Universal support apparatus for a fishing rod

Claim 1

In combination, a fishing rod having a handle, and a universal support apparatus for a fishing rod, comprising, a base having a pedestal adapted to be mounted on a surface, an open-ended generally hollow fishing rod handle receptacle adapted for removably receiving said fishing rod handle, support means for mounting said receptacle on said base, said support means being operative to provide freedom of pivotal movement of the receptacle about three perpendicular axes relative to said base, coacting ratchet and pawl means operatively associated with said receptacle and support means to block pivotal movement of said receptacle in one direction, said support means comprising, a post on said base, said post having an upper end, a cup-shaped receptacle adjustably rotatably supported on said upstanding post mounted on said pedestal for providing rotational motion about a first axis, said support means further comprising, for providing motion about a second axis perpendicular to said first axis, a generally U-shaped member connected to the upper surface of said cup-shaped member, a support member having one end adapted to be removably insertable into said generally U-shaped member, a center positioning pin pivotally connecting said one end to said U-shaped member, and coacting stop means on said support member and U-shaped member whereby said support member is adjustably moveable relative to said U-shaped member.