U.S. patent application number 11/771848 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-10 for storage rack with tapered slots.
This patent application is currently assigned to GREEN TOUCH INDUSTRIES, INC.. Invention is credited to Daniel J. Keegan, David D. Sargent.
Application Number | 20080164230 11/771848 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36124511 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080164230 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Keegan; Daniel J. ; et
al. |
July 10, 2008 |
STORAGE RACK WITH TAPERED SLOTS
Abstract
Storage devices allow for the efficient storage of objects which
include a substantially cylindrical member such as a fishing rod.
The storage device includes a support member which is coupled to a
retaining member. The retaining member includes multiple protruding
members positioned substantially perpendicular to the support
member to form multiple tapered slots which can have openings of
varying widths. The substantially cylindrical member of an object
is inserted into the tapered slot to create a friction fit to
retain the object in a substantially vertical position.
Inventors: |
Keegan; Daniel J.; (Riviera
Beach, FL) ; Sargent; David D.; (Riviera Beach,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL, HASTINGS, JANOFSKY & WALKER LLP
875 15th Street, NW
Washington
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
GREEN TOUCH INDUSTRIES,
INC.
Lake Park
FL
|
Family ID: |
36124511 |
Appl. No.: |
11/771848 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10959543 |
Oct 6, 2004 |
7237685 |
|
|
11771848 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/70.8 ;
211/60.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 97/08 20130101;
A47B 81/005 20130101; A47F 7/0028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/70.8 ;
211/60.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00 |
Claims
1. A storage device for storing objects, the storage device
comprising: a support member; a retaining member coupled to the
support member, the retaining member comprising a first tapered
slot configured to retain a first object, the first tapered slot
having a first width defined between distal ends of two adjacent
protruding members; wherein the first tapered slot is configured to
retain the first object through a friction fit; a second tapered
slot in the retaining member, the second tapered slot having a
second width defined between distal ends of two adjacent protruding
members and configured to retain a second object through a friction
fit; wherein the first width is different from the second width;
and a third tapered slot in the retaining member, the third tapered
slot having a third width defined between distal ends of two
adjacent protruding members and configured to retain a third object
through a friction fit; wherein the first width is substantially
the same as the third width.
2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the first tapered slot is
configured to retain a substantially cylindrical member of the
first object in a substantially vertical position.
3. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the first tapered slot
comprises a taper angle of between 1 degree and 30 degrees.
4. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the retaining member
further comprises at least two protruding members arranged
substantially perpendicular to the support member to form the
second tapered slot.
5. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising a fourth
tapered slot in the retaining member, the fourth tapered slot
having a fourth width defined between distal ends of two adjacent
protruding members and configured to retain a fourth object through
a friction fit, wherein the second width is substantially the same
as the fourth width.
6. The storage device of claim 5, wherein the second tapered slot
comprises a taper angle of between 1 degree and 30 degrees.
7. The storage device of claim 5, wherein the second tapered slot
comprises a taper angle of between 5 degrees and 15 degrees;
wherein the second tapered slot comprises a taper angle of between
5 degrees and 15 degrees.
8. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the second tapered slot
comprises a taper angle of between 5 degrees and 15 degrees;
wherein the second tapered slot comprises a taper angle of between
5 degrees and 15 degrees.
9. The storage device of claim 8, wherein the storage device is a
one-piece construction.
10. The storage device of claim 9, wherein the storage device is
composed of metal or plastic.
11. The storage device of claim 10, wherein the retaining member
further comprises a vinyl coating.
12. A storage device for storing objects that include a
substantially cylindrical member, the storage device comprising: a
support member; and a retaining member coupled to the support
member, the retaining member comprising a plurality of tapered
slots, each of the plurality of tapered slots configured to retain
an object, the retaining member further comprising a plurality of
protruding members to form the plurality of tapered slots, each of
the plurality of tapered slots having a fixed width defined between
distal ends of two adjacent protruding members; wherein the
plurality of tapered slots are configured to retain the object
through a friction fit.
13. The storage device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of
tapered slots each comprises a taper angle of between 1 degree and
30 degrees.
14. The storage device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of
tapered slots each comprises a taper angle of between 5 degrees and
15 degrees.
15. The storage device of claim 12, the plurality of tapered slots
each comprises a taper angle of about 9.5 degrees.
16. A method for storing fishing rods in a storage device
comprising: inserting a first fishing rod into a first of a
plurality of tapered slots in a storage device, the storage device
including a support member and a retaining member, wherein the
first fishing rod creates a friction fit with first of the
plurality of tapered slots and such that a reel of the first
fishing rod is located beneath the retaining member; and inserting
a second fishing rod into a second of the plurality of tapered
slots wherein the second fishing rod creates a friction fit with
the second of the plurality of tapered slots such that a reel of
the second fishing rod is positioned at an offset height from a
height of the reel of the first fishing rod.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein inserting the first fishing rod
into the first of the plurality of tapered slots to create the
friction fit includes inserting a wrap which secures a guide to the
first fishing rod into the first of the plurality of tapered
slots.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein inserting the second fishing
rod into the second of the plurality of tapered slots to create the
friction fit includes inserting a wrap which secures a guide to the
second fishing rod into the second of the plurality of tapered
slots.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising selecting one of a
plurality of wraps of the first fishing rod to insert into the
first of the plurality of tapered slots.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising selecting one of a
plurality of wraps of the second fishing rod to insert into the
second of the plurality of tapered slots such that the reel of the
second fishing rod is positioned at the offset height from the
height of the reel of the first fishing rod.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/959,543, filed Oct. 6, 2004, entitled
STORAGE RACK WITH TAPERED SLOTS, which application is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Inventions
[0003] The field of the invention relates generally to storage
devices and more particularly to rack-type devices for storing
multiple, cylindrical objects such as fishing rods.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] There are a number of everyday objects that include a
cylindrical handle or other cylindrical member. Rakes, brooms,
shovels and other tools typically include an extended cylindrical
handle with an implement attached to its end. Similarly, fishing
rods include a long cylindrical portion with a reel attached at one
end of the rod, and guides attached at intervals along the length
of the rod. While all of these products help to make everyday life
a little easier, the awkward shape and unique configuration of
these products can make it difficult to safely and efficiently
store them. For the reasons discussed below, these difficulties are
particularly relevant to the storage of fishing rods.
[0006] Fishing rods have been used for decades to catch fish of all
species, shapes and sizes. With improvements in technology,
available materials, and better construction techniques, the
fishing rods used today offer incredibly high performance. But the
one universal that remains is the fact that these fishing rods can
still be broken quite easily. Oftentimes, the fishing rod is not
broken or damaged while it is being used at the water, but rather
when it is stored between uses.
[0007] The difficulty in safely, effectively and efficiently
storing fishing rods is caused by a number of factors. First,
fishing rods are designed to be strong while retaining a
significant amount of flexibility. This requires the rod to be
constructed from a lightweight material. In addition, the diameter
of the fishing rod is often quite small, particularly at the tip of
the fishing rod. These factors result in a fishing rod that can be
easily broken if the rod is not handled or stored correctly.
[0008] Second, fishing rods typically include a number of guides
which are periodically spaced down the length of the fishing pole.
These guides function to route the fishing line from the reel to
the rod tip and allow for smooth casting and retrieval of the bait
or lure. Typically, each guide consists of a ring that is connected
to at least two supporting members. The supporting members are then
coupled to the rod with a wrap. The wrap consists of a length of
thread-like material that is repeatedly wound around the rod to
secure the supporting members of the guide to the rod. Because
these guides protrude from the body of the fishing rod, they can be
easily snagged and broken.
[0009] Third, fishing rods usually include a reel that is attached
toward the handle-end of the fishing rod. The reel is wider than
the fishing rod itself because the reel includes a housing to store
a volume of fishing line. The reel also includes a handle which is
used to retrieve the fishing line. The handle extends even further
from one side of the reel, causing the reel to be even wider than
the rod. Therefore, to store multiple fishing rods adjacent to each
other, an increased amount of storage space is needed, not because
of the fishing rods, but rather because of the additional width
added by the reel and its handle.
[0010] Current devices for storing fishing rods typically require a
device that capitalizes on the increased width of the reel portion
of the fishing rod when the fishing rod is oriented vertically. To
do this, the device includes a hole through which the handle-end of
the fishing rod is inserted. When the fishing rod is oriented
vertically, the hole is sized such that the reel cannot pass
through. Instead, the device carries the weight of the rod based on
contact with the reel.
[0011] In some case, current storage systems require a second,
additional component which is configured to align the tips of the
fishing rods after they have been supported near the handle-end of
the fishing rod. However, in these system, all of the reels of the
fishing rods are at the same level when they rest on the support
member. Therefore, a significant amount of storage space is lost
when the reels are placed directly adjacent to each other, because
the device must account for the total widths of the various reel
positions.
[0012] Other methods for storing fishing rods also require a
two-piece system but attempt to orient the reels in a manner to
maximize storage space. These systems operate similarly to those
described above but require an additional, top component which also
includes a hole through which the tip of the rod must be inserted.
The weight of the reel is then supported by the top component as
the rod hangs down in a vertical position. Therefore, rather than
placing all of the reels adjacent to each other on the bottom
support member, these storage devices require the rods to be
inserted into the storage system in alternating directions. For
example, if one rod has its reel supported by the bottom support
member, the adjacent rod must have its reel supported by the top
support member.
[0013] Similar systems have also been implemented to store the rods
in a horizontal manner. However, the rods must still be placed in
alternating directions and carefully guided through the dual
openings which support the weight of the rods.
[0014] The storage systems described above cause several
difficulties, particularly when considering the fragile nature of
the rod itself as well as the guides that are spaced down the
length of the fishing rods. Current storage systems which rely on
supporting the weight of the reel of the fishing rod often require
careful insertion of the rod and the guides through relatively
small openings. During this process of manipulation, the guides or
the fishing rod itself can be easily broken and the fishing line
can easily become tangled. These problems are further magnified as
fishing rods are typically stored in crowded areas such as a
garage, basement, closet, or even a boat, mobile home, or camper.
Thus, if the fishing rods are not stored efficiently, they can be
accidentally damaged as other items are moved or stored around
them.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A storage device that allows for the efficient storage of
objects that include a substantially cylindrical member such as a
fishing rod. The storage device comprises a support member that is
coupled to a retaining member. The retaining member comprises at
least two protruding members arranged substantially perpendicular
to the support member, forming a tapered slot. The substantially
cylindrical member of an object may be inserted into the tapered
slot using pressure to create a friction fit to retain the object
in a substantially vertical position.
[0016] In another aspect, the retaining member may comprise three
or more protruding members forming multiple tapered slots which may
form openings of the same or varying widths. When the openings have
different widths the tapered slots may receive substantially
cylindrical objects having various diameters.
[0017] In another aspect, systems and methods for storing fishing
rods or other substantially cylindrical items in a storage device
are disclosed. The storage device comprises a support member that
is coupled to a retaining member. The retaining member comprises at
least three protruding members arranged substantially perpendicular
to the support member, forming multiple tapered slots. In one
embodiment, a wrap which secures a guide to a fishing rod is
inserted into a first tapered slot to create a friction fit and
position the reel of the fishing rod at a first position. A wrap of
a second fishing rod is then inserted into a tapered slot which is
adjacent to the first tapered slot. A specific wrap of the second
fishing rod is selected to be inserted into the tapered slot such
that the reel of the second fishing rod is positioned at a second
position that can be either be above or below the first position of
the reel of the first fishing rod. By adjusting the relative
vertical positions of the reels of adjacent fishing rods to prevent
interference, the storage device allows for the storage of the
maximum possible number of fishing rods in the relatively smallest
possible area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Features, aspects, and embodiments of the inventions are
described in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a storage device with an
example embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a close up view of the tapered slots of an example
embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is another diagram illustrating a storage device with
an example embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is an end view illustrating a storage device with an
example embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the storage
device being used to store a fishing rod;
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a typical fishing rod;
and
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the storage
device retaining multiple fishing rods.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The storage device described herein allows for the efficient
storage of a number of everyday objects that include a cylindrical
handle or other cylindrical member. It is particularly adapted to
store small radius, cylindrical items. While the storage device can
be particularly useful in storing fishing rods, the tapered slots
of the retaining member can be used to retain the cylindrical
handles of brooms, rakes, shovels, and other tools and objects.
Also, while the storage device can easily be implemented in
garages, storage rooms, basements, as a display rack in a
commercial store, or even in boats, campers and mobile homes, there
is no limit to the locations where the storage device can be
implemented. The storage device of the present invention is
versatile, and allows for storage in both the horizontal and
vertical direction.
[0027] Turning now to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the
storage device 100 is shown. Storage device 100 includes support
member 102. In one embodiment, support member 102 is adapted to be
mounted to a flat surface such as a wall, although the rack can be
configured to conform with virtually any surface. Therefore,
support member 102 is preferably substantially flat such that
support member 102 can be mounted substantially coplanar to the
flat surface of a typical wall. In another embodiment, support
member 102 includes mounting holes 104 and 106. Mounting holes 104
and 106 are provided to allow a fastening device such as a nail,
screw or bolt to secure storage device 100 to a surface. Support
member 102 can be of any desirable length, width, and thickness.
However, it is important that support member 102 is dimensioned to
provide sufficient support for the storage device 100 when it is
mounted to a surface and carrying a load.
[0028] Retaining member 108 is coupled to support member 102. In
one embodiment, retaining member 108 includes at least two
protruding members such as protruding member 110 and protruding
member 112. Protruding members 110 and 112 can be arranged
substantially perpendicular to support member 102 to form tapered
slot 114. As used herein, the term tapered slot should not be
limited to any one particularly type of opening. Rather, the term
tapered slot can refer to any type of gap, aperture, notch,
indentation, opening or groove made by any method, so long as the
distance at the opening of the slot is greater than the distance at
the heel of the slot.
[0029] In another embodiment, retaining member 108 includes at
least three protruding member such as protruding members 110, 112
and 116. Again, protruding members 110, 112 and 116 can be arranged
substantially perpendicular to support member 102 to form tapered
slots 114 and 118. As described in more detail below with reference
to FIG. 2, tapered slots 114 and 118 can be configured to have
openings of different widths to accommodate objects having
diameters of various dimensions. While each individual protruding
member has not been numbered in FIG. 1, it can be appreciated that
retaining member 108 can include any number of protruding members.
Accordingly, in one embodiment, retaining member 108 includes a
plurality of protruding members which form a plurality of tapered
slots as shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] In addition, the distance between protruding members of
retaining member 108 can be varied to create tapered slots of
different sizes. By varying the width of the protruding members,
the width of the tapered slots can be varied to store items of
different sizes. Therefore, the storage device can provide even
more convenience to store a wide variety of objects. The support
member, retaining member, and protruding member can be made from
steel, cast iron, aluminum, plastic or any other structural
material adapted to support the objects for which the rack is
designed to support. The retaining member, support member, and
protruding members can be independent parts, or can be cast,
forged, molded, or otherwise constructed to be one integral piece.
In one embodiment, the junction of retaining member 108 and support
member 102 forms an angle of ninety degrees or greater to
facilitate the insertion and storage of a cylindrical object.
[0031] Turning now to FIG. 2, a close up view of a section of
storage device 100 is illustrated. Retaining member 108 includes
protruding members 110, 112 and 116 that define tapered slots 114
and 118. Further, protruding members 110 and 112 also define an
opening 120 of tapered slot 114. Similarly, protruding members 112
and 116 also define an opening 122 of tapered slot 118.
[0032] In one embodiment, the width of opening 122 of tapered slot
118 is greater than the width of opening 120 of tapered slot 114.
Accordingly, tapered slot 118 is capable of receiving an object
having a larger diameter than that which tapered slot 114 can
receive. In a preferred embodiment, the opening of tapered slot 118
is approximately 0.64 inches and the width of the heel of tapered
slot is approximately 0.40 inches. In another preferred embodiment,
the opening of tapered slot 120 is approximately 0.43 inches and
the width of the heel of tapered slot is approximately 0.19 inches.
While tapered slots 114 and 118 demonstrate an exemplary
embodiment, it should be understood that storage device 100 can
include any number of tapered slots having openings of varying
widths. FIG. 2 also illustrates that tapered slot 114 is formed by
sides 124 and 126.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 3, another view of storage device 100 is
illustrated. As discussed previously, storage device 100 can
include support member 102 with mounting holes 104 and 106.
Retaining member 108 can include protruding members 110, 112 and
116 which define tapered slots 114 and 118. Further, protruding
members 110 and 112 also define an opening 120 of tapered slot 114.
Similarly, protruding members 112 and 116 also define an opening
122 of tapered slot 116.
[0034] In one embodiment, the width of opening 122 of tapered slot
118 is greater than the width of opening 120 of tapered slot 114.
Accordingly, tapered slot 118 is capable of receiving an object
having a larger diameter than that which tapered slot 114 can
receive. While tapered slots 114 and 118 demonstrate an exemplary
embodiment, it should be understood that storage device 100 can
include any number of tapered slots having openings of varying
widths.
[0035] FIG. 3 also illustrates that tapered slots 114 and 118 are
characterized by a taper angle. For clarity of illustration, taper
angles 124 and 126 have been illustrated with reference to tapered
slots other than tapered slots 114 and 118. However, it can be
appreciated that each tapered slot is characterized by a taper
angle. Taper angles 124 and 126 are formed as the width of tapered
slot is reduced as the tapered slot moves towards support member
102. The taper angle should be configured to optimize the ability
of the tapered slot to retain a cylindrical object through a
friction fit.
[0036] In one method to determine the optimal taper angle for the
tapered slots of the storage device, smooth steel measuring one
quarter inch thick was scissored together with a five sixteenths
inch round steel shaft inserted near the pivot point. The shaft was
repelled until the angle was such that the round shaft became
lodged. This angle was then measured and became the angle used for
the taper angle of the tapered slots of storage device 100.
[0037] Using the method described above, it was determined that a
tapered slot having a taper angle ranging from approximately 30
degrees down to less than 1 degree can provide the requisite
structure to create a friction fit for retaining a cylindrical
object. A reduced taper angle provides a more secure friction fit.
However, as the taper angle is reduced, the length of the slot must
be increased to accommodate the diameter of typical objects that
are stored with the storage device. Therefore, a tapered slot
having a taper angle ranging from approximately 5 degrees to 15
degrees is preferred as tapered slots having these dimensions
enable a highly efficient friction fit and allow the tapered slot
to have an optimally sized length. Finally, in the most preferred
embodiment, the taper angle of the tapered slot is approximately
9.53 degrees.
[0038] In one embodiment, although tapered slot 114 and tapered
slot 118 have openings with different widths as discussed above,
the taper angle of both tapered slots is substantially equal. This
is due to the fact that regardless of the diameter of the object
that is intended to be retained by the tapered slot, the optimal
taper angle, discussed above, provides the best friction fit to
retain the object in the tapered slot.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of storage device 100.
Storage device 100 includes support member 102 coupled to retaining
member 108. In one embodiment, the angle formed between support
member 102 and retaining member 108 is greater than ninety
degrees.
[0040] In one embodiment, support member 102 is adapted to be
mounted to a surface such as a wall. Therefore, as illustrated in
FIG. 4, support member 102 is preferably substantially flat such
that support member 102 can be mounted substantially coplanar to
the flat surface of a typical wall. Support member 102 can be
mounted to a surface such as a wall with standard fastening devices
such as a nails, screws or bolts.
[0041] Turning now to FIG. 5, one embodiment of storage device 500
is illustrated in an exemplary use as a storage device for
retaining fishing rod 502. Storage device 500 includes support
member 504 and retaining member 506. In one embodiment, retaining
member 506 includes protruding members 508, 510, 512 and 514.
Protruding members 508 and 510 define tapered slot 516, protruding
members 510 and 512 define tapered slot 518, and protruding members
512 and 514 define tapered slot 520.
[0042] Tapered slot 518 includes an opening sufficiently large to
receive the diameter of fishing rod 502. After fishing rod 502
passes through the opening of tapered slot 518, fishing rod 502 is
pushed further back into tapered slot 518 towards support member
504. Ultimately, the width of tapered slot 518 reaches a point
where it contacts fishing rod 502 at contact points 522 and 524. As
discussed above, in one embodiment, tapered slot 518 includes an
optimal taper angle such that tapered slot 518 does not repel
fishing rod 502 when it contacts the wall of tapered slot 518 at
contact points 522 and 524. Instead, the taper angle promotes a
friction fit between fishing rod 502 and tapered slot 518, thereby
retaining fishing rod 502 in place. Fishing rod 502 is then
positioned in a substantially vertical position with the tip of
fishing rod 502 above storage device 500 and the reel and
handle-end of fishing rod 502 positioned below storage device
500.
[0043] In one embodiment, any portion of fishing rod 502 is
inserted into tapered slot 518. The friction fit established by
tapered slot 518 is sufficient to hold fishing rods having a
relatively light weight when any portion of the fishing rod
contacts the tapered slots at contact points 522 and 524. However,
in another embodiment, a typical fishing rod which has a standard
or heavier weight than the light fishing rod discussed above, can
be more securely retained by tapered slot 518 based on the manner
in which fishing rod 502 is placed into tapered slot 518.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 6, a typical fishing rod 602 is illustrated.
Fishing rod 602 includes guides 604, 606 and 608 which protrude
slightly from the body of the fishing rod. For purposes of
illustration, it can be appreciated that guide 608 is positioned
near the tip of fishing rod 602, guide 604 is positioned towards
the reel and handle-end of fishing rod 602, and guide 606 is
positioned towards the middle of fishing rod 602. Guides 604, 606
and 608 function to route the fishing line from the reel to the rod
tip and allow for smooth casting and retrieval of the bait or
lure.
[0045] As an example, guide 604 typically comprises a ring 610
which defines an opening through which the fishing line passes.
Guide 604 also includes members 612 and 614. Members 612 and 614
extend from ring 610 towards the body of the fishing rod, thus
positioning ring 610 slightly away from the surface of the fishing
rod. Member 612 is then configured to extend toward the handle-end
along fishing rod 602 while member 614 extends toward the tip along
fishing rod 602.
[0046] Finally, wrap 616 and wrap 618 are applied to secure members
612 and 618, respectively, to fishing rod 602. In turn, this
secures the entire guide 604, including ring 610, to fishing rod
602. Wrap 616 and wrap 618 each comprise a length of thread-like
material that is repeatedly wound around the rod and then tied off
to secure supporting members 612 and 614 to fishing rod 602. This
process is also implemented to secure guides 606 and 608 to fishing
rod 602 as illustrated by wraps 620, 622, 624 and 626. The addition
of wraps 616, 618, 620, 622, 624 and 626 to fishing rod 602 results
in an area which is slightly larger than the diameter of fishing
rod 602 itself.
[0047] Returning now to FIG. 5, in order to provide a more secure
friction fit of fishing rod 502 in tapered slot 518, fishing rod
502 should be inserted into tapered slot 518 such that a portion of
wrap 526 contacts tapered slot 518 at contact points 522 and 524.
Typically, wrap 520 is made from a thread-like material that is
slightly more pliable than the material from which fishing rod 502
is constructed. Therefore, as the slightly pliable material of wrap
520 is inserted into tapered slot 518, a secure friction fit is
established.
[0048] Turning now to FIG. 7, it can be seen that each fishing rod
typically includes several guides that are each secured to the
fishing rod with a wrap. In addition, fishing rods are made to have
different lengths to provide the best performance in different
fishing conditions. Therefore, in one embodiment of the storage
devices described herein, the user has the ability to select which
wrap from each fishing rod is inserted into the tapered slot to
position the fishing rod at a desired height. The user can
capitalize on this selection to store multiple fishing rods in the
least amount of space possible with the storage device.
[0049] Exemplary fishing rod 702 demonstrates that a fishing rod
typically includes a reel 704 that is attached toward the
handle-end 706 of the fishing rod 702. While it is possible to
remove the reel from most fishing rods, this process presents an
additional inconvenience because multiple reels must be removed,
stored, and reattached prior to the next use of the fishing rods.
However, reel 704 is wider than the fishing rod 702 itself because
reel 704 includes a housing to store a volume of fishing line. Reel
704 also includes a handle which is used to retrieve the fishing
line. The handle extends even further from one side of the reel,
causing the reel to be even wider than the rod. Therefore, to store
multiple fishing rods adjacent to each other without removing the
reel, an increased amount of storage space in needed, not because
of the fishing rods, but rather because of the additional width
added by the reels and their handles.
[0050] Storage device 708 can be implemented to maximize the number
of fishing rods that can be stored in a given area. By selecting
which wrap from each fishing rod is inserted into a tapered slot of
storage device 708, the user can effectively adjust the height at
which the reel and the handle-end of each fishing rod is
positioned. Thus, the reels of adjacent fishing rods can be placed
at different heights so that the reels do not interfere with each
other as the are stored.
[0051] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, fishing rod 702 has been
positioned in storage device 708 such that the wrap which secures
the third guide down from the tip of fishing rod 702 is inserted
into the tapered slot of storage device 708. If the wrap which
secures either the first or second guide down from the tip if
fishing rod 702 was inserted into the tapered slot instead, the
position of reel 704 would be moved further down and away from
storage device 708.
[0052] Next, the user can efficiently store fishing rod 710
adjacent to fishing rod 702 in storage device 708. The decision of
which wrap of fishing rod 710 should be inserted into the tapered
slot of storage device 708 is made by comparing the length of
fishing rod 702 and fishing rod 710, the relative position of the
wraps of the two fishing rods, and the resulting impact the
positioning of each wrap would have on the position of the reel of
each fishing rod. This process can easily be achieved through
simple trial and error.
[0053] For example, fishing rod 710 has been positioned in storage
device 708 such that the wrap which secures the fourth guide down
from the tip of fishing rod 710 is inserted into the tapered slot
of storage device 708. The relative length of fishing rods 702 and
710, as well as the relative positions of the wraps of fishing rods
702 and 710 result in a configuration where reel 712 of fishing rod
710 is above reel 704 of fishing rod 702. While this is not the
only position that could be selected for fishing rods 702 and 710,
it can be seen in FIG. 7 that if reel 704 and 712 were positioned
at the same height they would interfere with each other causing the
rods to bend, risking substantial damage to the rods. Therefore,
the most important factor in positioning the rods is to select a
wrap that will position the reel of one fishing rod above or below
the reel of the adjacent fishing rod.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, the process described above has been
repeated for storing fishing rods 714, 716, 718, 720 and 722. Each
of these fishing rods may have a different length and relative
position of the wraps which secure the guides to the fishing rods.
However, by varying which wraps are inserted into the tapered slots
of storage device 708, the reels of adjacent fishing rods can be
positioned at varying heights to prevent interference of the reels.
Additional fishing rods could easily be added to storage device 708
by selecting the appropriate wrap for each rod that would position
the reel above or below the reels of the adjacent rods that have
already been stored in storage device 708. The user can easily
recognize and select which wrap of each fishing rod should be
inserted into the tapered slot to ensure that the reels of adjacent
rods are positioned at varying heights. By repeating this process
for all rods which are stored in the plurality of tapered slots of
the storage device, a maximum number of fishing rods can be stored
in a given area.
[0055] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been
described above, it will be understood that the embodiments
described are by way of example only. Accordingly, the inventions
should not be limited based on the described embodiments. Rather,
the scope of the inventions described herein should only be limited
in light of the claims that follow when taken in conjunction with
the above description and accompanying drawings.
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