FISHING LURE PROTECTIVE CASE

A protective case for a fishing lure allows the fishing lure to remain attached to a fishing line on a fishing rod and protects the lure from damage. The case also prevents hooks on the fishing lure from inadvertently cutting or hurting the user or other objects during transport. The fishing lure protective case forms a shell around the fishing lure and includes a small opening at one end to accommodate the fishing line onto which the lure is attached. The protective case is secured to the fishing rod by placing a hook on the case into one of the guides on the rod.

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NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a protective case for a fishing lure. More particularly, the invention relates to a protective case that encloses a fishing lure while it is still attached to a fishing line on a rod and securely stores the lure in a way that protects it from damage and prevents hooks on the lure from engaging other objects.

Description of the Related Art

Properly attaching a lure to a fishing line can be time-consuming and tedious. Thus, when a fisher has a preferred fishing lure, he or she often does not remove the lure from a fishing line when the fishing rod is not in use. In addition, professional sports fishers typically utilize several fishing rods, each with a different lure. However, fishing lures have at least one sharp hook that can be dangerous. Leaving a fishing lure on a fishing rod when not in use can result in inadvertent injury. The rods and lines are also easily tangled. One common method of storing a fishing lure on a fishing rod is to simply hook one of the hooks of the fishing lure onto one of the guides on the rod. However, this still leaves the hooks on the lure exposed and capable of causing damage or injury. They are also more likely to get tangled with other fishing equipment. While some attempts have been made to provide devices for covering lures on a fishing rod, they suffer from many disadvantages. They are often overly complex, too flimsy, easily warp, or do not prevent damage to the lure.

The above-described deficiencies of today's systems are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional systems, and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with the state of the art and corresponding benefits of some of the various non-limiting embodiments may become further apparent upon review of the following detailed description.

In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a durable protective case for securing a fishing lure attached to a fishing line on a fishing rod.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a protective case for a fishing lure that allows the fishing lure to remain attached to a fishing line on a fishing rod and protects the lure from damage. The case also prevents hooks on the fishing lure from inadvertently cutting or hurting the user or other objects during transport. The fishing lure protective case forms a shell around the fishing lure and includes a small opening at one end to accommodate the fishing line onto which the lure is attached. The protective case is secured to the fishing rod by placing a hook on the case into one of the guides on the rod.

In one embodiment, a fishing lure protective case has an ovoid shell formed from two sections connected by at least one rotating hinge on a first side and a releasable lock on a second side. An opening is located at a distal end of the ovoid shell and sized to admit a fishing line and formed when the two sections of the shell. A hook for on the ovoid shell engages a line guide on the rod. The ovoid shell may include a plurality of openings that allow water to drain and are too small to admit a fishhook, and may be transparent.

In one embodiment, the fishing lure protective case has an ovoid shell formed from a rigid material and the hinge comprises an elongate sheet of the same rigid material formed thin in order to be flexible. The hook may be located at a distal end of the ovoid shell or on the hinge.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fishing lure protective case formed from two sections capable of attaching to a guide on a fishing rod and preventing damage or injury to the fishing lure or objects in its immediate environment.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed subject matter is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the subject disclosure. It may be evident, however, that the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the various embodiments herein. Various embodiments of the disclosure could also include permutations of the various elements recited in the claims as if each dependent claim was a multiple dependent claim incorporating the limitations of each of the preceding dependent claims as well as the independent claims. Such permutations are expressly within the scope of this disclosure.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, dimensions, reaction conditions and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. The term “a” or “an” as used herein means “at least one” unless specified otherwise. In this specification and the claims, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Moreover, the use of the term “including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one unit unless specifically stated otherwise. “Proximal” and “proximal direction” denote the end of the device facing the operator of a fishing pole. “Distal” and “distal direction” denote the end of the device facing away from the operator of fishing pole. “Longitudinal” refers to a direction substantially parallel to a fishing rod to which a protective case is attached.

Various embodiments of the disclosure could also include permutations of the various elements recited in the claims as if each dependent claim was a multiple dependent claim incorporating the limitations of each of the preceding dependent claims as well as the independent claims. Such permutations are expressly within the scope of this disclosure.

Disclosed is a protective case for a fishing lure that allows the fishing lure to remain attached to a fishing line on a fishing rod and protects the lure from damage. The case also prevents hooks on the fishing lure from inadvertently cutting or hurting the user or other objects during transport. The fishing lure protective case forms a shell around the fishing lure and includes a small opening at one end to accommodate the fishing line onto which the lure is attached. The protective case is secured to the fishing rod by placing a hook on the case into one of the guides on the rod.

FIGS. 1-4show an exemplary embodiment of a fishing lure protective case10in accordance with the principles of the invention. The protective case10has an ovoid protective shell12extending from a distal end15to a proximal end24along a longitudinal axis23. The protective shell12is formed from a first section14and a second section16, separated by a seam11that defines the edges of the two sections14and16.FIG. 1shows the ovoid shell12in the open position whileFIGS. 2-4show the shell in the closed position. A proximal end15of the shell has an opening18that allows a typical fishing line to which a fishing lure is attached to pass from the outside to the inside of the case10. The opening18is preferably sized to accommodate fishing lines of different sizes. Complementary components21and23of a locking mechanism20are located along the edges of the shell sections14and16. A locking mechanism20is located on the seam11substantially opposite to a hinge22about which the sections14and16rotate to open and close the case10. A hook26extends in a distal direction from the distal end of the second section16. In this embodiment, the hook26lies substantially within a plane defined by the seam11.

In use, a fishing lure is placed within the case and the sections14and16are folded over each other and secured closed by the locking mechanism20. The hook26is then affixed to one of the guides of a fishing rod and the fishing line is wound to create sufficient tension to secure the hook26to the guide on the rod. The case10preferably includes a plurality of openings to allow water to drain from the fishing lure inside the case. The sections14and16preferably are transparent or include at least a portion that is transparent. Sections14and16are also preferably formed from a rigid material to prevent damage to the lure.

FIG. 5shows an alternative embodiment of a fishing lure protective case30in accordance with principles of the invention. In this embodiment, the case30has an ovoid shell comprised of two sections32and34connected by a hinge36formed from a flexible sheet of material. The proximal ends38of the sections32and34include small indentations40and42that form a small opening to accommodate the fishing line when the case30is closed. The distal end44of the section34includes a hook46for attachment to a guide on a rod. In this embodiment, the entire case is formed from a single piece of plastic, with the sections32and34being thicker to make them rigid while the hinge36is then enough for it to be flexible. The locking mechanism is formed by the complementary tab48and slot50which are also made from the same plastic material, such as for example high density polyethylene or high-density polypropylene. A lure54is shown with in the case30. When the lure54is placed in one of the sections32or34, the fishing line56is placed within one of the indentations40or42prior to folding the other section over and engaging the locking mechanism. Both sections32and34include a plurality of drainage openings58that allow water to drain from the lure54inside the case30. In this embodiment, the drainage openings58are rectangular slots. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the openings could be circular, oval or have any other suitable configuration and be arranged in any desirable manner.

FIG. 6shows another alternative embodiment of a fishing lure protective case60in accordance with the principles of the invention. In this embodiment, the case60is formed from two sections62and64that fold together to provide an ovoid shell. The rims, or edges, of the sections62and64include proximal indentations66and68, respectively, which form an opening that allows fishing line to pass through the shell. They are connected on one side by a hinge70and include a locking mechanism also formed by a tab72and slot74. In this embodiment, there are two hooks76and78extending from the distal ends of the sections62and64, respectively. The inclusion of a hook for each section provides added durability and prevents the sections from warping or bending due to proximal stress applied to only one of the two sections of the case60. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that over time rigid and semirigid materials such as plastics can warp or deform. This is particularly true when a force is applied for long periods, especially in the heat such as is often encountered when fishing. The use of two hooks improves the lifespan and durability of a fishing lure protective case even when it is made from relatively inexpensive materials. The use of two hooks also provides added stability and reduces the likelihood that the protective case will come loose inadvertently.

FIG. 7shows another alternative embodiment of a fishing lure protective case80in accordance with principles of the invention. Protective case80is shown in the closed position which forms an ovoid shell82. The shell82includes a proximal opening84for the fishing line, and a locking mechanism86. The hinge88of the protective case80is larger than the hinges shown in previous exemplary embodiments. The hook90of this embodiment extends from the hinge88instead of the ovoid shell82. This configuration may be desirable for storing relatively large fishing lures and makes the hook90less obstructed by the shell82itself, which may make it easier to engage and disengage from a guide of a fishing rod.

FIGS. 8 and 9show another alternative embodiment of a fishing lure protective case90in accordance with principles of the invention. The protective case90extends from a proximal end94to a distal end96. The case90is formed by a first section98and a second section100that are substantially symmetric and configured to join along their edges102and104, respectively. The first section98and second section100are connected by a hinge106having an axis of rotation108which lies within a longitudinal seam defined by the edges102and104of the two opposing sections when the protective case90is in the closed position. In this embodiment, the entire protective case90is formed from a single, unitary piece of material. The hinge106allows the two sections98and100of the protective case92translate between an open position and a closed position.

The edges102and104of the sections98and100include indentations110and112at their distal ends94to accommodate a fishing line to which a protected fishing lure is attached. A hook114extends from the proximal end of the second section98. In this embodiment, the hook114lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the edge102. The first section98also includes a tab116along its edge102opposite to the hinge106. A slot118, which is complementary to the tab116, extends from the edge104of the second section100opposite to the hinge106. Together, tab116and slot118form a locking mechanism that allows the two sections98and100to be releasably secured in a locked position to enclose a fishing lure. The hook114of this embodiment may optionally be rotatable about a pivoting hinge115.

The above-described protective cases for fishing lures remain attached to a line guide of a fishing rod so long as there is sufficient tension in the fishing line. However, if the fishing line for any reason become slack, there is a chance that the hook will disengage from the line guide. When moving or storing fishing rods with the fishing were protective case attached, there is a possibility that the fishing rod will be bent, thereby creating slack in the fishing line. As a result, the fishing lure protective case may inadvertently and unexpectedly detach from the line guide.

FIGS. 10 and 11show an alternative embodiment for a hook130for use with a fishing lure protective case in accordance with principles of the invention. The hook130prevents the protective case136of the invention from becoming detached from a line guide when there is slack in the fishing line. The hook130may be used with any of the previously described embodiments, as well as other embodiments contemplated and within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Hook130includes a restraining bar132that extends in a proximal direction from the proximal end134of a protective case136in a proximal direction such that the tip138of the restraining bar132is adjacent to or abuts the tip140of the hook130when the hook130is in the retracted position shown inFIG. 10. The curved arm142of the hook130includes a finger grip pad144extending in a proximal direction.

The base146of the hook130is attached to a rod148that extends through a cylinder150to a piston152. The hook130is slidable along a longitudinal axis154between a retracted position shown inFIG. 10in an extended position shown inFIG. 11. A spring156impinges upon the piston152to create a bias in a distal direction, such that the hook130remains in the retracted position until an operator counteracts the bias by pulling the finger grip pad144in a proximal direction, thereby separating the tip138of the restraining bar132and the tip140of the hook130.

In operation, a fishing lure is first enclosed within a protective case136. The operator then aligns the hook130with a line guide162of a rod164. Next, the operator grasps the finger grip pad144and pulls it in a proximal direction, thereby creating a gap168between the tip138of the restraining bar132and the tip140of the hook130. The line guide162is affixed to the hook130by moving it through the gap168and releasing the finger grip pad144so that the hook130returns to the retracted position, thereby closing the gap168. As a result, the fishing lure protective case is prevented from disengaging a line guide if the fishing line become slack.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various components shown and described in throughout the Figures may be combined together in any combination, and the present invention is not limited to the permutations of components explicitly shown in the drawings. Similarly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of mechanisms suitable for use as a lock for releasably securing the two sections of the protective case90together. Similarly, several different hinge mechanisms are suitable for use as a hinge in the present invention.

Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. Descriptions of the embodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting or defining the ordinary and plain meanings of the terms of the claims unless such is explicitly indicated. The claims should be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.