Fishing device and method

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.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fishing device. More particularly, the present invention relates to fishing devices including fishing teasers.

BACKGROUND

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In another aspect, the flexible portion may be attached to the first portion and the second portion via stitching.

In another aspect, the flexible portion may be constructed using vinyl.

In another aspect, the first portion and the second portion may be constructed using rubber.

In another aspect, the rubber may include neoprene rubber.

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.

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.

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.

In another aspect, the flexible portion may be attached to the first portion and the second portion via stitching.

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.

In another aspect, the first portion may further include a grommet at the distal first portion end. The line is attachable to the grommet.

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.

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.

In another aspect, the flexible portion may be attached to the first portion and the second portion via stitching.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.).

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.

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. 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.

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 limitation. In one embodiment, a grommet may be affixed to the front of the fish to create a point of attachment.

The first portion110will now be discussed in greater detail along withFIGS. 1-3. The first portion110may be constructed using virtually any material, for example, neoprene rubber. The first portion110may 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 portion110may be a single sheet split at one of its ends.

The first portion110may be designed to look like a head of a fish. The first portion110may include a distal first portion end112and a central first portion end116. A grommet140may be included at the distal first portion end112of the first portion110. The grommet140may 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 grommet140. The device100of the present invention may be towed by the fishing line or other connective structure attached to the grommet140.

The first portion110may also include a central first portion end116, which may attach to a first flexible portion end131of a flexible portion130. The flexible portion130will be discussed in greater detail below. The connection between the first portion110and a flexible portion130may 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 portion110having at least two first portion sheets, the flexible portion130may be located between each of the sheets of the first portion110near the central first portion end116. The sheets of the first portion110and the first flexible portion end131of the flexible portion130may be connected via stitching114or another connection technique.

The second portion120will now be discussed in greater detail along withFIGS. 1-3. The second portion120may be constructed using virtually any material, for example, neoprene rubber. The second portion120may 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 portion120may be a single sheet split at one of its ends.

The second portion120may be designed to look like a tail of a fish. The second portion120may include a distal second portion end122and a central second portion end126. A tail-resembling structure may be included at the distal second portion end122of the second portion120. The second portion120may move while the device100is towed by a fishing line or other connective structure attached to the first portion110to simulate swimming.

The second portion120may also include a central second portion end126, which may attach to a second flexible portion end132of a flexible portion130. The flexible portion130will be discussed in greater detail below. The connection between the second portion120and a flexible portion130may 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 portion120having at least two second portion sheets, the flexible portion130may be located between each of the sheets of second portion120near the central second portion end126. The central second portion end126of the second portion120may be folded upon itself to create a loop128. The sheets of the second portion120, including any created loops128, and the second flexible portion end132of the flexible portion130may be connected via stitching124or another connection technique. Material may be removed from the second portion120near its upper and lower edges at the loop128. Removal of this material may provide a loop128that is narrower than the adjacent material of the second portion120nearest the flexible portion130, which may advantageously reduce a drag created by the device as it is towed through water or another fluid.

The flexible portion130will now be discussed in greater detail along withFIGS. 1-3. The flexible portion130may be constructed using virtually any flexible material, for example, vinyl. The flexible portion130may be designed to look like a middle portion of the fish. The flexible portion130may include a first flexible portion end131and a second flexible portion end132, each of which are positionable and attachable between the first portion110and second portion120, respectively. The flexible portion130may facilitate movement of the first portion110and second portion120while the device100is towed by a fishing line or other connective structure attached to the first portion110to simulate swimming.

The connection between the first flexible portion end131of the flexible portion130and the central first portion end116of the first portion110may be made via stitching114, adhesive, welding, or other attachment techniques that would be appreciated by persons of skill in the art. Similarly, the second flexible portion end132of the flexible portion130and the central second portion end126of the second portion120may be made via similar attachment techniques, including stitching124. In an embodiment of the first portion110and/or second portion120having two sheets, the flexible portion130may be located between each of the sheets of the first portion110and/or second portion120near the central portion ends116,126of the respective portions110,120. The central second portion end126of the second portion120may be folded upon itself to create a loop128, allowing the second portion120and any created loops128to be connected to the second flexible portion end132of the flexible portion130.

Referring now to exploded diagram400ofFIG. 4, an illustrative connection between the first portion410, second portion420, and flexible portion430will be discussed. In this example, the first portion410may include two sheets, showing a top sheet central end416and a bottom sheet central end417. Similarly, in this example, the second portion420may include two sheets, showing a426and the bottom sheet central end427. The flexible portion430may include a first end431locatable between the sheets at the central end416,417of the first portion410. The flexible portion430may also include the second end432locatable between the sheets at the central end426,427of the second portion420.

The central ends426,427of the second portion420may include loops428,429. Loop428may be included by the top sheet and may point outwardly from the flexible portion430. Similarly, loop429may be included by the bottom sheet and may point outwardly from the flexible portion430.

Stitching414may connect the central end416,417of the sheets of the first portion and the first end431of the flexible portion430. Additionally, stitching424may connect the central end426,427of the sheets of the second portion420and the second end432of the flexible portion430, with the stitching passing through the top sheet central end426in bottom sheet central end427such to create top sheet loop428and bottom sheet loop429, respectively.

Referring now to diagram500ofFIG. 5, an alternative connection between the first portion510, second portion520, and flexible portion530will be discussed. In this example, the first portion510may include a single sheet that is split to create fringes518,519at the first portion central end516. Similarly, in this example, the second portion520may include a single sheet that is split to create fringes528,529at the second portion central end526. The flexible portion530may include a first end531locatable between the fringes518,519of the first portion central end516. The flexible portion530may also include the second end532locatable between the fringes528,529of the second portion central end526.

Stitching514may connect the central end516, including fringes518and519, of the first portion510and the first end531of the flexible portion530. Additionally, stitching524may connect the central end526of the second portion520and the second end532of the flexible portion530. The stitching may pass through the fringes528,529of the central end526and near the splitting point525such to create an elongated length of material of the fringes528,529extending somewhat outwardly from the flexible portion530. The elongated lengths may be used to catch and dump water.

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.

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.

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.

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