Barbed Belly Weight Jig Head for Bait Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional jig heads with belly weights struggle to maintain soft plastic baits in a desired position on the shank during fishing, as the plastic bait tends to work its way away from the shank.

Innovation Solution

A jig head design featuring an elongated belly weight with barbs and tapered bells that extend at a forward angle from the belly weight, allowing the bait to be securely positioned and maintained by the barbs and bells, with the option of a hinged belly weight for additional stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional jig heads with belly weights are used, then the lure can be cast out and depth control is provided, but the plastic bait tends to work its way away from the shank

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebait position stabilityVSAvoidjig head structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The belly weight is segmented into multiple sections with barbs extending from each section. This segmentation allows the barbs to engage with the bait at multiple points along the shank, preventing the bait from sliding off while maintaining the overall belly weight structure for proper lure positioning and depth control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Barbs are added to specific local regions of the belly weight where bait contact is needed. The barbs provide localized gripping action on the bait without requiring a complete redesign of the entire jig head structure. This local modification maintains the belly weight's primary function while adding bait retention capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If barbs are added to the belly weight to secure the bait, then the bait remains in position, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebait position stabilityVSAvoidjig head manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The barbs are integrated directly into the belly weight structure itself, merging the bait-retention function with the existing weight component. This eliminates the need for separate bait-retention devices and allows the belly weight to perform dual functions: providing depth control and securing the bait through its integrated barbs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The belly weight is designed to serve multiple functions: providing weight for casting and depth control, maintaining proper lure orientation in water, and securing the bait through integrated barbs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11917987B2Jig head with barbed belly weight

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 PARKS STEVE

AI summary

A jig head for fishing, the jig head comprises a head portion comprising a tapered tip and a base, a hook having a point, a shank, and an eye adapted for attachment to a fishing line. A belly weight extending from the base comprises first and second ends defining a space between the shank and the belly weight, the space being adapted to receive a portion of a bait. The belly weight in certain embodiments is flexible such that the belly weight can be bent towards the shank and the belly weight comprises one or more shank facing barbs positioned between the first and second ends of the belly weight. The jig head comprises one or more tapered bells adapted to help secure a plastic bait in place.