Abstract:
The present invention has a shaft with a chisel and a ladle at opposed ends. Two stops are welded to the shaft, and a slide assembly is located between the stops. A first handle is between the chisel and the first stop, and a second handle is between the ladle and the second stop. The slide assembly strikes the first stop to make the chisel break through the ice. The ladle is used to scoop out any pieces of ice that are in the hole. A rubber material is on the slide assembly and on the second handle to prevent the user&#39;s gloves from freezing thereon. The chisel can be driven into the frozen surface, but not through the frozen surface, to form an anchor. Removal of the anchor is accomplished by striking the slide assembly against the second stop.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to a tool, and more particularly to a tool comprising a shaft with a chisel and a ladle on opposed ends of the shaft, and a slide assembly therebetween for causing the chisel to impact a frozen surface to create a hole through the frozen surface. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   People desiring to ice fish need many tools, such as a tool for creating a hole through the ice, and tools for catching fish. Not having the proper tools detracts from the ability to ice fish, or at least detracts from the efficiency with which a person can set up and actively engage in the activity of ice fishing. 
   People commonly use ice augers to create an ice fishing hole. Many companies manufacture and sell ice augers, and they are well understood in the art. Ice augers perform well for creating a hole through ice, even when the ice has a thickness of several feet or more. However, there are limits to the usefulness of ice augers. For motorized ice augers in particular, it may be impractical to transport the ice auger to the desired fishing location, especially for people who walk to their fishing locations. Also, sometimes the ice may not be thick enough to justify the labor required to transport the ice auger to the desired fishing location. Further, ice augers are not suited for maintaining ice fishing holes, especially when a tip up is being used. For these and other reasons, other tools have been developed. 
   One such tool is sold by Feldmann Engineering and Manufacturing Co., Inc, of Wisconsin under the name “Chipper-Dipper.” That product has a chisel and a strainer, which are separated by a handle. The chisel may be practical and effective for chiseling through ice that is only minimally thick, but problems can occur when using this tool to try to chisel through ice that is over about an inch thick. This tool can be undesirably inaccurate, because it can be difficult to repeatedly strike the chisel of this tool in the same location when trying to chisel through the ice. This is because the chisel is moved relative to the ice surface between successive strikes. Further, people sometimes use a hammer, mallet or the like to hit the strainer end of the Chipper-Dipper to try and make the chisel penetrate the ice. Doing this not only can damage the Chipper-Dipper, but also can be dangerous to the user. Also, the handle is flimsy, which can further frustrate attempts to use the Chipper-Dipper to chip through a frozen surface. 
   Another type of tool that has been developed is commonly referred to as a “spud bar.” Generally speaking, a spud bar is comprised of a bar measuring several feet in length and having a chisel at one end. A relatively large amount of momentum can be generated with the spud bar. While the spud bar is far more effective at breaking through thick ice than a Chipper-Dipper, there are undesirable aspects associated with the use of a spud bar. For example, as with the Chipper-Dipper, it can be difficult to repeatedly strike the spud bar chisel in the same location, as the entire spud bar is raised and lowered between successive strikes. The relatively large size of the spud bar can further contribute to this inaccuracy. Because of the inaccuracy, use of a spud bar can potentially damage a tip up or a line spool that are located in the hole. Hence, this tool is not well suited for maintaining an ice fishing hole, especially when a tip up is in use at the same time that the person is maintaining the hole. 
   There are in existence many tools that utilize a slide hammer, or slide assembly. Examples of these types of tools are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,785 to Pessin and U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,365 to Lamoureux et al. While the tools shown in these patents may perform well for their respective intended purposes, those tools cannot be used to create ice fishing holes. Further, there is no teaching or suggestions in either of those respective patents that the tools shown in those patents could be or are intended to be used to create ice fishing holes. Also, nothing is shown in either of these patents that is capable of scooping ice pieces out of an ice fishing hole. 
   A further problem common for many ice fishers is that wind can blow away items such as a portable ice shanty or a sled loaded with gear before the ice fishers have time to properly set the shanty up or secure the sled. None of the tools described above are capable of solving this problem. Specifically, none of the tools described above are designed for creating a removeable ice anchor. Such an anchor would allow the fisher to prevent the wind from blowing the anchored items across a frozen surface, especially during glare ice conditions. 
   Hence, a need exists for an easily transportable and self contained tool for creating and maintaining an ice fishing hole, as well as for being an anchor to a frozen surface. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an ice tool used to create and maintain an ice fishing hole. The ice tool of the present invention can also be used as an anchor. 
   This is accomplished by providing a tool having a shaft. A chisel and a ladle are at opposed ends of the shaft. Two stops can be welded to the shaft, and a slide assembly is located between the stops. A first handle is between and can include the chisel and the first stop, and a second handle is between the ladle and the second stop. 
   In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, after positioning the chisel on the ice, the user can repeatedly strike the slide assembly against the first stop to make the chisel impact and break through the ice. Because the user does not have to lift the entire tool between successive impacts, the chisel precisely remains in its intended position. This precision reduces the risk of inadvertent damage to a tip up or spool that may be in a hole when using the tool of the present invention. After a hole is created or maintained, the ladle can then be used to scoop out any pieces of ice that remain in the ice fishing hole. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a rubber material can be on the slide assembly and on the second handle to prevent the user&#39;s gloves from freezing onto those respective portions of the tool. 
   In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the chisel of the ice tool can be driven into the frozen surface, but not through the frozen surface, to form a removeable anchor. To remove the anchor from the frozen surface, the user simply strikes the slide assembly against the second stop as many times as required to dislodge the chisel from the frozen surface. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, the ice tool is self contained and easily transportable. These features are advantageous to people who desire to only take the tools with them that they can carry, and to people that have only limited room on or in any vehicle or sled that they take with them to carry their ice fishing tools. 
   Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of the ice tool of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the ice tool of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 — 3  in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of a person gripping the tool of the present invention and holding the slide assembly in position against the first stop. 
       FIG. 5  is similar to  FIG. 4 , but shows the slide assembly intermediate between the first and second stops. 
       FIG. 6  is similar to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , but shows the slide assembly striking against the second stop, causing the chisel to penetrate the ice. 
       FIG. 7  is a view showing a person using the ladle to scoop pieces of ice from a hole through the ice. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a person driving the present invention into the ice to form a removeable anchor in the ice. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   While the invention will be described in connection with one or more preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
   One surface on which the present invention can be used is an ice surface  5 . The ice surface  5  can be any of thickness. However, in the preferred environment, the present invention is most useful with ice surfaces  5  having a thickness of about 4 inches or less. People  10  desiring to ice fish must first create a hole  6  through the ice surface  5 . People  10  therefore grip the present invention with their hands  11  and then create the hole  6  through the ice surface  5 . During the process of creating the hole  6 , many ice pieces  7  are produced, which must be removed from the hole  6 . 
   The present invention is preferably has some components made of steel. However, other strong materials can be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. Some other components are preferably made of neoprene rubber. However, other materials can be used that are also resistant to having objects freeze to them. Throughout the specification, preferred dimensions are provided. However, it is contemplated that other dimensions could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
   In accordance with the present invention, an ice tool  20  is provided, as shown in  FIGS. 1–8 . The ice tool has a shaft  21  having a longitudinal axis  22 . The shaft  21  has a first end  23  with a slit  24  therethrough. The shaft  21  has a second end  25  as well. The shaft  21  has a bend  26  near the second end  25  such that the second end is not in alignment with the longitudinal axis  22 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, the shaft  21  is 0.50 inch round steel having an overall length of 36 inches. The bend  26  is preferably located about three inches from the second end  26  of the shaft, and the bend  26  preferably bends the second end approximately at an angle of 45 degrees from alignment with the longitudinal axis  22 . 
   A chisel  30  is provided having a first side  31  and a second side  32 , as best shown in  FIG. 2 . The first and second sides  31  and  32  end at a tip  33 . When not in use, a cover  34  is provided for covering the chisel  30  to prevent inadvertent contact between the chisel  30  and an object. In the preferred embodiment, the chisel  30  is made from a 0.25 inch steel slat. The chisel  30  further has a total length of approximately between 3 and 5 inches, and has a width of approximately 1.5 inches. The tip  33  preferably converges to a chiseling edge at an interior angle of approximately 30 degrees. 
   The chisel  30  is connected to the first end  23  of the shaft  21 . More particularly, the chisel  30  fits within the slit  24  at the first end  23  of the shaft  21  and is preferably welded in place. 
   A ladle  40  is also provided having a plate  41 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Plate  41  is preferably generally round and is made from 16 gauge sheet steel and has a diameter of about 4.8 inches. There are preferably about thirty-nine holes  42  through the plate  41 . A rim  43  is provided and is connected to the periphery of the plate  41 . The rim  43  has a height of about 0.9 inches. The ladle  40  has an overall diameter of about 6.1 inches. 
   The ladle  40  is connected to the second end  25  of the shaft  21 . Stated more particularly, the ladle  40  is preferably welded to the shaft second end  25 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , there are no holes  42  through the plate  41  where the ladle  40  is welded to the shaft second end  25 . The ladle  40  lies in a plane angled approximately 45 degrees out of alignment with the shaft longitudinal axis  21 . 
   A first stop  50  is provided, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The first stop  50  is preferably comprised of a 1 inch diameter steel round stock. The stop  50  has a first surface  51  and an opposed second surface  52 . A hole is through the stop  50  between the first and second surfaces  51  and  52 . That hole has a diameter of approximately 0.51 inches, which is a small amount larger than the diameter of the shaft  21 . The stop  50  is preferably welded in place. The weld is preferably located on the first side  51  of the stop  50 . 
   A second stop  55  is also provided, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The second stop  55  is preferably comprised of a 1 inch diameter steel round stock. The stop  55  has a first surface  56  and an opposed second surface  57 . A hole is through the stop  55  between the surfaces  56  and  57 . That hole has a diameter of approximately 0.51 inches, which is a small amount larger than the diameter of the shaft  21 . The stop  55  is preferably welded in place. The weld is preferably located on the first side  56  of the stop  55 . 
   A first handle  60  is provided, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and comprises the segment of the shaft  21  between the chisel  30  and first stop  50 . The first handle  60  is preferably about 5.0 inches in length. In carrying out this aspect of the present invention, the handle  60  can also comprise the chisel  30 . The user can then grip the handle  60  by gripping both the particular segment of the shaft  21  and the chisel  30  with their hand  11 . 
   A second handle  70  is also provided, as shown in  FIGS. 1–3 . The second handle  70  comprises a piece of neoprene rubber  71 . The neoprene rubber preferably has a diameter of about 1.375 inches, and is preferably about 5.0 inches long. Handle  70  is located between the ladle  40  and the second stop  55 . As an alternative embodiment (not shown), the handle could consist of the segment of shaft  21  between the ladle  40  and second stop  55 , and not comprise a piece of neoprene rubber or any other material that is resistant to having objects freeze to it. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , a slide assembly  80  is provided. The slide assembly  80  comprises a grip  81  made from a stock  82 . The stock  82  has a first end  83  and a second end  84 . The stock  82  is preferably a 1.75 diameter steel round stock having a longitudinal length of approximately 6.0 inches. A bore  85  is through the stock  82  in a direction parallel with the longitudinal length of the stock  82 . Bore  85  preferably has a diameter of approximately 0.56 inches. A material  86  is preferably on the grip  81  to prevent objects, such as a user&#39;s glove, from freezing to the grip  81 . One preferred material  86  is neoprene rubber. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), no such material is provided for preventing objects from freezing to the grip  81 . 
   A first flange  90  is on the first end  83  of the grip  81 . The flange  90  has an outer surface  91  and a hole  92  through the flange  90 . The hole  92  is alignable with the bore  85 , and has the same diameter as bore  85 . The flange  90  is preferably welded to grip  81 . 
   Similarly, a second flange  95  is on the second end  84  of the grip  81 . The flange  95  has an outer surface  96  and a hole  97  through the flange  95 . Hole  97  is alignable with the bore  85 , and it has the same diameter as bore  85 . The flange  95  is preferably welded to grip  81 . 
   The slide assembly  80  is preferably slideably connected to the shaft  21  between the first stop  50  and the second stop  55 . The stops  50  and  55  are preferably located about 12.0 inches apart. Given that the slide assembly  80  is referably about 6.0 inches long, the slide assembly  80  preferably has about 6.0 inches to slide with respect to the remainder of the tool  20 . The slide assembly  80  is slideable in directions  101  and  102 , which are generally parallel to the longitudianal axis  22  of the shaft  21 . By sliding the slide assembly  80  in the first direction  101 , the outer surface  91  of the first flange  90  is strikeable against the second surface  52  of stop  50 . By sliding the slide assembly  80  in the second direction, the outer surface  96  of the second flange  95  is strikeable against the first surface  56  of the second stop  55 . 
   To assemble to ice tool  20  from its individual components, the first step is to make the bend  26  in the shaft about three inches from the second end  25  of the shaft  21 . The ladle  40  is then welded to the second end  25  of the shaft  21 . The neoprene rubber  71  of the second handle  70  is then placed on the first end  23  of the shaft and slid along the shaft until it abuts the rim  43  of the ladle  40 . The second stop  55  is then placed on the first end  23  of the shaft and slid along the shaft  21  until the second surface abuts the second handle  70 . The second stop  55  is then welded in place. The weld is preferably on the first side surface  56  of the second stop  55 , so that the weld will not interfere with or damage the second handle  70  when completing the weld. The slide assembly  80  is the slid onto the shaft  21 . Next, the first stop is slid onto the shaft  21  and welded in place approximately 7.0 inches from the first end  23  of the shaft  21 . The weld is preferably located at the first side surface  51  of the first stop  50 . In this regard, the weld is located opposite of the surface  52  that the slide assembly  80  strikes. This is done to maximize the efficiency with which momentum is transferred from the slide assembly  80  ultimately to the chisel  30 . Lastly, the chisel  30  is slid into the slit  24  at the first end  23  of the shaft  21  and welded in place. 
   Turning now to the use of the present invention, the ice tool  20  can be used to create a hole  6  through a frozen surface  5 , as shown in  FIGS. 4–6 , and also to maintain the hole  6  as necessary depending on the weather and fishing conditions. The chisel  30  is first put on the surface  5  at a desired position. Then the user grips the second handle  70  with one hand and the slide assembly  80  with the other hand. The user manipulates the slide assembly  80  with respect to the chisel  30  to repeatedly strike the slide assembly  80  against the first stop  50 , causing the chisel  30  to repeatedly impact the frozen surface  5 , and drive the chisel  30  through the surface  5 . In this regard, the user can develop a large amount of momentum in the slide assembly  80  which gets transferred to the tip  33  of the chisel  30  upon the impact of the slide assembly  80  and the first stop  50 . These steps are repeated as many times as necessary until a hole of sufficient and desired size is created. The fishing hole  6  is maintained in the same manner. 
   After the hole  6  is created, the user  10  may need to remove the pieces of ice  7  from the hole  6 . To accomplish this, the user  10  can grip the first handle  60  with one hand and can optionally grip the slide assembly  80  with the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The user then simply scoops out the ice pieces  7  while water drains through the holes  42  through the plate  41 . When performing this process the user can also grip the chisel  30  to provide rotational stability. This is done to prevent the tool  20  from rotating due to the weight of the ice pieces  7  held in the ladle  40 . It is preferred that the cover  34  be on the chisel  30  when using the tool in this manner, so that the tip  33  of the chisel  30  is prevented from contacting and causing injury to a user, or from contacting and damaging the user&#39;s cloths. 
   The present invention also proves quite useful for yet another purpose as shown in  FIG. 8 , which is to create a removeable anchor in the ice. To accomplish this, the tool  20  is first placed in a desired location. Then, the slide assembly  80  is manipulated so that it strikes the first stop  50  as often as necessary to drive the chisel  30  part way through the ice surface  5 . In this regard, the hole created by the tool  20  has a small diameter, such that when the tool  20  is inserted in the tool, a force generally perpendicular to the tool longitudinal axis  22  does not remove the tool  20  from the anchoring hole. 
   In some circumstances, the tool  20 , and the chisel  30  in particular, has a tendency to become lodged within the frozen surface. Yet, the tool  20  can be removed from the frozen surface by striking the slide assembly  80  against the second stop  55  as often as necessary to dislodge the chisel  30  from the frozen surface. The ladle  40  is an optional feature of the present invention when carrying out this aspect of the present invention. 
   Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, an ice tool that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.