Abstract:
The present invention is a fish hook and chuck combination. Said fish hook having a barbed tip on its distal end leading to a hooked portion. Said hooked portion leading to a substantially shank at a proximal end of said fish hook. Said proximal end removably clasped between at least two collets of a chuck, wherein said at least two collets being separated by evenly spaced longitudinal slits in said chuck. Wherein said proximal end is held between said at least two collets, wherein an axial force for retaining said proximal end within said at least two collets may be enhanced or reduced by varying a width of said slits using a reciprocally moving sleeve, said sleeve encircling an exterior of said at least two collets.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of a Provisional Application for a Patent No. 62/290,939 filed on Feb. 3, 2016, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to fishing hooks, in particular, to hooks that are be easily detachable from fishing lines and which are suitable for gentle spearing of bait. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In the art of fishing, hook and bait are arguably the most important elements. They represent the last barrier that separates the fisherman from his or her catch. More often than not, hook and bait determine whether an angler comes back with a catch or a blank. 
         [0004]    The hooks that presently exist in the art, feature a hooked portion on one end, with a stem leading to a loop on the opposite end. The loop is tied to a fishing line to secure the fish hook on the line. This is the tried and true process of attaching fishing hooks to a line that has been used for the millennia. 
         [0005]    One major weakness of the hooks that presently exist in the art is that the bait cannot be inserted from the stem of the hook toward the hooked portion. Instead, it must be impaled or skewered over the barb that is usually present on the hooked portion, then dragged through the hook to conceal the hook from approaching fish. Naturally, since the barb is very sharp, the dragging maneuver often leads to tearing and spoilage of the bait. 
         [0006]    Similarly, once a fish has been snagged onto the hook, the hook cannot be detached without severing it from its fishing line. Instead, a hook must be carefully extracted through the mouth of the fish from within fish innards. Depending on the skill of the fisherman, the size of the catch and the location of the barb within the fish, this maneuver often leads to severing of the fish parts or innards, leading to possible spoilage of fish flesh or fish form, and where catch and release methods are required or preferred, conventional hooks may lead to mortal wounds and mutilation of fish organs. 
         [0007]    Given fishhooks that presently exist in the art, an attachment of a fishhook to a line is a relatively permanent fitting. Therefore, notwithstanding the difficulty of removing these items without severing the hook from the fishing line, one would not detach a hook just to remove a catch or to re-attach bait. On the contrary, the use of the hook and chuck combination disclosed in the present invention is simple and convenient. Improving access to the bait or catch, or to enable angling using various hooks sizes and types. Using the present invention, and angler need not bring multiple fishing rods to target more than one species of fish. All that&#39;s required is to change the hook type on the same line, and one is back in business. 
         [0008]    Various implements are known in the art, but fail to address all of the problems solved by the invention described herein. One embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is a fish hook and chuck combination. Said fish hook having a barbed tip on its distal end leading to a hooked portion. Said hooked portion leading to a substantially straight shank which terminates at a proximal end of said fish hook. Said proximal end removably clasped between at least two collets of a chuck, wherein said at least two collets being separated by evenly spaced longitudinal slits in said chuck. Wherein said proximal end is held between said at least two collets, wherein an axial force for retaining said proximal end within said at least two collets may be enhanced or reduced by varying a width of said slits using a reciprocally moving sleeve, said sleeve encircling an exterior of said at least two collets. 
         [0010]    It is an object of the present invention to create an easily detachable angling hook. 
         [0011]    It is still another object of the present invention to create a combination of an angling hook and a collet chuck to vastly improve angling experience. 
         [0012]    It is yet another object of the present invention to enable for a quick clasp and release combination between a chuck and a hook, by implementing a collets that are stay closed, but which can be quickly released and closed through the help of a spring loaded sleeve. 
         [0013]    It is still another object of the present invention to create a fishing hook where bait is introduced through the shank portion of the hook. 
         [0014]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to create a fishing hook that may be varied without having to be removed from the actual fishing line. 
         [0015]    It is still another objective of the present invention to create a fishing hook that is gentler on fish parts during extraction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b    demonstrate one preferred embodiment and an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c , and 2 d    demonstrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention having a spring loaded sleeve. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 3 a , 3 b , 3 c , and 3 d    demonstrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention featuring a conical sleeve. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is an exploded diagram of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is an exploded diagram of the present invention demonstrating the addition of a lure or bait over the shank portion of the hook. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a detailed cutaway portion of the inside of the chuck. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
         [0023]    Reference will now be made in detail to embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
         [0024]    Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate a collet chuck combination with a fish hook.  FIG. 1 a    shows a collate chuck  1 , a forward bulb  2 , a front end  3 , back end  4 , sleeve  5 , the cylindrical corpus  6 , the loop  7 , sleeve terminators  8 , collates  9  and slits  10 , the gap  11 , the hook  13 , the shank  15 , the bend  16 , the bite  19 , the barb  17 , the proximal end  21 , the distal end  22 , the end cap  23 . The proximal end  21  is preferably spaded to facilitate entry into the gap  11  between individual collets  9 . The gap  20  is preferably between ⅛ of an inch to 1.5 inches. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1 a    describes collets  9 , otherwise known as jaws, positioned radially around the gap  11 , forming the structure of the forward bulb  2 . The preferred embodiment of the present invention calls for at least two collets  9 , but the actual number may be a factor of preference or size and diameter of the chuck  1 . 
         [0026]    The collets  9  are separated by gaps  10 , which are slits longitudinally spanning the forward bulb  2  and the cylindrical corpus  6  from the front end  3  toward the back end  4 . The chuck  1  is substantially cylindrical, having a thicker forward bulb  2  and the cylindrical corpus  6  of lesser diameter that extends to the back end  4 . 
         [0027]    The chuck  1  may be hollow, or as shown in  FIG. 6 , or be composed entirely of individual collet strips  9  disposed in a circular fashion, with outer surfaces of these collets forming the cylindrical shaped corpus  6  representing the collet chuck  1 . The purpose of the slits  10  is to provide elasticity to each collate  9  and to cause the individual collates  9  to be squeezed together radially about the gap  11 , where the shank  15  or the proximal end  21  of the hook  13  is inserted and clasped by the axial force of the collates  9 . The collets preferably all emanate from the same cylindrical corpus  6  and are only separated by the slits  10 . Thus collates  9  are responsible for constricting and loosening the gap  11  to permit for easy insertion and removal of the proximate end  21 . The spade  25  has a preferably wider diameter then the rest of the shank  15 . 
         [0028]    The sleeve  5  is a substantially cylindrical structure having a sidewall  39  that is preferably much shorter than the length of the corpus  6 . The sidewall  39  may completely encircle the corpus  6  or may have a gap so as to be installed through this gap over the corpus  6 . The sleeve  5  travels longitudinally but reciprocally (along the corpus  6  between the sleeve terminator protrusions  8  and the hump section  38  of the forward bulb  2 . The diameter of the hump section  38 , when collates  9  are not under any tension from the sleeve  5 , is preferably slightly greater than the internal diameter  40  of the sleeve  6 , but greater than the circumference of the narrow section of the chuck  1 . 
         [0029]    To operate the chuck  1  with the sleeve  5 , one pushes the sleeve  5  in the direction  28  ( FIG. 2 b   ), forcing the forward edge  27  of the sleeve  5  to ride unto the forward bulb  2 . At that point, a shank  15  residing within the gap  11  would be securely clasped. The sleeve  5  is retained in position while clasping the forward bulb  2  through frictional forces that are kept constant due to the biased tendency of the collets  9  to assume a straight shape. To release the shank  15  one pushes the sleeve back onto the narrow portion  41  of the corpus  6 . The sleeve terminators  8  do not allow the sleeve to slip off of the shank. Alternatively, the functioned of sleeve terminators can be performed by the ring  7 . 
         [0030]    The chuck  1  and the sleeve  5  or any other component of this invention, may be manufactured from any metal alloy, steel, iron, wood or a polymeric substance, such as plastic. The preferable length  12  of the collet chuck  1  is in the range of a half to one and one half inches and between ⅛ and one half of an inch in diameter  36  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0031]    The sleeve  5 , shown throughout the figs may be a ring, washer or a nut encircling the cylindrical corpus  6 . The cylindrical characteristics of the corpus  6  and the sleeve  5  are a preferred embodiment, and may assume a more parallelogramic shapes in alternative embodiments; meaning that the cross section of corpus  6  or the sleeve  5  may also be square, or octagonal. 
         [0032]    The forward bulb  2  is elliptical, with the circumference of the exterior wall of the bulb gradually widening until about midpoint of the bulb  2  and then narrowing again at the forward end  3 . While the particular shape of the bulb is not controlling, the base of the bulb  57  that forms a conical flange with respect to the cylindrical corpus  6  is highly important, as it permits the sleeve to slide along the conical walls thereby forcing the collates  9  to squeeze together. The sleeve  5  may also have a threaded coupling with the cylinder corpus  6  or may snap into place when the desired clasping force of collates  9  is reached. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1 b    is one of the alternative embodiments of the present invention. Shown is the book  13  and the shank  1 . The shank  1  is unitary and has no collates  9 . Instead of collates, the shank  1  contains a hollowed gap  24  that is connected with the gap  11  in one continuous channel. The gap  24  is hollowed into the side of the shank  24  and forms a keyhole for the spade  25 . The spade  25 , if turned sideways, such that the shank  15  will protrude through the gap  11 , has a matching form that corresponds the form of the hollowed gap  24 . Such that when the spade  25  is inserted sideways into the hollowed gap  24 , it forms a lock and key combination. A sleeve  5  then slides over the shank  1  to keep the proximal end  21  from falling out of the hollowed gap  24 . This design vastly simplifies the operation of the chuck  1  and ensures that the angler uses only the fish hooks that are prescribed for the chuck of this type. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 2 a -2 d    demonstrate, the chuck  1  with the sleeve  5  being regulated by a spring  26 . The spring  26  when fully extended, places the sleeve  5  over the hump portion  38  of the forward bulb  2 . Thus by default the collets  9  will constrict the gap  11  and thereby securely clasp the proximal end  21  of the shank  15  that may be residing inside. To release the proximal end  21  (or the spade point  25 ), a user would take hold of the sleeve  5 , or the forward edge  27  of the sleeve  5 , and press on the spring  26  to force it to compress. This action moves the sleeve off the the hump section  38 , returning the collets  9  to their default straight orientation, thus releasing clasping tension exerted on the proximal end  21 . 
         [0035]    In  FIGS. 2 a -2 d    the ring  7  is the point of attachment of the chuck  1  to the fishing line  14 . The ring  7  is shown mounted on the end cap  23 , which offers a rim  43  ( FIG. 4 ) for supporting the spring  26  as it is being compressed. The preferred length of the spring  26  is equal to the length of the narrow portion  41  of the corpus  6 , but may be longer or shorter depending on the width of the sidewall  39  of the sleeve  5 . The width  29  of the narrow section  41  is preferably ½ of the width or diameter  36  of the hump section  38 . 
         [0036]    Unlike prior art, the collate chuck  1  interposes between the hook  13  and the fishing line  14 . Furthermore, more than one type of a fishhook  13  may be used. While a long fishhook  13  is shown throughout the figures, the fishhook  13  may actually be of any size, namely having a shorter or longer shank  15 , a more oval or angular bend  16 , or a variously shaped bite  19 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 3 a -3 d    demonstrate two alternative embodiments of the present invention. Still shown in the figures are the chuck  1 , the fishhook  13 , the collets  9 , situated around the gap  11 , the sleeve  5 , the forward bulb  2 , the spring  26 , the ring  7  that connects the chuck  1  to the fish line  14 . As in other figures the gap  11  is formed by having collets with flat or recessed bottom wall  44  rather than an angular one. The lack of angular bottom creates a gap of space, which when radially combined with other collets  9  forms a gap  11 . In an embodiment having just two collets  9  a semicircular indentation would have to be present to accommodate the proximal end  21 . 
         [0038]    In  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    the end cap  23  is replaced with an end section  32 . The end section  32  may be stamped flat, or may retain the shape and width of the rest of the narrow section  41  of the corpus  6 . The end section  32  contains an opening for the ring  7 . The ring  7  in the embodiment shown is a key ring spiral that can be removed or reattached while still connecting to the fishing line  14 . The fishing line  14  is tied in a knot around the key ring spirals, however, the key ring may preferably still rotate through the knot. While rotating, one may part an inner spiral of the ring  7  and insert the send section  32 , turning the end section  32  through the spirals of the key ring  7  until the end section reaches the outside end  47  of the spirals. At that point, the chuck  1  would be detached from the ring  7  and fishing line  14  and may be replaced with a different chuck  1 . Thus, the present invention supports interchangeable hooks  13  and interchangeable chucks  1 . 
         [0039]    Further in  FIGS. 3 a -3 d   , the ring  7  serves a dual purpose of retaining the fishing line  14  and as a support point for the spring  26 . The spring  26  is forced against the ring  7  when being depressed and it prevents the spring  26  from slipping off the corpus  6  when the spring  26  is fully extended. 
         [0040]    Still referring to  FIGS. 3 a -3 d   , the sleeve  5  has a conical sidewall  39  and a wider leading edge  27 . Such a sleeve may be more appealing to users than one demonstrated in  FIGS. 2 a -2 d    as it presents a broader surface, with the angle of the conical sidewall  39  that would assist with forcing the sleeve  5  over the humped section  38 . On the return trip, when depressing the sleeve  5  to release the proximal end  21 , the leading edge  27  presents a convenient finger hold that is oriented optimally to provide optimal depressing force. The sleeve shown may exist whether or not the spring  26  is present. If the spring  26  is not present, the fishing line  14  may be tied to the chuck  1  directly through the opening  45 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  is an exploded diagram of one of the embodiments of the present invention. Shown are the ring  7 , the end cap  23 . The end cap  23  may be clamped, glued or threaded unto the end  4  of the chuck  1 . The end  4  presents a corresponding threaded section  34 , which may contain a tabbed or smooth surface to correspond to the method of attachment of the end cap  23 . Also shown in  FIG. 4  is the spring  26 , the sleeve  5 , having a conical sidewall  39  and a leading edge  27 . The diameter  35  of the leading edge  27  is preferably slightly shorter than the diameter  36  of the forward bulb  2  to enable closure of the collets  9 . The conical sidewall  39  continuously reducing the diameter  35  to prevent the sleeve  5  from slipping off of the front end  3 . The chuck  1  is shown with four collets  9  that emanate from the back end  4  of the chuck  1  and are separated by slits  10 . There is a gap  11  to permit insertion of the proximate end  21  of the hook  13 . 
         [0042]    Demonstrated in  FIG. 5  is how the fishhook  13  may be used to skewer bait. Shown is a drybait worm  50 . The first end  15  of the fishhook  13  is inserted into the body of the drybait  50 . The worm shown has been dragged or skewered over the straight stem of the fishhook  13  in the direction  37 , until it completely covers the shank  15  and the bend  16 . As one skilled in the art may appreciate, dragging the body of the bait over a substantially straight portion of the stem and not needing to deal with any hooks and barbs, is far more convenient and simpler than with art devices that presently exist in the art. Shank  15  and bend  16  do not contain any sharp points that may tear or mutilate the lure  50 . Removal of the bait is performed in the opposite direction. However, the removal still takes place over the proximal end  21 , while the hook  13  is decoupled from the chuck  1 . 
         [0043]    The drybait  50  is shown to be a worm, but it may be any other type or shape. It may be real or artificial lure. An additional benefit of ensuring that the bait is not torn is the ability to reuse bait. This is especially relevant for artificial bait that does not spoil. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  further demonstrates the ease with which the fishhook  13  can be removed from the collet chuck  1  for cleaning, baiting, or to insert a fishhook of different size and shape. For example, a larger fishhook may be used to catch large fish such as Tuna or Salmon, or when used while fishing from a boat in deeper waters. A fisherman may then attach smaller hooks to the same collet chuck  1  without having to bring additional fishing rods or spending time on equipment reconfiguration. 
         [0045]    Also shown in  FIG. 5  is the key ring  7  which preferably consists of spirals  51  that is inserted into the opening  45  of the end section  32 . The ring  7  retains the spring  26  which is used to keep the sleeve  5  from sliding off of the humped section  38  toward the narrow section  41  of the corpus  6 . The conical sidewall  39  is pointing toward the back end  4 , resulting in a narrow back opening  52  that may serve to prevent the sleeve  5  from slipping over the bulb section  2  and off of the chuck  5 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is a cutaway diagram of the chuck  6 , demonstrating the internals and the coupling between the collets  9  and the spade  25  on the proximal end  21  of the fish hook  13 . When the spade  25  is moved in the direction  58  towards the gap  11 , it encounters the front end  3 . At that point, the diameter  59  of the base of the spade  25  is somewhat wider than the entry diameter  11  formed by collets  9  that are radially situated next to each other, separated by slits  10 . The conical shape of the spade  25  presents an angle to the forward end  3  that is conducive to moving apart or spreading the collets  9  from the gap  11 , thus fording the spade  25  to enter the gap  11 , which leads to the hollow channel  56 . At the end of the channel  56  a hollowed gap  55  if formed as a cavity in a shape that corresponds to the shape of the spade  25 . Once the spade band  53  enters the hollowed gap  55 , it will correspond to the groove  54 . At that point, the collets  9  will return to their default straight orientation, retaining the hook  13  inside the gap  11 . Once a sleeve  5  rides over the forward hump  38 , it further constricts the gap  11  around the shank  13 . When the hook  13  is not clasped with the sleeve  5  inside the gap  11 , it is able to axially rotate without falling out of the gap  11  since the extraction of the spade band from the grove  54  requires some linear force. 
         [0047]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.