FISHING ROD STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

A fishing rod storage system within a cabin of a boat includes plural holes in the floor of a cabin of a boat arranged to receive and support the handle of a fishing rod in each hole. A retractable shelf is mounted on a cabinet above and adjacent the plural holes. The shelf has cutout sections corresponding in number to the plurality of holes. The cutout sections are aligned respectively with the holes for receiving a section of a fishing rod therein. A securing line is used to retain the fishing rods in the cutout sections.

Claims

1. A fishing rod storage system, comprising: a) a hole in a floor of a cabin of a boat, said hole configured to receive the handle of a fishing rod; b) a retractable shelf mounted on a cabinet adjacent and above said holes, said shelf having a cutout configured to receive a section of a fishing rod; and c) a securing mechanism for retaining the fishing rod within the cutout section.

2. The fishing rod storage system of claim 1, wherein said hole comprises a plurality of holes, each having a bottom to support the handle of a fishing rod therein, said securing mechanism comprising a securing line.

3. The fishing rod storage system of claim 2, further comprising a cover for covering the plurality of holes when not in use.

4. The fishing rod storage system of claim 2, wherein the retractable shelf has a handle positioned to allow the handle to be grasped for pulling the shelf into a position where the cutout sections can receive the section of a fishing rod.

5. The fishing rod storage system of claim 2, further comprising a countertop mounted on the cabinet in a manner raised from a top of the cabinet to provide a recess within which the retractable shelf is received.

6. The fishing rod storage system of claim 2, wherein said securing line is elastic.

7. The fishing rod storage system of claim 2, wherein said plurality of holes and said cutouts in the retractable shelf comprise at least four (4) holes and at least four (4) cutouts.

8. a fishing boat cabin, a fishing rod storage system comprising: a) a hole in a floor of a cabin of a boat, said hole configured to receive the handle of a fishing rod; b) a retractable shelf mounted on a cabinet adjacent and above said holes, said shelf having a cutout configured to receive a section of a fishing rod; and c) a securing mechanism for retaining the fishing rod within the cutout section.

9. The fishing rod storage system of claim 8, wherein said hole comprises a plurality of holes, each having a bottom to support the handle of a fishing rod therein, said securing mechanism comprising a securing line.

10. The fishing rod storage system of claim 9, further comprising a cover for coveting the plurality of holes when not in use.

11. The fishing rod storage system of claim 9, wherein the retractable shelf has a handle positioned to allow the handle to be grasped for pulling the shelf into a position where the cutout sections can receive the section of a fishing rod.

12. The fishing rod storage system of claim 9, further comprising a countertop mounted on the cabinet n a manner raised from a top of the cabinet to provide a recess within which the

13. The fishing rod storage system of claim 9, wherein said securing line is elastic.

14. The fishing rod storage system of claim 9, wherein said plurality of holes and said cutouts in the retractable shelf comprise at least four (4) holes and at least four (4) cutouts.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Having thus briefly described the invention, the same will become better understood from the following detailed discussion made with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rod storage system of the invention shown with fishing rods, i.e., four (4) fishing rods, held securely thereby;

[0010] FIG. 2 is aperspective view from the top showing a cabinet within a cabin of a boat and showing the holes in the floor of the cabin with the cover for the holes shown in an open condition;

[0011] FIG. 3 is view like that of FIG. 2 but showing a retractable shelf in an extended position with cutout sections aligned with the holes in the floor for receiving sections of fishing rods therein;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the holes in the floor and the cover of the rod storage system of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a view like that of FIG. 4 showing the holes in the floor covered by the cover;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view looking upward showing the retractable shelf and cutout sections, with the retractable shelf in extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0015] Having generally described the invention, the same will become better understood from the fbilowing detailed description of an exemplaryembodiment thereof made with reference to the appended drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates the rod storage system 11 of the invention. Typically, the system 11 is found within a cabin 25 of high-end fishing boats. A plurality of holes 13 are arranged in the floor of a boat cabin, typically adjacent a cabinet 29. Fishing rods 15 are arranged for storage with handles 17 thereof received within the holes 13. A retractable shelf is provided which can be pulled out from underneath a countertop 31, and includes cutout sections 21 to allow the fishing rods 15 to rest at a section 19 thereof between the handles 17 and a fishing rod tip at its other end. The retractable shelf can be pulled out and/or recessed to be hidden underneath the countertop 31 and the rods 15 can be held snugg y within the cutout sections 21 through means of a retaining cord 43 such as a bungee cord. Alternatively, individual ties and/or holding clips can be provided at each cutout section 21 to hold the rod 15 within the cutout section. The cabinet 29 can be, for example, part of a galley 27 within the cabin as is illustrated in FIG. 1 with, for example, a microwave oven and a refrigerator housed therein.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates in perspective view, the system 11 of the invention without the fishing rods 15 received therein. The countertop 31 is more clearly shown with the retractable shelf 23 recessed under the countertop 31. When not in use, a cover 33 can be lowered as shown in FIG. 5 to cover the holes 13. As also shown in FIG. 5, engaging members 37 on the top of the cover 33 and against the counter can serve to hold the cover 33 up When in open position for the holes 13 to receive the fishing rod handles 17 therein. As also shown in FIG. 5, a pull handle 39 can be provided to allow ease of opening the cover 33 and exposing the holes 13.

[0018] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cover 33 on its side facing the holes 13 includes raised surfaces 35 to allow the cover 33 to rest in a stable manner when in a closed position and not wobble if weight is placed on it.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the retractable shelf 23 can be pulled out with the cutout sections 21 shown in alignment with respective holes 13 to allow the fishing rods to be received therein and held securely within the cabin of a boat through use of the retaining cord or line structure.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a slightly enlarged view as compared to that of FIG. 3 of the holes 13 in the floor, the lid 33, and the raised surfaces 35,

[0021] Finally, FIG. 6 is a view from the bottom, illustrating the retractable shelf 23, cutout sections 21, and handle 41.

[0022] Having generally described the invention, the same will become better understood from the appended claims in which it is set forth in a non-limiting manner.