Rotating Spinner Blade Assembly for Fishing Lures
20170231208 · 2017-08-17
Inventors
Cpc classification
A01K85/12
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
A01K85/10
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Abstract
A concave-type spinner blade and lure body assembly for use with fishing lures that generates mechanical energy to rotate the lure body to attract fish is provided herein. The spinner blade is connected to the lure body by a connector that freely rotates around the lure's spindle. The lure body is suspended from the lure spindle by a plurality of rotational elements that are housed within the lure body. The rotational mechanical energy causes the lure body to rotate thereby producing an effect that attracts fish. The present invention can be used with trolling or casting lures used in bays, rivers, lakes, oceans, and estuaries to catch a wide variety of fresh and saltwater fish.
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a rotating lure body that is used with a fishing lure that reflects or refracts ambient light to visually attract fish, wherein the lure body houses a plurality of rotational elements, the rotational elements allowing the lure body to freely rotate around a lure spindle, the lure spindle passing through each rotational element; a spinner blade, wherein the spinner blade is connected to a spinner blade connector, the spinner blade connector contacts the lure body; and the spinner blade rotates around the fishing lure when the fishing lure is pulled through the water, rotational energy from the spinner blade being transferred to the lure body by the spinner blade connector thereby causing the lure body to also rotate.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lure body is a plastic or glass bead-type body with one or more flat sides that reflect or refract ambient light.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spinner blade is a concave-type spinner blade that angularly deflects water to generate the rotational energy.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spinner blade connector passes into the lure body through an opening within the lure body.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rotational element retainer that keeps the rotational elements within the lure body when fishing.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the rotational element retainer has a larger opening that contacts the lure body and allows all or a portion of a rotational element to enter the rotational element retainer.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein apparatus is used for trolling and casting in bays, rivers or estuaries.
8. A fishing lure comprising: a lure eye used to connect a fishing line to the fishing lure, a lure spindle that extends the length of the fishing lure and is connected to the lure eye, a spinner blade that rotates around the lure spindle when the fishing lure is pulled through water, a spinner blade connector that connects the spinner blade to a lure body that causes the lure body to rotate with the spinner blade, wherein each end of the spinner blade connector is connected to the lure spindle and wherein the spinner blade connector can rotate around the lure spindle when the lure is pulled through the water, a plurality of rotational elements that are contained within a spindle passage within the lure body that allow the lure body to rotate around the lure spindle, a lure connection that connects the lure spindle to a fishing hook and allows the fishing hook to pivot relative to the lure spindle, and a rotational element retainer that keeps the rotational elements within the lure body during fishing activities.
9. The fishing lure of claim 8, wherein the spinner blade is shaped so that water deflects off of the spinner blade at an angle that causes the spinner blade to rotate when the lure is pulled through water.
10. The fishing lure of claim 8, wherein the spinner blade connector is a clevis-type device with openings at each end for the lure spindle to pass through.
11. The fishing lure of claim 8, wherein the lure body is a plastic or glass bead that reflects or refracts light to attract fish.
12. The fishing lure of claim 8, wherein the speed of rotation of the spinner blade and lure body can be adjusted by using lure bodies of differing diameters with larger diameters causing the spinner blade and lure body to rotate at a slower speed and smaller diameters causing the spinner blade and lure body to rotate at faster speeds.
13. The fishing lure of claim 8, wherein the fishing hook is a treble hook.
14. A fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly used with a fishing lure to visually attract fish comprising: a lure body that reflects or refracts ambient light during fishing activities, the lure body being constructed from a transparent colored material or a non-transparent reflective material, the lure body being separated from a lure spindle by rotational elements contained within the lure body, the rotational elements acting as bearings that permit the free rotation of the lure body around the lure spindle, the rotational elements being housed within a spindle passage that is located within the lure body, a spinner blade connected to the lure body by way of a spinner blade connector, the spinner blade being able to angularly deflect water passing over the spinner blade so that a rotational force is generated, the spinner blade providing the rotational force to rotate the lure body when a fishing lure employing the assembly is pulled through water, the rotational force being transferred to the lure body by way of the spinner blade connector, the spinner blade connector being connected to the lure spindle and able to rotate around the lure spindle when the spinner blade and lure body rotate, and a means for keeping the rotational elements within the lure body.
15. The fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly of claim 14, wherein the lure body has one or more flat sides that reflect or refract ambient light.
16. The fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly of claim 14, wherein the lure body is an elongated, colored plastic bead.
17. The fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly of claim 14, wherein the rotational elements are round or elongated beads that are attached to the lure spindle.
18. The fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly of claim 14, wherein the spinner blade connector is a clevis-type device with eyelets at each end that allow the lure spindle to pass through.
19. The fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly of claim 14, wherein the means for keeping the rotational elements within the lure body is a rotational element retainer that contacts the lure body, is hydrodynamically shaped, and allows at least part of one rotational element to be housed within.
20. The fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly of claim 14, further comprising a fishing hook attached to the lure spindle by a lure connection, the lure connection allowing the fishing hook to pivot at angles relative to the lure spindle.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
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[0035] A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the accompanying description. Although the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary of apparatus for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and construction of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the illustrations and the following description. The figures are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.
[0036] Certain figures contain labels, measurements, or other alphanumeric indicators. None of the aforementioned are intended to limit the scope of the invention, but are included merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying images that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by appended claims, appropriately interpreted, along with the full range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.
[0038] Further, the purpose of the Abstract of the Disclosure herein is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of this application nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
[0039] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the terms “embodiment(s) of the invention”, “alternative embodiment(s)”, and “exemplary embodiment(s)” do not require that all embodiments of the apparatus include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The following descriptions of the preferred embodiments are merely exemplary in nature and are in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or use.
[0040] For the purpose of clarity, all like elements will have the same numbering and designations in each of the images. The terms “rotating spinner blade assembly for fishing lures”, “fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly”, “spinner blade assembly”, “blade assembly”, “assembly”, “present invention”, and “invention” may be used interchangeably. In addition to the functions, features, components, and abilities of the apparatus already discussed in this specification, the present invention may also have, but not be limited to, the following features contained within the description set forth herein.
[0041] Several preferred embodiments of the fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly are discussed in this section. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. A fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly, as according to the present invention, is any components of a fishing lure that allow a body of the lure to rotate around rotational elements within the body. The rotational elements allow for the passage of a lure spindle through each rotational element.
[0042] Referring now to
[0043] Angular deflection of water against the spinner blade (100) as the fishing lure is trolled or reeled generates the mechanical energy that is transferred to the lure body (102) by way of a spinner blade connector (101) that is connected to the spinner blade (100).
[0044] The spinner blade connector (101) can be a clevis-type of connector with eyelets (
[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the spinner blade (100) is aligned with a spinner blade connector area (
[0046] mention something about the placement of the clevis pocket in relation to the blade alignment? This alignment keeps the blade from blocking the view of the rotating lure body. It also allows the blade to strike the wide portion of the lure body. The raising and lowering of a fishing rod is an example when this occurs. Like when you are trying to find the bottom so to speak.
[0047] The body of the spinner blade connector (101) passes through a spinner blade opening (104) with each end of the connector (101) being attached to the lure spindle (106) in a manner that allows the connector (101) to freely rotate around the lure spindle (106). The eyelets (
[0048] The spinner blade opening (104) is large enough so that the spinner blade (100) can travel through water at an angle relative to the rest of the fishing lure. The frequency of rotation of the spinner blade (100) is identical to the frequency of rotation of the lure body (102) due to the spinner blade connector (101) passing through, or directly contacting, the lure body (102). In some embodiments of the present invention, the spinner blade connector (101) is inserted into a spinner blade connector area (
[0049] The rotation of the spinner blade (100) and the lure body (102) creates a visual effect that attracts fish. Light passing through the water strikes the spinner blade (100) and the lure body (102) and is transmitted through, or reflected or refracted from, the spinner blade (100) or lure body (102) as the spinner blade (100) and lure body (102) are pulled through the water. The transmission, reflection or refraction of light during rotation creates the visual effect that attracts fish. The speed of rotation of the spinner blade (100) and lure body (102) can be adjusted by using lure bodies (102) of differing diameters. The larger the diameter of the lure body (102), the slower the rotational speed. The smaller the diameter of the lure body (102), the faster the speed of rotation. It is be desirable in some embodiments of the present invention to use lure bodies (102) of a certain diameter to create a rotational frequency that transmits, reflects or refracts light in a pattern or frequency that is desirable to catch a certain species of fish.
[0050] Within the lure body (102) resides a plurality of rotational elements (108). The rotational elements (108) are housed within a rotational element housing (107) within the lure body (102). The rotational elements (108) act as bearings that keep the lure body (102) separated from the lure spindle (106), but allow the lure body (102) to freely rotate around the lure spindle (106). The rotational elements (108) are roughly the same shape as common bearings found inside of a wheel that rotates around an axle.
[0051] The rotational element housing (107) is an opening extending through the lure body (102) that is of sufficient size to accommodate at least some of the rotational elements (108) and the lure spindle (106) that passes through the rotational elements (108). Each rotational element (108) has an opening through which the lure spindle (106) passes. These rotational elements (108) act as bearings that contact both the lure body (102) and the lure spindle (106) and allow for the free rotation of the lure body (102) during fishing activities. Some embodiments of the present invention use rotational elements (108) that are elongated or oval in shape. Other embodiments of the present invention use rotational elements (108) that are round or spheres. The rotational elements (108) may be of any shape so long as the lure body (102) is able to rotate around the elements (108). Furthermore, a combination of differently shaped rotational elements (108) can be used with various embodiments of the present invention provided that the combination of rotational elements (108) allow the lure body (102) to rotate during fishing activities.
[0052] A rotational element retainer (103) is used to retain the rotational elements (108) within the lure body (102). The rotational elements (108) can slide along the lure spindle (106), but are kept within the lure body (102) so that the lure body (102) freely rotates around the rotational elements (108) by the rotational element retainer (103). The rotational elements (108) are kept in place so that they may act as bearings and reduce friction between the lure body (102) and the lure spindle (106). Each rotational element (108) behaves like a bearing by allowing for free rotation of the lure body (102) around the long axis of the lure spindle (106). The rotational element retainer (103) has a large opening at one end that allows a portion of, or an entire, rotational element (108) to extend into the retainer (108). The rotational element retainer (103) has a small opening at the opposite end that is sufficient size for the lure spindle (106) to pass through.
[0053] The rotational element retainer (103) is hydrodynamically shaped so that water flows around the lure body (102), then around the rotational element retainer (103) without creating undue turbulence. In some embodiments of the present invention, the large opening of the rotational element retainer (103) is cup-shaped to house one end of the lure body (102). Housing a portion of the lure body (102) within the rotational element retainer (103) further enhances the hydrodynamic properties of the present invention and lessens any unwanted disturbances to the water that may scare away fish.
[0054] During fishing activities, the small opening of the rotational element retainer (103) may contact the forward end of a lure connection (
[0055] Referring now to
[0056] Referring now to
[0057] The spinner blade connector (101) has connector eyelets (111) through which the lure spindle (
[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, one end of the spinner blade connector (101) connects to the lure spindle (
[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, one end of the spinner blade connector (101) connects to the lure spindle (
[0060] Referring now to
[0061] The lure spindle hole (115) extends through the spinner blade connector area (
[0062] On either side of the spinner blade connector area (
[0063] A domed end cap (114) is provided at one end of the body (102) to allow the lure to more efficiently pass through the water during fishing activities. The domed end cap (114) reduces drag upon the body (102) and forms the head-end of the body (102)
[0064] As set forth in this description and the attached images, a new fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly has been developed that improves upon conventional fishing lures. The various embodiments of the improved fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly described herein can be used in a wide variety of fishing applications including trolling or casting for many types of large fresh and saltwater game fish in bays, rivers, oceans, and lakes.
[0065] The preceding exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limiting, but are merely illustrative for the possible uses of the fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly.
[0066] Although certain example apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the invention either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
[0067] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the components of the fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and the manner of operation, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the images and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly.
[0068] Directional terms such as “front”, “back”, “in”, “out”, “downward”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “vertical” and the like have been used in the description. These terms are applicable to the embodiments shown and described in conjunction with the images. These terms are merely used for the purpose of description in connection with the images and do not necessarily apply to the positions in which the fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly may be used.
[0069] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly. While the above description describes various embodiments of the present invention, it will be clear that the present invention may be otherwise easily adapted to fit any configuration where a fishing lure rotational spinner blade assembly is desired or required.
[0070] As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying images shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.