Abstract:
A functional ornamentation manufactured from a stamped metal plate which is twisted by a specified number of degrees to result in a shape that allows for unique reactions to flowing fluids such as air and water. Due to the shape and twist of the device, the device will spin along with the flowing fluid or when pulled through that fluid, such that it retains a straight trajectory. In a preferred embodiment, such as part of a fishing lure, the ornamentation is connected to a ball bearing swivel which allows for near frictionless rotation. The lure when drawn through the water travels in a straight path, rather than an arced path of the prior art. This results in a more natural travel path producing greater flash and rotation for attacking fish.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/289,544, filed Feb. 1, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a functional ornamentation and method for use and manufacture thereof, and more specifically to a twisted metal ornamentation with functional features for fishing lures, jewelry, and general decoration. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The prior art is manufactured typically by taking a square piece of metal, twisting the metal the appropriate amount of rotations, and then using a grinder and/or cutting tools to form the final shape of the functional ornamentation. This is a tedious and labor intensive process and requires a later step of painting the ornamentation, which is difficult once the ornamentation has been bent. 
         [0006]    When used as part of a fishing lure, the prior art devices are limited to a single type of action, whether that is top of the water fishing, deep water fishing, or vertical jigging. Those intended for deep water fishing typically are confined to travel along a designed arc path, which is not ideal for fishing due to the unnatural path through the water. 
         [0007]    The ornamentation of the prior art has similar issues when used in other fields, such as hanging ornamentation in chandeliers, wind chimes, or jewelry. The cost prohibitive nature of the manufacture of those elements only increases with the size and scale of the ornamentation. What is needed is a method of manufacturing a unique ornamentation device that not only offers superior functionality as a fishing lure, but has multitudes of other uses as well due to its unique shape. 
         [0008]    Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for functional ornamentation with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention generally provides a functional ornamentation manufactured from a stamped metal plate which is twisted by a specified number of degrees to result in a shape that allows for unique reactions to flowing fluids such as air and water. Due to the shape and twist of the device, the device will spin along with the flowing fluid or when pulled through that fluid, such that it retains a straight trajectory. In a preferred embodiment, such as part of a fishing lure, the ornamentation is connected to a ball bearing swivel which allows for near frictionless rotation. The lure can be used at the surface of the water, in deep water, or in a vertical jig orientation (e.g. ice fishing) with identical results. The lure when drawn through the water travels in a straight path, rather than an arced path of the prior art. This results in a more natural travel path producing greater flash and rotation for attacking fish. Elements may be affixed to the ornamentation or the fishing hook which knock against the ornamentation or spin out from the ornamentation for additional attraction of fish, including additional flash or noise. 
         [0010]    The ornamentation may be used for multiple other purposes, including earrings and other jewelry, chandeliers, and wind chimes. A hanging decoration including a fan for moving air allows for multiple hanging elements of the present invention to spin freely with perfect vertical rotation. When design elements are painted, printed, or cut out from the ornamentation, those design elements produce unique images while the ornamentation is spinning freely. Painted or printed images of figures produce an optical illusion of a three-dimensional figure in the air as the ornamentation spins. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a three dimensional view of a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention in an un-twisted orientation. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of a prior art embodiment thereof. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  shown including a fishing hook. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  shown including a fishing hook. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  shown including a pair of tail elements attached by a chain. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention in an un-twisted orientation. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a front elevational view thereof in a twisted orientation. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15A  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15B  is a side elevational view thereof, showing connection with an external element. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a three dimensional isometric view thereof. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a front elevational view thereof, shown in connection with a sound-maker element. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a front elevational view of the sound-maker element as taken about the circle of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a front elevational view thereof, shown in an unbent orientation. 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of  FIG. 14  including front and rear image elements. 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof. 
           [0035]      FIG. 23A  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8  including front and rear image elements. 
           [0036]      FIG. 23B  is a side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  including front and rear image elements. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
       [0037]    As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0038]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
         [0039]    The four embodiment ornamentations disclosed herein could be used for any type of ornamentation, from household decorations (e.g. Christmas tree ornaments or wind chimes) to pendants, earrings, or other body decorations, to functional ornamentations for use as fishing lures. The twisting of the ornamentations promotes the spinning of the orientation when in contact with a fluid, such as water or air. 
       II. First Embodiment Functional Ornamentation  2   
       [0040]      FIGS. 1, 2, 4-5, 10, and 12  show a first embodiment functional ornamentation  2 . The present invention is manufactured from a stamped plate having rounded ends and a wider central diameter “D 1 ” than the ends (see  FIG. 2 ), which is in contrast to the most relevant prior art  11  (see  FIG. 3 ), which has a much narrower central diameter “D 2 .” The widest point of the plate is approximately 36% as wide as the length of the plate, and the thinnest point of the plate at each end is approximately ⅓ of width of the center. The sides form an angle of approximately 150-155 degrees. Said another way—the central diameter D 1  is between sixty percent (60%) and seventy-five percent (75%) of a length L, where D 1  is the widest point of said main body blank, and where length L is the distance between a top-most point of said top end and a point along a line corresponding with said central diameter D. 
         [0041]    The prior art, however, is only approximately 25% as wide as the length of the plate, and the thinnest point at each end only half as wide as the center. The angle formed is therefore approximately between 160-165 degrees. This variance lends a great deal of versatility to the present invention over the prior art. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 1 and 4-5  show the first embodiment ornamentation  2  which includes two ¼ twists of the metal plate, resulting in a half twist or 180 degree twist of the entire blank. The piece can then be broken down to an upper end  4 , a lower end  6 , and the wide central portion  8 . Each end  4 ,  6  has a mounting hole  10  for receiving connectors, such as linking rings  14  for fish hooks, fishing lures, earing hooks, or other items for connecting to the ornamentation  2 . In this orientation, the upper  4  and lower  6  ends are perpendicular to the central portion  8 . 
         [0043]    To form this twist, and all of the various embodiments of the present invention, the blank as shown in  FIG. 2  is heated, either using a torch or through some other method (e.g. running current through the blank), which allows the blank to become more malleable. At this stage, the blank can be twisted to the desired proportions. The blank is most likely made of brass, cold rolled steel, aluminum, or plastic. Twisting can be done by hand using a vice and vice grips or pliers, or could be performed by a machine. 
         [0044]    No grinding or cutting of the blades is required. The punched template is heated and twisted into shape and the final product is then ready. 
       III. Second Embodiment Ornamentation  52   
       [0045]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show a second embodiment ornamentation  52  which includes two ½ twists, or a full 360 degree twist of the entire blank. As before, this breaks the ornamentation  52  into a top portion  54 , a bottom portion  56 , and a central portion  58 . The top and bottom portions include mounting holes  60 . 
       IV. Third Embodiment Ornamentation  102   
       [0046]      FIGS. 8 and 9  show a third embodiment ornamentation  102  which includes one ¼ twist on the top and one ½ twist on the bottom. Again, this separates the ornamentation  102  into a top portion  104 , a bottom portion  106 , and a central portion  108 . The top and bottom portions include mounting holes  110 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 10  shows the first embodiment ornamentation  2  connected to a fishing hook  12  using a connection ring  14 . Any connector could be used to join the ornamentation  2  to the hook  12 . When used as a fishing lure, the ornamentation spins in the water and reflects light in such a way that it attracts fish better than other lures. 
         [0048]      FIG. 11  is a similar combination of the second embodiment ornamentation  52  and the hook  12  and connection rings  14 . It should be noted that the fishing hook  12  could be any type of hook, including a hook for an earring to be worn for personal decoration, or for a Christmas tree ornament hook, or any type of mounting apparatus. Further, in the case of a fishing hook, bait could also be affixed. 
         [0049]      FIG. 12  show the first embodiment ornamentation  2 , but includes a pair of leaf elements  16  connected to the mounting hole  10  by at least one connection ring  14 . If used as a fishing lure, while the ornamentation  2  is drawn through the water, it will spin in a corkscrew fashion. The leaves  16  will similarly be spun and will flare out away from the ornamentation itself, which will attract fish. A unique sound which attracts fish is also produced when this occurs. The leaves  16  are ideally made of metal and produce a knocking sound against the ornamentation  2 , which attracts fish when used as a lure. 
       V. Fourth Embodiment Ornamentation  152   
       [0050]      FIGS. 13-16  show a fourth embodiment ornamentation  152 . Again, this embodiment begins as a flat blank as shown in  FIG. 13  having an upper base portion  154  and two lower leg portions  156  split by a break  158 . Two mounting holes  160  are included.  FIG. 14  shows the ornamentation  152  after being twisted into a final form, here including a fishing hook  12  connected to the mounting hole  160  by a connection ring  14 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 15A  shows a side elevational view of the ornamentation  152 , which also clearly shows the legs  156  bent at an angle “a” away from perpendicular. This angle would be between 0° (completely perpendicular to the upper base portion  152 ) and 45°. An ideal angle is 22.5°. Further, it is preferably that the twist of the upper base portion  152  continue partially into the bending of the legs  156 , whether the upper base portion  152  is twisted 90° (¼ twist) as shown, or 180° (½ twist).  FIG. 15B  shows how this embodiment is connected to a bait/hook combination  18  or other element via a connection ring  14  and swivel connection  17 . This allows free rotation of the ornamentation  152  about the swivel connection  17  when being drawn through the water or when hung as ornamentation. The legs  156  act as tails which catch the wind or the water and cause rotation.  FIG. 16  shows another clear view of this embodiment. 
         [0052]      FIG. 17  show the embodiment ornamentation  152  with an additional sound-maker element  162 , here shown connected via a connection ring  14  and swivel  16 . As the ornamentation spins  152 , the sound-maker element  162  knocks against the body of the ornamentation, making a ringing or knocking noise. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 18-20  show the sound-maker element  162  in more detail.  FIG. 12  shows how the sound-maker element  162  is formed from a flat tear-drop shaped blank with a mounting hole  164 .  FIGS. 18 and 19  show a front and side view, respectively, of that blank when it is rolled into the sound-maker element which includes a pair of folded up wings  166  which cause the entire element to act like a bell, producing sound which attracts fish if used as a lure, or otherwise creates a pleasant sound if used as a wind chime or other ornamentation. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 21 and 22  show the embodiment ornamentation  152  when used in conjunction with an image.  FIG. 21  shows how a front face image  168  and rear face image  170  can be offset slightly such that when the ornamentation  152  spins about its axis, the resulting image, as shown in  FIG. 22 , is presented as a three-dimensional flashing hologram  172  to the viewer. This is a result of the speed at which the ornamentation can spin, such as about a swivel connection  17 . The image could be any picture, or could be a cut-out portion of the upper base portion  154 . 
         [0055]    Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 23A and 23B , the image located on the ornamentation (the third ornamentation embodiment  102 ), could be a string of letters forming a word. Half of the letters  112  could be on one face of the blank, and half could appear on the other face, such that when the ornamentation  102  spins, the entire word is readable by a viewer.  FIGS. 23A and 23B  use the third embodiment ornamentation  102 , but any of the embodiment ornamentations  2 ,  52 ,  102 ,  152  could be used here. 
         [0056]    The lures created using the embodiments of the present invention travel through the water in a straight path and not along an arced path as required in the prior art. The shape and twist of the lures produces increased “flash” and spins absolutely horizontally or vertically (as oriented) on the top of the water, deep in the water, or in a vertical jig. The “flash” produced by the spinning twisting motion of the lures attracts more fish than lures of the prior art. 
         [0057]    It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.