Fishing – trapping – and vermin destroying – Fishing – Artificial bait
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-12
2001-01-16
Lavinder, Jack W. (Department: 3644)
Fishing, trapping, and vermin destroying
Fishing
Artificial bait
C043S042320, C043S042230, C043S042390, C043S042470
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173522
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fishing lures and method and more particularly to a top water lure having a lateral run during retrieval following casting, facilitated by an upright tapered front and flat side to which a line is attached far enough to the rear of the lure to direct the lure's path.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fishing lure having an integral floating body providing a run extending toward the right or the left so as to go toward obstructions in the water or to go under overhanging branches. Since fish often are to be found near or around structures or shaded areas such as under overhanging branches of bodies of water where obstructions are most likely to occur, maneuverability is an important attribute of a successful lure. The likelihood that lures will become entangled when stumps, dock posts and the like are encountered makes a solution to the problem all the more desirable. By varying weight distribution toward a central location a single lure may be made to go either way.
The prior art is best shown by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,674,224, 5,058,309, and 5,638,632. U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,309 illustrates a steerable fishing lure capable of runs or continuous traverses to the right or to the left depending upon adjustment of the line fastening apparatus. The body of the lure is not integral and does not float. The lure does not have a capability of backing out of cramped quarters such as when the lure is passed about stumps, posts, and the like. The term “integral” is used herein in its broadest sense to mean parts which are or may be fixed together so as to be unified as opposed to formed in a single piece of material.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,632 illustrates a top water lure configured to include an S-shaped integral body. This lure is capable of oscillating continuously during retrieval when casting but does not provide continuous directional movement such as right-hand or left-hand runs. U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,224 illustrates a trolling lure having an integral body with a transverse medial groove for adjusting the positioning of hooks so as to vary the disposition of weight and hence the inclination of the lure with respect to a horizontal axis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an important object of the invention to provide a fishing lure with a lateral surface run during casting.
Another important object of the invention is to provide a floating plug capable of being backed away from obstructions such as stumps and posts which become engaged by the line and lure during retrieval after casting.
Another important object of the invention is the provision of a lure having a body of simplified integral construction which is capable of floating and which is hydrodynamically configured so as to avoid turbulent flow and to provide stability during retrieval.
Another important object of the invention is to provide a fishing lure having a body which is of integral construction in the form of natural bait such as a minnow generally in the shape of a herring, shad, trout or other small fish.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a fishing lure which may be inexpensively constructed, capable of floating and which may be decorated in such a way as to simulate live bait. This lure can be made to mimic the action of a bait fish.
Another important object of the present invention is to provide a top water plug capable of maneuvering in right or left-hand runs during casting. Generally, a particular lure will be constructed in accordance with the invention to either go to the right or to the left but it is possible that weight distributions may be varied so as to change directions after a run of a given length and duration has been attained.
Another important object of the invention is the provision of a lure having a body with a generally upright inclined front surface or lip and an upright wall extending rearwardly therefrom on one side of the body with provision for attaching the line at a position rearwardly of the front surface to direct the lure on a lateral run. The head essentially forms the lip.
Another important object of the invention is to provide a lure having a body generally in the configuration of natural bait capable of producing a lateral surface run during retrieval with weights positioned to govern the inclination of the lure in respect to a transverse axis.
Still another important object of the invention is to provide a lure having an elongated tunnel, open at the front and along one side of the lure so as to provide hydrodynamic stability during retrieval of the lure, facilitating positioning of a line connector for causing the lure to go to the right or to the left and to back out of engagement with obstructions in the water or can be made to reverse directions with each engagement with central weight distribution of the lure.
Lures constructed in accordance with the invention provide a generally flat upright surface in the shape of a minnow body providing attachment with weighting sufficient to maintain the lure vertically in the water, with a generally upright front surface inclined across the body to facilitate lateral runs of the lure during casting. It is significant that a central tunnel opening at the front extends rearwardly for enhancing hydrodynamic qualities and facilitating a positioning of a line connector eye so that line attachment may be close to the center of weight of the body for better control over the action of the lure.
While the invention is described in terms of a casting lure providing lateral surface runs upon retrieval it may be possible to utilize similar configurations in other lures capable of use in trolling or in casting at varying depths. Other lure actions may be achieved by varying the amount and positioning of the weights in combination with other features of the invention which may also be altered to achieve desired lure characteristics. Weighting is an important feature of the present invention because weight is desirable to maintain a stable position or depth in the water and to avoid an excessive tendency toward diving. Weight is preferably concentrated in a forward portion of the body to provide balance about a transverse axis. The lure appears to be formed in the configuration of a normal lure divided vertically along a horizontal axis. However, the general thickness of a normal lure is maintained in the subject lure with material added at the top and bottom to form an upright wall with sharp edges at upper and lower extremities.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1813843 (1931-07-01), Flood
patent: 3139693 (1964-07-01), Newman
patent: 3243912 (1966-04-01), Newman
patent: 4037348 (1977-07-01), Kruger
patent: 5113608 (1992-05-01), Hook
patent: 5381623 (1995-01-01), Crisp
Bailey, P.A. Ralph
Lavinder Jack W.
LandOfFree
Fishing lure having a lateral surface run and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Fishing lure having a lateral surface run and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fishing lure having a lateral surface run and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2492538