Fishing lures having elastomeric portions

Abstract

Abstract of the DisclosureThe present invention provides a fishing lure comprising an elastomeric portion having at least first and second regions. Each region has a durometer hardness on the Shore A scale. At least a portion of the first region is characterized by comparatively high operational stress relative to the second region. The hardness of the first region exceeds the hardness of the second region to thereby selectively improve the strength, toughness and fatigue resistance of the first region.

Description

Detailed Description of the InventionBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-- Field of the Invention[0001] This invention relates generally to fishing lures and, more particularly, to fishing lures having elastomeric portions.Description of Related Art[0002] Fishermen and manufacturers of fishing lures have found elastomeric or other soft plastic materials (collectively referred to herein as “elastomeric materials”) advantageous to their craft. The elastomeric portions of the lure are soft and flexible, which gives the lure a more life-like movement (referred to herein as “live-bait action”) to attract fish. The flexibility of the elastomeric portions also allows these portions of the lure to stretch or give rather than snap or break when a fish bites down. Typically, the elastomeric portions of the lure are constructed by a relative inexpensive process of injecting a resin into a mold and hardening the resin. Therefore, the elastomeric portions of the lure can have innumerable shapes, i.e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The present invention addresses the above needs and achieves other advantages by providing a fishing lure having an elastomeric portion. According to one embodiment, the elastomeric portion has first and second regions. Each region has a durometer hardness on the Shore A scale. At least a portion of the first region is characterized by comparatively high operational stress relative to the second region. Advantageously, the hardness of the first region exceeds the hardness of the second region to thereby selectively improve the strength, toughness and fatigue resistance of the first region.

[0017] The present invention has several advantages. The elastomeric portion can be configured to emulate many common live-bait species. In addition, the elastomeric portion may work with any number of fish attracting elements or non-elastomeric portions. The dual durometer hardness of the first and second regions of the elastomeric portion provides a first region having an improved strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance to insert and hold the hook, fishing line connector, weight, fish attracting element, etc. and a comparatively more flexible second region well suited to mimic the movement of live bait in order to better attract fish. The method of constructing the fishing lure is cost effective and can accommodate a plurality of different embodiments. In addition, the method joins the elastomeric regions without requiring additional adhesives or fasteners.

Problems solved by technology

However, using elastomeric materials in connection with fishing lures also has drawbacks.

Elastomeric materials are susceptible to fatigue stress and ambient conditions, such as heat and exposure to ultraviolet light.

Typically, when a hook pulls out of the elastomeric material, the fisherman loses the lure.

At a minimum, lost lures add to the cost of fishing both in regards to money and time because of the need for additional lures and the extra time spent setting up a new line.

Or worse, lost lures mean lost fish.

In cases where the hook only moves within the elastomeric material but remains attached, the new hook position may cause a miscatch.

More specifically, the hook may no longer be in a position to actually hook a fish when it strikes the lure because the elastomeric material is in the way.

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