WO2015164908A1

WO2015164908A1 - Lure

Info

Publication number: WO2015164908A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000249
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oliver Felix William BAKER; David John CRYER
Original assignee: Fastcatch Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-30
Filing date: 2015-04-28
Publication date: 2015-11-05

Abstract

A lure comprising a body having at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory to the body of the lure wherein the attachment means comprises a male portion and a female portion adapted to receive the male portion, the body of the lure comprising the female portion.

Description

LURE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to lures.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to a fishing lure, and more particularly, to a fishing lure adapted for releasably attaching fishing lines and/or hooks.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Fishing lures are used during fishing to attract the attention of fishes. Fishing lures are attached to fishing lines. Typically, the finishing lines may be directly attached to the lure or they may be indirectly attached to the lure via a swivel. In the latter case the swivel is fixed to the lure and the fishing line is attached to the swivel via a knot. For this, the swivel comprises a ring to which the fishing line is attached using the knot.

[0005] Further, the fishing lures may also include accessories such as hooks, artificial bait and any other accessory that may attract a fish to the lure. These accessories or hooks are also typically attached to the lure via the swivel using a ring and twine which allows attaching the hook or accessory to the lure.

[0006] The fact that knots are used for attaching the fishing lines, hooks and accessories the fishing process can be particularly cumbersome. This is because the fisherman prior to fishing attaches a particular lure to the fishing line. Attaching the lure to the fishing line is a cumbersome process because the fishing line needs to be passed through small openings and then a knot needs to be formed for attaching the fishing line to the lure. [0007] Typically, during fishing several different types of fishing lures will be used. This is because the lures may be damaged during fishing or the fisherman may decide to replace the lure depending on the type of fish that the fisherman is trying to catch. If the lure is to be replaced, the fishing line needs to be cut off from the lure that is currently in use to allow attachment of the new lure to the fishing line via a knot. Thus, replacing the lures during fishing is particularly cumbersome and it takes a relatively long time.

[0008] Moreover, some conventional lures comprise hooks and accessories that are directly attached to the body of the lures. The hooks allow catching the fish. The fishing accessories may, for example, attract the fish. There may be particular circumstances, where the fisherman may wish or needs to use a specific hook or a specific fishing accessory. For example, for catching a particular fish a specific hook may be required; or, for attracting a particular fish a specific accessory may be required.

[0009] Typically, when using conventional lures - if the fisherman wants to use a different hook or accessories - the fisherman would need to use another lure that incorporates the hooks or the fishing accessory that are required for catching or attracting a particular fish.

[0010] Further, typically after damage of the hook(s) or the accessory(ies) of a conventional lure, the lure needs to be replaced. And, as was mentioned earlier, replacement of lures from the fishing lines is typically a cumbersome process that takes a relative long of time.

[0011] Also, fishermen due to the above-mentioned circumstances need a relatively large amount of different type of lures during the fishing process. To have relatively large amount of different type of lures is cumbersome as well as relative expensive.

[0012] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a lure comprising a body having at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessories to the body of the lure, wherein the attachment means comprises a male portion and a female portion adapted to receive the male portion, the body comprising the female portion.

[0014] Preferably, female portion extends into the body of the lure.

[0015] In an arrangement, the female portion is part of the body of the lure. In this arrangement, the female portion is defined during manufacture of the lure; thus, the female portion is not an element that is manufactured separately from the lure and embedded in the lure during manufacture of the lure.

[0016] In an alternative arrangement, the female portion comprises a body having an opening that protrudes into the body of the lure.

[0017] Preferably, the female portion comprises a body having an opening adapted to receive the male portion.

[0018] Preferably, the body of the female portion comprises a wall defining the opening.

[0019] Preferably, the wall comprises an outer surface adapted to abut an inner surface of the body of the lure when the female portion is embedded in the body of the lure, and an inner surface defining the opening adapted to receive the male portion.

[0020] Preferably, the body of the female portion extends into the body of the lure for attachment of the male portion to the body of the lure.

[0021] Preferably, the female portion comprises means for releasably fixing the male portion to the female portion. This allows releasably attaching the male portion to the body of the lure.

[0022] Preferably, the male portion comprises a distal end having a projection extending from a side surface of the distal end, and a proximal end adapted to attach the fishing line or fishing accessories.

[0023] Preferably, the distal end comprises an extension attached to the proximal end, the proximal end being configured to define a flange adjacent the extension. [0024] Preferably, the male portion further comprises spring means.

[0025] Preferably, the male portion further comprises seal means.

[0026] Preferably, the spring and seal means comprise a sleeve section attached to the distal end and abutting the flange defined by the proximal end.

[0027] Preferably, the sleeve section surrounds the distal end of the male portion.

[0028] Preferably, the means for releasably fixing the male portion to the body of the lure comprises a cut-out section made in the wall of the female portion, the cut-out section being adapted to secure the male portion within the opening of the female portion.

[0029] Preferably, the cut-out section comprises a first path and a second path, the first path being adapted to receive the projection during insertion of the distal end of the male portion into the opening, and the second path being adapted for fixing the projection within the second path to secure male portion to the female portion.

[0030] Preferably, the cut-out section comprises a third path, the third path joining together the first path and the second path and the third path being adapted to receive the protection during rotation of the male portion for fixation of the projection in the second path.

[0031] Preferably, the cut-out section is configured as a hook-shaped section.

[0032] Preferably, the sleeve section is configured in such a manner that the sleeve section needs to be compressed in order for the projection of the male portion to be moved into the second path.

[0033] In an alternative arrangement, the female portion comprises a lower end having spring means adapted to receive the distal end of the male portion, the spring means are adapted to apply a force - opposite to the force applied by the fisherman during insertion of the male portion into the opening - to the distal end when the projection is located within the second path section. In this manner, the projection of the male portion is maintained within second path section and the male portion is fixed within the female portion and hence attached to the body of the lure.

[0034] Preferably, the female portion comprises an upper end and a lower end, the upper end comprising the opening and the lower end comprising a projection adapted for attachment within the body of the lure to secure the female portion to the body of the lure.

[0035] Preferably, the projection comprises an aperture for attachment of the female portion within the lure.

[0036] Preferably, the female portion is embedded in body of the lure.

[0037] Preferably, a portion of the material that makes up the body of the lure traverses the aperture.

[0038] Preferably, the female portion is embedded within the body of the lure during casting of the lure. In this manner, the material used during casting of the lure traverses the aperture during casting of the lure.

[0039] Alternatively, the lure may comprises pin means or screw means traversing the lure in such a manner that the aperture is traversed by the screw or pin means fixing the female portion within the body of the lure.

[0040] In an alternative arrangement, the means for releasably fixing the male portion comprises surfaces extending from the inner wall of the opening to define a passage to allow a distal end of the male portion to extend to the lower end of the opening and to fix the male portion within the opening upon rotation of the male portion such that at a portion of the distal end of the male portion is located below the surfaces.

[0041] Preferably, the portion of the distal end of the male portion comprises a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the male portion.

[0042] Preferably, the surfaces comprise indentations extending into surfaces, the indentations being adapted to receive the projections of the male portion. This arrangement is particularly useful because it impedes the male portion from rotating when the male portion is inserted within the opening for attachment to the body of the lure.

[0043] Preferably, the lower end of the opening comprises spring means adapted to receive the distal end of the male portion to apply a force - opposite to the force applied by the fisherman during insertion of the male portion into the opening - to the distal end of the male portion. In this manner, the projections of the male portion are maintained within the indentations.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a means for releasably attaching a fishing line to a body of a lure, the means for releasably attaching comprising a first end adapted to attach the fishing line , and a second end comprising a distal end adapted to be releasably attached to the lure.

[0045] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a means for releasably attaching at least one hook to a body of a lure, the means for releasably attaching comprising a first end adapted to attach the hook, and a second end comprising a distal end adapted to be releasably attached to the lure.

[0046] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a means for releasably attaching at least one fishing accessory to a body of a lure, the means for releasably attaching comprising a first end adapted to attach the fishing accessory, and a second end comprising a distal end adapted to be releasably attached to the lure.

[0047] Preferably, the distal end comprises projections adapted to be releasably fixed within the body of the lure.

[0048] In an alternative arrangement, the distal end comprises projections adapted to be releasably fixed to an accessory of the lure such as a bib of a bibbed lure.

[0049] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a fishing line comprising a means for releasably attaching the fishing line to a lure, the means being the means as described in the second aspect of the invention. [0050] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a hook comprising a means for releasably attaching at least one hook, the means being the means as described in the third aspect of the invention.

[0051] According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a fishing accessory comprising a means for releasably attaching the at least one fishing accessory, the means being the means as described in the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0052] In an arrangement, the fishing accessory comprises a bib.

[0053] Preferably, the means being the means as described in the second aspect of the invention.

[0054] According to a eight aspect of the invention there is provided a lure comprising a body and a frame, the frame comprising at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory to the body of the lure.

[0055] Preferably, the frame is embedded within the body of the lure.

[0056] Preferably, the attachment means comprises a male portion and a female portion.

[0057] Preferably, the frame comprises the female portions.

[0058] Preferably, the frame is cased with the female portions.

[0059] In an alternative arrangement, the female portions are attached to the frame.

[0060] Preferably, the female portion comprises an opening adapted to receive the male portion.

[0061] Preferably, the opening comprises means for releasably fixing the male portion to the body of the lure. [0062] Preferably, the means for releasably fixing the male portion comprises surfaces extending from the inner wall of the opening to define a passage to allow a distal end of the male portion to extend to the lower end of the opening and to fix the male portion within the opening upon rotation of the male portion such that at a portion of the distal end of the male portion is located below the surfaces.

[0063] Preferably, the portion of the distal end of the male portion located below the surfaces comprises a plurality of projections extending outward from the male portion.

[0064] Preferably, the surfaces comprise indentations extending into surfaces, the indentations being adapted to receive the projections of the male portion. This arrangement is particularly useful because it impedes the male portion from rotating when the male portion is inserted within the opening for attachment to the body of the lure.

[0065] Preferably, the lower end of the opening comprises spring means adapted to receive the distal end of the male portion to apply a force - opposite to the force applied by the fisherman during insertion of the male portion into the opening. In this manner, the projections of the male portion are maintained within the indentations.

[0066] According to a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a frame of a lure, the frame comprising at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, hooks and fishing accessories to the lure.

[0067] Preferably, the lure comprises a body, the frame being embedded within the body.

[0068] Preferably, the attachment means comprises a male portion and a female portion.

[0069] Preferably, the frame comprises the female portion.

[0070] Preferably, the frame is cased with the female portions.

[0071] In an alternative arrangement, the female portions are attached to the frame. [0072] Preferably, the female portion comprises an opening adapted to receive the male portion.

[0073] Preferably, the opening comprises means for releasably fixing the male portion to the body of the lure.

[0074] Preferably, the means for releasably fixing the male portion comprises surfaces extending from the inner wall of the opening to define a passage to allow a distal end of the male portion to extend to the lower end of the opening and to fix the male portion within the opening upon rotation of the male portion such that at a portion of the distal end of the male portion is located below the surfaces.

[0075] Preferably, the portion of the distal end of the male portion located below the surfaces comprises a plurality of projections extending outward from the male portion.

[0076] Preferably, the surfaces comprise indentations extending into surfaces, the indentations being adapted to receive the projections of the male portion. This arrangement is particularly useful because it impedes the male portion from rotating when the male portion is inserted within the opening for attachment to the body of the lure.

[0077] Preferably, the lower end of the opening comprises spring means adapted to receive the distal end of the male portion to apply a force - opposite to the force applied by the fisherman during insertion of the male portion into the opening. In this manner, the projections of the male portion are maintained within the indentations.

[0078] According to an tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a lure comprising a body and a bib attached to the body; wherein the bib comprises at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory to the bib of the lure.

[0079] Preferably, the attachment means comprises a male portion and a female portion.

[0080] Preferably, the female portion comprises an opening in the bib. [0081] Preferably, the opening is configured as a slot.

[0082] Preferably, the male portion comprises a distal end having a plurality of projections extending from a side surface of the distal end, and a proximal end adapted to attach the fishing line or fishing accessories.

[0083] Preferably, the distal end comprises an extension attached to the proximal end, the proximal end being configured to define a flange adjacent the extension.

[0084] Preferably, the male portion further comprises spring means.

[0085] Preferably, the spring comprise a sleeve section attached to the distal end and abutting the flange.

[0086] Preferably, the sleeve section surrounds the distal end of the male portion.

[0087] Preferably, the bib is adapted to releasably secure the male portion within the opening of the female portion.

[0088] Preferably, the lower portion of the bib comprises protrusions arranged around the opening for securing the male portion to the bib.

[0089] Preferably, there are four protrusions disposed around the opening so as to define a first channel and a second channel perpendicular to the first channel, the first channel being adapted to allow insertion of the distal portion into the opening and extraction of the distal portion from the opening, and the second channel being adapted to secure the distal end to the bib.

[0090] The bib comprises at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, hooks and fishing accessories to the bib of the lure.

[0091] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention there is a bib comprising at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory to the bib of the lure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0092] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 is a schematic perspective view of a lure in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention having a fishing line and hooks attached thereto via a first arrangement of the attachment means in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2 is a schematic perspective view of the lure shown in figure 1 having the fishing line and the hooks detached from the lure;

Figures 3 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of the male portion of the first arrangement of the attachment means attached to a fishing lure;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of the male portion of the first arrangement of the attachment means attached to a hook;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of the male portion of the first arrangement of the attachment means;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of the female portion of the first arrangement of the attachment means showing in dotted lines the interior of the female portion;

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the particular arrangement of the female portion along the line 7-7 of figure 6 of the first arrangement of the attachment means incorporating the male portion;

Figures 8 and 9 are, respectively, a top and side view of a lure in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a schematic side view of a lure in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 is a schematic side view of the lure shown in figure 10 including a second arrangement of the attachment means;

Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the lure shown in figure 1 showing the male portions of the attachment means detached from the lure;

Figure 13 is schematic cross-sectional view of the lure shown in figure 12;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the second arrangement of the attachment means attached to a fishing line;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the second arrangement of the attachment means attached to a hook;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the second arrangement of the attachment means in detached condition

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the second arrangement of the attachment means in attached condition; and

Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of a lure in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 19 is a schematic top view of the lure shown in figure 18;

Figure 20 is a schematic side view of the lure shown in figure 18;

Figure 21 is a schematic top view of the bib of the lure shown in figure 18;

Figure 22 is a schematic side view of the bib of the lure shown in figure 18;

Figure 23 is a schematic bottom view of the bib of the lure shown in figure 18; Figure 24a and 25 are schematic perspective views of a third arrangement of the attachment means in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the invention shown in figure 18;

Figure 26 is a schematic top perspective view of the bib of the lure shown in figure18; and

Figure 27 is a schematic top perspective view of the bib of the lure shown in figure18.

[0093] It should be noted that the figures are schematic only and the location and disposition of the components of the lure can vary according to the particular arrangements of the embodiments of the present invention as well as of the particular applications of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

[0094] Figures 1 shows a particular arrangement of a lure 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The fishing lure 10 comprises a body 16 adapted to releasably attach the fishing lines 12 and hooks 14a and 14b. For this, the particular arrangement of the lure 10 comprises a plurality of attachment means 18 that allow releasably attaching the fishing line 12 and hooks 14. This arrangement is particularly useful because it facilitates removal of the hooks 14a and 14b in order to attach other type of hooks or to attach particular fishing accessories to the lure 10. The lure 10 also facilitates attaching fishing lines 12 to the lure 10; this is particularly useful because it facilitates replacement of the lure during fishing if the lure 10 is damaged or another type of lure 10 is required, for example, for catching a particular type(s) of fish.

[0095] As will be described later with reference to the method of operation of the lure 10, the fishing lines 12, hooks 14 and fishing accessories (not shown) may be releasably attached to the lure 10 via attachment means 18. In the particular arrangement shown in figure 3, hook 14 may be fixed to a male portion 20 of the attachment means 18.

[0096] To attach the hook 14 to the lure 10, the male portion 20 is inserted in a female portion 22 of the body 16 of the lure 10. The female portion 22 is adapted to releasably receive the male portion 20. This arrangement is particularly useful because it facilitates replacing the hook 14 with another type of hook 14. In this manner, the hooks 14 may be easily replaced during fishing. Further, the fishing lines 12 may also be easily attached to lures 10 prior to fishing or during fishing using the attachment means 18. This facilitates replacement of the lures 10 during fishing.

[0097] Figure 2 shows the lure 10 shown in figure 1 without the hooks 14. As shown in figure 2, The body 16 of the lure comprises a plurality of openings 24 adapted to receive the male portion 20 of the attachment means 18. The openings 24 define the female portions 22 adapted to receive the male portions 20.

[0098] Figures 5 and 6 show, respectively, the male portion 20 and female portion 22 of the particular arrangement of the attachment means 18 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

[0099] Referring to figure 5, the male portion 20 comprises a body 26 having a distal end 28 and a proximal end 30. The distal end 28 is adapted to be releasably attached within the openings 24 of the lure 10. The proximal end 30 is adapted to allow attachment of fishing lines 12, hooks 14 or fishing accessories.

[00100] The proximal end 30 comprises a lower end and an upper end. The proximal end 30 compromises a plug 38 and a ring 40. The plug comprises a first face having the ring 40 and a second face - the distal end 28 extending form the second face.

[00101] The distal end 28 is configured as a cylindrical body 34 extending from the second face of the proximal end 30. The distal end 28 comprises an attachment means 32 adapted to be releasably attached within the female portion 22 of the lure 10. In the particular arrangement shown in figure 5, the attachment means 32 comprises a pair of projections 36 extending outwardly from the cylindrical body 34. The projections 36 are located distal from the proximal end 30. As will be described with reference to the method of attaching the male portion 20 within the female portion 22, the projections 36 are adapted to be releasably attached within the female portion 22.

[00102] We refer now to the female portion 22 shown in figure 6. Figure 6 shows a particular arrangement of the female portion 22. The female portion 22 comprises an indentation 42 that extends into the body 16 of the lure 10 - see figure 2. [00103] The indentation 42 in this particular arrangement is configured as a cylindrical chamber 44 extending into the body 16 of the lure 10. The chamber 44 comprises a conduit 46. The conduit 46 comprises an aperture 50. This aperture 50 allows introduction of the male portion 20 of the attachment means 18 into the female portion 22 for attachment of the male portion 20 to the lure 10.

[00104] Further, the conduit 46 comprises surfaces 52. The surfaces 52 are adapted to retain the projections 36 of the male portion 20 to secure the male portion 20 within the female portion 22. In the particular arrangement shown in figure 7, the surfaces 52 extend outwardly from the inner periphery of the conduit 46 defining a passage 54 within the conduit 46 - see figure 7. The passage 54 allows the distal end 28 of the male portion 20 to reach the end of the conduit 46 when the projections 36 of the distal end 28 are oriented parallel the longitudinal direction of the passage 54. To fasten the male portion 20 within the female portion 22, the male portion 20 may be rotated to allow the projections 36 to be located below the surfaces 52.

[00105] In the particular arrangement shown in the figures 6 and 7, each of the surfaces 52 includes an indentation 55. Each indentation 55 is adapted to receive each one of the projections 36. This arrangement impedes the male portion 20 - when the projections 36 are in the indentations 55 - from rotating into an orientation such as the one shown in figure 7 which would permit the male portion 20 from exiting the female portion 22.

[00106] Referring back to figure 6, the surfaces 52 are located at a location adjacent to the lower end of the conduit 46. In this manner a space 56 is defined under the surfaces 52. As shown in figure 6, the space 56 comprises spring means such as an helical spring 58. When the male portion 20 is within and attached to the female portion 22, the helical spring 58 applies a force to the male portion 20 to ensure that the projections 36 are retained within the indentations 55.

[00107] As will be described with reference to the method of operation of the lure 10, for attaching the male portion 20 to the lure 10, the male portion 20 is inserted by the fisherman into the female portion 22 with a force of such a magnitude to overcome the force that the spring 58 applies to the male portion 20 when the fisherman pushes the male portion 20 into the female portion 22. In this manner, the projections 36 of the male portion 20 may be located within the space 56 of the conduit 46. At this stage, the fisherman may rotate the male portion 20 in such a manner that the projections 36 (of the distal end 28 of the male portion 20) are located below the surfaces 52 and, in particular, at an angular orientation such that the projections 36 are located below the indentations 55 to allow the projections 36 to slide into indentations 55 due to the force applied by the spring 58 after the fisherman stops applying the force to the male portion 20. In this condition, the male portion 20 is fixed to the lure 10. The male portion 20 may be released from the female portion 22 by (1 ) applying a force against the force of the spring 58 such that the projections 36 slide out of the indentations 55 and (2) rotating the male portion 20 in such a manner that the projections 36 return to the angular orientation perpendicular to the indentations 55 (see figure 7) to allow extraction of the male portion 20 from the conduit 46.

[00108] Figures 8 and 9 show a top and side view of a lure 10 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The lure 10 according to the second embodiment is similar to the lure 10 of the first embodiment and similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.

[00109] As was described above, in the first embodiment of the invention, the female portions 22 are embedded in the body 16. Alternatively, in the lure 10 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, the female portions 22 of the attachment means 18 are joined together via a frame 60 which is embedded in the body 16 of the lure 10. The fact that female portions 22 are joined together via a frame 60 is particularly advantageous because it allows for the female portions 22 to be rigidly secured within the body 16 of the lure 10. This is particularly useful because it prevents the female portions 22 from being torn out of body 16 during use of the lure 10 while fishing. This is particularly true because the attachment means 18b and 18c are directly connected to the attachment means 18a to which the fishing line 12 is attached - see figure 8 and 9.

[00110] The lure 10 in accordance with a particular arrangement of the second embodiment of the invention comprises an inner frame 60. The inner frame 60 comprises a structure 62 having a plurality of female portions 22. In a particular arrangement the female portions 22 may be an integral part of the structure 62. For example, the structure 62 may be cased incorporating the female portions 22. In this manner, the female portions 22 are attached or form part of frame 60 that is embedded in the body 16 of the lure 10 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention. [00111] Figures 10 to 17 depict a lure 10 in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. The lure 10 according to the third embodiment is similar to the lure 10 of the first embodiment and similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.

[00112] As shown, for example, in figures 10 to 13, the lure 10 comprises a plurality of second arrangements of attachment means 18.

[00113] Referring in particular to figure 13, the attachment means 18 comprises a male portion 20 and a female portion 22.

[00114] In the particular arrangement shown in figures 10 to 17, the female portion 22 comprises a body adapted to be embedded within an opening protruding into the body 16 of the lure 10. In this particular arrangement, the female portion 22 is an element that is manufactured separately from the lure 10 and embedded in the lure 10 prior or during manufacture of the lure 10.

[00115] However, alternatively, the female portion 22 may be part of the body 16 of the lure 10. In this alternative arrangement, the female portion 22 is defined during manufacture of the lure 10. In this arrangement, the female portion 22 is not an element that is manufactured separately from the lure 10.

[00116] Referring now to figures 16 and 17, the female portion 22 comprises a body 80 having an opening 82 adapted to receive the male portion 20. In particular, as shown in figure 16, the body 80 of the female portion 22 comprises a wall 84 defining the opening 82. The wall 84 comprises an outer surface adapted to abut an inner surface of the body of the lure 10 when the female portion 22 is embedded in the body 16 of the lure 10 (see figure 13), and an inner surface defining the opening 82 adapted to receive the male portion 20.

[00117] The female portion 22 comprises means for releasably fixing the male portion 20 to the female portion 22. This allows releasably attaching the male portion 20 to the body 16 of the lure 10. For this, the male portion 20 comprises a distal end 28 having a projection 36 protruding from a side surface of the distal end 28.

[00118] The means for releasably fixing the male portion 20 to the female portion 22 comprises a cut-out section 86 cut into the wall 84 of the female portion 22, the cutout section 86 is adapted to secure the male portion 20 within the female portion 22. [00119] In particular, the cut-out section 86 comprises a first path 88, a second path 90 and a third path 92. The first path 88 is adapted to receive the projection 36 during insertion of the distal end 28 of the male portion 20 into the opening 82. The second path 90 joins together the first path with the third path to guide the projection 36 into the third path 92 for fixing the projection 36 within the third path 92 to secure the male portion 20 to the female portion 22. Inserting the protection into the third path 92 is done by rotating the male portion 20 - in this particular arrangement clockwise.

[00120] Extraction of the male portion 20 from the female portion 22 is conducted by pushing the male portion 20 into the female portion 22, rotating the male portion 20 (in this particular arrangement counter-clockwise), and pulling the male portion 20 out of the female portion 22.

[00121] In the particular arrangement, shown in the figures the cut-out section 86 is configured as a hook-shaped section.

[00122] The female portion 22 is fixed to the body 16 due to being embedded within the body 16 of the lure 10. This impedes withdrawal of the female portion 22 out of the body 16. In the particular arrangement of the female portion 22 shown in the figures, the female portion 22 comprises a lower end 96. The lower end 96 comprises a projection 98 adapted for attachment within the body 16 of the lure 10 to secure the female portion 22 to the body 16 of the lure 10. As shown in figure 13, the projection 98 comprises an aperture 100 for securing the female portion 22 within the lure 10.

[00123] In an arrangement, the female portion 22 may be embedded in the body 16 of the lure 10 during casting of the lure 10. In this manner, the lure 10 is casted such that the material that makes up the lure 10 traverses the aperture 100. In this manner the female portion 22 is secured within the body of the lure 10 after casting of the body 16 of the lure 10.

[00124] In alternative arrangements, other means for securing the female portion 22 may be provided. For example, screw or pin means may traverse the lure 10 in such a manner that the aperture 100 are traversed by the screw or pin means fixing the female portion 22 within the body 16 of the lure 10.

[00125] As was mentioned before, the female portion 22 is adapted to releasably receive the male portion 20. For this, the distal end 28 of the male portion 20 comprises a projection 36 which is secured within the cut-out section 86 to impede unintentional release of the male portion 20 during use of the lure 10.

[00126] Referring to figures 16 and 17, the male portion 20 comprises a proximal end 108 adapted to attach the fishing line 12 or fishing accessories 14 (see figure 14 and 15). The distal end 28 is defined by an extension attached to the proximal end 108. The proximal end 108 is configured to define a flange 106 adjacent the distal end 28.

[00127] In the particular arrangement shown in figures 10 to 17, the male portion 20 comprises spring means and seal means 104. The spring and seal means 104 comprise a sleeve section 110 attached to the distal end 28 and abutting the flange 106.

[00128] The inclusion of the sleeve section 110 is particularly useful because the sleeve section 110 impedes the male portion 20 from moving when secured within the female portion 22. This is because the sleeve section 110 is adapted to apply a force against the female portion 22 when the male portion 20 is secured within the female portion 22 by having its projection 36 sitting within the second path 90.

[00129] Furthermore, the sleeve section 1 10 acts also as a seal means 104 such as a gasket to avoid water from entering the female portion 22 when the male portion 20 is secured within the female portion 22.

[00130] For attachment of the male portion 20 to the female portion 22, the distal end 28 is inserted into the female portion 22. Subsequently, a force is applied by the user to the male portion 20 to compress the sleeve section 110. By compressing the sleeve section 104 the male portion 20 may be rotated. This rotation allows displacement of the projection 36 to the second path 90 through the third path 92. In this arrangement, the sleeve section 110 is configured in such a manner that the sleeve section needs to be compressed in order for the projection 36 to be moved into the second path 90.

[00131] In alternative embodiment, the opening of the female portion 22 comprises a lower end having spring means 104 adapted to receive the distal end 28 of the male portion 20, the spring means 104 are adapted to apply a force - opposite to the force applied by the fisherman during insertion of the male portion 20 into the opening - to the distal end 28 when the projection 26 is located within the second path section 90. In this manner, the projection 36 of the male portion 20 is maintained within second path section 90 and the male portion 20 is fixed within the female portion 22.

[00132] Figures 18 to 27 depict a lure 10 in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention. The lure 10 according to the eighth embodiment is similar to the lure 10 of the first embodiment and similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.

[00133] The lure 10 shown in figures 18 to 20 comprises a fishing accessory that includes means for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, hooks and fishing accessories to the lure. In the particular arrangement, the fishing accessory comprising the releasable attachment means comprises a bib 111.

[00134] Referring to figures 18 to 20, figures 18 to 20 show a bibbed lure 10 comprising a bib 1 11. The bib 111 comprises an attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, hooks and fishing accessories to the body of the lure 10.

[00135] The attachment means comprises a male portion 114 and a female portion 1 16. The female portion 1 16 comprises an opening 119 in the bib 1 1 1. The opening in this particular arrangement is configured as a slot.

[00136] The male portion 114 comprises a distal end 118 having a plurality of projections 120 extending from a side surface of the distal end 118, and a proximal end 112 adapted to attach the fishing line or fishing accessories.

[00137] The distal end 118 comprises an extension 124 attached to the proximal end 122, the proximal end 122 being configured to define a flange 126 adjacent to the extension 124. The male portion 114 further comprises spring means. The spring means comprise a sleeve section 128 attached to the distal end 118 and abutting the flange 126. The sleeve section 128 surrounds the distal end of the male portion 1 14.

[00138] The bib 111 is adapted to releasably secure the male portion 114 within the opening 1 19 of the female portion 1 16. For this, the lower portion of the bib 1 11 comprises protrusions 130 arranged around the opening 119 for securing the male 118 portion to the bib 1 11. [00139] In the particular arrangement shown in figures 23 and 27 there are four square protrusions 130a to 130d disposed around the opening 119 so as to define a first channel 132 and a second channel 134 perpendicular to the first channel 132.

[00140] The first channel 132 is adapted to allow insertion of the distal portion 118 of the male portion 114 into the opening 119 and extraction of the distal portion 1 18 from the opening 119. The second channel 134 being adapted to secure the distal end to the bib 11 1.

[00141] For attachment of the male portion 114 to the female portion 116, the distal end 118 is inserted into the female portion 1 16. Subsequently, a force is applied by the user to the male portion 1 14 to compress the sleeve section 128. By compressing the sleeve section 128, the male portion 114 may be rotated. This rotation allows displacement of the protections 120 of the male portion 114 to the second channel 134; by releasing the compressive force the projections 120 are moved into the second channel 134. In this arrangement, the sleeve section 128 is configured in such a manner that the sleeve section 128 needs to be compressed in order for the male portion 1 14 be rotated to allow the projections 120 to be moved into the second channel 134.

[00142] As was described before, the inclusion of the sleeve section 128 is particularly useful because the sleeve section 128 impedes the male portion 1 18 from moving when secured within the female portion 116.

[00143] In operation, the fisherman may easily attach the hooks 14 or any other fishing accessory to a particular lure 10 or the bib 11 1 of a bibbed lure. The fisherman may easily replace a particular hook or fishing accessory when desired. This can be accomplished by releasing the male portion 20 (to which the hook or fishing accessory is attached) from the female portions 22 as was previously described. The desired hook or fishing accessory may be easily attached to the lure 10 via another male portion 20 to which the desired hook or fishing accessory is attached.

[00144] Moreover, the lures 10 may be easily replaced during fishing. This is because the fishing lines 12 may be easily detached and attached to the lure 10 as was described before. [00145] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, a particular arrangement of the attachment means 18 has been described in the present description of embodiments. However, any type of attachment means 18 may be suitable for releasably attaching any any of a fishing line, hooks and fishing accessories to the body of the lure.

[00146] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. A lure comprising a body having at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory to the body of the lure wherein the attachment means comprises a male portion and a female portion adapted to receive the male portion, the body of the lure comprising the female portion.

2. A lure according to claim 1 wherein the female portion is defined by an opening extending into the body of the lure, the opening being adapted to receive the male portion.

3. A lure according to claim 1 wherein the female portion comprises a body that extends into the body of the lure, the body of the female portion defining an opening being adapted to receive the male portion.

4. A lure according to claim 3 wherein the opening of the female portion comprises a wall defining the opening, the wall comprising an outer surface adapted to abut an inner surface of the body of the lure, and an inner surface defining the opening adapted to receive the male portion.

5. A lure according to claim 4 wherein the female portion comprises means for releasably fixing the male portion to the female portion.

6. A lure according to claim 5 wherein the male portion comprises a distal end having a projection extending from a side surface of the distal end, and a proximal end adapted to attach the fishing line, the hook or the fishing accessory to the body of the lure.

7. A lure according to claim 6 wherein the distal end comprises an extension attached to the proximal end, the proximal end being configured to define a flange adjacent the extension.

8. A lure according to claim 7 wherein the male portion further comprises seal means.

9. A lure according to claims 7 or 8 wherein the male portion further comprises spring means.

10. A lure according to claims 8 or 9 wherein the spring and seal means comprise a sleeve section attached to the distal end and abutting the flange defined by the proximal end.

11 . A lure according to claim 10 wherein the sleeve section surrounds the distal end of the male portion.

12. A lure according to claim 1 1 wherein the means for releasably fixing the male portion to the female portion comprises a cut-out section defined in the wall of the female portion, the cut-out section being adapted to secure the male portion within the opening of the female portion.

13. A lure according to claim 12 wherein the cut-out section comprises a first path and a second path, the first path being adapted to receive the projection during insertion of the distal end of the male portion into the opening, and the second path being adapted for fixing the projection within the second path to secure male portion to the female portion.

14. A lure according to claim 13 wherein the cut-out section comprises a third path, the third path joining together the first path and the second path, the third path being adapted to receive the protection extending from the distal end of the male portion for fixing of the projection in the second path.

15. A lure according to claim 14 wherein the cut-out section is configured as a hook- shaped section.

16. A lure according to claim 15 wherein the sleeve section is configured in such a manner that the sleeve section needs to be compressed in order for the projection of the male portion to be moved into the second path.

17. A lure according to claim 16 wherein the sleeve section comprises resilient material.

18. A lure according to claim 12 wherein the female portion comprises a lower end having spring means adapted to receive the distal end of the male portion, the spring means being adapted to apply a force to the distal end of the male portion when the projection of the male portion is located within the cut-out section.

19. A lure according to any one of claims 3 to 18 wherein the female portion comprises an upper end and a lower end, the upper end comprising the opening and the lower end comprising a projection adapted for attachment within the body of the lure to secure the female portion within the body of the lure.

20. A lure according to claim 19 wherein the projection comprises an aperture for attachment of the female portion within the lure.

21 . A lure according to claim 20 wherein the body of the lure comprises a material defining the body, a portion of the material traversing the aperture.

22. A lure according to claim 21 wherein the body of the lure comprises pin means and/or screw means, the pin means and/or screw means traversing the aperture for fixing of the female portion within the body of the lure.

23. A lure according to claim 5 wherein the means for releasably fixing the male portion to the female portion comprises surfaces extending from the inner surface of the opening to define a passage for the distal end of the male portion to extend to the lower end of the opening and for fixing of the male portion within the opening upon rotation of the male portion such that at least a portion of the distal end of the male portion is located below the surfaces.

24. A lure according to claim 23 wherein the portion of the distal end of the male portion comprises a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the distal end of the male portion.

25. A lure according to claim 24 wherein the surfaces comprise indentations extending into surfaces, the indentations being adapted to receive the projections of the male portion.

26. A lure according to claim 25 wherein the lower end of the opening comprises spring means adapted to receive the distal end of the male portion to apply a force to the distal end of the male portion.

27. A lure according to claim 26 wherein the female portion comprises a lower end having spring means adapted to receive the distal end of the male portion, the spring means being adapted to apply a force to the distal end.

28. A means for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory to a body of a lure, the means for releasably attaching comprising a first end adapted to attach any of the fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory, and a second end comprising a distal end, wherein the distal end comprises projections adapted to be releasably fixed within the body of the lure.

29. A means for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory to a body of a lure, the means for releasably attaching comprising a first end adapted to attach any of the fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory, and a second end comprising a distal end, wherein the distal end comprises projections adapted to be releasably fixed to an accessory of the lure such as a bib of a bibbed lure.

30. A fishing line comprising a means for releasably attaching the fishing line to a lure, the means being the means in accordance with claims 28 or 29.

31 . A hook comprising a means for releasably attaching the hook to a lure, the means being the means in accordance with claims 28 or 29.

32. A fishing accessory comprising a means for releasably attaching the fishing accessory to a lure, the means being the means in accordance with claims 28 or 29.

33. A lure comprising a body and a frame embedded within the body of the lure, the frame comprising at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory to the body of the lure.

34. A frame of a lure, the frame comprising at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory to the lure.

35. A lure comprising a body and a bib attached to the body; wherein the bib comprises at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory to the bib of the lure.

36. A bib comprising at least one attachment means adapted for releasably attaching any of a fishing line, at least one hook and at least one fishing accessory to the bib of the lure.