Swivels

#As is well known, snap swivels of metallic composition normally include a ball and socket type joint on at least one end thereof; such type joint tends to corrode causing the bearing members to bind with resultant line twisting and/or abnormal movement by a lure secured thereto. Furthermore, the weight of these swivels drag down the head of a light spinner or lure, and are readily detectable in the water.

#The primary object of the invention is the provision of a lightweight, accurately formed and smoothly surfaced snap swivel of thermoplastic composition which is inconspicuous in water, produces a planing effect during movement in the water, and minimizes twisting of the fishing line.

#Another object is to provide a snap swivel which provides a slight off-center pull which in combination with the flat body shape gives a positive resistance to line twisting, thus producing true lure action, even at low speeds.

#FIG. 1 is a greatly enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, of the preferred embodiment of snap swivel of the subject invention.

#FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view, taken on the line 2--2 of FIG. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows.

#FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view, similar to the view of FIG. 2, showing the clasp rotated in a clockwise direction and extending vertically downward.

#Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4 a preferred embodiment of snap swivel 10 of the subject invention. Body 11 is of tough, transparent or translucent thermoplastic, preferably formed by molding to produce a plate-like structure which is accurately shaped and smooth surfaced. In the practice of the invention a translucent, thermoplastic organic synthetic resin such as nylon has ideal low friction bearing characteristics in direct contact with metal, and a transparent thermoplastic such as Lexan is used to produce a body which is almost invisible in the water. The molded body 11 is oblong and has uniform thickness materially less than its length or width with opposing broad flat faces 12-13 terminating laterally in opposing flat edges 14-15; the foremost end 16 of said body is preferably arcuate while the rearmost, transversely extending end 17 is essentially vertical. Edge 14, substantially shorter than edge 15, terminates rearwardly in recess 18 comprising an inwardly and vertically extending shoulder 19, and longitudinally and vertically extending shoulder 20 which terminates rearwardly in end 17.

#An elongated slot 21 through the foremost portion of said body forms a transversely extending section 22. Eye 23 for the attachment of a fishing line is of non-corrosive wire or the like and includes shank 24 which passes through medially and longitudinally extending bore 25 in section 22 in a relatively loose fit for free rotational movement; as indicated by reference numeral 26, said shank is expanded rearwardly of section 22.

#A transversely extending bore 27 through the rearmost portion of said body surfaces in the approximate center of shoulder 20 and the corresponding portion of edge 15. Clasp 28 of non-corrosive wire or the like for the attachment of tackle is freely pivoted to body 11. Specifically, transversely extending bar 29 of said clasp passes through bore 27 in a relatively loose fit; leg 30 is turned angularly inward at an acute angle with respect to bar 29 at a point at least slightly outwardly of shoulder 20, said leg lies in the major plane of said clasp and terminates forwardly in close proximity to shoulder 19. Resilient arm 31 of said clasp terminates outwardly in hook 32. When clasp 28 is rotated in a clockwise direction approximately ninety degrees with said leg extending vertically upward, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper end of said leg is at least slightly above the plane of face 12 and in such position is spaced outwardly of shoulder 20 a sufficient distance to permit hook 32 to pass over and engage said leg. This is easily accomplished by compressing the resilient arm of said clasp and passing the hook upwardly and inwardly at which time hook 32 normally inserts into the interior angle formed between said leg and transverse bar 29. To open said clasp, leg 30 must be rotated to extend vertically upward; at such time an upward force applied to the bail of said clasp forces hook 32 upwardly and clears leg 30; upon releasing such force the resilient arm normally extends outwardly of edge 14 as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings.