Abstract:
A fishing lure that can be readily attached to clothing, fishing rods, and other objects is disclosed. The fishing lure has an alligator-style clamp that has an eyelet at one end of the clamp for receiving the fishing line and is additionally connected to a fishing hook. Skirts or dressings adaptive to fishing can be secured to the body of the fishing lure in order for the lure to attract different or additional fish. These dressings for the fishing lure are found in a variety of colors, forms, and designs. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the body of the fishing lure being shaped to resemble an animal.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention is directed to a fishing lure that can be clamped onto objects of interest; particularly, a fishing lure that can be secured to the fishing rod or other fishing items both while attached and detached from the fishing line.  
         [0003]     2. Background of the Invention  
         [0004]     Fishermen have long sought a way to protect the fishing lure and themselves during the storage and the transport of the lure tied to the fishing line from one fishing site to another. A fishing lure swinging freely may become entangled in an undesirable foreign object or, even worse, the fisherman. The lure poses a danger both to the fisherman and to others in proximity to the lure.  
         [0005]     Traditionally, fishermen will hook the lure onto an eyelet of the fishing rod and then tighten the line to safely secure the lure to the rod. Alternatively, problems with conveniently storing and transporting fishing lures have been combated by attaching a lure holder to the fisherman&#39;s belt or attaching some type of fishing lure retention device to the fishing rod.  
         [0006]     A problem with the traditional method of hooking the lure to the eyelet of the fishing rod and then tightening the line is that this method will commonly damage the eyelet of the fishing rod.  
         [0007]     The more recent approach of attaching a lure holder to the fisherman&#39;s belt also has disadvantages: it adds another piece of equipment to the expedition; it requires the lure to be detached from the fishing line; and it may be inconvenient when fishing while wading in the water.  
         [0008]     Other fishermen have attached the fishing lure to the fishing poles using a retention device located on the fishing pole itself. Recent attempts of such devices include U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,775 to Daughtry and U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,851 to Nyberg. Daughtry discloses a fishing lure holder that locks to the fishing rod. Nyberg discloses a device that retains the fishing lure by locking it between the end of a screw and the upper wall of a tubular member connected to the fishing rod. However, in both cases, the retention devices add extra weight to the rod and cause the rod to be bulky. In addition, neither invention allows the fishing lures to be secured to objects other than a fishing rod.  
         [0009]     Prior art measures to overcome some of the problems have never incorporated such safety and convenience measures into the fishing lures themselves, nor has any patent incorporated a clamp or clip into the fishing lure design. The present invention is a novel approach to the problems associated with the storage of lures and the transportation of lures to and from the fishing site.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0010]     The invention is directed to a fishing lure that incorporates a clamp or clip for securing the lure to certain objects of interest. More specifically, the fishing lure clamps to instruments used in the sport of fishing such as a fishing rod or tackle box. In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, a lure is provided that includes a clamp integrated or incorporated therewith that is adapted to clamp the lure to the fishing rod and/or some other object (such as a fishing hat). A means for attaching a fishing line to the lure body is provided and a fishing hook is connected to the lure body.  
         [0011]     In a more detailed embodiment of the invention, the clamp has a pair of opposed jaws. The opposed jaws are normally biased to the closed position. In another more detailed embodiment, the fishing line is connected to the lure body by a hole, generally referred to as a line eyelet, located at a point on the lure body which allows the lure body to receive the fishing line. In a further detailed embodiment, the line eyelet is located on the proximal end (i.e., the end that is approximate to end of the lure that is tied to the fishing line) of one of the jaws of the clamp. In another further detailed embodiment, a ringlet is threaded through the line eyelet for receiving the fishing line. In another detailed embodiment, a hook eyelet is located on the distal end of one of the jaws of the clamp to facilitate the connection of the fish hook to the lure body. In yet another detailed embodiment, a hook ringlet is threaded through the hook eyelet to further facilitate the connection of the hook to the lure body.  
         [0012]     In a further detailed embodiment, a dressing adaptive to fishing (such as a skirt or buck-tail, for example) is secured on or about the lure body of the fishing lure. In a further more detailed embodiment, the lure body forms the shape of artificial bait for attracting various species of fish. Another detailed embodiment provides that the lure body forms the shape of artificial spoon bait. Yet another detailed embodiment provides that the lure body forms the shape of artificial tube bait. Still another detailed embodiment provides that the lure body forms the shape of artificial jig bait. In another detailed embodiment, the lure body forms the shape of artificial animal bait. In a further detailed embodiment, the clamp of the lure body forms the mouth of the artificial animal bait such that when the clamp is compressed to spread open the mouth of the artificial animal bait, objects may be inserted between the jaws of the clamp. In a more detailed embodiment, the lure body is composed of a pliable material. In another more detailed embodiment, the lure body is composed of a hard, inflexible material. In still a further more detailed embodiment, the fishing lure includes a spinner blade connected to the lure body that facilitates the rotation of the lure body when pulled through water.  
         [0013]     A second aspect of the present invention provides a clamp with a first jaw and an opposing second jaw that are pivotally secured to one another. The first jaw and the second jaw are biased to a closed position. When the opposing jaws are compressed to the open position, items may be inserted between the jaws. The clamp forms part of a lure body or is integrated within or is attached to the lure body. The second aspect also includes a means for attaching a fishing line to the lure body and a fishing hook that is connected to the lure body.  
         [0014]     In a more detailed embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, at least a portion of the clamp is mounted to or integrated with a body of an artificial bait. In a further detailed embodiment, an attractant is coupled to the clamp. The attractant is taken from a group consisting of a skirt, a buck-tail, an artificial bait, a spinner assembly, and a rattle. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating the lure body in the closed position;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 1  illustrating the lure body in an open position;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  illustrating the lure body in the closed position with a dressing adaptive to fishing (a skirt, in this example) secured about the upper jaw of the clamp of the lure body;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating the lure body shaped as a fishing spoon with the clamp in the closed position;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 4  illustrating the clamp in an open position;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a partial bottom view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a partial bottom view of a fishing spoon similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 4  having a larger proximal portion of the lower jaw;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a lure body that resembles a dog;  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating the lure body shaped as a shuttle-bug;  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a hard lure body with an extended diving lip;  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a lure body that comprises a clamp encased in a flexible, gel shell;  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a spinner lure having a dressing secured about a clamp and a spinner blade connected at a point along the leader wire attached to the proximal end of the clamp;  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a fishing jig with a clamp at the proximal end;  
         [0028]      FIG. 14  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a hard body guppy with the clamp in the closed position;  
         [0029]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 15  with the clamp in the open position;  
         [0030]      FIG. 16  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a chubby guppy with the clamp in a partially open position;  
         [0031]      FIG. 17  is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a spinner lure having a dressing secured to the distal portion of the upper and lower jaws of the clamp, and the clamp is in the closed position;  
         [0032]      FIG. 18  is a partial perspective view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 17  with the clamp in the open position;  
         [0033]      FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a fishing jig;  
         [0034]      FIG. 20  is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a fishing jig with a dressing secured to the lure body;  
         [0035]      FIG. 21  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a hard body lure with an extended diving lip;  
         [0036]      FIG. 22  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a floating lure with an extended diving lip;  
         [0037]      FIG. 23  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a floating lure with an extended diving lip having the clamp open towards the tail;  
         [0038]      FIG. 24  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a floating lure with an extended diving lip having the clamp open towards the tail and having an additional hook dangling from the underbelly of the lure body;  
         [0039]      FIG. 25  is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant&#39;s fishing lure illustrating a weighted hook forming the upper jaw of the clamp; and  
         [0040]      FIG. 26  is a partial perspective view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 25  with the clamp in the open position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0041]     An exemplary embodiment of the fishing lure  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The lure body includes a clamp  11  having an upper jaw  12  and lower jaw  13  coupled at a hinge  14 . The upper jaw  12  and lower jaw  13  are biased by a spring (not shown) at the hinge  14  to the closed position.  
         [0042]     A line eyelet  15  is located on the proximal end of the upper jaw  12  of the clamp  11  and a line ringlet  16  is threaded through the line eyelet  15 . The line ringlet  16  receives the fishing line from the rod. A hook eyelet  17  is located on the distal end of the upper jaw  12  and a hook ringlet  18  is threaded through the hook eyelet  17 . The hook ringlet  18  is connected to the hook  19 .  
         [0043]     In this exemplary embodiment, to open the clamp formed by the upper jaw and lower jaws, force is exerted on the distal ends of the upper jaw  12  and lower jaw  13  such that the distal ends of the upper jaw  12  and lower jaw  13  are clamped closer together as shown in  FIG. 2 . This compressing force on the distal ends results in the proximal ends of the upper jaw  12  and lower jaw  13  being spread apart from one another. An opening is formed between the proximal ends of the upper jaw  12  and lower jaw  13  allowing the taper of a fishing rod (or any other object) to be received by the jaws of the clamp  11 . When the distal ends of the upper jaw  12  and lower jaw  13  are released, the proximal ends of the upper jaw  12  and lower jaw  13  clamp onto the taper of the fishing rod (or other object) inserted in the opening, thereby securing the fishing lure  10  to the fishing rod.  
         [0044]     Securing the fishing lure  10  to the taper of the fishing rod provides the advantage that the hook  19  of the fishing lure  10  is not swinging freely. In addition, since the present invention eliminates the need to hook the lure to an eyelet of the fishing rod in order to secure the lure to the fishing rod, the eyelets of the fishing rod are not damaged by the force the hook  19  exerts on them when the hook is secured to one of the fishing rod&#39;s eyelets and reeled taut. Damage to the pole is decreased and safety is increased by clamping the fishing lure  10  to the taper of the fishing rod during transportation.  
         [0045]     As noted, the fishing lure  10  can also be secured to other objects, not simply the fishing rod. Following the same method for opening and closing the jaws of the clamp  11 , the fishing lure  10  of the present invention can be clamped to jackets, fishing vests, hats, belts, and tackle boxes, among others. Securing the fishing lure  10  to such objects allows it to be transported conveniently and efficiently while leaving the hands free. Another added advantage, particularly when wading into the water, is that the lures can be secured safely to the clothing of the fisherman eliminating the need for a box full of lures clipped to the belt or hooks placed in the hat.  
         [0046]     The fishing lure  10  can be unsecured from the fishing rod (and other objects) by again exerting force on the distal ends of the upper jaw  12  and lower jaw  13  of the clamp  11  such that the distal ends of the upper jaw  12  and lower jaw  13  are compressed closer together. The proximal ends of the upper jaw  12  and lower jaw  13  will be spread wider apart and allow for the fishing lure  10  to be unsecured from the fishing rod (and other objects).  
         [0047]     An alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 3  wherein a dressing such as a skirt  22  adaptive to fishing has been secured about the upper jaw  12  of the clamp  11 . The skirt  22  provides additional attractiveness for the fish and is a typical dressing used on fishing lures. Alternative dressings or attractants such as buck-tails, artificial baits, spinner assemblies, and rattles may be utilized.  
         [0048]     A second alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 4-7  wherein the upper jaw  12   a  is made of a hard, inflexible material that is shaped as a fishing spoon. The upper jaw  12   a  and lower jaw  13   a  are biased closed by a spring (not shown) at the hinge  14   a . As shown in  FIG. 5 , when the upper jaw  12   a  and lower jaw  13   a  are compressed together distally beyond the hinge  14   a , the proximal ends of the upper jaw  12   a  and lower jaw  13   a  are spread open in the shape of a mouth which allows the taper of a fishing rod (or other object) to be received between the proximal ends of the upper jaw  12   a  and lower jaw  13   a . Releasing the upper jaw  12   a  and lower jaw  13   a  will cause the fishing lure  10   a  to clamp onto the fishing pole (or other object) placed between the upper jaw  12   a  and lower jaw  13   a.    
         [0049]     A third alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 8  wherein the clamp  11   b  resembles a dog. The upper jaw  12   b  is connected with a hook  19   b  at the distal end. A lower hook  20  is connected to the lower jaw  13   b.    
         [0050]     A fourth alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 9  wherein the clamp  11   c  is shaped as a shuttle-bug. The upper jaw  12   c  and lower jaw  13   c  are connected at the hinge  14   c  to form the mouth of the shuttle-bug clamper. The clamp  11   c  is made of a substantially rigid outer shell material (such as plastic) and is decorated (with eyes and colors) as desired. A lower hook  20   c  is connected to the bottom of the lower jaw  13   c  by a hook ringlet  18 .  
         [0051]     A fifth alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 10  wherein the proximal end includes an extended diving or swimming lip  24  of the lower jaw  13   d.    
         [0052]     A sixth alternate embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 11 , depicts a clamping soft-body bait that includes the clamp  11 e encased or molded within a flexible, gel or rubber-like shell  26 . The pliable shell  26  allows for the upper jaw  12   e , lower jaw  13   e , and hinge  14   e  located therewithin to be manipulated by a user. Squeezing the upper jaw  12   e  and lower jaw  13   e  at their respective distal ends will spread apart the proximal ends of the upper jaw  12   e  and lower jaw  13   e  to resemble an open mouth of the soft-body bait.  
         [0053]     A seventh alternate embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 12 , depicts a clamping spinner bait that includes a dressing  22   f  secured to the distal end of clamp  11   f.  In addition, a leader wire  28  with a line eyelet  15   f  extends from the proximal end of the upper jaw  12   f . A spinner blade  30  which facilitates rotation is connected at a point along the leader wire  28 .  
         [0054]     An eighth alternate embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 13 , depicts a clamping jig head bait that includes a dressing  22   g  secured to the clamp  11   g . The dressing  22   g  partially hides the upper jaw  12   g  and lower jaw  13   g  as well as the hook  19   g.    
         [0055]     A ninth alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15  wherein the clamp  11   h  is shaped as a hard body guppy. The upper jaw  12   h  and lower jaw  13   h  are connected at the hinge  14   h  to form the mouth of the hard body guppy. The upper jaw  12   h  of the clamp  11   h  has an outer shell of rigid material and is decorated (with eyes and colors) as desired. The fishing line is received at the line eyelet  15   h  located at the proximal end of the clamp  11   h.    
         [0056]     A tenth alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 16  wherein the clamp  11   i  is shaped as a chubby guppy. The upper jaw  12   i  and lower jaw  13   i  are connected at the hinge  14   i  to form the mouth of the chubby guppy. The upper jaw  12   i  of the clamp  11   i  is made of a resilient material and is decorated (with eyes and colors) as desired. A lower hook  20   i  is connected to the bottom of the upper jaw  12   i , distal from the lower jaw  13   i,  by a hook ringlet  18   i.    
         [0057]     An eleventh alternate embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , depicts a clamping skirted spinner assembly  10   j  that includes a dressing  22   j  secured to the jaws of the clamp  11   j.  The dressing  22   j  partially hides the upper jaw  12   j  and lower jaw  13   j  as well as the hook  19   j.    
         [0058]     A twelfth alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 19  and  20  wherein the proximal portion of the lower jaw  13   k  is shaped as a fishing jig. In  FIG. 20 , a dressing  22   k  is secured about a portion the lower jaw  13   k . The dressing  22   k  partially hides the upper jaw  12   k , distal portion of the lower jaw  13   k , and hook  19   k.    
         [0059]     A thirteenth alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 21  wherein the clamp  111  is shaped as a diver with the extended diving lip  24   l  located at the proximal end of the upper jaw  12   l.  The clamp  11   l  is made of a rigid material and is decorated (with eyes, colors and designs) as desired.  
         [0060]     A fourteenth alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 22  wherein the clamp  11   m  is once again shaped as a diver with the extended diving lip  24   m  located at the proximal end of the upper jaw  12   m . The upper jaw  12   m  of this embodiment has a rigid outer shell material and has been designed to float.  
         [0061]     A fifteenth alternate embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 23 , depicts a floating diver lure  10   n  having an extended diving lip  24   n  extending from a proximal end of the upper jaw  12   n . The upper jaw  12   n  and lower jaw  13   n  in this embodiment open toward the hook  19   n  (i.e., open towards the distal end rather than the proximal end).  
         [0062]     A sixteenth alternate embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 24 , depicts a floating diving lure  10   o  having an extended diving lip  24   o  that additionally includes a hook  19   o  dangling from the tail  32  and a lower hook  20   o  located on its underbelly. The upper jaw  12   o  and lower jaw  13   o  open toward the hook  19   o  located on the tail  32 .  
         [0063]     A seventeenth alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 25 and 26  wherein the lure  10   p  is in the form of a weighted hook  21  formed by the upper jaw  12   p  of the clamp  11   p,  which is connected to the lower jaw  13   p  by the hinge  14   p.    
         [0064]     It is to be understood and will be apparent in practice that the possible structural embodiments of the present invention are numerous. In particular, all clamps illustrated in the descriptions are of an “alligator” clip nature but need not be in order to fall within the scope of the invention. The invention is a clip or clamp incorporated as part of a fishing lure, and it should therefore be obvious that other types of clips or clamps can be used.  
         [0065]     The several embodiments of the invention illustrated and described above are only illustrations of certain preferred, basic structural embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. While these exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the meanings of the claims unless such limitations or elements are explicitly listed in the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.