ACTUATED FISHING LURE

an animated fishing lure is, generally disclosed. The fishing lure includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator system, a lure body and a controller. The shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator system is generally positioned within the lure body and includes a flexible non-compressive base and an actuator wire made of SMA located on either side of the base. Each actuator wire is connected to a controller. Inducing electrical current through the actuator wires generates heat and results in a contraction of the wire. The tension generated by wire contraction act on the flexible non-compressive base causing it to bend. By alternating electrical currents through each of the actuator wires the lure is alternatively bent from a right bent position to a left bent position repeatedly creating an oscillating motion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to lures for fishing, and more specifically to actuated lures for fishing.

BACKGROUND

Lures are used in fishing activity to mimicate a live pray (bait) in order to attract and catch fish. Many different types of lures may be used.

In fishing activity fishing lures are commonly used. Conventional passive fishing lure typically includes a lure body which is either made of soft material (softbait) or hard material (hardbait) attached to the tip of fishing line and one or multiple hooks which each can be made of single point (mono hook) up to three points (treble hooks). Unfortunately, the two types of lure typically used required relative motion from the lure to the water in which it is submerge to generate a motion of the lure, causing them to be unusable for some fishing methods as static line technique or tip-up fishing during winter ice fishing.

Actuated fishing lures use rotating element such as electric motor and one or more linkages to actuated the lure motion located internally or externally to the lure body which is submerge in water. Unfortunately, available actuated fishing lures usually involve a relatively large number of parts, and/or are complex and/or expensive to manufacture, and/or have limited lifetime.

There is therefore a need for a lure which will overcome at least one of the above-identified drawbacks.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect there is provided an animated fishing lure, comprising: a means of animation of the lure with an actuator system; and a lure body retaining the said animation means.

In one embodiment, the actuator system includes: a base member; at least one actuating element mechanically connected to base member and disposed aside, parallel to the base and electrically connected to an electrical power source; a controller electrically connected between the actuating element and the electrical power source; and an activation circuit electronically connected to the controller allowing the system be activated or deactivated externally from the body.

In one embodiment, the base member is made of a non-conductive flexible material that is incompressible.

In one embodiment, the actuating elements are made of a material that shares the properties of the shape memory alloy (SMA) materials.

In one embodiment, the actuating elements are elongate shape memory alloy (SMA) elements in the form of a wire or other extruded shapes.

In one embodiment, the means of animation of a fishing lure includes electrically powering the actuating elements in alternative intervals whereby the said elements combined with the base member being flexible but incompressible, actuates the said lure body therefore animating thereof.

In one embodiment, the electrical power source is retained by the said body.

In one embodiment, the electrical power source is retained externally to the said body.

In one embodiment, the electrical power source is retained near fishing rod reel area.

In one embodiment, the electrical power source is retained by an object attached to the fishing line used as additional weight for the lure.

In one embodiment, the controller is retained by the said body.

In one embodiment, the controller is retained externally to the said body. The said controller can be but is not limited to being retained near fishing rod reel area.

In one embodiment, the controller is retained near fishing rod reel area.

In one embodiment, the controller is retained by an object attached to the fishing line used as additional weight for the lure.

In one embodiment, the means of animation of the lure lacks any components needing to be in rotational movement.

According to another aspect there is also provided an animated fishing lure, comprising: a means of animation of the lure with an actuator system; and a lure body retaining the said animation means, the actuator system including: a base member electrically connected to an electrical power source; a controller electrically connected between the said base member and the said electrical power source; and an activation circuit electronically connected to the controller allowing the system be activated or deactivated externally to the said body.

In one embodiment, the base member is made of a non-conductive flexible material that is incompressible.

In one embodiment, the base member is made of a material that shares the properties of the shape memory alloy (SMA) materials.

In one embodiment, the base member is powered with electrical current causing it to deforms from a first position to second position. By repeatedly alternating the base member shape, the base member actuates the said lure body therefore animating thereof.

In one embodiment, the electrical power source is retained by the said body.

In one embodiment, the electrical power source is retained externally to the said body.

In one embodiment, the electrical power source is retained near fishing rod reel area.

In one embodiment, the electrical power source is retained by an object attached to the fishing line used as additional weight for the lure.

In one embodiment, the controller is retained by the said body.

In one embodiment, the controller is retained externally to the said body. The said controller can be but is not limited to being retained near fishing rod reel area.

In one embodiment, the controller is retained near fishing rod reel area.

In one embodiment, the controller is retained by an object attached to the fishing line used as additional weight for the lure.

In one embodiment, the means of animation of the lure lacks any components needing to be in rotational movement.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the embodiments of the electrically animated fishing lure and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the electrically animated fishing lure), as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art.

Referring first toFIGS.1to6, there is provided an animated fishing lure1, used as a fishing rigging setup generally meant to be used with a fishing rod, the fishing rod not shown, in accordance with one embodiment. The animated fishing lure1including a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator system8, a lure body2and a controller12. The lure body2could be any shape including of a minnow, a shad, a mullet, a grub, a worm, a leech, a crayfish, a shrimp, an eel or any other lure shape that a skilled person would consider to be suitable for use with the present animated fishing lure1.

The shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator system8is comprised within the lure body2and includes a flexible non-compressive base9, an actuator wire13located right side of the flexible non-compressive base9and an actuator wire24located on the lure left side of the flexible non-compressive base9. As best shown inFIG.5A, the actuator wire13is attached on either side to an actuator wire attachment14aand14brespectively attached to the actuator wire attachment14aon the side of the lure head28and to the actuator wire attachment14bon the side of the lure tail29. Each actuator wire attachment14aand14bare respectively assemble to the flexible non-compressive base9by rivet26on the side of the lure head28and by rivet15on the side of the lure tail29. As best shown inFIG.5B, the actuator wire24is attached on either side to an actuator wire attachment25aand25brespectively attached to the actuator wire attachment25aon the side of the lure head28and to the actuator wire attachment25bon the side of the lure tail29. Each actuator wire attachment25aand25bare respectively assemble to the flexible non-compressive base9by rivet26on the side of the lure head28and by rivet15on the side of the lure tail29. In this example the flexible non-compressive base9is made of plastic but can be made of any other non-conductive, non-compressive and flexible material such as but not limited to: polycarbonate, acrylic, rubber, composites, paper or any polymers.

FIG.6shows a section view taken fromFIG.5Awhere it is possible to see the rivet26is attaching both actuator wire attachments14aand14brespectively on both right side and left side of the flexible non-compressive base9. In the proposed embodiment, both rivets15and26are made of plastic but can be made of any non-conductive material such as but not limited to: glass, rubber, porcelain, ceramic and paper. Both rivets15and26can alternatively be replaced by other means as screws, bolt and nut, glue, weld or any other attachment method a skilled person would consider to be suitable for use.

As best shown inFIGS.1to3, each actuator wire attachments14a,14b,25aand25bare connected to a controller12by electrical conductors in this example connected by electrical wires11. Each actuator wire13and24are made of a shape memory alloy (SMA) or any other material that shares at least one of the properties of the shape memory alloys (SMA). The said shared property includes to have the capacity to be deformed when cold but return to its pre-deformed shape when heated; the element undergoing transition from martensite state to austenite state upon heating and from austenite state to martensite state upon cooling. The actuator wires13and24could also be replaced by any shape or SMA elements as example: strips or extrusions.

Referring toFIG.4A to4C, inducing an electrical current through of the actuator wires13generates heat due to the wire electrical resistance. The heat generated by the electrical current result in a contraction of the wire (reduction of the wire length) and therefore generating tension in the actuator wire13. The tension generated by wire contraction act on the flexible non-compressive base9causing it to bend toward the right side44as best seen inFIG.4B. Opposingly, inducing an electrical current through of the actuator wires24also generates heat. The heat generated by the electrical current results in a contraction of the wire (reduction of the wire length) and therefore generating tension in the actuator wire24. The tension generated by wire contraction act on the flexible non-compressive base9causing it to bend toward the left side45as best seen inFIG.4C. When neither or the actuator wires13and24are energized, the lure1return to a straight position as shown inFIG.4A. By alternating electrical currents through the actuator wires13and24at a given intervals each said elements are alternatively heated and contracted bending the animated fishing lure1from a right bent position showed inFIG.4Bto a left bent position shown inFIG.4Crepeatedly creating an oscillating motion whereby the animated fishing lure1is imitating a live fish or any other live animal or reptile it is meant to imitate.

The actuator wires13and24both comprise actuator wire attachments, restively14a,14band25a,25b. The actuator wire attachment14ais composed of two section: the wire crimp30aand an attachment ring31a, shown onFIG.7. The wire crimp30asecure the actuator wire attachment14ato the actuator wire13. The attachment ring31ais meant to assemble the wire attachment14ato the flexible non-compressive base9, toward the lure head28side, via the rivet26or by other means as screws, bolt and nut, glue, weld or any other. The actuator wire attachment14bis composed of two section: the wire crimp30band an attachment ring31b, shown onFIG.8. The wire crimp30bsecure the actuator wire attachment14bto the actuator wire13. The attachment ring31bis meant to assemble the wire attachment14bto the flexible non-compressive base9, toward the lure tail29side, via the rivet15. The actuator wire attachment25aand25bperform the same function in relation with the actuator wire24. The actuator wire attachments14a,14b,25and25bcan be of different types: ring wire attachment27as shown inFIG.8A, barrel wire attachment32shown inFIG.8Bor loop wire attachment33as shown inFIG.8C. Referring toFIG.8B, the barrel wire attachment32is composed of barrel34performing two functions: securing the actuator wire attachment32to the actuator wire13and is a means to assemble the wire attachment32to the flexible non-compressive base9by locating the barrel34into a cavity (or a protuberance or an embedding) of the flexible non-compressive base9or by other securing means as glue, weld or any other. The loop wire attachment33is composed of two section: the wire crimp36and an attachment loop35, shown onFIG.8C. The wire crimp36secure a loop made by the actuator wire13folding back on it self. The attachment loop35is meant to assemble the wire attachment33to the flexible non-compressive base9via the rivet26or by other means as screws, bolt and nut, glue, weld or any other. The attachment types herebefore described are meat as examples but can be replace by any attachment a person skilled in the art could think of.

Referring again toFIGS.1to6, the lure body2is made of a flexible material such as but not limited to: silicone, rubber, elastomer, EPDM, neoprene, viton, nitrile, butyl, synthetic rubber, PVC, thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane, urethane. The animated fishing lure1is equipped with: a fishing line attachment eyelet centered lengthwise at the lure top47; two mono hook5and4respectively located on the lure head28and between the fishing line attachment eyelet7and the lure tail29; and one treble hook20centered lengthwise at the lure bottom46. The fishing line attachment eyelet7, the treble hook20and the two mono hook4and5can either be attached to the flexible non-compressive base9or attached to the lure body2or independent. The fishing line6coming from the fishing rod (not shown) is attached to the fishing line eyelet7. The treble hook20is constructed of three individuals hook3a,3band3c. The hooks configuration herebefore described are meant as examples but can be replaced by any hook combination, single or multiple hook (either mono, double, or treble), or any other hook combination that a skilled person would consider to be suitable for use with the present animated fishing lure1.

Turning toFIGS.9A and9B, the controller12include a printed circuit board19(PCB) and a battery21. The controller12function is to control the time intensity and interval of the electrical current applied through each of the actuator wires13and24. By alternating electrical currents through the actuator wires13and24at a given intervals each said elements are alternatively heated and contracted bending the animated fishing lure1from a right bent position showed inFIG.4Bto a left bent position shown inFIG.4Crepeatedly creating an oscillating motion whereby the animated fishing lure1is imitating a live fish or any other live animal or reptile it is meant to imitate. The circuit board19comprise a commutator16, wire connectors18, and2indicator lights17aand17b. The commutator16main function is to activate the controller12but could be used to serve other functions (ex: change actuation mode or actuation speed, etc.) and is composed of a push button16aand a commutator housing16b. The wire connectors11secure the wires11connecting the controller12to each of the actuator wires13and24. The indicator lights17aand17bare multicolor light emitting diode (LED) used to indicated the lure is powered ON but could also serve multiple other functions example: communicate system status, battery level, etc. The battery21is maintain into position onto the controller12by three battery locating tabs23tabs and one conductive tab22. The conductive tab22is also used to conduct power from the battery pole facing outward (could be positive or negative pole). The controller12herebefore describe is meant as an example and any other controller configuration or any alternative power source that a skilled person would consider to be suitable for use with the present animated fishing lure1.

Now turning toFIG.10, there is shown the animated fishing lure1, in accordance with another embodiment. In this embodiment the controller12is located externally from the animated fishing lure1. The controller12is comprise in a housing38and connected to the shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator system8via the electrical wire37. In the illustrated embodiment the housing38can serve as a weight for a said fishing rig arrangement (example: drop shot rig arrangement).

Now turning toFIG.11, there is shown the animated fishing lure1, in accordance with another embodiment. In yet another embodiment the controller12is located externally from the animated fishing lure1. The controller12is comprise in a housing42and connected to the shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator system8via the electrical wire39. In the illustrated embodiment the housing42is located on the fishing rod40and attached to the rod41.

In yet another embodiment, the shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator system8comprised within the lure body2could includes a flexible non-compressive base9made of a shape memory alloy (SMA) or any other material that shares at least one of the properties of the shape memory alloys (SMA). The said shared property includes to have the capacity to be deformed when cold but return to its pre-deformed shape when heated. Inducing an electrical current through flexible non-compressive base9generates heat due to the electrical resistance. The heat generated by the electrical current results in a deformation of the base to a pre-deformed shape causing it to bend toward the right side44as best seen inFIG.4B. Opposingly, by stopping electrical current flow through flexible non-compressive base9the base is allowed to cools. The cooling generated by the stop of electrical current flow results in a return of the flexible non-compressive base9to its initial shape causing it to bend toward the left side45as best seen inFIG.4C. By alternating electrical currents through the flexible non-compressive base9at a given intervals the base is alternatively heated and cooled bending the animated fishing lure1from a right bent position showed inFIG.4Bto a left bent position shown inFIG.4Crepeatedly creating an oscillating motion whereby the animated fishing lure1is imitating a live fish or any other live animal or reptile it is meant to imitate.

It will be understood that the present animated fishing lure1presents a number of advantages when compared to existing fishing lures.

For example, in contrast to conventional fishing lure, the animated fishing lure1imitating a live bait, thereby eliminating the need for real live bait for fishing where in some regions the use of such live bait is prohibited.

Furthermore, in contrast to other fishing lures, the animated fishing lure1does not require any motor or any rotating element to create the oscillating motion from a right bent position showed inFIG.4Bto a left bent position shown inFIG.4Crepeatedly whereby the animated fishing lure1is imitating a live fish or any other live animal or reptile it is meant to imitate. This simplifies the animated fishing lure1, and further allows for simpler fabrication while minimizing the cost manufacturing.

It will also be appreciated that the present animated fishing lure1is particularly well adapted for replacing live bait or a conventional fishing lure when fishing with a static line technique. Specifically, it will be appreciated that it is particularly well suited for tip-up fishing during winter ice fishing. It will particularly be appreciated by fisherman to replace live bait in area where those are prohibited.

To replace the existing fishing lure with this animated fishing lure1you simply need to remove the conventional lure from the fishing line and tied up the animated fishing lure1to the fishing line.

It will further be appreciated that the arrangements described above are merely provided as examples, and that various alternative configurations may be considered. For example, instead of comprising actuator wires13and24which can contract to create the oscillating motion from a right bent position to a left bent position repeatedly the shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator system8could instead include be made of a shape memory alloy flexible base replacing the flexible non-compressive base9, without any additional actuator wires requires. In this embodiment the said shape memory alloy flexible base replacing the flexible non-compressive base9have the capacity to be deformed when cold but return to its pre-deformed shape when heated; the element undergoing transition from martensite state to austenite state upon heating and from austenite state to martensite state upon cooling. In this embodiment the lure would then have only two positions wherebefore describe as right bent and left bent (no straight position as shown inFIG.4A).

Furthermore, while the above description is directed to fish shape with a said hook configuration, it will be understood that similar lure shape and hook configuration could be use. For example, a minnow, a shad, a mullet, a grub, a worm, a leech, a crayfish, a shrimp, an eel or any other lure shape with any hook combination, single or multiple hook (either mono, double, or treble), or any other