FISHING LURE DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

A fishing lure device and method of use are disclosed. The lure device may include a blade component, which may define one or more openings configured for attachment of a wire or other elongated element. The wire may further connect to a lure body and may also extend through the lure body and form a hook. The wire connects to the blade component so as to allow for at least partial rotation and may allow for oscillation, which may simulate the motion of fish. The blade may include an indentation or other feature which may allow for more realistic oscillation and may also allow the wire and attached lure body to be substantially in line with the primary plane of the blade. The blade may also define openings for the attachment of pivots arms which may include rattles or beads and may also include flutter components or reflective features.

Claims

1. A fishing lure, comprising: an elongated member, defining a substantially longitudinal axis and further comprising a first end, a second end, a first width substantially perpendicular to the substantially longitudinal axis, and a first connection feature; and a blade member, further comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a second connection feature; wherein the blade member defines a first opening extending between the first surface and the second surface, at least a portion of the elongated member passes at least partially through the first opening, the elongated member is at least partially rotatably connected to the blade member by means of the first connection feature and the second connection feature, and further wherein the first surface comprises a first recess configured to receive at least a first portion of the elongated member.

2. The fishing lure according to claim 1, further wherein the second surface comprises a second recess configured to receive at least a second portion of the elongated member.

3. The fishing lure according to claim 1, further wherein the first connection feature has a second width which is greater than at least a portion of the first width of the elongated member.

4. The fishing lure according to claim 1, further comprising a lure body having a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein the lure body defines a first channel configured to receive at least a second portion of the elongated member.

5. The fishing lure according to claim 4, further wherein the first channel extends between the third surface and the fourth surface and the elongated member is configured to at least partially pass through the lure body through the first channel from the third surface to the fourth surface, and further wherein the elongated member comprises a hook feature proximate to the second end and closer to the fourth surface than to the third surface.

6. The fishing lure according to claim 1, further wherein the blade member defines a second opening extending between the first surface and the second surface and at least a second portion of the elongated member passes at least partially through the second opening, and further wherein the first retention feature is proximal to the first end and configured to resist motion of the elongated member in at least one direction relative to the blade member.

7. The fishing lure according to claim 1, further comprising a third opening defined by the blade member and configured to receive a pivot member.

8. The fishing lure according to claim 7, further wherein the third opening extends between the first surface and the second surface.

9. The fishing lure according to claim 7, further comprising at least one pivot member having a third end and a fourth end and further wherein the at least one pivot member is at least partially rotatably connected to the blade member.

10. The fishing lure according to claim 7, further wherein the at least one pivot member comprises a third retention feature proximal to the third end and configured to resist motion of the at least one pivot member in at least one direction relative to the blade member.

11. The fishing lure according to claim 10, further wherein the at least one pivot member further comprises a rattle element proximal to the fourth end.

12. The fishing lure according to claim 10, further wherein the at least one pivot member is removably connected to the blade member.

13. The fishing lure according to claim 11, further wherein the rattle element is removably connected to the at least one pivot member.

14. The fishing lure according to claim 11, further wherein the at least one pivot member further comprises a spacer configured to resist translation of the rattle element relative to the at least one pivot member.

15. The fishing lure according to claim 10, further wherein the at least one pivot member further comprises a flutter element which is at least partially rotatably connected to the pivot element.

16. A fishing lure, comprising: an elongated member, having a first end and a second end; a blade member, having a first surface and a second surface; and a lure body, having a third surface and a fourth surface and defining a channel extending through the lure body from the third surface to the fourth surface; wherein the blade member defines a first opening extending between the first surface and the second surface, and further wherein the elongated member is at least partially rotatably connected to the blade member proximal to the first opening and at least partially passes through the first opening, and further wherein the first surface defines a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the elongated member.

17. The fishing lure according to claim 16, further wherein the elongated member further comprises a retention feature configured to be at least partially retained by the first opening.

18. The fishing lure according to claim 16, further wherein the blade member defines a second opening extending between the first surface and the second surface, and the elongated member further comprises an at least partial loop feature configured to be at least partially retained by the blade member proximal to the first opening and the second opening.

19. The fishing lure according to claim 16, further comprising a pivot member, and further wherein the blade member further comprises a third opening configured to receive the pivot member and the pivot member is at least partially rotatably connected to the blade member, and further wherein the pivot member comprises a flutter element which is at least partially rotatably connected to the pivot member.

20. A method of using a fishing lure, comprising: attaching a fishing line to a blade element; attaching a wire to the blade element; attaching a lure body to the wire; and attaching a pivot arm to the blade element; wherein the wire further comprises a first end and a second end, the wire is at least partially rotatably connected to the blade element proximal to the first end, the pivot arm is at least partially rotatably connected to the blade element, the wire comprises a hook feature proximal to the second end, and the blade element defines at least one recess configured to at least partially receive at least a portion of the wire element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The invention is now disclosed in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, where:

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a front top isometric view of an embodiment of the fishing lure device of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of the fishing lure device of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a front top isometric view of an embodiment of the blade component of the fishing lure device of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a rear top isometric view of the embodiment of the blade component of FIG. 3;

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a partially sectioned side view of an embodiment of the fishing lure device of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a front top isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the fishing lure device the present disclosure, with part of the lure body component removed;

[0028] FIG. 7 shows a front top isometric view of another alternate embodiment of the fishing lure device of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 8 shows a front bottom isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the fishing lure device of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the embodiment of the fishing lure device of FIG. 8;

[0031] FIG. 10 shows a rear top isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the fishing lure device of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 11 shows an alternate side view of the embodiment of the fishing lure device of FIG. 10;

[0033] FIG. 12 shows a front top isometric view of an embodiment of the blade component of the fishing lure device of the present disclosure; and

[0034] FIG. 13 shows a side cross-sectional view of the blade component of the fishing lure device of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the Figures and are explained in the following description in more detail, wherein identical reference numbers refer to identical, or similar, or functionally identical or similar components.

[0036] Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features or those previously described are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.

[0037] Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention, however the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation. In some instances, structures and devices may be shown in block diagram or flow chart form in order to facilitate describing the disclosed subject matter.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a front top isometric view of an embodiment of the fishing lure device 100 of the present disclosure, generally referred to herein as a lure 100. In one embodiment, the lure 100 may include a lure body 110, such as an elongated body 110. The lure body 110 may be substantially cylindrical, rectangular in cross-section, hexagonal in cross-section, octagonal in cross-section, or any other shape which may be appropriate or understood by one skilled in the art. The lure body 110 may be a weighted mass or may be a container with a weighted mass inside. The lure body 110 may also be configured so as to imitate the shape or appearance of a fish or prey or other food for a fish. The lure body 110 may be substantially solid or it may be at least partially hollow.

[0039] The lure body 110 may also define an inner chamber 120 or a channel 130 configured to receive a wire 140 or other elongated member, or both a channel 130 and an inner open volume 120. It is understood that the lure body 110 may be a single component, or it may include subcomponents, such as body pieces, hooks, simulated eyes or scales, coatings, or other means of attracting or retaining desired fish or further supporting or retaining additional components. The lure body 110 itself may also comprise multiple components, such as being assembled from two or more subcomponents which are assembled so as to retain other components at least partially within the lure body 110, such as within the inner chamber 120. The wire 140 may pass at least partially through the lure body 110, entering through an entrance opening 115 defined by the lure body 110 through a front surface or other surface located proximal to the front of the lure body 110, such as a top, bottom, curved, or angled surface. The wire 140 may be retained within the lure body 110, and it may also extend out through an exit opening 116 defined by a side, top, bottom, or rear surface of the lure body 110. Where the wire 140 exits from the lure body 110, it may be further bent and may also have an at least partially sharp or pointed end 145, such as for forming a hook 145.

[0040] The wire 140 may extend generally away from the front portion of the lure body 110 and may be at least partially rotatably connected to a blade 150. The blade 150 may be substantially planar, though it may also be bent or curved or otherwise include features outside of the primary plane of the blade 150. The wire 140 may connect to the blade 150 through one or more openings 155 defined by the blade 150 and passing through between an upper or top surface 151 of the blade 150 and a lower or bottom surface 152 of the blade 150. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the wire 150 passes through a first opening 155 defined by the blade 150 and then bends back through a second opening 155 defined by the blade 150. The wire 140 may thus at least partially rotate up and down relative to the blade 150. If the wire 140 is undersized relative to the first opening 155 or the second opening 155, then it may also be able to at least partially rotate side to side relative to the blade 150, thus enabling an oscillating motion of the lure body 110 relative to the blade 150. The blade 150 may further feature a recess or indentation 156 proximate to the first opening 155 or the rear area of the blade 150, enabling the wire 140 to seat substantially within the primary plane of the blade 150 as it extends away from the blade 150 and towards the lure body 110. This may allow the blade 150 and lure body 110 to remain substantially in line relative to the wire 140 and the primary plane of the blade 150.

[0041] The blade 150 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 further defines a third and fourth opening 157 which are each configured to receive a pivot arm 170. The pivot arm 170 may be a substantially elongated body, may be another shape which may be appropriate for this application, may consist of a wire 171, or may comprise a combination of such shapes and one or more wires 171. The wire 171 may have a ball 172 at one end to aid in retaining the pivot arm 170 in connection to the blade 150. It is understood that other retention means may also be used, such as an eyelet or loop. The pivot arm 170 is able to pivot or at least partially rotate in at least one plane relative to the blade 150. The pivot arm 170 may include a second ball 173 or other feature configured to prevent or restrict motion of the pivot arm 170 in at least one direction, such as limiting translation of the pivot arm 170 through its associated opening 157 in the blade 150. The pivot arm 170 may further include a bead or rattle 174 at an end or otherwise distanced from the blade 150. The rattle 174 may be permanently attached to the pivot arm 170 or may be removable. The pivot arm 170 may also include a spacer 175, such as a tube 175 which fits over the wire 171. This may aid in retaining the rattle 174 in place or within a general range of locations or positions on the pivot arm 170, or it may aid in keeping the rattle 174 at a desired minimum distance from the blade 150. The pivot arm 170 may also include additional features, such as a flutter 176 which may optionally be configured to oscillate relate to the blade 150 or relative to the pivot arm 170 and may be made of a reflective material or coated in a reflective substance so as to simulate scales or eyes of a fish. FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, including the ball 172 which aids in retaining the pivot arm 170 relative to the blade 150.

[0042] An embodiment of a blade 150 of the lure device 100 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Material may be removed or an indentation, recess, cutaway, or curve 156 may be created by other means, such as by pressing into the blade 150 proximate to the first opening or the rear area of the blade 150. The indentation 156 may allow for movement of a wire 140 relative to the blade 150 and may allow for orientation of a proximal portion of a wire 140 close to or substantially within the primary plane of the blade 150. The indentation 156 may be formed when the blade 150 is stamped out of or machined from a material, such as steel or aluminum, may be bent after initial production, may be molded, or may be formed by other means known in the art. The blade 150 may be made of a range of materials, such as plastic, metals, composites, or combinations thereof, and may also have a coating, such as paint or a layer to aid in preventing rusting of the blade 150.

[0043] The blade 150 may define one or more openings 155 configured to receive a wire 140 or a feature connected to a wire 140. In the embodiment shown, the blade 150 includes two openings 155, so that a wire 140 may pass through the first opening 155 and loop back to pass through the second opening 155. It should be understood that the blade 150 may include more openings 155 or less openings 155, such as where a wire 140 only passes through a single opening 155 and is retained by a loop, ball 146, or other feature at an end of the wire 140. The blade 150 may also optionally include one or more additional openings 158, such as for the attachment of additional elements to the blade 150, such as hooks or loops 180, or for the attachment of a fishing line.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows a side view of an embodiment of the lure device 200, with a portion of the lure body 210 removed. A wire 240 may pass through a channel 230 defined by the lure body 210 so that at least one hook feature 245 of the lure device 200 may be unitary with the wire 240 which connects to the blade 250, or may be connected so that, even if the lure body 210 breaks or is damaged, the hook 245 may remain attached to the blade 250.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the lure device 300, with a portion of the lure body 310 removed. The primary wire 340 may pass through a channel 330 and into an open volume 311 defined by the lure body 310. A secondary wire 341 or hook 345, or combination of the two, may connect or interface with the primary wire 340, such as forming a loop or eyelet 342 through which the primary wire 340 passes. The primary wire 340 may extend through a channel 331 out of the lure body 310 or may terminate as an anchoring feature for one or more additional wires 341. The primary wire itself may form a loop, eyelet, or may include a bend 343 or other feature to aid in restricting the motion of one or more additional wires 341 in at least one direction. In the embodiment shown, the primary wire 340 bends and exits from the lure body 310. One or more hooks 347 may also be connected to the primary wire 340 or to an additional wire 341.

[0046] An alternate embodiment of the lure device 400, where the wire 440 is configured to be of sufficient length to, along with the lure body 410 and any additional elements, simulate the size of either a large fish or a school of fish, is shown in FIG. 7. The use of flutters 476 attached to the blade 450 may further aid in simulating a larger fish or a larger grouping of fish. This embodiment does not include a second ball on each pivot arm 470, though they may be included, as it may be desirable for some target prey for the lure device 400 to simulate more or less motion of one or more pivot arms 470.

[0047] FIGS. 8 and 9 show an embodiment of the lure device 500 where the wire 540 may pass through only one opening 555 defined by the blade 550. The wire 540 may also not bend to create a loop in order to be retained relative to the blade 550, but may have a ball feature 546, a conical feature, eyelet, or other retention means. As shown in this embodiment, the pivot arms 570 may also be retained in connection to the blade 550 with a loop, eyelet 577, bent wire feature, or other features or elements which may at least partially restrict translation of the pivot arm 570 relative to the blade 550.

[0048] An alternate embodiment of the lure device 600 is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The blade 650 may include a loop 680 or other feature for the attachment of additional elements to the blade 650 or for the attachment of a fishing line. The loop 680 or other attachment feature may be unitary with the blade 650, permanently attached, or removably attached to it. The lure body 610 may also include an optional loop or hook 681 for the attachment of additional elements. As shown in this embodiment, the blade 650 may be substantially flat relative to and within its primary plane and may not include any bends, though such features may optionally be included. The blade 650 may include a first recess 656 to allow the wire 640 to sit closer to or within the primary plane of the blade 650. The blade 650 may also include a second recess 659 with may allow a bend or other retention feature in or attached to the wire 640 to sit closer to or within the primary plane of the blade 650. The first recess 656 and the second recess 659 may be in different or opposing surfaces of the blade 650. Motion and positioning of the blade 650 relative to the wire 640 and the lure body 610 which is enabled by the use of a first recess 656 or a second recess 659 may also allow for smaller connection holes in the blade 650 than through the use of means such as split rings or other joint features in the wire 640 without introducing potential failure points or so as to decrease them.

[0049] In the embodiment of the lure device 600 shown, the pivot arms 670 do not include a spacer. A pivot arm 670 may include a first ball 672, bead, or other retention feature or element to restrict translation of the pivot arm 670 in at least one direction relative to the blade, 650. In one embodiment, the ball 672 will aid in retaining the pivot arm 670 to the blade 650 while allowing at least some rotation of the pivot arm 670. The pivot arm may also include a second ball 673, bead, or other retention feature or element on an opposing side of the blade 650, such as to further at least partially restrict or limit translation of the pivot arm 670 relative to the blade 650. Either the first ball 672, the second ball 673, or an additional ball or bead 674 may also function as a rattle or contain further elements to make rattling noises or vibrations when moving or fluttering so as to attract fish.

[0050] The lure device 600 may also include a skirt or weed guard 691, which may be formed of a single piece of material or multiple pieces of material, such as at least partially flexible filaments. The weed guard 691 may create an overall larger appearance of the lure device 600 to predators. The weed guard 691 may also imitate features or profiles of certain desirable prey, such as crawfish.

[0051] The lure device 600 may include a skirt collar to aid in retaining rubber bands or other elements to the lure body 610 or to a wire 640. The lure device 600 may also include at least one wire keeper 692 and may optionally include a second wire keeper 693 or more. The use of at least one wire keeper 692, 693 may remove the need for a joint for connecting a skirt collar. The one or more wire keepers 692, 693 may be attached externally to the lure body 610, internally to the lure body 610, or may be molded into the lure body 610.

[0052] FIGS. 12 and 13 show an isometric view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of a blade 650 of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the top surface 651 of the blade 650 includes a first recess 656, while the bottom surface 652 of the blade 650 includes a second recess 659.

[0053] While the present invention has been related in terms of the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. The present invention can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the present invention. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, combinations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the claimed coverage.