Fishing Lure

Abstract

A fishing lure that simulates the appearance of an elongated aquatic animal swimming through water.

Claims

1. A fishing lure, comprising: a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having an attachment mechanism configured to enable the fishing lure to be in communication with a fishing line; a hook disposed between the proximal and distal ends of the fishing lure, the hook including a hook point and a hook gape extending between the hook point and a hook shank; a body disposed between the proximal and distal ends, the body further including: a first body section, a second body section, a third body section, and a fourth body section; the first body section extending generally from the proximal end of the fishing lure towards the second body section in a generally longitudinal direction of the fishing lure; the second body section extending laterally, from the first body section at an exterior angle that is less than or equal to 180 degrees, towards the third body section; the third body section extending from the second body section at an interior angle that is less than or equal to 180 degrees, towards the fourth body section; the fourth body section having a curved shape disposed between the third body section and the distal end; the first body section, second body section, and third body section disposed in a first plane having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; the curved fourth body section disposed in a second plane having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; the first plane and second plane are oriented such that there is an obtuse planar angle between the longitudinal axis of the first plane and the longitudinal axis of the second plane, and the lateral axis of the first plane is parallel to the lateral axis of the second plane; and the first, second, third, and fourth body sections are generally fixed in orientation with respect to each other, thereby ensuring that the first and second planes remain in their specific orientation when subjected to external forces as the fishing lure is pulled through fluid.

2. The fishing lure of claim 1, further comprising a flexible tail section extending between the fourth body section and the distal end.

3. The fishing lure of claim 1, further comprising a majority of the hook disposed within the body with the hook point protruding from the fourth body section.

4. The fishing lure of claim 1, further comprising a semi-rigid head disposed between the body and the attachment mechanism.

5. The fishing lure of claim 1, further comprising a swivel mechanism in communication with the attachment mechanism.

6. The fishing lure of claim 1, further comprising the hook shank extending from the attachment mechanism to the fourth body section, a curved hook section extending through the fourth body section and terminating at the hook point that extends from the fourth body section.

7. The fishing lure of claim 1, wherein the second body section extends outward in a lateral direction that is generally opposite from a direction in which the fourth body section curves outwardly from the third body section.

8. A hook, comprising: a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having an attachment mechanism configured to enable the hook to be in communication with a fishing line and the distal end having a hook point; a hook shank extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a hook gape extending between the hook point and the hook shank; the hook shank further including: a first hook section, a second hook section, a third hook section, and a fourth hook section; the first hook section extending generally from the proximal end towards the second hook section in a generally longitudinal direction of the hook; the second hook section extending laterally, from the first hook section at an exterior angle that is less than or equal to 180 degrees, towards the third hook section; the third hook section extending from the second hook section, at an interior angle that is less than or equal to 180 degrees, towards the fourth hook section; the fourth hook section having a curved shape disposed between the third hook section and the distal end; the first hook section, second hook section, and third hook section residing in a first plane having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; the curved fourth hook section residing in a second plane having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; the first plane and second plane are oriented such that there is an obtuse planar angle between the longitudinal axis of the first plane and the longitudinal axis of the second plane, and the lateral axis of the first plane is parallel to the lateral axis of the second plane; and the first, second, third, and fourth hook sections are generally fixed in orientation with respect to each other, thereby ensuring that the first and second planes remain in their specific orientation when subjected to external forces as the hook is pulled through fluid.

9. The hook of claim 8, further comprising a semi-rigid head disposed distally with respect to the attachment mechanism, wherein the semi-rigid head has a circumference greater than the width of the first hook section.

10. The hook of claim 8, further comprising a swivel mechanism in communication with the attachment mechanism.

11. The hook of claim 8, wherein the second hook section extends outward in a lateral direction that is generally opposite from a direction in which the fourth hook section curves outwardly from the third hook section.

12. The hook of claim 8, further comprising a flexible body enclosing the hook shank while the hook point remains exposed from the flexible body.

13. A fishing lure, comprising: a body having proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end in communication with an attachment mechanism configured to enable the fishing lure to be in communication with a fishing line; a hook disposed between the proximal and distal ends of the fishing lure, the hook including a hook point, a hook shank, and a hook gape extending between the hook point and the hook shank, wherein the hook shank resides within an outer lateral surface of the body; the hook shank further including: a first hook section, a second hook section, a third hook section, and a fourth hook section; the first hook section extending generally from the proximal end of the body towards the second hook section in a generally longitudinal direction of the fishing lure; the second hook section extending laterally from the first hook section towards the third hook section at an exterior angle that is less than or equal to 180 degrees; the third hook section extending from the second hook section towards the fourth hook section at an interior angle that is less than or equal to 180 degrees; the fourth hook section having a curved shape disposed between the third hook section and the hook point establishing the hook gape; the first hook section, second hook section, and third hook section residing in a first plane having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; the curved fourth hook section residing in a second plane having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; the first plane and second plane are oriented such that there is an obtuse planar angle between the longitudinal axis of the first plane and the longitudinal axis of the second plane, and the lateral axis of the first plane is parallel to the lateral axis of the second plane; the first, second, third, and fourth hook sections are generally fixed in orientation with respect to each other, thereby ensuring that the first and second planes remain in their specific orientation when subjected to external forces as the hook is pulled through fluid; and the body having a flexible tail extending body between the fourth hook section and the distal end of the body.

14. The fishing lure of claim 13, further comprising a semi-rigid head disposed between the body and the attachment mechanism.

15. The fishing lure of claim 13, further comprising a swivel mechanism in communication with the attachment mechanism.

16. The fishing lure of claim 13, wherein the second hook section extends outward in a lateral direction that is generally opposite from a direction in which the fourth hook section curves outwardly from the third hook section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a top view of a fishing lure assembly of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a top view of the fishing lure assembly of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a side view of the fishing lure assembly of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the head or body of the fishing lure of FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a top view of the fishing lure assembly of FIG. 1 showing a position when pulled through water.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a top view of the fishing lure assembly of FIG. 1 showing motion when pulled through water.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a top view of a hook and head of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a side view of the hook and head of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a top view of variations of the head and body of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a top view of variations in cervical portions, body and hook gape portions of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a top view of a hook of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a side view of the hook of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 13 is a top view of a variation of the hook gape and hook second portion of the invention.

[0041] FIG. 14 is a top view of a variation of the hook gape and hook point direction of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 15 is a top view of a variation of the hook gape and hook point direction of the invention.

[0043] FIG. 16 is a top view of a variation of the body and tail shape and swivel mechanism of the invention.

[0044] FIG. 17 is a top view of a variation of the body and tail shape and swivel mechanism of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the present invention is a fishing lure assembly 16. Fishing lure assembly 16 preferably includes head 3, body 17, and hook member 9. In an embodiment, fishing lure assembly 16 may include an attachment mechanism 1 for attachment to a fishing line. In addition, fishing lure assembly 16 may include various mechanisms disposed between the fishing line and fishing lure assembly 16, such as swivel mechanism 18 and split ring 20. Swivel mechanism 18 includes first swivel attachment 19 for attachment to the fishing line and second swivel attachment 21 for attachment to fishing lure assembly 16.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an embodiment of head 3 includes anterior portion 3c, cranial portion 3a and cervical portion 3b. Anterior portion 3c, cranial portion 3a and cervical portion 3b may have variable dimensions so as to better simulate different swimming animals. Head 3 may be formed of rigid or resilient material or of hard or soft material.

[0048] Body 17 of fishing lure assembly 16 may be a separate part from head 3 or integral to head 3 and may be formed of rigid or resilient or of hard or soft material. In the case that body 17 is formed as a separate part from head 3, head 3 may be provided with recessed portion 10 to accept body 17 in a more seamless, natural manner.

[0049] Body 17 of the embodiment provided in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be viewed as several sections or portions that include: [0050] 1. first body portion 4, extending from cervical portion 3b of head 3 and disposed substantially along an extension of the primary longitudinal axis of head 3; [0051] 2. second body portion 5 disposed at a first exterior angle to first body portion 4, and; [0052] 3. third body portion 6 disposed at a second interior angle to second body portion 5 such that head 3, first body portion 4, second body portion 5 and third body portion 6 lie substantially within one plane; [0053] 4. fourth body portion 7 that contains curved portion 7b curving in the direction toward head 3 and that is disposed substantially into a second plane forming an obtuse planar angle to the first plane; [0054] 5. tail portion 8; and [0055] 6. at least one hook member 9 passing through a majority of body 17.

[0056] The fourth body portion 7 may contain a straight portion 7a.

[0057] The embodiment described serves to place volume into two distinct planes and more particularly to place some of the second volume from fourth body portion 7 into the second plane and into a curved shape. The placement of volume into at least two distinct planes creates asymmetrical rotational forces when the lure is pulled through water causing the lure to rotate and to wobble. When acted on by pressure forces from the water through which the lure is moving, the second curved plane experiences a particular set of forces that create and maintain the desired complex motion of lure 17. Specifically, the design enables lure 17 to rotate, oscillate, and irregularly wobble. If tail portion 8 is formed of resilient material, the pressure forces of the water cause tail portion 8 to flex, which simulates the appearance of elongated swimming aquatic animals with head wobbling, body undulation, and tail flexure all in natural relation to one another.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, adjustment of angles and dimensions will create differences in dynamic performance when the fishing lure is pulled through water. Particularly adjustment of angles , , and , and dimensions of first body portion 4, second body portion 5 and third body portion 6 will create the most significant changes in dynamic performance when the fishing lure is pulled through water.

[0059] When the lure is pulled through water reaction forces on body portion 7 in the second said plane that are near the primary longitudinal axis of the direction of travel create transverse-direction forces that cause the lure to wobble to one side. As body portions 4, 5, and 6 are forced away from the primary longitudinal axis of the direction of travel, reaction forces from the water increase in a direction back toward the primary longitudinal axis of the direction of travel, thereby creating a side-to-side wobbling motion.

[0060] When the lure is pulled through water, reaction forces on body portion 7 in the second said plane, that are far from the primary longitudinal axis of the direction of travel, create rotational forces that cause the lure to rotate.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 5, fishing lure assembly 16 moves dynamically when the lure is being pulled through water by fishing line 25. When pulled through water swivel 18 assumes a swivel angle and fishing lure assembly 16 assumes a fishing lure assembly angle of . Swivel angle will vary depending upon the speed that fishing lure assembly 16 is pulled through water, thereby creating the appearance from certain viewing perspective angles of head wobbling. Fishing lure assembly angle will vary depending upon the speed that fishing lure assembly 16 is pulled through water. Tail portion 8 will flex due to forces applied to it that vary depending upon the speed that fishing lure assembly 16 is pulled through water thereby creating varying tail flexure.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 6, fishing lure assembly 16 will rotate about an arc illustrated by arc A when pulled through water. Being oriented at fishing lure assembly angle and rotating through arc A creates the appearance from certain viewing perspective angles of large magnitude body undulation.

[0063] An embodiment may include swivel 18 to prevent fishing line from twisting and creating entanglements. The use of a swivel 18 also provides for increased freedom to pivot to enhance desired motions.

[0064] Referring back to FIG. 4, head 3 may be formed into a variety of cross-sections. More particularly head 3 may have any of the cross-sections 2a-2n, other sectional shapes, and/or sectional shapes that vary along the length of the head or body portions.

[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 and 7-8, hook member 9 includes head retention feature 11 at a proximal end and hook point portion 23 and hook gape portion 24 at the distal end. Head retention feature 11 serves to create a more secure connection between head 3 and hook member 9 by creating a mechanical interference between the material of the hook and the material of the head.

[0066] Referring now to the invention shown in FIGS. 7-8, hook member 9 includes: [0067] 1. first hook portion 12, extending from cervical portion 3b of the head 3 and disposed substantially along an extension of the primary longitudinal axis of head 3; [0068] 2. second hook portion 13 disposed at a first exterior angle to first hook portion 12; [0069] 3. third hook portion 14 disposed at a second interior angle to second hook portion 13 such that head 3, first hook portion 12, second hook portion 13 and third hook portion 14 lie substantially within the same plane; [0070] 4. fourth hook portion 15 that contains curved portion 15b curving in the direction toward head 3 and that is disposed substantially into a second plane forming an obtuse interior planar angle to the first plane; and [0071] 5. hook gape portion 24.

[0072] Use of the invention as embodied in FIGS. 5-6 allows the angler to make use of body 17 in order to customize the lure performance or to use live bait.

[0073] Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, head 3 may be formed with different shapes, for example a narrow shaped head 3 may be used, and the body 17 may be formed with different shapes, for example a wide shaped body 17 may be used as depicted in FIG. 10.

[0074] Referring now to the invention embodiment shown in FIG. 10, cervical portion 3b of head 3 may be formed with different shapes, for example an elongated shape. Similarly, first body portion 4 may be formed with different shapes, for example an elongated shape. Also, hook member 9 may be formed with a wider aspect ratio creating a large gape portion 24.

[0075] Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-12, hook member 9 may be used without head 3. This embodiment further allows the angler to further customize the lure performance by using different types of bodies including bodies representing different sizes and shapes of worms, snakes, frogs, lizards, eels or fish.

[0076] Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, hook member 9 may include hook gape portion 24 and hook second portion 13 of differing sizes and shapes depending upon the fish species targeted or other factors.

[0077] Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-15, hook point 23 is aimed at an angle 2 toward attachment 19 so that forces applied to implant hook point 23 in the mouth of the fish are better aligned with the direction of pull of the fishing line attached to attachment 19.

[0078] Referring now to the invention shown in FIGS. 16-17, tail portion 8 and fourth body portion 7 may be formed into shapes having more or less curvature. Tail portion 8a may be formed into differing shapes, and swivel mechanism 18 may have multiple laterally and angularly movable and rotating sections.

[0079] In an embodiment, head 3 may be formed of a hard material while body 17 is formed of a resilient material. More particularly tail portion 8 may be formed of a resilient material to create flexure when pulled through water. For targeting common predatory fish species, such as largemouth bass, an embodiment may have an overall length, from the attachment 1 to the end of tail portion 8, of between four and eight inches; head 3 may have a length between 0.60 inches to 1.20 inches and a diameter between 0.30 inches and 0.60 inches; and hook member 9 may have a width, from hook shank portion 22 to hook point portion 23, of between 0.40 inches and 0.80 inches. In an embodiment the first exterior angle is between 80 degrees and 110 degrees, the second interior angle is between 80 and 110 degrees, and the obtuse interior angle is between 175 degrees and 150 degrees.

[0080] In the preferred embodiment, the fishing lure may be decorated with color or texture to further enhance the resemblance to the desired swimming aquatic animals. Attached features such as movable eyes may be included.

[0081] The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, the characteristic when pulled through water of creating a unique set of motions that entail some variable mixes of rotation, regular oscillation, irregular wobbling, and flexure in order to maximize an appearance similar to elongated swimming aquatic animals such as sea or freshwater snakes, eels, lizards or elongated fish and appearing to have head wobbling, large amplitude body undulation, and tail flexure all in natural relation, including in timing, in magnitude and in direction, to one another.

[0082] Glossary of Claim Terms

[0083] Hook Gape: is a gap between the hook point and the hook shank.

[0084] Obtuse Angle: is an angle less than 180 degrees, but more than 90 degrees.

[0085] Plane: is a two-dimensional, infinitely-extending, surface.

[0086] Swivel Mechanism: is a device that includes a first attachment mechanism coupled to a second attachment mechanism in a manner that allows the first and second attachment mechanisms to freely rotate with respect to each other.

[0087] The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0088] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.