Patent Application
20230032213
The present invention relates generally to the field of accessories or tools for use when ice fishing or for harvesting ice. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-purpose ice block removal tool for use in removing ice blocks or other cut outs from frozen lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. The tool uses a connected group of lifting bars, which are connected via a 4-way connector and bars. The tools or mechanisms are connected by a chain secured by D-ring shackles. The 4-way connectors are preferably hollow and circular, and allow for the threading of bars on opposite sides of the 4-way connectors. The bars may be filled with foam insulation such that in the event that the tool is dropped into the water, the tool will float and be easily recovered. The bars would be of a shape and size to mate with the 4-way connectors. The tool further receives a chain that passes entirely through each of the 4-way connectors. A D-ring shackle attaches to the chain in order to stop the chain from disengaging from the connectors. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, typically when an individual participates in ice fishing, he or she must cut a hole in the ice in order to cast a fishing line to reach the fish that are below the level of the ice. In order to access the fish, a person must either cut a sufficiently large hole, such as with an ice auger, or cut and remove a block of ice such as with the use of a saw. The ice may be cut in different shapes and sizes. Currently, in order to remove a block of ice, an individual must use his or her hands, a crow bar, lever, or other device that will dislodge a portion of the ice in order to be able to move and lift the block of ice out of the water. Alternatively, a person may need to haul a large auger or other cutting device in order to cut a hole to an appropriate size. The present invention may also be used for harvesting blocks of ice for cooling purposes or to build igloos, sporting tracks or provide other wintertime demonstrations.
Generally, when a person uses his or her hands to remove a block of ice, the process may cause his or her hands to become wet, cold and generally uncomfortable. The person may also have to overexert himself or herself such that he or she may no longer be able to enjoy the fishing activity due to extreme tiredness. In addition, a person may slip and fall while attempting to remove a heavy block of ice, thereby causing injury.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved device to remove blocks of ice for harvesting as well as to allow access to the water for ice fishing. There also exists a long-felt need in art for an improved multi-purpose ice fishing and ice harvesting device that allows a user to remove a block of ice easily, efficiently and quickly. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a multi-purpose ice fishing or harvesting device that does not require a user to use his or her hands to remove a block of ice. Still further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a multi-purpose ice fishing or harvesting device that does not require a user to transport a large, heavy and cumbersome cutting tool to cut an opening large enough to ice fish or engage in other wintertime activities.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multi-purpose ice block removal tool. The tool has two mechanisms. Each mechanism has a 4-way connector and bars extending outwardly from the connectors. The bars are preferably circular, with threads located on one end of each bar. Each of the bars may be filled with a foam or other material, such as polyurethane, polystyrene or StyrofoamⓇ, to provide a flotation capability in the event the tool is dropped into the water. In addition, the exterior surface of the bars may be provided with projections, spikes or the like which may help in gripping and securing the ice block as it is being removed from the water. The bars preferably attach to the 4-way connector by threading into openings located exactly opposite each other. The 4-way connector further receives a chain that passes through the two openings where the bars are not located. The mechanisms are connected through a chain which is locked in place with D-ring shackles. The mechanisms are positions sufficiently apart from each other to allow one mechanism to be lowered through an opening in the block of ice and allowing the second mechanism to be grasped by the user to lift the block of ice from the water.
In this manner, the multi-purpose ice block removal tool of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a device to allow a user to remove a block of ice without having to place his or her hands in the water to remove the block of ice. Further, the device allows a user to easily transport and store the device, and does not need a large bulky cutting tool such as an ice auger. The device of the present invention is also user-friendly and lightweight, while still capable of providing the strength needed to lift the weight of a block of ice. In addition, the device is also extremely versatile, as it can be used to remove a variety of items such that when cut, there is no handle or easily accessible way to remove the cut portion from the water.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subj ect matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multi-purpose ice block removal tool. The invention has at least two couplings. Each coupling includes a 4-way connector and removable bars. The mechanisms are positions sufficiently apart from each other to allow one portion of the tool to be lowered through a block of ice and allow the second portion of the tool to be grasped by the user in order to lift the block of ice out of the water.
In a preferred embodiment, the bars are circular and threaded on one end. The bars preferably attach to the 4-way connector or coupling by threading into openings located exactly opposite each other. However, the bars may be attached through any suitable connecting or fastening mechanism including, without limitation, threads, fasteners, adhesives, friction, interference fits, and various combinations thereof. In addition, the bars may also be permanently affixed to the 4-way connector whereby the bars are unable to detach from the 4-way connector. The bars may also be of a material that is retractable and capable of compressing towards and inside the 4-way connector to allow for easier storage and handling. The bars may be filled with a floatation material to allow the tool to float in the event it is inadvertently dropped into the water.
Further, the bars are preferably constructed of metal but may be constructed of steel, copper, brass, titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel or other suitable material. The length of the bars may vary to meet the needs of the user. The circumference of the bars may also vary, but should be a shape and size suitable to fasten to the 4-way connector.
The couplings are connected through a chain which is locked in place with D-ring shackles or other fasteners. The 4-way connect receives a chain that passes entirely through the two openings, vertical openings where the bars are not located as the bars are placed in the horizontal openings of the cross-shaped coupling. The D-ring shackle is preferably a “U” shape, whereby a pin is inserted into the ends, preventing the D-ring shackle from detaching from the chain. Alternatively, bolts, cotter pins, links or other connecting devices may be used to secure the mechanisms to the chain.
Accordingly, the multi-purpose ice block removal tool of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows a user to remove a block of ice with less physical force or strength than opposed to using the user’s hands. Further, the device allows a user to limit the risk of accidents that may be caused by using a person’s hands to handle blocks of ice. The device is also extremely versatile as it can be used to remove other items that do not have readily assessable handles or other removal means.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved multi-purpose ice block removal tool and ice fishing accessory. There also exists a long-felt need in art for an improved multi-purpose ice block removal tool and ice fishing accessory capable of lifting a block of ice from the water where it was cut. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved multi-purpose ice block removal tool and ice fishing accessory that can easily be inserted and passed entirely through a cut hole in an area of the ice. Still further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved multi-purpose ice block removal tool and ice fishing accessory that allows a user to lift a block of ice without having to have a prolonged touching of the ice or water with the user’s hands. Yet further still, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved multi-purpose ice block removal tool and ice fishing accessory that is capable of lifting a block of ice and is also capable of being easily transportable.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a multi-purpose ice block removal tool and ice fishing accessory primarily comprised of two identical coupling mechanisms having a cross shape and connected to one another by a chain. Each mechanism is comprised of a 4-way, cross-shaped connector and a plurality of bars. The 4-way connectors are preferably cylindrical, and capable of receiving bars in the horizontal openings of the connectors and a chain in the vertical openings of the chain. In addition, the 4-way connectors have four openings generally positioned at 90 degree angles to each other thereby forming a “plus” sign or cross-shaped configuration.
The 4-way connector has a fastening mechanism to secure the bars into the openings to thereby prevent the bars from detaching from the 4-way connector. Furthermore, the bars are manufactured from a suitably durable material such as metal, titanium, aluminum, steel (stainless, galvanized) or other similar material capable of supporting up to 500 pounds. The bars are of a size and shape to mate with the 4-way connector openings.
The cross-shaped connector mechanisms are connected to one another by a chain. The chain has a series of interconnected links. The chain is preferably at least four feet in length while remaining adjustable, such as through the use of removable links, to meet the height of the user and the thickness of the block of ice. However, the mechanisms may also be connected by a rope, twine, cable or other mechanism suitable for the intended purpose.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The multi-purpose ice block removal tool and ice fishing accessory 100 has two identical, or first and second coupling mechanisms, first mechanism A 110 and second mechanism B 111. The first and second mechanisms 110, 111 are a 4-way connector 120 (shown in
The bars 130 have a first end 131, second end 132 and bar threads 133. In a preferred embodiment, two bars 130 are threaded into two separate openings 121, 122, 123, 124 that are located opposite each other. The bars 130 are preferably fastened using bar threads 133, however, it is not so limiting and any suitable connecting or fastening mechanism including, without limitation, fasteners, adhesives, friction, or interference fits, etc. may be used. Alternatively, the 4-way connector 120 and bars 130 may be formed from a single member that has two ends protruding in opposite directions from the 4-way connector 120, thereby creating a single substantially longer cross-member on a single plane. Further, the bars 130 may also be permanently-affixed to the 4-way connector 120 whereby the bars 130 are unable to detach from the 4-way connector 120. The bars 130 may also be of a material that is retractable and capable of compressing towards the 4-way connector 120 to allow for easier storage and transportation. In addition, the length of the bars 130 may vary to meet the needs of the user and the circumference of the bars may also vary but should be of a shape and size suitable to fasten to the 4-way connector 120.
The 4-way connector 120 is further comprised of a hollow space 127 that extends the length of the 4-way connector 120 capable of receiving a chain 150 or other similar mechanism and allows the chain 150 to pass completely through two openings 121, 122, 123, 124 located opposite each other. Alternatively, the 4-way connector 120 may have a chain 150 that is permanently-affixed to the 4-way connector 120.
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Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “multi-purpose ice fishing device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the multi-purpose ice fishing device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the multi-purpose ice fishing device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the multi-purpose ice fishing device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/226,839, which was filed on Jul. 29, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63226839 | Jul 2021 | US |
