Smart rod holder
OwnerThomas P. Nyquistinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for automated movement of a fishing rod. A preferred embodiment comprises a quick-release receptacle for a fishing rod, a drive mechanism, means for connecting the receptacle to the drive mechanism, a programmable controller, an input/output device and a mounting bracket. Preferred methods support a wide range of fishing rod movements, including erratic movements that increase fishing success. Operational modes include fishing (both trolling and jigging), setting a hook and playing a fish.
Claims31
A holder for a fishing rod or pole, said fishing rod or pole having a reel and a tip, said rod holder comprising:
- means for receiving the end of said fishing rod adjacent said reel;
- means for driving the movement of said means for receiving;
- means for connecting said means for receiving to said means for driving;
- means for controlling said means for driving, said means for controlling comprising a memory and a processor, said processor being programmed to execute a software program that is resident in said memory that is operative to generate a control signal in response to a selection by a user;
- and
- means for attaching said means for driving to a watercraft or a stationary body.
A holder for a fishing rod or pole, said fishing rod or pole having a reel and a tip, said rod holder comprising:
- a quick-release receptacle;
- a drive mechanism;
- a rod connection mechanism connecting said quick-release receptacle to said drive mechanism;
- a programmable controller for said drive mechanism, said programmable controller comprising a memory, and a processor, said processor being programmed to execute a software program that is resident in said memory that is operative to generate a control signal in response to a selection by a user, and
- a mounting bracket for attaching said drive mechanism to a watercraft or a stationary body.
A rod holder comprising:
- a receptacle for a fishing rod;
- a windshield wiper motor mechanism having a drive shaft that is attached to said receptacle;
- and
- a programmable controller for controlling the operation of said windshield wiper motor, said programmable controller comprising a memory and a processor, said processor being programmed to execute a software program that is resident in said memory.
A holder for a fishing rod or pole, said fishing rod or pole having a reel and a tip, said rod holder comprising:
- a quick-release receptacle for receiving the end of said fishing rod adjacent said reel;
- a drive mechanism having a drive shaft;
- a rod connection mechanism connecting said quick-release receptacle to said drive mechanism;
- a programmable controller for said drive mechanism, said programmable controller comprising a memory and a processor, said processor being programmed to execute a software program that is resident in said memory that is operative to generate a control signal in response to a selection by a user;
- and
- a mounting bracket for attaching said drive mechanism to a watercraft or a stationary body.
A rod holder for a fishing rod or pole, said fishing rod or pole having a reel and a tip, said rod holder comprising:
- a quick-release receptacle for receiving the end of said fishing rod adjacent said reel;
- a drive mechanism having a drive shaft;
- a rod connection mechanism connecting said quick-release receptacle to said drive mechanism;
- a programmable controller for said drive mechanism, said programmable controller comprising a memory and a processor, said processor being programmed to execute a software program that is resident in said memory that is operative to generate a control signal in response to a selection by a user;
- and
- a mounting bracket for attaching said drive mechanism to a watercraft or a stationary body;
- wherein said drive mechanism is operative to move said rod connection mechanism in a plurality of partial revolutions in response to said control signal, which causes said quick-release receptacle to move which moves said tip in a plurality of motions, said plurality of motions comprising a non-oscillatory motion.
A holder for a fishing rod or pole, said fishing rod or pole having a reel and a tip, said holder comprising:
- a quick-release receptacle for receiving the end of said fishing rod adjacent said reel, said quick-release receptacle having a male portion and a female portion;
- a drive mechanism having a drive shaft;
- a rod connection mechanism connecting said quick-release receptacle to said drive mechanism;
- a programmable controller for said drive mechanism, said programmable controller being programmed to generate a control signal in response to a selection by a user;
- a mounting bracket for attaching said drive mechanism to a watercraft or a stationary body;
- wherein said drive mechanism moves said rod connection mechanism in a partial revolution in response to said control signal, which causes said quick-release receptacle to move which moves said tip;
- and
- means for inputting the speed of said watercraft and for transmitting a speed signal to said programmable controller which speed signal is used by said programmable controller in determining the magnitude of said partial revolution.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.