WO2013043750A1

WO2013043750A1 - Jig with spaced-apart bait keeper

Info

Publication number: WO2013043750A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/056150
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith Ostrum
Original assignee: Pure Fishing, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-09-19
Filing date: 2012-09-19
Publication date: 2013-03-28
Also published as: AU2012312453A1; AU2012312457A1; WO2013043746A1

Abstract

A fishing lure, including a first structure having a main portion and an attachment portion for connecting the structure with a line and/or a leader and/or another fishing device, and a bait keeping device. The bait keeping device includes a head portion fixedly connected to the first structure, and a bait portion for attaching bait to the first structure, the bait portion being fixedly connected to the main portion of the first structure and spaced apart from the head portion. At least a portion of the main portion of the first structure between the head portion and the bait portion is exposed.

Description

JIG WITH SPACED-APART BAIT KEEPER

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Nos. 61/536,360 and 61/536,365, both filed September 19, 2011 at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a fishing lure, and more particularly, to a fishing lure with a multi-faceted bait keeper.

Background of the Invention

[0003] In its simplest form, a bait keeper is a protrusion or feature (such as a barb, plurality of barbs, or a wire) on a hook that help hold bait on the hook. Although conical, tapered bait keepers are known in the art, securing bait to such bait keepers can still be problematic. Accordingly, an improved bait keeper is desirable.

Summary of Embodiments of the Invention

[0004] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a bait keeper with improved bait retention properties.

[0005] The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention are achieved by providing a fishing lure, including a first structure having a main portion and an attachment portion for connecting the structure with a line and/or a leader and/or another fishing device, and a bait keeping device. The bait keeping device includes a head portion fixedly connected to the first structure, and a bait portion for attaching bait to the first structure, the bait portion being fixedly connected to the main portion of the first structure and spaced apart from the head portion. At least a portion of the main portion of the first structure between the head portion and the bait portion is exposed.

[0006] The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention are also achieved by providing a method of manufacturing a fishing lure, the method including providing a first structure having a main portion and an attachment portion for connecting the hook with a line and/or a leader and/or another fishing device, and molding a head portion and a bait portion onto the first structure to expose at least a portion of the first structure between the head portion and the bait portion.

[0007] The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention are also achieved by providing a hook having a main portion and an attachment portion for connecting the hook with a line and/or a leader and/or another fishing device, and a bait keeping device. The bait keeping device includes a head portion fixedly connected to the hook, and a bait portion for attaching bait to the hook. The bait portion is fixedly connected to the main portion of the hook, is not connected to the head portion, and is axially spaced from the head portion along the main portion of the hook. The bait portion includes a plurality of contiguous, hexagonal barb portions axially arrayed along the main portion of the hook. At least a portion of each barb portion is tapered.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] The above and/or other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fishing lure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a fishing lure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 3-7 respectively illustrate top, front, side, rear, and bottom partial perspective views of a fishing lure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the lure of Fig. 3 ;

Figs. 9-11 are respective side, rear, and perspective views of the lure of Fig. 3;

Figs. 12-14 are respective side, rear, and perspective views of a lure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 15-17 are respective side, rear, and perspective views of a lure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 18-22 illustrate features of a hook of the lure of Fig. 3; Fig. 24 illustrates a perspective view of retaining structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 25 illustrates a perspective view of retaining structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 26 and 27 respectively illustrate front and side perspective views of a retaining structure in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 28 and 29 respectively illustrate front and side perspective views of a retaining structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 30-32 illustrate side and front perspective views of a retaining structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 33-36 respectively illustrate top, perspective, front, and side views of a retaining structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 37 and 38 are side and end views of a fishing lure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 39 and 40 are partial side and end views of a fishing lure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 41-46 are respective left side, front, top, rear, right side, and perspective views of a retaining structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 47 illustrates a perspective view of retaining structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 48 illustrates a perspective view of retaining structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 49-51 illustrate fishing lures in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention;

Figs. 52-58 illustrate fishing lures in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention;

Figs. 59 and 60 respectively illustrate side and perspective views of a fishing lure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figs. 61-63 respectively illustrate side, perspective, and cross-sectional views of a fishing lure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Present Invention [0009] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments described herein exemplify, but do not limit, the present invention by referring to the drawings. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, terms such as up, down, bottom, and top are relative, and are employed to aid illustration, but are not limiting.

[0010] Fig. 1 illustrates a lure 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The lure 10 has a connector 12 for securing the lure to a first metal structure, such as a hook. The lure 10 includes a bait portion 14 for retaining bait. The bait portion 14 includes a plurality of barb portions 16, each having with a plurality of tapered facets 18 circumferentially arrayed about the lure 10. According to one embodiment, the lure 10, including the connector 12, is a unitary structure.

[0011] Fig. 2. illustrates a lure 20 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the lure 10, the lure 20 also includes a bait portion 22 for retaining bait. In contrast to the lure 10, however, the lure 20 includes a structure 24 that includes a connector 26 for connecting the lure 20 to, for example, a hook 28 or other fishing device. According to one embodiment, the structure 24 is metal. Additionally, according to one embodiment, the bait portion 22 is molded about the structure 24.

[0012] Figs. 3-7 respectively illustrate top, front, side, rear, and bottom partial perspective views of a fishing lure, jig assembly, or jig 50 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the jig 50. As shown in Figs. 3-7, the jig 50 includes a head portion 54 and a bait portion 58. The head portion 54 is designed to mimic the head of a fish. A neck 86 connects the head portion 54 and the bait portion 58. According to one embodiment, the head portion 54, the neck 86, and the bait portion 58 are molded onto a hook 78. As shown in Figs. 3-8, the head portion 54, the neck portion 68, and the bait portion 58 completely surround the hook 78. The hook 78 includes an attachment 62 that can be used for attaching, for example, a line and/or a leader.

[0013] The bait portion 58 receives bait, for example, soft bait, and has a retaining structure 66 disposed thereon for retaining the bait on the jig 50 after the bait is installed. To aid bait retention, the retaining structure 66 as at least one barb portion 70. As shown in Figs. 3-8, the jig 50 includes a plurality of barb portions 70, for example, three. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a greater or fewer barb portions 70 may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention, for example, one to six barb portions.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the retaining structure 66 has a plurality of facets 74. The facets 74 help maintain the orientation of the installed bait with respect to the head portion 54, effectively keying the bait to the jig 50. This helps improve the hydrodynamic performance (for example, lure action and attraction properties) of the jig 50. As shown in Figs. 3-8, according to one embodiment, the retaining structure 66 is substantially hexagonal, with each barb portion 70 having six facets. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a greater or lesser number of facets may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention, for example, three to eight facets.

[0015] For example, Figs. 9-11 are side, rear, and perspective views of the lure 50 in which the cross-section of the retaining structure 66 is substantially hexagonal. Figs. 12- 14 are respective side, rear, and perspective views of a lure 90 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in which a cross section of a retaining structure 92 is substantially triangular. Similarly, Figs. 15-17 are respective side, rear, and perspective views of a lure 94 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in which a cross section of a retaining structure 96 is substantially rectangular, and in this embodiment, specifically, square.

[0016] One method of manufacturing the jig 50 includes molding the integral head portion 54 and bait portion 58 around a hook 78 that has an integral attachment, such as the attachment 62. Such molding may be accomplished, for example, with a two-part mold. During such a molding process, two halves of the mold are disposed around the hook 78, thereby creating a seam in the finished jig 50, such as seam 82, which is shown most clearly in Figs. 5 and 8. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other mold orientations, other molding techniques, and other manufacturing methods and techniques may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0017] According to one embodiment, the lure is secured directly the hook or structure 24. According to another embodiment, to help secure the lure, for example, lure 20 or lure 50, on the structure 24 or hook 78, the structure 24 or hook 78 includes an additional feature. For brevity, only the example of the hook 78 is illustrated in Figs. 18-22. In Fig. 18, the feature of the hook 78 includes a bend 100. The lure 50 can be molded around the bend 100 to increase the mechanical relationship between the lure 50 and the hook 78. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 19, the hook 78 can include a barb 102. Figs. 20 and 21 illustrate the hook 78 with a coined portion 104. The coined portion 104 can be formed, for example, by stamping. Further, as shown in Fig. 22, the feature of the hook 78 can include a textured portion 106. Such a textured portion can be formed, for example, by molding, machining, cutting, or abrading. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that, for example, the lure 50 can be secured to the hook 78 without the hook 78 including an additional feature.

[0018] The lure 10 and 20 and the jig 50 can be made from a wide variety of materials by a number of different techniques that are known to those in this art with no more than an ordinary level of skill. For example, one purpose of the head and bait portions 54 and 58 is to add weight to the jig assembly. Thus, dense, formable materials are generally preferred. Preferred materials include metals and metal composites from Groups 3-8 specifically including lead, brass, bronze, steel, copper, titanium, lead, basic lead carbonate, litharge, zinc, zinc oxide, barytes, lead sulphate, sublimed blue lead, and tungsten. If desired, the head and bait portions 54 and 58 may also include a binder such as an elastomeric material that adds flexibility to resulting composite or a ceramic that increases crush strength. Such materials include polyvinyl chloride, plasticized or unplasticized, natural rubber, any synthetic rubber such as butyl, butadiene styrene, polybutadiene, or butadiene acrylonitrile, or any other elastomeric material which is suitable for use as a binder with heavy materials. See US Patent Nos. 3,192,662, 3,955,305, 2,741 ,067, 4,472,903, 4,819,364, 5,031,351, 5,239,770, 6,851,217, 7,162,830, and 7,491,356, and published US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0144017, 2010/0175305, 2009/0293338, 2010/0279100, 2010/0280145, 2010/0280164, and 2009/0324875. The disclosures of these patents and publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Various thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics can also be used to make the jig 50 and/or the lures 10 and 20, such as polypropylene (PPE), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate.

[0019] FIG 23 illustrates a fishing lure or jig 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The jig 300 is substantially similar to the previously-described jig 50, except that between the retaining structure 302 and the head portion 306, at least a portion of the first metal structure (in this embodiment, hook 318) is exposed. In this embodiment the retaining structure 302 is detached from or not connected with the head portion 306, and thus, the exposed portion of the hook 318 is completely exposed.

[0020] Like the jig 50, in the retaining structure 302, the facets 310 help maintain the orientation of the installed bait with respect to the head portion 306, effectively keying the bait to the jig 300. Traditional jigs, or the jig 50 may keep the bait stretched to the diameter of the retaining structure. In contrast, the exposed portion of the hook 318 between the retaining structure 302 and the head portion 306 provides a degree of material relaxation to aid in bait retention. In other words, with the at least partially exposed portion of the hook 318, when installing bait onto the jig 300, the bait stretches over the retaining structure 302, and then shrinks back down to the hook shank, making the bait more difficult to remove (e.g., stripped off by a fish or branch).

[0021] Further, in this embodiment, the complete separation between the retaining structure 302 and the head portion 306 reduces the potential for incurring damage to the retaining structure 302 due to torque and bending of the hook shank from fish forces and disgorging forces. The head portion 306 and the retaining structure 302 can be used on all types and styles of hooks, wires, and bait holding applications.

[0022] Although the jig 300 is illustrated as having 3 barb portions 314, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a greater or fewer barb portions 314 may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention, for example, one to six. Similarly, although the retaining structure 302 is illustrated as having six facets, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a greater or lesser number of facets may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention, for example, three to eight. [0023] One method of manufacturing the jig 300 includes molding the head portion 306 and the retaining structure 302 around a hook 318 that has an integral attachment, such as the attachment 322. Such molding may be accomplished, for example, with a two-part mold. Each part of the mold may have two cavities: a first cavity for forming part of the head portion 306 and a second cavity spaced apart from the first cavity, for forming part of the retaining structure 302. During such a molding process, the two halves of the mold are disposed around the hook 318, thereby creating a seam in the finished jig 300, such as seam 326. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other mold orientations, other molding techniques, and other manufacturing methods and techniques may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Materials for forming the jig 300 are substantially similar to those for forming the jig 50, and therefore, for brevity, are not repeated.

[0025] FIG. 24 illustrates a retaining structure 330 in which each barb portion has four facets. FIG. 25 illustrates a hexagonal retaining structure 334 with a small radius connecting one facet to another on a barb section. FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a retaining structure 338 with a larger radius connecting one facet to another on a barb section. FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a retaining structure 342 in which the radius connecting one facet to another on a barb section increases along an axial length of the barb section.

[0026] FIGS. 30-32 illustrate a retaining structure 346 in which each barb portion has a tapered portion 350 and a flat portion or un-tapered portion 354. Similarly, FIGS. 33-36 illustrate a retaining structure 358 in which each barb portion has a tapered portion 362 and a flat portion or un-tapered portion 366. Although these embodiments depict facets, in an embodiment without facets, for example, if the tapered portions are conical, then the un-tapered portions would be substantially cylindrical.

[0027] Although in the previously-illustrated embodiments, the barb portions circumferentially surround the structures or hooks, embodiments of the present invention may have barb portions that do not circumferentially surround the structures or hooks. For example, as shown in Figs. 37 and 38, a lure 380 (with a head portion 381 shown in dotted line for clarity) includes a conical retaining structure 382 that does not

circumferentially surround the structure 384. In other words, a portion of the structure 384 is exposed by an opening 385 in the retaining structure 382. Similarly, as shown in Figs. 39 and 40, a pentagonal retaining structure 386 has an opening 387 and therefore does not circumferentially surround a hook or structure. In Figs. 39 and 40, the hook or structure and the head portion are omitted for clarity. Additionally, although not illustrated, an embodiment can have a single, conical barb portion or a multifaceted barb portion that does not circumferentially surround the hook or structure. Additionally, it is noted that in Figs. 37-40, the barb portions have the same circumferential orientation.

[0028] As shown in Figs. 41-46, however, a retaining structure 390 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of multifaceted barb portions 392 that do not circumferentially surround the hook (which, along with the head portion, is omitted for clarity). Such a plurality of barb portions 392, as illustrated, are disposed at different circumferential orientations around the hook.

[0029] Like Figs. 24 and 25, Figs. 47 and 48 illustrate alternate retaining structures. Fig. 47 illustrates a retaining structure 394 in which the barb portions 396 are

substantially conical or frusto-conical. In Fig. 48, the barb portions 400 of the retaining structure 398 are substantially frusto-pyramidal, or truncated pyramids. In cross section, the barb portions 400 are substantially triangular.

[0030] FIGS. 49-51 illustrate perspective views of additional respective lure embodiments 402, 404, and 406. The differences include, for example, different head portion sizes and different spacing between the respective head portions and retaining structures.

[0031] Figs. 52-57 illustrate fishing lures in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. In Fig. 52, the retaining portion or retaining structure 408 includes a plurality of different sized rings arranged axially in a pattern along the main portion of the hook combined with a conical portion disposed nearest the head portion of the lure. Similarly, in Figs. 53, the retaining structure 410 includes a plurality of different sized rings arranged axially in a pattern along the main portion of the hook combined with a conical portion disposed farthest the head portion of the lure. The retaining structure 412 includes a plurality of substantially similarly sized spheres arranged axially along the main portion of the hook. In contrast, the respective retaining structures 414 and 416 of Figs. 55 and 56 include different sized spheres. In Fig. 57, the retaining structure 418 is substantially elliptical or football- shaped. Although not illustrated, the retaining structure can also be ovoid, or have other shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. Finally, in Fig. 58, the retaining structure 419 is substantially cylindrical.

[0032] Figs. 59 and 60 illustrate an embodiment of a fishing lure 420 in which the portion of the hook 424 between the head portion 426 and the bait portion 428 is only partially exposed. Connecting the head portion 426 and the bait portion 428 is a single beam 430. The beam 430 can provide additional structural rigidity to the lure 420.

Similarly, as shown in Figs. 61-63, a plurality of beams 432 can connect the head portion 434 to the bait portion 436 while still exposing a portion of the hook 438 between the head portion 434 and the bait portion 436.

[0033] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the described retaining structures can be employed in conjunction with lures other than those with which they are illustrated without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the retaining structure 390 can be employed with the lure 20. Further, it will be appreciated that various features of the described embodiments can be combined without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although the previously-described retaining structures have similarly-shaped barb portions, various barb portions can be combined. More specifically, a spherical barb portion can be combined with a hexagonal barb portion.

[0034] The design of the inventive lure jigs allows the use of different material strengths to meet different force requirements. For example, if stronger head and bait portion materials are employed, fewer facets may be needed to retain a given bait on the jig. The available combinations of materials and retaining structure geometry provide for a greater degree of customization for desired features, while still meeting design requirements for bait retention. Additionally, the bait retention properties of the jig meet customer requirements for the number of uses before bait and/or jig is discarded.

[0035] Further, the inventive design of the jigs provides for using adequate gripping force with less chance for material damage when removing the jig from fish with pliers or tools (disgorging). In other words, the multifaceted geometry permits reduced gripping forces to achieve the torque required for hook removal.

[0036] The number of facets depends on the material strength properties and strength requirements, for example, the gripping force and torque used during removal from the fish - disgorging) including usage of common pliers and accounting for the mechanical advantage thereof. Based on strength and functional requirements (angle of grip, gripping forces, and torque during disgorgement) and using a material density best suited for a given application, the hexagonal shape provides a suitable balance of features and bait retention.

[0037] Moreover, the inventive multifaceted design spreads the gripping force pressure over a greater area, which reduces overall compression forces. This reduces the pounds per square inch loading imposed on the selected material. Further still, the multifaceted design results in improved bait holding and, in general, requires fewer adjustments and bait replacements. The multifaceted design can be used on all types and styles of hooks, wires, and bait holding applications.

[0038] Additionally, the inventive lure designs in which at least a portion of the metal structure between the head portion and the bait portion is exposed provide greater retention of the bait because the bait can relax further from the stressed state of stretching onto the lure, and thereby grip the lure more securely.

[0039] Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fishing lure, comprising:

a first structure having a main portion and an attachment portion for connecting the structure with a line and/or a leader and/or another fishing device; and

a bait keeping device, the bait keeping device comprising:

a head portion fixedly connected to the first structure; and

a bait portion for attaching bait to the first structure, the bait portion being fixedly connected to the main portion of the first structure and spaced apart from the head portion

wherein at least a portion of the main portion of the first structure between the head portion and the bait portion is exposed.

2. The lure according to claim 1 , wherein the first structure comprises a hook.

3. The lure according to claim 1, wherein the bait portion comprises a plurality of contiguous barb portions axially arrayed on the main portion of the first structure.

4. The lure according to claim 3, wherein each barb portion comprises a plurality of facets circumferentially arrayed about the main portion of the first structure.

5. The lure according to claim 4, wherein the facets of each barb portion are connected by a radius.

6. The lure according to claim 5, wherein the radius increases along an axial length of the barb section.

7. The lure according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the barb portions completely surrounds the main portion of the first structure.

8. The lure according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the barb portions partially surrounds the main portion of the first structure.

9. The lure according to claim 8, wherein at least two of the barb portions are disposed at different circumferential positions about the main portion of the first structure.

The lure according to claim 3, wherein at least one barb portion comprises portion.

11. The lure according to claim 10, wherein the at least one barb portion with a tapered portion further comprises a non-tapered portion.

12. The lure according to claim 1, wherein the main portion of the first structure includes a barb about which the bait portion is disposed.

13. The lure according to claim 1, wherein the main portion of the first structure includes a bend about which the bait portion is disposed.

14. The lure according to claim 1, wherein the main portion of the first structure includes a coined portion about which the bait portion is disposed.

15. The lure according to claim 1, wherein the main portion of the first structure includes a textured portion about which the bait portion is disposed.

16. The lure according to claim 1, wherein the head portion is disposed adjacent to the attachment portion of the first structure.

The lure according to claim 1, wherein the bait portion is hexagonal in cross-

18. The lure according to claim 1, wherein in cross-section, the bait portion is one of triangular, square, or circular.

19. The lure according to claim 1, wherein the bait portion comprises a single barb portion on the main portion of the first structure, the single barb having a shape that is one of spherical, cylindrical, ovoid, or elliptical.

The lure according to claim 1 , wherein the exposed portion of the first structure is etely exposed.

The lure according to claim 1 , wherein the bait portion is not connected with the

22. A method of manufacturing a fishing lure, comprising:

providing a first structure having a main portion and an attachment portion for connecting the hook with a line and/or a leader and/or another fishing device; and

molding a head portion and a bait portion onto the first structure to expose at least a portion of the first structure between the head portion and the bait portion.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the exposed portion of the first structure is completely exposed.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein the head portion and the bait portion are not contiguous and are separated by an axial distance along the main portion of the first structure.

25. A fishing lure, comprising:

a hook having a main portion and an attachment portion for connecting the hook with a line and/or a leader and/or another fishing device; and

a bait keeping device, the bait keeping device comprising:

a head portion fixedly connected to the hook; and a bait portion for attaching bait to the hook, the bait portion being fixedly connected to the main portion of the hook, not connected to the head portion, and axially spaced from the head portion along the main portion of the hook wherein the bait portion comprises a plurality of contiguous, hexagonal barb portions axially arrayed along the main portion of the hook, and at least a portion of each barb portion is tapered.