Abstract:
A fishing device provided is configurable as a teaser that can simulate a live fish. A hookless teaser provided is configurable in various shapes and sizes to effectively attract a desired fish. More particularly, a fishing device is provided including a first portion, a second portion, and a flexible portion. The flexible portion may be received by and operatively attached to the first and second portions. The flexible portion may facilitate reorienting the second portion with relation the first portion to simulate swimming. The first portion may be configured to simulate a head of a fish and the second portion may be configured to simulate a tail of the fish. A loop near the central second portion end may interact with water to reorient the second portion. A method is provided for using the fishing device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a nonprovisional application of and claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/960,081 filed on Sep. 10, 2013. The foregoing application is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a fishing device. More particularly, the present invention relates to fishing devices including fishing teasers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Fishing has long been a popular sport and source of food for people. Typically, the fisherman may use live bait attached to a line with the hook to catch a fish. However, live bait can be costly to procure and can expire before being used to fish. To counter this disadvantage, the fishing industry developed artificial lures to reduce dependency on live bait. Use of artificial lures and other devices advantageously reduces overharvesting of the species, a practice that could otherwise starve out larger and more desirous game fish. 
         [0004]    Unfortunately, artificial lures and other devices lack the natural movement and appearance of live bait. This may disadvantageously reduce the effectiveness of the artificial lures and other devices in attracting a desired fish. Efforts have been made to mitigate this disadvantage, such as providing multiple teaser lures or simulated fish in a daisy chain to mimic a possible school of baitfish. However, such efforts still fail to produce an artificial fish that is virtually indistinguishable from live baitfish to a desired fish. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a fishing device that resembles a live fish. What is needed is a fishing teaser capable of moving such to simulate a live fish. What is needed is a hookless teaser configurable various shapes and sizes to effectively attract a desired fish. What is needed is a lifelike teaser includable in a dredge to facilitate fishing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hookless teaser may be provided constructed using rubber, vinyl, and other materials. The teaser of the present invention may move as it travels through water, creating a swimming effect. The present invention may advantageously allow a user to fish a dredge, which may be an umbrella style rig that includes multiple dozens of baitfish, whether natural or artificial. 
         [0007]    The present invention provides a fishing device that resembles a live fish. The present invention provides a fishing teaser capable of moving such to simulate a live fish. The present invention provides a hookless teaser configurable in various shapes and sizes to effectively attract a desired fish. The present invention provides a lifelike teaser includable in a dredge to facilitate fishing. 
         [0008]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fishing device is provided including a first portion, a second portion, and a flexible portion. The first portion includes a distal first portion end and a central first portion end. The second portion includes a distal second portion end and a central second portion end. The flexible portion includes a first flexible portion end and a second flexible portion end. The first flexible portion end may be received by and operatively attached to the central first portion end of the first portion. The second flexible portion end may be received by and operatively attached to the central second portion end of the second portion. The flexible portion may facilitate reorienting the second portion with relation to the first portion to simulate swimming. The first portion may be configured to simulate a head of a fish and the second portion may be configured to simulate a tail of the fish. 
         [0009]    In another aspect, a grommet may be included at the distal first portion end of the first portion, wherein the device is towable from the grommet. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, the second portion may include a loop near the central second portion end that may interact with water to reorient the second portion. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, the second portion may include a fringe at the central second portion end that may interact with water to reorient the second portion. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the first portion may include at least two first portion sheets. The second portion may include at least two second portion sheets. The first flexible portion end of the flexible portion is includable between the first portion sheets and the second flexible portion end of the flexible portion is includable between the second portion sheets. 
         [0013]    In another aspect, the first portion may further include a first portion sheet that is split at the central first portion end. The second portion may include a second portion sheet that is split at the central second portion end. The first flexible portion end of the flexible portion is receivable by the central first portion end of the first portion that is split. The second flexible portion end of the flexible portion is receivable by the central second portion end of the second portion that is split. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, the flexible portion may be attached to the first portion and the second portion via stitching. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, the flexible portion may be constructed using vinyl. 
         [0016]    In another aspect, the first portion and the second portion may be constructed using rubber. 
         [0017]    In another aspect, the rubber may include neoprene rubber. 
         [0018]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fishing device is provided including a first portion, a second portion, and a flexible portion. The first portion may include a distal first portion end, a central first portion end, and a grommet located at the distal first portion end. The second portion may include a distal second portion end and a central second portion end. The flexible portion may include a first flexible portion end and a second flexible portion end. The first flexible portion end may be received by and operatively attached to the central first portion end of the first portion. The second flexible portion end may be received by and operatively attached to the central second portion end of the second portion. The device may additionally include a loop positioned near the central second portion end of the second portion to interact with water to reorient the second portion in relation to the first portion to simulate swimming as facilitated by the flexible portion. The device may be towable from the grommet. 
         [0019]    In another aspect, the first portion may include at least two first portion sheets and the second portion may include at least two second portion sheets. The first flexible portion end of the flexible portion is includable between the first portion sheets. The second flexible portion end of the flexible portion is includable between the second portion sheets. 
         [0020]    In another aspect, the first portion may include a first portion sheet that is split at the central first portion end. The second portion may include a second portion sheet that is split at the central second portion end. The first flexible portion end of the flexible portion is receivable by the central first portion end of the first portion that is split. The second flexible portion end of the flexible portion is receivable by the central second portion end of the second portion that is split. 
         [0021]    In another aspect, the flexible portion may be attached to the first portion and the second portion via stitching. 
         [0022]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for using a fishing device including a first portion, second portion, and flexible portion to simulate swimming fish. The method may include (a) attaching a line to a distal first portion end of the first portion, the first portion further including a central first portion end operatively attached to a first flexible end of the flexible portion; (b) towing the first portion through water; (c) causing the second portion to reorient with relation to the first portion, a central second portion end of the second portion being operatively attached to a second flexible end of the flexible portion. Step (c) may further include: (i) receiving the water by a loop located near the central second portion end of the second portion, (ii) causing the loop to catch the water and reorient the second portion in a first direction, and (iii) causing the loop the dump the water and reorient the second portion in a second direction. The flexible portion may facilitate reorienting the second portion with relation to the first portion to simulate swimming. 
         [0023]    In another aspect, the first portion may further include a grommet at the distal first portion end. The line is attachable to the grommet. 
         [0024]    In another aspect, the first portion may include at least two first portion sheets and the second portion may include at least two second portion sheets. The first flexible portion end of the flexible portion is includable between the first portion sheets. The second flexible portion end of the flexible portion is includable between the second portion sheets. 
         [0025]    In another aspect, the first portion may include a first portion sheet that is split at the central first portion end. The second portion may include a second portion sheet that is split at the central second portion end. The first flexible portion end of the flexible portion is receivable by the central first portion end of the first portion that is split. The second flexible portion end of the flexible portion is receivable by the central second portion end of the second portion that is split. 
         [0026]    In another aspect, the flexible portion may be attached to the first portion and the second portion via stitching. 
         [0027]    In another aspect, the first portion is configured to simulate a head of a fish and the second portion is configured to simulate a tail of the fish. 
         [0028]    Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions will control. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a fishing device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a partial front elevation view of the fishing device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of the fishing device of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the first portion, second portion, and flexible portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a partial side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed drawings and description set forth herein. Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the drawings; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, in light of the teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, numerous modifications and variations of the invention may exist that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. In addition, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0035]    The present invention should not be limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” may be a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. 
         [0036]    All conjunctions used herein are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0037]    Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and are not to be limited to a special or customized meaning unless expressly so defined herein. 
         [0038]    Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term “including” should be read to mean “including, without limitation,” “including but not limited to,” or the like; the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”; the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to”; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and use of terms like “preferably,” “preferred,” “desired,” “desirable,” or “exemplary” and words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the invention, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the invention. 
         [0039]    Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations; however, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). 
         [0040]    All numbers expressing dimensions, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. 
         [0041]    The invention relates to a fishing device. More particularly, the invention relates to a hookless “teaser” to be used in fishing applications and may be shaped to resemble a fish. 
         [0042]    The invention may also be constructed using a variety of materials, such as by including rubber sections with a piece of vinyl affixed between that causes the fish to “swim.” The invention may be used to effectively and efficiently fish a dredge (umbrella style rig including multiple dozens of baitfish, whether natural or artificial) using artificial fish to reduce effort and financial burden. 
         [0043]    The invention may include multiple pieces to construct an artificial fish, which may include an approximately 1/16 inch, 1/32 inch, or otherwise sized neoprene rubber section. The artificial fish used with the invention may be adhered together with a piece of vinyl located internally to create a soft spot, which enables proper movement of the fish. On the back portion of the fish (tail), a 1/32 piece of neoprene rubber may be folded and stitched to cause water to “catch and dump” and create a swimming motion, without limitaiton. In one embodiment, a grommet may be affixed to the front of the fish to create a point of attachment. 
         [0044]    The first portion  110  will now be discussed in greater detail along with  FIGS. 1-3 . The first portion  110  may be constructed using virtually any material, for example, neoprene rubber. The first portion  110  may be constructed using one or more first portion sheets, which may be attached to one another. The sheets may be attached via stitching, adhesive, welding, and other attachment techniques that would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art. Alternatively, the first portion  110  may be a single sheet split at one of its ends. 
         [0045]    The first portion  110  may be designed to look like a head of a fish. The first portion  110  may include a distal first portion end  112  and a central first portion end  116 . A grommet  140  may be included at the distal first portion end  112  of the first portion  110 . The grommet  140  may be located at such a position to resemble an eye of a fish. A fishing line or other connective structure may be temporarily attached to the grommet  140 . The device  100  of the present invention may be towed by the fishing line or other connective structure attached to the grommet  140 . 
         [0046]    The first portion  110  may also include a central first portion end  116 , which may attach to a first flexible portion end  131  of a flexible portion  130 . The flexible portion  130  will be discussed in greater detail below. The connection between the first portion  110  and a flexible portion  130  may be made via stitching, adhesive, welding, or other attachment techniques that would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art. In an embodiment of the first portion  110  having at least two first portion sheets, the flexible portion  130  may be located between each of the sheets of the first portion  110  near the central first portion end  116 . The sheets of the first portion  110  and the first flexible portion end  131  of the flexible portion  130  may be connected via stitching  114  or another connection technique. 
         [0047]    The second portion  120  will now be discussed in greater detail along with  FIGS. 1-3 . The second portion  120  may be constructed using virtually any material, for example, neoprene rubber. The second portion  120  may be constructed using one or more second portion sheets, which may be attached to one another. The sheets may be attached via stitching, adhesive, welding, and other attachment techniques that would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art. Alternatively, the second portion  120  may be a single sheet split at one of its ends. 
         [0048]    The second portion  120  may be designed to look like a tail of a fish. The second portion  120  may include a distal second portion end  122  and a central second portion end  126 . A tail-resembling structure may be included at the distal second portion end  122  of the second portion  120 . The second portion  120  may move while the device  100  is towed by a fishing line or other connective structure attached to the first portion  110  to simulate swimming. 
         [0049]    The second portion  120  may also include a central second portion end  126 , which may attach to a second flexible portion end  132  of a flexible portion  130 . The flexible portion  130  will be discussed in greater detail below. The connection between the second portion  120  and a flexible portion  130  may be made via stitching, adhesive, welding, or other attachment techniques that would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art. In an embodiment of the second portion  120  having at least two second portion sheets, the flexible portion  130  may be located between each of the sheets of second portion  120  near the central second portion end  126 . The central second portion end  126  of the second portion  120  may be folded upon itself to create a loop  128 . The sheets of the second portion  120 , including any created loops  128 , and the second flexible portion end  132  of the flexible portion  130  may be connected via stitching  124  or another connection technique. Material may be removed from the second portion  120  near its upper and lower edges at the loop  128 . Removal of this material may provide a loop  128  that is narrower than the adjacent material of the second portion  120  nearest the flexible portion  130 , which may advantageously reduce a drag created by the device as it is towed through water or another fluid. 
         [0050]    The flexible portion  130  will now be discussed in greater detail along with  FIGS. 1-3 . The flexible portion  130  may be constructed using virtually any flexible material, for example, vinyl. The flexible portion  130  may be designed to look like a middle portion of the fish. The flexible portion  130  may include a first flexible portion end  131  and a second flexible portion end  132 , each of which are positionable and attachable between the first portion  110  and second portion  120 , respectively. The flexible portion  130  may facilitate movement of the first portion  110  and second portion  120  while the device  100  is towed by a fishing line or other connective structure attached to the first portion  110  to simulate swimming. 
         [0051]    The connection between the first flexible portion end  131  of the flexible portion  130  and the central first portion end  116  of the first portion  110  may be made via stitching  114 , adhesive, welding, or other attachment techniques that would be appreciated by persons of skill in the art. Similarly, the second flexible portion end  132  of the flexible portion  130  and the central second portion end  126  of the second portion  120  may be made via similar attachment techniques, including stitching  124 . In an embodiment of the first portion  110  and/or second portion  120  having two sheets, the flexible portion  130  may be located between each of the sheets of the first portion  110  and/or second portion  120  near the central portion ends  116 ,  126  of the respective portions  110 ,  120 . The central second portion end  126  of the second portion  120  may be folded upon itself to create a loop  128 , allowing the second portion  120  and any created loops  128  to be connected to the second flexible portion end  132  of the flexible portion  130 . 
         [0052]    Referring now to exploded diagram  400  of  FIG. 4 , an illustrative connection between the first portion  410 , second portion  420 , and flexible portion  430  will be discussed. In this example, the first portion  410  may include two sheets, showing a top sheet central end  416  and a bottom sheet central end  417 . Similarly, in this example, the second portion  420  may include two sheets, showing a  426  and the bottom sheet central end  427 . The flexible portion  430  may include a first end  431  locatable between the sheets at the central end  416 ,  417  of the first portion  410 . The flexible portion  430  may also include the second end  432  locatable between the sheets at the central end  426 ,  427  of the second portion  420 . 
         [0053]    The central ends  426 ,  427  of the second portion  420  may include loops  428 ,  429 . Loop  428  may be included by the top sheet and may point outwardly from the flexible portion  430 . Similarly, loop  429  may be included by the bottom sheet and may point outwardly from the flexible portion  430 . 
         [0054]    Stitching  414  may connect the central end  416 ,  417  of the sheets of the first portion and the first end  431  of the flexible portion  430 . Additionally, stitching  424  may connect the central end  426 ,  427  of the sheets of the second portion  420  and the second end  432  of the flexible portion  430 , with the stitching passing through the top sheet central end  426  in bottom sheet central end  427  such to create top sheet loop  428  and bottom sheet loop  429 , respectively. 
         [0055]    Referring now to diagram  500  of  FIG. 5 , an alternative connection between the first portion  510 , second portion  520 , and flexible portion  530  will be discussed. In this example, the first portion  510  may include a single sheet that is split to create fringes  518 ,  519  at the first portion central end  516 . Similarly, in this example, the second portion  520  may include a single sheet that is split to create fringes  528 ,  529  at the second portion central end  526 . The flexible portion  530  may include a first end  531  locatable between the fringes  518 ,  519  of the first portion central end  516 . The flexible portion  530  may also include the second end  532  locatable between the fringes  528 ,  529  of the second portion central end  526 . 
         [0056]    Stitching  514  may connect the central end  516 , including fringes  518  and  519 , of the first portion  510  and the first end  531  of the flexible portion  530 . Additionally, stitching  524  may connect the central end  526  of the second portion  520  and the second end  532  of the flexible portion  530 . The stitching may pass through the fringes  528 ,  529  of the central end  526  and near the splitting point  525  such to create an elongated length of material of the fringes  528 ,  529  extending somewhat outwardly from the flexible portion  530 . The elongated lengths may be used to catch and dump water. 
         [0057]    In operation, the first portion and a second portion may be connected to the flexible portion such that the device may move when traveling through water and simulate the swimming effect. The second portion may include loops, fringes, or other features that causes water to “catch and dump,” simulating the swimming motion of a fish. The swimming motion may be created as the angular relationship between the first portion and the second portion changes as the device passes through water. The motion provided by the device may sufficiently trick game fish and other desired fish into believing the device is a live baitfish. 
         [0058]    Water is used throughout this disclosure to broadly describe any liquid or other fluid through which the device may pass. Examples of water, as applied to this disclosure, include fresh water, salt water, seawater, solutions including water, other liquids, other fluids, and other substances that would be apparent to a person of skill in the art, without limitation. Additionally, the term “catch” should be read as interacting with a passing fluid such to be moved by that fluid in a first direction. Similarly, the term “dump” should be read as interacting with a passing fluid such to be moved by that fluid in a second direction. As water may catch and dump on a component of the device, for example a loop or fringe, the second portion may fluctuate movement between the first direction and second direction to simulate a swimming effect. 
         [0059]    An illustrative embodiment of the device will now be discussed, without limitation. In this embodiment, the device may be approximately 12 inches in length and 3 inches in height. The first portion may include two sheets of approximately 1/32 inch thick rubber sheets, for example, neoprene rubber sheets. The second portion may also include two sheets of approximately 1/32 inch thick rubber sheets, for example, neoprene rubber sheets. The sheets of the first portion may be stitched together such that the second end of the first portion substantially envelops the first end of the flexible portion. Additionally, the sheets and the second portion may be stitched together such that the second end of the second portion substantially envelops the second end of the flexible portion. The flexible portion may be situated within the first portion and the second portion such that approximately ¾ inch of vinyl provides the desired flexibility. In additional embodiments, the device may be provided in a small size of about 11 inch by about 1.75 inch, a large size of about 14 inch by about 2.75 inch, an extra large size of about 20 inch by about 4.5 inch, or virtually any other size. These embodiments of particular sizes are provided in the interest of clearly providing examples of the device, and are not intended to limit its possible dimensions in any way. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional thicknesses and dimensions, without limitation. 
         [0060]    An illustrative embodiment of the device will now be discussed, without limitation. In this embodiment, the device may be approximately 12 inches in length and 1.5 inch in height. The first portion may include two sheets of approximately 1/32 inch thick rubber sheets, for example, neoprene rubber sheets. The second portion may also include two sheets of approximately 1/32 inch thick rubber sheets, for example, neoprene rubber sheets. The sheets of the first portion may be stitched together such that the second end of the first portion substantially envelops the first end of the flexible portion. Additionally, the sheets and the second portion may be stitched together such that the second end of the second portion substantially envelops the second end of the flexible portion. The flexible portion may be situated within the first portion and the second portion such that approximately ½ inch of vinyl provides the desired flexibility. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional thicknesses and dimensions, without limitation. 
       Other Embodiments 
       [0061]    It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.