Abstract:
A spade-type drilling tool designed for drilling holes within an ice surface for the purposes of ice fishing, comprising a spade end which is welded onto the end of a shaft. The length of the shaft is sufficient to provide an ergonomically comfortable posture for a user while drilling the fishing hole. A first side of the lower end of the spade comprises a straight knife edge, while a second opposite side is provided with a plurality of sharp cutting teeth. A sharp pointed bit, protruding beyond the lower line of the knife edge and the teeth, is located on a vertical centerline along the faces of the spade. The sharp point of the bit is intended to provide a means for punching a starter hole within the ice, and subsequently, to function as a pilot during the progressing drilling operation. The tool is provided with a circular shield, designed to slip over and clamp onto the shaft, thereby preventing water and ice particles from splashing back up onto the user.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in an Official Record of Invention on Feb. 18, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to ice fishing, and in particular, to a drill bit adapted for drilling holes in ice for purposes of ice fishing. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Fishing in general is a leisure activity of increasing popularity and participation worldwide. In particular, ice fishing is a sport being enjoyed more and more often for the calmness, serenity, and satisfaction associated with the activity. Ice fishing presents many problems and facets unique from other common forms of fishing, such as the skill of choosing locations and forming holes in the ice. 
     Obviously, the process of forming a hole in the ice is integral to the process of ice fishing. Longstanding methods of forming holes in the ice, such as the use of hand augers, require nontrivial amounts of time and effort. The process of forming holes can quickly become tedious when repeated several times over during the process of preparing for ice fishing in multiple locations or when changing locations for purposes of perceived increased productivity in fishing. Other methods, such as gas-powered ice drills, are tedious in the time spent preparing and transporting the device, as well as cost-prohibitive for repeated use. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide tools for drilling holes in hard surfaces. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 2,854,218, issued in the name of Hedrick et al., describes an ice shaving drill bit. The Hedrick device utilizes the rotary motion of a power drill to shave a hole in the ice in a smooth fashion. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,605, issued in the name of Ruppel et al., describes an extendible shank auger. The Ruppel device is a hand-driven auger which allows a user to drill a hole in a surface such as ice. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,774, issued in the name of Haughton, describes a spade drill bit. The Haughton device resembles a common spade-type drill bit adapted for use with a power drill which allows a user to form a round hole of a desired width. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are not suitably adapted to provide gripping and scraping functions which are advantageous for drilling through ice. Also, many such devices are not adapted for simple use with existing technologies such as power drills. Furthermore, many such devices do not employ a method which provides a user with easy initial puncturing and subsequent quick boring through an ice surface. In addition, many such devices do not provide an integral means to help protect a user from spray ice debris during the process of ice drilling. Accordingly, there exists a need for device suitably adapted for drilling holes through ice for purposes of ice fishing without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to quickly, cheaply, and effectively drill holes through ice for purposes of ice fishing in a manner which is safe and easily manageable by a single user. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to comprise a shaft, a spade connected to the shaft, a bit connected to the shaft and spade, and a cordless drill. The spade comprises a knifed edge and a toothed edge formed on opposite edges. 
     Another object of the present invention is to further comprise a splash shield attached to the shaft. The splash shield further comprises a fastener which allows a user to adjustably, removably attach the splash shield to the shaft. The fastener comprises a common fastening means such as a thumb screw or the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise an upper portion of the shaft of a hexagonal end which provides a positive grip to the cordless drill. A lower portion of the shaft comprises a slot which is adapted to securely straddle an upper portion of the spade. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a drive hub with a drive socket, a plurality of pin apertures, and a pin. The drive socket is located within the slot which straddles the spade. The shaft further comprises a drive end which fits removably within the drive socket. Pin apertures are located within both the drive end and drive socket, such that a user may securely lock the spade into place at the end of the shaft by placing the pin through the pin apertures when the drive end is placed in the drive socket. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to permanently affix the bit to front and rear portions of the spade via welding. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the knife edge of a knife edge insert to be removably fastened onto a front face portion of the spade. The toothed edge is comprised of a toothed edge insert removably fastened onto a rear face portion of the spade. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the spade having a serpentine shape with a first curvature in a forward direction and a second curvature curved in an opposite rearward direction. The curvatures are separated by the bit, with the knife edge fastened on an outside portion of the first curvature and the toothed edge fastened on an outside portion of the second curvature. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of utilizing the drill bit in conjunction with the cordless drill, attaching the splash shield, puncturing the ice to provide an initial drilling point, and quickly and efficiently drilling a hole in the ice for purposes of ice fishing. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a chisel ice drill  10  in an operational state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is an elevation view of the chisel ice drill  10  assembly, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the chisel ice drill  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of an upper end of a shaft  15  of the chisel ice drill  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2D  is a perspective view of a spade bit  11  of the chisel ice drill  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective front view of a chisel ice drill  30 , according to a first alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is an elevation side view of a chisel ice drill assembly  30 , according to the first alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective rear view of a chisel ice drill  40 , according to a second alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective rear view of a chisel ice drill  50 , according to a third alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 chisel ice drill 
               
               
                 11 
                 spade 
               
               
                 12 
                 bit 
               
               
                 13 
                 knife edge 
               
               
                 14 
                 toothed edge 
               
               
                 15 
                 shaft 
               
               
                 16 
                 splash shield 
               
               
                 17 
                 thumb screw 
               
               
                 18 
                 hexagonal end 
               
               
                 19 
                 slot 
               
               
                 20 
                 cordless drill 
               
               
                 30 
                 first alternate chisel ice drill 
               
               
                 34 
                 drive socket 
               
               
                 35 
                 drive shaft 
               
               
                 36 
                 drive end 
               
               
                 37 
                 pin aperture 
               
               
                 38 
                 pin 
               
               
                 39 
                 drive hub 
               
               
                 40 
                 second alternate chisel ice drill 
               
               
                 41 
                 alternate spade 
               
               
                 42 
                 alternate hub 
               
               
                 43 
                 knife edge insert 
               
               
                 44 
                 toothed edge insert 
               
               
                 50 
                 third alternate chisel ice drill 
               
               
                 51 
                 curved spade 
               
               
                 53 
                 curved knife edge insert 
               
               
                 54 
                 curved toothed edge insert 
               
               
                 55 
                 first curvature 
               
               
                 56 
                 second curvature 
               
               
                 57 
                 flat space 
               
               
                 60 
                 user 
               
               
                 61 
                 ice surface 
               
               
                 62 
                 fishing aperture 
               
               
                 63 
                 starting aperture 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 2D , and in terms of its alternate embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 3A through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a chisel ice drill  10  (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a means for drilling ice fishing apertures. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the device  10  in operation, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  is depicted as driven by a cordless drill held and operated by a user  60  while drilling an ice fishing aperture  62  therewithin an ice surface  61 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , an elevation view of the device  10  assembly, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  assembly comprises a spade  11 , a shaft  15  a splash shield  16 , and a cordless drill  20 . The elevation of the splash shield  16  therewithin the length of the integral shaft  15  is envisioned to be secured by means of the pressure of a thumb screw  17  thereagainst the surface of the shaft  15 . The splash shield  16  is envisioned to be made of a material such as, but not limited to: plastic, rubber, fiberglass, plywood or fiberboard, and to comprise a bulbous safety edge. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , a perspective view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  comprises the spade  11 , a bit  12 , a knife edge  13 , a toothed edge  14  and a shaft  15 . An upper end portion of the shaft  15  comprises a hexagonal end  18 , intended to provide a positive grip for the chuck of the cordless drill  20 . A lower end portion of the shaft  15  is provided with a slot  19  intended to achieve a tight fit over the thickness of the material of the spade  11 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2C , an enlarged perspective view of the upper end portion of the shaft  15  of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. This  FIG. 2C  is intended to show more clearly the hexagonal end  18  of the shaft  15 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2D , an enlarged perspective view of the spade  11  portion of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The spade  11  portion comprises a bit  12 , a knife edge  13 , a toothed edge  14 , and an integral shaft  15 . It is envisioned that the bit  12 , comprising a sharply pointed lower portion, is welded thereonto front and rear face portions of the spade  11 , and is used to punch a starter aperture  63  as a first step in the process of drilling the fishing aperture  62  thereinto the ice surface  61 , while subsequently serving as a pilot therewithin the progression of the drilling operation. The slot  19  therewithin the lower end portion of the shaft  15  straddles the upper portion of the spade  11  and is welded thereonto. The shaft  15  and the spade  11  are envisioned to be made of materials such as, but not limited to: stainless steel, tool steel, or plow steel. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , an enlarged perspective view of the spade  11  portion of a device  30 , according to a first alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed, wherein the spade  11 , the bit  12 , the knife edge  13 , toothed edge  14  and the shaft upper end  18  are the same as those comprised within the device  10  of the preferred embodiment. Additionally, the device  30  comprises a drive hub  39  wherein the slot  19  provided therewithin lower end portion straddles the upper portion of the spade  11  and is welded thereonto. The drive hub  39  further comprises a drive socket  34  designed to receive a snuggly fitting drive end  36  of the drive shaft  35 . A pin  38 , inserted thereinto a pin aperture  37  ensures that the spade  11  is securely locked thereonto the end of the shaft  35 . The modular configuration of the device  30  provides a means for installing various spade  11  sizes thereonto the same drive shaft  35 , thereby eliminating the necessity of providing each different spade  11  size with an individual integral shaft  15 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3B , an elevation side view of the device  30  in an assembled state is depicted, according to the first alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The drive end  36  of the shaft  35  is depicted as inserted within the drive socket  34 , and secured by means of the safety pin  38 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective rear view of a device  40 , according to a second alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  40  comprises an alternate spade  41 , an alternate hub  42 , the bit  12  welded thereonto the front and rear portions of the alternate spade  41 , a knife edge insert  43 , and a toothed edge insert  44 . The alternate hub  42  is envisioned to be of a configuration which is similar to either the lower portion of the integral shaft  15  or to the drive hub  39 . The knife edge insert  43  is removably fastened thereonto a front face portion of the spade  41 , while the toothed edge insert  44  is removably fastened thereonto a rear face portion of the spade  41 . The removable design of the knife edge insert  43  and of the toothed edge insert  44  is intended to make said inserts  43  and  44  more easy to re-sharpen. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , is a perspective rear view of a device  50 , according to a third alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The spade  51  of the device  50  is formed thereinto an “S”-shaped configuration, comprising a first curvature  55  curved in a forward direction, and a second curvature  56  curved in an opposite rearward direction, wherein the curvatures  55  and  56  are separated by a flat space  57 . A correspondingly curved knife edge insert  53  is removably fastened thereonto the outside portion of the first curvature  55 , while a correspondingly curved toothed edge insert  54  is removably fastened thereonto the outside portion of the second curvature  56  of the spade  51 . The flat space  57  allows the alternate hub  42  and the bit  12  to be welded thereonto a central location between the first curvature  55  and the second curvature  56 . The alternate hub  42  is envisioned to be of a configuration which is similar to either the lower portion of the integral shaft  15 , or to the drive hub  39 . The removable design of the knife edge insert  53  and of the toothed edge  54  provides a means for re-sharpening. The first curvature  55  and the second curvature  56  provide a longer line of contact between the ice surface  61  and the knife edge insert  53 , while providing the additional space to allow an increased plurality of teeth within the toothed insert  54 , thereby reducing the specific load within each element in contact with the ice surface  61  while drilling the ice aperture  62 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles, sizes, and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be assembled as indicated within  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring the desired size device  10  and an adequately powered cordless drill  20 ; checking the sharpness of the knife edge  13  and of the teeth comprised within the toothed edge  14 ; re-sharpening, if necessary; assembling the splash shield  16  thereonto the shaft  15 ; inserting the upper end  18  of the shaft  15  thereinto the chuck of the cordless drill  20 ; using the assembled device  10  as a means of assisting in a safe walk to the desired location on the ice surface  61 ; choosing a favorable spot for drilling a fishing aperture  62 ; punching a starting aperture  63  for the fishing aperture  62  by inserting the point of the bit  12  thereinto the ice surface  61 ; operating the cordless drill  20 ; inserting the bit  12  of the spinning device  10  into the punched starting aperture  63 ; lowering the device  10  to allow the knife edge  13  and the toothed edge  14  to contact the ice surface  61 ; allowing the weight of the device  10  and an appropriate pressure from the user  60  to drill the ice fishing aperture  62 ; raising and withdrawing the device  10  after completing the drilling of the fishing aperture  62 ; using the assembled device  10  as a means of assisting in a safe walk from the desired location on the ice surface  61 ; cleaning, drying and disassembling the device  10 ; storing the cordless drill  20  and the ice drill portion of the device  10 . 
     The method of utilizing the first alternate device  30  may be achieved by performing the following additional steps: inserting the drive end  36  of the drive shaft  35  thereinto the drive socket  34 ; securing the assembly by inserting the pin  38  thereinto the pin aperture  37 . 
     The method of utilizing the second alternate device  40  may be achieved by performing the following additional steps: attaching the knife edge insert  43  thereonto the front face portion of the alternate spade  41 , and the tooth edge insert  44  thereonto the rear face portion of the alternate spade  41 , if not already attached. 
     The method of utilizing the third alternate device  50  may be achieved by performing the additional steps which are similar to those performed for the second alternate device  40 : attaching the knife edge insert  53  thereonto the front face portion of the first curvature  55  of the alternate spade  51 ; attaching the tooth edge insert  54  thereonto the front face portion of the second curvature  56  of the alternate spade  51 , if not already attached. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.