Patent Description:
Fishing has become more sophisticated over the years, as anglers have developed their tactics and skills. Fishing lures are made out of a vast range of different materials and substances, and are generally designed with the aim of assisting the angler in catching more fish.

<CIT> discloses a fishing method and apparatus which forms a float with a soft material having a hole through one side thereof and an awl hollow in the top of the other side. Inside the hole of the float is fixed an eatable capsule in which solid lure mixed by powdery tartaric acid, bubble booster and delicious bait is filled. The solid lure wrapped by upper and lower sleeve of eatable capsule. When the solid lure on the float is thrown into a fishpond, it is intended that the tartaric acid and bubble booster get contact with the water coming in through the hole in the top of the lower sleeve, inducing bubbles escaping out of the hole and spread them to a distant place as well as bring out the smell to attract fish. The lure is intended to become wrinkled after long-time soaking, looking just like living worms, fish will eat it up fast. This is intended to achieve fast fishing.

<CIT> discloses a disposable, buoyant, scented fishing lure that is formed of a soft, resilient, economically disposable plastic material, with a hollow chamber formed within the lure body. A fish attractant scent material and flotation element are placed within the lure body chamber. The float may be coated or otherwise treated with the scent material prior to installation within the lure, to install the scent material therein. The chamber, with the scent material and float installed therein, is then hermetically sealed to prevent escape of the scent therefrom. When the lure is to be used, the angler installs a fish hook therein and penetrates the scent and float chamber with the hook. This is intended to allow the scent material to be released gradually from the lure through the passages formed by the hook insertion in the lure. Once the scent material has substantially dissipated, the angler may discard the used lure for a fresh one.

<CIT> discloses a floating fishing lure that is intended to have the capability to adjust the buoyancy of the fish lure with a high degree of precision, such that the fish lure has fore and aft chamber sections connected and held together by an attaching means. Disposed on each fore and aft chamber sections are a plurality of buoyancy windows, one set of which will coincidentally overlie the other set of buoyancy windows as the fore chamber section is rotationally moved in regard to the aft chamber section. By changing the rotational placement of the two sections, valve aperture openings are produced that are intended to regulate the air to water ratio within the fish lure, thereby controlling its buoyancy.

<CIT> discloses a device for catching fish that is intended to be used as a plug, lure or as a spinner. The device has a bait containment cavity and a lid held in place by spring tension, extra hooks which may be slidably pulled up a wire, out of storage, down a slot and twisted into a quick release coil, which positions it for catching a fish. The device also has a bouyant spinner which gives different actions to the lure while trolling through water. A removable eyelet is provided allowing easy cleaning and experimentation with different size spinners.

<CIT> discloses a device comprising a hollow tubular part, which is open at its two ends. The device is formed from a tubular part with a constant straight section extended by a neck of narrower straight section. A solid part having a density less than the tubular part has an axial drilling passing through and able to completely penetrate the tubular part. A central rod, which can be hollow, is introduced through each end of the tubular part and can pass though the solid part in a sealed manner.

<CIT> discloses a fish luring device which mainly uses odorous liquid bait. The device comprises a device body and a container. The container is inserted and arranged in the device body to form a cavity. The interior of the device body is filled with adsorbing materials, and a cover is arranged on the container. The liquid bait is contained in the container and is adsorbed by the adsorbing materials via holes in the container. The bait volatilises in water through holes on the device body.

A tactic that is commonly used by anglers is to release attractive substances into the water around the angler's hook in order to attract a greater number of fish. When feeding, fish rely heavily on the sense of scent and therefore, scented liquids are often used to attract fish towards a hook.

Accordingly, there are several different methods that anglers may use to release liquids into the desired area while fishing, which include: soaking a lure in the liquid attractant prior to casting into a chosen body of water; using water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) bags or water soluble capsules filled with liquid attractant which dissolve to release the liquid attractant upon entry to the water; or simply adding a suitable amount of attractant onto the lure.

However, a disadvantage of all of these methods is that the liquid attractant is dispersed rapidly, once the lure has entered the water. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a lure that can release liquid attractant at a controlled rate, in order to sustain the attraction of fish over an increased period of time, thus improving the likelihood that an angler will make a successful catch.

Additionally, in the known methods of using water-soluble PVA bags and/or water soluble capsules, only certain liquids may be suitable for use as a fish attractant, since certain types
of liquid may cause the bag or capsule to dissolve during preparation, thus limiting the selection of liquid for the angler. Liquid attractants are often used during carp fishing, as this method of attraction is particularly suitable for attracting carp. 'Zig' fishing is a known technique used by anglers to catch carp, and this technique involves careful placement of a lure at a desired depth in a chosen body of water, in contrast to simply positioning the lure at the bottom of the body of water. Carp are commonly found at shorter depths, so the 'zig' fishing technique may be advantageous to anglers.

A 'zig rig' comprises a mainline, a weight, a hook line of a desired length, and a buoyant lure in combination with a hook. When the mainline is cast, the weight sinks to the bottom of the body of water. The hook line and the hook then rise due to the buoyancy of the lure which is attached to the hook. It is therefore essential that the lure is sufficiently buoyant to allow the hook to be sustained at a desired depth within the water.

Lures for zig fishing typically comprise small pieces of coloured foam which are attached to a hook directly or attached to a small rubber ring that is also attached to the hook, known as an aligner. In practice, the small rubber aligner ring attached to the hook and foam is used to speed up the preparation of the zig rig and to ensure that the hook is centralised on the foam to improve the likelihood of a successful 'bite'.

It is often desired to use a liquid attractant in combination with the small pieces of foam to improve the ability to attract fish, such as carp. Using existing methods, the foam piece is generally soaked in the liquid attractant so that the liquid is absorbed, or the user may coat the surface of the foam with the liquid prior to use.

Anglers may instead choose to use a water-soluble PVA bag or capsule to disperse liquid into the desired area. However, in this case, it would also be necessary for the angler to select a separate suitable buoyancy aid so that the arrangement is appropriate for use in zig fishing.

It would therefore be an advantage to provide a lure which is both buoyant and able to disperse a liquid which is highly attractive to fish at a controlled rate in order to maximise the likelihood of the angler making a successful catch. In accordance with the present invention, a fishing lure according to claim <NUM> comprises:.

The fishing lure of the present invention provides a means for an angler to release liquid into an area at a controlled rate to ensure that there is a sustained period during which fish may be successfully attracted towards the lure, thus improving the likelihood that an angler will make a successful catch.

The fishing lure is provided with a capsule into which an angler may introduce a chosen liquid into its internal volume. The fishing lure is provided with one or more apertures in the enclosing wall of the capsule for controlled release of the chosen liquid upon being cast into a body of water. The fishing lure is also provided with a buoyancy aid which is attached or attachable to the capsule such that the fishing lure may be positioned at a desired depth in a body of water, so that it can be used effectively in zig fishing.

Preferably, the means for introducing liquid into the internal volume of the capsule comprises a releasably closable opening.

Preferably, the buoyancy aid comprises closure means configured to securely close the releasably closable opening of the capsule.

Preferably, the buoyancy aid comprises a bung, the bung further comprising a lower part configured to be inserted into the releasably closable opening to securely close the capsule. Alternatively, the buoyancy aid comprises a cap, wherein the cap is configured to be slidably disposed over the releasably closable opening to securely close the capsule.

Alternatively, the buoyancy aid comprises a screw cap, wherein the screw cap is configured to securely close the capsule.

Preferably, the screw cap comprises a male part of a screw thread, configured to securely engage with a corresponding female part of a screw thread located on the interior of the enclosing wall of the capsule, proximate the releasably closable opening; or
the screw cap comprises a female part of a screw thread, configured to securely engage with a corresponding male part of a screw thread located on the exterior of the enclosing wall of the capsule, proximate the releasably closable opening.

Alternatively, the fishing lure comprises non-buoyant closure means configured to securely close the releasably closable opening of the capsule.

Preferably, the buoyancy aid is separate to the non-buoyant closure means and is operatively connected to the capsule.

Alternatively, the buoyancy aid comprises a hollow tail section, suitable for receiving a hook and a hook line.

Optionally, the fishing lure further comprises a light element, or a vibrating element.

Optionally, the fishing lure is shaped to resemble a fish or an insect, or the closing means is shaped to resemble a fish or an insect.

Further optionally, the buoyancy aid is brightly coloured or fluorescent.

By way of example only, specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Referring firstly to <FIG>, a fishing lure <NUM> comprises a capsule <NUM> formed from a plastic type material such as polypropylene. The capsule <NUM> has an elongate tubular enclosing wall <NUM> which defines an internal volume <NUM>. The capsule <NUM> comprises an open upper end <NUM> which defines an opening <NUM> and an opposite, lower end <NUM> is closed by a hemispherical end portion <NUM> which is contiguous with the tubular enclosing wall <NUM>.

The capsule <NUM> is releasably sealed at the upper open end <NUM> by a resiliently deformable bung <NUM> which comprises an upper section <NUM> and a lower section <NUM>. The bung is made of a foam material such as PVA sponge with a density lower than the density of water, in order to provide buoyancy to the fishing lure.

The lower section <NUM> of the bung extends into the upper part of the internal volume <NUM> of the capsule, and is shaped to provide a secure, water-tight fit with the interior surface of the enclosing wall <NUM> such that the first end <NUM> of the capsule is releasably closed. The upper section <NUM> of the bung <NUM> has a diameter which is wider than that of the opening <NUM>, and extends away from the capsule to act as a buoyancy aid for the fishing lure <NUM>.

The enclosing wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> further comprises two apertures 112a and 112b passing through the enclosing wall. The first aperture 112a is positioned approximately midway between the open upper end <NUM> and the lower end <NUM> of the enclosing wall <NUM>. The second aperture 112b is provided at the apex of the hemispherical end portion <NUM> at the lower end <NUM>. The apertures 112a and 112b are of a constant diameter of approximately <NUM>.

In use, the bung <NUM> is removed from the capsule <NUM> to allow access to the opening <NUM> so that a liquid fish attractant <NUM> may be introduced into the internal volume <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>. The bung <NUM> is then replaced to ensure that the capsule <NUM> is securely sealed and water-tight other than for the apertures 112a, 112b. The fishing lure <NUM> may then be attached to a hook and cast as part of a zig rig, wherein the lure <NUM> is suspended at a desired depth in the water.

Referring now to <FIG>, the fishing lure <NUM> is attached to a hook <NUM> by means of an alignment aid <NUM> which is connected to the outer surface of the enclosing wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> and comprises a resiliently deformable annular band <NUM> and a hollow elongate tubular tail part <NUM> which extends downwardly from the band <NUM> and curves away from it.

In use, the lure <NUM> is inserted into the band of the alignment aid <NUM> such that the band fits securely around the outside of the enclosing wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>. A hook <NUM> is connected to a hook line <NUM> and threaded through the tail part <NUM> such that the arrangement resembles that of <FIG>.

As an alternative that does not form part of the invention, it is envisaged that the bung <NUM> itself may comprise a tail part that extends from the upper section <NUM> of the bung. In this alternative arrangement, the tail part is configured to engage and retain a hook, in a similar manner to the tail part <NUM> in the first embodiment. In this arrangement, the lure would not require an annular band <NUM> to enable the capsule to be connected to a hook.

When the lure <NUM> and hook <NUM> are cast into a body of water, the apertures 112a and 112b in the enclosing wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> result in controlled release of the liquid fish attractant <NUM> from the internal volume <NUM> into the water.

It is envisaged that there may be more than two apertures in the enclosing wall of the capsule depending on the user's requirements. Additionally, the size of the apertures may be chosen to allow the user to control the rate of release of the attractant into the water, depending on their specific requirements.

Referring now to <FIG>, a second embodiment of fishing lure <NUM> comprises a capsule <NUM> which is very similar to the capsule <NUM> of the first embodiment, formed from a plastic material such as polypropylene and having an enclosing wall <NUM> defining an internal volume capsule <NUM> also comprises a first end <NUM> which defines an opening <NUM> and an opposite, lower end <NUM> which is closed by a hemispherical end portion <NUM> which is contiguous with the tubular enclosing wall <NUM>. The enclosing wall <NUM> of the capsule comprises two apertures 212a and 212b, with a first aperture 212a positioned approximately two-thirds of the way down between the upper open end <NUM> and the lower end <NUM> of the enclosing wall <NUM>, and a second aperture 212b at the lower end <NUM> of the enclosing wall <NUM>. The apertures 212a, 212b are of a constant diameter of approximately <NUM>.

The open upper end <NUM> of the capsule is releasably sealed by use of a buoyant cap <NUM>, formed from a resiliently deformable foam material such as PVA sponge with a density lower than the density of water. The cap <NUM> is slidably disposable over the open first end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, and is dimensioned to ensure a secure fit.

In use, the cap <NUM> is removed from the capsule <NUM> to allow access to opening <NUM> so that a liquid fish attractant may be introduced into the internal volume <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is then fitted over the first end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> to ensure that the capsule <NUM> is securely sealed and water-tight, other than for apertures 212a, 212b. The fishing lure <NUM> may then be attached to a hook and cast as part of a zig rig, wherein the lure <NUM> is suspended at a desired depth in the water.

The fishing lure <NUM> is then attached to a hook by means of an alignment aid comprising a resiliently deformable annular band into which the capsule <NUM> is inserted such that the band fits securely around the outside of the enclosing wall <NUM>. The alignment aid further comprises a hollow tail part which extends downwardly from the band and curves away from it, and through which the hook and a hookline are threaded.

Alternatively, as seen in the third embodiment in <FIG> which does not form part of the present invention, a cap <NUM> is provided which is identical to cap <NUM> but further comprises a hollow tail part <NUM> which extends generally perpendicularly to the cap <NUM>. A hook <NUM> and a hookline <NUM> may be threaded through the tail part <NUM>. In this embodiment, the lure does not require an annular band to enable the capsule to be connected to a hook.

Referring now to <FIG>, which illustrate fourth and fifth embodiments of a fishing lure, each comprises a capsule <NUM>, <NUM> respectively which is very similar to the capsule <NUM> of <FIG> and the features of the capsule are identified with the same reference numerals increased by <NUM> (<FIG>) and <NUM> (<FIG>) respectively.

The only difference from the capsule <NUM> is at the upper end, relating to the means for releasably closing the openings <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the fourth embodiment of fishing lure <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the inner surface of the enclosing wall <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the capsule comprises female screw threads <NUM>. The fishing lure <NUM> also comprises a generally hemispherical screw cap <NUM> having a downwardly depending shank <NUM> which has external male screw threads <NUM> which are screw-threadedly received in the female thread <NUM> at the upper end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>.

The cap <NUM> is made from a foam-type material such as PVA sponge with a density less than water to ensure that the fishing lure <NUM> remains buoyant.

The screw cap <NUM> can be unscrewed from the capsule <NUM> to allow access to opening <NUM> so that a liquid fish attractant may be introduced into the internal volume <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>. The screw cap <NUM> is then screwed into place to seal the opening <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> and ensure that it is water tight, other than for the apertures 412a, 412b.

In the fifth embodiment of fishing lure <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the outer surface of the enclosing wall <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the capsule is provided with male screw threads <NUM>.

The fishing lure <NUM> also comprises a generally hemispherical screw cap <NUM> dimensioned to fit tightly over the first end <NUM> capsule <NUM>. A cylindrical sleeve <NUM> extends from the undersurface of the cap <NUM> and is provided with female screw threads <NUM> on its inner surface which are screw-threadedly engagable with the external screw threads <NUM> at the upper end <NUM> of the capsule. The cap <NUM> is made from a foam material such as PVA sponge with a density less than water to ensure that the fishing lure <NUM> remains buoyant. The screw cap <NUM> may be removed from the capsule <NUM> so that liquid can be introduced into the internal volume <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, and the screw cap <NUM> is be replaced to ensure that the capsule <NUM> is water-tight, other than for the apertures 512a, 512b.

The fourth and fifth embodiments of a fishing lure shown in <FIG> are both attached to an alignment aid <NUM>, <NUM>, which comprises a resiliently deformable annular band <NUM>, <NUM> and a hollow tail part <NUM>, <NUM> which extends downwardly from the band <NUM>, <NUM> and curves away from it. The capsule <NUM>, <NUM> is held securely by the band <NUM>, <NUM>, which is connected to the enclosing wall <NUM>, <NUM>. A hook <NUM>, <NUM> and hookline <NUM>, <NUM> may be threaded through the tail part <NUM>, <NUM>.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. For example, it is also envisaged that a fishing lure may comprise a capsule with an enclosing wall defining an internal volume and comprising a first open end defining an opening and a second closed end, as well as one or more apertures in the enclosing wall. The opening may be releasably sealed by a slidably disposable cap, a bung or a screw cap, and buoyancy may be provided by a separate buoyancy aid which is attachable to the capsule by one of a rubber band, a thread or alternative attachment means.

It is envisaged that a fishing lure may also be provided which comprises a capsule having first closed and second closed ends. The enclosing wall may be provided with one or more apertures, and a liquid fish attractant may be introduced by being injected through an aperture. Buoyancy may be provided by a buoyancy aid which is operatively attachable to the capsule by one of a rubber band, a thread or alternative attachment means.

In relation to the buoyancy aid provided in all embodiments, it is envisaged that this is formed of a foam type material. However, any material may be used provided that it is less dense than water to provide buoyancy to the lure.

It is also envisaged that any other means for releasably closing an opening in the capsule in order to introduce a liquid into the internal volume of the capsule may be used such as a hinged lid, plug, cap or alternative closing means.

It is also envisaged that a bung, cap, screw cap or other closing means may be of any size or shape provided that the capsule in the fishing lure may be closed securely to be water-tight.

It is envisaged that the capsule is operatively connected to an alignment aid, comprising an annular band and a hollow tail part. Alternatively, outside of the scope of the present invention, and in a similar way to the third embodiment of a fishing lure seen in <FIG>, it is envisaged that a closing means (such as a bung, screw cap, lid, plug or alternatives) may be provided which further comprises a hollow tail part through which a hook and a hookline may be threaded. In this case, an annular band would not be required.

In relation to the apertures in the enclosing wall of the capsule, it is envisaged that the fishing lure may comprise any number of apertures to provide the desired controlled rate of release of liquid from the internal volume. For example, the lure may be provided with five apertures positioned around the enclosing wall of the capsule which will result in a faster rate of release of the liquid fish attractant into the chosen body of water.

Similarly, the apertures may be positioned anywhere in the enclosing wall of the capsule, in any configuration to provide the angler's desired controlled rate of release of liquid.

The apertures may also be of any size or shape, provided that liquid may be released from the internal volume of the capsule once the fishing lure has entered a body of water.

It is also envisaged that the capsule is formed of a plastic type material, however any alternative material may be suitable for use. The plastic type material may also be biodegradable to take into account environmental considerations.

In the embodiments described, it is envisaged that the capsule has curved ends. However, it is also envisaged that the capsule may comprise flat or pointed ends. Similarly, while the described embodiments show that the enclosing wall of the capsule is generally cylindrical in shape, the enclosing wall may be of another suitable shape, provided it may define an internal volume in which liquid may be retained.

It is envisaged that the fishing lure and/or the closure means may be shaped like a small fish, bug or any other type of wildlife in order to appear more attractive to fish, and to increase the angler's likelihood of getting a catch. It is also envisaged that the fishing lure may comprise a vibrating component to more closely imitate the movement of wildlife in the body of water. The vibrating component may be housed in the internal volume of the capsule or within the closing means. A vibrating component may cause ripples within the body of water which could increase the attraction from fish towards the lure. This may lead to a higher likelihood of getting a catch for the angler.

Claim 1:
A fishing lure (<NUM>) comprising:
a capsule (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising an enclosing wall (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) defining an internal volume (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
means for introducing liquid into the internal volume;
at least one aperture in the enclosing wall configured to control a rate of release of liquid fish attractant from the internal volume;
a buoyancy aid (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>)
configured to be attached to the capsule; and
said fishing lure being characterized in that it further comprises an alignment aid (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the capsule is operatively connected to the alignment aid (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and the alignment aid comprises an annular band (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), configured to connect to the outer surface of the capsule, and a hollow tail part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), suitable for receiving a hook (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a hook line (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).