Thermochromic fishing lure and method of making same

• US 6,318,020 B1
• Filed: 07/26/1999
• Issued: 11/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Larry Mefferd
• Original Assignee: Larry Mefferd
• Inventors: Mefferd, Larry
• Primary Examiner(s): ROWAN, KURT C
• Application Number:
  US09/361,105
• Time in Patent Office: 848 Days
• Field of Search: 43/423.2
• US Class Current: 43/42.32
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 85/01 with light emission, sound emission, scent dispersal or the like

Abstract

An improved fishing lure is provided wherein the surface of the lure includes a multi-layered thermochromic surface. The thermochromic surface responds in different temperature ranges so that as the temperature changes, the surface displays a sequence of colors over a broad range of temperatures. The process for creating the purified thermochromic paint involves mixing thermochromic powder with clear oil and water in order to indicate undamaged thermochromic crystals for mixing with a clear lacquer so as to apply, in multiple layers, to the fishing lure and repeated for as many layers in as many colors as desired.

Claims

1. A fishing lure comprising:

a lure body having an outer body surface colored a body color;

a first thermochromic layer covering at least a portion of said outer body surface of said lure body, said first thermochromic layer having a first opaque color which blocks out said portion of said outer body surface when exposed to a temperature below a first activation temperature, and which becomes transparent to expose said body color when exposed to a temperature above said first activation temperature;

a second thermochromic layer covering at least a portion of said first thermochromic layer, said second thermochromic layer having an opaque second color which blocks out said portion of said first thermochromic layer when exposed to a temperature below a second activation temperature, and which becomes transparent to expose said first opaque color when exposed to a temperature above said second activation temperature;

said first and second activation temperatures being different from one another;

said first and second thermochromic layers each being comprised of substantially undamaged thermochromic crystals mixed with a clear lacquer whereby said substantially undamaged thermochromic crystals are formed by mixing a thermochromic powder comprising damaged and undamaged thermochromic crystals with oil and water and recovering said undamaged thermochromic crystals from said oil.

2. A fishing lure according to claim 1 wherein said first activation temperature is higher than said second activation temperature whereby said second thermochromic layer will become transparent at a higher temperature than said first thermochromic layer.

3. A fishing lure according to claim 2 and further comprising a third thermochromic layer covering at least a portion of said second thermochromic layer, said third thermochromic layer having an opaque third color which blocks out said portion of said second thermochromic layer when exposed to a temperature below a third activation temperature and which becomes transparent to expose said second thermochromic layer when exposed to a temperature above said third activation temperature.

4. A fishing lure according to claim 3 wherein said third activation temperature is below said first and second activation temperatures.