Fishing Rig Storage Device and System

Abstract

A fishing rig storage device that is removably insertable into a receiving slot incorporated in at least one of a dividing wall or an interior surface of a tackle container is illustrated and described. The fishing rig storage device includes a mounting tab having quartered sections and a plurality of notches formed along a perimeter. Each quartered section includes at least one of the plurality of notches. A fishing rig having a hook assembly, a line, and a tail is secured to the mounting tab by securing the hook assembly to a first notch, selectively wrapping the line around the plurality of notches, and securing the tail to a slit extending from the perimeter. The line is preferably arranged around the mounting tab to minimize catching or snagging of the line on the hook assembly when the line is unwrapped from the mounting tab.

Claims

1. A fishing rig storage device, comprising: a mounting tab including quartered sections and a plurality of notches formed along a perimeter, each of said quartered sections including at least one of said plurality of notches; a fishing rig having a hook assembly and a line including a tail, said hook assembly secured to a first one of said plurality of notches and extending in a direction of a second one of said plurality of notches, said line connected to said hook assembly and positioned around said mounting tab in said plurality of notches; and a first slit extending from said perimeter to removably attach said tail to said mounting tab; wherein said line is selectively wrapped around said mounting tab such that said line does not overlay said hook assembly when said line extends between said plurality of notches other than said first one of said plurality of notches; and wherein said line does not extend between said first one of said plurality of notches and said second one of said plurality of notches alongside said hook assembly.

2. The fishing rig storage device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a rounded corner or a beveled corner formed at said perimeter of said mounting tab.

3. The fishing rig storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a second slit extending from said perimeter of said mounting tab to removably attach said tail to said mounting tab at an alternative location.

4. The fishing rig storage device according to claim 1, wherein said mounting tab includes a magnetic structure.

5. The fishing rig storage device according to claim 4, wherein said mounting tab comprises a magnetic material.

6. The fishing rig storage device according to claim 1, wherein said mounting tab is secured by commercial packaging including at least one of a box, a strap, a backboard, shrink wrap, a sleeve, a binder, a sealed bag, or a container.

7. A fishing rig storage system, comprising: a mounting tab having a plurality of notches formed along a perimeter, said plurality of notches configured to receive a fishing rig positioned around said mounting tab, said fishing rig including a tail; a first slit extending from said perimeter to removably attach the tail to said mounting tab; and a tackle container having at least one of a first dividing wall or a first interior surface and a receiving slot incorporated in the at least one of said first dividing wall or said first interior surface to secure said mounting tab at said perimeter; wherein said mounting tab is removably insertable into said receiving slot.

8. The fishing rig storage system of claim 7, wherein said mounting tab includes quartered sections, each of said quartered sections including at least one of said plurality of notches.

9. The fishing rig storage system of claim 8, wherein said fishing rig further comprises a line connected to a hook assembly, said hook assembly secured to a first one of said plurality of notches and extending in a direction of a second one of said plurality of notches, said line selectively wrapped around said mounting tab such that said line does not overlay said hook assembly when said line extends between said plurality of notches other than said first one of said plurality of notches.

10. The fishing rig storage system of claim 8, wherein said fishing rig further comprises a line connected to a hook assembly, said hook assembly secured to a first one of said plurality of notches and extending in a direction of a second one of said plurality of notches, said line not extending between said first one of said plurality of notches and said second one of said plurality of notches alongside said hook assembly.

11. The fishing rig storage system of claim 7, wherein said mounting tab further comprises at least one of a rounded corner or a beveled corner disposed at said perimeter of said mounting tab.

12. The fishing rig storage system of claim 7, further comprising a second slit extending from said perimeter of said mounting tab to removably attach said tail to said mounting tab at an alternative location.

13. The fishing rig storage system of claim 7, wherein said perimeter of said mounting tab includes a plurality of edges and at least one of said plurality of notches is centrally disposed along at least one of said plurality of edges.

14. The fishing rig storage system of claim 7, further comprising a series of receiving slots incorporated in the at least one of said first dividing wall or said first interior surface for receiving a series of removably insertable mounting tabs.

15. The fishing rig storage system of claim 7, further comprising at least one of a second dividing wall or a second interior surface extending perpendicularly from the at least one of said first dividing wall or said first interior surface, said first and second dividing walls being connectably rearrangeable in said tackle container.

16. The fishing rig storage system of claim 15, wherein said first and second dividing walls further comprise a multi-level arrangement for storing said mounting tab in said tackle container.

17. A method of using a fishing rig storage device including a mounting tab having quartered sections, a slit, and a plurality of notches and a fishing rig having a hook assembly, a line, and a tail, comprising: securing said hook assembly to a first one of said plurality of notches so that said hook assembly extends in a direction of a second one of said plurality of notches; positioning said line in at least one of said plurality of notches in each quartered section by selectively wrapping said line around said mounting tab such that said line does not extend between said first one of said plurality of notches and said second one of said plurality of notches alongside said hook assembly and said line does not overlay said hook assembly when said line extends between said plurality of notches other than said first one of said plurality of notches; and removably attaching said tail to said slit.

18. The method of using a fishing rig storage device according to claim 17 further comprising securing said mounting tab by commercial packaging including at least one of a box, a strap, a backboard, shrink wrap, a sleeve, a binder, a sealed bag, or a container.

19. The method of using a fishing rig storage device according to claim 17 further comprising removably inserting said mounting tab into a receiving slot incorporated in a tackle container.

20. The method of using a fishing rig storage device according to claim 17 further comprising modifying a tackle container to include a receiving slot for removably inserting said mounting tab.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] FIG. 1A illustrates a fishing rig storage device having a fishing rig secured to a mounting tab in accordance with an embodiment the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 1B illustrates a fishing rig storage device having a fishing rig secured to a mounting tab in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 1C illustrates a fishing rig storage device having a fishing rig secured to a mounting tab in accordance with an embodiment the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 1D illustrates a mounting tab having quartered sections in accordance with an embodiment the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a fishing rig storage system having removable fishing rig storage devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a fishing rig storage device including a mounting tab 10 and a fishing rig having a hook assembly 13, a line 14, and a tail 15. The mounting tab 10 includes a plurality of notches 12 formed along a perimeter with at least one notch formed in each of a separate quartered section. More particularly, at least four of the plurality of notches 12 are formed along the perimeter in such a way that two perpendicular lines can extend through a center of the mounting tab 10 to separate the four notches into respective quartered sections. For example, one way in which the four notches illustrated in FIG. 1D can be separated into quartered sections is by drawing an X (i.e., two perpendicular lines) through the center of the mounting tab 10, as shown by lines A-A. Lines B-B illustrate an alternative way to separate the mounting tab 10 into quartered sections for embodiments where the plurality of notches 12 are not centrally disposed along the edges of the mounting tab 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1D.

[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-D, the plurality of notches 12 are depicted at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock, and 12 o'clock positions. That is, each of the plurality of notches 12 is separated from its neighboring notch by a 90 degree angle defined by lines extending from the center of the tab to the perimeter, each line bisecting a neighboring notch. In keeping with the invention, however, neighboring notches do not necessarily need to be positioned relative to one another at 90 degree angles from the center, as long as at least one of the plurality of notches 12 is formed somewhere along the perimeter of the mounting tab 10 in each of the separately quartered sections. It is likewise permissible for the plurality of notches 12 to comprise more than four notches, thereby providing at least one of quartered section with multiple notches. The configuration of the plurality of notches 12 in this manner facilitates wrapping the line 14 around the mounting tab 10 in arrangements that minimize catching or snagging of the line 14 on the hook assembly 13 when the line 14 is unwrapped from the mounting tab 10.

[0044] The mounting tab can be made of plastic, rubber, cardboard, wood, metal, magnetic material, or any other material suitable for securing a fishing rig therearound. The mounting tab 10 may comprise a plurality of edges forming a perimeter that is either regularly-shaped or irregularly-shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting tab 10 includes a generally rectangular/square perimeter. In other embodiments, the mounting tab 10 is configured to have a single edge, such as being shaped to include a circular or curved perimeter. Nevertheless, the shape of the mounting tab is preferably configured so that it removably cooperates with a receiving slot 22 incorporated in a tackle container 20 (illustrated in FIG. 2).

[0045] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of notches 12 is centrally disposed along an edge of the mounting tab 10. The plurality of notches 12 may be formed in any suitable configuration, such as having a semi-circular shape, that minimizes the ability of the line 14 to slip off an end of the mounting tab 10 while the line 14 is wrapped around the mounting tab 10 under tension. Suitable arrangements for the line 14 include wrapping it across the mounting tab vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and in combinations thereof.

[0046] The hook assembly 13 is secured to a first notch and preferably positioned to extend in a direction of a second notch so that there is minimal slack in the portion of the line 14 which extends from the hook assembly 13 to the second notch. The hook assembly 13 includes a hook individually and/or any combination of tackles, such as lures, baits, sinkers, swivels, etc., that connect the hook to the line 14. In some embodiments, such as those including a lure or an elongated hook, the hook assembly 13 may be longer than the mounting tab 10 (i.e., the hook assembly 13 may be longer than the distance between the first notch and second notch). In such embodiments, the line 14 extends directly from the hook assembly 13 to any of the plurality of notches to thereby initiate the first wrap of the line 14 around the mounting tab 10.

[0047] In order to minimize catching or snagging of the line 14 during removal of the fishing rig from the mounting tab 10, the line 14 is wrapped around the plurality of notches 12 in such a way that it does not overlay irregular portions of the hook assembly 13. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, however, some overlapping of the hook portion of the hook assembly 13 is permissible proximate to the first notch, as this arrangement does not impede unwrapping the line 14 during preferred removal techniques. In FIG. 1A, the line 14 is also arranged to avoid extending between the first notch and the second notch alongside the hook assembly 13, as such a configuration is prone to catching or snagging against the hook assembly 13. However, the line 14 may extend between the first notch and the second notch on the backside of the mounting tab 10 without creating catching or snagging issues caused by contact with the hook assembly 13.

[0048] In embodiments where the hook assembly 13 is shorter than the distance between the first notch and the second notch, it is possible for the line 14 to extend across the front of the mounting tab 10 to an opposing notch without overlaying the hook assembly 13. This is because the hook assembly 13 only partially extends across the mounting tab 10 from the first notch and is connected to a beginning portion of the line 14, which extends the remainder of the distance across the mounting tab 10 to the second notch. If the line 14 is wrapped around the mounting tab 10 to subsequently cross itself at this remainder distance, it does not overlay the hook assembly 13 and does not catch or snag on the hook assembly 13. Thus, the line 14 may be positioned in the plurality of notches 12 in a number of different configurations that are suitable for securing the line 14 to the mounting tab 10 without being impeded by the hook assembly 13.

[0049] When selective wrapping of the line 14 reaches its final winding around the mounting tab 10, a tail 15 is provided. A slit 18 extending from the perimeter is used to removably secure the tail 15 to the mounting tab 10. The slit 18 pinches the line 14 therein and maintains tension on the line 14 to prevent it from unraveling from the mounting tab 10. In certain embodiments, the fishing rig storage device includes two slits 18 located proximate to opposite corners of the mounting tab 10 to provide an alternative location for the tail 15 to attach. Spacing of the slits 18 in this manner provides greater flexibility for securing the tail 15, since the length and location of the final tackle winding/tail 15 is often unpredictable.

[0050] In accordance with an embodiment, the mounting tab 10 may be incorporated in point of sale packaging for a fishing rig. In such an embodiment, the line 14 is positioned around the mounting tab 10 so that it does not catch on the hook assembly 13 during removal of the rig as described above. The fishing rig/mounting tab assembly may then be provided with, mounted to, or disposed in suitable commercial packaging. For example, the fishing rig/mounting tab assembly may be disposed in a box, hung from a strap, mounted to a backboard, enclosed in shrinkwrap packaging, positioned in sleeve, placed in a binder, disposed in a sealed bag or container, etc. A preferred removal technique of the fishing rig includes detaching the tail 15 from the slit 18, holding onto the tail 15 by hand, and releasing the mounting tab 10 subject to the force of gravity so that line 14 rolls off of the mounting tab 10 in an unentangle fashion. The advantages provided by the above-described wrapping arrangement around the mounting tab 10 are beneficial in the context of point of sale commercial packaging because it allows the product (i.e., the fishing rig) to be removed from its packaging in an orderly manner suitable for prompt use by a fisherman.

[0051] In some embodiments, the mounting tab 10 is configured to include beveled or rounded bottom corners 16 to facilitate removable attachment of the mounting tab 10 to a fishing rig storage system. Specifically, the rounded bottom corners 16 make it easier to guide the mounting tab 10 into receiving slots 22 incorporated in a corresponding tackle container 20 (illustrated in FIG. 2).

[0052] FIGS. 1B-C illustrate wrapping configurations for the line 14 that are suitable for removably securing the mounting tab 10 in a fishing rig storage system.

[0053] In some embodiments mounting tab 10 may comprise a magnetic structure. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1D, mounting tab 10 incorporates a magnet 19 for securing the mounting tab 10 to metal structures such as tackle containers 20 or fishing boats. The magnet 19 may be affixed to an external surface of the mounting tab 10 or it may be secured to the mounting tab 10 internally, such as being sealed between two mounting tab surfaces. The magnet 19 is not limited to any size, weight, shape, or position along the mounting tab 10, although it is preferable that the magnet 19 does not impede unwrapping the line 14 from the mounting tab 10. The increased weight to the fishing rig storage device created by the incorporated magnet 19 is believed to facilitate a faster/more efficient removal of the fishing rig when gravitational separation techniques are used.

[0054] In other embodiments, the magnetic structure is the mounting tab itself, formed from magnetic material. This is particularly advantageous during gravitational removal techniques because the magnet 19 reduces the ability of the mounting tab 10 to separate from a metallic hook assembly 13 when gravity influences the mounting tab 10 to reach the end of the unwrapping process while the user holds onto the tail 15. The magnet 19 also reduces relative movement of the hook assembly 13 with respect to the mounting tab 10 when the fishing rig is wrapped around the mounting tab 10.

[0055] While not intended to be limiting as to relative parameters, FIG. 1D further illustrates a specific embodiment of the invention where the mounting tab 10 has a height of 1 7/16 in. (3.651 cm.), a width of 1 1/16 in. (2.699 cm.), and includes rounded bottom corners 16. Likewise not intended to be limiting as to relative parameters, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1D further includes a mounting tab 10 having one or more slits 18 extending from the perimeter that are about in. (0.635 cm.) in length and one or more notches 12 having a 3/16 in. (0.476 cm.) diameter.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a tackle storage system including a tackle container 20 (e.g., a tackle box) configured to removably receive one or more mounting tabs 10. The tackle container 20 includes at least one receiving slot 22 for removably securing the mounting tab 10 at a perimeter inserted therein, although any structure suitable for removably connecting the mounting tab 10 to the tackle container 20 is sufficient. The receiving slot 22 is incorporated in the tackle container 20 using at least one of a dividing wall 24 or an interior surface. The receiving slot 22 may secure the mounting tab 10 along one side (e.g., a bottom edge or a side edge of the mounting tab 10) or the mounting tab 10 may be secured by multiple receiving slots 22, such as between a pair of substantially parallel receiving slots 22 disposed along opposite edges of the mounting tab 10.

[0057] The tackle container 20 preferably includes a series of spaced apart sets of receiving slots 22 disposed along at least one of an interior dividing wall 24 or an inside surface of the tackle container 20. The series of receiving slots 22 are used to removably receive a corresponding series of mounting tabs 10 that compartmentalize the tackle container 20 and maintain organization of rigs and other tackles. The series of mounting tabs 10 are arranged perpendicular to the at least one of said dividing wall 24 and/or interior surface to minimize conditions generally prone to entanglement of proximately positioned fishing rigs.

[0058] The dividing walls 24 are connectably rearrangeable inside the tackle container 20 to provide a number of different configurations for securing the mounting tabs 10. At least one of the dividing walls 24 or the interior surface may be arranged perpendicularly to at least one of a second dividing wall or a second interior surface to arrange the tackle container 20 in various configurations. A tall interior surface or dividing walls 22 positioned above one another may provide a multi-level arrangement for securing the mounting tabs 10.

[0059] In other embodiments, the tackle container 20 is insulated around an exterior similar to a conventional cooler. The tackle container 20 may also include at least one receiving slot 20 incorporated in the exterior of the tackle container 20 to receive and secure an additional tackle item. Further embodiments of the tackle storage system include conventional tackle containers 20, such as three-box hard cover, three-box duffle bag, two-box backpack, tackle binders having at least one pouch or sleeve, or utility boxes, that have been modified to incorporate a receiving slot 22 for removably receiving a mounting tab 10.

[0060] Although selected embodiments of the invention have been described in the forgoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is therefore understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for purposes of limiting the description of the invention.