Abstract:
A clamp is provided which is adapted for use in fishing and other outdoor activities. The clamp includes a plurality of elongate segments and a grasper, which further features a plurality of tines. In operation, the clamp is operated by the user so as to grasp and hold live bait for baiting a hook. The clamp is typically operated by the user applying pressure against a tension, so as to actuate the grasper between open and closed positions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     None. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to sporting equipment. More specifically it relates to fishing tackle that facilitates the baiting of a hook. The invention thus relates to devices, systems and methods adapted for use with live bait, namely leeches. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     One of the most popular outdoor sports is fishing. While fishing, many fishermen prefer to use live bait. A variety of live baits are utilized, depending on the circumstances, and the fish desired. 
     Sometimes they use crickets or nightcrawlers and sometimes they use baitfish. Although nightcrawlers are not difficult to catch, crickets and baitfish are notorious for the difficulties that they impose on fishermen. Specifically leeches, minnows, chubs, suckers and other baitfish pose the most problems. Similar problems may also be encountered in pet shops when trying to only catch one. 
     The same is true while attempting to bait a hook with live bait—they move and are thus difficult to isolate and catch. Further, many anglers would prefer not to have to use his or her hands to catch the live bait for a variety of reasons. Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved means of applying live bait to hooks. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Discussed herein are various apparatus, systems and methods relating to the application of live bait to a fishing hook by way of a clamp. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved leech clamp. Another object of the invention is to provide a leech clamp that is economical to produce. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a leech clamp that does not rust. Another object of the invention is to provide a leech clamp that does not require the connection of a net to a frame or handle. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a leech clamp that provides the user with a quick means of catching the leech and baiting the hook. 
     In Example 1, a bait clamp, comprises an elongate body, which further comprises a first end, a second end, and a plurality of elongate segments, and a grasper, which further comprises a first contoured grasping portion further comprising at least one tine, and a second contoured grasping portion further comprising at least one tine, wherein the grasper is fixedly attached to the first end of the body and in operational communication with the plurality of elongate segments so as to be configured to be capable accepting bait and further wherein the tines are configured to grasp bait. 
     In Example 2, the bait clamp according to Example 1 is provided, wherein the clamp is configured to be capable of open and closed positions. 
     In Example 3, the bait clamp according to Example 2 is provided, wherein the plurality of tines further comprise at least one male tine and at least one female tine. 
     In Example 4, the bait clamp according to Example 3 is provided, wherein the plurality of elongate segments are adapted so as to urge the grasper into the closed position. 
     In Example 5, the bait clamp according to Example 4 is provided, wherein the plurality of elongate segments further comprise at least one fastener. 
     In Example 6, the bait clamp according to Example 5 is provided, wherein the plurality of elongate segments further comprise a scissor configuration. 
     In Example 7, the bait clamp according to Example 6, wherein the at least one male tine is configured to pass through at least one female tine when being urged between the open and closed positions. 
     In Example 8, the bait clamp according to Example 5, wherein the grasper is configured to grasp bait without killing the bait. 
     In Example 9, a bait clamping system is provided, comprising an elongate body, further comprising a plurality of fixedly attached elongate segments, the body further comprising first and second ends, and a grasper, further comprising a plurality of tines comprising at least one contoured portion, wherein the grasper is fixedly attached to the first body end and in operational communication with the plurality of elongate segments so as to be capable of grasping live bait between the tines. 
     In Example 10, the bait clamping system according to Example 9, wherein the clamp is configured to be capable of open and closed positions. 
     In Example 11, the bait clamping system according to Example 10, wherein the plurality of elongate segments are adapted to urge the grasper into the closed position. 
     In Example 12, the bait clamping system according to Example 11, wherein the plurality of tines further comprise at least one male tine and at least one female tine. 
     In Example 13, the bait clamp according to Example 11, wherein at least one male tine is configured to pass through at least one female tine when being urged between the open and closed positions. 
     In Example 14, the bait clamping system according to Example 13, wherein the plurality of tines further comprise an opening adapted to accommodate a hook. 
     In Example 15, the bait clamping system according to Example 14, wherein the grasper is configured to grasp bait without killing the bait when urged into the closed position. 
     In Example 16, a method of baiting a hook is provided, comprising providing a bait clamp, the clamp comprising an elongate body, further comprising a plurality of fixedly attached elongate segments, the body further comprising first and second ends, and a grasper in operational communication with the elongate segments, the grasper further comprising a plurality of tines, the tines each comprising at least one contoured portion and an opening adapted to accommodate a hook, and baiting a hook, comprising the steps of grasping live bait between the tines of the grasper, and hooking the grasped bait, wherein the clamp is configured to be capable of open and closed positions so as to grasp live bait. 
     In Example 17, the bait clamping system according to Example 16, wherein the plurality of elongate segments are adapted to urge the grasper into the closed position. 
     In Example 18, the bait clamping system according to Example 17, wherein the plurality of tines further comprise at least one male tine and at least one female tine. 
     In Example 19, the bait clamp according to Example 18, wherein at least one male tine is configured to pass through at least one female tine when being urged between the open and closed positions. 
     In Example 20, the bait clamping system according to Example 19, wherein the grasper is configured to grasp bait without killing the bait when urged into the closed position. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the clamp. 
         FIG. 2  is a close-up view of the grasper, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the clamp in a user&#39;s hand, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a rotated, perspective view of the clamp of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamp in use with live bait. 
         FIG. 6  is a further perspective view of the clamp on a leech, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a further perspective view of the clamp being used to hook live bait, showing a close-up view of the grasper according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a close-up, perspective view of the grasper following the application of the bait to a hook, according to a further exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the invention may relate specifically to apparatus, systems or methods. For brevity in this description, these embodiments may be variously referred to as the “leech clamp,” “clamp,” or “clamping system,” none of which are intended to limit the scope of the invention to a single modality. 
     In general terms, the disclosed clamp is used for catching leeches and other live bait and preparing the bait for, and applying the bait to a hook or other fishing means. Certain embodiments address the catching and application of leeches, though other bait may also be utilized, such as nightcrawlers, minnows, and the like. 
     Turning to the Figures in detail,  FIGS. 1-8  depict various embodiments of the leech clamp  10 . As is shown in  FIG. 1 , exemplary embodiments of the clamp  10  comprise a generally elongate body  12  having a first, or distal end  14  and a second, or proximal, end  16 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the first end  14  further comprises a grasper  18 , which is further discussed in relation to  FIG. 2 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the body  12  further comprises a plurality of elongate segments  20 ,  22 , the function of which are discussed in detail in relation to  FIGS. 3-5 . In certain embodiments, such as the one depicted in  FIG. 1 , the elongate segments  20 ,  22  are placed in a scissor configuration, such that they overlap at the distal end  14 . In exemplary embodiments, the clamp  10  is comprised of metal, such as steel. In certain embodiments, the clamp is die cast. In certain other embodiments, the clamp is comprised of plastic, such as molded plastic. Further embodiments are comprised of one or more of: spring steel, half- or quarter-hard steel, stainless steel, alloys, plastics and/or polymers. 
     An exemplary embodiment of the grasper  18  is depicted in detail in  FIG. 2 . As depicted, the grasper is in the “open” position (as opposed to the “closed” position of  FIG. 1 ). In this open position, the grasper  18  is adapted, or configured, to be capable of accepting a leech within the plurality of tines  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 , which are set out on the first and second contoured, or spoon-shaped grasping portions (in this embodiment, the first grasping portion is comprised of the male tines  24 ,  26  and the second is comprised of the female tines  28 ,  30 ). As is depicted in  FIG. 2 , these tines may be generally rectangular, flat and male  24 ,  26  or female  28 ,  30 . The female tines  28 ,  30  further define openings  34 ,  36  so as to allow passage of the male tines  24 ,  26  through the female tine openings  34 ,  36 , as is shown, for example, in  FIG. 2 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the distal ends  28 A,  30 A of the female tines are rounded, so as reduce sharp corners and to prevent unnecessary injury to the subject live bait. In further embodiments, the user may use the distal ends as a means of scraping leeches which are stuck to the container wall or floor, so as to loosen the bait for ease of grabbing, as leeches for example tend to utilize their suckers to cling to such surfaces. 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 2  further features an contoured offset region  32  at the base of the grasper  18 , which is configured to provide a contoured offset the distal ends of the generally rectangular tines  24 ,  26  to extend through the openings  34 ,  36  of the female tines  28 ,  30  while the grasper  18  is in the closed position (as can be seen at reference letter A in  FIG. 3 ) and to introduce a contour to the inner portion of the grasper  18 , as discussed further in relation to  FIG. 6 . As discussed elsewhere herein (particularly in relation to  FIG. 7 ), in exemplary embodiments of the leech clamp, the female tines are configured so as to present a central slot, or opening  54  through which a hook may be easily passed. Other configurations are possible. 
     As is depicted in  FIGS. 3-4 , in certain exemplary embodiments, the clamp body  12  further comprises a plurality of elongate segments  20 ,  22 , which are configured to operate in a scissor, or “tongs” fashion so as to effectuate operation of the grasper  18  from a “closed” to an “open” position, as would be known to one of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the grasper  18 , and correspondingly the plurality of elongate segments  20 ,  22 , contain certain structural tension which urges them into the “closed” position, only to be moved into the “open” position when pressure is applied by the user  1  to either side of the body  12 , and therefore the plurality of elongate segments  20 ,  22 , as is depicted elsewhere herein. 
     By way of example, and as depicted in  FIG. 3 , this operation may be performed by way of the user&#39;s thumb  2  and forefinger  3 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments the elongate segments  20 ,  22  further comprise protruding regions  20 A,  22 A, which both facilitate the use of the clamp and provide spring functionality, thereby urging the grasper into the “closed” position. In exemplary embodiments, the spring functionality is adjusted so as to grasp, but not rupture or otherwise kill the live bait when the user ceases to apply pressure to the elongate segments. One of skill in the art would understand the means by which the elongate segments can be configured, both as to shape and materials, as well as the means of adjusting the pressure. 
       FIG. 4  depicts the operation of the clamp according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the user&#39;s thumb  2  and forefinger  3  are used to urge the elongate segments  20 ,  22  and correspondingly the tines  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  of the grasper  18  so as to move the clamp into the “open” position.  FIG. 4  also clearly depicts that in certain embodiments, a plurality of fasteners  38  which can serve to couple, or fixedly attach, the elongate segments  20 ,  22  and provide spring operation, wherein coupled with the tension of the elongate segments they serve to urge the clamp into the closed position. In exemplary embodiments, rivets can be utilized. In further embodiments, a spring may be used to accomplish this urging. In yet further embodiments, other well-established fastening methods can be utilized, such as welding, spot welding, bolts, screws, glues, and the like. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , in certain embodiments the elongate segments  20 ,  22  are generally planar and contoured offset from one another, each comprising an obtuse angle configured to allow for the grasping movement by way of a scissor-like movement, so as to accommodate the movement between the open to closed positions. Further, in such embodiments, the orientation of the individual tines may be maintained by the alignment of the elongate segments relative to one another at the grasper, as is depicted best in  FIG. 4 . In this configuration, the elongate segments  20 ,  22  are placed flush with one another horizontally. Other configurations are possible. 
     As is shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , in certain embodiments, once the clamp  10  has been set in the “open” position (designated here by the reference arrow “A”), the user may use the clamp  10  to grasp live bait, such as leeches  50 . In these configurations, the user&#39;s grip on the elongate segments  20 ,  22  may then be relaxed, and the grasper  18  will be correspondingly urged back into the “closed” position around a leech or other live bait  50 , as is shown best in  FIG. 6 . 
     Leeches are generally oval-shaped, as are many other live baits. Accordingly, certain embodiments of the tines may also feature a curved, or otherwise contoured configuration, so as to be configured to extend around the body of a leech (or other bait), as is depicted further in relation to  FIG. 6 . In these exemplary embodiments, the tines  28 ,  30  are configured to surround the live bait and curve to the contour of its body and hold it for the maximal surface area. As such, in these embodiments, the contoured grasper  18  is able to cradle the leech or other bait  50 . 
       FIGS. 7-8  depict the application of the leech  50  to a hook  52 , which is sometimes called “baiting.” As shown in  FIG. 7 , in certain exemplary embodiments, the female tines  28 ,  30  are arranged so as to leave an opening  54  which runs, for example, longitudinally along the grasper  18 . In these embodiments, the grasper is thereby configured for the easy passage of the hook  52  through the leech  50  while it is being held by the grasper  18  in the closed position. Other configurations are of course possible. As is shown in  FIG. 8 , after the leech  50  or other live bait has been baited to the hook  52 , the user may once again apply pressure to the elongate segments  20 ,  22 , thereby moving the grasper  18  into the “open” position and removing the hook  52  and leech for use in fishing. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference 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.