Artificial lure with interchangeable insert element

Abstract

Artificial lure (1) for fishing, comprising at least one lure body (2) and an insertion element (9), wherein the lure body (2) has at least one recess (3) into which the insertion element (9) can be inserted at least partially, whereby the insertion element (9) can be releasably connected to the lure body (2) by force transmission, and wherein the insertion element (9) has a groove (11) and outer walls (10, 10') and the groove (11) extends parallel to the outer walls (10, 10') of the insertion element (9) over at least 50%, and the insertion element (9) is secured in the recess (3) of the lure body (2) by means of a positive locking between the lure body (2) and the groove (11), and wherein the artificial lure (1) is a spinner.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an artificial lure for fishing in the form of a spinner with a lure body which has a recess into which an insertion element can be inserted and thereby releasably connected to the lure body in a force-transmitting manner. State of the art

[0002] Traditional spinners are known, for example, from German patent DE 598 343 A. These are mostly metal artificial lures used for fishing for predatory fish. Often, the metal body is slightly dented on the flat side, causing the lure to wobble when retrieved through the water, imitating small, weak fish that are attractive prey for predators. Spinners are often decorated with colorful feathers or plastic attachments to increase their appeal to fish. The advantage of spinners compared to similar artificial lures like spinners or wobblers is that they can also be fished vertically under the rod tip. This makes it possible to target deep spots or other hotspots, even in challenging waters with limited casting space. Spinners are used to catch pike, zander, and perch, and of course, other predatory fish can also be caught with them.

[0003] To be successful when spin fishing, anglers may need to adapt quickly to the prevailing conditions. This often requires carrying a wide selection of lures, as target fish react to different lures on different days. This can depend on factors such as the season, time of day, water temperature, and even the turbidity of the water. For example, different water clarity may necessitate choosing different colors. Generally, more subtle colors are used in murky water, while brighter, reflective colors are preferred in clear water. However, this can always vary, and there are no hard and fast rules.Therefore, it is up to the angler to determine the most effective bait for the particular body of water.

[0004] When spin fishing with artificial lures, such as spinners or soft plastic lures, it's common practice to check fish activity by making several casts. If there's little or no activity, it's usually advisable to switch to a different color or lure. It might also be desirable to fish the lure at a different depth, either closer to the surface or closer to the bottom. Previously, this required removing the lure from the line or swivel and replacing it with another lure that met the desired parameters, such as color, sinking depth, or underwater action.

[0005] However, attaching the lure to the fishing line can often be cumbersome. Especially in cold temperatures, which inevitably lead to cold limbs for the angler, it can be difficult to change the lure with cold fingers – that is, to detach it from the line and reattach the new one. Furthermore, with the current lure selection, anglers need to carry a large selection of lures to adapt to the specific conditions of the water. This can be undesirable, as it results in a significant weight of lures that the angler has to carry, as well as considerable expense, since different lures must be available for different situations.

[0006] US Patent 4,637,160 A proposes a lure with two body halves, between which a foil can be inserted. One body half has an opening through which the foil is visible. A disadvantage is that the body halves must be unscrewed to insert the foil.

[0007] US Patent 2,828,572 A discloses an artificial lure in which a plastic element is permanently attached to one side of the body. A disadvantage is that the plastic element, and therefore its color, is not replaceable or changeable. Furthermore, attaching the plastic element to one side of the body results in an imbalance both during casting and underwater retrieval.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for artificial lures, especially for fishing for predatory fish, which address the shortcomings described. Object of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an artificial lure whose appearance, underwater action, and buoyancy can be changed quickly and easily, and which is also inexpensive to manufacture, without requiring cumbersome re-attaching to the fishing line each time the lure is changed. Furthermore, the artificial lure according to the invention should be lightweight and space-saving for transport. Summary of the invention

[0010] These and other tasks are solved with an artificial lure according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are part of the dependent claims or are described in more detail below.

[0011] The artificial lure according to the invention is a spinner and comprises a lure body with an insertion element having a groove, wherein the insertion element can be inserted into a recess located in the lure body. The insertion element can be releasably connected to the lure body in a force-transmitting manner. Detailed description of the invention

[0012] The artificial lure according to the invention for fishing, especially for fishing for predatory fish, is characterized in particular by the fact that it can be easily, quickly and simply adapted by an angler to different needs when used on the water, especially with regard to color, appearance and / or running behavior in or under water.

[0013] Unlike conventional lures, the lure according to the invention allows for the selection of its type, color, and underwater action, enabling optimal adaptation to prevailing conditions. The lure can be easily and quickly modified to suit changing weather and / or water conditions. Instead of the cumbersome process of replacing the lure on the fishing line or a swivel, which can be particularly difficult with cold hands, a simple insert element is used. This insert, which fits into a recess in the lure body and can be reattached to the body in a force-transmitting manner, can be quickly and easily replaced with a simple push.

[0014] Artificial lures are imitations of various prey animals, such as small or large fish and insects, used in fishing. They are usually equipped with a single hook and / or a treble hook and are primarily made of metal, wood, plastic, or other synthetic materials. Artificial lures are typically cast and retrieved through the water (spinning) or presented floating on the water (e.g., fly fishing). This attracts fish and entices them to bite. Artificial lures are mainly used to catch predatory fish such as pike, zander, trout, perch, asp, and the like. Artificial maggots and worms are also available as lures for catching non-predatory fish.

[0015] The artificial lure according to the invention is a spinner and comprises a lure body. The lure body has a device for attaching it to a fishing line, as well as a further device suitable for attaching a fishing hook, usually a treble hook. It is possible to connect the artificial lure according to the invention directly to the fishing line or via a swivel. Preferably, the artificial lure according to the invention is connected to the fishing line via a swivel.Typically, artificial lures for spin fishing, especially spinners, have a length (extending along a longitudinal axis) of a few centimeters, approximately 2-20 cm, preferably 3-10 cm, a height (extending along a first transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis) of approximately 1-10 cm, preferably 1-4 cm, and a thickness (extending along a second transverse axis orthogonal to both the longitudinal and first transverse axes) of approximately 1-10 mm. The direction in which the smallest principal dimension of the lure body extends is defined as the axial direction of the second transverse axis of the lure body. The extension of the artificial lure in this direction is defined as the thickness of the lure body.

[0016] The lure body can have different shapes and, for example, be planar or non-planar. In the simplest case, the lure according to the invention is a planar lure body with a longitudinal axis and a first transverse axis, wherein the lure body has a second transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and to the first transverse axis, in the direction of which the thickness of the lure body extends. Typically, the lure body of an artificial lure according to the invention has two outer walls. The outer walls can be flat, i.e., planar. In a further embodiment, they can also be non-planar. Thus, it is possible for the lure body to have a concave and / or a convex side. In particular, it is also possible for the lure body to be biconvex.Furthermore, it is possible for one outer wall of the bait body to be flat and the other outer wall to be convex or concave. Designs are also possible in which both outer walls are concave (bi-concave bait body).

[0017] In another embodiment, the lure body is non-planar. Thus, it is possible for the lure body of an artificial lure according to the invention to be indented on one side, for example. Conventional spinners are shaped, among other things, like prey fish that are eaten by larger predatory fish. Due to indentations in the lure body, the spinner wobbles or staggers underwater, imitating an injured fish, which in turn is attractive to predatory fish because they represent easy prey.

[0018] In other words, all shapes known to those skilled in the art for an artificial lure, in particular for a spinner, can be used according to the invention. It is preferred that at least one side is concave or convex. This ensures, in particular, that the artificial lure moves characteristically underwater when fishing for predatory fish. The movements of artificial lures, including spinners, usually imitate the characteristic movements of fish, especially sick or injured fish. These characteristic movements of the spinners can be perceived by the target fish via their lateral line organ. This, in turn, can stimulate the predatory fish's hunting instinct towards the perceived prey, ultimately leading the predator to instinctively attack the supposed prey.

[0019] In one embodiment, the device for attaching the lure to the fishing line and the device for the hook are arranged approximately opposite each other along the longitudinal axis of the lure body. In another embodiment, the hook is arranged at a different location on the lure body. Furthermore, it is also possible for the artificial lure according to the invention to have additional devices for further hooks. This may be desirable, among other things, to minimize missed strikes, which occasionally occur when spin fishing.

[0020] According to the invention, other shapes can also be used for the lure body. In particular, it is also possible to use symmetrical lure bodies, such as square shapes. Additionally, it is according to the invention to use abstract shapes for the lure body. In a preferred embodiment, the lure body has the shape of a leaf, for example, the shape of an oak leaf or a beech leaf. Surprisingly, it has been found that an artificial lure according to the invention in the shape of a leaf exhibits special swimming or movement properties underwater, which are attractive and enticing to fish, especially predatory fish. This has been observed for both planar and non-planar lure bodies in the shape of a leaf, particularly those with a concave and a convex outer wall. The lure body can be of different colors.In particular, it is possible for the two outer walls to have different colors. For example, one outer wall could be silver and the other gold. All color combinations are, of course, possible. The bait body can also be made of a UV-reactive material. In one embodiment, the bait body consists of one or more metals, preferably aluminum and / or one or more aluminum alloys and / or stainless steel and / or copper and / or one or more copper alloys, especially brass.

[0021] The artificial lure according to the invention has at least one recess in its body. The recess can have different shapes. For example, it can be circular, square, rectangular, elliptical, star-shaped, or similar. In particular, it is also possible for the recess to have a cylindrical shape or the shape of a truncated cone. Asymmetrical shapes for the recess in the body of the lure are also possible.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the recess has a pear-like shape. In another preferred embodiment, the recess has the shape of a maggot. In yet another embodiment, the recess has the shape of a caterpillar.

[0023] The area of ​​the recess in the bait body is smaller than the area of ​​the bait body. The area of ​​the recess(s) can be, for example, at least 10% of the area of ​​the bait body, or at least 20% of the area of ​​the bait body, or at least 30% of the area of ​​the bait body, or at least 40% of the area of ​​the bait body, or at least 50% of the area of ​​the bait body, or at least 60% of the area of ​​the bait body, or at least 70% of the area of ​​the bait body, or at least 80% of the area of ​​the bait body, or at least 90% of the area of ​​the bait body, or at least 95% of the area of ​​the bait body.

[0024] The body of a lure according to the invention has at least one recess into which an insertable element can be at least partially inserted. In a further embodiment, the body of the lure can also have several recesses. In one embodiment, the recess of the body of the lure and the outer walls of the insertable element have the same shape, i.e., the same geometric dimensions.

[0025] According to the invention, at least one insertion element is inserted into the recess, which can be releasably connected to the lure body in a force-transmitting manner. Releasable in this context means that the insertion element can be disassembled without damage, i.e., removed from the lure body. The insertion element can be made of different materials. For example, plastic, wood, or expanded polystyrene (known under the brand name Styrofoam) can be inserted into the lure body according to the invention. An insertion element made of cork or expanded polystyrene may be desirable to influence the sinking depth or running depth of the artificial lure according to the invention. It is well known that cork and / or polystyrene float on water.If insertable elements made of cork and / or polystyrene are inserted into the body of the lure according to the invention, these insertable elements provide buoyancy to the lure. Thus, by selecting a suitable insertable element, the height or depth at which the lure according to the invention is retrieved through the water can be influenced.

[0026] Influencing the running depth of the artificial lure according to the invention can be particularly desirable to avoid the risk of so-called "snags," where, for example, the hook of an artificial lure becomes entangled in stones, branches, or similar objects on the bottom of the water. Furthermore, it is possible that, at a specific running depth or height, the artificial lure according to the invention can also be fished in areas with a high density of water lilies and / or seagrass. It is generally known that predatory fish, such as pike, perch, or zander, like to inhabit such areas to ambush prey. These prey fish, for example, cyprinids, in turn seek protection from predators in such areas, such as seagrass beds.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the insertion element is made of a plastic, for example PETG (polyethylene terephthalate) or a polyamide, preferably a soft plastic. It is also possible for the insertion element to consist of several different materials simultaneously or of material mixtures. For example, it is conceivable that the insertion element has additional metallic blades or protrusions which ensure that the artificial lure according to the invention exhibits a modified swimming behavior underwater. This may be desirable in order to awaken or intensify the hunting instinct of a predatory fish.

[0028] The insert can be various colors. All conventional colors used for fishing are possible. In particular, UV-reactive colors can also be used for the insert. Furthermore, it may be desirable for the insert to imitate specific baits. For example, the insert can have the shape and appearance of a maggot, such as a waxworm, or a caterpillar. It is also possible for the insert to feature characteristic patterns of various prey animals.

[0029] According to the invention, the insertion element is designed such that it can be inserted into the recess of the bait body by hand by the angler. Preferably, the insertion element is formed from an at least partially elastic material, which allows the angler to quickly and easily push the insertion element into the recess of the bait body with light pressure, and also to push the insertion element out of the recess of the bait body with light pressure. According to the invention, the insertion element can be detachably connected to the bait body in a force-transmitting manner.In particular, the insertion element is designed in such a way that it is firmly and stably inserted into the lure body, so that even under higher forces, such as those encountered when casting the lure and subsequently hitting the water surface, the insertion element is not pushed out of the lure body.

[0030] The insertion element of the artificial lure according to the invention has at least two outer walls, analogous to the lure body. The insertion element is designed such that it is inserted, at least partially, into the recess in the lure body. In particular, it is also possible for several insertion elements to be inserted into one recess. Furthermore, it is possible for the lure body to have several recesses into which several insertion elements can be inserted. Analogous to the lure body, the insertion element has a length (extending along a longitudinal axis), a height (extending along a first transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis), and a thickness (extending along a second transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal and first transverse axes). The direction in which the smallest principal dimension of the insertion element extends is defined as the thickness of the insertion element.

[0031] The thickness of the insertion element is greater than the thickness of the bait body. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the insertion element is at least 1.1 times greater, more preferably at least 1.5 times greater, and particularly preferably at least 2.0 times greater or at least 3.0 times greater than the thickness of the bait body. In a preferred embodiment, the insertion element has a groove. The groove runs at least partially parallel to the outer walls of the insertion element. In a preferred embodiment, the groove runs centrally between the outer walls of the insertion element.

[0032] The groove extends parallel to the outer walls of the insertion element for at least 50% of its length, preferably at least 75%, and particularly preferably 100%. It is especially preferred that the groove extends along the entire length of the insertion element. In this embodiment, it is further preferred that the insertion element has the same geometry as the recess in the bait body, so that the groove of the insertion element is flush with the recess.

[0033] In one embodiment, the groove is approximately the same thickness as the lure body. It is also possible, when using a soft, elastic material for the insertion element, for the groove of the insertion element to be smaller, i.e., narrower, than the thickness of the lure body. It is preferred that the groove of the insertion element has the same thickness as the thickness of the lure body. This ensures that the insertion element can be stably inserted into the recess of the lure body, particularly by means of a positive fit between the lure body and the groove. This guarantees that the insertion element remains stably positioned in the lure body even when subjected to external forces, especially when the lure according to the invention hits the water's surface and / or under high water pressure (for example, at great depths in a body of water).

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the outer walls of the insertion element have the same geometry as the recess in the bait body. In other words, the insertion element completely fills the recess in the bait body. It is further preferred that the area of ​​the outer walls of the insertion element is larger than the area of ​​the recess in the bait body, so that the outer walls of the insertion element rest on the outer walls of the bait body. It is therefore preferred that the outer walls of the insertion element extend approximately 0.1 to 10 mm, and more preferably 0.2 to 5 mm, beyond the edge of the recess.

[0035] Further embodiments of an artificial lure according to the invention are illustrated below with reference to the following figures. They show: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2: Side views of a lure body of an artificial lure according to the invention with different recesses in the lure body; Fig. 3 and Fig. 4: Top view of an artificial lure according to the invention including an insertion element.

[0036] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figures 2 each show a side view of a lure body 2 of an artificial lure 1 according to the invention, each with different recesses 3 in the lure body 2. The recess 3 of the lure body 2 of Fig. 1 is rectangular, whereas the recess 3 of the Fig. 2 is elliptically shaped. The lure body 2 each has two outer walls 4, 4' (only one outer wall is shown) and a thickness 5. Both lure bodies each have a device for attaching to the fishing line 6 and each have a device for a hook 7. A treble hook 8 is attached to the device for the hook 7 on both lures.

[0037] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of a lure body 2 of an artificial lure 1 according to the invention along section AA of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In Fig. In section 3, the insertion element 9 is not arranged in the recess 3. The insertion element 9 also has two outer walls 10 and 10'. The outer wall 4 of the bait body is concave, the outer wall 4' is convex.

[0038] The groove 11 of the insertion element 9 has the same thickness as the thickness of the bait body 5. The projections 12 of the insertion element 9 rest on the outer walls 4, 4' of the bait body 2, whereby the insertion element 9 is firmly and stably arranged in the recess 3 of the bait body 2 in a force-transmitting manner and is releasable. Reference symbol list: 1 artificial lure 2 bait bodies 3. Recess in the bait body 4; 4' Outer walls of the bait body 5. Thickness of the bait body 6 Device for attaching the fishing line 7 Device for attaching a hook 8 treble hooks (fishing hooks) 9 Insert element 10; 10' Outer walls of the insert element 11 Groove of the insertion element 12. Protrusion of the insertion element

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