Abstract:
A bait bucket having inner and outer buckets with a mating frustoconical shape, or two chamber configuration with void between the two buckets or chambers, a self priming pump disposed in the void between the two buckets operably connected to a power source, the pump connected to a water source for pumping water into the inner bucket, a venturi hose with variable valve connected to the hose for drawing air for aerating the water before entry into the inner bucket, and an adjustable outlet drain in the inner bucket operably connected to a drain pipe that upon the water reaching a pre-determined height exits the inner bucket or chamber through an outlet port. The bait bucket may have external power and LED lights in the inner bucket and draw water through a filter and have external rod holder and a removable lid.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to bait buckets, and more particularly to an improved two part bucket with self priming pump and venturi. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Various prior art patents have attempted to maintain live fish in a bait bucket. U.S. Pat. No. 2,923,087 which discloses a bait bucket  11  having a main container  12  with a removable top lid  13 , a flexible water inlet conduit  15  and an outlet conduit  16  connected to a hose  17 . A motor  23 , energized by a battery assembly  37 , rotates a shaft  24  which provides a pumping action that forces water upwardly through inlet conduit  15  and discharges the water into container  12 . When the water rises above the level of outlet conduit  16 , the excess water overflows through outlet conduit  16  and is discharged by hose  17  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,572,889 discloses a bait bucket  10  with aerating and cooling functions. Bait bucket  10  includes an inner bucket  20 , a lid  30 , an insulated tube  40 , an outer bucket  50 , an aerating system  25  and a cooling system  14 . See  FIG. 8 . 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,904,393 discloses a venturi-type water aerator characterized by a centrifugal pump unit  8  connected to an electric motor  80  by an impeller driving shaft  98 . The impeller operates to pump water through a venturi-type fitting  28  which produces aerated water that is discharged via nozzle  38 . 
         [0008]    Similarly other patents have attempted to illuminate bait buckets with various lighting systems, none of which use LED lights. 
         [0009]    None of the prior art teaches or suggest the innovative methods and apparatus described herein. The present invention results in a bait bucket with a venturi for aerating continuously the water and permitting the draw of water from longer distances using a self priming pump that is adaptable to battery power and direct electric power and permits access to the power components. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a bait bucket having an outer bucket having a frustoconical shape, an inner bucket having a frustoconical shape for stable placement partially within the outer bucket, a self priming pump disposed in a void between the bottom of the inner bucket and the inside bottom of the outer bucket, operably connected to a power source, the pump connected to a hose for access to a water source for pumping water into the inner bucket through a hose displaced in the bottom of the inner bucket, a venturi hose connected to the hose for drawing air from atmosphere an aerating the water before entry into the inner bucket, and an outlet drain in the inner bucket operably connected to a drain pipe that upon the water reaching a pre-determined height enters the drain and exits the inner bucket through an outlet port. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a bait bucket having an outer bucket, an inner bucket for stable placement partially within the outer bucket, a self priming pump disposed in a void between the bottom of the inner bucket and the inside bottom of the outer bucket, operably connected to a power source, the pump connected to a hose for access to a water source for pumping water into the inner bucket through a hose operably connected to a port in the bottom of the inner bucket, a venturi hose connected to the hose for drawing air from atmosphere and aerating the water before entry into the inner bucket, and an outlet drain in the inner bucket operably connected to a drain pipe that upon the water reaching a pre-determined height enters the drain and exits the inner bucket through an outlet port. 
         [0012]    In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a bait bucket having a two chamber vessel having an upper and lower chamber, a self priming pump disposed in the lower chamber below a bottom surface of the upper chamber, the pump operably connected to a power source, the pump connected to a hose for access to a water source for pumping water into the upper chamber through a hose operably connected to the upper chamber, a venturi hose connected to the hose for drawing air from atmosphere and aerating the water before entry into the upper chamber, and an outlet drain in the upper chamber operably connected to a drain pipe that upon the water reaching a pre-determined height enters the drain and exits the upper chamber through an outlet port. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective partial cross sectional view of a bait bucket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of a bait bucket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side schematic view of a bait bucket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of an inner bucket of a bait bucket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the inside bottom of an outer bucket of a bait bucket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of inner bucket of a bait bucket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a side cross sectional view of an inner bucket of a bait bucket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a bait bucket and filter according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a bait bucket with rod holder and mesh screen cover according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a bait bucket with exposed opening according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of circuit for activating power to the pump and lights of a bait bucket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the issued claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
         [0026]    A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to a fresh or saltwater aerated bait bucket for holding fishing bait. Specifically, the bucket has an approximately 4 inch false bottom, in which a self-priming, pump, a venturi valve, a rechargeable battery and operational wiring, are housed. The self-priming pump has an on/off switch and is connected to the venture valve. When the pump is turned on, water is pulled into the bucket. Air is also pulled through the venturi valve, which causes the air to mix with the water and oxygenate the water. A portion of water inside the bucket overflows and exits through an exit tube and is thereby returned to the water source. The rechargeable battery supplies power to the pump and water-resistant LED lights. Another embodiment employs separate power sources for each of the pump and the LED light system. The bait bucket can be used with both fresh water and saltwater. 
         [0027]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a bait bucket  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Bait bucket  10  is comprised of outer bucket  14  and inner bucket  12  that are generally of the same frustoconical shape permitting insertion of inner bucket  12  into outer bucket  14  leaving a space below inner bucket  12  in outer bucket  14 . Inner bucket  12  and outer bucket  14  may be of any of a variety of shapes to permit insertion of inner bucket  12  partially into outer bucket  14  and leave a space below inner bucket  12 . The shapes may be generally cylindrical of any polygonal shape and may be of different shapes from each other so long as the two can be positioned to create an upper enclosure for water and a space below for placement of a pump and other components. In an alternative embodiment, the inner and outer bucket may be manufactured as one piece using blow molding or other known techniques so long as there is a water holding receptacle or chamber and a lower enclosed chamber for the various components. Alternatively, the upper chamber may be integrated into a bucket using a solid partition to create an upper portion and a lower portion. 
         [0028]    Inner bucket  12  has an inlet supply port  36  which is operably connected to self-priming pump  26  that draws water through inlet water port  28  through hose  53  from a source of water. The water may be fresh or salt water. Pump  26  in turn pumps water to inlet supply port  36 . Inlet supply port  36  fills inner bucket  12  with water until it reaches a pre-determined height and is drained through drain cap  32 . Pump  26  may be of any a variety of self-priming pumps preferably a 12 Volt, 1 Amp self priming water pump with 35 PSI may be used. Pump  26  preferably maintains a constant flow of fresh water into inner bucket  12  at 1.5 gallons per minute and water exits the inner bucket at the same rate and is put back into the environment. 
         [0029]    Drain cap  32  is operably connected to standing pipe  22  which is attached to drain hose  23  to outlet port  30  which discharges water. Standing pipe  22  may be removable to facilitate complete drainage of inner bucket  12  through outlet hose  23 . It may also be configured in a plurality of sections to permit partial draining of inner bucket  12  when transporting to reduce spillage and weight. For example, if configured in two sections, the upper section may be removed to drain a portion of the water and reduce the overall water content of inner bucket  12 . 
         [0030]    Operably connected to pump  26  to a hose connected to inlet source  36  is a venturi hose  24  that draws air through venturi valve  46 . By turning valve  46  from a closed to a partially open to a fully open position, a variable level of air is introduced to the water as it is pumped into inner bucket  12 . This provides aeration to the water which is important to maintaining living fish or other creatures one stores in inner bucket  12 . Venturi hose  24  may be alternatively attached to inlet hose  53  before entry to pump  26  for aeration of water being drawn into pump  26  before being pumped into inner bucket  12 . 
         [0031]    Inner bucket  12  has a frictionally engaged lid  18  which seals the top of inner bucket  12 . Lid  18  may alternatively have other engagement mechanisms, including, but not limited to, threaded engagement, brackets, or tighteners known in the art. Positioned in the center of engaged lid  18  is hinged opening  20  which permits access to inner bucket  12  without removal of engaged lid  18 . In hinged opening  20  are preferably air holes  21  and a tab  29  for lifting opening  20  about a hinge  25  (not shown) on the opposite side of tab  29 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  also shows battery  34  which provides power to pump  26  and LED lights  45 . Alternatively, pump  26  may be powered by direct electrical connection to an electrical socket via an adapter not shown. Toggle switch  42  is engaged to battery  34  and pump  26  and toggle switch  44  which is connected to LED lights to regulate electrical power to the two circuits. A retainer  16  is provided that encircles the joining point between inner bucket  12  and outer bucket  14  to cover and seal the area from corrosion or water. Battery  34  may be any of a variety of designs, although in a preferred embodiment is a 12 Volt Gel filled rechargeable 5 Amp battery. Retainer  16  may also have a fishing rod holder  47  mounted integral with the retainer, or by use of a separate bolted on cylindrical tube as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of a fully completed bait bucket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Switches  42  and  44  are shown next to venturi valve  46 . Port adapters  50  and  52  are connected to inlet port  28  and outlet port  30  for operable engagement to extension hoses further described herein.  FIG. 3  shows a side schematic view of inner bucket  12  with LED lights  45  around the inside upper surface of inner bucket  12  and shows outer bucket  14  with inlet supply port  36  attached to an L-shaped adapter  43  which in turn is connected to pump  26  and inlet hose  53  and then port adapter  50 .  FIG. 4  shows a bottom plan view of inner bucket  12  with inlet supply port  36  and outlet hose  23  from drain cap  32  to outlet port  30 .  FIG. 5  shows a plan view of the inside bottom of outer bucket  14  with pump  26  connected to inlet water port  28  and venturi connector  24  to inlet supply port  36 . A partial view of drain hose is shown connected to outlet port  30 . Battery  34  is shown with a partial wires going to toggle switch  42  and toggle switch  44 . In a preferred embodiment, an additional hose adapter of approximately 5 inches may be used to connect inlet water port  28  to outlet port  30  to close off the ports while transporting bait bucket  10 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 6  shows a top plan view of inner bucket  12  with drain cap  32  and inlet supply port  36 .  FIG. 7  shows a side cross sectional view of inner bucket  12  with standing pipe  22  and inlet supply port  36  connected to adapter  70 . Drain pipe  22  may be ½ inch PVC type and adjustable.  FIG. 7  also shows LED lights  45  for lighting the inside of inner bucket  12  and may be battery powered or operably connected to battery  34  in the space between inner bucket  12  and outer bucket  14 . Preferably, LED lights  45  are water resistant and operate on a  12  Volt source. 
         [0035]      FIG. 8  shows an extension hose  60  connected to outlet port  30  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and an intake filter  64  connected to inlet hose  62 . Intake filter  64  may be ½ inch PVC filter to protect the pump motor and provide a weight to hang the hose into the source of water. Inlet hose  62  may be of any length and by using a self priming pump  26  may be extended from a dock into the ocean water below. Water is drawn from the water source into the bait bucket and aerated as described.  FIG. 9  shows a side view of bait bucket  10 , with inner bucket  12  and outer bucket  14  connected by retainer  16  which covers wires coming from the battery and pump within outer bucket  14  and provides a base to mount toggle switches  42 ,  44  and venturi valve  46 . Retainer  16  may be of any a variety of materials but preferably it is a 4 inch aluminum wrap that covers the seam of between inner bucket  12  and outer bucket  14 . It may also be used to mount the switches and wires to the battery and the pump. 
         [0036]    Mesh screen  66  covers an opening in outer bucket  14  to permit an access point to reach the battery, pump and other equipment inside the space below inner bucket  12  as well as to provide a cooling function to permit air flow about the equipment. As shown in  FIG. 10 , without mesh screen  66 , access opening  68  allows access to all of the components within outer bucket  14  for service, replacement and the like. 
         [0037]      FIG. 11  shows an electrical schematic of the two circuits of a preferred embodiment of the invention connected to the pump and LED lights with battery power source and on/off switches to activate the pump and lights. 
         [0038]    While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the issued claims.