NET COVER, CASE OR BAG, SUCH AS A FISHING NET COVER, CASE OR BAG AND A KIT INCLUDING A NET AND NET COVER, CASE, OR BAG

Abstract

A cover for a framed net having a handle includes a first panel and a second panel. The first and second panels are joined at a least a portion of their peripheries such that an opening is provided. The opening is sized to allow the framed net to be inserted between the first and second panels and to allow the net handle to pass through to the outside of the cover.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The American Sportfishing Association of Alexandria, Va. reports that in the United States, nearly 46 million licensed anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for over one million people. They estimate that at least 60 million anglers fish at some point over a five-year period. Despite competition from video games and other similar activities and increased urbanization, recreational angling remains one of the largest outdoor recreational activities in the nation.

Fishing nets are often used to “net” a fish at the side of a boat in order to lift the fish into the boat. Fishing nets come in different shapes and sizes, with different netting, depending on the application in which they are to be used. The common parts include a head, a handle and netting. Examples of fishing net vendors include Cumings of Flint Michigan and Ranger.

The head is a planar or substantially planar, closed shape. Common head shapes include teardrop shaped (See, e.g., FIGS. 1A, 1D, 1G and 1I, squared-teardrop shaped, having one or more straight segments (See, e.g., FIGS. 1C, IF and 1H.), triangular (See, e.g., FIG. 1B), generally oval or circular, and infinite combinations of such shapes. Note that while most heads are planar, some have a slight (generally upward) bend. (See, e.g., FIG. 1E.) Most heads are convex, but this is not necessary.

A handle may be integrally formed with the head, or may be detachable. Some handles may slide into the head area for more convenient storage. (See, e.g., Figure if) The head and/or handle are generally made from a strong, lightweight, and rust resistant metal (e.g., aluminum) or plastic, though some nets are made from wood (See, e.g., FIG. 1G) or some other fibrous organic material.

The netting is generally attached to or looped around the head. The netting can be made from various materials such as, for example, woven or braided nylon. The netting is defined by a mesh. The spacing of the mesh depends on the desired characteristics associated with the particular fishing application. For example, compare the relatively closed mesh of FIGS. 1A and 1H with the more open mesh of FIGS. 1B-1G and 1I. The net is generally tapered from its top to its bottom. The taper may be exaggerated as shown in FIG. 1C. The bottom may be relatively planar (See, e.g., FIG. 1A.), linear (See, e.g., FIG. 1H.), come to a point (See, e.g., FIG. 1B.), or free formed (See, e.g., FIGS. 1C-1E, 1G, and 1I). The size, shape, and taper of the netting depend on the desired characteristics associated with the particular fishing application. However, all these nets have a large, bag shaped net, which has inherent problems.

As should be apparent from FIGS. 1A-1I, the netting generally extends down from the head, and the length of this extension is typically much greater (e.g., at least 5 to 10 times) than the width of the head. One consequence of the mesh and extension of the netting is that it can often become snagged, caught, or tangled on pretty much anything and everything (bolt ends, fishing hooks, part of a fishing pole, etc.) that can project through the mesh. This problem occurs most when the net is in transport to and from the boat in a car or truck, and during storage (e.g., in a closet, attic, basement, or shed, etc.). Untangling or un-snagging the netting is a huge source of frustration on an otherwise pleasant outing. For example, tangled or snagged netting might prevent it from net from being quickly deployed when needed. As another example, tangled or snagged netting might cause another item to move in an unwanted, and potentially dangerous, way. But aside from losing the opportunity to land a trophy fish, or send an entangled item flying, tangled or snagged netting can be just plain frustrating. In addition, pulling on the net when the netting is snagged may tear and/or shorten the life of, or otherwise damage the netting.

In view of the foregoing, it would be useful to store or stow a fishing net in a way that would prevent the netting from becoming snagged, caught, or tangled on something else. Alternatively, or in addition, it would be useful to store or stow a fishing net in a way that eliminates or reduces odors, for example by allowing the netting to dry, or to trap any odors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cover for a framed net having a handle includes a first panel and a second panel. The first and second panels are joined at a least a portion of their peripheries such that an opening is provided. The opening is sized to allow the framed net to be inserted between the first and second panels and to allow the net handle to pass through to the outside of the cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1I illustrate framed nets having handles, which may be covered by a cover consistent with the present description.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing components of an example cover consistent with the present description.

FIGS. 3A-3M illustrate how different sizes and shapes of example covers can accommodate framed nets of a variety of shapes and sizes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, the terms “about” or “approximately” in the context of a dimension means the stated dimension value, plus or minus 10 percent. For example, “about 10 inches” is intended to mean 10 inches, plus or minus 1 inch (or 9-11 inches).

Overview

As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2, an example cover 200 consistent with my invention includes a first panel 210A, and a second panel 210B. The panels are joined together (much like a tennis racket cover) at a least a portion of their peripheries, for example, by stitching, adhesion, piping, etc. In some example embodiments, a minimum opening 230 is provided in order to allow the net handle to pass through to the outside of the cover 200. A mating fastener (e.g., a zipper, hook-and-loop, snaps, buttons, etc.) 220A/220B may be provided on the first and second panels 210a and 210b.

Shapes and Sizes

The panels 210 (and therefore the overall cover, case, or bag) may have different sizes and shapes, but it is expected that most will be generally oval-shaped and/or tear-dropped shaped. Referring to FIGS. 3A-3M, although the cover may be custom sized and shaped to fit a particular net or net head, it may be desired to have a universal or more standardized size and shape used so that more than one type of net or net head can be covered. For example, a single shape and size, depicted in dashed lines, can accommodate the different nets or net heads in FIGS. 3A and 3E. As this example illustrates, the cover may enclose just the head (See, e.g., FIG. 3A.), or the entire net, including its handle (See, e.g., FIG. 3E.). As another example, a single shape and size, depicted in short dashed lines, may be used to cover the different nets or net heads in FIGS. 3B-3D and 3F-3M. As was the case with the earlier example, these covers may enclose just the head (See, e.g., FIGS. 3B-3D and 3F-3K.), or the entire net, including its handle (e.g., in the closed position of a telescoping handles) (See, e.g., FIGS. 3L and 3M.). Table I below provides the sizes of fishing nets in inches.

TABLE I
Manufacturer	Make	Model	Hoop Size	Shape
Bass Pro Shops	Trout Net	8141/BL	11 × 15	tear drop oval
Bass Pro Shops	Shadow Tech Net	ST-19-17-36	17 × 19	Tear drop oval
Bass Pro Shops	Gold Series Folding	GSF19-24	18 × 18	triangle
Bass Pro Shops	XPS Conservation Net	XSP 19-18-30	18 × 19	Oval
Bass Pro Shops	Gold Series Fixed Handle	GS 2022	20 × 22	oval
Bass Pro Shops	Gold Series Telescoping	GS 2022T	20 × 22	oval
	Handle
Bass Pro Shops	Gold Series Telescoping	GS 2022T	22 × 26	oval
	Handle
Bass Pro Shops	XPS Conservation Net	XSP 19-18-30	22 × 26	Oval
Bass Pro Shops	Gold Series Folding	GSF19-24	26 × 25	triangle
Bass Pro Shops	XPS Big Game Net	65-S-XL-SH	32 × 36	tear drop oval
Bass Pro Shops	Cat Fish Net	CF29B	32 × 36	tear drop oval
BLISSWILL	Fly Fishing Net		10.2 × 22	Oval
BLISSWILL	Fly Fishing Net		11.8 × 17.7	Oval
BlISSWILL	Folding Collapsable net		16 × 16	triangle
BlISSWILL	Folding Collapsable net		20 × 20	triangle
BLISSWILL	Collapsable		22 × 22 × 24	tear drop square
Dot Line	Shad Smelt Shrimp	2487	16 × 16	tear drop square
Dot Line	Shad Smelt Shrimp	2488	16 × 16	tear drop square
Dot Line	Aluminum Hoop and Handle Net		18 × 20	round
Dot Line	Trout Net	2905/B	8 × 13	tear drop square
Ed Cumings	Fish Saver Landing Net	B-135	14 × 11	tear drop square
Ed Cumings	Fish Saver Landing Net		14 × 11	tear drop square
Ed Cumings	Black Deluxe Style Boat Net	B-DS-1-SAW	14 × 18	tear drop oval
Ed Cumings	Black Deluxe Style Boat Net	B-DS-2-SAW	18 × 22	tear drop oval
Ed Cumings	Night Striker Black Boat Net	NS-R-B-DS-2-S.A.W	18 × 22	tear oval
Ed Cumings	Salmon and Steelhead	HDW-Wading	19.25 × 23	tear bent
Ed Cumings	Salmon and Steelhead Bow	1038	19.25 × 23	tear drop square
Ed Cumings	Salmon and Steelhead Bow	1039	19.25 × 23	tear drop square
Ed Cumings	Salmon and Steelhead	CR-HDW	19.25 × 23	tear bent
Ed Cumings	Salmon and Steelhead Bow	R-HDW	19.25 × 23	bent tear
Ed Cumings	Long Hurdle Shrimp Net	198-C-SC-18-P	20.5 × 21.25	bent round
Ed Cumings	Salmon and Steelhead	HDB-Boat	21.5 × 25	bent tear
Ed Cumings	Black Deluxe Style Boat Net	B-DS-3-SAW	21.5 × 26	tear drop oval
Ed Cumings	Salmon and Steelhead Bow	1040	21.5 × 27	tear square
Ed Cumings	Night Striker Walleye Snook	NS-B-1040-4	21.5 × 27	tear oval
Ed Cumings	Night Striker Striper	NS-STRIPE-2	21.5 × 27	tear oval
Ed Cumings	Salmon and Steelhead	1044	26.5 × 30.5	tear drop square
Ed Cumings	Heavy Duty Salmon	HF-0CT-48-8-2PC	30.5 × 30.25	tear drop oval
	CatFish Striper Net
Ed Cumings	Salmon and Steelhead	1048	30.5 × 31.25	tear drop square
Ed Cumings	Night Striker Catfish muskie	NS-BC-1	30.5 × 31.25	tear oval
Ego	Kryptek S1 Genesis -	75260	17 × 19	pear
	medium nylon
Ego	Kryptek S1 Genesis -	75261	17 × 19	pear
	medium rubber net
Ego	Wade Kryptek - medium	75262	17 × 19	pear
	nylon net
Ego	Wade Kryptek - medium	75265	17 × 19	pear
	rubber coated nylon net
Ego	Wade Kryptek - medium	75266	17 × 19	pear
	rubber net
Ego	Kryptek S1 Genesis -	75267	17 × 19	pear
	medium clear rubber
Ego	Wade Kryptek - medium	75268	17 × 19	pear
	clear rubber net
Ego	Kryptek S1 Genesis -	75363	17 × 19	pear
	medium pvc coated net
Ego	Kryptek S1 Genesis - large	75150	19 × 21	pear
	nylon net
Ego	Kryptek S1 Genesis large	75151	19 × 21	pear
	rubber net
Ego	Wade Kryptek - large	75155	19 × 21	pear
	rubber coated nylon net
Ego	Kryptek S1 Genesis - large	75157	19 × 21	pear
	clear rubber net
Ego	Kryptek S1 Genesis - large	75351	19 × 21	pear
	deep rubber net
Ego	Kryptek S1 Genesis - large	75353	19 × 21	pear
	pvc coated net
Ego	Kryptek S1 Genesis -	75370	14 × 16	pear
	small nylon net
Ego	Reach - rubber net	71002	14 × 18	Rectangle
Ego	S2 Slider	medium	17 × 19	pear
Ego	S2 Slider	large	19 × 21	pear
Ego	S2 Slider	large	22 × 23	pear
Ego	S2 Slider	X-Large	24 × 27	pear
Ego	Big Game - X Large Nylon Net	71000	24 × 29	pear
Ego	Big Game - X Large Rubber	71003	24 × 29	pear
	Coated Nylon Net
Ego	Big Game - X Large Rubber Net	71006	24 × 29	pear
Ego	Big Game - XX Large Nylon Net	71007	27 × 33	pear
Ego	Big Game - XX Large Nylon Net	71009	27 × 33	pear
Ego	Big Game - XXX Large Nylon Net	71008	30 × 36	pear
Ego	Reach - pvc coated net	71001		Rectangle
FANSYUEROAD	Folding Telescopic		50 cm	triangle
Fiblink	Folding Aluminum Fishing		16 × 18	triangle
	Landing Net
Fiblink	Folding Aluminum Fishing		18 × 23	triangle
	Landing Net
Fishpond	Nomad Fly Carbon Fiberglass		18 × 13	tear drop oval
	composit mid - net
Fishpond	Nomad Fly Fishing Net			tear drop oval
Forever Last	Forever Last Net	G2 Pro Net	15 × 19	round
Frabil	Power Stow Net	8501	14 × 18	rectangle
Frabil	Kwik Stow Foldig Trout Net	3607	18 × 16	diamond
Frabil	Sportsman	3443	20 × 23	Oval
Frabil	Tru Trax Net	3813	20 × 23	round
Frabil	Conservation Flat Bottom	9510	20 × 23	tear drop oval
Frabil	Power Stow Net	3706	20 × 24	rectangle
Frabil	Hiber Net Stowable	3600	22 × 22 × 24	triangle
Frabil	Conservation Flat Bottom	9501	23 × 26
GOTURE	Fishing Landing Net		16 × 19	triangle
GOTURE	Fishing Landing Net		20 × 23	triangle
GOTURE	Fishing Landing Net		23 × 24	triangle
Lureshine	Collapsible Carbon Fiber		15.3 × 16	2 heads round &
	Landing Net			Triangle
Madbite	Catch and Release		16 × 16	triangle
Madbite	Catch and Release		20 × 20	triangle
Madbite	Catch and Release		24 × 24	triangle
PAMASE	Fish Landing Net		14.6 × 16.2	diamond
Plusinno	Collapsible Telescoping Net		12	triangle
Plusinno	Collapsible Telescoping Net		16	triangle
Ranger	Blue Butterfly		12	oval
Ranger	Green Creature, and Bait		11 × 9	square
Ranger	Folding Net	FN	15 × 15	triangle
Ranger	Ruler Telescopic Net	458RR	20 × 22	tear drop oval
Ranger	Ruler Telescopic Net	491RR	25 × 25	tear drop oval
Ranger	Big Game Series	980		tear
Ranger	Red Bait and Shell		8 × 6	square
Ranger	Tournament Series	458 TS	20 × 20	tear
Ranger	Tournament Series	9788 FB, 9788 TFB	25 × 25	tear
Ranger	Tournament Series	9855 FB, 9855 TFB	34 × 30	tear
Ranger	Tournament Series	9800 FB, 9800 TFB	28 × 30	tear
ranger	Standard Landing net	325	24 × 21	tear
Ranger	Standard Landing net	332	15 × 13	tear
Ranger	Standard Landing net	334	15 × 13	tear
Ranger	Standard Landing net	335	16 × 16	round
Ranger	Standard Landing net	337	20 × 16	pear
Ranger	Standard Landing net	340	17 × 15	pear
Ranger	Standard Landing net	341	16 × 16	round
Ranger	Standard Landing net	342	16 × 16	round
Ranger	Standard Landing net	343	16 × 18	tear
Ranger	Standard Landing net	344	19 × 19	pear
Ranger	Standard Landing net	349	18 × 18	round
Ranger	Standard Landing net	350, 350T	22 × 20	pear
Ranger	Standard Landing net	351H, 351HT	25 × 25	pear
Ranger	Standard Landing net	354	16 × 16	round
Ranger	Standard Landing net	356	19 × 19	pear
Ranger	Standard Landing net	357	21 × 21	round
Ranger	Standard Landing net	362	19 × 19	pear
Ranger	Standard Landing net	366	16 × 16	round
SAIMANQIU	Collapsible Telescoping Net			tear drop oval
SAMSFX	Aluminu Landing Net - Fly		12 × 15.5	tear drop oval
	fishing trout
SANLIKE	Fish saver Landing Net		19	round
SF Fly Fishing Net	Mesh Trout Net Catch and Net		9.4 × 15.9	Square - round - tear
VPROZ	Retractable Fishing Net -		14	round
	Telescoping
Wakeman	Classic Landing	80-FSH5024	20 × 19	round
Wakeman	Collapsible & Folding	80-FSH5024	23 × 31	tear drop oval

Different implementations of the cover may be provided to cover different ones (or different combinations) of the fishing nets in Table I.

The shape of the cover may be an oval with two axes of symmetry, an oval with one axis of symmetry (e.g., egg or teardrop shaped), or some other shape for accommodating one or more head sizes and shapes.

Opening Locations and Sizes

An opening (which may be closed with a zipper, etc.) between the two panels 210 permits the net or net head to be inserted into the cover or removed from the cover. For example, if the cover is an oval, the opening may extend from one intersection to another, with the perimeter of the oval. (See, e.g., positions 310a and 310b in FIG. 3B.) For example, the opening may be offset to one side (as shown by 220 of FIG. 2). Preferably, the opening should permit the net head (or even the entire net) to be easily inserted into and withdrawn from the cover. Although the opening was described as being closable, this is not necessary. However, closing the opening minimizes the risk of a portion of the netting exiting from the cover.

Note that although the example (exploded view) cover of FIG. 2 is shown as having a minimum opening 230, it is not necessary to have such an opening 230, especially if the entire net, including the net handle, is to be accommodated within the cover 200. (See, e.g., FIGS. 3E, 3L and 3M.)

Materials

The cover panels 210 may be made from a fabric, such as Magnatuff Ultra Nylon available from Top Value Fabrics of Washington state. If a fabric is used, it may be durable to use a hydrophobic material, to prevent the absorption of water. That is, the fabric may be water resistant. It may be desirable to use an antimicrobial and/or anti-mold fabric or material to reduce odors and to reduce or eliminate the growth of undesired organisms. The interior of the panels may be lined with material that is more water resistant, mold resistant, antimicrobial, and/or slippery than the panels (and the panels' exterior). For example, BioCote antimicrobial coating (from BioCote of Coventry, United Kingdom) may be used. As another example, Riviera Marine Fabric (from Herculite of Emigsville, Pa.) may be used.

It may be desired to use orange and/or reflective material for (at least a portion of at least the exterior) of the panels 210. In such an embodiment, the cover (with or without the net) could be used for signaling, such as emergency signaling.

It may be desired to have the cover to remain buoyant (for at least a minimum predetermined period of time) so that it can be retrieved if accidentally dropped into (fresh or salt) water.

Note that if piping is used along the periphery of the cover, this may advantageously allow the cover to maintain its shape, which should make inserting the net or net head easier.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to produce the panels 210 (or at least their exterior surfaces) from a material suitable for silk screening, dye sublimation, embroidery, heat transfer decals, etc.

Fasteners

A zipper was described for closing at least a part of the opening between the two panels. If a zipper is used, it may be desired to use a corrosion resistant material, such as plastic, nylon, or some other marine grade material. Alternatively or in addition, snaps (metal or plastic), buttons, or hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro) may be used for closing at least a part of the opening.

Improvements

The cover may be provided with a loop (e.g., a fabric loop) 240 to permit the cover, with or without the net, to be hung from a mounting projection such as a peg on the wall of a boat, closet, shed, etc. Although it might be desired to locate the loop 240 opposite the minimum opening 230 as shown in FIG. 2, it may be located elsewhere. Such a loop may also be useful for hanging the cover (with or without a net) at a retail store. This may allow more nets (with covers) to be sold within a given amount of retail space.

The inside surface or one or both panels may be provided with a (e.g., perforated or tight mesh) pocket for holding removable carbon (e.g., in solid form, granular form in a bag, impregnated on a sheet or some other fabric, etc.). If a carbon-impregnated sheet is used, it can be held within the cover in a number of different ways (e.g., clipped, hooked and looped, sandwiched, etc.). Such removable carbon may be used to reduce or eliminate odors.

In some embodiments, the material for the panels may be chosen (and the panels may be appropriately sized) so that a net covered with the cover may be used as an emergency paddle. (See especially FIG. 3A.) Although the panels were described as being made from fabric, one of both of the panels may be made from a more rigid material, such as rigid (e.g., molded) plastic. If one or both of the panels is made from a rigid material, it may be provided with means (for attaching it to an external surface (e.g. marine grade Velcro hook and loop adhesive backed patches).

Kit

Although my invention is mainly directed to the foregoing covers, one embodiment of my invention is a kit including both a fishing net and a cover. The kit may include an attachment system allowing the cover or case to be mounted on a surface (e.g., the gunwale of a boat, center console of a boat, a closet wall, etc.).

Alternatives to Fishing Nets

Although my invention was described in the context of fishing nets, it can be used for covering netting in other contexts (e g, animal handling, animal rescue, pest control, etc.).

Claims

1. A cover for a framed net having a handle, the cover comprising: a) a first panel; andb) a second panel, wherein the first and second panels are joined at at least a portion of their peripheries such that an opening is provided, the opening being sized to allow the framed net to be inserted between the first and second panels and to allow the net handle to pass through to the outside of the cover, andwherein the first and second panels define an interior region whereby each of the first and second panels has a defined interior surface and a defined exterior surface, and wherein the defined interior surface of each of the first and second panels is lined with material that is more water resistant, mold resistant, antimicrobial, or slippery than the defined exterior surface of each of the first and second panels.

2. The cover of claim 1 further comprising: c) a mating fastener provided on the first and second panels, wherein the mating fastener allows at least a portion of the opening can be closed.

3. The cover of claim 2 wherein the mating fastener is selected from a group consisting of a zipper, hook-and-loop material, paired snaps, and buttons with mated button-holes.

4. The cover of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second panels is oval-shaped.

5. The cover of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second panels is tear-dropped shaped.

6. The cover of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second panels are shaped as an oval with one axis of symmetry.

7. The cover of claim 1 wherein the opening is offset to one side of the first and second panels.

8. The cover of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second panels is made from fabric.

9. The cover of claim 8 wherein the fabric is made from a hydrophobic material.

10. The cover of claim 8 wherein the fabric is antimicrobial.

11. The cover of claim 8 wherein the fabric is anti-mold fabric.

12. The cover of claim 1 further comprising: c) piping provided along the periphery of the cover, the piping being sufficiently stiff such that the first and second panels maintain a substantially flat shape.

13. The cover of claim 1 further comprising: c) a loop configured to permit the cover, with or without the framed net, to be hung from a mounting projection, wherein the loop is located opposite a minimum opening through which the handle of the framed net can project and is located at a portion of the cover at which the first and second panels are joined by at least one of (A) stitching, (B) adhesion, and (C) piping.

14. The cover of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second panels is made from a rigid plastic.

15. The cover of claim 1 wherein the defined interior surface of each of the first and second panels is lined with material that is more mold resistant than the defined exterior surface of each of the first and second panels.

16. The cover of claim 1 wherein the defined interior surface of each of the first and second panels is lined with material that is more antimicrobial than the defined exterior surface of each of the first and second panels.

17. A cover for a framed net having a handle, the cover comprising: a) a first panel; andb) a second panel, wherein the first and second panels are joined at at least a portion of their peripheries such that an opening is provided, the opening being sized to allow the framed net to be inserted between the first and second panels and to allow the net handle to pass through to the outside of the cover, andwherein the first and second panels define an interior region whereby each of the first and second panels has a defined interior surface and a defined exterior surface, and wherein at least a portion of the defined exterior surface of at least one of the first and second panels is provided with a reflective material.