DEVICE FOR GRABBING BAIT

Devices and methods for grabbing bait are generally disclosed. In an example, a device for grabbing bait may include a first clasp formed at a distal portion of a first arm extending from a body. The device may further include a second clasp formed at a distal portion of a second arm extending from the body. At least one of the clasps may include a barrier disposed on a first side of the at least one clasp. The clasps may be adapted to be brought together in an uneven fashion, causing bait between the clasps to be urged towards the barrier when the clasps are brought together about the bait.

BACKGROUND

Natural bait is often used to attract and catch fish. Examples of natural bait include worms, insects, leeches, and bait fish. While natural bait presents certain advantages over artificial bait, there are also challenges to using natural bait. Natural bait, especially live natural bait, can be difficult to hold, which creates challenges when preparing a fishing hook or other apparatus with the bait.

SUMMARY

An example device for grabbing bait may include a first clasp formed at a distal portion of a first arm extending from a body. The device may further include a second clasp formed at a distal portion of a second arm extending from the body. At least one of the clasps may include a barrier disposed on a first side of the at least one clasp. The clasps may be adapted to be brought together in an uneven fashion by hand force, causing bait between the clasps to be urged towards the barrier when the clasps are brought together about the bait.

A method for grabbing bait may include bringing a first portion of separated clasps towards each other about a bait. The method may further include urging the bait towards a first side of the clasps by bringing a second portion of the clasps towards each other about the bait. The distance between the first portion of the matched clasps may be smaller than the distance between the second portion of the matched clasps.

A device for grabbing bait may include first and second clasps adapted to be brought together, each clasp having a first side and a second side. The device may further include a barrier at the second side of at least one of the clasps. The clasps may be tilted toward each other such that the first side of the first clasp and the first side of the second clasp are closer together than the second side of the first clasp and the second side of the second clasp.

Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned through routine experimentation upon practice of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices and methods for grabbing bait are described. Devices and methods in accordance with the embodiments herein may be relevant to improving grabbing, holding, and hooking of bait than currently available devices.

According to some embodiments herein a device for grabbing bait includes clasps that come together to hold bait in place. In an example, the clasps may be configured to urge the bait in a particular direction as the clasps are brought together. In this manner, the movement may secure the bait against the barrier. For example, the clasps may be brought together in an uneven or twisting motion to move the bait in a particular direction. In an example, the particular direction may be towards a barrier near a side of the clasps. In an example, the device may define slots in the clasps, through which a hook can be applied to the bait. In an example, complimentary portions of the clasps may define a relatively sharp edge, which may facilitate picking up bait. In an example, the device may be sized and shaped to fit within a standard tackle box.

FIGS. 1-7illustrate an example device100for grabbing bait, according to some embodiments. The device100may include a body102from which arms104extend. At the ends of the arms104may be clasps110. The clasps110may each include a barrier112at an end. The clasps110may each define slots114and have an inner, front edge116. An area between the clasps110may define a bait holding area120.

For ease of reference, portions of the device100may be referred to as proximal (towards the body102) and distal (away from the body102). For example, a clasp110may have a proximal end130and a distal end132. Further, portions of a clasp110may be referred to in relation to a first side134or a second side136. The first side134may be a side of the clasp110without a barrier112and the second side136may be a side of the clasp110with the barrier112. Portions of the device100may be described as points A-G. Point A may be a point near a proximal end130of a first side134of a first clasp110. Point B may be a corresponding point on the second clasp110. Point C may be a point near a proximal end130of a second side136of the first clasp110. Point D may be a corresponding point on the second clasp110. Point E may be a point on a distal end132on the first side134of the first clasp110. Point F may be a corresponding point on the second clasp110. Point G may be a point on a distal end132of the second side136of the first clasp110. Point H may be a corresponding point on the second clasp110.

In some embodiments, the body102may be an area between the arms104from which the arms104extend or are otherwise attached. In some embodiments, the body102may be deformable to allow movement of the arms104. In some embodiments, the body102may have a hinged connection with the arms104.

In some embodiments, the arms104may be elongate structures extending from or connected to the body102. The arms104may be configured as a location where a user may hold the device100and apply force to cause the clasps110to come together (e.g., to grab and hold bait). For example, the arms104may be curved, bowed out, or otherwise configured to arrange the clasps110in a particular position and provide for an ergonomic place for the user to manipulate the device100.

In some embodiments, the clasps110may be portions of the device100at distal ends of respective arms104. The clasps110may be elongate. The clasps110may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the arms104. The device100may be configured such that clasps110are complimentary and configured to be brought together to close about bait. In some embodiments, the shape and features of one clasp110may mirror the shapes and features of another clasp110. For example, the clasps110may be mirrored, such that when the clasps110are brought together, the respective barriers112of the clasps110contact each other. In some embodiments, the clasps110may extend straight from the arms104.

In some embodiments, the clasps110may be angled towards or away from each other when viewed from the top or the bottom (see, e.g.,FIGS. 2 and 3). The clasps110may extend from the arms104at an angle θ1. In some embodiments, the angle θ1may be less than approximately 90°, less than approximately 75°, less than approximately, 50°, less than approximately 25°, less than approximately 15°, less than approximately 10°, approximately 8°, less than approximately 5°, greater than approximately 0°, or another angle. In some embodiments, the angle θ1may be between approximately 0° and approximately 90°, between approximately 0° and approximately 45°, between approximately 5° and approximately 15°, between approximately 5° and approximately 10°, or be within another range. In some embodiments, the angle θ1of the clasps110may be selected or adjusted to facilitate a particular closing of the clasps110.

In some embodiments, the clasps110may be tilted towards or away from each other when viewed from the front or the back (see, e.g.,FIGS. 4 and 5). The clasps110may be tilted towards each other at an angle θ2. In some embodiments, the angle θ2may be less than approximately 90°, less than approximately 75°, less than approximately 50°, less than approximately 25°, less than approximately 15°, less than approximately 10°, less than approximately 5°, approximately 2.5°, greater than approximately 0°, or another angle. In some embodiments, the angle θ2may be between approximately 0° and approximately 90°, between approximately 0° and approximately 45°, between approximately 0° and approximately 15°, between approximately 1° and approximately 5°, or be within another range. In some embodiments, the angle θ2of the clasps110may be selected or adjusted to facilitate a particular closing of the clasps110.

In some embodiments, the barrier112may be a raised portion of a clasp110. The barrier112may extend towards an opposite clasp110and help define the bait holding area120. The barrier112may be located along or near a side of the clasp110and may extend into the bait holding area120. The barrier112may present a flat face towards the bait holding area120. The barrier112may resist movement of bait in a particular direction. For example, the barrier112may resist movement of bait in a direction parallel to the clasp110. The barrier112may be substantially perpendicular to the edge116.

In some embodiments, the slots114may be slots defined by the clasps110, and may be adapted to be a feature through which bait in the bait holding area120may be hooked or otherwise prepared for fishing. A clasp110may have one or more slots114and each slot114may compliment and align with a respective slot114on the other clasp110.

As illustrated, the edge116may be an inner edge on the distal end132of the clasps110. The edge116may be a sharp edge (e.g., as opposed to rounded). This sharp edge116may facilitate the grabbing and holding of bait. It may be particularly effective at grabbing several pieces of bait at once (e.g., pieces of tuna bait).

In some embodiments, the bait holding area120may be an area defined between the clasps110configured to receive and hold bait. The shape of the clasps110may define the shape of the bait holding area120. The configuration of how the clasps110come together may also define the shape of the bait holding area120. In an example, the clasps110may have a concave shape, which may define a cylindrical, conical or otherwise arcuate bait holding area120. The arcuate bait holding area120may be configured to resist movement of bait in a particular direction, such as perpendicular to or parallel to the clasps110. The bait holding area120may be configured to encourage movement of bait in a particular direction, such as in a direction towards the barrier112. In some embodiments, the bait holding area120may be configured to resist movement of bait out of the bait holding area120when the clasps110come together. In some embodiments, the bait holding area120may be sized and shaped to hold particular kinds of bait.

In some embodiments, surfaces of the clasps110(such as surfaces facing the bait holding area120) may be textured or otherwise have features configured to enhance holding of bait within the bait holding area120. For example, these surfaces may be roughened, textured, and/or constructed from a material having high friction with bait. The surfaces may include points, posts, or other features configured to grip the bait.

In some embodiments, the device100may have a default position (e.g., when no external force is applied to the device100) in which the clasps110are separated by a distance. The default position may include a default tilt and/or angle of the clasps110. The body102, arms104, and/or clasps110may be deformable such that the clasps110may be brought together by application of hand force by a user. For example, a user may apply hand force to the device100(e.g., by squeezing or pushing the arms104or clasps110), thereby causing elastic deformation of one or more components of the device100such that the clasps110come together. Upon removing the hand force, the device100may recover to substantially its original, default position. For example, when the user stops applying hand force to the device100, the clasps110are urged apart; that is, clasps110spread apart.

In other embodiments, the device100may have a default position in which the clasps110are together and a user applies hand force to the device100to cause the clasps110to spread apart. For example, the device100may include handles, which when brought towards each other by hand force cause the clasps110to spread apart. When the user stops applying force to the device100, the clasps110may be urged together or may come together (e.g., by spring force).

In some embodiments, the clasps110may be configured to close completely together, close partially together, and/or be brought together to a distance smaller than the distance in the default position. In some embodiments, substantially all of the each clasp110may come together at the same time. In other embodiments, particular portions of the clasps110may come together at different times. Closing the clasps110may involve the application of force (e.g., spring force or hand force) to urge the clasps110towards each other. Having the clasps110come together involves causing the clasps110or portions thereof to contact one another.

In some embodiments, when clasps110are closed, particular ends of the clasps110may come together before others. In an example, referring toFIG. 1, proximal ends130of the clasps110may come together before the distal ends132of the clasps110, or vice versa. For instance, referring toFIG. 1, points A and B and points C and D may come together before points E and F and points G and H or vice versa.

In some embodiments, device100and clasps110are configured such that when clasps110are closed, particular sides of the clasps110may come together before others. In some embodiments, a first side134of the clasps110may come together before a second side136of the clasps110, or vice versa. For example, points A and B and points E and F may come together before points C and D and points G and H, or vice versa.

In some embodiments the device100may be configured such that particular sides and particular ends of the clasps110may come together before others upon the application of hand force by a user. In some embodiments, the device100may be adapted such that distal ends130at a first side134of the clasps110may come together first, then the proximal ends130at the first side136, then the distal ends132at the second side134, and finally the proximal ends132at the second side136. For example, the device100may be configured such that the points may come together in the following order upon the application of hand force: points E and F, then points A and B, then points H and G, and lastly points C and D. Other combinations of sides and points may also be used.

FIGS. 8 and 9illustrate a front view and a right side view, respectively, of an example device100with the clasps110partially closed. As illustrated, a user applied hand force to the arms104of the device100until the clasps110partially closed. The first side134of the clasps110come together at the distal end132such that points E and F are in contact with each other and the other points are separated.

FIGS. 10 and 11illustrate a front view and a right side view, respectively, of an example device with the clasps110completely closed. The state of the device100inFIGS. 10 and 11may be reached from the state of the device inFIGS. 8 and 9with additional hand force from the user on the arms104of the device100. As a result of the hand force, the clasps have come together such that the points A-H have all come together.

In some embodiments, the device100may be configured to close in an uneven manner, such that closing the device100causes a twisting force or other force, which causes particular motion of the bait. In some embodiments, the device100may be configured such that the proximal ends130of the clasps110at a first side134come together first, then the proximal ends130at the second side136, then the distal ends132at the first side134, and finally the distal ends132at the second side136. This uneven closing may urge a bait within the bait holding area120toward the second side136. This may urge the bait against the barrier112, which may secure the bait. When a first portion of the clasps110come together before a second portion of the clasps110, continued application of force by the user to bring the second portion of the clasps110together may cause deformation of the device100, which may cause the force which urges the bait against the barrier112.

In some embodiments, the uneven closing of the clasps110may cause a particular portion of the bait to be against the barrier112and/or aligned with a slot114of the clasps110. For example, the bait may be a leech and the uneven closing may cause the leech to be held such that a hook can be applied through a sucker at an end of the leech and pierce through the top of the flat side of the leech.

FIG. 12illustrates a front view of an example device100with clasps110closed around bait150. InFIG. 12, a user applied hand force to arms104(not visible) of the example device100, causing the clasps110to close around the bait150, which is situated in the middle of the clasps110in the bait holding area120. In this configuration, the clasps110are closed unevenly around the bait150, with points of a first side134of the clasps110being closer together than points of the second side136. This uneven closing of the clasps110urges the bait150towards barriers112on the second side136. While the uneven closing of the clasps110may urge the bait150in a particular direction, the bait150may or may not actually move in that direction and may or may not actually contact the barriers112in all circumstances. For example, the bait150may be sized, shaped, and positioned between the clasps110such that bait150does or does not contact the barrier112. As another example, friction between the clasps110and the bait150may prevent or permit the bait150to slide towards the barrier112by the force of the uneven closing of the clasps110. The clasps110having been closed unevenly about the bait150may continue to urge the bait150in a particular direction even if no new hand force is exerted.

FIGS. 13 and 14illustrate a front view and a front-right perspective view, respectively, of an example device100with clasps110closed around bait150situated at the first side134and the second side136of the clasps110. As illustrated, the second side136of the clasps110is further apart than the first side134of the clasps110. The bait150at the second side136of the clasps110is located between the barriers112at the second side136of the clasps110. The bait150is shown as being in separate pieces, but it may be viewed as representative of the clasps110of the example device100closing about a single, long piece of bait150. The uneven closing of the clasps110may urge a long piece of bait150against the barriers112of the clasps110. The urging of a long piece of bait150against the barriers112may include urging a portion of the long bait150against the barriers112. For example, the clasps110may be closed about the long bait150such that a portion of the bait150is within the bait holding area120, a portion of the bait150is pressed between the barriers112of the clasps110, and another portion of the bait150extends past the barriers112. The portion of the long bait150within the bait holding area120may be urged against or towards the barriers112by the closing of the clasps110about the bait150.

In some embodiments, the device100may be configured to enable a user to close the clasps110in an uneven manner. For example, through a natural (e.g., ergonomic) application of force to the arms104, the clasps110may come together in an uneven manner. In another example, the device100may be configured to allow a user to increase or dampen the uneven closing of the clasps110. For instance, the user may increase or decrease the tilt and or angle of the clasps110as they come together. The user may cause the points to come together in a particular order by pressing on different areas of the arms104.

In some embodiments, the device100may be reversible between two different configurations. In the first configuration, the clasps110define a first bait holding area120, and in a second configuration, the clasps110define a second bait holding area120′ (not shown). To transition from the first configuration to the second configuration, a user can bend the arms104of the device100back over the body102. In this manner, the portions of the inside of the clasps110that faced the inside of the first bait holding area120in the first configuration now face away from the second bait holding area120′ in the second configuration. Similarly, some portions of the clasps110that faced away from the first bait holding area120in the first configuration, may now face and define the inside of the second bait holding area120′ in the second configuration. To facilitate defining of the different bait holding areas120, the reversible device100may have double-sided clasps110. The different sides of the clasps110may be configured different to better suit different kinds of bait. For example, in the first configuration, a first side of the double-sided clasps110define a first bait holding area120suitable for relatively large bait. In the second configuration, a second side of the double-sided clasps110define a second bait holding area120′ suitable for relatively smaller bait.

The device100may be constructed in various manners from various materials. In some embodiments, the device100may be made from various plastics and/or various metals. The material may be selected to provide certain flexibility and deformability to the components of the device100to achieve one or more of the properties disclosed herein. In some embodiments, different components of the device100may be constructed from different kinds of materials. For example, the clasps110may be made constructed from a different material from the arms104or the body102.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the device100are made from a polymeric material having a flexural strength of about 30 MPa to 70 MPa, or about 30 MPa to 60 MPa, or about 30 MPa to 50 MPa, or about 40 MPa to 60 MPa, and a flexural modulus (stress:strain ratio in flexural deformation) of about 500 MPa to 1500 MPa, or about 500 MPa to 1250 MPa. Flexural modulus is used as an indication of a material's stiffness when flexed. Non-limiting examples of polymeric materials with suitable flexural strength and modulus for forming the device100include polyvinyl chloride; polyolefins such as polyethylenes, polypropylenes, and copolymers thereof; polyurethanes; polyamides; and blends of these with one or more additional materials such as polypropylene blended with a particulate filler; a nylon or polyurethane polymer blended with acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer; polyvinyl chloride blended with a plasticizer; and the like. In one example, the device100is made entirely from polypropylene. In an example, the device100is made entirely from polypropylene homopolymer.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the device100are formed from a polymeric material having a coefficient of friction with respect to itself that is at least 0.5 and as high as 2. The coefficient of friction is a dimensionless scalar value that describes the ratio of the force of friction between two bodies and the force pressing them together (i.e. “normal” force); for a given pair of device100surfaces, the coefficient of static friction as to between the two surfaces in some embodiments is about 0.5 to 2, or about 0.75 to 2, or about 1 to 2, or about 0.5 to 1.75, or about 0.5 to 1.5, or about 0.5 to 1.25, or about 0.5 to 1. While not limiting as to the materials useful to form the device100overall, use of a material having a higher coefficient of friction at least on or as part or all of clasps110translates to an improved ability of a user to hold bait securely within the device100. Thus, in some embodiments a portion of device100is formed of a first material having a lower coefficient of friction, and one or both clasps110are formed of a second material having a higher coefficient of friction than the first material. In other embodiments, the device100is formed generally of a first material having a lower coefficient of friction and one or both clasps110further include a coating or a film of a second material having a higher coefficient of friction than the first material.

In some embodiments, a method of using the device100for grabbing bait may include providing the device100for use. Providing the device100for use may include a user removing the device100from a tackle box or other stored position and preparing the device100for use.

The method may further include providing a bait for grabbing. Providing a bait for grabbing may include removing bait from a bait storage area. Providing a bait for grabbing may further include manipulating the bait with the barrier112or the edge116of the device100. The bait may be bait used to attract and/or catch fish including but not limited to live natural bait, dead natural bait, artificial bait, worms, insects, leeches, bait fish, and/or other kinds of bait.

The method of using the device100may further include placing the clasps110about the bait. Placing the clasps110about the bait may include having the clasps110separated by a distance and moving the bait and/or the clasps110such that clasps110are closable about the bait. For example, the clasps110may be closable about the bait such that the bait is within the bait holding area120. The clasps110may be closable about the bait such that the bait is between the barriers112of the respective clasps110.

The method of using the device100may further include bringing the clasps110towards each other about the bait. Bringing the clasps110towards each other about the bait may include applying force to the arms104and/or the clasps110, such as by squeezing and/or pinching. Bringing the clasps110towards each other about the bait may include bringing the clasps110towards the bait in an uneven fashion. Bringing the clasps110towards the bait in an uneven fashion may include bringing a first portion of the clasps110towards each other about the bait. Bringing the clasps110towards the bait in an uneven fashion may include bringing a second portion of the clasps110towards each other about the bait. Bringing the clasps110towards the each other about the bait in an uneven fashion may cause the clasps110to urge the bait in a particular direction between the clasps110, such as towards or away from the first or second portions. Urging the bait in a particular direction may include urging the bait towards the barrier112to secure the bait.

The method of using the device100may include applying the bait to a fishing apparatus. Applying the bait to a fishing apparatus may include attaching a hook or other fishing apparatus to the bait by inserting the hook through a slot114in the clasps110. Applying the bait to a fishing apparatus may include packing the bait into a packable fishing lure.

EXPERIMENTAL

In an experiment, an embodiment of the device100as shown and described with respect toFIGS. 1-7was compared with the BAITMATE bait grabbing device by HYPARK SPECIALTY CO., INC. of Chanhassen, Minn.

When grabbing the embodiment and the BAITMATE for initial use, it was noted that if the BAITMATE was allowed to rest for about five minutes, the BAITMATE would open up to an angle too large to be easily picked up with one hand. By contrast, the embodiment was able to be easily picked up and held in one hand even after being allowed to rest.

In the experiment, both devices were used to pick up and hold a minnow. The embodiment's curved clasps prevented the bait from sliding out perpendicular to the clasps and uneven closing of the clasps forced the bait into the barrier, which prevented the bait from sliding out parallel to the clasps. The BAITMATE had curved features to stop the bait from sliding out perpendicular to its clasps and used sharp points to resist movement of the bait perpendicular to its clasps.

During the experiment, it was noted that the uneven closing of the embodiment's clasps consistently pushed bait to the end of the clasp, which presented an ideal location at which to hook certain bait, such as leeches. In particular, it is beneficial to hook a leech through its sucker and pierce through the top of the flat side of the leech. The embodiment facilitates hooking a leech in this manner.

The BAITMATE did not provide slots through which to hook the bait and the BAITMATE's large clasp size made it difficult to hook small bait in certain locations. By contrast, the embodiment's slots assisted with hooking the bait because they allowed the bait to be easily hooked perpendicularly to the clasps, which provided resistance against the bait during piercing. The embodiment's slots also made available more locations by through the bait may be hooked.

During the experiment, it was further noted that the embodiment provided advantages for picking up worms. When picking up worms using an edge of the BAITMATE device, worms would slip out unless a user dug deep and pressed tightly with the device. This process proved inconvenient. With the embodiment, a user was able to conveniently grab a worm using the barrier portion of the clasps.

Additionally each and every embodiment of the invention, as described here, is intended to be used either alone or in combination with any other embodiment described herein as well as modifications, equivalents, and alternatives thereof falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. It will be recognized that various modifications and changes may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claims.

Although the present disclosure provides references to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.