Patent US4604822A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4604822A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fishing lure holder
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1985-06-24
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Granted: 1986-08-12
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Expires: 2005-06-24
Abstract
Abstract A fishing lure holder for receiving and automatically locking hooks of fishing lures. The apparatus includes a base having an elongated portion defining a plurality of U-shaped slots therein and a locking plate having a plurality of L-shaped slots therein. The locking plate is movable between a closed position in which pairs of L-shaped and U-shaped slots overlap and an open position in which the slots are substantially aligned, defining a transversely extending gap between each pair. A hook-guiding surface extends from an apex of each L-shaped slot and a similar hook-guiding surface extends in a longitudinally opposite direction from an intermediate portion of each the U-shaped slot. The hook-guiding surfaces form normally extending hook-receiving grooves adjacent a longitudinal edge of the apparatus. A spring longitudinally biases the locking plate toward the closed position. In operation, a hook of a fishing lure is pressed transversely into a hook-receiving groove, forcing the locking plate toward the open position so that the hook is free to move toward the bottom of the corresponding slots. As the hook passes the apex of the L-shaped slot, the spring moves the locking plate back toward the closed position, thus clamping the hook between the U-shaped slot and the L-shaped slot.
Inventors
- 👤 S. Kent Christenberry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 09:40
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K97/00; A01K97/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
270 words
A fishing lure holding apparatus having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a normal axis, comprising: a first portion defining a substantially L-shaped slot therein extending from a longitudinal edge thereof and further having a surface extending from said L-shaped slot adjacent an inner apex thereof and intersecting said longitudinal edge at a point longitudinally spaced from said L-shaped slot; a second portion adjacent said first portion, said second portion defining a substantially U-shaped slot therein extending from a longitudinal edge of said second portion and further having a surface extending from said U-shaped slot and intersecting said longitudinal edge of said second portion at a point longitudinally spaced from said U-shaped slot, wherein at least one of said portions is alternately movable with respect to the other portion between an open position, in which said L-shaped slot and said U-shaped slot are substantially aligned such that a gap is defined therebetween in communication with said longitudinal edges of said first and second portions, and a closed position, wherein said L-shaped slot and said U-shaped slot overlap such that said surfaces define a hook-receiving groove normally through said first and second portions; and biasing means for biasing said movable portion toward said closed position; whereby, as a hook of a fishing lure is pressed into said hook-receiving groove, said movable portion is forced to move to said open position such that said hook may be moved transversely past said apex of said L-shaped slot, whereupon said biasing means returns said movable portion back toward said closed position for locking said hook between said U-shaped slot and said L-shaped slot.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
270 words
A fishing lure holding apparatus having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a normal axis, comprising: a first portion defining a substantially L-shaped slot therein extending from a longitudinal edge thereof and further having a surface extending from said L-shaped slot adjacent an inner apex thereof and intersecting said longitudinal edge at a point longitudinally spaced from said L-shaped slot; a second portion adjacent said first portion, said second portion defining a substantially U-shaped slot therein extending from a longitudinal edge of said second portion and further having a surface extending from said U-shaped slot and intersecting said longitudinal edge of said second portion at a point longitudinally spaced from said U-shaped slot, wherein at least one of said portions is alternately movable with respect to the other portion between an open position, in which said L-shaped slot and said U-shaped slot are substantially aligned such that a gap is defined therebetween in communication with said longitudinal edges of said first and second portions, and a closed position, wherein said L-shaped slot and said U-shaped slot overlap such that said surfaces define a hook-receiving groove normally through said first and second portions; and biasing means for biasing said movable portion toward said closed position; whereby, as a hook of a fishing lure is pressed into said hook-receiving groove, said movable portion is forced to move to said open position such that said hook may be moved transversely past said apex of said L-shaped slot, whereupon said biasing means returns said movable portion back toward said closed position for locking said hook between said U-shaped slot and said L-shaped slot.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said surfaces are curvilinear and extend concavely away from one another.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the non-moving portion comprises means for attachment to a mounting surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
268 words
A fishing lure holder comprising: a base portion; a locking plate portion adjacent said base portion and longitudinally movable with respect thereto, wherein: one of said base and locking plate portions defines a substantially L-shaped slot extending from an edge thereof, and further includes a concave curvilinear surface extending from an apex of said slot and intersecting said edge; and the other of said base and said locking plate portions defines a substantially U-shaped notch extending from an edge of said other portion adjacent said first-mentioned edge, and further having a concave curvilinear surface extending from said U-shaped slot in a direction opposite said first-mentioned curvilinear surface and intersecting said edge of said other portion; whereby, said curvilinear surfaces define a substantially V-shaped hook-receiving groove, extending in a normal direction through said base and locking plate portions adjacent said edges thereof, when said portions are in a closed position, and said portions define an open position in which said U-shaped slot and said L-shaped slot are in substantial alignment defining a gap therebetween in communication with said edges; and biasing means for continuously biasing said movable portion from said open toward said closed position; whereby, as a hook of a fishing lure is transversely moved into said hook-receiving groove, said movable portion will be longitudinally moved from said closed position to said open position such that said hook may be transversely moved past said apex of said L-shaped slot so that said locking plate portion will be moved toward said closed position by said biasing means for locking said hook between said U-shaped slot and said L-shaped slot.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
268 words
A fishing lure holder comprising: a base portion; a locking plate portion adjacent said base portion and longitudinally movable with respect thereto, wherein: one of said base and locking plate portions defines a substantially L-shaped slot extending from an edge thereof, and further includes a concave curvilinear surface extending from an apex of said slot and intersecting said edge; and the other of said base and said locking plate portions defines a substantially U-shaped notch extending from an edge of said other portion adjacent said first-mentioned edge, and further having a concave curvilinear surface extending from said U-shaped slot in a direction opposite said first-mentioned curvilinear surface and intersecting said edge of said other portion; whereby, said curvilinear surfaces define a substantially V-shaped hook-receiving groove, extending in a normal direction through said base and locking plate portions adjacent said edges thereof, when said portions are in a closed position, and said portions define an open position in which said U-shaped slot and said L-shaped slot are in substantial alignment defining a gap therebetween in communication with said edges; and biasing means for continuously biasing said movable portion from said open toward said closed position; whereby, as a hook of a fishing lure is transversely moved into said hook-receiving groove, said movable portion will be longitudinally moved from said closed position to said open position such that said hook may be transversely moved past said apex of said L-shaped slot so that said locking plate portion will be moved toward said closed position by said biasing means for locking said hook between said U-shaped slot and said L-shaped slot.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said base portion comprises mounting means for mounting to a support surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein: said base portion comprises an elongated portion and a flange substantially perpendicular to said elongated portion; said locking plate portion comprises an elongated portion adjacent, and substantially parallel to, said base elongated portion and a flange substantially perpendicular to said locking plate elongated portion; and said biasing means is characterized as a spring disposed between said flanges.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein: one of said flanges defines a hole therethrough; and the other of said flanges includes a pin attached thereto, said pin extending axially through said spring and further extending through said hole for guidance therewith.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein: one of said portions defines an elongated slot therethrough; the other of said portions defines a pin extending therefrom and through said slot for guidance therewith; and further comprising a boss attached to an end of said pin opposite said other portion, said boss preventing substantial transverse and normal movement between said base and locking plate portions.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
255 words
An apparatus for holding and securing hooks of fishing lures, said apparatus comprising: a base comprising: an elongated, longitudinally extending portion; at least one transverse flange extending from an end of said elongated portion; and a longitudinally disposed mounting foot extending from said transverse flange; a locking plate longitudinally movable with respect to said base portion and comprising: an elongated, longitudinal portion extending substantially parallel to said base elongated portion and positioned in close relationship thereto; and a transverse flange extending from an end of said locking plate elongated portion and substantially parallel to said base flange; and a spring positioned between said base flange and said locking plate flange for longitudinally biasing said flanges apart; wherein: one of said elongated portions of said base and said locking plate defines a transversely extending, substantially L-shaped slot therein and further defining a surface interconnecting an apex of said slot with a longitudinal edge of said elongated portion; the other of said elongated portions defines a transversely extending, substantially U-shaped slot and further having a surface interconnecting an intermediate portion of said U-shaped slot with a longitudinal edge of said other elongated portion; and said elongated portion of said locking plate being positionable in an open position, wherein said U-shaped slot and said L-shaped slot are in substantial alignment defining a transverse gap therebetween extending from said longitudinal edges, and a closed position, wherein said L-shaped slot and said U-shaped slot substantially overlap and said surfaces define a hook-receiving groove therebetween extending normally along said longitudinal edges.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
255 words
An apparatus for holding and securing hooks of fishing lures, said apparatus comprising: a base comprising: an elongated, longitudinally extending portion; at least one transverse flange extending from an end of said elongated portion; and a longitudinally disposed mounting foot extending from said transverse flange; a locking plate longitudinally movable with respect to said base portion and comprising: an elongated, longitudinal portion extending substantially parallel to said base elongated portion and positioned in close relationship thereto; and a transverse flange extending from an end of said locking plate elongated portion and substantially parallel to said base flange; and a spring positioned between said base flange and said locking plate flange for longitudinally biasing said flanges apart; wherein: one of said elongated portions of said base and said locking plate defines a transversely extending, substantially L-shaped slot therein and further defining a surface interconnecting an apex of said slot with a longitudinal edge of said elongated portion; the other of said elongated portions defines a transversely extending, substantially U-shaped slot and further having a surface interconnecting an intermediate portion of said U-shaped slot with a longitudinal edge of said other elongated portion; and said elongated portion of said locking plate being positionable in an open position, wherein said U-shaped slot and said L-shaped slot are in substantial alignment defining a transverse gap therebetween extending from said longitudinal edges, and a closed position, wherein said L-shaped slot and said U-shaped slot substantially overlap and said surfaces define a hook-receiving groove therebetween extending normally along said longitudinal edges.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising means for longitudinally guiding said locking plate during said longitudinal movement thereof and for substantially preventing transverse and normal movement thereof.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said means for longitudinally guiding said locking plate is characterized by: a longitudinally extending slot in one of said elongated portions; and a pin extending normally from the other of said elongated portions and extending through said slot; and further comprising a boss on an end of said pin opposite said other elongated portion.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said L-shaped slots are in said locking plate and said U-shaped slots are in said base.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said surfaces are curvilinear.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
188 words
In a fishing lure holder of a type having a pair of longitudinally extending portions, one of said portions defining a transversely extending L-shaped slot therein and the other of said portions defining a transversely extending U-shaped slot therein, one of said portions being movable so that said slots are positionable for locking a hook of a fishing lure therebetween, the improvement comprising: a first surface interconnecting an apex of said L-shaped slot and a longitudinal edge of the corresponding longitudinally extending portion; a second surface interconnecting an intermediate portion of said U-shaped slot with a longitudinal edge of the other longitudinally extending portion, such that said first and second surfaces define a hook-receiving groove extending normally with respect to said longitudinally extending portions adjacent said longitudinal edges; and biasing means for biasing said movable portion toward a hook locking position, such that as a hook is moved transversely in said groove, said movable portion is moved toward an open position in which said hook may be moved past an apex of said L-shaped slot, whereupon said biasing means will return said movable portion to said locking position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
188 words
In a fishing lure holder of a type having a pair of longitudinally extending portions, one of said portions defining a transversely extending L-shaped slot therein and the other of said portions defining a transversely extending U-shaped slot therein, one of said portions being movable so that said slots are positionable for locking a hook of a fishing lure therebetween, the improvement comprising: a first surface interconnecting an apex of said L-shaped slot and a longitudinal edge of the corresponding longitudinally extending portion; a second surface interconnecting an intermediate portion of said U-shaped slot with a longitudinal edge of the other longitudinally extending portion, such that said first and second surfaces define a hook-receiving groove extending normally with respect to said longitudinally extending portions adjacent said longitudinal edges; and biasing means for biasing said movable portion toward a hook locking position, such that as a hook is moved transversely in said groove, said movable portion is moved toward an open position in which said hook may be moved past an apex of said L-shaped slot, whereupon said biasing means will return said movable portion to said locking position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said surfaces are curvilinear and extend concavely away from one another.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-08-11 | 1990-02-10 | 1990-08-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-08-11 | 1994-02-10 | 1994-08-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-08-11 | 1998-02-10 | 1998-08-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |