Patent Publication Number: US-2021185995-A1

Title: Fishing lure storage and organization system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a fishing lure storage and organization system. More so, the present invention relates to an organization system that includes multiple cards hingedly fitted in a fishing tackle box, and defined by incrementally spaced-apart niches at their top edges configured to organizationally retain a primary hook from a spoon lure and/or a crankbait lure, and also defined by tapered card-holes disposed in a vertical arrangement; whereby the card further comprises at least one spacer extending perpendicularly from the face of the card to provide separation between multiple cards that are arranged in sequence inside the fishing tackle box, and at least one axle extending laterally, coplanar from the bottom edge of the card to enable pivotable coupling with the fishing tackle box; and further includes at least one partition configured to couple to the tapered card-holes for vertical segregation of the lures on the card. A tapered dovetail junction and a separated dovetail junction on the card slidably mate with corresponding tapered partitions to create a snug fit therebetween. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
     Typically, anglers use multiple lures of different types and need a convenient method of organizing, storing, and carrying them. Shore and small boat anglers struggle with tight space constraints and would benefit greatly from a compact and flexible storage device which allows the angler to customize his lure storage for his particular needs. Many existing lure storage devices generally are oriented towards a single type of lure (i.e. spoons and/or crankbaits), which forces the angler to use two storage devices which exacerbates his space constraints. It is also recognized that the more universal flat box storage devices are not very volume efficient and when storing multiple lures can produce significant hook tangles. 
     Other proposals have involved organizing systems for fishing tackle boxes. The problem with these organizing systems is that they do not have the ability to customize the tackle storage system according to the angler&#39;s needs and wants in a space efficient tangle free manner . . . . Even though the above cited organizing systems for fishing tackle boxes meet some of the needs of the market, a fishing lure storage and organization system that includes multiple cards hingedly fitted in a fishing tackle box, and defined by incrementally spaced-apart niches at their top edges configured to organizationally retain a primary hook from a spoon and/or a crankbait, and has the means to efficiently organize the angler&#39;s lures in a customizable tangle free configuration is a significant improvement. 
     SUMMARY 
     Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a fishing lure storage and organization system. The fishing lure storage and organization system comprises multiple cards that are hingedly fitted in a fishing tackle box to segregate at least one spoon and at least one crankbait, and especially the multiple hooks thereof. The cards are defined by multiple incrementally spaced-apart niches at the top edge. The niches are configured to organizationally retain a primary hook from a spoon and/or a crankbait. 
     The card is also defined by multiple tapered card-holes disposed in a vertical arrangement. The card further comprises at least one spacer that extends perpendicularly from the face of the card to provide separation between multiple cards arranged in card-file sequence inside the fishing tackle box. 
     The cards also comprise at least one axle that extends laterally, coplanar from the bottom edge of the card. The axle mates with holes in the side of the tackle box, which allows the card to swivel on an axis in the inner surface of the tackle box, so as to provide an angled view and an easy access of the lures, while also retaining the card in a vertical, upright position. 
     The system also includes at least one partition that detachably attaches to the tapered card-holes of the card. The partitions work to vertically segregate the lures on the card. The partition is defined by a flat surface with multiple parallel flanges extending perpendicularly from one edge. The flange couples to the tapered holes in the card. The partition can be selectively inserted or removed from the card, depending on the needs of the angler. The partitions allow the tackle box to be customized by the angler to be a spoon box, a crankbait box, or some combination of spoon/crankbait box. The upright, vertical disposition of the card having removable partitions prevent the hooks on the crankbaits from tangling. In one alternative embodiment, a tapered dovetail junction and a separated dovetail junction on the card slidably mate with corresponding tapered partitions to create a snug fit therebetween. 
     One objective of the present invention is to organize multiple spoons and crankbaits in a fishing tackle box. 
     Another objective is to store and organize lures, so as to allow the angler to store all his go-to lures and combine them according to his needs in a single convenient box. 
     An exemplary objective is to provide a card/partition concept that is scalable, space efficient, flexible, tangle-free, and highly adaptable. 
     Yet another objective is to securely hold the primary hooks of the spoon and crankbait in the niches along the top edge of the card. 
     An exemplary objective is to vertically segregate the lures with at least one partition 
     Additional objectives are to provide a card-style lure segregation system that is operational inside a fishing lure box. 
     Another objective is to attach and detach the partitions from the face of the card in a quick-snap manner. 
     Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture card of a fishing tackle box. 
     Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary fishing lure storage and organization system, showing rear face of a card, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the fishing lure storage and organization system, showing partitions coupled thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of the fishing lure storage and organization system, showing partitions coupled thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a rear view of the card, showing tapered card-holes, and a detailed view of a tapered card-hole, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a rear view of the card, showing the tapered card-holes in  FIG. 4  with a flange that forms a partition coupled thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective side view of an exemplary partition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate a partition having a tapered connector and a tapered flange, where  FIG. 7A  shows an elevated side view of the partition,  FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional, taken generally along line B-B in  FIG. 7C  of the tapered connector and flange and  FIG. 7C  shows a close-up of a side view of the tapered connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8A-8I  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a card and a tapered partition configured to join at a tapered dovetail joint that fully extends from the top edge to the bottom edge of the card for coupling to a corresponding tapered partition, whereby  FIG. 8A  shows a perspective view of the card receiving the partition,  FIG. 8B  shows an elevated side view of the partition having a wide end and a narrow end,  FIG. 8C  shows a frontal view of the tapered partition,  FIG. 8D  shows a narrow end of the tapered partition,  FIG. 8E  shows the junction between the narrow end of the tapered junction and the tapered dovetail joint,  FIG. 8F  shows a cross-sectional of tapered dovetail joint at an angle of F°, taken generally along line H-H in  FIG. 8C  of the tapered partition,  FIG. 8G  shows a front view of the card with multiple tapered dovetail joints with each dovetail joint configured in a non-parallel arrangement from narrow to wide, so as to accommodate a corresponding tapered partition,  FIG. 8H  shows a cross-sectional of the card, taken generally along line A-A in  FIG. 8G , and  FIG. 8I  shows a detailed view of the tapered dovetail joint from  FIG. 8H , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9A-9I  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a card and a tapered partition configured to join at a separated tapered dovetail joint having a wide section at the top edge of the card, and a narrow section at the bottom edge of the card for coupling to a corresponding tapered partition, whereby  FIG. 9A  shows a perspective view of the card receiving the partition,  FIG. 9B  shows a front view of the card with multiple separated tapered dovetail joints having a wide section at the top edge of the card, and a narrow section at the bottom edge of the card for coupling to a corresponding tapered partition,  FIG. 9C  shows a cross-sectional of the card, taken generally along line N-N in  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 9D  shows a detailed view of the separated tapered dovetail joint from  FIG. 9C  at an angle of C°,  FIG. 9E  shows an elevated side view of the partition having a wide end and a narrow end,  FIG. 9F  shows a frontal view of the tapered partition,  FIG. 9G  shows a narrow end of the tapered partition at an angle of P°,  FIG. 9H  shows the junction between the narrow end of the tapered junction and the separated tapered dovetail joint, and  FIG. 9I  shows a cross-sectional of separated tapered dovetail joint, taken generally along line S-S in  FIG. 9F  of the tapered partition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of an exemplary container with multiple cards operational therein, and retaining a spoon and crankbaits, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. 
     As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 2 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     A fishing lure storage and organization system  100  is referenced in  FIGS. 1-10 . Fishing lure storage and organization system  100 , hereafter “system  100 ”, is a unique organizer that is operational inside a fishing tackle box to easily separate, view, and access lures. In one example, multiple cards  102   a - n  serve organization/segregation means, inside a fishing tackle box, to help prevent lure hooks and other potentially tangling components inside the fishing tackle box from tangling, or getting lost. Cards  102   a - n  are especially effective for segregating a spoon  1012  having a primary hook  1016   a  and a crankbait  1014  having primary hook  1016   b  and at least one secondary hook  1016   c - d.    
     As referenced in  FIG. 1 , system  100  utilizes multiple cards  102   a - n  that work in an adjacent, parallel, card-organizer configuration to segregate the various types of lures, including the spoon  1012  having a primary hook  1016   a ; and the crankbait  1014  having both primary  1016   b  and secondary hooks  11016   c ,  1016   d . Cards  102   a - n  are defined by a front face  106  and an opposing rear face  304 . Front face  106  is oriented towards a front side of a container  1000 , such as a fishing tackle box when lures are contained therein. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 2 , cards  102   a - n  are also defined by a pair of side edges  108   a ,  108   b , a top edge  112 , and an opposing bottom edge  110 . Top edge  112  is oriented upwardly, visible and proximal to the user of the system  100 . When contained in container  1000 , discussed below, bottom edge  110  rests on floor of container  1000 , while side edges  108   a ,  108   b  orient towards the sidewalls  1002   a - b  of container  1000 . In one non-limiting embodiment, cards  102   a - n  are defined by a flat, rectangular shape. Though in other embodiments, different shapes and dimensions may also be used for cards  102   a - n , as long as the dimensions enable segregation and retention of fishing lures. In other embodiments, cards are transparent. 
     In some embodiments, system  100  provides at least one axle  122   a ,  122   b  that extends laterally, and coplanar from the side edges  108   a ,  108   b  of card. Axle  122   a ,  122   b  is proximal to the bottom edge  110  of the sidewalls  108   a - b  (See  FIG. 1 ). Axle  122   a ,  122   b  allows cards  102   a - n  to pivotally couple to apertures  1010   a ,  1010   b  forming in sidewalls  1002   a - b  of container  1000 , so that cards  102   a - n  can be pivoted to view contents of lures in container  1000 . In one non-limiting embodiment, the at least one axle  122   a ,  122   b  comprises a pair of opposing, elongated cylinders. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , top edge  112  of cards  102   a - n  forms multiple, spaced apart niches  104   a - n . Niches  104   a - n  may run completely across top edge  112 , creating a space of 1-5 mm between each niche. However, since system  100  is scalable other dimensions may also be used. Niches  104   a - n  are sized and dimensioned to retain a primary hooks  1016   a  and  1016   b  from a spoon  1012 , or a crankbait  1014 , or both. The recessed configuration of the niche provides a natural position for a hook from the lures  1012 ,  1014 . 
     Looking now at  FIG. 4 , faces  106 ,  304  of cards  102   a - n  are defined by multiple tapered card-holes  114   a - n . Card-holes  114   a - n  are utilized for securing at least one partition  200   a - n , discussed below. Tapered card-holes  114   a - n  are disposed in an aligned, vertical arrangement from the top edge  112  to the bottom edge  110 . The tapered card-holes  114   a - n  are defined by a wide end  116  and an opposing narrow end  118 . The wide end  116  is oriented towards the top edge  112  of the cards  102   a - n . Opposing narrow end  118  of tapered card holes  114   a - n  have an acute angle A° that is designed to create a friction-fit coupling effect between tapered connector  700  as shown in  FIGS. 7A-C . 
       FIG. 5  further illustrates a rear view of the card, showing the tapered card-holes in  FIG. 4  with a flange that forms a partition coupled thereto.  FIG. 5 , illustrates a system  100  that provides at least one spacer  120   a ,  120   b  that extends perpendicularly from the front face  106  of the card. Spacer  120   a ,  120   b  is configured to extend from front face  106  of card  102   a , and engage an adjacent rear face  304  of an adjacent, more forward-positioned card  102   n . In this manner, spacer  120   a ,  120   b  creates space between cards  102   a - n . This spacing capacity allows for facilitated viewing, and easier access to lures  1012 ,  1014  contained in container  1000 . In one non-limiting embodiment, the at least one spacer  120   a ,  120   b  comprises two elongated, cylindrical-shaped tabs. However, in other embodiments, differently shaped spacers, and different numbers of spacers may also be used.  FIG. 5  further shows how flange  302  engages the tapered card-holes  114   a - n  in a snug, slidable relationship. 
     Looking now at  FIG. 6 , system  100  comprises at least one partition  200   a - n  for segregating lures  1012 ,  1014  on the cards  102   a - n ,  FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a card  102   a , showing multiple partitions  200   a - n , coupled thereto. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the gripping/tangling potential of fishing hooks may cause adjacent lures to tangle. Thus, partition  200   a - n  serves as a segregation means to maintain each lure in an individual vertical channel while being retained on the cards  102   a - n . In one embodiment, partition is defined by a front side  202 , comprising an elongated panel  204 . The elongated configuration of panel  204  allows for substantially all of card  102   a  to be segregated from the top edge  112  to the bottom edge  110 . 
     Partition  200   a - n  also has an opposing rear side  300 . As  FIG. 7A  illustrates, rear side  300  of partitions  200   a - n  comprises a tapered connector  700  and a flange  302 . In some embodiments, flange  302  may be tapered, as shown in  FIG. 7C . Tapering of flange  302  may be at angle B°, where angle B is an acute angle. The terminus of flange may also be rounded at radian C to facilitate slidable coupling into tapered card-holes  114   a - n  (See  FIG. 7C ). 
       FIG. 7B  is a close-up of a frontal cross-sectional of the tapered connector and flange, taken generally along line B-B in  FIG. 7C . Tapered connecter  700  serves as a  nexus  between card front face  106  and flange  302 . The tapered or narrowing shape of tapered connector  700  allows for a snug fit with tapered card-holes  114   a - n  in cards  102   a - n  (See  FIG. 5 ). In one non-limiting embodiment shown in  FIG. 7B , tapered connector  700  may be at angle A°. 
     Also, flange  302  is sized and dimensioned to mate with tapered card-holes  114   a - n  and tapered connector  700  is tapered at an angle A°, where angle A is an acute angle. Rear side  300  of partition  200   a  is detachably attachable to the card in a perpendicular relationship.  FIG. 7C  shows a close-up of a side view of the tapered connector  700  and flange  302 .  FIG. 7C  shows tapering of flange  302  at angle B°, where angle B° is an acute angle. In summary, acute angle A° is designed to create a friction-fit coupling effect between tapered connector  700  and corresponding tapered card holes  114   a - n  and acute angle B° is designed to create a friction-fit coupling effect between flange  302  and the rear side  300  of the card. 
     In one exemplary coupling effect, flange  302  engages the tapered card-holes  114   a - n  in a snug, slidable relationship. For example, flange passes through tapered card-hole, and then slides into narrowing shape thereof, matching tapered shape of flange to form a snug fit there between. In this manner, the at least one partition  200   a - n  segregates the card into multiple vertical channels. 
     However, in alternative embodiments, partition does not utilize a flange and tapered connector to couple with cards. Rather, the rear side  300  of partition  200   a  comprises a tapered base  800 ,  900  for coupling to a dovetail that positions across the cards. The use of such a tapered base is ideal when the dovetail design is used with card  102   a  having tapered card-holes  114   a - n . This is because the shapes are similar, and create a friction-fit, slidable coupling effect. 
       FIGS. 8A-8I  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a card  800  and a corresponding tapered partition  804  configured to join together through a single, elongated tapered dovetail joint  802 . Tapered dovetail joint  802  extends fully, and in a non-parallel configuration, from the top edge  112  to the bottom edge  110  of card  800 , so as to enable slidable mating with corresponding tapered partition  804 . The divergence of tapered dovetail joint  802  allows partition to easily enter wide end, and compress into narrow end, so as to create the snug fit between partition and dovetail joint  802 . 
     As illustrated, front face of card  800  carries tapered dovetail joint  802  in a non-parallel configuration extending across the front face  106  of card  800 , running from a wide angle to a narrow angle. In some embodiments, the variance between opposing edges of dovetail joint  802  may be less than 3°. In one non-limiting embodiment, the tapered partition is defined by a wide end  806   a  mating with a wide section of the top edge  112 ; and a narrow end  806   b  mating with a narrow section of the bottom edge  110  of the card  800 . 
       FIG. 8B  shows an elevated side view of the partition having a wide end and a narrow end corresponding to the wide and narrow angles of the tapered dovetail joint  802 . This tapered arrangement creates a snug relationship that holds the tapered partition in the perpendicular placement on the card  800 . Continuing with the alternative embodiment,  FIG. 8C  shows a frontal view of the tapered partition  804  having a wide end  806   a  and a narrow end  806   b , where  FIG. 8D  shows the narrow end of the tapered partition  804 . 
     The junction between the narrow end of the tapered junction and the tapered dovetail joint is illustrated in  FIG. 8E . In yet another illustration,  FIG. 8F  shows a cross-sectional of tapered dovetail joint  802  at an angle of F°, taken generally along line H-H in  FIG. 8C  of the tapered partition. Angle F° is defined as an acute angle that is sloped, such that the tapered dovetail joint snugly receives the tapered partition—60° for example. 
     Continuing with the alternative card  800 ,  FIG. 8G  shows a front view of card  800  with multiple tapered dovetail joints extending across the front face. Each tapered dovetail joint is configured in a non-parallel arrangement from narrow to wide sections, so as to accommodate a corresponding tapered partition. Thus, the tapered dovetail joint  802  can be wider at the top edge of the card, and narrower in relation, at the bottom edge of card  800 . In another view,  FIG. 8H  shows a cross-sectional of the card, taken generally along line A-A in  FIG. 8G . This illustrates the slope of the angles, which creates a snug fit with tapered partition, as shown in  FIG. 8I . 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, a card  900  may have substantially the same structure as card  800 , but with separated tapered dovetails  902   a ,  902   b  at opposing edges  112 ,  110  of card  900 . As  FIG. 9A  shows, separated tapered dovetails  902   a - b  are separated into a wide tapered dovetail  902   a  at the top edge  112  of card  900 , and a narrow-tapered dovetail  902   b  at the bottom edge  110  of card  900 . In this alternative configuration, a tapered partition  200   a  having a wide section  904   a  that slidably mates with wide tapered dovetail  902   a  and a narrow section  904   b  that slidably mates with narrow tapered dovetail  902   b  for coupling thereto. The difference in angles, from a wide end to a narrow end, creates a snug fit for more stable fastening of tapered partition  200   a  to card  900 . 
     A top view of card  900  in  FIG. 9B  shows card  900  having wide tapered dovetail  902   a  oriented at top edge  112 , and narrow-tapered dovetail  902   b  at opposing bottom edge  110 . This variance in angles enables secure coupling to a corresponding tapered partition. Further illustrations at  FIG. 9C  show a cross-sectional of card  900 , taken generally along line N-N in  FIG. 9B . The angle of tapered dovetails is clearly shown. In a more detailed view,  FIG. 9D  shows separated tapered dovetail joint  902   a  from  FIG. 9C  at an angle of C°. In one non-limiting embodiment, angle C° is defined as an acute angle that is sloped, such that wither wide or narrow separated tapered dovetail  902   a - b  snugly receives the tapered partition—60° for example. 
     Continuing with card  900 ,  FIG. 9E  shows an elevated side view of the partition having a wide end and a narrow end,  FIG. 9F  shows a frontal view of the tapered partition. Further,  FIG. 9G  shows a narrow end of the tapered partition at an angle of P°. In one non-limiting embodiment, angle P° is defined as an acute angle that is sloped, such that both separated tapered dovetails snugly receive tapered partition. Angle P° may be sloped at various angles operable to create a snug fit therebetween. 
     For example,  FIG. 9H  shows the junction between narrow end of the tapered junction and the separated tapered dovetail joint, and  FIG. 9I  shows a cross-sectional of separated narrow-tapered dovetail  902   b , taken generally along line S-S in  FIG. 9F  of separated tapered partition  200   a . In either dovetail junction configuration on cards  800 ,  900 , the quick detachable attachment with corresponding partitions is possible—similar to the aforementioned tapered card-holes  114   a - n  in  FIG. 5 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , cards  102   a - n  are pivotably operable in the cavity of a container  1000 , whereby the cards operate like individual cards in a card-file organizer. In some embodiments, container  1000  may include, without limitation, a fishing tackle box, terminal tackle kit, a hook kit, a tool box, and any container used to retain items that have hooks, or other components with a tendency to tangle. The use of the cards  102   a - n  as organization/segregation means, inside a fishing tackle box is a useful concept, since hooks, lines, and other potentially tangling components are located inside a fishing tackle box. 
     In one possible embodiment, container  1000  is rectangular-shaped, and defined by sidewalls  1002   a - b , a floor wall  1004 , an opening  1018 , and a lid  1008  that regulates access to the opening, the sidewalls  1002   a - b  and the floor wall  1004  forming a cavity  1006 . Cards  102   a - n  are operable in the cavity  1006  of the container  1000  to swivel in two directions while pivotably coupled to the apertures  1010   a ,  1010   b  in the sidewalls  1002   a - b  of the container  1000 . 
     Looking back at the cards  102   a - n , the at least one axle  122   a ,  122   b  that extends laterally, and coplanar from the side edges  108   a ,  108   b  of the card pivotally couples with the container  1000  to enable the pivoting therebetween. This is because the sidewalls  1002   a - b  of the container  1000  are defined by multiple apertures  1010   a ,  1010   b  sized and dimensioned to receive the at least one axle  122   a ,  122   b  in a pivoting relationship. Thus, axle  122   a ,  122   b  mates with holes in the side of the tackle box, which allows the card to swivel on an axis in the inner surface of the tackle box, so as to provide an angled view and an easy access of the lure, while also retaining the card in a vertical, upright position. 
     These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. 
     Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.