Expandable Bait Keeper Ribs for Fast Soft Lure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bait keepers for soft plastic lures are either time-consuming to rig or fail to securely hold the lure, necessitating frequent reconfiguration and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A bait keeper with an anchor and extension member featuring flexible ribs that expand and retract to securely attach to the lure, allowing quick and secure attachment without twisting or damaging the lure material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a helical spring or screw lock bait keeper is used, then the lure can be retained on the hook, but the angler must twist the lure onto the helical spring which takes time
Solution Approach 1:
The bait keeper uses a dynamic expandable collar with flexible ribs that can expand and contract. During insertion, the collar is compressed to a smaller diameter to pass through the lure easily. Once positioned, the collar expands automatically to grip the lure securely. This dynamic size change eliminates the need for twisting while ensuring reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the collar's diameter. The collar transitions from a compressed state (small diameter) during insertion to an expanded state (large diameter) during retention. This parameter change allows the same structure to perform both easy insertion and secure holding functions.
2Device complexity
If a stiff shaft with barbs is used as a bait keeper, then the structure is simple, but the soft plastic lure may work itself free after a few casts and retrieves
Solution Approach 1:
The bait keeper employs a flexible collar made of elastic material with multiple flexible ribs instead of a rigid barbed shaft. The flexibility allows the collar to deform during insertion and then rebound to create a secure gripping action on the lure, preventing it from working free during casting and retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar dynamically adapts its size and shape. During insertion, it compresses to fit through the lure. During retention, it expands to create friction and mechanical interlocking with the lure material, providing secure holding without the need for barbs that can damage or penetrate the soft plastic.
3Reliability
If the anchor ribs are always extended, then the lure is held securely, but the lure material is damaged and the rigging process is slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible ribs of the anchor are designed to dynamically change their position. During insertion, the ribs are compressed inward to create a smaller profile that easily passes through the lure material without damage. After insertion, the ribs naturally rebound to their extended position to securely grip the lure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is preliminarily compressed before insertion to prepare it for easy passage through the lure. This preliminary compression action prevents damage to the lure material during insertion, while the subsequent natural rebound provides the secure retention function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fast and reliable retention of the lure, preserving its shape and action during fishing, while minimizing material damage and simplifying lure changes.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor has flexible ribs that can be moved from a deployed position to a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A fishing tackle bait keeper for a fishing hook includes an anchor and an extension member. The anchor has a tapered tip and a sleeve with first and second ends, and plural ribs coupled to the first end. The ribs project in a diverging arrangement from the first end of the sleeve in a direction opposite of the sleeve first end. The ribs move from a deployed position to a retracted position, wherein when the ribs are in the retracted position, the ribs are oriented with the sleeve to allow insertion of the bait keeper into a bait, and wherein when the ribs are in the deployed position, the ribs extend out from the sleeve to resist being removed from the bait, the ribs are normally in the deployed position. The extension member is coupled to the sleeve and having an attachment portion for coupling with the hook.