Patent Publication Number: US-2015082686-A1

Title: Fish containment device for ice fishing

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a storage container for fish while a person is ice fishing which maintains the fish in the cold water. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Ice fishing is a sport enjoyed both professionally and casually by many individuals. The practice enables a person to catch fish in a frozen body of water. The fishermen gain access to the fish by drilling a hole through the top layer of ice, through which they place their lines. Only the top surface of the water is frozen providing fresh water for the fish to survive. Sometimes the fisherman merely sits up on a stool or chair and is open to the surrounding elements. Alternatively, the fisherman may be within a shelter like a cabin which provides protection from extreme weather. Many cabins are equipped with heating elements, and some even include beds or bunks for the user&#39;s convenience. 
     While fishing the fisherman may place their fresh catch on the ice surface. This may be problematic after an extended period of time. Often the fish will freeze which may cause damage the quality of the meat. To preserve the fish after they are caught, it would be beneficial in the art to provide a device that maintains the fish in the freshest environment possible. It would also be desirable for the art to provide a fish container that is easily portable and compact for storage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a containment device for fish while ice fishing, configured to include all of the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein. 
     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a fish containment device which includes a sleeve with a net, where the sleeve is positioned within an ice fishing hole to allow a user to place their fish in the net without risk of losing their fish. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a fish containment device where the sleeve includes tabs around the top to prevent the sleeve from falling into the water. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a net that is detachable from the sleeve for portability and compact storage when not in use. 
     To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present invention, a fish containment device is described comprising a tubular sleeve, where the tubular sleeve fits within an ice hole; a net attached to a bottom edge of the tubular sleeve, where the net houses one or more fish with water beneath the ice hole; and a plurality of tabs attached around a top edge of the tubular sleeve, where the plurality of tabs anchors the tubular sleeve to a top of edge the ice hole. 
     These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a fish containment device for ice fishing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention relates to a storage container for fish while a person is ice fishing which maintains the fish in the cold water. The present invention provides a fish containment device for ice fishing to keep the fish alive for longer periods of time while out in the elements. The fish containment device provides a sleeve with a net fastened to the bottom edge. The sleeve rests within a hole in the ice allowing the net to be securely suspended in the water. By keeping the fish in the water they stay alive thus providing the freshest tasting meat. 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, referring to  FIG. 1 , a fish containment device  10  for ice fishing is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The fish containment device  10  includes a tubular sleeve  12  to comprise the upper portion of the device  10 . The tubular sleeve  12  may be made from plastic or aluminum to be lightweight and portable. The dimensions of the tubular sleeve  12  may range from 6-12 inches in diameter, and 6-12 inches in height. Preferably, the diameter is 7 inches and the height is 6 inches. 
     The tubular sleeve  12  includes a bottom edge  16  to which a net  14  is fastened. The net may be removably fastened to the bottom edge  16  with a fastening means  17 . The fastening means  17  may be a hook and loop fastener (commonly known as Velcro®), or a plurality of snaps or hooks. By detaching the net  14  from the tubular sleeve  12 , the fish containment device  10  is easily portable and convenient for storage. Also, detachment allows the user to replace the net  14  if it is ever damaged or a larger net  14  is necessitated. The net  14  hangs freely beneath the tubular sleeve  12  approximately 12-36 inches. When the tubular sleeve  12  is positioned within an ice hole the net  14  hangs in the underlying water ready to receive one or more fish. This way they may easily move within the bag, but are still held securely for as long as desired by the fisherman. 
     At a top portion of the tubular sleeve  12  is a handle  18 . The handle  18  enables the user to easily lift and carry the fish containment device  10  during use. Around the top peripheral edge of the tubular sleeve  12  are a plurality of vertical tabs  20 . The vertical tabs  20  serve as anchors to prevent the tubular sleeve  12  from sliding into or around the ice hole. Additionally, the vertical tabs  20  allow the user to more easily lift the tubular sleeve  12  from the ice after use. With the fish containment device  10  for ice fishing the user is afforded peace of mind that their catch is kept fresh while they continue to fish. 
     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 to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, 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.