Fishing lure protector device

#This invention is directed to a fishing lure protector device which holds and protects a fishing lure against damage to the fishing lure and injury to the person handling the fishing lure. The invention is particularly directed towards immobilization of hooks that prevents tangling, and promotes safe storage.

#Fishing lures typically comprise a lure body which may be fish shaped, brightly coloured and the like. A fish hook is attached to the lure body. The fish hook is typically attached via an eyelet which means that the hook can swing freely relative to the lure body.

#It is known for larger lures to have two, three or even more fish hooks attached to the lure body at spaced apart intervals. It is also known for each hook to be a double barbed or triple barbed hook.

#An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following representations in which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a device in the open position.

#FIG. 2 shows a lure being placed onto the device of FIG. 1.

#Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a fishing lure protector device 10. Device 10 comprises a flexible sheet of clear plastic that in the embodiment has a length of 120 mm and a width of 110 mm. The clear plastic sheet member has a thickness of slightly less than 1 mm. It will of course be appreciated that the size of the sheet member will vary depending on the type of lure that is to be protected. Device 10 has a pair of opposed edges 11, 12 and each opposed edge is formed with an attachment means. In the particular embodiment, the attachment means comprises a hook and loop fastener comprising a strip of loop material 13 stitched to one edge of the flexible sheet member, and a strip of hook material 14 stitched to the other edge of the flexible sheet member. Each strip has a length that is the same as the length of the flexible sheet member and a width of approximately 20 mm. It can thus be seen that flexible sheet member can be folded such that the hook and loop portions attach together to form a temporary sleeve.

#Referring to FIG. 2 there is illustrated a particular known type of lure 15. Lure 15 is placed into the middle section of the flexible sheet member using one hand and the other hand can then be used to fold the flexible sheet member about the lure. FIG. 3 illustrates the folding process where the sheet member is partially folded about lure 15.

#Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a device in the “protecting” position where lure 15 is trapped within a sleeve formed by folding and attaching the flexible sheet member. It can be seen that the sharp hooks 16 are now protected and immobilised and cannot accidentally prick the user and cannot snag against another lure.