Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part and claims benefit to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/075,819 which was filed on Mar. 13, 2008. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a customizable fishing lure system and accompanying apparatus. More specifically, this invention relates to a fishing lure system that allows one to construct a variety of fishing lures dependent on the immediate need. Further, such customized fishing lure system provides unique marketing and point-of-sale opportunities. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The sport of fishing requires a unique balance of art, science and luck. And while luck will always play a role, advancements in art and science will increase the odds that fish will be caught. Accordingly, manufacturers have designed many different color and shaped fishing lures to provide a wide variety of artistically-pleasing options. As a result, the consumer is bombarded and confused by a barrage of hundreds of lures, each touting their superior design. Consequently, consumers often buy a sampling of a dozen or more different lures and then fill their over-sized tacklebox with an uncertain confidence that they&#39;ve made the right decisions. 
         [0004]    So now on the water, the consumer/angler undoubtedly will convince himself that the blue-colored, large-sized, medium-lip, rattling lure is the right choice. And perhaps he will even catch a fish or two with it. But then comes the inevitable . . . the lure gets damaged or lost. Then what? All the remaining blue lures in his box are small in size and have small lips; as such, they won&#39;t dive deep enough to get to where the fish are. And all his rattling lures are either yellow or orange. What to do? 
         [0005]    What is needed is a customizable fishing lure system that allows the angler to construct or repair a customizable lure under real-time conditions in such a manner that provides flexibility and versatility. 
         [0006]    What is further needed is a customizable fishing lure system that allows a manufacturer to uniquely market and a consumer to easily select a combination of nearly unlimited options. Such a customizable fishing lure system should reduce necessary shelf-space for the manufacturer/retailer and tacklebox-space for the consumer. Additionally, such a customizable fishing lure system and accompanying marketing approaches/displays prove a unique and satisfying shopping experience that results in a greater confidence and less personal reliance on luck. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A fishing lure having a lip, leading portion, trailing portion, body portion, a hook and connection mechanism. The lip being adapted to provide resistance when said fishing lure is moved within water. The leading portion being positioned towards the leading portion of said fishing lure. The trailing portion being positioned towards the trailing portion of said fishing lure. The body portion being positioned between said leading portion and said trailing portion. The hook being attached to said fishing lure. The first connection mechanism adapted to releasably engage said lip to said leading portion. The lure may include a second connection mechanism adapted to releasably engage said trailing portion to said body portion. The lure may include a third connection mechanism adapted to releasably engage said leading portion to said body portion. The hook may be adapted to be releasably engaged to the fishing lure. The lure may include a cavity portion (also referred to herein as a reservoir) adapted to house at least one characteristic-producing element. 
         [0008]    A fishing lure having a lip, a leading portion, a trailing portion, a body portion and a hook. The lip being adapted to provide resistance when said fishing lure is moved within water. The leading portion being positioned towards the leading portion of said fishing lure. The trailing portion being positioned towards the trailing portion of said fishing lure. The body portion being positioned between said leading portion and said trailing portion. The hook being attached to said fishing lure. The lip may be adapted to be moved inwardly and outwardly from said leading portion in such a manner so as to change the amount of surface area exposed externally which may alter the movement properties of said fishing lure. The lure may include a lever which may be actuated to cause a stop to engage or disengage a first engaging surface so as to permit or inhibit the movement of said lip. 
         [0009]    A lip for use with a fishing lure having a ruder portion and a locking portion. The ruder portion being adapted to provide resistance when the fishing lure is moved within water. The locking portion being releasably engageable to a mating portion within the fishing lure. The lip may include a reservoir inlet, a reservoir and a reservoir outlet wherein a substance may be introduced through reservoir inlet for temporary storage within said reservoir and ultimate dispensing through said reservoir outlet for dissemination into the water for attracting fish. The lip may include a reservoir and at least one reservoir elements, wherein said reservoir elements provide altering properties of said lip. The reservoir elements may be selected from a group consisting of weights, glass beads, ceramic balls, plastic pellets and any combinations thereof. The lip may include an illumination element. The lip may include a fracture section adapted to allow a front portion of said ruder portion to be broken away. The lip may include a pivoting section adapted to allow a front portion of said ruder portion to be pivoted. The lip may include ruder portion which is non-linear. The ruder portion may be substantially flat and plug-shaped so as to plug the otherwise opening within the fishing lure in such a way to provide a lip with minimal exposure. The lip may be adapted to cause the fishing lure to be retracted in a non-linear path. The lip may include a first lip portion and a second lip portion, wherein the first lip is adapted to increase drag as compared to the drag imparted on the second lip portion. 
         [0010]    A fishing lure having a connection mechanism which is substantially covered by a connection cover. The connection cover may be made to appear as fish-like features. The connection cover may be made to extend beyond the perimeter of the fishing lure so as to appear as fins or the like. 
         [0011]    A fishing lure having a lip, leading portion, trailing portion, body portion, hook and a connection mechanism. The lip being adapted to provide resistance when said fishing lure is moved within water. The leading portion being positioned towards the leading portion of said fishing lure. The trailing portion being positioned towards the trailing portion of said fishing lure. The body portion being positioned between said leading portion and said trailing portion. The hook being attached to said fishing lure. The first connection mechanism adapted to releasably engage said lip to said body portion. 
         [0012]    A fishing lure system having at least one fishing lure, at least one lip and a package for substantially containing the lure and the lip. The system may also include a communication which describes at least one recommendation for combining said fishing lure and said lip for targeted fishing. The system may include a plurality of said fishing lures and a plurality of recommendations for targeted fishing. The plurality of said fishing lures may contain at least two different types of fishing lures. The fishing lure system having a plurality of lips and a plurality of recommendations for targeted fishing. The fishing lure system having a plurality of lips which contains at least two different types of lips. 
         [0013]    A fishing lure system having a fishing lure having an extendable lip and a package. The package may be adapted to substantially contain the fishing lure, wherein the package may be adapted to allow the extendable lip to be moved at a point-of-sale. The package may include a backpanel and a package cover, wherein the backpanel and the package cover together substantially encapsulates the fishing lure, wherein the package cover includes an opening such that the extendable lip may be extended and/or retracted therethrough at a point-of-sale. 
         [0014]    A fishing lure retail display having a panel, at least one fishing lure; at least one extendable lure tether, wherein the lure tether is attached to the panel and the lure therebetween; at least one lip; at least one extendable lip tether; wherein the lip tether is attached to the panel and the lip therebetween; and a communication which describes at least one recommendation for combining the fishing lure and lip for targeted fishing. 
         [0015]    A fishing product recommendation system having a user interface. The user interface having communication which is directed at acquiring fishing related information and upon collection of the information providing a fishing product recommendation for targeted fishing. The fishing product recommendation system may be selected from a group consisting of internet website, kiosk, point-of-sale communication and computer software. The communication may be directed at obtaining information related to a particular fishing experience of the angler so as to track the performance of particular fishing products. The communication may be directed at obtaining information related to a particular fishing experience of the angler so as to order new lures to replace lures lost during said experience. 
         [0016]    A fishing lure having a leading portion, a trailing portion, a hook and a first connection mechanism. The leading portion may be positioned towards the leading portion of the fishing lure. The trailing portion may be positioned towards the trailing portion of the fishing lure. The hook may be attached to the fishing lure. The first connection mechanism may be adapted to releasably engage the leading portion to the trailing portion. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be more fully understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. None of the drawings are necessarily to scale. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of a fishing lure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1   b  is an exploded view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 1   a;    
           [0020]      FIG. 1   c  is a bottom view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 1   a;    
           [0021]      FIG. 1   d  is an exploded view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 1   c;    
           [0022]      FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2   b  is a bottom view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 2   a;    
           [0024]      FIG. 2   c  is a bottom, exploded view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 2   a;    
           [0025]      FIG. 2   d  is a right-side elevational, exploded view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 2   a;    
           [0026]      FIG. 2   e  is a perspective, exploded view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 2   a;    
           [0027]      FIG. 2   f  is a bottom, perspective exploded view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 2   a;    
           [0028]      FIG. 3   a  is a top view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3   b  is a perspective view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 3   a;    
           [0030]      FIG. 3   c  is a bottom, exploded view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 3   a;    
           [0031]      FIG. 3   d  is a perspective, exploded view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 3   a;    
           [0032]      FIG. 3   e  is a right-side elevational view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 3   a;    
           [0033]      FIG. 3   f  is a top, perspective view of a lip in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 3   g  is a bottom, perspective view of the lip of  FIG. 3   f;    
           [0035]      FIG. 3   h  is a right-side elevational view of the lip of  FIG. 3   f;    
           [0036]      FIG. 3   j  is a front elevational view of the lip of  FIG. 3   f;    
           [0037]      FIG. 3   k  is a top view of the lip of  FIG. 3   f;    
           [0038]      FIG. 3   l  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A within  FIG. 3   k;    
           [0039]      FIG. 3   m  is a front elevational view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 3   a  with the lip in place; 
           [0040]      FIG. 3   n  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A within  FIG. 3   m;    
           [0041]      FIG. 3   p  is a front elevational view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 3   a  with the lip removed; 
           [0042]      FIG. 3   q  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A within  FIG. 3   p;    
           [0043]      FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 4   b  is a right-side elevational view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 4   a;    
           [0045]      FIG. 4   c  is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the fishing lure of  FIG. 4   b;    
           [0046]      FIG. 4   d  is a close-up view of the circled-region  4710  of the fishing lure of  FIG. 4   c;    
           [0047]      FIG. 4   e  is a perspective, cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the fishing lure of  FIG. 4   b;    
           [0048]      FIG. 4   f  is a right-side perspective view of the lip within  FIG. 4   e;    
           [0049]      FIG. 5   a  is a perspective view of a lip in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 5   b  is a top view of the lip of  FIG. 5   a;    
           [0051]      FIG. 5   c  is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the lip of  FIG. 5   b;    
           [0052]      FIG. 6   a  is a perspective view of another lip in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 6   b  is a top view of the lip of  FIG. 6   a;    
           [0054]      FIG. 6   c  is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the lip of  FIG. 6   b;    
           [0055]      FIG. 7   a  is a perspective view of another lip in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 7   b  is a top view of the lip of  FIG. 7   a;    
           [0057]      FIG. 7   c  is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the lip of  FIG. 7   b;    
           [0058]      FIG. 7   d  is a perspective view of another lip in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 7   e  is a right-side elevational view of another lip in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 7   f  is a right-side elevational view of another lip in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 7   g  is a right-side elevational view of another lip in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 7   h  is a top view of another lip in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 7   i  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 7   h;    
           [0064]      FIG. 8   a  is a right-side elevational, exploded view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 8   b  is a right-side elevational, exploded view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 8   a  having connection covers; 
           [0066]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a fishing lure system in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0067]      FIG. 10   a  is a top view of another fishing lure system in accordance with the present invention, wherein the lip is in a retracted position; 
           [0068]      FIG. 10   b  is a top view of the fishing lure system of  FIG. 10   a , wherein the lip is in an extended position; 
           [0069]      FIG. 11  is a top view of a fishing lure retail display in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0070]      FIG. 12  is a top view of a fishing product recommendation system lure retail display in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0071]      FIG. 13   a  is a top, exploded view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0072]      FIG. 13   b  is a top, exploded view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0073]      FIG. 13   c  is a top, exploded view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0074]      FIG. 14   a  is a right side, elevational view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0075]      FIG. 14   b  is a right side, elevational view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0076]      FIG. 14   c  is a right side, elevational view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0077]      FIG. 15   a  is a left side, elevational view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention having a ball and socket connection mechanism shown in a non-engaged position; 
           [0078]      FIG. 15   b  shows the lure of  FIG. 15   a  in an engaged position; 
           [0079]      FIG. 15   c  shows a top view of a first connection portion suitable for use with the lure of  FIG. 15   a;    
           [0080]      FIG. 15   d  shows a top view of a first connection portion suitable for use with the lure of  FIG. 15   a;    
           [0081]      FIG. 15   e  shows a top view of a first connection portion suitable for use with the lure of  FIG. 15   a;    
           [0082]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another fishing lure in accordance with the present invention, wherein the lip is in an engaged position; 
           [0083]      FIG. 17  is an exploded, perspective view of the fishing lure system of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0084]      FIG. 18   a  shows the left body portion of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0085]      FIG. 18   b  shows a close-up view of the left body portion of  FIG. 18   a  to illustrate an exemplary perimeter design that would facilitate a subsequent connection to the right body portion of  FIG. 19   a  by way of an ultrasonic weld; 
           [0086]      FIG. 19   a  shows the right body portion of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0087]      FIG. 19   b  shows a close-up view of the right body portion of  FIG. 19   a  to illustrate an exemplary perimeter design that would facilitate a subsequent connection to the left body portion of  FIG. 18   a  by way of an ultrasonic weld; 
           [0088]      FIG. 20   a  shows a top view of the lip of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0089]      FIG. 20   b  shows a perspective, right-side view of the lip of  FIG. 20   a;    
           [0090]      FIG. 20   c  shows a bottom view of the lip of  FIG. 20   a;    
           [0091]      FIG. 20   d  shows a rear view of the lip of  FIG. 20   a;    
           [0092]      FIG. 20   e  shows a perspective, left-side view of the lip of  FIG. 20   a;    
           [0093]      FIG. 20   f  shows an elevational, right-side view of the lip of  FIG. 20   a;    
           [0094]      FIG. 21   a  shows a bottom view of the fishing lure of  FIG. 16  with the lip being removed; 
           [0095]      FIG. 21   b  shows a rear, perspective view of the lip of  FIG. 16  that is adapted to be engaged with the fishing lure of  FIG. 21   a;    
           [0096]      FIG. 22   a  shows a front, elevational view of the fishing lure body and lip of  FIG. 16  wherein the lip is being positioned for subsequent engagement into the fishing lure body; 
           [0097]      FIG. 22   b  shows a front, elevational view of the fishing lure body and lip of  FIG. 16  wherein the lip has been inserted into the fishing lure body but not yet rotated into a locked position; 
           [0098]      FIG. 22   c  shows a front, elevational view of the fishing lure body and lip of  FIG. 16  wherein the lip has been inserted into the fishing lure body and rotated into a locked position; 
           [0099]      FIG. 23   a  shows an elevational, right-side view of the left half body and lip of  FIG. 22   a;    
           [0100]      FIG. 23   b  shows an elevational, right-side view of the left half body and lip of  FIG. 22   b;    
           [0101]      FIG. 23   c  shows an elevational, right-side view of the left half body and lip of  FIG. 22   c;    
           [0102]      FIG. 24   a  shows an close-up view of the left half body and lip of  FIG. 23   a;    
           [0103]      FIG. 24   b  shows an close-up view of the left half body and lip of  FIG. 23   b;    
           [0104]      FIG. 24   c  shows an close-up view of the left half body and lip of  FIG. 23   c;    
           [0105]      FIG. 25   a  shows a cut-away view of the left half body and lip of  FIG. 24   a  wherein the lip is inserted but not yet rotated; 
           [0106]      FIG. 25   b  shows a cut-away view of the left half body and lip of  FIG. 24   b  wherein the lip is inserted and partially rotated to an interference point to provide the user with a signal that the rotation is near its end and about to be locked into place; 
           [0107]      FIG. 25   c  shows a cut-away view of the left half body and lip of  FIG. 24   c  wherein the lip is inserted and rotated to a locked position; 
           [0108]      FIG. 26   a  shows a cut-away view of the left half body and lip of  FIG. 24   c  wherein a gasket is used to further secure the connection between the lip and fishing lure body; and 
           [0109]      FIG. 26   b  shows a perspective view of the lip and gasket of  FIG. 26   a.    
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0110]      FIG. 1   a  shows a non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, fishing lure  1000  may comprise of a lip  1100 , a leading portion  1200 , a body portion  1300 , a trailing portion  1400  and at least one hook  1450 . Each of said components being directly and/or indirectly engageable in such a way so as to provide a customizable fishing lure. For example, a first connection mechanism  1710  may be provided so as to engage lip  1100  to the leading portion  1200 . Similarly, a second connection mechanism  1720  may be used to engage trailing portion  1400  to body portion  1300 . As may be appreciated by one skilled in the art, fishing lure  1000  may be constructed in a variety of ways when a variety of said components are provided.  FIG. 1   b  shows an exploded view of fishing lure  1000  from  FIG. 1   a . As can be seen, first connection mechanism  1710  may comprise of a male connection portion  1710   a  and a female connection portion  1710   b . Similarly, said second connection mechanism  1720  may comprise of a male connection portion  1720   b  and a female connection portion  1720   b .  FIG. 1   c  shows the underneath view of  FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 1   d  shows the underneath said of  FIG. 1   b.    
         [0111]      FIG. 2   a  shows another non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, fishing lure  2000  may comprise of a lip  2100 , a leading portion  2200 , a body portion  2300 , a trailing portion  2400  and at least one hook  2452 . Each of said components being directly and/or indirectly engageable in such a way so as to provide a customizable fishing lure. For example, a first connection mechanism  2710  which may allow lip  2100  to be engaged to leading portion  2200 , second connection mechanism  2720  may allow body portion  2300  to be engaged to trailing portion  2400  and a third connection mechanism  2730  which may allow leading portion  2200  to be engaged to body portion  2300 . Accordingly, fishing lure  2000  provides yet an additional variable (i.e., third connections mechanism  2300 ) to give the fishing angler additional customizable configurations. Additionally, fishing lure  2000  is shown with an optional second hook  2450  to provide yet another optional configuration.  FIG. 2   b  shows an underneath perspective view of fishing lure  2000  from  FIG. 2   a .  FIG. 2   c - 2   f  provide exploded views of fishing lure  2000 . 
         [0112]      FIG. 3   a  shows yet another non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, fishing lure  3000  may comprise of a lip  3100 , a leading portion  3200 , a body  3300 , and a trailing portion  3400 . Each of said components being directly and/or indirectly engageable in such a way so as to provide a customizable fishing lure. Said lip  3100  may comprise a male connection  3710   a  which is adapted to mate with a female connection portion  3710   b ; of course, one skilled in the art would appreciate that obvious variations of such mating connections may be incorporated. In addition, fishing lure  3000  may include a cavity portion  3800  to provide yet additional configuration options for the angler. Said cavity portion may be used to house a variety of elements which will be discussed later in greater detail.  FIG. 3   b  shows a perspective view of fishing lure  3000 .  FIG. 3   c  shows an underneath, perspective view of fishing lure  3000 , wherein lip  3100  has not yet been inserted into leading portion  3200 .  FIG. 3   d  shows an upper, perspective view of fishing lure  3000 , wherein lip  3100  is not yet been inserted into leading portion  3200 .  FIG. 3   d  shows a side elevational view of fishing lure  3000 , wherein lip  3100  has been inserted into leading portion  3200 . 
         [0113]      FIG. 3   f  shows an upper, perspective view of lip  3100 .  FIG. 3   g  shows an underneath perspective view of lip  3100 .  FIG. 3   h  shows a right side elevational view of lip  3100 .  FIG. 3   j  shows a front elevational view of lip  3100 .  FIG. 3   k  shows a top view of the lip  3100 . Said lip  3100  shown having a paddle-shaped design, although a wide variety of designs are contemplated herein.  FIG. 3   l  shows a cross-sectional view of lip  3100  from  FIG. 3   k , wherein the male connection portion  3710   a  may be further appreciated by one skilled in the art. 
         [0114]      FIG. 3   m  shows a front elevational view of fishing lure  3000  wherein lip  3100  having been inserted into leading portion  3200 .  FIG. 3   n  shows a cross-sectional view taken a long line A-A of  FIG. 3   m . As can be seen, lip  3100  having a male connection portion  3710   a  may be inserted and releasably engaged to leading portion  3200  and mated with female connection portion  3710   b .  FIG. 3   p  shows a front elevational view of fishing lure  3000  wherein lip  3100  has not yet been inserted.  FIG. 3   p  is provided to give further appreciation of the female connection portion  3710   b . Female connection portion  3710   b  may be further appreciated within cross-sectional view in  FIG. 3   q  which is taken along cross-sectional line B-B within  FIG. 3   p.    
         [0115]      FIG. 4   a  shows yet another non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, fishing lure  4000  may comprise of a lip  4100 , a leading portion  4200 , a body portion  4300 , and a trailing portion  4400 . Each of said components being directly and/or indirectly engageable in such a way so as to provide a customizable fishing lure. Said lip  4100  may be moved inwardly and outwardly from leading portion  4200  in such a manner as to change the amount of surface area exposed externally which may alter the movement properties of lure  4000 . For example, the more that said lip  4100  is externally exposed, the deeper that said lure  4000  may dive into the water upon being moved within the water. Of course, one skilled in the art would appreciate that obvious variations of such inward/outward movement may be incorporated. Further, one skilled in the art would appreciate that obvious variations of changing the amount of exposed surface area, pitch or angle may also be incorporated. Accordingly,  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show a lever  4712  which may be actuated to cause stop  4714  to engage or disengage a first engaging surface  4717  so as to permit or inhibit the movement of said lip  4100 . As can be appreciated in  FIGS. 4   c  and  4   d , the lever mechanism  4710  may include a fulcrum  4713  that permits the actuation of lever  4712 . In addition, a second engaging surface  4719  may be include and adapted to engage with said first engaging surface  4717  to provide additional structural integrity and engagement locking. Referring now to  FIGS. 4   e  and  4   f , said first engaging surface  4717  and said second engaging surface  4719  are shown to have mating grooves; however, one skilled in the art would appreciate that obvious variations of mating surfaces may also be incorporated. 
         [0116]    Additionally, fishing lure  4000  may also comprise a first connection mechanism  4720  which may be provided so as to engage leading portion  4200  to body portion  4300  and/or a second connection mechanism  4730  which may be provided so as to body portion  4300  to trailing portion  4400 . As may be appreciated by one skilled in the art, fishing lure  4000  may be constructed in a variety of ways when a variety of said components are provided. 
         [0117]      FIGS. 5   a - 5   c  show a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip  5000  may comprise of a ruder portion  5100 , a locking portion  5710   a , a reservoir inlet  5990 , a reservoir  5994  and a reservoir outlet  5992 . Said lip  5000  may be filled with a substance (e.g., fragrant solution) by introduction through reservoir inlet  5990 , temporary storage in reservoir  5994  and ultimate dispensing through reservoir outlet  5992  for dissemination into the water for attracting fish. Locking portion  5710   a  may be adapted to engage with the leading portion (or like portion) of the fishing lure. One skilled in the art would appreciate that obvious variations of shape, size, design, engagement, etc. may be incorporated. 
         [0118]      FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  show a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip  6000  may comprise of a ruder portion  6100 , a locking portion  6710   a , a reservoir  6994  and a reservoir elements  6990 . Said reservoir  6994  may be occupied with said reservoir elements  6990  so as to provide altering properties of said lip  6000 . For example, reservoir elements  6990  may be round weights that are permitted to move about within said reservoir  6994 , wherein such movement causes the fishing lure to alter its overall movement. Causing the fishing lure to move in such a manner may result in more life-like movement or minimally in a non-traditional manner that may attract fish. In another example, the inclusion of free moving components (e.g., glass beads, ceramic balls, plastic pellets, etc.) may contact each other and/or the inner walls of cavity  6994  causing the production of sound. This emitted sound can attract fish to the lure. Locking portion  6710   a  may be adapted to engage with the leading portion (or like portion) of the fishing lure. One skilled in the art would appreciate that obvious variations of shape, size, design, engagement, etc. may be incorporated. 
         [0119]      FIGS. 7   a - 7   c  show a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip  7000  may comprise of a ruder portion  7100 , a locking portion  7710   a , an illumination element  7290 , a power source  7294  and a source-to-illumination connection  7292 . Said illumination element  7290  may be adapted to provide illumination which is visible to fish and thus attract them. Said power source  7294  may be adapted to be disposable and/or replaceable. Locking portion  7710   a  may be adapted to engage with the leading portion (or like portion) of the fishing lure. One skilled in the art would appreciate that obvious variations of shape, size, design, engagement, etc. may be incorporated. In addition, one skilled in the art would appreciate that obvious variations of level, color, flashing, continuance, etc. for the illumination may be incorporated. 
         [0120]      FIG. 7   d  shows a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip  7300  may comprise of a ruder portion  7305 , a locking portion  7310   a  and a fracture section  7320 . Locking portion  7310   a  may be adapted to engage with the leading portion (or like portion) of the fishing lure. Fracture section  7320  may be adapted so as to allow a ruder front portion  7305   f  of the ruder portion  7305  to be broken away. For example, if the ruder front portion  7305   f  were to get caught in underwater weeds, excess retraction force (e.g., pulling harder on the fishing rod) may be exerted to cause rude portion  7305  to break along fracture section  7320 ; thus, ruder front portion  7305   f  will be left stuck in the weeds while the remainder portion of the fishing lure may be retrieved. Once retrieved, the broken lip may be replaced with a new lip. While this embodiment shows fracture section  7320  is shown as a fracture line, one skilled in the art would appreciate that obvious variations of shape, size, location, etc. may be incorporated. 
         [0121]      FIG. 7   e  shows a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip  7400  may comprise of a ruder portion  7405 , a locking portion  7410   a  and a pivoting section  7406 . Locking portion  7410   a  may be adapted to engage with the leading portion (or like portion) of the fishing lure. Pivoting section  7406  may be adapted so as to allow a front portion of the ruder portion  7405  to be pivoted, as for example, between ruder portion positions  7405   a  and  7405   b . Such pivoting motion may provide more life-like lure retrieving motions or other desirable motions. 
         [0122]      FIG. 7   f  shows a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip  7500  may comprise of a curved ruder portion  7505  and a locking portion  7510 . Lip  7500  is provided to illustrate the various shapes and configurations of lips in accordance with the present invention, as appreciated by one skilled in the art. 
         [0123]      FIG. 7   g  shows a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip  7600  may comprise of a flat portion  7605  and a locking portion  7610 . This particular lip  7600  may be used to plug the otherwise opening within the fishing lure in such a way to provide a lip with minimal exposure. When lip  7600  is used to plug said opening, the fishing lure can be retrieved with minimal resistance in the water, thus allowing said lure to raise more towards the top of the water. 
         [0124]      FIGS. 7   h  and  7   i  show a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip  7700  may comprise a first lip portion  7705   a , a second lip portion  7705   b  and a locking portion  7710   a . Lip  7700  is adapted to be retrieved on a non-linear path back to the angler or fishing pole. Such non-linear retrieve may be desirable, for example, when trolling. As can be appreciated from  FIG. 7   i , which is taken along cross-sectional line A-A within  FIG. 7   h , the first lip portion  7705   a  may be tapered to increase drag on its side of lip  7705  as compared to the drag imparted on second lip portion  7705   b , thus causing lip  7700  to deflect on an angle when pulled through the water. With the teachings herein, one skilled in the art would appreciate that other lip designs causing differing drag may be used to cause the lure to retrieve in a non-linear manner. 
         [0125]    While the above embodiments have illustrated a variety of lip design in accordance with the present invention, one skilled in the art would appreciate additional lip designs which would be in keeping with the teachings of the present invention. For instance, the lips may vary in a variety of physical characteristics which may alter the fishing lure&#39;s performance. For example, the lip may be made of a substantially heavy material so as to cause the fishing lure to dive deeply into the water. In another example, the lip may have a particular color(s) to match the desired fishing conditions (e.g., an injured fish; fish spawning, etc.). In another example, the lip may be made to look like other body segments, for example, legs of a frog or transforming tadpole. 
         [0126]    While the above embodiments have been shown to have their connection portions exposed (as exemplified in  FIG. 8   a ), one skilled in the art would appreciate that said connection portions may be substantially covered by connection covers  2750 ,  2752 , as exemplified in  FIG. 8   b . For example, connection covers  2750 ,  2752  may be constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer or any like material that has flexible properties. In addition, said connection covers may be made to appear as fish-like features including, but not limited to, gills, scales, injured portions, etc. . . . . Further, said connection covers may be made to extend beyond the perimeter of the fishing lure so as to appear as fins or the like. Still further, it should be noted that any section of the customizable fishing lure can be produced using molding techniques that incorporate multiple materials of construction. The combination of materials (plastics, rubber, metal, ceramic, etc.) using molding techniques known in the art (insert molding, co-molding, etc.) may allow optimization of the aesthetics, security of part fitment, scent retention, flexibility or optical qualities of the part(s). 
         [0127]      FIG. 9  shows a non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure system embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, fishing lure system  8000  may comprise of at least one fishing lure  8102 , at least one lip  8203  and a package  8300 . In addition, fishing lure system  8000  may also comprise a communication  8600  which describes recommendations for combining fishing lures and lips for targeted fishing.  FIG. 9  shows a first fishing lure  8102 , a second fishing lure  8104  and a third fishing lure  8106 , wherein at least one of said lures is different from another. For example, lure  8106  is smaller than  8104  which is smaller than lure  8102 . Labels  8302 ,  8304 ,  8306  which may be used to emphasis the difference between said lures. Similarly,  FIG. 9  shows a first plurality of first lips  8203 , a second plurality of second lips  8205  and a third plurality of third lips  8207 , wherein at least one of said lips is different from another lip. For example, first lips  8203  are smaller than second lips  8205  which are smaller than third lips  8207 . Labels  8403 ,  8405 ,  8407  may be used to emphasis the difference between said lips. Lastly, package  8300  may also comprise of a panel  8500  having at least one hole  8502  which permit said package to be displayed on a peg board type display within a retail store. 
         [0128]      FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  show a non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure system embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, fishing lure system  9000  may comprise a fishing lure  9300  having an extendable lip  9202   a , a backpanel  9100  and a package cover  9200 . Referring now to  FIG. 10   a , extendable lip  9202   a  is shown in a retracted position, wherein the amount of exposed lip surface area is minimized. Referring now to  FIG. 10   b , extendable lip  9202   b  is shown in an extended position, wherein the amount of exposed lip surface area is maximized. Fishing lure system  9000  allows the shopping customer to feel and extend the lip prior to purchasing; such a point-of-sale interaction should result in increased sales of said fishing lure systems. Lastly, fishing lure system  9000  may also comprise of a backpanel  9502  having at least one hole  9504  which permits said package to be displayed on a peg board type display within a retail store. 
         [0129]      FIG. 11  shows a non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure retail display embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, fishing lure retail display  9600  may comprise at least one fishing lure  9602  having an extendable tether  9612 , at least one lip  9622  and a communication  9650  which describes recommendations for combining fishing lures and lips for targeted fishing.  FIG. 11  shows a first fishing lure  9602 , a second fishing lure  9604  and a third fishing lure  9606 , wherein at least one of said lures is different from another. For example, lure  9606  is smaller than  9604  which is fatter than lure  9602 . Tethers  9616 ,  9614 ,  9612  may be attached to said lures, respectively. Similarly,  FIG. 11  shows a first lips  9622 , a second lip  9624  and a third lip  9626 , wherein at least one of said lips is different from another lip. For example, first lip  9622  is smaller than second lips  9624  which are smaller than third lip  9626 . Tethers  9632 ,  9634 ,  9634  may be attached to said lips, respectively. As is illustrated, first lip  9622  can be moved from an initial position  9622   a  to an engaged position  9622   b , wherein said tether  9632  can be extended from an initial position  9632   a  to an engaged position  9632   b.    
         [0130]      FIG. 12  shows a non-limiting, exemplary fishing product recommendation system having a user input interface embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, user input interface  9700  may be take a variety of forms including, but not limited to, an internet website, kiosk, point-of-sale communication and computer software. Said interface  9700  may comprise of a communication  9710  which is directed at acquiring information to assist in a product recommendation  9720  or assistance. For example, communication  9710  may comprise of a variety of questions used to identify the recommend fishing lure system for the desired fishing experience. With said recommendation, the consumer can better select the right fishing lure system within the retail store. Additionally, the consumer may be able to use such interface on the internet and then have the recommend products delivered. Even further, after returning from the fishing trip, the angler can record which lures did better than others so as to track performance. The angler may also indicate which lures were lost so that a new product order may be initiated. With the teachings of this disclosure, one skilled in the art would appreciate other variations directed at achieving the overall result of educations, assisting and selling to the others. 
         [0131]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 
         [0132]    For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that many of the disclosed features illustrated within the body of the fishing lure may also be applied to other segments of the lure, as exampled in  FIGS. 13   a - c . More specifically,  FIG. 13   a  shows the inclusion of rattles in each of the segments.  FIG. 13   b  shows the inclusion of weights in each of the segments.  FIG. 13   c  shows the inclusion of fluorescent materials in each of the segments. Further, if each segment were made via a process that allowed a cavity within the part, a variety of other elements may be utilized including, but not limited to, sound producing mechanisms, light emission, or weight/weight differential mechanisms. 
         [0133]    For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the segments of the fishing lure may be produced from one or more materials incorporating varying rigidity, flexibility, weight and/or buoyancy. Further, materials that exhibit ecological advantages, such as polylactic acid (PLA) that will biodegrade overtime if lost into the water, may be incorporated. Even further, materials that are made from post consumer recycle substances may be incorporated as such fact is often deemed desirable to the common nature-loving angler. 
         [0134]    For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the segments may be engaged in a variety of configurations. For example, hooks may be placed on a variety of locations (trailing portion, body, leading portion, etc.). For example, male and female connections may be reversed. Further, other suitable types of connections may be used to engage segments. 
         [0135]    For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the segments may be of varying sizes, lengths and designs. For example, the lip may be designed to extend beyond the leading portion, extend equal to the leading portion and/or extend short of the leading portion. Fishing lures with such varying lips are often referred to as different types of bait (e.g., poppers having short lips to cause the lure to remain on the surface or “pop” via the trapping of air between an upwardly exposed “cup shaped” lip and the water surface; crank baits having longer lips to cause the lure to dive, etc.). Further, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the benefits of the present invention may be applied to other lures used in fishing; for example, lures commonly referred to as jig or spinner lures. See  FIGS. 14   a - 14   c  for non-limiting, exemplary embodiments. The lures in  FIGS. 14   a - 14   c  comprise a leading portion  9802 , a trailing portion  9804  and a connection mechanism  9806  which releasably engages said leading portion and said trailing portion. Despite the often different fisherman and/or fishing conditions between traditional crank bait and jigs, the embodiments of the present application demonstrate how the benefits of the present invention may be appreciated in a variety of lure types. 
         [0136]    For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that a variety of connection mechanisms may be used in keeping with the teachings of the present invention. For example,  FIGS. 15   a - 15   b  show a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a fishing lure having a trailing portion and body connection mechanism which allows swivel or pivoting motion during travel through water. More specifically,  FIG. 15   a  shows said embodiment in a pre-engaged position and  FIG. 15   b  shows said embodiment in an engaged position. Said connection mechanism  9811  may be comprised of a first connection portion  9811   a  and a second connection portion  9811   b  that are releasably engageable so as to permit engagement and disengagement without the need of a special tool such as a screw-driver or pliers.  FIGS. 15   c - 15   e  show non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of first connection portions. 
         [0137]      FIGS. 16-17  show a non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure embodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, fishing lure  9901  may comprise of a lip  9915 , a left body portion  9905 , a right body portion  9910  (left and right body portions together being called fishing lure body  9902 ), a front eyelet  9920  to receive a hook, a mid eyelet  9922  to receive a hook, a rear eyelet  9924  to receive a hook, and an optional rubber gasket  9930 . Each of said components being directly and/or indirectly engageable in such a way so as to provide a customizable fishing lure. As may be appreciated by one skilled in the art, fishing lure  9915  may be constructed in a variety of ways when a variety of said components are provided. 
         [0138]      FIG. 18   a - 18   b  show the left body portion  9905  with a fin  9906  that facilitates a subsequent connection to ridges  9911  of the right half body  9910  of  FIG. 19   a - 19   b  by way of an ultrasonic weld or other like connection technologies. 
         [0139]      FIG. 20   a  shows a top view of the lip  9915  of  FIG. 16 . Stem portion  9916  of lip  9915  is adapted to be inserted and rotated inside fishing lure body  9902 . The amount of rotation may vary, but it is preferred that the amount of rotation needed to lock lip  9915  into fishing lure body  9902  is no greater than 360 degrees and more preferably no greater than 90 degrees of rotation. Protrusion portion  9917  is adapted to engage and lock lip  9915  into fishing lure  9902 .  FIG. 20   b  shows a perspective, right-side view of the lip  9915  of  FIG. 20   a .  FIG. 20   c  shows a bottom view of the lip  9915  of  FIG. 20   a .  FIG. 20   d  shows a rear view of the lip  9915  of  FIG. 20   a .  FIG. 20   e  shows a perspective, left-side view of the lip  9915  of  FIG. 20   a .  FIG. 20   f  shows an elevational, right-side view of the lip  9915  of  FIG. 20   a . Lip  9915  may be constructed as different sizes and/or weights. A kit could be provided with one or more fishing lure bodies  9902  and multiple lips  9915  wherein said lips have different physical properties (e.g., weights) to provide the user with an array of different customizable lures. Lip  9915  could be made to be porous so as to emit a liquid (not shown; fore example, a scent that attracts fish) from inside the body  9902 . Lips  9915  of varying physical characteristics could be distinguished from one another in various ways including, but not limited to, different colors, raised dots for tactile differentiation; surface indicia (“shallow”, “mid”, “deep”). 
         [0140]      FIG. 21   a  shows a bottom view of the fishing lure body  9902  of  FIG. 16  with the lip  9915  is removed.  FIG. 21   b  shows a rear, perspective view of the lip  9915  of  FIG. 16  that is adapted to be engaged with the fishing lure  9901  of  FIG. 21   a .  FIG. 22   a  shows a front, elevational view of the fishing lure body  9902  and lip of  FIG. 16  wherein the lip  9915  is being positioned for subsequent engagement into the fishing lure body  9902 . FIG.  22   b  shows a front, elevational view of the fishing lure body  9902  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 16  wherein the lip  9915  has been inserted into the fishing lure body  9902  but not yet rotated into a locked position.  FIG. 22   c  shows a front, elevational view of the fishing lure body  9902  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 16  wherein the lip  9915  has been inserted into the fishing lure body  9902  and rotated into a locked position; 
         [0141]      FIG. 23   a  shows an elevational, right-side view of the left half body  9905  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 22   a .  FIG. 23   b  shows an elevational, right-side view of the left half body  9905  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 22   b .  FIG. 23   c  shows an elevational, right-side view of the left half body  9905  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 22   c .  FIG. 24   a  shows an close-up view of the left half body  9905  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 23   a  wherein keyway  9940  is adapted to receive, engage and lock lip  9915  into fishing lure body  9902 .  FIG. 24   b  shows an close-up view of the left half body  9905  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 23   b .  FIG. 24   c  shows an close-up view of the left half body  9905  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 23   c.    
         [0142]      FIG. 25   a  shows a cut-away view of the left half body  9905  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 24   a  wherein the lip is inserted but not yet rotated.  FIG. 25   b  shows a cut-away view of the left half body  9905  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 24   b  wherein the lip  9915  is inserted and partially rotated to an interference point to provide the user with a signal that the rotation is near its completion and nearing to be locked into place.  FIG. 25   c  shows a cut-away view of the left half body  9905  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 24   c  wherein the lip  9915  is inserted and rotated to a locked position.  FIG. 26   a  shows a cut-away view of the left half body  9905  and lip  9915  of  FIG. 24   c  wherein a gasket  9950  is used to further secure the connection between the lip and fishing lure body.  FIG. 26   b  shows a perspective view of the lip  9915  and gasket  9950  of  FIG. 26   a . Gasket  9950  may be optional used to provide greater resistance for improved force-fit connection of lip  9915  and fishing lure body  9902 . Gasket  9950  may be constructed of rubber or any other suitable materials. 
         [0143]      FIG. 27  shows a cut-away view of the left half body  9905  containing a reservoir element (e.g., ball bearing that may produce a wabble movement for the fishing lure). Left half body  9905  may comprise a raised internal portion  9965  that is adapted to temporarily contain at least one reservoir element  9960  until such time that said lip  9915  can be inserted to permanently contain one or more reservoir element  9960 . Reservoir elements may include, but are not limited to, weights, glass beads, ceramic balls, plastic pellets and any combinations thereof. 
         [0144]    A significant benefit of the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG. 16  is that it does not require a squeezing action on the part of the user in order to engage or disengage the lip  9915  from the body  9902 . Such squeezing action can be difficult to perform when the lure is wet, weather is cold (especially with gloves) and/or the sunlight is limited, especially when one considers that sharp hooks are part of the lure. Further, this embodiment does not require the lip to be rotated more than 360 degrees which can also be difficult under similar circumstances.

Technology Category: a