GB2406773A

GB2406773A - Fishing pole support with foam rollers

Info

Publication number: GB2406773A
Application number: GB0323537A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gregg Charles Holloway; Horace J Browning
Original assignee: Hopkins & Holloway Ltd
Current assignee: Hopkins & Holloway Ltd
Priority date: 2003-10-08
Filing date: 2003-10-08
Publication date: 2005-04-13
Also published as: GB0323537D0

Abstract

A pole support apparatus 2 for supporting a fishing pole comprises a tripod 4 on which is mounted a roller support body 8 which includes a horizontal front roller 14. Extending upwardly away from roller 14 are roller arms 32 which include two rotatably mounted rollers, namely a shorter roller 44 and a longer roller on arm 32, with the axis of rotation of the respective rollers being angled relative to each other. The apparatus is arranged to be configured in a variety of configurations, by removing the arms 32 and positioning them at different locations on the body of the apparatus. Each roller is a friction reduction means. A restrictor means which includes friction reduction means enables an elongate member (fishing pole) to move easily over it.

Description

1 2406773 Support Apparatus This invention relates to a support apparatus

and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to an apparatus for supporting an elongate member, for example a pole/rod used in fishing.

In certain types of fishing, a pole having a length in the range 10-20 metres and a line at one end is used. A user sits on a bank and supports the pole so that the line extends into the water at a desired location. If a fish is caught, the pole is withdrawn from the water in order to move the line towards the user for release of the fish.

A support apparatus is often used for supporting the pole, especially during withdrawal. One such apparatus is described in GB 2301007 and comprises a chassis which supports a pair of rollers which may be arranged to rock slightly about a rocking pivot axis. The support apparatus is positioned behind the user and the pole is positioned so as to be supported by and roll over the rollers of the apparatus during withdrawal.

GB2376399 describes a support device for a fishing pole or rod which includes a tripod on which is mounted a pole support portion which includes a central roller which is arranged generally horizontally in use and two lateral rollers which define with the central roller a generally flat-bottomed V-arrangement. Whilst the support device may be used to support a rod in some circumstances, it is not versatile and there are many situations wherein it is ineffective or unusable.

It is an object of the present invention to address problems associated with support apparatus of the type described.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support apparatus for supporting an elongate member, for example a fishing rod or pole, the apparatus comprising a body, a first restrictor means for restricting movement of the elongate member and a second lo restrictor means for restricting movement of the elongate member, wherein said apparatus is configurable in a first operative configuration wherein said first and second restrictor means extends upwardly, at least in part, relative to the body; and a second operative configuration, different to said first configuration, wherein said first and second restrictor means extends upwardly, at least in part, relative to the body.

Advantageously, the provision of at least two operative configurations as described enables an appropriate configuration to be selected by a user according to the prevailing conditions and/or his personal preference.

Preferably, movement between the first and second configurations does not involve the first or second restrictor means pivoting from respective first positions to respective second positions.

Said apparatus is preferably configurable in a third operative configuration wherein said first and second restrictor means extend upwardly, at least in part, relative to the body.

Said apparatus is preferably configurable in a fourth operative configuration wherein said first and second restrictor means extend upwardly, at least in part, relative to the body.

Preferably, in said first configuration, a base is defined upon which an elongate member may rest in use and said first and second restrictor means define with the base a receptacle for receiving an elongate member wherein said receptacle comprises said base and spaced apart upwardly extending sides defined by said first and second restrictor means.

Preferably, in said second configuration, a base is defined upon which an elongate member may rest in use and said first and second restrictor means define with the base a receptacle for receiving an elongate member wherein said receptacle comprises said base and spaced apart upwardly extending sides defined by said first and second restrictor means.

When the apparatus is configurable in a third and/or fourth configuration, in each case a base may be defined upon which an elongate member may rest in use and said first and second restrictor means define with the base a receptacle for receiving an elongate member wherein said receptacle comprises said base and spaced apart upwardly extending sides defined by said first and second restrictor means.

Said base may incorporate a roller over which said elongate member may travel in use.

In one configuration, the apparatus may comprise a base and first and second sides defined by said first and second restrictor means, wherein the sides converge inwardly towards one another on initially moving upwardly away from the base and then diverge outwardly away from one another.

In another configuration, the first and second restrictor means may initially extend generally horizontally (e.g. + 30 , preferably + 15 to the horizontal) in use and each may then extend upwardly away from the base with the sides diverging away from one another.

In another configuration, a first side may converge inwardly on initially moving upwardly and may then diverge outwardly; the other side may initially extend substantially horizontally (e.g. + 30 , preferably + 15 to the horizontal) in use and then extend upwardly.

Said first restrictor means preferably includes a first restrictor element having a first elongate axis and a second restrictor having a second elongate axis, wherein said first and second elongate axes are angled relative to one another. Preferably, the angle between the first and second axes is fixed and unadjustable. Said angle may be defined by a member, for example, a shaft which is bent to define the desired angle. The angle between the first and second axes is suitably in the range 100 to 170 , preferably in the range 120 to 170 , more preferably in the range 140 to 1600.

Said first restrictor element is preferably longer than the second restrictor element. The ratio of the length of the first restrictor element to the second restrictor element may be at least 1.5, preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 2.5. The ratio is preferably less than 5.

The first and second restrictor elements preferably have a substantially constant cross-section along their extent.

The ratio of the diameter of the first element to the diameter of the second element is preferably in the range 0.7 to 1.5, more preferably 0.9 to 1.1, especially about 1.

Said first restrictor element is preferably made out of a resilient and/or cushioning material. It is preferably made out of foam. Said second restrictor element is preferably made out of a resilient and/or cushioning material. It is preferably made out of foam.

Said first restrictor means is preferably releasable engageable with the body. It is preferably releasably engageable in a plurality of different positions, thereby to define said first and second (and optional third and fourth) configurations, in part. Said body preferably includes a first securement means for releasably engaging the first restrictor means. Said body may include a second securement means for releasably engaging the first restrictor means suitably so that when said first restrictor means engages said first and second securement means the first and second configurations of the apparatus may be defined in part.

Said body may include first, second and third securement means for releasably engaging the first and/or second restrictor means. Preferably, said body includes first, second, third and fourth securement means as described.

When said body includes four securement means said means are preferably symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of an imaginary mirror plane which bisects the body.

Said first securement means may comprise a male or female element arranged to releasably engage the other one of a female or male element provided by said first restrictor means. Said first restrictor means preferably includes two ends, both of which are preferably arranged to releasably engage the body. Said first restrictor means preferably includes two substantially identical securement elements (e.g. female or male elements as described) so that either end of the first restrictor means can be releasably secured to the body in substantially the same manner. Preferably, said first securement means comprise a female element and said first restrictor means defines a male element for engagement therewith. Said female element preferably includes a non-circular cross- section.

Said female element preferably is polygonal in cross- section and more preferably has a square cross-section.

Said first restrictor means preferably includes friction reduction means to enable an elongate member to contact the first restrictor means and move over it easily.

Preferably, said first restrictor means includes a roller suitably as said friction reduction means. Preferably, said first restrictor means includes at least two rollers which preferably are angled relative to one another. When said first restrictor means includes first and second restrictor elements as described, said elements are preferably defined by respective rollers.

Said second restrictor means may independently have any feature of said first restrictor means described.

Preferably, said first and second restrictor means are substantially identical.

Said body is preferably mounted for movement between first and second positions which are suitably vertically spaced apart in use.

Said body preferably includes a support means, for example a support roller, for the elongate member. Said support means preferably extends substantially in a horizontal plane in use.

Said body is preferably mounted on a support frame which is preferably a tripod.

Said apparatus may include a closure means for defining with the body and first and second restrictor means a closed structure arranged to receive the elongate member in use. Said closure means preferably includes an elongate, preferably resilient member, arranged to extend between free ends of the first and second restrictor means. Said closure means may include first and second connector means (which are preferably substantially identical to one another), wherein said connector means are releasably securable to ends of the first and second restrictor means. Said connector means preferably include female elements arranged to cooperate with male elements defined by said first and second restrictor means.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a support apparatus according to the first aspect for supporting an elongate member, preferably a fishing rod or pole.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first restrictor means for a support apparatus of the first aspect, per se. Preferably, the first restrictor means comprises a first restrictor lo element having a first elongate axis and a second restrictor element having a second elongate axis, wherein said first and second elongate axes are angled relative to one another.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for assembling a support apparatus according to the first aspect, or for use in accordance with the second aspect, the kit comprising a body, a first restrictor means and a second restrictor means.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a kit according to the fourth aspect, the method comprising: selecting a first restrictor means which is spaced from said body and releasably securing the first restrictor means to said body; selecting a second restrictor means which is spaced from said body and releasably securing the second restrictor means to said body.

Preferably, the method is undertaken at or adjacent an expanse of water to be fished.

Any feature of any aspect of any invention or embodiment described herein may be combined with any feature of any aspect of any other invention or embodiment described herein mutatis mutandis.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be lo described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a rear view of a pole support apparatus in a first configuration; Figure 2 is a partial view, partly in cross-section, of a roller support body; Figure 3 is a plan view of the roller support body; Figure 4 is a 3 view of the roller support body; Figure 5 is a schematic view of a roller arm; Figure 6 is a view in the direction of arrow A-A of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a front view of the apparatus in a second configuration; Figure 8 is a rear view of the apparatus in a third configuration; Figures 9 to 12 are rear views of the apparatus in fourth to seventh configurations.

The pole support apparatus 2, shown in figure 1, comprises a metal tripod 4 (of conventional design) which supports an elongate shaft 6 which is fixed to a roller support body 8. The shaft 6 is movable vertically within a collar of the tripod 4 and is arranged to be fixed at selected positions thereby to adjust the height of body 8 above lo surface 12 on which the tripod is supported.

The roller support body 8 includes a fixed horizontal front roller 14 supported by spaced apart arms 16. The body 8 includes a central region 18 which supports a boss 20 which receives an upper end of shaft 6 with a locking knob 22 cooperating with the body to secure the shaft within the boss. Spaced apart end regions 24 of the body are inclined upwardly and each incorporates respective first square-cross-section ports 26 (which are upwardly open) and respective second square-cross-section ports 28 (which open sidewardly).

The axes of the adjacent ports 26, 28 are arranged at an angle of about 120 C to one another.

The ports 26, 28 are arranged to receive square section pins 30 provided at the ends of respective roller arms 32 whereby the arms 32 are releasably secured to the body 8.

The body includes screw-locked locking knobs 34 which are arranged to extend laterally into respective ports 26, 28 to secure the pins 30 of the roller arms in position.

As shown in Figure 5, roller arms 32 include an aluminium rod 40 which is bent at position 42 through an angle of about 30 . The rod supports a shorter EVA foam roller 44 and a longer EVA foam roller 46. Pins 30 are mounted at each end of the rod and abut ends of the respective rollers.

The apparatus 2 is arranged to be configured in a variety of configurations. In the figure 1 configuration roller arms 32 are both fixed within respective first ports 26 with the shorter rollers 44 closer to the body 8 and being angled inwardly toward one another so that an angle A is defined between the axes of the rollers and the central region 18 of the body. In the configuration, the longer rollers 46 diverge outwardly. The outer pins 30 of the arms 32 are capped with square cross-section caps 50 (Figure 5) to which a length of elastic 52 is attached.

Thus, the figure 1 arrangement defines a closed area which is wider at its upper end, thereby enabling a pole to be easily inserted and narrow at its lower end, so the pole can be allowed to move downwardly to rest on roller 14, with upwardly convergent rollers 44 then restricting upwards movement of the pole as may otherwise tend to occur in windy conditions.

Other configurations of the apparatus can readily be assembled, in dependence upon weather conditions, the area being fished, and the personal choice of a fisherman, by releasing knobs 34, detaching the arms 32 and repositioning them and optionally the caps 50/elastic 52 arrangement, as desired.

Examples of other configurations are shown in figures 7 to 12, as follows.

Figure 7 shows both shorter rollers closer to body 8 with pins 30 engaging respective second ports 28; Figure 8 is similar to figure 7, except both the longer rollers are closer to the body 8; lo Figure 9 shows both longer rollers closer to the body, with one pin 30 engaging a port 26 at one end of the body 8 with the roller 46 angled inwardly and roller 44 angled outwardly and the other pin engaging port 28 at the other end of the body 8; Figure 10 is similar to figure 9 except roller arm 32 which engages port 26 is arranged so both rollers 44 and 46 are angled inwardly; Figure 11 is similar to figure 9 except that the shorter rollers are closer to body 8; Figure 12 is similar to figure 9 except that one shorter and one larger roller are closer to the body.

The apparatus 2 can be readily disassembled for storage in a bag, box or the like.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

e .. . . Claims 1. A support apparatus for supporting an

elongate member, the apparatus comprising a body, a first restrictor means for restricting movement of the elongate member and a second restrictor means for restricting movement of the elongate member, wherein said apparatus is configurable in a first operative configuration wherein said first and second restrictor means extend upwardly, at least in part, relative to the body; and a second operative configuration, different to said first configuration, wherein said first and second restrictor means extend upwardly, at least in part, relative to the body.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement between the first and second configurations does not involve the first or second restrictor means pivoting from respective first positions to respective second positions.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, which is configurable in a third operative configuration wherein said first and second restrictor means extend upwardly, at least in part, relative to the body.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, which is configurable in a fourth operative configuration wherein said first and second restrictor means extend upwardly, at least in part, relative to the body.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein in said first configuration, a base is defined upon which an elongate member may rest in use and said first and second restrictor means define with the base a receptacle for : c: c: :: c: :: ce.

. .. . . receiving an elongate member wherein said receptacle comprises said base and spaced apart upwardly extending sides defined by said first and second restrictor means.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein, in said second configuration, a base is defined on which an elongate member may rest in use and said first and second restrictor means define with the base a receptacle for receiving an elongate member wherein said receptacle comprises said base and spaced apart upwardly extending sides defined by said first and second restrictor means.
7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said base incorporates a roller over which said elongate member may travel in use.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein, in one configuration, the apparatus comprises a base and first and second sides defined by said first and second restrictor means, wherein the sides converge inwardly towards one another on initially moving upwardly away from the base and then diverge outwardly away from one another.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein, in one configuration, the first and second restrictor means initially extend generally horizontally in use and then each extends upwardly away from the base with the sides diverging away from one another.
10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein in one configuration, a first side converges inwardly on initially moving upwardly and then diverges outwardly; the e. e.e c. : : : ce: . :. c:. e:. ee. other side initially extends substantially horizontally in use and then extends upwardly.
11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said first restrictor means includes a first restrictor element having a first elongate axis and a second restrictor element having a second elongate axis, wherein said first and second elongate axes are arranged relative to one another.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the angle between the first and second axes is fixed and

unadjustable.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the angle between the first and second axes is in the range 100 to 170 .
14. Apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein said first restrictor element is longer than the second restrictor element.
15. Apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein said first and second restrictor elements are made out of a resilient and/or cushioning material.
16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said first restrictor means is releasably engageable with the body.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said first restrictor means is releasably engageable in a plurality e ce c : : .e: ese ace ce.

of different positions, thereby to define said first and second configurations, in part.
18. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said body includes a first securement means for releasably engaging the first restrictor means and a second securement means for releasably engaging the first restrictor means.
19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said body includes first, second and third securement means for releasably engaging the first and/or second restrictor means.
20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein said first securement means comprises a male or female element arranged to releasably engage the other one of a female or male element provided by said first restrictor means.
21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said first restrictor means includes two ends, both of which are arranged to releasably engage the body.
22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said first restrictor means includes a friction reduction means to enable an elongate member to contact the first restrictor means and move over it easily.
23. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said first restrictor means includes a roller as said friction reduction means.

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24. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said first and second restrictor means are substantially identical.
25. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said body is mounted for movement between first and second positions which are vertically spaced apart in use.
26. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said body includes a support means for the elongate member said support means extending substantially in a horizontal plane in use.
27. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said body is mounted on a support frame which is a tripod.
28. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, said apparatus including a closure means for defining with the body and first and second restrictor means a closed structure arranged to receive the elongate member in use.
29. The use of a support apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 28 for supporting a fishing rod or pole.
30. A kit for assembling a support apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 28.
31. A method of assembling a kit according to claim 30, the method comprising: selecting a first restrictor means which is spaced from said body and releasably securing the first restrictor means to said body; ::e::e c:- selecting a second restrictor means which is spaced from said body and releasably securing the second restrictor means to said body.
32. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.