body (11), equipped with a reel (13) for a fishing line, seated on the rod (10) at the lower part of this, along with a gripping device (12) consisting of a fore handle (13) and/or a butt handle (14) fastened to the fishing rod (10) on the lower end of the rod (10) on a level below the reel (16). The handle (14) is fastened on an angular lever (15) in relation to the longitudinal axis of the rod (10), since the handle (14) is situated on the extension of an imagined line, which stretches between the upper tip of the rod (10) and the spin axis (14) of the reel (16). The gripping device (12) may furthermore comprise a fore handle (13), fastened to the fishing rod (10) at the rear end of the rod (10), preferably in the area where a reel (16) seat is fastened to the rod (10). The handle (13) is configured in such a manner that it allows the thin and elastic body (11) to move relative to the handle (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Robert SELFORS
  • Patent number: 7454862
    Abstract: A fishing pole handle hinge assembly is provided with a first handle element, a second handle element, and a clamp. The first handle element terminates in a contact surface having a socket. The second handle element terminates in a contact surface having a tapering head configured to be received for pivotal positioning within a socket. The claim extends between the socket and the head. The clamp is configured to compress together the socket and the head to prevent movement of the socket relative to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventors: Duane C. Markley, Ron Stokes
  • Patent number: 7444777
    Abstract: An ergonomic cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to a proximal end of a fishing rod. The cushion has a top and a bottom that are integrally formed with one another. The top is wider than the bottom so that the cushion fits under an arm without cutting off circulation. A bore formed in the bottom snugly receives the proximal end. In a second embodiment, the cushion is solid and an elastic band tightly ensleeves the cushion and the proximal end of the rod so that all of the cushion is between the proximal end and the under arm area of the user. The butt end of the rod may be placed into a rod holder without removal of the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventors: Clyde J. Keys, Gunnar Gause
  • Publication number: 20080244956
    Abstract: A fishing rod that includes a rod portion having an outer circumference, at least one line guide portion, a reel secured to the rod portion, a line that extends through the line guide portion and has a hook secured to the end thereof, a handle portion that extends at least partially around the outer diameter of the rod portion, and a hook receptacle defined in the handle portion. The hook can be removably secured in the hook receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMANO AMERICAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert GANT, David PFEIFFER
  • Publication number: 20080229648
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fishing rod (10) which provides optimal casting technique. This is achieved by the fishing rod being equipped with a curved and flexible handle that offers good ergonomic properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: ZPEY SYSTEM AS
    Inventor: Arve Evensen
  • Publication number: 20080229646
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a fishing pole includes a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end receives a grip and the distal end includes at least one line guide for receiving a fishing line. The grip of certain embodiments includes a flexible mounting tube that engages the proximal end of the rod and a sheet including a polymer outside layer and a fibrous inside layer. In some embodiments, the sheet has a configuration corresponding to the exterior shape of the flexible mounting tube, being wrapped about and adhered to the mounting tube, with the side edges of the sheet abutting one another to define a substantially longitudinal seam extending from the interior surface of the sheet to the exterior surface of the polymer layer. In some embodiments, the grip includes a tube and a strip that is spirally wrapped around the tube to form a substantially helical seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: BEN HUANG
  • Patent number: 7412794
    Abstract: The present invention relates to tape measure apparatus including an adapter having a first portion, which is sized and shaped so as to be attached to a butt end of a fishing pole, and a second portion, which is attached to the first portion. The tape measure apparatus is provided with a tape measure device sized and shaped such that the tape measure device can be removably attached to the adapter. In this manner, conventional fishing poles can be retrofitted with the tape measure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Robert W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080120893
    Abstract: An ergonomic cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to a proximal end of a fishing rod. The cushion has a top and a bottom that are integrally formed with one another. The top is wider than the bottom so that the cushion fits under an arm without cutting off circulation. A bore formed in the bottom snugly receives the proximal end. In a second embodiment, the cushion is solid and an elastic band tightly ensleeves the cushion and the proximal end of the rod so that all of the cushion is between the proximal end and the under arm area of the user. The butt end of the rod may be placed into a rod holder without removal of the cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Clyde J. Keys, Gunnar Gause
  • Patent number: 7313886
    Abstract: A fishing rod securing device includes a housing where the housing has a first end for securing the fishing rod to a structure and a second end for coupling to a fishing rod. The first end has a passage at which the structure can be received. Also, the housing provides a biased element where the biased element detachably clamps the structure in the structure passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventors: Bill D. Brown, Patrick B. Brown, Ryan M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20070234632
    Abstract: Herein known as REELBACK this device has been designed to retrieve lost items such due to separation from user, vessel, pier or persons such as fishing gear or other non-aquatic device. This device is of suitable materials containing herein a preloaded retrieval device, housed with a deployable flotation device, allowing recovery of fishing gear or non aquatic items such as binoculars, keys, rods with reels, dip-nets, etc. items lost at sea, lakes, ponds and other bodies of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Charles Douglas Strickland
  • Publication number: 20070214708
    Abstract: A device for coupling to a fishing rod includes a handle which includes a member with an aperture for receiving a reel seat of a rod and an arm extending from the member comprising a grip for receiving one or more digits is provided. A device may also include a handle, which includes a cylindrical member for coupling onto a rod, an arm extending from the member and disposed at a selected angle thereto, where the arm includes a grip for receiving one or more digits. Methods for using the devices and coupling to a user to repetitively make desired casting movements are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Brian W. Millen, Brian W. Millen
  • Patent number: 7210264
    Abstract: A combination telescopic wading staff and fishing pole device includes a pole with a hollow storage area and a staff that is retractable and extensible. The telescopic wading staff has a plurality of interconnected elongated segments that are slideably, telescopically moveable relative to one another with a first, fully compacted configuration (retracted), and a second, fully extended configuration. The staff includes a locking mechanism for at least locking the plurality of interconnected elongated segments when it is fully extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Stanley P. Demetris
  • Patent number: 6973750
    Abstract: The fishing rod of this invention includes a hollow cylindrical butt pipe, and a plurality of hollow cylindrical sections sequentially jointed together to form a telescopically retractable structure jointed to the butt pipe such that the sections are sequentially retracted into the butt pipe. A tip rod is mounted to the end of the outermost one of the sections remote from the butt pipe. A butt grip is fitted over the butt pipe, and consists of a hollow cylindrical tube opened at both ends thereof. A plurality of radial support ribs are formed on the inner surface of the tube while being directed in radial directions and spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. When the butt grip is fitted over the butt pipe, the external surface of the butt pipe is brought into close contact with the inside edges of the radial support ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Myung Kwon Kim
  • Publication number: 20040231223
    Abstract: A hollow tubular handle houses the proximal end of a fishing rod blank. A plurality of vibration disks are disposed about the proximal end of the rod blank and encircle the blank. Each disk is a substantially flat planar member having a centrally located aperture defined in it for centering the disk on the blank. Each disk may have a plurality of prong-like members extending outwardly from the central portion of the disk. The outermost portion of each prong-like member is urged and seats against the inner surface of the tubular handle. Use of such disks results in an effective transmission of the vibrations that propagate through the rod blank to the angler's hand. The use of a thin-walled tubular handle member serves as a resonating chamber to further amplify the transmitted vibrations and further increase sensitivity of the rod handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Frabill, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Vogts
  • Patent number: 6763628
    Abstract: A fly cast training device that allows an instructor to take the lead in controlling the casting while the trainee follows along, and to gradually relinquish control to the trainee to instill the proper muscle memory through repetition. The fly cast training device generally comprises a flexible shaft section, a butt section, a spool attached to said butt section, and a multiple-handle assembly attached between the flexible shaft section and the butt section. The handle assembly includes a plurality of handle sections secured together at both ends in a spaced relation by a pair of brackets. The handle assembly may include two or three handles. The flexible shaft section and butt section may be attached centrally of the handles, or a second handle can be attached to in the existing handle of a conventional fly rod and offset there from by brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Norman Bartlett
  • Publication number: 20040088900
    Abstract: A fly fishing assembly includes a rod with a handle defined by an elongated sleeve mounted thereon and a cowl on one end of the sleeve for partially surrounding the rod in the vicinity of the reel to inhibit sliding of the hand of a user from the handle. By providing a flange on the bottom trailing end of the cowl, contact between the little finger of the hand holding the rod and the reel is prevented. Thus, the little finger can be positioned in front of the flange so that the caster can safely use it to lead the proper timing of casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Wye-Yoshi Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Irrgang, Yasuo Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6629382
    Abstract: A fly fishing assembly includes a rod with an elongated sleeve mounted thereon and a cowl on one end of the sleeve for partially surrounding the rod in the vicinity of the reel to inhibit sliding of the hand of a user from the handle. By providing a flange on the bottom trailing end of the cowl, contact between the little finger of the hand holding the rod and the reel is prevented. Thus, the little finger can be positioned in front of the flange so that the caster can safely use it to lead the proper timing of casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Wye-Yoshi Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Irrgang, Yasuo Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6581318
    Abstract: A fishing reel receiving device includes a sleeve which has one end connected to a fishing rod and a reel is engaged with the other end of the sleeve. A hole in an end of the sleeve for the fishing line extending therethrough. Two ribs extend from an inner periphery of the distal end of the sleeve and the reel has two engaging slots so as to receive the two ribs. A safety member is movably inserted in the reel so as to prevent the button of the reel from being unintentionally touched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Han-Chi Lu
  • Patent number: 6553710
    Abstract: A fly rod reel seat butt protection device is comprised of a rubber body resiliently expandable for covering and conforming to shafts and rimmed butts of fly rod reel seats. The body has an axial bore at its front end and a conical exterior surface convergently tapering from the front end to a domed-shaped rear. An annular ridge and an inwardly projecting annular recess are formed about the conical interior surface of the body for receiving and attaching to an annular rim of the fly rod reel seat butt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Richard S. Grozik
  • Patent number: 6510645
    Abstract: A fishing rod comprises a hollow tubular body having first and second open end portions. The fishing rod further comprises a first member provided at the first open end portion of the tubular body and a second member provided at the second open end portion of the tubular body. A rod blank extends through the first member and the tubular body and terminates at a terminal portion which is disposed in the second member. The rod blank is fixed to the first member and elastically suspended by the second member. An air gap is formed around the rod blank in the tubular body so that a vibration is generated on the rod blank by a strike and transmitted along the rod blank to pass through the first member and reach the terminal portion of the rod blank. The vibration is then reflected from the terminal portion of the rod blank and transmitted along the rod blank reversely toward the first member to be amplified by a resonance. The first member receives the vibration amplified by the resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Water House Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Oguri
  • Patent number: 6460285
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an improved fishing butt and reel seat assembly and comprises a substantially strong, rigid, one piece rod having a first open end, a second open end and a main length extending therebetween with a hollow interior in communication with both open ends having a substantially constant inner diameter. The rod comprises a stepped construction at least partially defined by two or more of a reel seat portion, an abutment portion, a shank portion, and a gimbal receiving portion, wherein adjacently disposed ones of such components have differently dimensioned outer diameters. The exterior diameter of the abutment section is larger than that of the reel seat portion but smaller than the exterior diameter of the shank portion which is the largest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Stuart M. Collins
  • Patent number: 6397511
    Abstract: An arrangement for adjustably attaching an article, such as a fishing reel, to a rod. The adjustable attachment arrangement of the present invention comprises at least one mounting zone located above and/or below a rod handle and at least one securement arrangement adapted for attaching at least one article to a rod at one of the mounting zones. For each article, a corresponding securement arrangement is adapted to mount the article to the rod at a mounting zone. Each securement arrangement is configured for longitudinal displacement along at least a portion of said mounting zone allowing a user to at least adjust the weight balance and feel of said rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald Atnip
  • Patent number: 6360475
    Abstract: A fishing rod is provided in which unwanted vibration is damped and casting characteristics are improved. Vibration damping elastomeric material is provided as a tapered element within the hollow rod blank near the rod tip and/or as an intervening layer between the rod blank and the rod grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: The Orvis Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Lepage, Earl D. Duback, Charles N. Corrado, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6196513
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder comprises a base for placement on a ground support surface and having an offset channel extending between first and second ends of the base. A first arm is pivotally mounted to the first end of the base between a first transport position within the channel and a second support position extending upwardly from the channel. A second arm is pivotally mounted to the second end of the base and is pivotal between a first transport position within the channel and a second support position extending upwardly from the channel. A cradle is attached to each of the first and second arms for supporting portions of the fishing rod when the first and second arms are in their second support positions. The offset base in the channel positions the first and second arms and cradles thereon in an over/under relationship within the confines of the base. Nubs within the base releasably engage notches in the cradles to maintain the arms at the transport and support positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: John Scott Edwards, Cindy L. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6176034
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an improved fishing butt and reel seat assembly and comprises a substantially strong, rigid, one piece rod having a first open end, a second open end and a main length extending therebetween with a hollow interior in communication with both open ends having a substantially constant inner diameter. The rod includes a reel seat portion, a shank portion, and preferably, a gimbal receiving portion. The reel seat portion preferably includes an abutment section with an enlarged exterior diameter disposed generally adjacent the shank portion. The exterior diameter of the abutment section is larger than that of the reel seat portion but smaller than the exterior diameter of the shank portion which is the largest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Stuart Collins
  • Patent number: 6125572
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an improved fishing butt and reel seat assembly and comprises a substantially strong, rigid, one piece rod having a first open end, a second open end and a main length extending therebetween with a hollow interior in communication with both ends and preferably having a substantially constant inner diameter. The rod includes a reel seat portion and a shank portion. The reel seat portion preferably includes an abutment section with an enlarged exterior diameter disposed generally adjacent the shank portion. Preferably, the exterior diameter of the abutment section is larger than that of both the reel seat portion and the shank portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Stuart M. Collins
  • Patent number: 6115955
    Abstract: A fishing rod assembly with interchangeable handle components permits different reels, different counterweights or counterweight amounts, and even different rod blank assemblies, to be assembled and used interchangeably with one another for different types of fishing (fly casting, spinning, trolling, etc.) as desired. The handle assembly includes a threaded sleeve which is used to secure various collars and different types of reels thereto. A finger grip or trigger may be installed using these components to provide better casting for certain types of fishing. The rod blank passes through a closely fitting axial passage through the handle assembly, with the butt end of the rod blank assembly protruding slightly from the butt end of the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Leroy Sledge
  • Patent number: 6105302
    Abstract: In a fishing rod having a reel seat on a rod pipe, the fishing rod has a finger trigger on the side which is opposite to the side where the reel seat is provided, in such a manner that the finger trigger is so positioned and configured as to allow an angler to cast the fishing line while palming the fishing rod and a reel mounted on the reel seat with one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Yamamoto, Teiji Matsubara, Mitsuyoshi Oyama
  • Patent number: 6098333
    Abstract: A leverage feature is provided for a fishing rod extending laterally from the fishing rod handle a short distance to the rear of a reel. The leverage feature has a contoured cupped ridge shape which is inclined to the rear so as to be engaged by the side of the hand when the rod handle is palm gripped during play of a hooked fish to greatly improve the leverage able to be exerted by the hand in resisting the tipping of the rod by the pull of the fish. The leverage feature relative the reel can be adjusted to be fit to the particular size of the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Kirk C. Wickizer, Jeffrey P. Wickizer
  • Patent number: 6092324
    Abstract: A fishing rod is provided in which unwanted vibration is damped and casting characteristics are improved. Vibration damping elastomeric material is provided as a tapered element within the hollowed rod blank near the rod tip and/or as an intervening layer between the rod blank and the rod grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Orvis Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Lepage, Earl D. Duback, Charles N. Corrado, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6067741
    Abstract: A fishing rod handle extension for attachment to the butt end of a fishing rod handle having a generally rectilinear front segment, a generally rectilinear rear segment and an elongated middle segment that is joined at an angle to the front and rear segments with each of the segments lying generally in the same plane. A front segment has a first end for attachment to the butt end of a fishing rod handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: William O. Eaton
  • Patent number: 6061946
    Abstract: A fishing rod has a lighted rod tip. The rod tip is produced from a clear or translucent plastic and has a hole in it in which an LED is potted. The conductors to the LED extend all the way through the hollow shaft to batteries in the handle and a switch beyond the handle in a sub-base assembly thereto. The sub-base assembly screws on and off the handle as needed for changing the batteries. The sub-base assembly also forms a compartment for housing the switch. The switch is operated by pushing hard on a thick resilient butt cap, which covers the very butt end of the rod. Hence the switch is well protected against inadvertent operation, shocks, and weather and water. The electrical system as a whole is housed within interior spaces inside the rod, safely protected from water even if the rod were dropped in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: L. Taizo Toelken
  • Patent number: 6029389
    Abstract: A fishing rod handle is gripped in the palm of a hand with the third, fourth and fifth phalange being wrapped around an outwardly diverging part of a handle and with the second phalange being located alongside those phalanges. The thumb extends along the handle such that the rod can be cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventors: John Reginald Newton, David Stocker
  • Patent number: 6016982
    Abstract: A reel for fishing is capable of mounting a fishing rod in its leading end in the direction in which a fishline is played out. The reel for fishing has a reel body which is provided with a spool on which the fishline is wound up, a handle to be driven to rotate the spool in the fishline-winding-up direction, and a grip portion to be held integrally with the reel body at the time of actual fishing. An opening is formed in the reel body, which opening is capable of smoothly thumbing the spool along the direction of the thumb which is gripping and holding the grip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Asano, Hiroshi Toma, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, Toshiro Ono, Masaru Akiba, Teiji Matsubara, Mitsuru Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5992079
    Abstract: An improved wristsaver fishing rod handle and system having an improved ergonomic handle is described. The system includes an elongated pole having a plurality of spaced-apart downwardly extending line guides disposed along the length, with a distal tip and a proximal handle mounting portion for connecting to the ergonomic handle. The ergonomic handle has a mounting section for coupling to the pole, a first handle portion disposed at an angle to the mounting portion, and a second handle portion mounted at a second predetermined angle to the first handle. A spinning reel mount is associated with the first handle, to position the downwardly extending spinning reel in an operative relationship to the casting hand of a user. A first alternative embodiment describes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the first handle portion with respect to the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: Neil D. Michels, Katherine A. Michels
  • Patent number: 5974722
    Abstract: A new combination fishing rod for fishing and ice fishing. The inventive device includes a handle with one end of an elongate support shaft inserted into a hole in one end of the handle. The other end of the support shaft is inserted into a first bore of the first end of an elongate combination insertion member. The second end of the combination insertion member has an elongate second bore therein. The combination insertion member has an annular wall provided in the second bore of the combination insertion member which divides the second bore of the combination insertion member into an annular outer portion and a central portion. The fishing rod also includes a butt shaft and a tip shaft. The first end of the butt shaft is insertable into the outer portion of the second bore of the combination insertion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald G. Kiser
  • Patent number: 5960578
    Abstract: Handles and grips for fishing equipment having antibacterial and antifungal properties are disclosed. The grips are formed from a synthetic resin in which one or more germicidal agents have been added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Yasui
  • Patent number: 5956884
    Abstract: A fishing rod provided with a reel clamp and finger grip assembly for ergonomic comfort with ease of use when fishing in deep lakes and/or ocean waters having a feature to secure the rod and reel assembly to a boat to avoid loss of the rod and reel assembly. The clamp is arranged to mount the reel on the rod in front of the handle and the finger grip on the rod at a position circumferentially spaced from the reel. This assembly is arranged to free the hand and body of the fisherperson by providing an alternative grip to eliminate tension and fatigue while fishing for long periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Jesse R. Goodrich
  • Patent number: 5915639
    Abstract: A fly fishing reel comprises a large diameter spool having a broad width and a shallow line storage depth. The reel may have an arm-like body and a unique mounting member which, when attached to a fishing rod, positions the perimeter of the spool across a longitudinal axis of the rod. In an additional aspect, a drag mechanism is provided in a center hub of the spool. The drag mechanism is a unidirectional dual cone drag mechanism. The drag mechanism comprises a pair of opposing frictional conical race members, an inner race member inserted into an outer race member. The race members are biased into contact to create drag on the rotating spool. A roller clutch is utilized to produce a unidirectional drag mechanism. The roller clutch is configured to lock thereby causing relative rotation of the race members creating frictional drag only when the spool is rotated in the "reeling out direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: C1 Design Group
    Inventor: Mark S. Farris
  • Patent number: 5890313
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an improved fishing butt and reel seat assembly and comprises a substantially strong, rigid, one piece rod having a first open end, a second open end and a main length extending therebetween with a hollow interior in communication with both open ends having a substantially constant inner diameter. The rod includes a reel seat portion and a shank portion. The reel seat portion preferably includes an abutment section with an enlarged exterior diameter disposed generally adjacent the shank portion. The exterior diameter of the abutment section is larger than that of both the reel seat portion and the shank portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Stuart Collins
  • Patent number: 5875581
    Abstract: A reel seat includes a fixed hood for engaging one end of a reel foot, a movable hood for engaging the other end of the reel foot, and a seat base extending between the two hoods and surrounding a rod core in regions of the hoods. The seat base includes a recess in at least one side thereof indented between the two hoods toward the rod core as seen in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the rod core, so that the outer edge defining the recess has a smaller width around a middle portion than portions around opposite ends in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Yasui
  • Patent number: 5845428
    Abstract: A heated fishing rod handle is provided including a heater assembly including a fluidic fuel outlet tube situated within the handle and being in communication with a fuel container removably stored in the handle. The heater assembly further includes a spark generating mechanism for generating a spark upon the actuation thereof. Further included is a heater control assembly including a fuel dispensing lever extending from the handle for selectively controlling the output of fuel from the fuel outlet tube. A push button is situated on the handle for actuating the spark generating mechanism upon being depressed thereby igniting the fuel and generating heat which exudes from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Larry S. Miller, Steven P. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 5697184
    Abstract: A fishing rod butt is provided with a rod blank having upper and lower ends. A handle grip comprised of a dual layer is placed over a portion of the rod blank. A reel seat is also placed over at least a portion of the rod blank and is positioned adjacent the handle grip. A pair of wood arbors are positioned over the rod blank on each side of the hand grip. A gimbal is positioned on the rod blank on the lower end thereof and a cap is placed over the gimbal. The arbor at the upper end of the rod blank receives a reel seat thereover. A ferrule may be inserted and extend from the reel seat, the ferrule receiving a fishing rod therein. A method of assembling a fishing rod butt includes the steps of sliding a dual layer hand grip over a rod blank such that an upper portion and lower portion of the rod blank extend from the hand grip. An arbor is slid over each of the upper and lower portions of the rod blank and are glued thereto. A gimbal is also glued to one of the arbors, while a reel seat is glued to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Barry Heller
  • Patent number: 5655328
    Abstract: A fishing rod handle heater apparatus includes a flexible sheet-like housing assembly which includes a first end and a second end. The flexible sheet-like housing assembly includes a lock notch which partially extends from the second end toward the first end. A first connector assembly is attached to the first end of the flexible sheet-like housing assembly. A second connector assembly is attached to the second end of the flexible sheet-like housing assembly. The second connector assembly is complementary to the first connector assembly. An electrical resistance heater assembly is housed within the flexible sheet-like housing assembly. A battery-power assembly is electrically connected to the electrical resistance heater assembly, and a manually-operated switch assembly is supported by the battery-power assembly for controlling flow of electric power from the battery-power assembly to the electrical resistance heater assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventors: James S. Childs, Charles M. McLynden
  • Patent number: 5557875
    Abstract: A butt assembly for a fishing pole comprises a generally cylindrical elongated member having a male rotary connection at the upper end thereof for connection to a female connecting sleeve of a fishing rod. The upper end of the butt is keyed for aligning the rod when connected to the butt. The lower end of the butt includes cross shaped notches for being received in a gimbal which prohibits twisting while allowing a back and forth movement. A segment is defined in the butt near the upper end thereof for receiving a reel housing. The segment is located at a distance from the upper end of the butt, i.e., the end where the rod is attached, for positioning the reel housing as is conventional in the industry. The segment is an arcuate segment having a contour for closely matching the profile of the reel housing positioned therein. The reel housing is secured within the segment by a reel block. The reel block is disposed on the butt at the opposite side from the segment and secured to the reel housing by posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas Testa
  • Patent number: 5551184
    Abstract: An elastic portable cushion for enveloping the butt-end of a fishing rod for interposition with the fisher-person's body, to protect the body when fighting a fish, the cushion having the property of generally retaining its shape during use and defined by an outer surface having a high coefficient of friction including first device formed therein for receiving the butt-end of the rod in temporary fixed position therein, the device comprising a passageway, of equal or lesser diameter than the butt-end of the fishing rod, passing into the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Charles A. Grosse