Patent Publication Number: US-7581347-B2

Title: Fishing jigs and lures and manufacturing methods

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to fishing jigs and lures and in particular to jigs or hooks for mounting bait. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Various fishing bait devices are available within the fishing industry to attract fish and allow the reuse of the bait. The devices which are used include fishhooks with barbs or burrs that flare from the shank of the hook. These barbs are formed by peeling or shaving a portion of the shank to extend at a preferred angle. The barbs are formed to resist withdrawal of the lure or live bait that is mounted around the barbs. However, the barbs do not prevent the withdrawal of the lure or live bait. Often a fish will open its mouth and shake its head back and forth upon striking the barbed hook causing the fishhook to be withdrawn. Also, the barbs do not prevent the bait from sliding down the fishhook and obstructing the pointed end of the fishhook. It would be beneficial to have a lure or bait device that prevents the hook from being withdrawn or “spit out” by the fish and prevents the bait from sliding down the hook. In addition to spitting out the hook, fish can sometimes remove the bait from the hook without being captured. 
   Realistic lures and live bait are often utilized to attract fish onto a hook. Because of the realistic nature of many of these lures or live bait systems, fish can often remove the lure or bait from the line without being hooked. Some systems attempt to prevent the removal of the bait by utilizing an external locking member that has to be added to and fixedly secured to jigs and lures. These external locking members can detract from the realistic nature of the bait. In addition, barbs, the pointed-end of the fishhook or external locking members can become entangled in the weeds or embedded in the rocky ground. Some attempts to address this problem include incorporating a weedguard into the head of the locking members can become entangled in the weeds or embedded in the rocky ground. Some attempts to address this problem include incorporating a weedguard into the head of the jig. However, the addition of the weedguard created additional problems, including interfering with the fishhook or causing the jig to rotate horizontally allowing the fishhook to be removed from a fish&#39;s mouth. Other attempts to solve this problem included utilizing a “Texas rig” configuration, which uses jig configured with a fishhook point embedded in the body of the bait. However, these Texas rigs as well as conventional jigs allow the bait to slide down the hookshank and obstruct the hookpoint. It would be an advantage to use an internal reinforcing mechanism for bait systems which prevented removal of the bait, snagging of the jig or unwanted obstruction of the fishhook point. 
   Another problem with current bait systems is that it can be difficult and time consuming to change the attracting element. In some conditions, one type of bait can be more effective for attracting fish than another type of bait. This can be based on the type of fish, the environmental conditions and the underwater conditions. The fisher who begins the day under certain conditions may find that they change throughout the day and the lure or live bait system they began the day with is no longer effective. In this situation, the fisher may want to change the lure or bait being used. However, the time needed to change the bait system consumes valuable fishing time at a time when the fish may be striking. It would be advantageous to have an internally reinforced bait system which is easily changeable, producing the effectiveness of the jig at catching fish with the features of a weedguard system while preventing unwanted movement of the bait. 
   Prior art attempts to address these problems include the device shown in Huppert U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,477, which discloses a barbed stem which can be used to support live bait or artificial dressing. Peddycoart U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,920 discloses a locking mechanism for quick interchange. However, heretofore there has not been available a jig and bait system with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In the practice of the present invention, a jig and bait system is provided that satisfies the needs of providing an internally reinforced jig and bait system which is easily changeable with the effectiveness of the jig at catching fish and the features of a weedless system, which prevents the unwanted removal or movement of the bait. The jig and bait system includes a body connected to a bait keeper and a neck. The body and neck could be comprised of various types of materials such as lead, bismuth, plastic or other material types. The neck extends outwardly for securing a skirt and a fishhook. The skirt at least partially covers the fishhook. Optionally, the jig and bait system may include a latch for retaining a fish and a reinforcing filament. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a side elevation of a jig and bait system embodying the present invention. 
       FIG. 1   a  shows a top plan of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 2  shows a side elevation of an alternative elliptical body embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 2   a  shows a top plan of the elliptical body embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 3  shows a side elevation of an alternative elongated body embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 4  shows a side elevation of an alternative spinner blade embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 5  shows a side elevation of an alternative elongated body embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 6  shows a side elevation of an alternative offset spinner blade embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 7  shows a side elevation of an alternative inline spinner blade embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 8  shows a side elevation of an alternative spiral bait keeper embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 9  shows a side elevation of an alternative spear-barbed bait keeper embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 10  shows a side elevation of an alternative double-hanger bait keeper embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 11  shows a side elevation of an alternative hook embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 12  shows a side elevation of an alternative latch embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 13  shows a side elevation of the alternative latch embodiment in the open position of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 14  shows a section of the alternative latch embodiment of the jig and bait system taken generally along line  14  in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a top plan of an alternative multiple-hook embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 16  shows a side elevation of the alternative multiple-hooked embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 17  shows a top plan of an alternative multiple-hooked embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 17A  shows a side elevation of an alternative multiple-hooked embodiment of the jib and bait system. 
       FIG. 18  shows a top plan of a reinforced artificial bait embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 19  shows a side elevation of a reinforced artificial bait embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 20  shows a side elevation of an alternative reinforced artificial bait embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 21  shows another side elevation of the alternative reinforced artificial bait embodiment of the jig and bait system. 
       FIG. 22  shows multiple forms for use in a manufacturing method embodying an aspect of the present invention. 
       FIG. 23  shows reinforcing yarn placed on one of the forms. 
       FIG. 23A  shows one of the forms being dipped into liquid plastic material. 
       FIG. 24  shows a plastic body formed over the reinforcing yarn. 
       FIG. 24A  shows one of the forms being extracted from a plastic body. 
       FIG. 25  shows a lure with appendages and receiving reinforcing yarn. 
       FIG. 26  shows a lure body with reinforcing strands embodying another aspect of the present invention. 
       FIG. 27  shows a lure body with a length of reinforcing yarn in a helical configuration embodying another aspect of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   I. Introduction and Environment 
   As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
   Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as oriented in the view being referred to. The words “outwardly” and “externally” refer to directions out and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being described and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
   II. Jig and Bait System  2   
   Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral  2  generally designates a jig and bait system for attracting and capturing fish with bait  4  including a regular shaped body  10 , a bait keeper  20 , a neck  30 , a fishhook  50  and a line connector  70 . The present invention can be configured using various types of materials for lures and jigs including; jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, Texas rigs, inline spinners and other bait system configurations.  FIG. 1  depicts the system  2  with: a round body  10  having an exterior surface  12 , a top  14  and a bottom  16 ; a bait keeper  20  with a keeper proximate end  22  and a keeper distal end  24 ; a neck  30  with an annular collar  32 , a neck proximate end  34  and a neck distal end  36 ; a fishhook  50  with a fishhook extension section  54 , a fishhook curved return section  56  and a fishhook pointed distal end  58 ; and a line connector  70 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the bait  4  is attached at the bait keeper  20  in addition to being secured on the fishhook  50 . The bait keeper  20 , which can be imbedded into the body  10  or molded integrally with the body, secures and aligns the bait  4  with the fishhook  50  and allows the bait  4  to be changed rapidly while maintaining the same jig and bait system. To change the bait  4  the user simply unhooks the bait from the fishhook  50  and removes the bait from the bait keeper  20 . In this manner the user of such a system can quickly and easily switch the bait  4  when desired while the system  2 , during use, prevents unwanted removal of the bait  4  by joining it to the bait keeper  20  and securing it with a fishhook  50 . The bait keeper  20  in one embodiment also enables the fishhook pointed distal end  58  to become imbedded in the bait  4  and protects the fishhook pointed distal end  58  from underwater obstructions. 
   In one embodiment, the system  2  also includes a skirt  80 . The skirt  80 , extending from the neck distal end  36  and partially covering the fishhook extension section  54 , is comprised of flexible strands  82  which are secured to the system  2  by a skirt retainer  84  and the annular collar  32  on the neck  30 . The flexible strands  82  of the skirt  80 , in one embodiment, provide flexibility to the skirt  80  while maintaining a realistic appearance in the water. In addition, although the skirt retainer is depicted as a filament such as a thread or wire it could include other fastening mechanisms including flexible tubing. The skirt  80  is capable of being secured to the neck  30  in the various embodiments illustrated in the following figures and is depicted in outline shape to allow for better visibility of the unique features shown in the illustrated embodiments. 
     FIG. 1A  shows one embodiment where the neck extends out of the body  10  and the fishhook  50  extends out of the neck distal end  36 . In  FIG. 1A  the line connector  70  can also be seen outwardly extending from the exterior surface  12  of the body  10 . The line connector  70  is located towards the top  14  of the system  2  allowing the system to be properly orientated while connected on a fishing line  74 . 
   As seen in  FIG. 1A  the bait keeper  20  is connected to the exterior surface  12  of the body  10  above the neck  30  and generally behind the line connector  70 . In addition, the annular collar  32  can be seen positioned between the neck proximate end  34  and the neck distal end  36 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fishhook extension section  54  is received by the neck  30  extending from the neck distal end  36 . However the system  2  is not limited to such configurations and may in fact alternate the locations of the bait keeper  20 , the neck  30  and the fishhook  50  depending on the anticipated fishing conditions and the desired features to address those conditions. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the body  110  is elliptically shaped.  FIG. 2  also illustrates an alternative embodiment of the neck  130  in which the neck distal end is flared outward enabling the neck to support and secure bait  104 . The remaining aspects of the system are similar to  FIG. 1  including the skirt  180  outlined in  FIG. 2  for clarity purposes.  FIG. 2A  depicts the system without the annular skirt retainer  184  or skirt  180  even though the system is adapted for encircling the skirt by the annular skirt retainer  184  where the annular skirt retainer  184  is secured on the neck  130  by the annular collar  132 . 
     FIGS. 3 through 7  illustrate the adaptability of the body which is utilized in the current system. The body  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610  and  710  ( FIGS. 3-7  respectively) can be formed in a variety of fish attracting shapes, including but not limited to fish, insects, jigheads, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, inline spinners, swimbait heads, crankbait heads, horsehead jigs or other fanciful shapes. In  FIG. 3  the fishhook  250  is shown using an alternative shape, illustrating the diversity of fishhook shapes that can be utilized in the present invention. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates the jig and bait system  302  optionally utilizing a spinner blade  390  attached to a horsehead jig body  310  to assist in attracting fish. As the system  302  moves in the water, the spinner blade  390  rotates a reflective surface  392  for attracting fish. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the jig and bait system  502  with an stand-up head body  510 , a line connector  570 , a bait keeper  520  and a neck  530 .  FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative wire-frame buzzbait/spinner bait embodiment jig and bait system  602  with a jig  610  and a line connector  670  rotatably mounting a spinner blade  690 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates an alternative inline spinner/buzzer configuration  702  in which a spinner blade  790  is attached to a line connector  770 , which is also attached to the body  710 . In this alternative embodiment, as the system  702  moves in the water the spinner  790  rotates the reflective surface  792  to assist in attracting fish. 
     FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative spiral-shape screw bait embodiment system  802  in which a bait keeper  820  has different characteristics for use with different types of bait. The bait keeper  820  extends outwardly from a body  810  to secure the bait. The keeper  820  has a spiral shape to provide different mounting characteristics to secure bait thereon. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates another alternative bait keeper  920  configuration in which the keeper  920  is configured in a lance shape to provide different mounting characteristics to secure the bait on the bait keeper  920  and to assist in penetrating the bait. 
     FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment in which a bait keeper  1020  utilizes a double-hanger configuration to secure the bait.  FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative embodiment with a secondary fishhook  1160  secured to a body  1110  using a fishhook connector  1162 . Although the fishhook connection  1162  is depicted on the bottom  1116  of the body  1110 , the fishhook connection  1162  is not limited to a bottom orientation. 
     FIG. 12  depicts an alternative latching embodiment in which the system  1202  provides a latch  1272  with a latch extension section  1278  extending from a latch proximate end  1274  and terminating at a latch distal end  1276  to capture a fish on the fishhook  1250 . The latch can be used in conjunction with a bait keeper or as a substitute for a bait keeper. In addition, the latch  1272  can serve as a weedguard, protecting the fishhook  1250  from underwater obstacles. In one embodiment, the bait  1204  can be threaded onto the latch  1272  with the bait  1204  at least partially covering the latch  1272 . Alternatively, the bait be configured with a slot in which the latch  1272  is inserted with the fishhook pointed distal end  1258  received by the latch proximate end  1274  while both are received inside a slotted portion  1206  of the bait  1204 . As contact is initiated by a fish when the fish exerts sufficient pressure, such as upon hookset, the latch mechanism exposes the fishhook pointed distal end  1258  to allow capture of the fish. The alternative bait configuration is also adapted to receive the bait keeper  1220  in a solid section  1208  of the bait which is arranged adjacent to the slotted section  1206  of the bait  1204 . 
   In addition, the latch  1272  can protect the fishhook from underwater obstacles and the latch  1272  provides tension on the bait  1204  preventing false or early removal of the bait  1204  and creating a barrier to prevent captured fish from spitting out the fishhook  1250  or allowing the fish to throw the fishhook  1250 . The tension is created by using a latch  1272  comprised of a high-strength, high-memory characteristic material. The high-strength characteristic prevents the fish from getting free and the high-memory characteristic creates a closing bias in the latch  1272 . The latch  1272  swings from a closed position to an open position upon contact with the fish and returns towards its closed position after the fishhook captures the fish, such as when the fishhook pointed distal end  1258  pierces the mouth of the fish. The fish is prevented from moving off the fishhook pointed distal end  1258  even when the fishhook pointed distal end  1258  does not pierce the mouth of the fish by causing pressure against the fish, preventing the fish from removing the fishhook pointed distal end  1258 . To prevent a false opening of the latch mechanism  1272 , such as when the fishhook  1250  comes into contact with tree branches or rocks, and to provide sufficient strength to securing the fish, the latch is constructed of a high strength material. The latch  1272  can be comprised of a metallic, semi-metallic or non-metallic material. Preferably, the latch  1272  is comprised of a non-oxidizing metallic material such as titanium or stainless-steel. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates the closed position of the latch  1272 . In the closed position, the fishhook distal end  1258  will be received by the latch distal end  1276 . When contact with a fish occurs, the latch extension section  1278  pivots in a clock-wise motion allowing the fishhook pointed distal end  1258  to capture the fish. After capture of the fish, the latch extension section  1278  is urged back towards the closed position. 
     FIG. 13  illustrates the latch  1272  in an open position with the extension section  1278  be deformed downward with the latch distal end  1276  being separated from the fishhook pointed distal end  1258 . In one embodiment the latch  1272  is received by a slotted section  1206  which is adjacent to a solid section  1208  of the bait  1204 .  FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-section of the latch distal end  1276  taken along line  14  in  FIG. 12 . The V-shape of the latch distal end  1276  is adapted to receive the fishhook pointed distal end  1258  by the latch distal end  1276 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the latch  1272  tends to retain the bait  1204  in place on the hook  1250 . 
     FIGS. 15 and 16  show an alternative embodiment double-hooked fishhook  1350  in which a first angled fishhook extension section  1352  and a complementary secondary angled fishhook extension section  1362  are angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the system. Both the first and second fishhook angled extension sections  1352 ,  1362  are connected to and extend from the neck distal end  1336  and the secondary fishhook extension section  1364  is connected to the secondary angled fishhook extension  1362  and to the secondary curved return section  1366  which terminates at the secondary fishhook pointed distal end  1368 . Although  FIG. 16  shows a double-fishhook  1350 , there are various alternative configurations including multiple hooks and alternative fishhook alignments. For example, in  FIG. 17 , fishhooks  1450  with different configurations  1450  are shown without the fishhook angle extension sections. As illustrated in  FIG. 17A  taken along line  17 A in  FIG. 17 , the fishhooks are rotated relative to one another between 0 and 180 degrees with the bait keeper  1420  oriented towards the top. 
     FIG. 18  illustrates an embodiment of the bait  1504  which is artificial. Alternatively, the bait could be live. As illustrated, the artificial bait  1504  is internally reinforced with a filament  1596  which is embedded into the flexible bait material  1598 . The flexible bait material  1598  could be formed using various material types to provide different fishing characteristics including plastisol. The use of the bait keeper  1520  provides for rapid removal and changing of the bait  1504  while preventing movement of the bait during use. 
     FIG. 18  illustrates the bait keeper  1520  inserted into and securing the bait  1504  by positioning the bait keeper  1520  inside the flexible bait material  1598  such that the filament  1596  enables the bait keeper  1520  to secure the bait  1504 . When the system  1502  is in use, the bait  1504  may experience a dragging force from a fish or the water causing the bait to move in direction opposite to the movement of the system  1502 . By internally reinforcing the bait  1504  with the filament  1596  and securing the bait with the bait keeper  1520 , the filament  1596  and the bait keeper  1520  join to secure the bait. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the bait  1504  is secured using the fishhook  1550 . Although the reinforcing filament  1596  can include a number of different fibers and materials, preferably the filament  1596  is a braided acrylic yarn which is frictionally secured by the flexible bait material  1598 . In  FIGS. 18 and 19  the line connector  1570  is external to the bait. Alternatively,  FIG. 20  illustrates the line connector  1670  being positioned internally with respect to the bait  1604  which has an internal filament  1696 .  FIG. 21  shows another alternative embodiment in which the internally reinforcing filament  1796  threaded bait  1704  is baited onto a fishhook  1750  with a latch mechanism  1772  attached to the keeper  1720 , the keeper  1720  connecting the fishhook  1750  to the line connector  1770 . 
     FIG. 22  shows a tool  1802  with multiple forming rods  1804  for forming bait according to a manufacturing method embodying an aspect of the invention. A base  1806  mounts the rods  1804 , each of which terminates at a rounded, distal end  1808  with a notch  1810 . An annular band  1812  is placed around each rod  1804  slightly below its distal end  1808  and is adapted for retaining a section of reinforcing yarn  1814  (e.g. acrylic or some other suitable material, without limitation) in cooperation with the notch  1810  ( FIG. 23 ).  FIG. 23A  shows a rod  1804  being dipped into liquid plastic material coating a rod  1804 , band  1812 , and reinforcing yarn section  1814 .  FIG. 24  shows a bait body  1816  formed over a rod  1804  and curing whereby the section of reinforcing yarn  1814  is embedded within the bait body  1816 . Preferably the band  1812  comprises the same or a similar material to the bait body  1816  (e.g., without limitation, Plastisol material).  FIG. 24A  shows the forming rod  1804  being extracted from the bait body  1816 . It will be appreciated that the tool  1802  facilitates producing multiple reinforced bait bodies  1816  simultaneously. For example, with the band&#39;s  1812  and the reinforcing yarn sections  1814  in place, the rods  1804  can be dipped into liquid material for coating the rods  1804 , the bands  1812  and the reinforcing yarn sections  1814 . Multiple, successive dipping operations can be utilized for “building up” the bait body  1816 . By heating the material, the band  1812  can effectively be melted into the bait body  1816 . 
     FIG. 25  shows a bait  1822  comprising another aspect of the present invention. The bait  1822  includes a main body  1824 , in which a section of reinforcing yarn  1825  with a U-shaped configuration is embedded. The bait  1822  also includes appendages  1826 , in which an arcuate-shaped section of reinforcing yarn  1828  is provided. The bait  1822  can be formed with a suitable mold, in which the reinforcing yarn sections  1825  and  1828  can be placed prior to pouring the body material. The appendage reinforcing yarn section  1828  is effective for preventing fish from biting off the appendages. 
     FIG. 26  shows a section of a bait body  1832  with multiple, individual strands  1834  of a suitable reinforcing material, such as polyester, which can be mixed with a suitable plastic prior to injecting or pouring the body material. 
     FIG. 27  shows a section of a bait body  1842  with a section of reinforcing yarn  1844 , which can be formed may helical pattern. With such a helical pattern as shown, the bait body  1842  is adapted for stretching (depending upon the elasticity of the material) and retracting back to its original configuration. In this way a fish biting the bait body  1842  will typically stretch it a certain amount, whereafter the bait body  1842  can snap back or retract to a retracted position further up on the hook out of the way of the hook end. Otherwise, without the cooperation of such a bait body and reinforcing yarn, the bait body could become bunched up around the hook end and potentially interfere with hooking fish on same. In addition to the helical yarn configuration shown, the yarn can have various configurations, which can accommodate various amounts of stretching and retraction. 
   It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above. Other components and configurations can be utilized in the practice of the present invention. For example, various other suitable materials, manufacturing procedures and tooling can be substituted for those described above.