WO1998014056A1

WO1998014056A1 - Fishing lure attachment assembly and method of forming the same

Info

Publication number: WO1998014056A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/002716
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel L. Early
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-09-30
Filing date: 1997-02-25
Publication date: 1998-04-09
Anticipated expiration: 1999-03-30
Also published as: AU1966697A; WO1998014057A1; AU2133497A

Abstract

A fishing lure attachment assembly (10) includes a tubular collar (12) having a pair of openings (14, 16). A plurality of filaments (18) are operatively mounted within the collar (12) and include filament ends (19) which extend outwardly thereof. A fitting assembly (20) is received within the collar (12) and includes a capturing mechanism (22) which serves to capture the filaments (18) within the collar (12), and attachment mechanism (26) which serves to capture the filaments (18) within the collar (12). The attachment mechanism (26) extends outwardly of the collar and serves as an attachment point for a fishing lure. An engagement mechanism (30) serves to engage the collar (12) to fix the fitting assembly (20) therewithin. Methods of forming the fishing lure attachment assembly are described.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Fishing Lure Attachment Assembly And Method Of Forming The Same Technical Field

This invention relates to fishing lure attachment assemblies and methods of forming the same.

Background Art

Fishing lure attachment assemblies come in many shapes and sizes. Such assemblies generally accommodate attachment to a peripheral fishing lure and provide an ancillary attractor for fish. Such ancillary attachments or attractors must be durable and able to withstand the abuses expected in the operating environment.

In addition to being durable, fishing lure attachments must be relatively inexpensive to manufacture if such are to be successfully commercialized. One of the goals of the fishing lure industry is to produce a fishing lure or fishing lure attachment which is durable, inexpensive and easy to manufacture. This invention arose out of concerns associated with providing a fishing lure attachment which is durable enough to withstand the abuses expected in the operating environment, and both inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below.

Fig. 1 shows a view of a fishing lure attachment assembly constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows the Fig. 1 fishing lure attachment assembly with a portion broken away to show detail. Fig. 3 shows a preferred fitting assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a collet or collar constructed according to a preferred aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows the Fig. 1 fishing lure attachment assembly at an intermediate stage of assembly.

Fig. 6 shows the Fig. 1 fishing lure attachment assembly at an assembly stage subsequent to that shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows the Fig. 1 fishing lure attachment assembly at an assembly stage subsequent to that shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 shows the Fig. 1 fishing lure attachment assembly at an assembly stage subsequent to that shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 shows a final assembled fishing lure attachment assembly. Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention and Disclosure of Invention

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the objectives of patent laws to promote the progress of science, technology and the useful arts.

TABLE!

Listing of Subsections of Detailed Description and Pertinent Items with Reference Numerals and Page Numbers

Fishing Lure Attachment Assembly Attachment Mechanism

Overview 4 attachment mechanism or attachment fishing lure attachment assembly 10 4 piece 26 collet 12 4 reverse bend 28 skirt 13 4 retainer 20 4 Engagement Mechanism . . engagement mechanism 30

Collet 4 curved end region 31 . . collar or collet 12 4 collet openings 14, 16 4 Adhesive Material adhesive material

Skirt 4 adhesive attachment plug 32 neck portion 17 4 apron portion 19 4 Fixator filaments 18 4 fixator 20 exposed filament ends 19 4

Fixator Legs

Retainer Fitting Assembly 5 fixator arm 28 retainer fitting assembly 20 5 fixator leg 30 skirt 13 5 curved end region 31 second fixator leg 29

Capturing Mechanism 5 capturing mechanism 22 5 Method of Forming and Operation filament bend or fold 24 5

* * * (End of Table 1) * *

Fishing Lure Attachment Assembly Overview

Fig. 1 shows a fishing lure attachment assembly 10 constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the preferred construction the assembly preferably includes three principal parts: a substantially rigid collet 12; a skirt 13; and, a 5 retainer 20. The skirt is advantageously made from an elastomeric material which allows it to be tensioned during assembly. The skirt expands after the tension is released to help hold the skirt within the collet. The retainer is preferably in the form of a fitting which serves a combined function to capture the filaments, engage the collet and form an attachment feature used to connect the assembly to a fishing lure or fishing line adjacent to a fishing

10 lure. Collet

Assembly 10 includes a collar or collet 12 having a pair of collet openings 14, 16. Opening 14 defines an upper collet opening and opening 16 defines a lower collet opening. The illustrated and preferred openings define respective rims of the collet. Preferably, collet

15 12 is tubular in construction, as shown in Fig. 4, and is formed from a substantially rigid material. Metal or rigid plastics are preferred. Even more preferred, collet 12 is rigid, metallic, and cylindrical in shape. Other exemplary materials from which collet 12 may be formed include rubber, plastic and other rigid or rigidified materials. The collet can also be made in alternative cross-sectional shapes such as square, rectangular, and double lobed 0 (similar to the number 8). Skirt

Skirt 13 is advantageously constructed using at least one piece or filament of suitable material. In the preferred construction shown, the skirt is made from a plurality of filaments 18. Fig. 2 shows that the filaments are folded and mounted in the collet so as to form a 5 neck portion 17 held within the collet 12. Skirt 13 also has an exposed apron portion 19 which is outside of the collet. The preferred plurality of filaments 18 are operably received within collet 12 in the folded arrangement such that individual filaments have respective exposed filament ends 19.

Preferred materials for forming filaments 18 include those which are commonly used

30 and understood to be used for such purposes. One type of material which has been found particularly suitable for use in practicing the invention is elastomeric material. Such material can come in a separate sheets or lengths and thereafter be separated to form the preferred filaments. Such material can also come as preformed or pre-rendered filaments. Natural or synthetic rubber are suitable and preferred materials. Others are also expected to be

35 satisfactory. In addition, different colors of filaments may be used as well as filaments which have light reflective properties. Such might include, for example, filaments formed with reflective bodies mounted thereon or therein. Furthermore, filaments having varying lengths, widths and/or cross-sectional dimensions can be used to give assembly 10 a unique appearance. A variety of different colors, sizes, filament lengths, and shapes of the resulting filament array are possible. There are simply numerous combinations of filaments and filament types which can be used to practice the invention, all of which are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Retainer Fitting Assembly

Figs. 1-3 show a retainer fitting assembly 20. Figs. 1 and 2 show such assembly received within collar or collet 12, while Fig. 3 shows the fitting assembly separate and apart from collet 12. The fitting assembly serves as a retainer for a skirt 13 but also preferably has added functions as a capturing mechanism or feature, an attachment mechanism or feature, and as an engagement mechanism or feature. These added capabilities and preferred construction of the fitting is detailed below. Capturing Mechanism Fitting assembly 20 includes a capturing mechanism 22 most easily seen in Figs.2 and

3. Capturing mechanism 22 serves to capture the preferred elastomeric material or filaments 18 proximate a filament bend or fold 24, most easily seen in Fig. 2. Preferably, bend or fold 24 is disposed generally between or intermediate material or filament ends 19 (Fig. 1).

Fig. 2 shows assembly 10 in which a portion of collet or collar 12 has been broken away to show detail. As shown, capturing mechanism 22 defines a point of origin from which filaments 18 downwardly extend. It is possible that some portions of filaments 18 might extend above the capturing mechanism, in which case the capturing mechanism would define a point of origin from which the filaments extend.

In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the filaments extend outwardly of collet opening 16 and flare outwardly in a skirt-like fashion. As so formed, capturing mechanism 22 defines a clip into which filaments 18 are placed. The illustrated capturing mechanism may take the form of any suitable capturing mechanism which is capable of capturing the preferred filaments and holding or lodging them within the collet. For example, capturing mechanism 22 may simply define a saddle over which the preferred filaments pass. Such other capturing mechanisms are considered within the spirit and scope of the invention. Attachment Mechanism

Referring still to Figs. 1-3, fitting assembly 20 includes an attachment mechanism or attachment piece 26. Such preferred mechanism or piece extends outwardly of upper opening 14, such opening being a different opening than the opening from which filaments 18 extend. Attachment piece 26 serves as, or defines an attachment point for a fishing lure which is not specifically shown. Attachment piece 26, in the illustrated and preferred embodiment, defines a hook-like structure which can be easily engaged with an eyelet of a suitable fishing lure. Attachment piece 26, as shown in Fig. 3, extends downwardly from the attachment point and preferably interiorly of collet 12. The attachment piece defines a bend, preferably in the form of reverse bend 28 which, advantageously serves to support or capture filaments 18. As shown in Fig. 2, such filaments are captured by reverse bend 28 at a position which is intermediate upper and lower collet openings 14, 16 respectively. Accordingly, filaments 18 are received within reverse bend 28 and extend generally away from the reverse bend and outwardly of lower collet opening 16. It will be appreciated that the illustrated reverse bend is an exemplary bend which is suitable for practicing the invention described above and below. Other bend constructions are possible. Engagement Mechanism

Attachment piece 26, as shown in Fig. 3, extends generally upwardly from reverse bend 28 and defines an engagement mechanism 30. Engagement mechanism 30 serves to engage collet 12 in a manner which fixes the fitting assembly therewithin. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment engagement mechanism 30 comprises a hook or curved end region 31 which engages upper collet opening or rim 14 by hooking over a portion thereof, as perhaps best shown in Fig. 2.

In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, engagement mechanism 30 advantageously positions fitting assembly 20 relative to collet 12 in a manner whereby capturing mechanism 22 is disposed intermediate or between openings 14, 16. Advantageously, the engagement mechanism also positions attachment mechanism 26 outwardly of opening 14, which is a different opening from opening 16.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, fitting assembly 20 is comprised of a suitable length of wire which possesses sufficient memory such that it generally retains it's form or configuration. That is, fitting assembly 20 is able to be manipulated into a desired shape or construction and thereafter retains its form or shape. Such is desirable for accommodating different shapes and sizes of collets. Suitable materials for forming fitting assembly 20 also include those which possess a degree of resiliency. Such is desirable from the standpoint of enabling engagement mechanism 30 to snap and engage or form a snap-over fit with opening 14 or other feature of the collet. Other materials can be used. Adhesive Material

Optionally, and forming part of the structure which holds fitting assembly 20 in place within the preferred collet, a desired amount of adhesive material (Figs. 2 and 9) can be formed interiorly of collet 12 to form an adhesive attachment plug 32. In the illustrated embodiment, such material is formed at least between or intermediate upper and lower openings 14, 16 respectively. As so formed, such adhesive material fixedly mounts the attachment piece and a corresponding amount of filaments interiorly of the collet. In the event the filaments are provided in the form of a singular sheet of material which is formed into filaments after mounting interiorly of the collet, the adhesive material would serve to mount or pot that portion of the singular sheet which is engaged by reverse bend 28. In the event a different construction is employed for capturing mechanism 22, such as the above- described saddle, the adhesive material would serve to mount or pot that portion of the filament or filaments which are engaged by such different capturing mechanism construction. Fixator The retainer also serves in the form of a fixator 20. As shown, the fixator is preferably in the form of a length of wire is received within collet 12. Preferably, the length of wire is formed or shaped in a manner which is suitable for holding one or more filaments fixedly within the collet. Additionally, the length of wire is preferably formed or shaped in a manner which functions in the ways described below. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, fixator 20 includes a fixator arm 28 which holds a plurality of the filaments. Such are preferably looped over the arm and extend away therefrom. Fixator Legs

Advantageously, the fixator includes at least two fixator legs. A first fixator leg 30 is joined to fixator arm 28 and engages collet 12 to fix the fixator generally within the collet interior. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, fixator leg 30 includes a curved end region 31 or wire end which loops over and engages opening 14 as shown. Other means of engaging collet 12 are possible. Advantageously, fixator 20 includes another or second fixator leg 29 which is joined to fixator arm 28 and extends upwardly and outwardly of the collet interior to define attachment mechanism 26 for accommodating attachment to a fishing lure. The above-described fixator preferably comprises a length of wire which, in turn, defines a fixator arm and legs which are elongate. Accordingly the fixator legs are defined, in part, by ends of the wire.

The above-described fixator provides an arm and legs which cooperate together to perform a variety of desirable functions. The fixator suspends the filaments or filament- forming material interiorly of collet 12. Desirably, the fixator legs extend outwardly of collet opening 14. One leg defines an attachment point for a fishing lure and another leg enables the fixator to be lodged or positioned at a desired location within the collet. Such location is preferably somewhere intermediate or between the ends of the collet. The preferred fixator also lends structural stability to adhesive material which is subsequently formed interiorly of the collet. Such is effectuated, in part, by the desirable winding of the fixator interiorly of the collet as best seen in Fig. 2. There it may be seen that fixator 20 winds through the adhesive material which is formed intermediate upper opening 14 and lower opening 16. Method of Forming and Operation

A description of preferred methods of forming fishing lure 10 are described immediately below in connection with Figs. 5-9.

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, a plurality of filaments, such as filaments 18 are provided. Such may be provided in the form of a sheet of material which is mounted within collet 12 and thereafter fashioned into desired filaments. Alternately, such filaments may be pre-formed. Regardless, the preferred filaments are formed from an elastomeric material possessing sufficient resiliency and stretching characteristics although other material may be used. A length of wire is provided and advantageously formed to define a suitable capturing mechanism, such as reverse bend 28, although other constructions are possible. In one embodiment of forming the preferred attachment assembly, there is a folding step in which filaments 18 are folded to define a fold or bend 24 as shown in Fig. 5. This folding is a preferred manner for effecting a holding of the filaments so that tension can be developed to perform a tensioning step described more fully below. As shown, bend or fold 24 is engaged by a suitable fold capturing mechanism 34. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the fold capturing mechanism is a loop of material such as line loop 36 which is extended through the collet as shown. Although the preferred fold capturing mechanism is described as a loop of line, other fold capturing mechanisms are possible.

With the fold capturing mechanism extended through the collet as shown, the filaments are engaged and thereafter tensioned through the application of opposed forces as indicated in Fig. 6. One manner of effecting the opposed forces is by gripping one end of the line loop with one hand, and gripping the filaments with the other hand and applying the desired opposed forces. Other methods of imparting the desired tension may be used.

Fig. 7 shows an intermediate step in which the tensioned filaments are inserted or otherwise passed through the collet by being inserted into end opening 16 and drawn upwardly in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 8 shows a point in the assembly process where the filaments have been drawn fully through the collet in a manner which defines a filament exaggerated loop 38. Accordingly, fitting assembly 20, a fragmentary portion of which is shown, is thereafter inserted through loop 38 and into an operative position in which loop 38 is engaged for subsequent suspension within the collet. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 9, the fitting assembly and the filaments are drawn partially back through the collet in a manner which brings curved end region 31 of engagement mechanism 30 into engagement with the collet rim as shown. Optionally, adhesive material, such as that shown at 32 may be added for further fixing the fixator and filaments within the collet.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, fitting assembly 20 is inserted or moved within the collet interior and to a degree sufficient to bring a wire fitting leg 30 into fixed engagement with collet opening 14 as shown. Collet opening 14 is a different collet opening from opening 16 into which fold 24 was initially inserted. Such fixed engagement serves to anchor the plurality of filaments within the collet interior. Other methods of anchoring the filaments within the collet interior are possible. As so anchored, an attachment mechanism extends outwardly of the collet interior and outwardly of opening 14 for accommodating attachment to a fishing lure.

The above-described fishing lure attachment assembly provides a rugged and durable fishing lure which is able to withstand the stresses of the environment in which such is intended to operate. In the preferred embodiment, a generally cylindrical collet formed from a rugged and rigid metallic material serves to protect the lure and enhances it's useful lifetime. An easy-to-form fitting assembly, such as the illustrated and preferred fitting assembly 20, facilitates assembly of the preferred fishing lure attachment insofar as placement and subsequent insertion of the preferred filaments can be accomplished with ease.

In addition to providing assembly advantages, the illustrated and preferred fitting assembly or wire fitting performs a variety of functions which simultaneously enhance the fishing lure assembly's utility. For example, the fitting assembly acts to suspend or otherwise hold the filaments at a preferred location within the collet interior. In addition, the fitting assembly acts as an attachment mechanism by which the filaments are fixedly mounted interiorly of the collet. Such is effectuated in the preferred embodiment by engagement mechanism 30 which preferably comprises a curved or hooked wire end which outwardly engages one of the collet openings. In addition, the fitting assembly provides an attachment point for a fishing lure. Such is effectuated in the illustrated and preferred embodiment by fixator leg 26 which is fashioned or otherwise formed into a hook or hook-like structure suitably formed for accommodating attachment to a fishing lure eyelet. Furthermore, the manner in which the fixator, fitting assembly, or wire fitting is formed, i.e. the bending and twisting of the preferred length of wire, serves to cooperate with adhesive material 32 to form a reinforced collet interior which further adds to the fishing lure attachment assembly's useful lifetime.

The invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural, methodological, or other aspects and features. It is to be more properly understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific forms shown and described. Other equivalent structures and features may also be within the inventive concepts which are appropriately protected under the grant of patent rights being sought. The invention is therefore being claimed in an effort to define the invention but the various forms or modifications which the invention may take is difficult or impossible to define with certainty. Judgement must be utilized to properly interpret the scope of protection which is to be appropriately applied with regard to these new and inventive concepts. Industrial Applicability

The invention is useful in designing and making attachments for fishing lures.

Claims

1. A fishing lure attachment assembly comprising: a tubular collar having a pair of openings; a plurality of elongate filaments; individual filaments having respective filament ends; said plurality of elongate filaments including a fold intermediate said filament ends; said filaments extending outwardly of one of said pair of openings; and a fitting assembly received within said collar; said fitting assembly comprising a capturing mechanism, an attachment mechanism, and an engagement mechanism operably connected with said capturing mechanism and said attachment mechanism; said capturing mechanism serving to capture said filaments proximate said bend; said capturing mechanism defining a point of origin from which said plurality of filaments extend; said attachment mechanism extending outwardly of a different opening of said pair of openings and serving as an attachment point for a fishing lure; and said engagement mechanism serving to engage said tubular collar to fix said fitting assembly therewithin; said engagement mechanism positioning said capturing mechanism intermediate said pair of openings and positioning said attachment mechanism outwardly of said different opening.

2. The fishing lure attachment assembly of claim 1, wherein said fitting assembly comprises a length of wire.

3. The fishing lure attachment assembly of claim 1 , wherein said capturing mechanism comprises a clip into which said plurality of filaments are placed.

4. The fishing lure attachment assembly of claim 1, wherein: said fitting assembly comprises a length of wire; and said capturing mechanism comprises a clip into which said plurality of filaments are placed.

5. The fishing lure attachment assembly of claim 1 , wherein: said pair of openings comprise respective rims; and said engagement mechanism comprises a hook for engaging at least one of said rims.

6. The fishing lure attachment assembly of claim 1, wherein: said fitting assembly comprises a length of wire; said pair of openings comprise respective rims; and said engagement mechanism comprises a hook for engaging at least one of said rims.

7. The fishing lure attachment assembly of claim 1, wherein: said fitting assembly comprises a length of wire; said capturing mechanism comprises a clip into which said plurality of filaments are placed; said pair of openings comprise respective rims; and said engagement mechanism comprises a hook for engaging at least one of said rims.

8. A fishing lure attachment comprising: a collet having a pair of openings to a collet interior; at least one length of filament material extending outwardly from said collet interior from a point intermediate said pair of openings; a fixator received within said collet and comprising a fixator arm and at least two fixator legs; said at least one length of material being looped over and held by said fixator arm and extending away therefrom; one of said at least two fixator legs being joined to said fixator arm and engaging said collet to fix said fixator generally in said collet interior; the other of said at least two fixator legs being joined to said fixator arm and extending outwardly of said collet interior and defining an attachment mechanism for accommodating attachment to a fishing lure.

9. The fishing lure attachment of claim 8, wherein said one of said at least two fixator legs includes a curved end region for engaging one of said pair of openings.

10. The fishing lure attachment of claim 8, wherein said at least two fixator legs are elongate.

11. The fishing lure attachment of claim 8, wherein said fixator comprises a length of wire.

12. The fishing lure attachment of claim 8, wherein: said fixator comprises a length of wire; and said one of said at least two fixator legs includes a curved end region for engaging one of said pair of openings.

13. The fishing lure attachment of claim 8, further comprising adhesive material formed within said collet interior and serving to fixedly mount said fixator therewithin.

14. The fishing lure attachment of claim 8, wherein: said fixator comprises a length of wire; said at least two fixator legs are elongate; and said one of said at least two fixator legs includes a curved end region for engaging one of said pair of openings.

15. A fishing lure attachment comprising: a rigid collet having upper and lower collet openings; an attachment piece extending outwardly of said upper opening and defining an attachment point for a fishing lure; said attachment piece extending downwardly from said attachment point and interiorly of said collet; said attachment piece defining a reverse bend intermediate said upper and lower collet openings; and a plurality of filaments received within said reverse bend; said plurality of filaments extending generally away from said reverse bend and outwardly of said lower collet opening; and adhesive material formed interiorly of said collet at least intermediate said upper and lower openings; said adhesive material serving to fixedly mount said attachment piece and said plurality of filaments interiorly of said collet.

16. The fishing lure of claim 15, wherein said attachment piece extends upwardly from said reverse bend and engages said upper collet opening.

17. The fishing lure of claim 15, wherein said attachment piece comprises a length of wire.

18. The fishing lure of claim 15, wherein: said attachment piece extends upwardly from said reverse bend and engages said upper collet opening; and said attachment piece comprises a length of wire.

19. A method of forming a fishing lure attachment comprising: providing a plurality of filaments; individual filaments having respective filament ends; forming a fold intermediate said filament ends; said fold serving to reposition respective individual filament ends closer together; after said forming, inserting said fold into one of a pair of collet openings; said plurality of filaments extending outwardly of said one of said pair of collet openings; anchoring said plurality of filaments in said collet interior; and extending an attachment mechanism outwardly of said collet interior and outwardly of a different opening of said pair collet openings for accommodating attachment to a fishing lure.

20. The method of forming a fishing lure attachment of claim 19, wherein said forming a fold comprises: placing said plurality of filaments over a loop of material; said placing defining, in part, said fold; and said inserting comprises: pulling said fold through said collet.

21. The method of forming a fishing lure attachment of claim 19, where said anchoring comprises the steps of: moving a wire fitting carrying said plurality of filaments within said collet interior to a degree sufficient to bring a wire fitting leg into fixed engagement with a collet opening which is different from said collet opening into which said fold is initially inserted.

22. The method of forming a fishing lure attachment of claim 19 further comprising after said anchoring forming adhesive material in said collet interior; said adhesive material serving to pot at least said fold in said collet interior.

23. The method of forming a fishing lure attachment of claim 19, wherein said forming a fold comprises: placing said plurality of filaments over a loop of material; said placing defining, in part, said fold; and said inserting comprises: pulling said fold through said collet; and said anchoring comprises: moving said wire fitting within said collet interior to a degree sufficient to bring a wire fitting leg into fixed engagement with a collet opening which is different from said collet opening into which said fold is initially inserted.

24. A method of forming a fishing lure attachment comprising: forming a bend in a length of wire; placing a plurality of filaments in said bend; said plurality of filaments draping downwardly on either side of said bend; inserting said length of wire into a rigid collet a sufficient distance to position said bend intermediate respective collet openings; and forming adhesive material in said collet and over said bend; said adhesive material serving to mount said length of wire and said plurality of filaments interiorly of said collet.

25. The method of forming a fishing lure attachment of claim 24, wherein said inserting comprises extending a wire end outwardly of a collet opening; said wire end defining an attachment point for a fishing lure.

26. The method of forming a fishing lure attachment of claim 24, wherein said inserting comprises extending a wire end upwardly through said collet; said wire end engaging a collet opening.

27. The method of forming a fishing lure attachment of claim 24, wherein said inserting comprises: extending a wire end outwardly of a collet opening; said wire end defining an attachment point for a fishing lure; and extending a different wire end upwardly through said collet; said different wire end engaging said collet opening.

28. The method of forming a fishing lure attachment of claim 24, wherein said collet is cylindrical.

29. The method of forming a fishing lure attachment of claim 24, wherein said collet is formed from a metallic material.

30. A fishing lure attachment assembly for connection to a fishing lure or fishing line adjacent to a fishing lure, comprising: a substantially rigid collet having an interior cavity with openings which open from the interior cavity; at least one skirt which is looped through the interior cavity of the collet to form a fold; said skirt having an apron which extends from the collet interior cavity to serve as an attractant to fish; a retainer which extends through the fold to bear upon the collet; said at least one skirt being installed within the collet in a tensioned condition such that the skirt expands when untensioned to create friction between the skirt and collet to help secure the skirt and retainer in mechanical connection with the collet.

31. The fishing lure attachment of claim 30, wherein said retainer is a fitting assembly which includes an attachment mechanism which extends from the collet for connecting the attachment assembly.

32. The fishing lure attachment of claim 30, wherein said retainer is a fitting assembly which includes: an attachment mechanism which extends from the collet for connecting the attachment assembly; an engagement mechanism for mechanically engaging at least a portion of the collet.

33. The fishing lure of claim 30, wherein said collet is formed from a metal or plastic material.

34. A method for forming a fishing lure attachment assembly, comprising: providing a substantially rigid collet having openings into a collet interior cavity; tensioning a skirt to reduce the thickness size of the skirt; installing the skirt within the collet interior cavity; forming a fold of the skirt so as to provide a fold loop; extending a retainer through the fold loop; removing tension from the skirt to join the retainer, skirt and collet together using friction between the skirt and interior of the collet which results from the removal of tension from the skirt.