Fishing Lure

Field of Invention

[0001] This invention relates to fishing lures and more particularly to fishing lures that have improved functionality compared with prior art lures.

Background

[0002] Fishing lures are well known in the market. There are different types of lures, which include lures known as popper lures and diving lures.

[0003] A popper lure is a floating lure which, when jerked through the water at a varying speed, causes a spray to be thrown and a 'pop' noise to be made. This imitates a frightened bait fish trying to escape a predator and attracts other bigger fish.

[0004] A diving lure usually has an angled planing surface or 'bib' which makes it dive under the water when drawn through the water, at a relatively steady speed. The size and angle of the bib governs how deep the lure will dive and what type of action it has. Diving lures normally have a speed above which they become unstable, typically moving from side to side. This instability eventually causes them to come to the surface and remain there until speed is reduced.

[0005] The majority of fishing lures are hollow and have "rattles" which produce a noise which attracts fish. These rattles typically include metal or plastic balls or beads inserted into the hollow lure during production. The number and size of the balls alters the frequency and volume of the noise produced. Most anglers know that sound is important and consider that fish can become accustomed to certain sounds and can be less attracted to them 4545-1.doc

- 2 - in the longer term, and therefore keep a selection of different lures which produce different sounds.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one broad form, the invention provides a fishing lure having a first mode and a second mode of operation, wherein in the first mode the lure travels on the surface of the water and either a water spray or a popping sound or both is achieved, and in the second mode the lure travels below the surface of the water.

[0007] Preferably the first mode occurs when the lure is drawn through the water at a varying speed such as by repeatedly jerking on, then relaxing, the line.

[0008] Preferably lure is buoyant and when not moving floats on the surface of the water. The second mode may be initiated when the lure is drawn across or through the water at a relatively steady speed. Once the lure is submerged it may be drawn through the water at a relatively steady speed or may be drawn at a varying speed, such as by jerking.

[0009] The lure may have a front face, preferably adjacent to a front end of the lure. The front face is preferably angled upwards and forwards relative to a longitudinal axis of the fishing lure

[0010] Preferably, at least part of the front face is generally planar, concave or convex relative to a longitudinal axis of the fishing lure.

[0011] The front face is preferably at an angle between 70 degrees and 90 degrees to a longitudinal axis of the fishing lure.

[0012] The lure may have a bib, preferably adjacent to the front face of the 4545-1.doc

- 3 - lure. The bib may be angled downwards and forwards at an angle. Preferably this angle is between 30 and 50 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the fishing lure. More preferably the bib is at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the fishing lure.

[0013] At least part of a bib of the lure may be generally planar, concave or convex.

[0014] In another broad form, the invention provides a fishing lure having at least one chamber which is removable, interchangeable or adjustable, whereby at least one characteristic of the lure is modified.

[0015] The characteristic or characteristics modified may include one or more of the following: the sound produced in use, colour, buoyancy or smell.

[0016] A chamber may carry one or more other components and different components result in different characteristic(s). The chamber in itself may change characteristic(s). For example the chamber may be interchangeable with another chamber that is a different colour. In preferred forms a chamber carries other components internally within the chamber.

[0017] A chamber can be removed, replaced, changed or adjusted quickly whilst fishing to produce a different sound or effect. Different chambers may be filled with different sizes and/or shapes and/or materials of rattle producing members, such as balls or beads, or may contain weights which produce no noise but alter the buoyancy of the lure to suit varying fishing conditions. A chamber may be opaque, or may be translucent or transparent to show the rattles or to show the contents such as a coloured liquid to imitate blood or other coloured triggers which attract fish. A chamber may contain scented triggers which attract fish. 4545-1.doc

- 4 -

[0018] Alternatively, or in addition, a chamber may be integral with the body of the lure and sealed by a removable cap or other sealing device, such that the contents of the chamber are removable or interchangeable or adjustable.

[0019] At least one chamber may be received within a respective recess within the body, or otherwise be connected to the body.

[0020] Where a chamber is within a recess, the recess may be a blind recess. The recess may be an open recess which has apertures on opposing sides of the fishing lure.

[0021 ] A recess may be dimensioned such that a chamber may be inserted into the recess through the aperture on one side of the fishing lure, and cannot pass through the aperture on the opposing side of the fishing lure.

[0022] A chamber may have a shape which constrains the orientation of the respective chamber relative to the body.

[0023] One or other of a chamber and its respective recess may have at least one ridge or protrusion which engages with at least one corresponding groove in the other of the chamber and its respective recess to constrain the orientation of the chamber within the fishing lure.

[0024] A chamber may be unitary or may comprise two or more separable parts.

[0025] A chamber may be located transversely within the fishing lure.

[0026] The chamber may have a locking or retaining mechanism to secure it within the recess. For example, the chamber may be generally cylindrical and be received in a generally cylindrical recess. The chamber may be rotatable within the recess about its axis between a locked an unlocked position. The 4545-1.doc

- 5 - chamber may have an arm or cam that on rotation to the locked position passes into a slot or similar and so prevents axial withdrawal.

[0027] In another broad form the invention provides a lure having a bib which includes one or more holes, apertures or passageways which are found to create a stabilising effect which enables the lure to be drawn through the water at higher speed before it becomes unstable. The stabilising effect is obtained by the flow of water through the hole which creates a "keel" effect.

[0028] Preferably the stabilising effect enables the lure to be drawn through the water at higher speed before it becomes unstable compared to an otherwise identical lure without the at least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway.

[0029] At least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway may be spaced apart from the periphery of the bib. At least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway may be located at, or adjacent the periphery of the bib.

[0030] At least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway may be elongate.

[0031] At least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway may be oriented such that its longest dimension is aligned with a longest dimension of the bib.

[0032] At least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway may be oriented such that its longest dimension is aligned transverse to a longest dimension of the bib.

[0033] A stabilising hole, aperture or passageway may have a length of between about 3 mm and about 10 mm, and a width of between about 1 mm and about 6 mm.

[0034] A stabilising hole, aperture or passageway may have a length of about 4545-1.doc

- 6 -

4.5 mm and a width of about 1 .9 mm in a bib with dimensions about 55 mm long and about 35 mm wide.

[0035] A stabilising hole, aperture or passageway may be circular.

[0036] A stabilising hole, aperture or passageway may have an area less than about 5% of the area of the bib.

[0037] A stabilising hole, aperture or passageway may have an area less than about 2% of the area of the bib.

[0038] The stabilising effect of the or all stabilising holes, apertures or passageways may be the same as the stabilising effect of a single stabilising hole, aperture or passageway having an area less than about 5% of the area of the bib.

[0039] The stabilising effect of the or all stabilising holes, apertures or passageways may be the same as the stabilising effect of a single stabilising hole, aperture or passageway having an area less than about 2% of the area of the bib.

[0040] The stabilising effect of the or all stabilising holes, apertures or passageways may be the same as the stabilising effect of a single stabilising hole, aperture or passageway having a length of between about 3 mm and about 10 mm, and a width of between about 1 mm and about 6 mm in a bib with dimensions about 55 mm long and about 35 mm wide.

[0041 ] The stabilising effect of the or all stabilising holes, apertures or passageways may be the same as the stabilising effect of a single stabilising hole, aperture or passageway having a length of about 4.5 mm and a width of about 1 .9 mm in a bib with dimensions about 55 mm long and about 35 mm 4545-1.doc

- 7 - wide.

[0042] The fishing lure may have a towing eye, in which the centre point of the at least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway is located between about 10 mm behind the centre point of the towing eye and about 25 mm forward of the centre point of the towing eye.

[0043] The centre point of the at least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway may be located generally below a centre point of the towing eye.

[0044] Where the fishing lure has multiple stabilising holes, apertures or passageways, preferably these are located such that in use the holes apertures or passageways in combination produce no twisting about the direction of travel of the lure.

[0045] A fishing lure with at least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway preferably has a bib that forms an angle of between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees below a centre line of the lure.

[0046] A fishing lure with at least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway preferably has a bib that forms an angle of about 26 to about 30 degrees below a centre line of the lure.

[0047] A fishing lure with at least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway preferably has a bib with a scooped shape which in use directs water towards the at least one stabilising hole, aperture or passageway. However, the bib may be generally planar.

[0048] The fishing lure may have a bib that is removable or interchangeable from the body.

[0049] Other forms of the invention includes different combinations of popper 4545-1.doc

- 8 - lure and swimming lure and combined swimming and popper lure with or without the chamber, and with or without the hole in the bib.

[0050] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the

description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of 'including, but not limited to'.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051] Figure 1 shows an elevation view of a lure according to a first embodiment of the invention, a combined swimming lure and popper lure.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a view from above of the lure of Figure 1.

[0053] Figure 3 shows a cross-section view of the lure of Figure 1.

[0054] Figure 4 shows a left side view according to a second embodiment of the invention, a lure with a removable chamber.

[0055] Figure 5 shows a right side view of the lure of Figure 4.

[0056] Figure 6 shows a left side view of the lure of Figure 4 with no chamber inserted.

[0057] Figure 7 is a top view of the lure of Figure 4 with the chamber removed.

[0058] Figure 8 is a top view of the lure of Figure 4 with the chamber inserted.

[0059] Figure 9 shows a schematic embodiment of a 2-piece removable chamber, for use with the second embodiment, in an assembled state. 4545-1.doc

[0060] Figure 10 shows the chamber of Figure 9, in a disassembled state.

[0061] Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 show three configurations of the chamber of Figure 9.

[0062] Figure 1 shows a top view of a removable chamber, according to another embodiment.

[0063] Figure 15 shows an elevation view of the chamber of Figure 14.

[0064] Figure 16 shows a cross-section view of the chamber of Figure 14.

[0065] Figure 17 shows side view of the removable chamber of Figure 14.

[0066] Figure 18 shows an elevation view of another embodiment of the invention in which a swimming lure has a bib with a hole in the bib.

[0067] Figure 19 shows a top view of the lure of Figure 18.

[0068] Figure 20 shows a cross-section view of the lure of Figure 18.

[0069] Figure 21 shows a front view of the lure of Figure 18.

[0070] Figure 22 shows perspective view of the lure of Figure 18.

[0071] Figure 23 shows a top view of the bib of the lure of Figure 18 with a hole.

[0072] Figures 24 and 25 show a perspective view and a top view of the bib of the lure of Figure 18.

Detailed Description of Preferred and other Embodiments

[0073] Figures 1 , 2 and 3 show a fishing lure 10 according to a first 4545-1.doc

- 10 - implementation of the invention, which provides a fishing lure having first and second modes of operation. The first mode occurs when the lure is drawn through the water at a varying speed such as by repeatedly jerking on, then relaxing, the line. The second mode occurs when the lure is drawn across or through the water at a relatively steady speed. In the first mode, the lure travels on the surface of the water, and either a water spray or a popping sound or both is achieved. In the second mode, the lure submerges, and travels below the surface of the water whilst the relatively steady speed is maintained.

[0074] The lure 10 has a generally elongated body 11. The body 11 has a head 12 and a bib 14 at a forward end 13 and includes attachment points including towing eye 15 for fishing line and hooks, though these attachment points are not important for this invention. The shape and angle of the head 12 determines the popping action of the lure when jerked, while the shape, size and angle of the bib 14 determines the depth to which the lure submerges when drawn through the water at a relatively steady pace. The combination of the shape and angle of the head 12 and the shape and angle of the bib 14 allow the lure to act as either a popper lure or a swimmer lure, depending on the speed at which the lure is drawn through the water.

[0075] The lure has front face 12, preferably adjacent to a front end of the lure. The front face 12 may be generally planar and angled upwards and forwards such that its surface is preferably at an angle between 70 degrees and 90 degrees to the horizontal.

[0076] The front face may be convex or concave or generally planar.

[0077] The lure has a bib 14, preferably adjacent to the front face 12 of the lure. The bib is angled downwards and forwards at an angle which is 4545-1.doc

- 1 1 - preferably between 30 degrees and 50 degrees to the horizontal.

[0078] Figures 4 to 8 show a fishing lure 20 according to a second

implementation of the invention, which provides a fishing lure having at least one chamber which is removable, interchangeable or adjustable, whereby the characteristics of the lure are modified. The characteristics which may be modified include sound, buoyancy, colour and scent.

[0079] The chamber can be removed, changed or adjusted quickly whilst fishing to produce a different sound or other characteristic. Different chambers may be filled with different sizes and/or shapes and/or materials of rattle producing members, such as balls or beads, or may contain weights which produce no noise but alter the buoyancy of the lure to suit varying fishing conditions. The chamber may be opaque, or may be translucent or transparent to show the rattles or to show the contents such as a coloured liquid to imitate blood or other coloured triggers which attract fish. The chamber may contain scented triggers which attract fish.

[0080] The lure 20 includes a head 22, a bib 24 and a recess 26 into which a removable chamber 28 may be inserted.

[0081 ] Figure 7 shows the lure 20 with the chamber 28 removed.

[0082] Figure 8 shows the lure 20 with the chamber 28 inserted.

[0083] Figures 9 and 10 show an embodiment of a 2-piece removable chamber 40 which may be used with the lure of the invention. The chamber includes two parts 42 and 44 which connect together. Part 42 is effectively a cap that slides or screws onto portion 43 of part 44. Part 44 may include a step or indentation 46 to assist the chamber to sit flush with the lure body when inserted. Part 42 and part 44 when connected enclose a cavity 48. The cross- 4545-1.doc

- 12 - sectional shape of the chamber is preferably circular. Alternatively, a non- circular shape may be used to constrain the position of the chamber within the lure to one particular orientation.

[0084] Figure 1 1 shows the chamber 40 in a first configuration. The cavity 48 may be empty or filled with liquid. This provides a chamber that is effectively silent. When filled with liquid, the liquid may be coloured to imitate blood or other coloured or luminous triggers which attract fish.

[0085] Figure 12 shows the chamber 40 in a second configuration. The cavity 48 may contain one or more relatively large rattle members 54. The rattle members are free to move within the cavity 48 and produce a relatively low pitch noise.

[0086] Figure 13 shows the chamber 40 in a third configuration. The cavity 48 may contain one or more relatively small rattle members 56. The rattle members are free to move within the cavity 48 and produce a relatively high pitch noise.

[0087] Figures 14 to 17 show an alternative 2-piece removable chamber 60. The chamber 60 includes two parts 62 and 64 which connect together. Both part 62 and part 64 include one or more raised protrusions 66 which engage with corresponding openings within the lure body (not shown). These protrusions constrain the position of the chamber to one particular orientation within the lure body. The chamber may contain a single cavity 70, or may contain two or more separate cavities. The shape of the sides of the chamber 68 preferably match the shape of the sides of the body of the lure.

[0088] Although the embodiments show a lure with a single chamber the invention includes lures with two or more chambers. Where multiple chambers 4545-1.doc

- 13 - are provided, not all of these need to be adjustable or interchangeable or removable.

[0089] Although the embodiments show a lure with the chamber mounted transversely in the lure, it will be understood that the chamber may be mounted in different orientations from those shown.

[0090] Figures 18 to 25 show a fishing lure 80 according to another

implementation of the invention, which provides a lure having a bib which includes one or more holes, apertures or passageways, which are found to create a stabilising effect which enables the lure to be drawn through the water at higher speed before it becomes unstable. The stabilising effect is obtained by the flow of water through the hole which creates a "keel" effect.

[0091] The lure includes a head 82, towing eye 83, a bib 84 and may include a chamber 86. The chamber 86 may be omitted. The chamber 86 may be fixed or may be changeable as shown in the embodiment figures 4 to 17. The bib 84 has a hole, aperture or passageway 88. It has been found that the flow of water through the hole 88 creates "keel" effect which stabilises the lure. This allows the lure to be drawn through the water at a higher speed before it becomes unstable compared to a lure that lacks the aperture. The hole, aperture or passageway may be circular in cross section, or may be an elongated or other shape, oriented either longitudinally or transversely to the direction of travel of the lure. A preferred size of the hole is between 3 mm and 10 mm long, and between 1 mm and 6 mm wide. A preferred position of the hole is between 10 mm behind and 25 mm forward from the towing eye of the lure. A preferred angle of the bib is between 20 degrees and 40 degrees below the horizontal.

[0092] The size of the hole, aperture or passageway is generally less than 5% 4545-1.doc

- 14 - of the area of the bib.

[0093] It will be understood that a larger bib would generally require a larger hole, aperture or passageway, while a smaller bib would generally require a smaller hole, aperture or passageway,

[0094] A preferred bib according to this embodiment of the invention has an elongate hole 4.5 mm long and 1.9 mm wide in a bib whose outside dimensions are about 55 mm long and about 35 mm wide. The bib is attached to a fishing lure about 160 mm long, and at an angle of about 26 degrees below the horizontal.

[0095] When a single hole 88 is provided, it is preferably located on the centre line of the lure.

[0096] More than one hole may be provided. These may be provided on the centre line or may be provided to one or both sides of the centre line. The holes 88 may be identical in shape or different. Where there are multiple holes offset from the centre line, these are preferably symmetric about the centre line. Alternatively an asymmetric arrangement may be used such that the holes do not generate a twisting about the centre line.

[0097] The bib 84 may be of a planar shape, or it may have a scooped shape with a curvature, such that the curvature assists the flow of water towards the hole or aperture. The curvature may be formed by a raised lip 90 around the periphery of the bib 84.

[0098] It will be understood that different forms of the invention include different combinations of popper lure and swimming lure and combined swimming and popper lure with or without the chamber, and with or without the hole in the bib. 4545-1.doc

- 15 -

[0099] The features of the invention described or mentioned in this document may be combined in any combination of features where features are not mutually exclusive.

[0100] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many obvious modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.