Fishing lure with buoyancy-based displacement mechanism

Abstract

A fishing lure is provided and comprises a line connector (2) arranged to receive a fishing line such that when the lure is being retrieved via said fishing line a forward motion is generated; a buoyancy element (3) generating an upward motion when the lure is fully submerged; a diving guide (4) shaped to generate a downward motion in response to the forward motion; an ascension guide (5) shaped to generate a backward motion in response to the upward motion; a lure body having an elongated shape defining a longitudinal direction, wherein the line connector (2) and diving guide (4) are arranged a front portion (7) of the lure body, and wherein the ascension guide (5) is arranged at a rear portion (8) of the lure body wherein the lure body comprises a passage (11) having a front opening (12) located at the front portion (7) of the lure body and a rear opening (13) located at the rear portion (8) of the lure body, wherein the diving guide is arranged to direct fluid into the front opening (12) in response to a forward motion and wherein the ascension guide (5) is arranged to direct fluid into the rear opening (13) in response to the upward motion.

Description

[0001] Title of invention

[0002] Fishing lure with buoyancy-based displacement mechanism

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a fishing lure, particularly to a fishing lure design enabling behavior realistic and multidirectional movement control with no moving parts.

[0005] Fishing lures have long been essential tools for anglers seeking to attract and catch fish. The earliest lures were simple, often rudimentary designs that lacked the ability to mimic the natural movement and behavior of prey fish. This limited their effectiveness in attracting and triggering strikes from predatoiy fish. The invention of the plug (i.e., wobbler), with its distinctive bill or lip, revolutionized lure design. The lip allows the lure to dive beneath the surface and wobble enticingly during retrieval, simulating the movements of a wounded or fleeing fish.

[0006] Traditionally, lures have relied on a variety of designs and mechanisms to mimic the movement and appearance of natural prey. Popular designs include crankbaits, jerkbaits, wobblers as well as shallow and deep divers. However, existing lures often face limitations in their ability to replicate the complex behaviors and multidirectional movement of fish as well as the ability to explore diverse underwater environments effectively.

[0007] In U.S. Pat No. 3,805,436 there is disclosed a lure having a curved longitudinal body enabling diving in response to being retrieved by the angler and a buoyancy element to allowing it to resurface in response to the angler ceasing retrieval. The disclosure U.S. Pat No. 2015 / 150226 describes a fishing lure having a through opening for storing a scent releasing substance. of invention

[0008] The present invention aims to address the challenges of prior art by proposing a fishing lure capable of diving when moving forwards (i.e., towards the angler) and moving backwards when ascending. This forward-downwards and backwards-upwards motion enables for a behavioral realistic and multidirectional movement of the lure without any moving parts.

[0009] The proposed fishing lure comprises: a line connector arranged to receive a fishing line such that when the fishing line is pulled a forward motion is generated; a buoyancy element generating an upward motion when the lure is fully submerged; a diving guide shaped to generate a downward motion in response to the forward motion; a ascension guide shaped to generate a backward motion in response to the upward motion; a lure body having an elongated shape defining a longitudinal direction, wherein the line connector and diving guide are arranged a front portion of the lure body, and wherein the ascension guide is arranged at a rear portion of the lure body.

[0010] The lure body comprises an passage (i.e., channel, conduit or flow passage) having a front opening located at the front portion of the lure body and a rear opening located at the rear portion of the lure body. The front opening is arranged so that fluid is directed into the front opening in response to the forward motion and the rear opening is arranged so that fluid is directed into the rear opening of the lure body in response to the upward motion.

[0011] The incorporation of a passage increases the ability to manipulate the center of pressure as the fishing lure experience forward or upward motion. Furthermore, the incorporation of a passage enables for decorative elements and / or scenting mechanisms inside the passage.

[0012] The proposed lure offers a new experience to fishing by enabling: significantly reduced recasting; precise control of size and location of targeted fishing area; and, controlled and behavioral realistic multidirectional lure movement

[0013] The present invention enables rapid descent to a target depth during retrieval followed by ascension and backwards displacement during cessation of retrieval. The lure may be designed as to be displaced to its original position after ascension, alternatively it could be configured to be displaced even further back. Compared to traditional lures the proposed design significantly increases the lure's overall time spent in the water, enhancing its chances of encountering fish and eliciting strikes. In contrast, traditional lures necessitate constant retrieval and recasting, resulting in considerable time spent out of the water. The angler may allow more or less backwards displacement by increasing or decreasing the amount of fishing line between lure and rod, i.e., by tightening or loosening the fishing line. This allows for medial repositioning (forward and backwards) without requiring a full recast, thus increasing the area covered per cast. By performing a sideway motion of the rod while retrieving - the lure may dive sideways. If the lure is straightening after the sideway motion (e.g., by performing a straight downwards jerk of the rod) the lure will ascend backwards in the direction which the lure is oriented at the transition point between descension and ascension. Consequently, the lure design also enables lateral (right and left) motion of the lure without recasting. Alternatively, lateral movement can be achieved by orienting the lure with an angle directed towards the desired displacement at transition point between diving and ascending.

[0014] Traditionally, the lure’s time spent in the water is increased by increasing the casting distance and / or decreasing retrieval speed. Since the diving and ascending action enables for the lure to stay in the water it reduces the need for aggressive casting techniques which can be challenging for novice anglers and often necessitate high-end equipment. The innovative lure design enables anglers to decide on the lure’s time spent in the water with no reliance on casting techniques or expensive equipment This characteristic makes the lure accessible to a wider range of anglers, including those using more affordable or basic fishing equipment.

[0015] Additionally, anglers can cast the lure to a specific location and maintain it within a desired area due to the combined diving and ascending motion. This precise control allows for thorough exploration of promising fishing zones. The lure can be strategically positioned near structures or cover where fish are likely to congregate, increasing the probability of successful engagement

[0016] The lure's diving and ascending motion, combined with potential pauses and adjustments, creates varied underwater sounds that can attract fish from a greater distance. Different fish species are sensitive to specific sound frequencies, and the lure's movement can mimic prey sounds, triggering a predatory response. By staying in one area longer, the lure has more opportunities to generate these attracting sounds and facilitate for surrounding fish to find the lure.

[0017] The line connector may for example be a simple loop, a swivel eyelet for reduced twisting or any other attachment means known to the skilled person. For example, it may comprise several eyelets for enabling for change of attachment point for diverse lure action / movement. Additional alternative line connector include eyelets which move freely in a longitudinal or transverse direction.

[0018] It is preferable that the line connector is arranged at a top side of the front portion of the lure body.

[0019] There are a variety of different ways to form the buoyancy element known to the skilled person. In principle any solid, gas or fluid with a density lower than water would induce a buoyancy effect. For increased durability air filled micro-chambers having a structure resembling a honeycomb might be used. For increased versatility a adjustable buoyancy element, such as a chamber with a valve, could be incorporated. It is also possible to incorporate the buoyancy element into the whole lure body e.g., by using a variable dense material to achieve a desired buoyancy effect

[0020] In one proposed embodiment the fishing lure is configured so that the center of buoyancy is offset towards the rear of the lure body relative center of gravity of the fishing lure as seen when the lure is fully submerged. Meaning that the buoyancy element is configured to induce a tilting motion in the lure body by causing the back end to rise higher / faster than the front end.

[0021] In variation of the proposed embodiment the buoyancy element is arranged to exert a greater upward force on the back portion of the lure body than on the front portion of the lure as seen when the lure is fully submerged.

[0022] In another variation of the proposed embodiment the fishing lure comprises a weight element arranged to exert a greater downward force on the front portion of the lure body than on the back portion of the lure body.

[0023] The diving guide may be a protrusion, depression or opening shaped to generate a downwards motion in response to the continuous forward motion generated when the lure being retrieved. There exist many known solutions for configuring a diving guide. These solutions range from simple angled planes and metal lips to complex hydrodynamic shapes designed to maximize water displacement Some guides are built directly into the lure's body, while others are attachable for customization. The choice of diving guide depends on the desired depth, action, and the type of lure being used.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment the diving guide comprises a longitudinal elongated protrusion having a downward angle of 1 to 89 degrees relative to a plane defined by a water surface as seen when the fishing lure is retrieved, i.e., when the lure is submerged, and a pulling motion is exerted on the fishing line by an angler. This downward angle acts as the angle of attack for the water flow. As the lure is retrieved, the angled protrusion pushes water upwards and backward. This reaction force from the deflected water displaces the lure downwards relative to the water flow, causing it to dive deeper. The proposed downward angle of 1 to 89 degrees during retrieval is a result of three factors: the placement of the line connector (e.g., eyelet); the location of center of bouncy relative the center of gravity; and the angle of the diving guide relative the lure body. Consequently, any of these may be manipulated to either increase or decrease the steepness of the descent of the lure.

[0025] Moreover, the angle of attack (deflection angle) can change as the lure moves through the water, especially during the transition from rest to the transition point between diving and ascending. A steeper initial diving angle can help the lure reach deeper depths quickly. In many scenarios it is preferable that the initial dive mimics the behavior of prey attempting to escape, making it attractive to predatory fish, who frequently position themselves deeper in the water column.

[0026] In one proposed embodiment the diving guide comprises a longitudinal elongated protrusion arranged such that when the fishing lure is floating at rest on a still water surface and no pulling force is exerted, the protrusion is angled downward relative to the water surface. In one variation the protrusion longitudinal profile has a downward angle of 1 to 89 degrees relative to a plane defined by a water surface as seen when the fishing lure is floating and no pulling force is exerted. The proposed downward angle of 1 to 89 degrees during rest is a result of two factors: the location of center of flotation relative the center of gravity; and the angle of the diving guide relative the lure body. Consequently, any of these may be manipulated to either increase or decrease the steepness of the initial phases of the lure’s dive.

[0027] In one variation of this proposed embodiment at least the top side of the transverse cross- sectional shape of the protrusion may be shaped as to form an arch having its convexity downwards, i.e., an arch having its concave side upwards.

[0028] In another variation of this proposed embodiment the diving guide may be exchangeable as to enable the angler to adapt the level of descent to the specific scenario (e.g., type of fish or water depth). In other words, in one variation the diving guide is a separate releasably connectable part.

[0029] The ascension guide may be a protrusion, depression or opening shaped to generate a backward motion in response to the continuous upward motion of the lure generated by the buoyancy element. Similar to the diving guide, the ascension guide leverages the principles of fluid dynamics to create a controlled backward displacement during the lure's ascent.

[0030] In one proposed embodiment the ascension guide comprise a longitudinal elongated protrusion arranged such that when the fishing lure is submerged and experience an upwards motion the protrusion is angled between 1 and 89 degrees backwards relative a hypothetical line perpendicular to a still water surface. In other words, the longitudinal profile of the ascension guide has a backwards angle of 1-89 degrees relative to a plane perpendicular to the water surface as seen when the fishing lure is ascending towards the water surface. Meaning that the ascension guide is angled between 1 and 89 degrees relative to the normal vector of the water surface, in a direction pointing backwards with respect to the lure. The proposed angle of 1 to 89 degrees during ascent is a result of two factors: the location of center of bouncy relative the center of gravity; and the angle of the ascension guide relative the longitudinal profile of the lure body. Consequently, any of these may be manipulated to either increase or decrease the backwards displacement during the ascent of the lure.

[0031] The ascension guide's angled protrusion acts as an "angle of attack" against the upward water flow experienced by the lure during its rise. As water encounters the angled protrusion, it is deflected forwards. This deflection generates a reaction force that pushes the lure backwards.

[0032] In one variation of this proposed embodiment at least the top side of the transverse cross- sectional shape of the protrusion may be shaped to form an arch having its convexity downwards.

[0033] In another variation of this proposed embodiment the ascension guide may be exchangeable as to enable the angler to adapt the level of backwards displacement upon ascension, as to better adapt to fishing lure to a specific scenario (e.g., type of fish or water depth). In other words, in one variation the ascension guide is a separate releasably connectable part.

[0034] The material, shape and size of the lure body is preferably adapted to what species is targeted, i.e., what the lure is intended to catch. The lure body may thus be hard, soft or a hybrid thereof.

[0035] In one proposed embodiment at least a top side of the lure body is at least partly shaped along a longitudinal curvature forming an arch having its convexity upwards.

[0036] In variation of the proposed embodiment the whole lure body is substantially shaped along a longitudinal curvature forming an arch having its convexity upwards.

[0037] In embodiments where the lure body is has a curvature the body itself might be considered part of the ascension guide and / or descension guide as it aids in the deflection of water to generate the desired motions otherwise generated by the ascension / descension guide.

[0038] In one preferred embodiment the lure body has a oval or rounded rectangular shape. I.e., that the transverse cross-sectional shape is substantially oval or rectangular. This is beneficial in that lure is enabled to deflect more water. Consequently a "flatter” shape enables for increased acceleration of desired motions created by the ascension guide and descension guide.

[0039] In one proposed embodiment the fishing lure comprises a scenting mechanism configured to dispense a scenting substance in a manner such that dispersion of scenting substance is increased in response to the backward motion relative to the forward motion.

[0040] Proposed techniques for enabling directional selective scent dispersion includes: Ridges or grooves: A series of ridges or grooves running along the direction of desired flow. Forward movement would "roll" the scenting substance, i.e., paste, within the grooves, enhancing its release. Backward movement would force the paste against the ridges, hindering release.

[0041] Tiny "flaps" or "scales": Overlapping scales, like on a fish or snake, oriented to lie flat in the direction of forward movement. Backward motion would catch the edges of these flaps, increasing resistance and reducing scent paste release.

[0042] Surface texture variation: Regions with rough and smooth textures. A rough surface leading into a smooth surface would promote paste accumulation in forward motion and allow for greater release off the smooth section.

[0043] Angled Pits or Depressions: Small, angled pits across the surface. Forward motion would guide the paste into and out of the pits. Backward motion would cause the paste to compress against the walls of the pits, increasing friction and limiting release.

[0044] In some embodiment the lure comprises scenting mechanisms, the novel design allows for the scent to last longer and disperse in strategic locations by only dispersing scent when the lure moves backwards. By remaining in a specific location for an extended period, the lure can effectively disperse its scent throughout the surrounding water column. This creates a scent trail that fish can follow, leading them directly to the lure. The prolonged presence amplifies the scent's impact compared to traditional lures that are constantly in motion.

[0045] In one proposed embodiment the fishing lure comprises a decorative element configured to extend backwards in response to the forward motion and extend forwards in response to the backward motion.

[0046] There exists a plurality of decorative elements that enable such motion known to the skilled person. These decorative elements have previously been incorporated to make the fishing lure appear larger and / or induce enticing / erratic movements. For example, some fishing lure incorporate a plurality of strings attached to the body. The strings naturally extend in the opposite direction relative to the motion of the fishing lure due to drag.

[0047] Previous developments withing the design of fishing lures propose utilization of rotating propellers to enable a backwards motion of the fishing lure. However, these don’t work well with decorative elements such as strings that extend in response to motion due to the high risk of the strings snagging in the propeller.

[0048] Based on the inventive idea of enabling backward motion without moving parts the present invention allows for the incorporation of decorative elements that extend in response forwards or backwards to the fishing lures motion. This allows for the fishing lure to change shape as it moves backward versus forward and thus enabling for a more natural looking shape independent of the direction in which the fishing lure moves. For example, a plurality of flat strings attached to the lure body will exhibit an erratic movement relatively to the body, similar to how the tail of fish moves more erratic than it’s body. Another example is the incorporation of a "windsock” like element which inflate and extends towards the opposite direction of the lures motion. In other words, incorporation of a conical flexible tube having an open wide end and an open narrow end configured to inflate such that: the narrow end is offset backwards relative to the wide end in response to a forward motion; and such that, the narrow end is offset forwards relative to the wide end in response to a backward motion.

[0049] In one proposed embodiment the diving guide is arranged to direct fluid into the front opening in response to a forward motion and the ascension guide is arranged to direct fluid into the rear opening in response to the upard motion.

[0050] In one proposed embodiment the decorative element comprises at least one conical flexible tube having an open wide end and an open narrow end. The conical flexible tube is arranged inside of the passage, rear opening and / or front opening. The conical flexible tube is configured to inflate such that: the narrow end is offset backwards relative to the wide end in response to a forward motion; and, the narrow end is offset forwards relative to the wide end in response to a backward motion.

[0051] In one variation of the proposed embodiment the lure comprises a first and a second conical flexible tube wherein the wide end of the first flexible tube is arranged at the front opening such that the first flexible tube inflates in response to a backwards motion, i.e., when water flow enters into the rear opening and exits through the front opening. The wide end of the second flexible tube is arranged at the rear opening such that the second flexible tube inflates in response to forward motion, i.e., when water flow enters into the front opening and exits through the rear opening.

[0052] In another variation of the proposed embodiment the wide end of flexible tube is arranged at the middle of the passage such that when inflated in response to the backward motion respectively the forward motion, the narrow end is offset forwards respectively backwards relative to the wide end.

[0053] In one proposed embodiment the scenting mechanism comprise depressions and / or ridges arranged inside of the passage. The depressions and / or ridges are formed so that dispersion of scenting substance is increased in response to the backward motion relative to the forward motion.

[0054] In one proposed embodiment the passage is characterized by at least one of the following features: the passage longitudinal profile forming an arch having its convexity upwards; and / or the passage transverse cross-sectional shape being elliptical with its major axis oriented sideways.

[0055] The passage transverse cross-sectional shape being elliptical with its major axis oriented sideways could in other words be described as a oval shape which is horizontally elongated.

[0056] Brief description of drawings

[0057] Figure 1A to 3 shows a lure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 1A: Shows the front view of the lure from a perspective.

[0059] Figure IB: Shows the back view of the fishing lure.

[0060] Figure 1C: Shows a cross-section of the lure with its components and reference axis.

[0061] Figure 2A: Shows the lure floating at rest on the water's surface, highlighting its center of buoyancy and gravity.

[0062] Figure 2B: Shows the lure diving, illustrating the angle of the diving guide and the deflection angle. Figure 2C: Shows the lure ascending, illustrating the angle of the ascension guide and its deflection angle.

[0063] Figure 3 : Illustrates the motion of the lure through a series of steps, from resting to diving, ascending, and returning to rest

[0064] Figure description

[0065] Figure 1 to 3 illustrates a fishing lure according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A and figure IB shows the front respectively the back of the lure, while figure 1C illustrates the lure from the same perspective as figure 1A but cut apart and with a refence axis (X, Y, Z) as well as a dashed line illustrating the longitudinal profile of the lure body.

[0066] The illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a line connector 2, a buoyancy element 3, a diving guide 4, an ascension guide 5. The line connector 2 is arranged to receive a fishing line such that when the fishing line is pulled (i.e., when the lure is retrieved) a forward motion is generated. Meaning that the forward motion is the direction of which the lure is pulled by the angler. Using the illustrated reference axis forward motion is defined as motion increasing the positive displacement along the X axis.

[0067] The buoyancy element 3 may be a material or airgap, it might be shaped and integrated in a variety of different ways. In the illustrated embodiment the buoyancy element 3 is an airgap formed at the "roof” of the lure, meaning its top side. The buoyancy element 3 generates an upward motion when the lure is fully submerged. Upward direction is defined as a direction towards the water surface. Using the illustrated reference axis upward motion is defined as motion increasing the positive displacement along the Z axis.

[0068] The diving guide 4 is shaped to generate a downward motion in response to the forward motion. In the illustrated embodiment an angled protrusion constitutes the diving guide 4. The transverse cross-sectional shape of this protrusion is shaped as to form an arch having its convexity downwards. This spoon-like shape result in ridges which increases the extent of which the protrusion directs fluid upwards relative to a straighter transverse cross-sectional shape.

[0069] There are a number of alternative methods for generating the responding downwards motion. It can be said that independent of how the motion is generated the diving guide 4 must be configured as to generate a lower pressure zone directly below the lure and / or a higher pressure zone directly above the lure. The primary principles applied are newtons third law and the Bernoulli effect Bernoulli's principle tells us that where a fluid's speed is higher, its pressure is lower. So, if the bottom of the lure is longer than the top, incoming fluid moves faster at the bottom and the lure experiences lower pressure at the bottom resulting in a downwards motion being generated. Newtons third law tells us that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. So, if the lure has a tilted surface directing fluid upwards in response to forward motion, the lure will experience a motion downwards. Due to the relatively high viscosity of water compared to air, a diving guide 4 relying on flow deflection is preferable since this will generate the larger force. The angle of flow deflection determines the extent of the diving motion.

[0070] Using the same principles as with the diving guide 4, the ascension guide 5 is shaped to generate a backward motion in response to the upward motion. The major difference in design principle being the lures orientation in relation to the fluid which it moves through. Meaning that for the ascension guide 5 the influence from the longitudinal position of the center of buoyancy 9 determines how the lure will be oriented as it ascends towards the surface. This is in contrast to the diving guide 4 for which the influence from the position of the line connector 2 determines how the lure is oriented as it is retrieved by the angler.

[0071] The lure body has a elongated shape and in figure 1C the longitudinal profile is illustrated as a dashed line. Meaning that in the illustrated embodiment the dashed line defines the longitudinal direction. As seen in figure 1C the dashed line is arched, this is because the illustrated lure body is substantially shaped along a longitudinal curvature forming an arch having its convexity upwards.

[0072] To facilitate understanding, the lure body is cut at a transverse cross-section as to form a front portion 7 and rear portion 8 of the lure body. In the illustrated embodiment the lure body comprises a passage 11 having a front opening 12 located at the front portion 7 of the lure body and a rear opening 13 located at the rear portion 8 of the lure body. The front opening 12 is arranged so that fluid is directed into the front opening 12 in response to the forward motion. The rear opening 13 is arranged so that fluid is directed into the rear opening 13 of the lure body in response to the backwards motion. The diving guide 4 is arranged to direct fluid into the front opening 12 in response to a forward motion and the ascension guide 5 is arranged to direct fluid into the rear opening 13 in response to the upward motion.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment the passage 11 longitudinal profile forms an arch having its convexity upwards. The angle or steepness of the convexity influences the acceleration of the downwards motion in response to the forward motion in a similar manner as the diving guide 4.

[0074] The passage 11 transverse cross-sectional shape is elliptical with its major axis oriented sideways. In other words, the passage 11 transverse cross-sectional shape is oval and horizontally elongated. The additional surface area in the of the oval shape relative to a circular shape is beneficial since it creates more surface for directing fluid and thus increasing the acceleration of the desired downwards or backward motion. Furthermore, the oval shape facilitates for arranging the weight distribution and center of buoyancy 9 as to achieve the desired motions.

[0075] In addition to enabling for increasing the acceleration of the desired downwards or backward motion, it has been observed that the passage 11 results in a stabilizing effect The increased stability increases the anglers control of the lures movement and enables for the lure to travel at greater speeds without "going sideways” (i.e., lose its grip) and continue its downward or backwards movement even when experiencing increased accelerations.

[0076] This allows for greater manipulation of the center of pressure as the lure experiences forward or upward motion by, for example, moving the line connector 2 rearward and thus increasing the deflection angle during retrieval and / or incorporating a "spoon-like” diving guide 4 or ascension guide 5.

[0077] For example, during the development of the present lure, the inventor performed a test wherein the deflection angle during retrieval was adjusted by adjusting the position of the line connector 2. In these tests it was observed that without the passage 11, the tipping point at which the lure will go sideways instead of diving is located much closer to the nose of the lure. In contrast, when a passage 11 is incorporated, the lure is stabilized and the line attachment can be arranged further towards the middle section of the lure, thus increasing the diving ability of the lure.

[0078] It is theorized that the side walls of the passage 11 is the primary reason behind this stabilizing effect. More specifically, it is theorized that the side walls acts similar to a keel and provides a lateral stability mechanism by "steering” the lure straight It is further theorized that during retrieval, the side walls act to distribute the forward force applied the line towards the sides of the deflection surfaces and mitigate flipping of the lure when the deflection surface experience uneven lateral pressure. The stabilizing effect enables for: for the angler to retrieve the lure with greater forward acceleration and have that increased acceleration translated to downward motion; for the buoyancy element 3 to generate a greater upward acceleration and have that increased acceleration translated to backward motion; and, for the angler to reposition the lure in a lateral direction by slightly jerking towards the side at the end of the lure retrieval since the lure ascends backward in the direction at which the hypothetical keel is angled (i.e., in the direction at which the passage / side walls are angled). The line connector 2 and diving guide 4 are both arranged at the front portion 7 while the ascension guide 5 is arranged on the rear portion 8. The exact location of the guides is not critical for achieving the desired motions, they could be arranged on, for example, the sides similar to the fins of a dolphin or wings of an airplane.

[0079] Figure 2A illustrates a preferred configuration of the buoyancy element 3 and the lure body. In this illustration the lure is resting at the water surface 14, i.e., the lure is not being retrieved and is floating on at the water surface 14. As seen when the lure is fully submerged, the center of buoyancy 9 is offset towards the rear of the lure relative to the center of gravity 10. Meaning that the buoyancy element 3 is configured to induce a tilting motion in the lure body by causing the back end to rise higher than the front end as the lure ascends towards the surface. When floating on the water surface at rest, the center of buoyancy changes position to the centroid of the volume of water displaced by the floating lure.

[0080] The tilted orientation of the lure body facilitates hydrodynamic design of the diving guide 4, promoting beneficial angle deflection and reduced drag. In other words, the tilted orientation makes it easier to shape the angle deflection parts so that water is directed upwards without unnecessary bends resulting in increased friction between lure and water.

[0081] When the lure is retrieved, i.e., moved forward, it dives down as illustrated in figure 2B. The angle at which the lure is diving depends on the angle of the dive guide 4. Meaning that the acceleration or velocity of the downwards motion is determined by the angle at which the dive guide 4 directs fluid upwards. As can bee seen in the figures 2 A and 2B the lure has a first deflection angle when at rest 4a and a second deflection angle when retrieved 4b.

[0082] The deflection angle 4b is influenced by the position of the line connector 2 since it is reeling of the fishing line that results in forward motion. Since the angler is positioned a bit above the water surface 14 the fishing line will pull the lure primarily forwards and to a lesser degree upwards. So, if the line connector 2 were to be arranged at a right or left side of the lure as seen when at rest, the lure will reorient itself upon retrieval so that the side-oriented line connecter faces upwards, i.e., the lure will rotate along its longitudinal profile. It is therefore preferable that the diving guide 4 comprises a longitudinal elongated protrusion having a downward angle of 1 to 89 degrees relative to a plane defined by the water surface 14 as seen when the fishing lure is retrieved 4a, i.e., the angle illustrated in figure 2B. The initial downwards displacement of the lure depends on the diving guides 4 longitudinal downward angle relative to the water surface 14 when the lure is at rest 4a, i.e., the angle illustrated in figure 2A. In most scenarios it is preferable that the initial dive is steep so that the lure is displaced to a greater water depth so that the lure quickly reaches the desired fishing depth. This is especially important when targeting fish that are known to inhabit deeper waters, as it minimizes the time spent retrieving the lure to the correct depth. Therefore, it is proposed that the diving guide 4 comprises a longitudinal elongated protrusion having a downward angle of 1 to 89 degrees relative to a plane defined by the water surface as seen when the fishing lure is at rest 4a.

[0083] Figure 2C illustrates a preferred angle of the ascension guide 5. The ascension guide 5 angled protrusion acts as an "angle of attack" against the upward water flow experienced by the lure during its rise. As water encounters the angled protrusion, it is deflected forwards. This deflection generates a reaction force that pushes the lure backwards. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal profile of the ascension guide 5 has a backwards angle of 1-89 degrees 5a relative to a plane perpendicular to the water surface 15 as seen when the fishing lure is ascending towards the water surface.

[0084] Figure 3 illustrates the lures motion using arrows indicating the direction of the lure and letters A to D referencing the resting position A, turning point B, backward ascension C and resting position D. The turning point B illustrates the lure just as the angler stops the retrieval of the lure. As can be seen, the ascension guide 5 forms a deflection angle directing fluid forwards in response to the ascension. As understood by the skilled person, the deflection angle depends on the position of the center of buoyancy 9.

[0085] In the illustrated example the lures center of buoyancy 9 is arranged at a rear portion 8 of the lure body. This arrangement induces a rear upwards tilt which facilitate the hydrodynamic design of the diving guide 4 and ascension guide 5.

[0086] The degree of backwards motion may be adapted by manipulating the angle of deflection, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the ascension guide 5, the center of buoyancy 9 or other alternative mechanisms. For example, by incorporating a flap inside of the passage 11 as to only allow fluid to move through the passage 11 in response to backward motion, the backwards motion will become larger relative to the forward motion. The flap might furthermore be adjustable as to enable for the angler to better adapt the lure to a certain scenario. In the illustrated example the lure is designed to be displaced a short distanced backwards after each dive relative to its position when initiating the dive. This enables for the angler to reposition the lure backwards as well as forwards after having thrown the lure.

[0087] In addition to enabling a new technique for stationary shore fishing, i.e., still fishing, the lures movement resembles the behavior of wounded fish diving for protection when used in boat fishing, i.e., trolling. Experiments show that when the lure is dragged behind a boat, the lure will start to dive and when having reached a tipping point it will become unstable and lose "grip”. The lure then ascends until a point where the diving guide finds purchase and the lure starts diving again. As a result, when dragged behind a boat, the lure will dive, then resurface, then dive and so on. The dive for protection and chaotic behavior before resurfacing resembles the behavior of wounded fish and is very beneficial for attracting predatory fish.

[0088] Having described aspects of the present disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above design without departing from the scope of aspects of the present disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

Claims1. A fishing lure comprising: a line connector (2) arranged to receive a fishing line such that when the lure is being retrieved via said fishing line a forward motion is generated; a buoyancy element (3) generating an upward motion when the lure is fully submerged; a diving guide (4) shaped to generate a downward motion in response to the forward motion; an ascension guide (5) shaped to generate a backward motion in response to the upward motion; a lure body having an elongated shape defining a longitudinal direction, wherein the line connector (2) and diving guide (4) are arranged a front portion (7) of the lure body, and wherein the ascension guide (5) is arranged at a rear portion (8) of the lure body wherein the lure body comprises a passage (11) having a front opening (12) located at the front portion (7) of the lure body and a rear opening (13) located at the rear portion (8) of the lure body, wherein the diving guide is arranged to direct fluid into the front opening (12) in response to a forward motion and wherein the ascension guide (5) is arranged to direct fluid into the rear opening (13) in response to the upward motion.

2. The fishing lure according to claim 1, wherein the fishing lure is configured so that the center of buoyancy (9) is offset towards the rear of the lure body relative center of gravity (10) of the fishing lure.

3. The fishing lure according to any preceding claim, wherein the diving guide (4) comprises a protrusion arranged so that the longitudinal profile of the protrusion has a downward angle of 1 to 89 degrees relative to a plane defined by a water surface (14) as seen when the fishing lure is submerged and being retrieved.

4. The fishing lure according to any preceding claim, wherein the ascension guide (5) comprises a protrusion arranged so that the longitudinal profile of the ascension guide (5) has a backwards angle of 1-89 degrees relative to a plane perpendicular to the water surface (15) as seen when the fishing lure is ascending towards the water surface.

5. The fishing lure according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a top side of the lure body is shaped along a curvature forming an arch having its convexity upwards.

6. The fishing lure according to any preceding claim, wherein the fishing lure comprises a scenting mechanism configured to dispense a scenting substance in a manner such that dispersion of scenting substance is increased in response to the backward motion relative to the forward motion.

7. The fishing lure according to any preceding claim, wherein the fishing lure comprises a decorative element configured to extend backwards in response to the forward motion and extend forwards in response to the backward motion.

8. The fishing lure according to claim 7, wherein the decorative element comprises a conical flexible tube having an open wide end and an open narrow end, wherein the conical flexible tube is arranged inside of the passage (11) or at either the rear opening (13) or front opening (12), and wherein the conical flexible tube is configured to inflate such that: the narrow end is offset backwards relative to the wide end in response to a forward motion; and, the narrow end is offset forwards relative to the wide end in response to a backward motion.

9. The fishing lure according to claim 6, wherein the scenting mechanism comprise depressions and / or ridges arranged inside of the passage (11), wherein the depressions and / or ridges are formed so that dispersion of scenting substance is increased in response to the backward motion relative to the forward motion.

10. The fishing lure according to any previous claim, wherein the passage (11) is characterized by at least one of the following features: the passage (11) longitudinal profile forming an arch having its convexity upwards; and / or the passage (11) cross-sectional shape being elliptical with its major axis oriented sideways.

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