Abstract:
A treble hook protector apparatus. The apparatus is typically a single molded piece. The apparatus typically includes two outer fins or handles that are pressed together to spread apart side walls at an integral hinge to “open” the protector to insert the shaft of the hook. A central clasp opens allowing the hook to be inserted into the central channel. One of the three hooks rests inside the channel. The other two hooks rest against the outer winged walls. A bottom plate prevents the hook from falling out. The central clasp prevents the hook from pushing above the upper walls. The outer lips help prevent surfaces such as fabric from entering past the walls and onto the hooks. In addition, when the hook is removed, the fins can once again be engaged to open the device and allow the device to be clipped onto some suitable edge to temporarily store the device.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   I. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to the field of fishing and more particularly to a treble hook protector apparatus. 
   II. Description of the Related Art. 
   Fish hooks can become snagged on various surfaces including the fisher&#39;s skin. As such, fishing hook protectors are needed. In particular, treble fish hooks typically attached to lures and of all sizes have three hooks arranged in a circular arrangement that can become easily tangled. Present treble hook protectors typically include some sort of hollow interior into which the hooks are inserted. Many present fishing hook protectors require that the user grasp both the protector and the hook to attach the protector. By the user having to grasp the hook, the user is exposed to further hook entanglement. In addition, the hooks are actually difficult to insert and remove from present hook protectors. This process can be difficult and can cause injury when attaching and removing the protector. 
   SUMMARY 
   In general, the invention features a fishing hook protector apparatus, specifically for a treble hook that typically hangs from lures. The hooks can be for fresh and salt water and of many different sizes. The present invention has several advantages because it is formed of a single molded piece. In general, the apparatus includes two outer fins or handles that are pressed together to spread apart side walls at an integral hinge to “open” the protector to insert the shaft of the hook. By opening the device, a central clasp opens allowing the hook to be inserted into the central channel. When placed, one of the three hooks rests inside the channel. The other two hooks rest against the outer winged walls. A bottom plate prevents the hook from falling out from the device. The outer lips serve two purposes. First, they help prevent surfaces such as fabric from entering past the walls and onto the hooks. Second, when the hook is removed, the fins can once again be engaged to open the device and allow the device to be clipped onto some suitable edge to temporarily store the device. 
   In general, in one aspect, the invention features a hook protector apparatus, including side walls having an upper end and a lower end, arranged generally parallel, connected by an integral hinge at a first end of the side walls and arranged parallel to a central axis, fins connected adjacent the integral hinge, a winged wall connected to each of the side walls, the winged walls projecting outwards from the central axis, a bottom plate connected to the lower end of one of the side walls and generally perpendicular to the side walls and a central clasp connected to one of the side walls, adjacent the upper end and generally perpendicular to the side walls and the bottom plate. 
   In one implementation, the apparatus further includes a channel formed between the side walls. 
   In another implementation, the apparatus further includes an outer lip connected to each of the winged walls and projecting inward toward the central axis. 
   In another implementation, the upper end of the side walls, the integral hinge and the central clasp form a closed loop. 
   In another implementation, the closed loop is opened when a force is applied to the fins toward the central axis thereby pivoting the side walls about the integral hinge to a non-parallel position with respect to the central axis. 
   In another implementation, the closed loop is opened by a spaced being created adjacent the central clasp and upper end of the side wall opposed to the side wall connected to the central clasp. 
   In another aspect, the invention features a hook protector system, including a hook protector apparatus, having side walls having an upper end and a lower end, arranged generally parallel, connected by an integral hinge at a first end of the side walls and arranged parallel to a central axis, fins connected adjacent the integral hinge, a winged wall connected to each of the side walls, the winged walls projecting outwards from the central axis, a bottom plate connected to the lower end of one of the side walls and generally perpendicular to the side walls, a central clasp connected to one of the side walls, adjacent the upper end and generally perpendicular to the side walls and the bottom plate and a treble hook having a central shaft, a first, second and third hook arranged about the central shaft, wherein the central shaft is adjacent the central clasp and perpendicular to the central axis, the first hook is located between the side walls, the second hook is located adjacent one of the winged walls and the third hook is located adjacent the other of the winged walls. 
   In one implementation, the first hook is further located adjacent the bottom plate thereby preventing the treble hook from moving past the bottom plate. 
   In another implementation, the apparatus further includes an outer lip connected to each of the winged walls and projecting inward toward the central axis and enclosing the second and third hooks. 
   In another implementation, the upper end of the side walls, the integral hinge and the central clasp form a closed loop thereby preventing the shaft from moving past the central clasp. 
   In another implementation, the closed loop is opened when a force is applied to the fins toward the central axis thereby pivoting the side walls about the integral hinge to a non-parallel position with respect to the central axis. 
   In another implementation, the closed loop is opened by a spaced being created adjacent the central clasp and upper end of the side wall opposed to the side wall connected to the central clasp, thereby allowing the central shaft of the hook to pass by the central clasp. 
   In another aspect, the invention features a hook protector apparatus enclosing a treble hook having a central shaft a first hook, second hook and third hook, the apparatus including side walls arranged generally parallel to one another, connected by an integral hinge at a first end of the side walls, the side walls enclosing the first hook and the central shaft, a winged wall connected to each of the side walls, the winged walls projecting outwards from the side walls, wherein the second hook is adjacent to one of the winged walls and the third hook is adjacent the other of the winged walls, means for preventing the first hook from projecting from a lower end of the apparatus and means for preventing the second and third hooks from projecting from an upper end of the apparatus. 
   In another implementation, the means for preventing the first hook from projecting from a lower end of the apparatus is a bottom plate connected to a lower end of one of the side walls. 
   In another implementation, the means for preventing the second and third hooks from projecting from an upper end of the apparatus is a central clasp connected to an upper end of one of the side walls. 
   One advantage of the invention is that the apparatus provides thorough coverage and therefore protection of all hooks of a treble hook. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that snagging on the hook tips is prevented. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that the apparatus can be easily scaled to protect the smallest to the largest of treble hooks, including both fresh and salt water hooks. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that the user does not have to engage the hook to apply and remove the protector apparatus to the hook. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that the protector can be conveniently clasped to a stationary object or conveniently stored away when not in use. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that several protectors can be used on a lure having several treble hooks. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that lures can be stored with the protector apparatus applied to the hooks. 
   Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a top and front perspective view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector apparatus containing a treble hook; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom and rear perspective view of an embodiment of a treble hook protection apparatus; 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector apparatus in a first open position; 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector apparatus in a second closed position and connected to an edge; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector apparatus; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cutaway side view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector apparatus containing a treble hook; and 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a partial cutaway side view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector apparatus containing a treble hook attached to a fishing lure; and 
       FIG. 7  illustrates two views of an embodiment of a storage edge. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to  FIG. 1  that illustrates a top and front perspective view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector apparatus  100  containing a treble hook  200  thereby forming a treble hook protector system  300 . In general, treble hooks  200  are well known and include a central shaft  205  and three hooks  210 ,  215 ,  220  arranged about the central shaft  205 . The second hook  215  is shown and the first hook is partially shown in the figure. 
   The hook protector apparatus  100  generally includes side walls  105  having an upper end  106  and a lower end  107 . The side walls  105  are arranged generally parallel to one another and are connected by an integral hinge  110 . The integral hinge  100  is formed at a first end  108  of the side walls  105 . The side walls  105  are further arranged generally parallel to a central axis  101 . In general, the parallel arrangement of the side walls  105  with the integral hinge  110  form a channel  111  in between the side walls  105 . 
   The apparatus  100  further includes fins  115  connected adjacent the integral hinge  110 . In general, the fins  115  form handles for the apparatus  100  and are generally arranged projecting outward from the central axis  101 . The fins  115  can be a variety of heights but are typically the height H of the overall apparatus  100 . In another embodiment, the height of the fins  115  can be less than the height H of the apparatus  100 . The apparatus  100  further includes a winged wall  120  connected to each of the side walls  105 . 
   The winged walls  120  generally project outwards from the central axis  101 . The apparatus  100  further includes an outer lip  135  connected to each of the winged walls  120  and projecting inward toward the central axis  101 . The lips  135  are typically connected perpendicular to the winged walls  120  although other angular attachments are contemplated. 
   The apparatus  100  further includes a bottom plate  125  (as better viewed in the figures below) connected to the lower end  107  of one of the side walls  105  and generally perpendicular to the side walls  105 . A central clasp  130  is connected to one of the side walls  105  and is generally adjacent the upper end  106  of the side walls  105 . In addition, the central clasp  130  is generally perpendicular to the side walls  105  and the bottom plate  125  as well as the central axis  101 . The central clasp  130  is typically a rectangular shape although it is understood that other shapes are contemplated. 
   In a typical embodiment, the upper end of the side walls  106 , the integral hinge  110  and the central clasp  130  form a continuous closed loop that keeps the shaft  205  of the hook  200  contained within the channel  111 , with the shaft  205  adjacent the central clasp  130 . Although the central clasp  130  is connected to only one of the side walls  105 , the very close proximity of the central clasp  130  to the other side wall  105  effectively creates this closed loop. The central clasp  130  generally is shorter than the overall height H of the apparatus  100 . There are a variety of heights h that the central clasp  130  can have. In general, the height h of the central clasp  130  is such that when the curvature of the hooks  215 ,  220  contact the central clasp  130 , the hooks  215 ,  220  remain contained within the apparatus  100 . If the height h is too short, then the tips of the hooks  215 ,  220  can project upwards and out from the apparatus  100  and can become snagged. If the height h of the central clasp  130  is too large, then the hook  200  can not be properly inserted into the apparatus  100  because the hook  200  cannot be properly positioned with respect to the bottom plate  125  as described further below. 
   The insertion and removal of the hook  300  into and out of the apparatus  100  is discussed further below with respect to the descriptions of  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom and rear perspective view of an embodiment of a treble hook protection apparatus  100 . As described above, the hook protector apparatus  100  generally includes side walls  105  having an upper end  106  and a lower end  107  and arranged parallel to a central axis  101  forming a channel  111  therebetween. The side walls  105  are arranged generally parallel to one another and are connected by an integral hinge  110 . The integral hinge  100  is formed at a first end  108  of the side walls  105 . Fins  115  are connected adjacent the integral hinge  110  and generally projecting outward from the central axis  101 . Winged walls  120  connected to each of the side walls  105  and generally project outwards from the central axis  101 . An outer lip  135  connected to each of the winged walls  120  and projecting inward toward the central axis  101 . The figure illustrates the bottom plate  125  connected to the lower end  107  of one of the side walls  105  and generally perpendicular to the side walls  105 . Although the bottom plate  125  is connected to only one of the side walls  105 , the bottom plate  125  is in close proximity to the other side wall  105 . The bottom plate  125  is typically a rectangular shape although it is understood that other shapes are contemplated. The central clasp  130  (see  FIG. 1  above) is connected to one of the side walls  105  and is generally adjacent the upper end  106  of the side walls  105 . In addition, the central clasp  130  is generally perpendicular to the side walls  105  and the bottom plate  125  as well as the central axis  101 . It is further appreciated that the bottom plate  125  prevents the hook  210  within the channel  111  from falling from the bottom of the apparatus  100  when the hook  200  is held within the apparatus  100 . 
     FIG. 3A  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector apparatus  100  in a first open position. As described above, the hook protector apparatus  100  generally includes the side walls  105 , the integral hinge  110 , fins  115 , winged walls  120 , outer lips  135 , bottom plate  125  and central clasp  130 . The top view illustrates that a force can be applied to the fins  115  in the direction as indicated by arrows A. The force is typically applied by a user&#39;s thumb and opposing finger. The force applied in the direction A allows the apparatus  100  to “open” generally in the direction as indicated by arrow B, thereby creating a space  170  between the central clasp  130  and one of the side walls  105  as shown. The entire apparatus  100  pivots about the integral hinge  110 . The force also separates the side walls  105  from their parallel position with respect to each other and the central axis  101  to a non-parallel position with respect to the central axis  101 . The force also separates the other components from each other including the winged walls  120  and the outer lips  135 . The space  170  allows a shaft  205  of a treble hook  200  to be inserted into the channel  111 . In addition, the closed loop as described above is opened to allow the insertion of the treble hook  200 . In general, as seen further in the figures below, the user does not touch the hook  200 . Since several treble hooks hang from a typical fishing lure, the user need only to grasp the lure and let the hooks hang under the force of gravity. By grasping the apparatus by the fins  115  and applying the force as described above, the user simply positions the hook as described. When the treble hook  200  is placed as described, the user releases the force on the fins  115  and the apparatus  100  closes upon the hook  200 . In general, the closing direction is generally in the opposite direction of the arrow B. When the apparatus  100  closes, the first hook  210  positions within the channel  111 , the shaft  205  rests against the central clasp  130  and the second and third hooks  215 ,  220  are pressed by the winged walls  120  and covered by the outer lips  135 . 
   It is appreciated that the apparatus is typically manufactured using a rigid and resilient material in order to allow the apparatus  100  to be opened upon applying a force but to restore to its closed position upon removing the force. However, the material used is flexible enough so that a user does not have to apply an unreasonably large force to open the apparatus  100 . In addition, the material includes properties that prevent fatigue from occurring at fatigue points such as the integral hinge  110 . 
     FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector  100  apparatus in a second closed position and connected to an edge  400 . As described above, the hook protector apparatus  100  generally includes the side walls  105 , the integral hinge  110 , fins  115 , winged walls  120 , outer lips  135 , bottom plate  125  and central clasp  130 . The top view is shown without any force applied to the apparatus  100 . However, the apparatus  100  is shown attached to an edge  400 . This figure illustrates that the outer lips  135  can be used to attach the apparatus  100  to a suitable edge  400  when it is not being used. Typically, when the user is fishing and removed the apparatus  100  from the hook  200 , the user can apply a force to the fins  115  and put the outer lips  135  in proximity of an edge  400  and then release the force to allow the outer lips  135  to grasp the edge  400  thereby securing the apparatus  100 . Since the apparatus  100  is typically small, it is useful to attach the apparatus  100  in this manner so as not to lose the apparatus. Typically, the edge  400  can be the edge of a boat or other nearby structure. In another embodiment, an elongated holder can be included with the protector apparatus  100 . Several protector apparatuses can be latched onto the holder. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector apparatus  100 . The view illustrates the front orientation of the constituent components including the winged walls  120  and outer lips  135 , the integral hinge  110 , bottom plate  125  and central clasp  130 . 
   The above description has mentioned that the apparatus  100  can accommodate several different sizes of hooks. The following figures illustrate two different sized hooks accommodated in the same apparatus. It is understood that the apparatus  100  can be made into different sizes as needed for drastically different sized hooks. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cutaway side view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector apparatus containing a large treble hook  200  thereby forming a treble hook protector system  300 . In the figure, the first hook  210  is shown in a relatively snug orientation within the channel  111  butted against the bottom plate  125  and a portion of the integral hinge  110 . The third hook  220  is shown resting against the winged wall  120 . In general, the bottom plate  125  prevents the hook from coming out of the bottom of the apparatus  100 . In addition, the curvature of the hooks  215 ,  220  prevent the hook  200  from passing by the central clasp, thereby preventing the hook from coming out of the top of the apparatus  100 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a partial cutaway side view of an embodiment of a treble hook protector apparatus containing a treble hook  200  attached to a fishing lure  500 , thereby forming a treble hook protector system  300 . This figure illustrates a scaled down version of the hook  200 . Even with the hook being much smaller, the apparatus  100  still provides protection. The hook  210  is within the channel  111 , but is not as snug as described with respect to  FIG. 5 . The curvature of the hook  220  still is met by the central clasp  130  thereby preventing the hook  200  from coming out of the top of the apparatus  100 . The attachment of the lure  500  generally prevents the hook from coming out of the bottom of the apparatus  100 . If the lure  500  were not present, the hook would still be prevented from coming out of the bottom of the apparatus  100  because the bottom plate  125  would prevent it from coming out. 
   Several of the embodiments of the hook protector apparatuses can be packaged together as a hook protector kit. Furthermore, embodiments of the apparatuses can be included with treble hooks and lures having treble hooks as treble hook protector kits. In addition, as mentioned above, a storage edge can be included having several protector apparatuses on it. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates two views of an embodiment of a protector apparatus storage edge  600 . The edge  600  can include one or more protector apparatuses  100  on it. The edge  600  can be included as a protector apparatus system. In general, the edge  600  can be connected to any suitable surface by screws, adhesive or any other suitable connection device. The edge  600  includes angled sides  605  to receive and maintain the lips  135 . 
   The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, various modifications may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof and it is desired, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art and which are set forth in the appended claims.