Abstract:
An illuminated-heated ice fishing system. The system includes a plurality of sidewalls and a top wall in hinged communication and wherein the device is capable of folding up for storage. The system includes a heated lantern to heat and illuminate a spool of the device. The spool is removably affixed to a sidewall of the device and includes a reflective surface directed towards the interior of the device to reflect the light from the lantern. The sidewalls have a bottom portion comprised of a thermoplastic material for contacting the ice surface.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/041,231 filed 25 Aug. 2014 to the above named inventor, and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM  
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]    The present invention relates to an improved thermal box for use during ice fishing. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]    When fishing in the winter in northern climates individuals are often required to drill a hole into the ice surface to provide access to the water and potential fish located below the surface of the ice. Often, this type of fishing is done in very cold weather and at temperatures well below freezing. Often over the course of a fishing expedition the holes that were drilled for access can re-freeze. This refreezing can cause problems with the retrieval of fish, damage lines and fishing equipment, and prevent lures and equipment from functioning properly. 
         [0006]    To combat the problem of a fishing hole from refreezing, some anglers will utilize a heated compartment surrounding the fishing hole. This compartment is often a wooden or metal box with a heating element. Unfortunately, these boxes often have problems that become a nuisance during use. In particular, wooden boxes are susceptible to rot, water retention, and durability. Metal boxes as are found in the prior art are often susceptible to refreezing within the hole as metal is not an insulating material, susceptible to rust, corrosion, and are not portable. 
         [0007]    Therefore, there is a need for an improved heated box for use in ice fishing. Preferably this heated box has a bottom that is constructed out of a non-corrosive and insulated material, is capable of folding for improved portability, and allows for the attachment of additional features. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]    The device of the present invention relates to an illuminated-heated ice fishing system. The device is provided in two configurations: an assembled configuration and a transport configuration. In the transport configuration, the device is folded to a substantially flat configuration for storage and transport. The system includes a plurality of sidewalls and a top wall in hinged communication. The sidewalls hingedly connected and forming a rectangular perimeter for placement around a hole for ice fishing. The top wall is affixed to the sidewalls and partially extends for the top opening of the device. The top wall includes a handle to aid in opening and access to the interior. 
         [0009]    The bottom of the sidewalls includes a thermoplastic base for contacting the ice surface and preventing the device from freezing into the ice during use. 
         [0010]    The device further includes a spool for placement onto a sidewall of the device. The spool rotating and providing for the placement of fishing line onto the spool. The spool includes a reflective material along one side. The reflective material increasing visibility and reflecting light generated from a lantern placed within the interior of the device. 
         [0011]    The lantern for the device is placed within the interior of the device and situated below the top wall. The lantern is preferably powered by a disposable liquid propane tank. 
         [0012]    The hinged communication of the sidewalls and the top wall allows the device to be easily folded when not in use. Preferably, the device is sized for receipt within a 5-gallon bucket for easy storage and transport. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)  
         [0013]    The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to further explain the principles of the invention. Other aspects of the invention and the advantages of the invention will be better appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the Detailed Description when considered in conjunction with accompanying drawings, and wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the illuminated-heated ice fishing system, according to the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the illuminated-heated ice fishing system with some components removed, according to the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a front side view of the illuminated-heated ice fishing system, according to the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a top side view of the illuminated-heated ice fishing system, according to the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a bottom side view of the illuminated-heated ice fishing system, according to the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a left side view of the illuminated-heated ice fishing system, according to the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a right side view of the illuminated-heated ice fishing system, according to the present invention; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the illuminated-heated ice fishing system in its transport configuration, according to the present invention; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]    The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawing shows, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
         [0023]    Before the present invention is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein. 
         [0024]    Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries. 
         [0025]    References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
         [0026]    The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations. 
         [0027]    As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. 
         [0028]    As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0029]    As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention. 
         [0030]    As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention. 
         [0031]    As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications. 
         [0032]    As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. 
         [0033]    It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 1-FIG .  8 , the illuminated-heated ice fishing system of the present invention is generally referred to as device  10 . The device  10  is primarily designed as a partial enclosure for an area around an ice-fishing hole. The device  10  is provided in two configurations: an assembled configuration ( FIG. 1-7 ) and a transport configuration ( FIG. 8 ). In the transport configuration, the device  10  is folded to a substantially flat configuration for storage and transport. In the assembled configuration, the device  10  is rectangular in shape and comprised of four opposed sidewalls  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104  and a top wall  105  defining a perimeter of the device  10  and substantially enclosing an interior area of the device  10 . The sidewalls  101 - 104  and top wall  105  are all in hinged communication with the sidewalls  101 - 104  coupled together, wherein the shape can be collapsed into a substantially flat configuration. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the size of the device  10  allows it to be stored within a standard 5-gallon bucket for transport and storage when it is in the transport configuration. 
         [0035]    A first sidewall  101  forms an end wall of the device  10  opposite a third sidewall  103  and adjacent a second sidewall  102  and a fourth side wall  104 . The first sidewall  101  includes a horizontal aperture  110  located through the exterior and below a notch  111  located in a top side of the first sidewall  101 . The horizontal aperture  110  and notch  111  and allowing for the placement of a spool  200 . The first sidewall  101  includes a first bottom surface  112 , the first bottom surface  112  extending the width of the sidewall  101  and contacting the ice surface during use. The first bottom surface  112  is comprised of a thermoplastic material. This thermoplastic material allows the device  10  to be placed onto the surface of the ice without the device  10  freezing into the ice surface and creates a thermal break between the side walls  101 - 104  and the bottom surface. 
         [0036]    The second sidewall  102  forms a wall of the device  10  and defining a length of the device  10 . The second side wall  102  opposite the fourth sidewall  104  and adjacent to the first sidewall  101  and the third sidewall  103 . The second side wall  102  includes a second bottom surface  121 , the second bottom surface  121  comprised of a thermoplastic material extending the width of the side wall  102  and contacting the ice surface during use. 
         [0037]    The third sidewall  103  forms a second end wall of the device  10  opposite the first sidewall  101  and adjacent to the second sidewall  102  and fourth sidewall  104 . The third side wall  103  includes a third bottom surface  131 , the third bottom surface  131  comprised of a thermoplastic material extending the width of the side wall  103  and contacting the ice surface during use. The third sidewall  103  includes an upper side  130 . The upper side  130  forming an attachment point for the hinged and pivotal coupling of the top wall  105 . 
         [0038]    The fourth sidewall  104  forms a wall of the device  10  opposite the second sidewall  102  and adjacent to the first sidewall  101  and the third sidewall  103 . The fourth side wall  104  includes a fourth bottom surface  141 , the fourth bottom surface  141  comprised of a thermoplastic material extending the width of the side wall  104  and contacting the ice surface during use. The fourth sidewall  104  includes an upper edge  140 . Adjacent to the third sidewall  103 , the fourth sidewall  104  includes a notch  143 . The notch  143  on the upper edge  140  and sized to receive a tube  301 , the tube in communication with a removable gas canister  300  and a lantern  302 , wherein the notch  143  allows for access to the interior of the device  10 . The fourth sidewall  104  additionally includes an aperture  142  sized to receive a catch  151  located on the top wall  105 , wherein receipt of the catch  151  within the aperture  142  secures the top wall  105  to the device  10 . 
         [0039]    The top wall  105  is hingedly coupled to the upper edge  130  of the third wall  103  and includes the catch  151  and handle  150 . The top wall  105  partially covers the top of the device  10  with a length extending to approximately half of the length of the device  10 , wherein access to the interior of the area surrounded by the device  10  is capable without opening of the top wall  105 . The top wall  105  provides for a covering over the lantern  302  and aids in the retention of heat within the interior of the device  10 . To aid in heat retention, the top wall  105  may be insulated. The top wall  105  catch  151  and its engagement within the aperture  142  secures and stabilizes the device  10  when it is in use. 
         [0040]    The spool  200  provides for the placement of a fishing line (not pictured) and includes a reflective surface  201 . The reflective surface  201  placed on the spool  200  surface adjacent to the interior of the device  10 , wherein illumination from the device  10  interior reflects off of the reflective surface  201  to increase visibility of the spool  200 . The spool  200  is affixed to an arm  202  designed for receipt within the horizontal aperture  110  and notch  111 . The arm  202  is cantilevered to engage both the aperture  110  and the notch  111  to allow for easy placement and removal. Additional to the reflective surface  201 , the spool  200  may be in communication with a wireless strike indicator for remote notification of rotation of the spool  200 . 
         [0041]    To illuminate and heat the device  10  the canister  300  is affixed to the tube  301  in communication with the lantern  302 . The ignition and burning of fuel within the lantern  302  provides illumination and heat. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the canister  300  is a disposable 1-pound liquid propane canister that is readily available. 
         [0042]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device  10  is constructed out of a lightweight and corrosion resistant material, such as aluminum, although other similar materials may be used. 
         [0043]    While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) but that the invention will include all embodiments falling with the scope of the specification.