Wrap Around Waist Fishing Rod Holder With Accessories

The present invention relates generally to storage means for fishing accessories; and more specifically, the invention relates to portable carrying means for fly fishing rods, tackle and personal items.

The sport of fishing requires the use of a large number of items such as rods, reels, nets, lures, stringers, etc. A person wishing to fish needs to have all of these items and accessories on hand or readily nearby. Because of the large number of many different accessories, it is extremely difficult to carry all of these accessories at once. This presents a large problem for a person fishing along a shoreline who would like to walk along the shoreline or wade into the water while fishing. This person would have to leave the fishing gear behind or slowly and distractingly move the gear accordingly.

In the past, the common method for carrying a number of fishing accessories has been through the use of a fishing vest having a number of pockets. However, these vests tend to restrict complete freedom of movement and are uncomfortable, particularly in warm weather. Additionally, a fishing vest is very limited in storage capacity and cannot hold a fishing rod, a net, etc., all of which must be carried separately at the risk of being lost, dropped or damaged.

To store or transport a rod, a rod tube is most commonly used. A tube is a long cylindrical rigid tube with a cover, in which a rod is placed. However, rod tubes are bulky and cumbersome and must either be left ashore while wading or must be left in a vehicle, in which case only the rod is carried to a fishing location, thereby exposing the rod to damage from snags on trees and underbrush.

Numerous other attempts have been made to provide a means for carrying fishing accessories. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,231, issued to Kalisher, discloses a tackle box belt. This belt however has no means for protecting and transporting a rod. Further, the pockets are not padded and are relatively small to hold lures and such and are incapable of holding a large lure box or other large items.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,628,628, issued to Burgin, et al., discloses a fishing equipment holder having an elongated cylindrical body having notched brackets for holding fishing equipment. This holder however does not wrap around a person's waist, exposes all the gear in the notched brackets, and does not contain accessible compartments for lures and tackle while in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,112, issued to Miller, discloses a carrier for fishing rods and tackle comprising a tackle box and a rod holder attached to a carrier plate. This carrier however does not wrap around the waist and exposes the fishing rods, leaving them unprotected while in transport. Further, this carrier is extremely complex and costly to manufacture.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,678,611, issued to Files, discloses a cylindrical floating fishing tackle carrier. This carrier however does not wrap around the waist, and a user must also submerge themselves in water for the floating carrier to be useful. The floating carrier proves to be cumbersome, bulky and if there are waves, the carrier can be very awkward.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,823,971, issued to Hoyt, discloses a tackle box. This tackle box however does not wrap around the waist, but is worn on a person's back, thereby making accessibility difficult and inconvenient. A rod can be tied to a side of the tackle box, but this leaves the rod unprotected and removal of the rod time consuming.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,817,472, issued to Parkhurst, discloses a belt with compartments for use by fishermen. However, their belt has no means of carrying or transporting and is not suitable for all waist sizes, i.e., is not readily adjustable. Further, fishing items are placed into cylinders carried on the belt, thereby restricting the number and size of items that can be carried. There are sleeves in the belt for a rod but the rod still remains exposed and vulnerable to damage.

The present invention solves the problems, disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art by providing a portable and adjustable wrap around fishing rod holder with accessories, which completely protects a fishing rod and gear and allows a user to completely maintain freedom of movement during fishing, while at the same time being readily accessible to all compartments. Also, the invention is simple in construction and use, thereby saving the user time and money.

The present invention comprises a portable carrier for a fishing rod and other items. Unlike fishing vests which restrict complete freedom of movement and are uncomfortable, the present invention turns into a belt once the rod is removed, also eliminating the need for a rod tube. It is adaptable to be worn by persons of different weight and height. The invention can fit waist sizes from 29" to 54". The invention further folds into a compact package when not in use.

The invention provides durable protection and improved means for storage and transportation of fishing accessories and rods of any length. There is a hidden pocket behind a large main pocket, a fleece for flies and hooks, a knife pocket, and at least one moveable pocket (preferably two). Additional moveable pockets may be added as needed. The overall shape and pockets are formed to hold their shape. They are not envelope style and collapsible as are pockets on a vest.

Accordingly, it is the principle object of the present invention to provide means for storing and transporting fishing accessories.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a carrier that can be worn about the waist.

It is also an object of the invention to allow a fisherman to easily and safely transport and access selective quantities of gear including a net and a stringer.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a padded fishing rod holder that converts into an adjustable wrap around fishing belt.

It is another object of the invention to provide a top-of-the-line, attractive, extremely durable, padded, and water-resistant carrier for fishing accessories.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a fly rod carrying case for securely carrying any length fly rod, regardless if the rod comprises multiple pieces (2, 3, or 4), by allowing the case to be adjustable in length by folding over an end of the rod case to prevent the rods from sliding therein.

Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same.

A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in use around the waist of a fisherman;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention in a rod transporting position;

FIG. 3 is a back view of the present invention in a rod transporting position;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention in a rod transporting position;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the present invention in a rod transporting position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention in a storage position;

FIG. 7 is a partially broken away front view of the present invention in use transporting a rod;

FIG. 8 is a partially broken away front view of the present invention in use transporting a rod, in length adjusting position; and

FIG. 9 is a top view of the present invention of FIG. 8.

While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention and/or claims of the embodiment illustrated.

FIGS. 1-9 illustrate the present invention 10 comprising fishing rod and accessories holder or carrier 20. Carrier 20 is two durable and water-resistant, elongated, belt-like pieces of material preferably made of 1/8 foam lined TRECO and CODURA. Carrier 20 has a substantially linear top edge 22, a stepped bottom edge 24 having lower step edge 24a and upper step edge 24b, an elongated side edge 26, and a short side edge 28, as well as a front panel 30 and a back panel 32. Front panel 30 is fastened to back panel 32 by zipper means 34 along said edges, thereby forming an enclosure or rod-holding pocket.

Front panel 30 contains an integral pocket 40, an integral fleece 50, and an integral knife sheath 60. Carrier 20 further contains at least one (preferably two) removable and adjustable pocket 70 which is wrapped around top edge 22, front panel 30, lower step edge 24a and back panel 32.

Top edge 22 has a handle 80 for carrying carrier 20 when not wrapped around the waist. Bottom edge 24 has a "D"-ring 82 for attachment of an accessory such as a fish stringer. Bottom edge 24 also has a clip ring 84 for attachment of an accessory such as a fish net 86.

Front panel 30 and back panel 32 have fastening means 90 for adjustable fastening invention 10 around the waist of a user. Fastening means 90 is preferably hook and loop type fasteners.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, carrier 20 wraps around the waist of a user or fisherman 100 when the carrier is in a fishing position, as illustrated. Fastening material 90 on back panel 32 (not shown) coacts with complimentary fastening material 90 on front panel 30 to securely and snugly wrap invention 10 around the waist of fisherman 100 and hold it thereto. The fisherman is now free to fish without any restrictions in movement. The fisherman can walk along a shoreline or wander into the water 110 and still have all the needed accessories along with and readily accessible. By holding fishing rod 120 having reel 122, line 124 and lure (not shown) in one hand, the other hand is free to access any compartment or location on carrier 20 as desired.

FIG. 2 is a front view of invention 10 in its rod holding or transporting position. Front panel 30 of carrier 20 can be seen having top edge 22, stepped bottom edge 24 including lower step edge 24a and upper step edge 24b, elongated side edge 26 and short side edge 28.

Pocket 40 is shown on front panel 30. Pocket 40 comprises a front wall 42 and a lid 44 which extends over front wall 42 and is removably fastened thereto by complimentary fastening means 92, preferably hook and loop type fasteners.

Similarly, knife sheath 60 is shown on front panel 30 and comprises a front wall 62 and a lid 64 which extends over front wall 62 and is removably fastened thereto by complimentary fastening means 94, preferably hook and loop type fasteners. Knife sheath 60 is horizontally disposed on front panel 30, however it should be understood that sheath 60 could also be vertically disposed or disposed at an angle.

Two removable and adjustable pockets 70 are illustrated in FIG. 2. Pockets 70 are wrapped around carrier 20 at tope edge 22, front panel 30, lower step edge 24a, and back panel 32 (not shown). The ends 72, 74 of pockets 70 are removably fastened over back panel 32 (as seen in FIG. 3). Pockets 70 are selectively, adjustable positioned around carrier 20 along the length of lower step edge 24a as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 2 and by the phantom line drawings of pockets 70. Pockets 70 include a front wall 76 and a lid 78 which extends over front wall 76 and is removably fastened thereto by complimentary fastening means 79, preferably hook and loop type fasteners.

Handle 80 is shown attached to top edge 22 of carrier 20. By holding handle 80, a user can easily and safely carry a fishing rod and other fishing accessories. Because front panel 30, back panel 32 and all pockets of carrier 20 are padded, should the carrier bump into an object, the fishing rod and accessories in the carrier 20 are shielded from harm.

"D"-ring 82 and clip ring 84 are shown suitably attached to lower step edge 24a. However, it should be understood that any number of "D"-rings and/or clip rings may be suitably attached in any location on carrier 20.

Front panel 30 has two parallel, spaced apart long strips of fastening material 90 running horizontally from elongated edge 26 parallel to and in proximity of top edge 22. The two long strips are substantially equal to the length of upper step edge 24b. Carrier 20 is adjustable along the length of said two long strips by selectively positioning short edge 28 at any location therealong, after wrapping carrier 20 around the waist.

FIG. 2 further shows carrier 20 having a small opening or vertical slit 35 between pocket 40 and fleece 50. Slit 35 runs vertically from upper step edge 24b to the level of lower step edge 24a extended. Slit 35 facilitates the wrapping of carrier 20 around a waist and provides more comfort to a user.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the present invention 10 in its rod holding position. Back panel 32 of carrier 20 can be seen having top edge 22, stepped bottom edge 24 including lower step edge 24a and upper step edge 24b, elongated side edge 26 and short side edge 28.

Pockets 70 can be seen wrapped around carrier 20. Pocket ends 72 and 74 overlap and are removably connected by fastening means 75, preferably complimentary hook and loop type fasteners. Further, handle 80, `D`-ring 82 and clip ring 84 can be seen suitably attached to carrier 20. Slit 35 in carrier 20 is shown.

Back panel 32 has a plurality of short parallel, spaced apart strips of fastening material 90 running horizontally along substantially the entire length thereof, parallel to and in proximity of top edge 22. Fastening material 90 on back panel 32 is illustrated as two parallel rows of four short strips 90a running horizontally from short side edge 28 to `D`ring 82, and two parallel rows of two strips 90b running horizontally from elongated side 26 to approximately the midsection of pocket 40. The two parallel rows of four short strips 90a selectively and adjustable coact with the two long parallel strips of fastening material on front panel 30 when the carrier 20 is wrapped around the waist. Alternatively, the two parallel rows of four short strips 90a selectively and adjustably coact with the two parallel rows of two strips 90b when the carrier 20 is adjusted in length to snugly carry rods which do not extend to short side edge 28 (as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9).

FIG. 4 is a top view of invention 10. Carrier 20 is shown having a top edge 22, an elongated side edge 26 and a short side edge 28, as well as a front panel 30 and a back panel 32. Zipper means 34 openably fastens front panel 30 to back panel 32, preferably at elongated side edge 26. The front panel 30 and back panel 32 are suitably fastened along the remaining portion of the edges of carrier 20 such as by stitching.

Integral pocket 40 and sheath 60 with cover or lid 44 and 64 respectively can be seen attached to front panel 30. Pockets 70 with lids 78 can be seen wrapped around carrier 20. Handle 80 is seen attached to top edge 22 of carrier 20.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of invention 10. Carrier 20 is shown having bottom edge 24 with lower stepped edge 24a and upper stepped edge 24b, elongated side edge 26 and a short side edge 28, as well as a front panel 30 and a back panel 32. Zipper means 34 is shown openably fastening front panel 30 to back panel 32 at elongated side edge 26.

Integral pocket 40 and sheath 60 with lid 64 can be seen attached to front panel 30. Pockets 70 can be seen attached to front panel 30. Pockets 70 can be seen wrapped around carrier 20. "D"-ring 82 and clip ring 84 are attached to lower stepped edge 24a.

FIG. 6 illustrates the present invention 10 in its folded position for storage when not in use. Carrier 20 folds into a compact-sized package which is easily storable when not in use. Further, handle 80 and pockets 40, 60 and 70 remain accessible for easy transportation and storage of accessories.

To fold carrier 20 to its folded position, elongated side edge 26 is folded over about vertical slit 35 such that the two parallel rows of two strips 90b of fastening material 90 overlap. Short side edge 28 is then wrapped around the folded portion until the two parallel rows of four short strips 90a of fastening material 90 on back panel 32 coact with the two parallel spaced apart long strips of fastening material 90 on front panel 30. Therefore, the entire carrier is fastened in a compact package having a handle and accessible pockets.

FIG. 7 is a partially broken away front view of the present invention 10 illustrating rod 120 and reel 122 inserted into carrier 20. As can be seen, rod 120 comprises two sections 120a and 120b. Rod section 120a has reel 122 attached thereto. Rod 120 and reel 122 rest securely and safely inside carrier 20. Fisherman 100 need only grasp handle 80 and carry invention 10 to a fishing location. Front panel 30 and back panel 32 are preferably stitched together along stitch line 130 from short side edge 28 to slit 35 so that rod section 120a and rod section 120b remain separated while in carrier 20. As can be seen, carrier 20 has enough space to carry a plurality of fishing rods and reels.

FIG. 8 is a partially broken away front view of the present invention 10 in use in a length adjusted position transporting rod 120 and reel 122. As can be seen, rod 120 is illustrated comprising four short sections, 120c, 120d, 120e, and 120f. Rod section 120c has reel 122 attached thereto. Rod 120 and reel 122 rest securely and safely inside carrier 20. As can be seen, short sections 120c, 120d, 120e, and 120f of rod 120 extend only to D-ring 82. In order to prevent the short sections from sliding around inside carrier 20, the present invention 10 is adjustable in carrying length. Short side edge 28 is folded over back panel 32 such that the four short strips 90a (FIG. 3) selectively and adjustable coact with the two strips 90b (FIG. 3). In this manner, carrier 20 can be adjusted to any length to accommodate any sized rod having any number of sections. Once adjusted, a fisherman need only grasp handle 80 and carry invention 10 to a fishing location. It is foreseen that handle 80 can be selectively and removably fastened by suitable fastening means along the length of top edge 22. Thus, handle 80 can be securely positioned in a desired or optimally balanced position when the carrier is adjusted in length.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the length adjusted carrier 20 of FIG. 8. As can be seen, short side edge 28 is folded over back panel 32 such that fasteners 90a and 90b (FIG. 3) coact. Carrier 20 is adjustable in this manner to any length by selectively positioning edge 28 at any location along back panel 32. All pockets remain accessible.

In use, a fishing pole 120 is inserted into carrier 20, along with any desired accessories into pockets. Carrier 20 is than adjusted to a desired length, if need be. The user 100 then grasps handle 80 and carries the carrier 20 to a desired fishing location. The padded carrier 20 protects the fishing rod and accessories from being damaged while in transit. When the user 100 reaches the desired location, the rod 120 is removed and carrier 20 is wrapped around the waist of the user. Short side edge 28 is selectively positioned along fastening material 90a on front panel 30. Fastening material 90a on back panel 32 coacts with fastening material 90 on front panel 30 to securely and comfortably hold the carrier 20 around the waist of the user 100. The user is then free to wander around without restricted movement and fish, while at the same time having any desired fishing accessories readily at hand.

As described above, pockets 70 are selectably positioned on or removed from carrier 20 according to a user's preference or need. It is foreseen that other pocket options can be made in various shapes or sizes depending on personal preference of a user. For example, an attachable and adjustable pocket similar to pockets 70 could be made for insulated storage for cold items such as a lunch or beverages. Further pockets could be made to hold a large lure box or to store personal belongings such as glasses, a wallet, a camera, etc.

It is to be understood that the embodiments herein described are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims which follow.