U.S. patent application number 13/343900 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-26 for illuminated jig lure.
This patent application is currently assigned to R2 Innovations, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert E. Matuszewski, Robert L. Senter.
Application Number | 20120096756 13/343900 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37882647 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120096756 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Senter; Robert L. ; et
al. |
April 26, 2012 |
ILLUMINATED JIG LURE
Abstract
The present invention relates to fishing lures equipped with one
or more light sources interacting and/or interfacing with one or
more light transmission mediums. The light transmission medium acts
to illuminate one or more areas proximate to the fishing lure to
provide a natural luminance or iridescence. The light transmission
medium can be made from a flexible translucent hot melt
thermoplastic material extruded into a polymer lens and can be
located on an outer surface of a body of the fishing lure or inside
the body of the fishing lure. The light transmission medium can
also be provided in the form of a soft flexible component made from
Plastisol or other similar translucent materials. The light source
can be embedded in or located proximate to the light transmission
medium to amplify, intensify, and/or disperse light along the light
transmission medium to provide a natural looking luminescence to
the fishing lure.
Inventors: |
Senter; Robert L.; (Castle
Rock, CO) ; Matuszewski; Robert E.; (Castle Rock,
CO) |
Assignee: |
R2 Innovations, LLC
Castle Rock
CO
|
Family ID: |
37882647 |
Appl. No.: |
13/343900 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11233558 |
Sep 22, 2005 |
8091270 |
|
|
13343900 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
43/17.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 85/00 20130101;
A01K 85/01 20130101; A01K 85/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
43/17.6 |
International
Class: |
A01K 85/01 20060101
A01K085/01 |
Claims
1. A fishing lure comprising: a jig head; a light source comprising
a light-emitting diode and a light-emitting diode lens connected to
the jig head; a light transmission medium, comprising a translucent
polymer adapted to selectively connect with the jig head and
adapted to receive a portion of the light source so that light
emitted from the light source is dispersed along the light
transmission medium; and a power source electrically coupled with
the light source.
2. The fishing lure of claim 1, further comprising a compartment
within the jig head having an opening adapted to receive the power
source, the light source being activated once the power source is
inserted in the compartment.
3. The fishing lure of claim 1, further comprising a hook
consisting of at least one barb at an end and an eyelet at the
other end, wherein the jig head is attached to the hook near the
eyelet, and the light transmission medium is further adapted to
selectively connect with the hook.
4. The fishing lure of claim 1, further comprising at least one
hook connected with the jig head.
5. The fishing lure of claim 1, wherein the light transmission
medium comprises a jig body.
6. The fishing lure of claim 1, wherein the light transmission
medium comprises a thermoplastic material.
7. The fishing lure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
reflective materials embedded in the light transmission medium.
8. The fishing lure of claim 1, wherein the light transmission
medium is configured to at least one of amplify and intensify the
light from the light source along the light transmission
medium.
9. The fishing lure of claim 1, wherein the light transmission
medium comprises an optical attribute configured to alter at least
one property of light from the light source.
10. The fishing lure of claim 9, wherein the optical attribute is
configured to alter at least one of a phase, an amplitude, and a
wavelength of light from the light source.
11. The fishing lure of claim 1, wherein the light transmission
medium comprises an optical attribute of luminescence.
12. The fishing lure of claim 1, wherein the light transmission
medium comprises an optical attribute of iridescence.
13. The fishing lure of claim 1, wherein the light transmission
medium comprises an optical attribute of fluorescence.
14. The fishing lure of claim 1, wherein the light transmission
medium comprises an optical attribute of reflectivity.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/233,558, filed on Sep. 22, 2005, and claims
the benefit thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] a. Field of the Invention
[0003] Aspects of the present invention relate generally to fishing
equipment, and more particularly, to illuminated fishing lures.
[0004] b. Background Art
[0005] Salt water and fresh water fishing lures adapted to ensnare
fish or other aquatic animals are known in the art. Many fishing
lures are equipped with one or more hooks connected with a body and
can be made from various types of material with various aspects to
make the lure more visually attractive, such as different shapes
and colors. Depending upon the depth of operation, intensity of
sunlight, and/or water visibility conditions, the visually
appealing aspects of a fishing lure can be diminished or completely
lost.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Aspects of the present invention relate to fishing lures
equipped with one or more light sources that interact and/or
interface with one or more light transmission mediums. The light
transmission medium acts to illuminate one or more areas proximate
to the fishing lure to provide a natural luminance or iridescence.
The light transmission medium can be positioned proximate to the
light source to increase the visibility of the illumination created
by the light source. The light transmission medium can be located
on an outer surface of or inside a body of the fishing lure. The
light transmission medium can also be provided in the form of a
soft flexible component made from Plastisol or other similar
translucent materials. The light source can be embedded in or
located proximate to the light transmission medium to amplify,
intensify, and/or disperse light along the light transmission
medium to provide a natural looking luminescence to the fishing
lure.
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a fishing lure
includes: a body; a light transmission medium connected with the
body; a light source optically coupled with the light transmission
medium; and a power source electrically coupled with the light
source.
[0008] In another form of the present invention, a fishing lure
includes: a body; a light transmission medium connected with the
body; a light source optically coupled with the light transmission
medium; a power source electrically coupled with the light source;
a compartment formed in the body and having an opening adapted to
receive the power source; and a removable cover adapted to connect
with the compartment.
[0009] In yet another form of the present invention, a fishing lure
includes: a body; a means for transmitting light connected with the
body; a means for producing light optically coupled with the means
for transmitting light; and a means for providing power coupled
with the means for producing light.
[0010] The features, utilities, and advantages of various
embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following
more particular description of embodiments of the invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a
fishing lure including an illumination system according to aspects
of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of the fishing lure shown in FIG.
1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fishing lure
depicted in FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fishing lure
depicted in FIG. 3, taken along line 4-4.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fishing lure
depicted in FIG. 3, taken along line 5-5.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side view of a light source optically coupled
with a clear light transmission medium shown in FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of a light source optically coupled
with a light transmission medium shown in FIG. 3 embedded with
reflective materials.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a light source adapted for
use with the fishing lure shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the fishing lure shown in
FIG. 1 with a removable cover and power source removed from a body
of the fishing lure.
[0020] FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic diagram of a first
circuit for an illumination system.
[0021] FIG. 11 is an electrical schematic diagram of a second
circuit for an illumination system.
[0022] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a
fishing lure including an illumination system according to aspects
of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a top view of the fishing lure shown in FIG.
12.
[0024] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the fishing lure shown in
FIG. 12 with an alternative form of a light transmission
medium.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the fishing lure
depicted in FIG. 13, taken along line 15-15.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the fishing lure
depicted in FIG. 15, taken along line 16-16.
[0027] FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of a fishing lure taken
along line 16-16 of FIG. 15 with a light transmission medium fully
surrounding an outer circumference of a lure body.
[0028] FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of a fishing lure taken
along line 16-16 of FIG. 15 with a light transmission medium fully
surrounding an outer circumference of a lure body and located
beneath a protective coating.
[0029] FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view of a fishing lure taken
along line 16-16 of FIG. 15 with a light transmission medium
embedded in the body of the lure and extending almost completely
around an inner circumference below an outer surface of the
body.
[0030] FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view of a fishing lure taken
along line 16-16 of FIG. 15 with holograms on opposing sides of a
light transmission medium extending through the center of the
fishing lure.
[0031] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a
fishing lure including a soft flexible component in the form of a
jig tail connected with a body in the form of a jig head and having
an illumination system according to aspects of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a side view of fishing lure shown in FIG. 17 with
the soft flexible component removed.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the fishing lure
depicted in FIG. 17, taken along line 19-19 and showing the jig
tail partially removed from the body.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the fishing lure
depicted in FIG. 19, taken along line 20-20.
[0035] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a light source adapted for
use with the fishing lure shown in FIG. 17.
[0036] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the fishing lure shown in
FIG. 17 with a removable cover and power source removed from a body
of the fishing lure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an
illumination system for providing a natural luminance or
iridescence to various embodiments of fishing lures operating
under, on top of, or at different water levels. More particularly,
aspects of the present invention relate to fishing lures equipped
with one or more light sources that interact and/or interface with
one or more light transmission mediums to illuminate one or more
areas proximate to the fishing lure. Some embodiments include at
least one light source interacting with and illuminating a light
transmission medium, such as a polymer lens extruded from adhesive
hot melt thermoplastics. In such an embodiment, the polymer lens
can also contain florescent particles and/or be positioned to
interact with florescent materials to provide an illuminated
fishing lure with a natural luminescence appearance. The light
transmission medium can be positioned proximate to the light source
to increase the visibility of the illumination created by the light
source. As such, the illumination system acts to mitigate the
affects of changing sunlight and/or water visibility
conditions.
[0038] As discussed in more detail below, the illumination system
can include a light source optically coupled with a light
transmission medium and can work with a variety of fishing lures,
such as hard bodied, soft bodied, and jig style lure types. In some
lures, the light transmission medium is made from a flexible
translucent polymer lens, which can be located on an outer surface
of a body of the fishing lure or inside the body of the fishing
lure. In other lures, the light transmission medium is a soft
flexible component made from Plastisol or other similar translucent
materials. The light source can be embedded in or located proximate
to the light transmission medium such that light from the light
source is amplified, intensified, and dispersed along the light
transmission medium to provide a natural looking luminescence to
the fishing lure. A power source, such as a battery, can be used to
power the light source. Embodiments of the fishing lure can also
include a compartment adapted to house the power source and some or
all of the associated circuitry for the light source. In some
embodiments, the light source is activated and deactivated with a
switch, while in other embodiments; the light source is activated
and deactivated upon installation and removal of the power source
into and out of the compartment. It is to be appreciated that the
illumination system can be configured to operate with various types
of lures and should not be construed to be limited to the lures
depicted and described herein.
[0039] FIGS. 1-9 shows one example of a fishing lure 100 including
an illumination system 102 according to aspects of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the fishing lure includes a body 104
in the form of a bait fish. The body 104 can be also be fabricated
from various types of materials, such as plastic, ceramic, rubber,
metal, wood, and/or composites thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, a wire
member 106 extending through the lure body from a front end portion
108 to a rear end portion 110 defines first 112, second 114, and
third eyelets or loops 116. As shown in FIG. 1, first and second
treble hooks 118, 120 are connected with the first and second loops
112, 114, respectively. A fishing line 122 can be connected with
the third loop 116. The fishing lure 100 can also include a fin or
lip 124 extending from the front end portion 108 of the body 104 to
effect lure dive depth and movement through the water. It is to be
appreciated that the present invention can be used with fresh and
salt water fishing lures having various other forms with various
numbers and styles of hooks, and is not limited to the lure designs
and shapes depicted and described herein.
[0040] As previously mentioned, the illumination system 102 is
utilized to provide a natural luminance or iridescence to the
fishing lure 100. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the illumination system
102 includes a power source 126 connected with a light source 128.
The light source 128, in turn, is optically coupled with a light
transmission medium 130. It is to be appreciated that the circuitry
of the light source and power source can be configured in different
ways, depending upon the type of power source and light source
utilized in the illumination system. For example, FIG. 10 shows a
circuit 132 including the power source 126 in the form of a battery
and a light source 128 in the form of a LED. The circuit 132 also
includes a current limiting resistor 134 in series between the
battery 126 and the LED 128. The size, resistance and power rating
of the current limiting resistor can be selected to provide a
desired applied electrical current to the LED. In another circuit
132' shown in FIG. 11, a switch 136 is connected between the
battery 126 and the LED 128. The switch allows a user to
selectively power the LED on and off. It is to be appreciated that
other components can be included in the illumination system circuit
and should not be construed to be limited to that which is
described and depicted herein. For example, other circuits may
include a controller that provides a mode of operation wherein the
light source automatically flashes on and off.
[0041] It is to be appreciated that various types and quantities of
light sources and power sources can be used with the present
invention, and should not be construed to be limited to those which
are depicted and described herein. For example, the light source
can be any one of a number of known sources, such as a light
emitting diode ("LED"), an infrared emitting diode, a light bulb,
or any suitable source of light. In other examples, red, blue or
green LED's, or a combination thereof, may be used as the light
source. For example, one circuit embodiment utilizes a single white
LED as the light source, such as Agilent Model No. HLMP-KW50 T-1.
In some embodiments, the power source is provided in the form of
one or more batteries. For example, one circuit embodiment utilizes
two 3 volt lithium batteries to power the light source, such as
Eveready Energizer Model No. CR1616. As previously mentioned, the
particular types of circuit components can be selected based on the
desired battery life, illumination intensity, and other factors.
For example, in a circuit embodiment having two 3 volt batteries,
each having a capacity of 55 mAh, driving a single 4.6 volt white
LED with a driven current of 20 mA would provide an estimated
battery life of 5.5 hours.
[0042] Components of the illumination system 102 can be affixed to
and/or housed within the fishing lure body 100 in a number of
different ways. For example, the fishing lure 100 shown in FIGS.
1-5 and 9 includes a compartment 138 near the forward end portion
108 of the lure body 104 housing the power source 126, which is in
the form of a battery. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 9, the
compartment 138 is defined by four sides extending upwardly from a
closed bottom side 140 to an open top 142. More particularly,
relatively wide right and left sides 144, 146 are connected with
and are separated by relatively narrow front and rear sides 148,
150, defining a substantially rectangular-shaped cross section. A
substantially elliptical-shape recessed area 152 extends downward
from an upper surface 154 of the lure body 104 to an upper end
portion of the compartment 138, defining a ledge 156 therebetween.
As discussed in more detail below, a removable cover 158 is adapted
to selectively connect with the recessed area 152, which can
provide a water resistant seal to help prevent water from entering
the compartment.
[0043] The illumination system circuit 102 provided in the fishing
lure 100 shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 8 is substantially represented by
the circuit 132 shown in FIG. 10. As such, the light source 128 is
activated upon installation of the battery 126 into the compartment
138. As shown in FIG. 3, the light source 128, which is in the form
of a LED, is located in the body 104 of the fishing lure 100
adjacent the rear side 150 of the compartment 138. The LED 128
includes first and second leads 160, 162 extending in a forward
direction toward the rear side 150 of the compartment 138. As shown
in FIGS. 3, 5, and 8, the first lead 160 is connected with the
resistor 134, which in turn, is connected with a first end portion
164 of a first battery contactor or clip 166. The second lead 162
is connected with a first end portion 168 of a second battery
contactor or clip 170. From the first end portions 164, 168, the
first and second battery clips 166, 170 extend forward through the
rear side 150 of the compartment 138 to second end portions 172,
174 adapted to engage opposing sides of the battery 126. More
particularly, the second end portions 172, 174 of the first and
second battery clips 166, 170 include arcuate regions 176 extending
inwardly toward each other in the compartment. The arcuate regions
engage opposing sides of the battery when installed in the
compartment and help maintain constant contact between the battery
clips and battery.
[0044] As previously mentioned, the removable cover 158 can be
placed on the lure body 104 to help prevent water from entering the
compartment 138. FIGS. 3, 5, and 9 show one embodiment of the
removable cover 158 adapted to connect with the lure body 104. As
discussed in more detail below, the removable cover 158 is also
adapted to help guide the placement of the battery 126 into the
compartment 138. The removable cover 158 includes a lid portion 178
connected with an extended portion 180. The lid portion 178 is
substantially elliptically-shaped and is adapted to be received
within the elliptically-shaped recessed area 152 of the open top
142 of the compartment 138. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, when the
removable cover 158 is installed, the lid portion 178 is inserted
into the elliptically-shaped recessed area 152 until the lid
portion engages the ledge 156, which can provide a water resistant
seal to help prevent water from entering the compartment. The
fishing lure 100 can also include a tether 182 connecting the
removable 158 cover with the lure body 104 to help prevent the
removable cover from being dropped and/or lost when installing and
removing the battery 126 from the compartment 138. For example, the
fishing lure 100 shown in FIG. 9 includes a tether 182 in the form
of a string connected with the extended portion 180 of the
removable cover 158 and the rear wall 150 of the compartment 138.
It is to be appreciated that the tether is not limited to the
string shown in FIG. 9, and can have other forms, such as a chain,
wire, rubber strap, or filament and can be connected with other
component regions of the fishing lure.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 9, the extended portion 180 of
the removable cover 158 is adapted to be received within the
compartment 138 as well as help hold and guide the battery 126
during installation and removal. The extended portion 180 of the
removable cover 158 is defined by four sides extending downwardly
from a bottom surface 184 of the lid portion 178 to an open bottom
186. More particularly, relatively wide first and second sides 188,
190 are connected with and are separated by relatively narrow third
and fourth sides 192, 194, defining a generally rectangular-shaped
cross section. When the removable cover 158 is installed, the
extended portion 180 is inserted into the compartment 138 such that
the first and second sides 188, 190 are adjacent to the right and
left sides 144, 146 of the compartment 138, respectively, and the
third and fourth sides 192, 194 are adjacent to the front and rear
sides 148, 150 of the compartment, respectively. As shown in FIG.
9, the second side 190 of the extended portion 180 includes a notch
196 adapted to prevent the second side from interfering with the
contact between the curved portion of the second battery clip and
the battery when the removable cover is installed. The extended
portion can also be sized to provide a snug fit with the sides of
the compartment to provide additional sealing to help prevent water
from entering the compartment.
[0046] As previously mentioned, the extended portion 180 of the
removable cover 158 is also adapted to hold the battery 126. As
shown in FIG. 9, before installing the battery 126 in the
compartment 138, the battery can be inserted into the extended
portion 180 of the removable cover 158. The cross sectional area of
the extended portion 180 can be configured to provide a relatively
snug fit with the battery 126 to help hold the battery in the
extended portion. As such, the snug fit can help prevent the
battery from falling out of the extended portion and/or
accidentally dropped during the installation process. The snug fit
also allows the battery 126 to be removed from the compartment 138
along with the cover 158. Once the battery 126 is inserted into the
extended portion 180, the cover 158 and battery 126 can be inserted
into and engaged with the compartment 138 and lure body 104. Once
the battery 126 is installed in the compartment 138, the battery
will activate the LED 128 to illuminate the light transmission
medium 130 of the fishing lure 100. The battery 126 can also be
removed to deactivate the LED 128. As previously mentioned with
reference to FIG. 11, the illumination circuit 132 can also include
the switch 136 to activate and deactivate the light source 128. In
such a configuration, the light source can be activated and
deactivated while the battery is located inside the
compartment.
[0047] As previously mentioned, the light source 128 on the fishing
lure 100 is optically coupled with the light transmission medium
130. More particularly, the light source can be embedded in or
located proximate to the light transmission medium in order to
amplify, intensify, and/or disperse light along the light
transmission medium to provide a natural looking luminescence to
the fishing lure. The light transmission medium can be made from
various materials, one of which is hot melt adhesive thermoplastic
opaque pellets which can be extruded into a specific flexible
translucent polymer lens, and can be located in various locations
on the lure body.
[0048] A light transmission medium 130 in the form of a polymer
lens configured to extend through the center of the lure body 104
is shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6. The polymer lens 130 defines a
substantially rectangular cross section and extends from a forward
end portion 198 adjacent the rear wall 150 of the compartment 138
to a rear end portion 200. The LED 128 is embedded into the forward
end portion 198 of the polymer lens 130 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.
As such, when the LED is activated, light emitted from the LED 128
is dispersed along the length of the polymer lens 130 and emanates
outward through the lure body to provide a natural looking
luminescence to the fishing lure. As previously mentioned, the
light transmission medium 130 may also include opaque and/or
reflective optical attributes such as reflective paint, milar, or
holographic materials or other reflective components 202 that
interact and/or interface with the light source, as shown in FIG.
7.
[0049] It is to be appreciated that the light transmission mediums
described and depicted herein can be made from various light
transmitting materials having any number of optical attributes for
interacting and/or interfacing with the light source and/or
transmitting or otherwise propagating light emitted by one or more
light sources. In one example, the light transmitting materials may
include translucent or opaque properties, such that the material
allows light to pass therethrough. Depending on the specific
illuminating attributes utilized in any given embodiment, the light
transmitting materials can interact and/or interface with the light
sources as well as with the ambient light in the water, if any, to
create a particularized illumination inside and/or in close
proximity to, the lure body. Further, certain light transmitting
materials may include one or more additional optical attributes
such as, but not limited to: (1) luminescence, whereby the light
transmitting materials interact with the light sources to produce a
light wavelength having a soft glow of a desired intensity and/or
dispersion; (2) iridescence, whereby the light transmitting
materials interact with and/or otherwise split light emitted by the
light sources to produce a spectrum of light with more than one
wavelength; for example, but not limited to, one having a
rainbow-like refraction pattern; (3) fluorescence, whereby the
light transmitting materials interact with the light sources to
produce a light wavelength having a bright radiant glow; and (4)
reflectivity, whereby the light transmitting materials reflect
light at one or more wavelengths produced by the light sources
without altering the wavelength of the light. It is to be
appreciated that other optical properties may also be provided in
the light transmitting materials. Such properties may operate upon,
influence, distort or otherwise alter the phase, amplitude,
wavelength and/or other properties of one or more beams of
light.
[0050] A second embodiment of a fishing lure 100' according aspects
of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The second
embodiment of the fishing lure 100' includes a body 104' with a
compartment 138', a removable cover 158', and an illumination
system 102' that are substantially similar to those described above
with reference to the first embodiment of the fishing lure 100.
However, unlike the first embodiment 100 shown with the light
transmission medium 130 placed inside the body 104, the second
embodiment 100' of the fishing lure includes a light transmission
medium 130' in the form of a polymer lens that extends along a
portion of an outer surface of the lure body. Although the light
transmission medium shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 includes a crossing
pattern, it is to be appreciated that the light transmission medium
is not limited to the pattern shown and need not include a pattern.
For example, FIG. 14 shows the fishing lure from FIGS. 12 and 13
having the light transmission medium 130' having a plurality of
reflective materials 204 embedded therein along with a pattern
formed by a plurality of circular 206 and elongated cut-outs 208.
In addition, the light transmission medium 130' shown in FIG. 14
can also be manufactured with perforated cut-outs that can be
removed by the user to create custom patterns.
[0051] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the fishing lure 100'
depicted in FIG. 13, taken along line 15-15 illustrating the
connection of the light transmission medium 130' with the light
source 128. As shown in FIG. 15, the light source 128, which is in
the form of a LED, is embedded into a front end portion of the
polymer lens. Both the LED and the polymer lens 130' extend
rearward and upward from a rear wall 150' of the compartment 138'.
From the LED, the polymer lens 130' extends upward and rearward
through a slot 210 in the top 212 of the lure body 104'. From the
slot, the polymer lens extends along the outer body surface to a
rear end portion.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 16, the polymer lens 130'
covers portions of the lure body 104' sides 214, 216 and does not
extend to completely cover a bottom 218 of the lure body. It is to
be appreciated that the light transmission medium 130' shown in
FIGS. 12 and 16 can be configured with different shapes and can be
placed in different locations with respect to the lure body. For
example, FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the fishing lure
taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15 with the light transmission
medium 130' fully surrounding an outer circumference 220 of the
lure body 104'. In another example shown FIG. 16B, the light
transmission medium 130' is shown fully surrounding an outer
circumference 220 of the lure body 104' and located beneath a
protective coating 222, such as enamel. The light transmission
medium 130' is also shown as surrounding a hologram 224 inside the
body 104' of the fishing lure. In yet another example shown in FIG.
16C, the light transmission medium 130' is embedded in the body
104' of the lure and extends almost completely around an inner
circumference below an outer surface 226 of the body 104'. In still
another example shown in FIG. 16D, the light transmission medium
130' is shown as extending through the center of the body 104' of
the fishing lure, similar to that described above with reference to
the first embodiment. However, light emanating from the light
transmission medium shown in FIG. 16D will engage reflective
materials 228 located underneath the outer surface 226 of both
sides of the lure body just under the surface.
[0053] As mentioned above, some fishing lures according aspects of
the present invention can include an illumination system having a
light transmission medium in the form of a soft flexible component.
The soft flexible component can be made from various materials,
such as Plastisol or other similar translucent materials, and can
be adapted to be selectively coupled with a light source. An
embodiment of a fishing lure 100'' including a soft flexible
component 230 in the form of a jig tail is shown in FIGS. 17 and
18. The jig tail 230 is adapted to be selectively optically coupled
with the light source 128 extending from a body 104'' in the form
of a jig head. As shown in FIGS. 17-19, the fishing lure 100'' also
includes a hook 238 having a first end portion 234 with an eyelet
236 formed therein and a barbed second end portion 238. The first
end portion 234 of the hook 232 extends through and is connected
with the body 104''.
[0054] A portion of the illumination system 102 is housed within
the body or jig head 104'' shown in FIGS. 17-20. More particularly,
a compartment 138'' inside the body 104'' houses the power source
126, which is in the form of a battery, and a portion of the light
source 128, which is in the form of a LED. It is to be appreciated
that any number of light sources mentioned above with respect to
other lure embodiments can be used with the fishing lure shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, the compartment 138''
is defined by four sides extending forward from a rear side 240 to
an open front 242. More particularly, relatively wide top and
bottom sides 244, 246 are connected with and separated by
relatively narrow right and left sides 248, 250. As discussed in
more detail below with reference to FIG. 19, the LED 128 extends
through an aperture 252 in the rear side 240 of the compartment
138''. As shown in FIG. 20, rear end portions of the right and left
sides 248, 250 taper inwardly toward each other to define a
relatively narrow region 254 of the compartment 138''. As discussed
in more detail below, a sealing material 256 can be placed inside
the relatively narrow region 254 of the compartment 138'' adjacent
a rear end portion of the LED 128. As such, the sealing material
can be used to help hold the LED in position within the body as
wells as help prevent water from entering into the compartment
138''.
[0055] As previously mentioned, the illumination system 102
provides a natural luminance or iridescence to the jig tail 230.
The illumination system circuit 132 provided in the fishing lure
shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is substantially represented by the
circuit diagram shown in FIG. 10 and as described above. As such,
the LED 128 is activated upon installation of the battery 126 into
the compartment. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the LED is located on
the body 104'' of the fishing lure 100'' adjacent the rear side 240
of the compartment 138''. More particularly, a lens portion 258 of
the LED extends through the aperture 252 in the rear side of the
compartment. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, the LED 128 includes
first and second leads 160, 162 extending in a forward direction
toward the front of the compartment. The first lead 160 is
connected with the resistor 134, which in turn, is connected with a
first end portion 164'' of a first battery contactor or clip 166''.
The second lead 162 is connected with a first end portion 168'' of
a second battery contactor or clip 170''. As previously mentioned
and as shown in FIG. 19, sealing material 256 surrounds a portion
of the LED leads 160, 162 as well as first end portions 164'',
168'' of the battery clips 166'', 170''. From the sealing material
256, the first and second battery clips 166'', 170'' extend forward
to second end portions 172'', 174'' adapted to engage opposing
sides of the battery 126. More particularly, the second end
portions of the first and second battery clips include one or more
arcuate regions 176'' that extend inwardly toward each other in the
compartment 138''. The arcuate regions 176'' are adapted to engage
opposing sides of the battery 126 when installed in the compartment
and help maintain the battery clips in contact with battery.
[0056] As discussed above with other lure embodiments, the
circuitry of the light source and power source can be configured in
different ways, depending upon the type of power source and light
source utilized in the illumination system. For example, the
fishing lure 100'' shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 can be configured with
the light source and power source circuit 132' shown in FIG. 11. As
described above with reference to other embodiments, other
components can be included in the illumination system circuit and
should not be construed to be limited to that which is described
and depicted herein. For example, the circuit may include a
controller that provides a mode of operation wherein the light
source automatically flashes on and off.
[0057] The fishing lure shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 22 also includes
a removable cover 158'' adapted to connect with the open front 242
of the compartment 138''. As previously mentioned with other
embodiments, the removable cover 158'' can be placed on the lure
body 104'' to help prevent water from entering the compartment
138''. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, the removable cover 158''
includes a tapered outer side 260 and an inner side 262 with a
groove 264. The removable cover also has a substantially
rectangular-shaped cross section adapted to be received within the
correspondingly shaped open front 242 of the compartment 138''.
When the removable cover 158'' is installed, a portion of the
battery 126 is received within the groove 264. As such, the battery
126 is held in position between the removable cover 158'' and the
sealing material 256 as well as between the battery clips 166'',
170''. The sealing material can also include a groove adapted to
receive a portion of the battery. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, an
outer perimeter of the removable cover 158'' engages the top,
bottom, right, and left sides 244, 246, 248, 250 of the compartment
138'' to help prevent water from entering into the compartment. As
discussed above with reference to other lure embodiments, a tether
can be used to help prevent the removable cover from being lost or
dropped. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the fishing lure 100''
includes a tether 182'' extending from the tapered outer side 260
of the cover 158''. The tether 182'' includes a loop 266 connected
with the first end portion 234 of the hook 232.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the outer perimeter of the
removable cover is defined by four sides extending between the rear
side 262 and the tapered outer side 260. More particularly,
relatively narrow first and second sides 268, 270 are connected
with and are separated by relatively wide third and fourth sides
272, 274, defining a generally rectangular-shaped cross section.
When the removable cover 158'' is installed, the first and second
sides 268, 270 are adjacent to the right and left sides 248, 250 of
the compartment 138'', respectively, and the third and fourth sides
272, 274 are adjacent to the top and bottom sides 244, 246 of the
compartment 138'', respectively. The outer perimeter of the
removable cover can also be sized to provide a snug fit with the
sides of the compartment to provide a seal to help prevent water
from entering the compartment. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, the
third side 272 and the fourth side 274 can each include a notch
275, 277 adapted to prevent the third and fourth sides from
interfering with the contact between the arcuate regions 176'' of
the first and second battery clips 166'', 170'' and the battery 126
when the removable cover 158'' is installed.
[0059] The groove 264 in the rear side 262 of the removable cover
158'' shown in FIGS. 19 and 22 can also be adapted to hold the
battery 126 when the cover is removed, similar to the extended
portion 180 of the removable cover 158 described above with
reference to FIG. 9. As such, before installing the battery 126 in
the compartment 138'', the battery can be inserted into the groove
264 of the removable cover. The cross sectional area of groove can
be configured to provide a relatively snug fit with the battery to
help prevent the battery from easily falling out during the
installation process. The snug fit can also allow the battery to be
removed from the compartment along with the cover. Once the battery
126 is inserted into the groove 264, the cover 158'' and battery
126 can be inserted into the compartment 138'', which will activate
the LED 128 to illuminate the jig tail 230. To deactivate the LED,
the battery can be removed. As previously mentioned, the
illumination system can also include a switch to activate and
deactivate the light source. In such a configuration, the light
source can be activated and deactivated while the battery is
located inside the compartment.
[0060] As previously mentioned, the light transmission medium 130''
of the fishing lure 100'' shown in FIGS. 17-19 is the soft flexible
component 230 in the form of the jig tail. The jig tail is adapted
to be selectively optically coupled with the light source 128
extending from the body 104''. The jig tail 230 can be coupled with
the light source 128 by first inserting a portion of the hook 232
through this jig tail 230. The jig tail can then be positioned
along the hook 232 to place a forward end portion 276 of the jig
tail 230 adjacent to and in contact with the LED 128. As shown in
FIG. 19, the jig tail 230 can also include a recess 278 in the
front end portion 276 adapted to receive a portion of the LED lens
258. As such, the LED can be embedded into the jig tail. When the
LED 128 is activated, light emitted from the LED is dispersed along
the length of the jig tail and emanates outward through the jig
tail to provide a natural looking luminescence to the fishing lure.
As discussed above, the light transmission medium or jig tail may
include opaque and/or reflective optical attributes such as
reflective paint, milar, or holographic materials or other
reflective components that interact and/or interface with the light
source.
[0061] It will be appreciated from the above noted description of
various arrangements and embodiments of the present invention that
an illumination system for a fishing lure has been described which
can include a power source, a light source, and a light
transmission medium. The fishing lure can include a body and can be
formed in various ways and operated in various manners. It is to be
appreciated that other lure types, such as crank baits, poppers or
plugs, may also be used in conjunction with the various embodiments
of the present invention. It will also be appreciated that the
features described in connection with each arrangement and
embodiment of the invention are interchangeable to some degree so
that many variations beyond those specifically described are
possible. For example, the removable covers described herein can be
adapted for use on any of the fishing lures described herein. In
addition, it will be appreciated that the fishing lures according
to aspects of the present invention need not include a removable
cover.
[0062] Although various representative embodiments of this
invention have been described above with a certain degree of
particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous
alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the
spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the
specification and claims. All directional references (e.g., upper,
lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top,
bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and
counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid
the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present
invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the
position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically
set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached,
coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and
may include intermediate members between a connection of elements
and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references
do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected
and in fixed relation to each other.
[0063] In some instances, components are described with reference
to "ends" having a particular characteristic and/or being connected
with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the present invention is not limited to components which
terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other
parts. Thus, the term "end" should be interpreted broadly, in a
manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or
otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link,
component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or
indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are
described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in
the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged,
replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all
matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and
not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without
departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
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