Spoon fishing lure

This invention pertain to a new and unique spoon and the process of manufacturing them. The new type of spoon includes a pliable core encased within soft or rubber body. A pliable core allows adjustment of the shape of the spoon to provide differing wobble and swim patterns in the water. The core, which may be made of thinly drawn metal or wire, may bear visual enhancing decals; the body may be either translucent or opaque. Rings at the ends provide a place to attach tackle. Terminal tackle, such as a treble hook, may be attached at either end, thereby giving an angler a choice of two distinct riggings for the spoon; one rigging that leads with the narrow end and the other that leads with the wide end. The unique spoon and the method of manufacturing thereof creates a lure that is more attractive and acceptable to game fish.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 This invention pertains to a plastic or rubber spoon used as fishing bait.
 There are many types and designs of fishing lures that are known as
 spoons. Spoons are named so because they possess a very strong resemblance
 to the ordinary eating spoon; that is, most are convex on one surface and
 flat or concave on the other. Spoon-type fishing lures are perhaps the
 oldest known artificial type of bait. Indeed, there is evidence that this
 type of fishing lure was used by the ancient Egyptians. Clearly, the spoon
 type bait has passed the test of time.
 Spoon-type baits are generally made from solid metal or hard plastic. Their
 peculiar convex shape and their specific gravity, coupled with the shiny
 metal finish of the lure, attracts fish because of the vibrations created
 as the lure undulates through selected depths in the water column.
 However, because the traditional spoon is formed of hard, non-pliable
 metal, an angler is typically unable to alter the concavity to suit a
 particular situation. Additionally, because a spoon is generally cast of
 hard, non-pliable metal, a striking fish is able to distinguish a hard
 spoon from an actual bait fish and may consequently attempt to spit the
 lure out. The hard metal feel of a spoon may deter a fish from re-striking
 in the event the first strike is unsuccessful.
 This invention addresses the many shortcomings of the prior art spoon. For
 example, an angler is able to adjust the concavity or shape of the lure in
 order to adjust the sinking pattern or swim-wobble of the lure.
 Additionally, the soft coating provides a more familiar texture to a
 striking fish, making the lure less likely to be spit out following a
 strike. Moreover, in the event of an unsuccessful first strike, a striking
 fish is more likely to make a second attempt at striking the spoon in the
 event the texture of the lure more closely approximate a fish.
 Additionally, the prior art spoons were traditionally solid metal and
 consequently much heavier than water. As a result, spoons were not
 commonly used in shallower water. If one wanted to use the traditional
 spoon in shallow water, a lightning fast retrieve was often required.
 The spoon of the present invention has a much lower specific gravity; as a
 result, the spoon is ideal for shallow water fishing. A shallow-water
 angler using the spoon may use a slow, patient retrieve.
 Unlike many slow-sinking shallow water baits, however, the present spoon is
 heavy enough to cast for distance and control. Because the soft spoon is
 coated with a very light yet very tough plastic or rubber its specific
 gravity is much less than a traditional spoon having the same weight.
 Graphics or finishes of traditional metal spoons arc applied to an outer
 surface of the lure. Thus, the surface of the metal spoons may lose luster
 over time due to exposure to the elements, abrasions on the metal
 resulting from fish strikes or from collisions with hard bottoms,
 underwater structure, or the like. In contrast, this spoon has a shiny
 core enveloped by a very tough, yet soft plastic or rubber coating, which
 will protect and preserve the shiny luster of the spoon.
 The coating is preferably constructed using Dow Corning Silastic T2
 Tanslucent Base. In order to enhance the curing process, Dow Coming
 Silastic T2 Curing Agent may be added. Silastic T2 Translucent Base is a
 mixture of the following compounds, by weight: at least 60% Dimethyl
 siloxane, dimethylvinyl-terminated; between 15 and 40% trimethylated
 silica; between 3% and 7% dimethylvinylated and trimethylated silica; and,
 between 3% and 7% dimethyl, methylvinyl siloxane,
 dimethylvinyl-terminated. Silastic T-2 Curing Agent is a mixture of the
 following compounds, by weight: about 45% Dimethyl siloxane,
 dimethylvinyl-terminated; about 20% dimethyl, methylhydrogen siloxane;
 about 16% dimethylhydrogenisiloxy modified silica; about 15%
 dimethylvinylated and trimethylated silica; and about 3% tetramethyl
 tetravinyl cyclotetrasiloxane.
 A visual-enhancing holographic tape may be adhered to the faces of the
 core. A section of reflective, holographic tape is pre-cut to the form of
 the core, then placed on at least one of the faces. Additionally, the tape
 may have a fish-scale type pattern.
 The cores are treated with a sealant, then hung to dry, preferably with
 heat lamps. Once dry, a couple of features may be added. For example, the
 core may optionally comprise an eye feature. An absorbent material may
 optionally be adhered to the core to be used as a vessel for receipt of
 fish attractants. Additionally, the material may even be formed and
 situated to appear like a fish-eye.
 Alternatively, the core may be formed of wire. In order to stabilize a wire
 core, a thin plate of pliable material may be attached. The eye feature
 and the absorbent material, as mentioned above as options, may also be
 optionally adhered to the thin metal plate of a wire-cored spoon.
 Once the core is finished, the soft plastic or rubber coating is added by
 placing the core in a shaped mold, then injecting the coating material
 into the mold so that the coating surrounds the core, except for ends that
 slightly protrude.
 One embodiment of the spoon has metal cores with at least three apertures
 therein. A pair of holes at opposing ends of the core protrude from the
 coating to allow for the placement of rings to receive tackle. The rings
 allow for the interchangeable placement of either line-attaching tackle or
 terminal tackle. The interchangeability will be discussed in greater
 detail later.
 At least one additional hole may be placed on the core at locations that
 will be covered by the material of the core. It has been found that the
 material will not adhere to the core, the holographic tape, or the sealant
 during the curing. However, material will form a plug by curing within the
 hole, thereby preventing the core from sliding out of the plastic coating.
 In an alternate embodiment, the metal core may be formed without interior
 holes. As noted, the soft plastic coating will generally not adhere to the
 core or the holographic tape. Without the interior holes acting as plugs,
 the core may be slidably removed from the coating, enabling an angler to
 interchange cores and coatings.
 While the shape of the core will necessarily be flat, the shape of the
 plastic or rubber coating will preferably have a three-dimensional,
 impending tear drop shape. As such, one end of the soft spoon will have a
 narrow configuration, while the other end will be much wider. The
 interchangeability of the tackle allows the angler to select between a
 lure that swims with its wide end leading or its narrow end leading. These
 distinct riggings will present differing hydrodynamic characteristics for
 the angler.
 Not only does the interchangeability of the tackle provide a set of options
 to the angler, the pliability of the core presents numerous possibilities
 for the configuration of the lure. The pliable core will hold its position
 in numerous configurations, as shown by the figures attached. One may
 create concavity or angles in the body of the present spoon that will
 affect the hydrodynamics of the lure as it floats, sinks, swims quickly,
 or is retrieved slowly. The variations in wobble or undulations can be
 adjusted at each cast.
 This unique spoon, and the method of making the unique spoon provide an
 exciting addition to the world of bait and tackle. The soft spoon will
 truly expand the state of the art of artificial lures. Other objects,
 advantages and novel features of the present invention will become
 apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when
 considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
 There are many types and designs of fishing lures that are known as spoons.
 To date, the greatest proportion of spoons are constructed from hard
 metal. One common criticism of hard artificial baits is that unless a fish
 is hooked from the initial strike onto the lure, that fish may be
 discouraged to strike again at the bait due to the foreign feel of the
 hardness of the lure. Because the claimed invention is a soft lure, tests
 with this prototype revealed more return strikes to the soft spoon versus
 that of the ordinary hard metal variety of spoon.
 Referring to FIG. 1, this embodiment comprises a minnow-rigged spoon 7
 having a pliable core 10 enveloped by molded plastic or rubber body
 coating 8. Connectors 5 and 6, each containing a through hole 13 and 18,
 protrude from the coating 8. A connector 6 integrally formed with the core
 10 protrudes from the head end 4 of the spoon 7. A ring 14 is attached
 through a through hole 13 in the connector 6. Similarly, the present spoon
 7 also comprises a connector 5 protruding from the coating 8 at the tail
 end 3 of the spoon 7. The connector 5 bears a through hole 18 through
 which a ring 17 is attached. Terminal tackle, such as a treble hook 19,
 may be attached to either ring 14,17. The option of placing the terminal
 tackle at either end allows an angler to choose between two distinct
 riggings of the soft spoon. These two distinct riggings are shown in FIGS.
 8A and 8B and will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.
 The core 10 is preferably of a shiny-type metal, but may also have visual
 enhancing holographic tape 9 adhered to at least one side thereto.
 Witchcraft #584FS is a preferred tape for this purpose. After applying
 tape 9 to the core 10, the core is treated with a sealant, then hung to
 dry. This drying process may be sped by using heat lamps. Once dry, a
 couple of features may be added.
 To make the spoon 7 appear more like a bait fish, an eye 11 may be affixed
 to the core 10 as well. The eye may be a tape stick-on (or even made a
 part of the holographic tape), or it may comprise a three-dimensional
 object formed to look like an eye. One may even use a metallic structure
 (such as lead) as the eye in order to make the soft spoon heavier, if such
 is desired.
 The present spoon 7 may have a port in the soft body that contains an
 absorbent material 21 which may be saturated with such a fish attractant
 by injecting the attractant into the material 21 from outside the soft
 coating 8. Additionally, the spoon 7 may be designed such that the
 material 21 and the eye 11 are one in the same. As such, the eye 11 may be
 constructed out of cloth and formed to resemble the eye of a baitfish.
 Additional apertures 12,16 are formed on the core 10 at locations that will
 be covered by the coating 8. These apertures 12, 16 are shown situated
 just inside connectors 5,6 but may be provided elsewhere on the core 10
 inside the coating 8. Because the soft plastic of the coating 8 does not
 adhere to the core 10 or the holographic tape 9, the apertures 12,16 fill
 with the coating 8 during the manufacture thereof to form a plug that will
 prevent relative movement of the coating 8 and the core 10.
 FIGS. 7A-7D show another embodiment of the present spoon 30, wherein the
 metal core 10 may be formed without interior apertures. Because the core
 10 of spoon 30 lacks holes, there will be no formation of retaining plugs
 inside the coating 8. Because the preferred coating will not adhere to the
 holographic tape 9 or the metal of the core 10, the core 10 may be
 removably inserted into a cavity 35 in the coating 8. A slit 36 provides
 an opening for the cavity 35 at the head end 4 of the coating 8. In that
 the tail end 3 of the coating 8 and core 10 is narrower than the head end
 4, the wider, head end 4 of the cavity 35 forms a stop for the core 10. As
 with the other embodiments, the fully inserted core 10 will have
 connectors 5 and 6, each having a respective through hole 13,18 for
 receipt of tackle-attaching rings 14, 17.
 An angler is able to interchange cores 10 and coatings 8 of spoon 30. Thus,
 in the event a particular color seems to be inducing an increased number
 of strikes, one can quickly and easily change the colored coating 8
 without having to change lures altogether. Also, the reflective pattern of
 the core can be changed.
 The molded plastic coating 8 of each embodiment of the spoon 7,20,30 should
 be resistant to tears and abrasions, and may be made to be either opaque
 or translucent. The molded plastic or rubber coating 8 may be formed of
 any suitable pliable rubber or plastic material. Silastic T2 Translucent
 Base by Dow-Corning is a preferred material for the coating 8.
 Silastic T2 Translucent Base is a mixture of the following compounds, by
 weight: at least 60% Dimethyl siloxane, dimethylvinyl-terminated; between
 15 and 40% trimethylated silica; between 3% -and 7% dimethylvinylated and
 trimethylated silica; and, between 3% and 7% dimethyl, methylvinyl
 siloxane, dimethylvinyl-termninated.
 The preferred curing agent is Dow-Corning Silastic T-2 Curing Agent.
 Dow-Corning Silastic T-2 Curing Agent is a mixture of the following
 compounds, by weight: about 45% Dimethyl siloxane,
 dimethylvinyl-terminated; about 20% dimethyl, methylhydrogen siloxane;
 about 16% dimethylhydrogenisiloxy modified silica; about 15%
 dimethylvinylated and trimethylated silica; and about 3% tetramethyl
 tetravinyl cyclotetrasiloxane.
 A translucent or opaque coating may be constructed of any of various types
 of colors. In order to further visually enhance the spoon 7,20,30, the
 coating 8 may be impregnated with glitter (not shown) or other vision
 enhancing media (not shown). In the event a translucent coating 8 is
 selected, the material will be slightly opaque in air, but when suspended
 into the water, much of the opacity vanishes, making the plastic coating
 nearly optically clear, thereby enhancing the color, graphics, and luster
 of the core.
 Whether an opaque or translucent coating 8 is chosen, however, the coating
 8 should have a low specific gravity. Dow-Corning RT2, is a preferred
 material for the coating 8; because it is very tough, pliable, and has a
 specific gravity very near that of water. Thus, the total specific gravity
 of the entire spoon 7,20,30, including the metal core 10 and the coating
 8, is much lower than a metal spoon of equal weight. This difference
 yields two distinct advantages.
 First, the low specific gravity of the spoon 7,20,30 enables the angler to
 use a spoon-type lure in shallower water. Traditionally, spoon fishing
 around grassy cover and sunken trees has not been preferred due to the
 high probability of snags. Even though largemouth bass often congregate in
 this type of shallow cover, an angler would be forced to use an
 alternative bait to a traditional spoon, such as a topwater plug or a
 weedlessly-rigged worm. This invention allows an angler to boldly go where
 spoon fisherman generally avoid: into dense shallow cover. In fact, it has
 been found that the spoon 7,20,30 is best used in the top three feet of
 water.
 The low specific gravity of the lure provides another advantage as well.
 Unlike traditional lures having a low specific gravity, the spoon 7,20,30
 is heavy enough for an angler to achieve a sizeable casting distance, and
 maintain a degree of casting accuracy, even in windier conditions, and
 even with heavier line. Traditionally, a fisherman seeking to present a
 slow-running lure at shallow depths was compelled to use a light-weight
 bait. All fishermen have experienced the frustration of attempting to cast
 a light-weight or topwater plug, only to see the breeze--even a slight
 one--ruin a near-perfect cast by blowing the lure away from the target.
 In addition to jeopardizing casting accuracy, typical lighter-weight lures
 greatly reduce coverage distance due to the reduction of rod tip action
 during a cast. The spoon 7,20,30 addresses this problem by providing a
 shallow running lure that is heavy enough to cast for distance, yet light
 enough to stay near the water's surface.
 Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the spoon 20 may
 also be constructed using a wire 23 enveloped by a molded rubber or
 plastic coating 21. In this embodiment, the wire 23 terminates at each end
 with a rings 22,25 which protrude from the plastic molded coating 21. Ring
 25 provides a place for attachment of a split ring 26 which may
 interchangeably receive terminal tackle or line-rigging tackle. In this
 embodiment, the molded plastic or rubber coating 21 may also envelope a
 thin metal plate 24 in order to provide more stability to the spoon 20.
 The addition of this plate 24 would allow an angler to adjust the
 concavity about a longitudinal axis of the spoon 20. To clarify, the wire
 23 enables the shape to be adjusted along the long axis of the spoon but
 not the short axis. The plate 24 within the wire-core embodiment of the
 spoon serves to stabilize the longitudinal axis of the spoon 20. In the
 wire core embodiment, visual enhancing holographic tape 9 may be adhered
 to the plate 24.
 It is important to note that either the wire core embodiment or the sheet
 metal core embodiment has interchangeability of terminal tackle at the
 rings. The interchangeability of the tackle attached to the rings on the
 spoon allows one to select from a "spoon-type" configuration of FIG. 8A,
 wherein the narrow portion leads, or "minnow-type" configuration of FIG.
 8B, wherein the wider portion leads. In these two riggings, the spoon
 7,20,30 will have differing hydrodynamic behaviors during the angler's
 retrieve, which presents another set of options to the angler. The
 swim-wobble, undulations, and sink/float behavior of these two riggings
 are quite different.
 In addition to having the option of two distinct riggings, an angler also
 has the option of selecting from numerous possible configurations of the
 spoon. The core 10 is a pliable material, preferably thinly drawn nickel,
 brass, nickel plated brass or stainless steel, that allows for adjustment
 of the shape of the spoon by adjustment of the core 10. Cores stamped from
 0.018 inch thick type 304 annealed stainless steel are preferred; however,
 the core may be constructed from any material which is pliable and retains
 its adjusted shape, and further does not deteriorate when exposed to
 water. The adjustability of the core 10 presents an improvement over both
 soft-type lures and hard type lures.
 An angler may opt to present a jig or minnow-type swimming lure with a
 spinner (not shown) attached to either ring 14,17, or a skirt (not shown)
 around the hook 19. The spoon 7, 20 or 30 would certainly be a desirable
 bait in this situation. After a while, the same angler may desire to
 switch to a curved, wobbly lure that creates a great deal more commotion
 in the water, especially if the angler moves to murkier water where
 visibility is lower, increasing the need to cause a stir in the water to
 entice a strike. Under traditional circumstances, the angler would have to
 either switch rods--which would of course require the availability of
 numerous rods at the ready--or take the time-consuming task of changing
 lures.
 FIGS. 9A through 9E show a few examples of configurations that have proven
 successful in enticing strikes. FIG. 9A shows a C-shape configuration
 wherein the core 10 is bent concavely about the back B of the spoon. This
 configuration will create a sizeable air pocket along the back B of the
 spoon. FIG. 9B shows an S-Shape configuration, wherein the core 10 is
 adjusted to undulate gently to form two opposing curves, similar to an S.
 FIG. 9C shows a Z-Shape configuration, which is similar to the S-Shape of
 FIG. 9B, but the undulations of the core 10 are much more pronounced. The
 Z-Shape yields a hollow area H near the head end 4 of the spoon. This
 hollow area creates smaller air pockets to induce a distinctive wobble in
 the water. Experimentation has been found that the Z-Configuration of FIG.
 9C has produced a number of strikes. The forming of a hollow area near the
 face of the present spoon provides a unique wave and wobble pattern which
 approximates a bait fish.
 FIGS. 9D and 9E show a comparison of two single bend type configurations of
 the core 10. FIG. 9D shows the bow configuration, which is bent so that
 concavity is about the back B. FIG. 9E, however, shows the reverse bow
 configuration, bent convexly about the back B. It should be noted that the
 C-Shape configuration of FIG. 9A is one type of the bow configuration
 shown in FIG. 9E, but has a greater depth of concavity.
 The present spoon can be manufactured to take on a number of shapes and
 sizes depending on an angler's preference. For example, the present spoon
 7,20 or 30 may be formed in the traditional impending tear drop shape,
 made to mirror the appearance of traditional metal, hard spoons.
 Alternatively, the present spoon lure may be formed as an elliptical shape
 having great eccentricity. Additionally, the shape of the spoon may be
 altered to mimic the appearance of a bait fish. The thin metal core 10 may
 be formed of any size or shape inside the coating.
 The method of making the present spoons requires a mold from a hard, heat
 stable molding material. A metal core is placed longitudinally inside the
 mold. Then, soft plastic or vinyl, preferably Dow-Corning RT2, is mixed to
 a selected proportion, heated and poured or injected into the mold, so as
 to encase the metal core in all dimensions and in the perimeter, with the
 exception of ends which should protrude from the mold.
 Silastic T-2 by Dow-Corning, comprised of polydimethyl siloxane, is the
 preferred curing agent. In order to insure a tough, pliable coating, a
 curing agent is required. The present spoon's cure is greatly accelerated
 by heat. At room temperature, the cure will take about 24 hours. In
 contrast, at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the cure time is about one hour. It
 is felt that a temperature of 150-200 F for about 30 minutes provides
 optimal results and production. Preferably, the material is held in the
 mold at 190 degrees Fahrenheit for thirty minutes before being allowed to
 naturally cool to room temperature.
 A mold may be selected or formed to take on a variety of shapes and
 configurations. For example, the present spoon may be formed to have a
 flat appearance, much like a traditional metal spoon, or may take on a
 three dimensional, impending teardrop configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3
 and 6. A three dimensional appearance results in a different visual effect
 never seen before in a traditional spoon.
 The spoon and its method of manufacture present a new and unique concept in
 that the disclosed spoon may be used as a top water lure, a crank bait,
 jig bait or as a regular spoon with spoon like action depending on how the
 present spoon is bent and shaped. These options present an economic
 advantage to a fisherman in that only one versatile bait may be able to
 accomplish a diverse and varied action and presentation. Additionally, the
 present configuration of the unique spoon would allow a fisherman to
 inject a fish attractant to enhance the attractiveness of the bait,
 whereas a traditional hard-metal spoon would not have presented this
 capability.
 Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in
 detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of
 illustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way of
 limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be
 limited only by the terms of the appended claims.