Patent Publication Number: US-2006016119-A1

Title: Bait tank insulator

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/590,810 filed Jul. 23, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The present invention relates generally to bait tanks, and, in particular, to an insulated outer cover for bait tanks.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Many avid fishermen typically use bait tanks for keeping baitfish alive while fishing. Typical bait tanks include a plastic tank for containing a quantity of water, typically 10 to 50 gallons, at least one, and preferably two, ports for providing aeration to the water, and a drain near the bottom of the tank for draining water from the tank. The majority of commercially available bait tanks do include some type of aeration system, which oxygenates the water so as to keep the baitfish alive longer. However, many portable, and even non-portable, plastic bait tanks available on the market today do not have a mechanism for maintaining a constant temperature of the water. In warmer weather, even with aeration, baitfish tend to die quickly because of the high ambient temperatures. Thus, many fishermen carry ice and place the ice directly in the water with the baitfish in an attempt to keep the baitfish alive, but even the ice is ineffective in the summer heat. Fishermen have long sought an affordable, effective means of maintaining a more constant bait tank water temperature, alleviating the cost of the purchase of ice and reducing the mortality rates of the baitfish.  
      Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for a way to provide a baitfish tank that can maintain a relatively constant temperature of the water so as to provide a more livable environment for the baitfish. It is to this provision that the present invention is primarily directed.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In example forms, the present invention includes an article for maintaining the temperature of water housed in a bait tank having sides, a bottom, and a top. In one aspect, the article includes a first sheet of insulating material, preferably a flexible insulating material, configured for circumferentially enclosing the sides of the tank, wherein the first sheet defines at least one, and preferably two, openings for aligning with ports of the bait tank. The openings can be a pair of notches located at edges of the first sheet that align generally vertically when the panel is installed to the bait tank. Preferably, the article includes a second sheet of insulating material that is releasably coupled to the first sheet for covering the top of the bait tank. Also preferably, one or both of the first and second sheets are multi-layered (i.e., having two or more layers). Optionally, the first sheet includes a fishing rod holder secured to or within the first sheet for holding at least a portion of the fishing rod therein, and a pocket for holding a freezer pack or other cooling device adjacent the bait tank.  
      In another aspect, the present invention includes an article that has a panel and a lid. The panel is made of an insulating material for at least partially encasing a bait tank, wherein the bait tank has side walls, a top, a bottom and the lid is made of an insulating material and is coupled to the panel for insulating the top of the bait tank. The lid can be a piece separate from the panel that is releasably coupled to the panel with at least one strap. Preferably, the panel and lid are constructed of a flexible material.  
      In still another aspect, the present invention includes an apparatus which has a bait tank of the type having at least a substantially cylindrical wall, a bottom, and a top, wherein the wall includes at least one port; a panel for insulating the wall of the bait tank, wherein the panel defines at least one opening for exposing the at least one port of the bait tank; and a lid portion for insulating the top of the bait tank. Preferably, the lid portion is releasably attached to the panel. Optionally, the apparatus includes a fishing rod holder releasably secured to the panel for holding at least a portion of a fishing rod therein and/or a pocket for a housing a cooling device.  
      These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of a bait tank and panel having a panel wrapped around the periphery of the bait tank according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  depicts a back perspective view of the bait tank and panel of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  depicts a plan view of the panel of  FIG. 1 , and showing typical dimensions for use with a standard, commercially available 10-gallon tank.  
       FIG. 4  depicts a plan view of the panel of  FIG. 1 , and showing typical dimensions for use with a standard, commercially available 20-gallon tank.  
       FIG. 5  depicts a plan view of the panel of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 6  depicts an exploded view of the panel of  FIG. 1  relative to the bait tank.  
       FIG. 7  depicts an assembly view of the panel and bait tank of  FIG. 1 , showing the alignment of openings in the panel with openings in the tank.  
       FIG. 8  depicts a top plan view of a lid for the bait tank of  FIG. 1 , having a substantially cylindrical body.  
       FIG. 9  depicts a front perspective view of a bait tank having a panel wrapped around the periphery of the bait tank according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 10  depicts a panel for a bait tank according to third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS  
      With reference now to the drawing figures,  FIGS. 1 and 2  show a bait tank  10  for use with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The bait tank  10  is generally cylindrical, although the bait tank can have various shapes including, but not limited to, semi-cylindrical with a flat back, cubical, conical, or cuboidal. The bait tank  10  has a housing  11  defining an inner chamber  12  for holding a quantity of water, along with one or more baitfish. The bait tank  10  preferably includes first and second aeration holes  14  and  16  for receiving first and second tubes (not shown) that can be connected to a source of oxygenated water or of oxygen, such as an oxygen tank, and a drain  18  for draining water from the chamber  12 . Preferably, the drain  18  also includes a drain plug (not shown) for preventing the flow water from the chamber  12  during use. The bait tank  10  also typically includes a removable lid (not shown) for covering the access opening and enclosing the chamber  12 , and a pair of rope handles  13  for carrying the bait tank.  
      In the first exemplary embodiment, the invention comprises a side panel  20  for wrapping around the outer periphery of the bait tank  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the rope handles  13  extend over the panel  20  such that the bait tank can be carried when the panel is installed thereto. The panel  20  includes a material having thermal insulating properties to insulate the bait tank  10  so as to keep the water in the chamber  12  at a constant temperature relative to the temperature of water that was poured into the chamber  12 . Thus, the panel  20  helps to maintain the temperature of the water in the chamber. As depicted more clearly in  FIGS. 3-5 , the panel  20  preferably is a generally rectangular piece having a first end  22  and a second end  24 , as well as an inner surface  26  and an outer surface  28 , although various other shapes and sizes can be employed as well.  
      Preferably, there is a first closure  30  on the outer surface  28  of the second end  24 , and a second closure  32  on the inner surface  26  at the first end  22  for interengagement and closing the panel  20  around the bait tank  10  at a seam  33 . In the depicted embodiment, the closures  30  and  32  are formed of strips of hook-and-loop material. For example, the closure  30  can be a two-inch wide strip of hook material secured to the length of outer surface  28  by sewing, gluing, or otherwise permanently affixing the hook material to the outer surface. Similarly, the closure  32  can be a two-inch wide strip of loop material secured to the length of the inner surface  26  by sewing, gluing, or otherwise permanently affixing the loop material to the outer surface. It should be noted that the hook material can also be applied to the inner surface  26 , while the loop material can be applied to outer surface  28 . Also, the hook-and-loop material can be of various shapes and sizes. It should be noted that various others closures can be employed as well without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Closures  30  and  32  can include straps, ties, zippers, buttons, snaps, buckles, or other conventional closure devices that can provide a relatively quick and easy opening and closing of the two parts.  
      The panel  20  can also include a first notch  34  and a second notch  36  located at the edges of the panel. Preferably the first notch  34  is sized and shaped to accommodate the aeration holes  14  and  16 , and the second notch  36  is sized and shaped to accommodate the drain  18 , although the notches can be larger or smaller. Preferably, the notches are large enough to accommodate the holes  14  and  16  and the drain  18  but not so large as to interfere with the panel&#39;s insulation of the bait tank  10 . Although the depicted embodiment shows the notches  34  and  36  as being generally U-shaped, those skilled in the art will understand that the notches  34  and  36  can be any of a variety of shapes and sizes including, but not limited to, C-shaped, triangular, polygonal, or any other shape that exposes the aeration holes  14  and  16  and the drain  18 . Additionally, the notches  34  and  36  can alternatively be in the form of a circumscribed hole within the panel  20  for surrounding the aeration holes  14  and  16 , either together or individually, and a circumscribed hole within the panel for surrounding the drain  18  (even though they are not “notches” in the ordinary sense) so as to create one or more openings within the panel.  
      Preferably, the panel  20  is made of substantially flexible material so that it can be rolled up or folded and stored in the interior chamber  12  of the bait tank  10 . Also preferably, the panel  20  is multi-layered, although alternatively, the panel can be a single layer panel. As seen more clearly in  FIG. 6 , the depicted embodiment shows three layers  40 ,  42 , and  44 , with the layer  44  being adjacent the bait tank  10  when the panel  20  is installed thereon. Preferably, the second layer  42  includes about ¾ inch thick open cell polyurethane foam sandwiched between the first and third layers  40  and  44 , although the present invention contemplates the use of other insulative materials for the layer  42  of various, shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. The first and third layers  40  and  44  can be constructed of a durable, flexible, and water-resistant material such as an acrylic fabric, although the present invention contemplates the use of other suitable materials as well. In the depicted embodiment, the first and third layers  40  and  44  are sewn, glued, or otherwise affixed together with the second layer  42  between them. In an alternative embodiment, the panel  20  is substantially rigid, where one or more of the first, second, and third layers  40 ,  42 , and  44  is substantially inflexible or rigid, and preferably has fold lines for folding the panel flat into a compact arrangement. In another alternative embodiment, the panel is made of a single layer of durable insulating material.  
       FIG. 3  depicts a plan view of an exemplary panel  20  for use with a standard, commercially available 10-gallon tank. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the panel  20  has an overall length of about 51 inches and a height of about 15 inches. Although not depicted in the figure, the panel  20  has a thickness of about ¾ of an inch. When the ends  22  and  24  are secured together, there is about a two-inch overlap of the layers  40  and  44 , which provides the hook-and-loop connection, while the ends of the insulating layer  42  can touch. The notch  34  has a length of about 5 inches and a height of about 3 inches, while the notch  36  has a length of about 2 inches and a height of about 2 inches. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the notches  34  and  36  are generally vertically aligned along the direction of the height of the panel  20  because typical commercially available bait tanks have aeration holes generally vertically aligned with the drainage hole. The notches  34  and  36  can be generally centered within the length of the panel  20  as depicted, although the positions of the notches can be anywhere along the length of the panel and can even be located, or partially located, at the ends  22  and  24  or corners of the panel. Also, those skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions of the panel  20  can be varied depending on the size and shape of the bait tank.  
      Another exemplary panel  20  for use with a standard, commercially available 20-gallon tank is depicted in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the panel  20  has an overall length of about 61.5 inches, a height of about 18 inches, and a thickness of about ¾ of an inch. The notch  34  has a length of about 5 inches and a height of about 3.5 inches, while the notch  36  has a length of about 4 inches and a height of about 3 inches. Similar to  FIG. 3 , the notches  34  and  36  are generally vertically aligned along the direction of the height of the panel  20 . Those skilled in the art will understand that the schematics shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  are merely exemplary, and that various other shapes and sizes can be employed. For example, the length can be somewhat shorter such that the length of panel  20  is equal to the diameter of the bait tank  10 , which can be closed by a zipper, buckles, or ties. Or, the length can be somewhat longer such that there is a greater overlap of the material forming the panel  20  when the panel is secured to the bait tank  10 . Just as the length can be varied, the height and thickness of the panel  20  can also be varied and still be within the scope of the present invention.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7 , the notches  34  and  36  are aligned with the aeration holes  14  and  16  and the drain  18 , however the center of the notch  34  is preferably offset to the right to account for the presence and location of both aeration holes. In other words, because the drain hole and one of the aeration holes are generally vertically aligned, with the second aeration hole laterally offset, the notches  34  and  36  are configured as shown to proved access to all three of the tank holes. The ends  22  and  24  of the panel  20  are wrapped around the periphery of the bait tank  10  and secured together at the seam  33  so as to provide a snug fit between the panel and the bait tank.  
      In addition, the first exemplary embodiment includes a lid portion  50 , as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The lid  50  can be constructed similar to the panel  20 , with the same or similar foam and fabric as the layers  40 ,  42 , and  44 . Preferably, the lid  50  is configured to cover the bait tank  10  plus the width of the panel  20 , which allows for a tighter insulating seal. One or more straps can releasably secure the lid  50  to the panel  20 . In the depicted embodiment of  FIGS. 1-7 , four nylon straps  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58  are permanently or semi-permanently secured to the lid  50 . For example, one end of each of the four straps  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58  can be sewn to the top portion of the lid, and the other ends of the straps can include a piece of hook or loop material attached thereto for mating with a cooperating portion of the hook or loop material located on the panel  20 .  FIG. 7  shows four such tabs  60 ,  62 ,  64 , and  66  of hook or loop material for cooperating with the cooperating portion of the hook or loop material at the ends of the straps  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58 . The straps  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58  have appropriate lengths and widths for connecting and securing the lid  50  to the panel  20 . Those skilled in the art will understand that the straps  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58  can be made of various shapes, sizes, and materials so as to provide a releasable attachment between the lid  50  and the panel  20 . Alternatively, the lid  50  and panel  20  may be coupled together by a zipper or other attachment means. The zipper can extend around the entire circumference of the panel  20  so that the lid  50  can be removed. Or the zipper can extend around most of, but not the entire circumference so that the lid  50  can be flipped up but not detached from the panel  20 . Those skilled in the art will also understand that various other attachment devices such as, but not limited to, ties, zippers, buttons, snaps, buckles, or other conventional attachment devices that can provide a releasable attachment between the lid  50  and panel  20  can be employed as well.  
       FIG. 8  shows a lid  50 ′ that is substantially similar to the lid  50 , as it provides additional insulation to a commercially available 20-gallon bait tank. In this embodiment, however, the bait tank is substantially cylindrical but with a flat back, and the lid  50 ′ has a shape conforming to the top of the bait tank.  
      Thus, for insulation in addition to the panel  20 , the user would attach the lid  50  to the panel. For less insulation, such as on cooler days, the user can completely detach the lid  50  and not use it. In such case, the user can attach one or more of the hook or loop material of the straps  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58  to one or more of the tabs  60 ,  62 ,  64 , and  66  so that the lid can be releasably secured to the outer surface  28  of the panel  20 . In the depicted embodiment, the lid  50  can also be used as a “hinged” lid in the sense that two adjacent straps can stay connected to both the lid and the panel  20 , thus providing the “hinge”, while the other two straps are detached from the panel. Thus, the user can quickly and easily open the bait tank without completely removing the lid  50 .  
      Optionally, the panel  20  can include one or more pockets  70  for housing a freezer pack, ice, or another cooling device, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Although only one pocket  70  is shown, typically a series of the pockets are provided. The pocket  70  is preferably located adjacent inner surface  26  of the panel  20 , between the second and third layers  42  and  44 , so that the cooling device is placed as close as possible to the bait tank  10 . In such an embodiment, there is preferably an opening  72  in the panel  20  large enough to insert and remove the cooling device. Additionally, the opening  72  can extend through the first and second layers  40 , and  42 . Thus, a user can insert a cooling device through the opening  72  and place it within the pocket  70  from the outside while the panel  20  is installed on the tank  20 . The opening  72  can be closed with a standard closure device, such as hook-and-loop material, straps, ties, zippers, buttons, snaps, buckles, or other conventional closure devices. In an alternative embodiment, one or more pockets  70  can be defined by a flap attached to the inner surface  26  of the panel  20 , so the cooling device can be dropped in or it can be located on the outer surface  28  of the panel  20  and can include one or more standard closure devices. In yet another alternative embodiment, the pockets can be oversized so as to accommodate a plurality of cooling devices.  
       FIG. 9  depicts a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, showing a bait tank  10 ′ with a panel  20 ′ and a top  50 ′. The bait tank  10 ′, the panel  20 ′, and the top  50 ′ are substantially similar to those just described but with the exceptions noted herein. The panel  20 ′ includes one or more fishing rod holders  80  releasably coupled thereto with attachment means  82 . The fishing rod holders  80  are sized and shaped to accommodate at least a portion of a handle of a conventional fishing rod. Thus, the user can cast a fishing line, secure the handle of the fishing rod within the holder  80 , and wait for a fish to bite.  
      In the depicted embodiment, the attachment means are nylon straps  82  that secure the rod holders  80  to the panel  20 ′, although the present invention contemplates the use of other conventional attachment means including, but not limited to, hook-and-loop material, straps, ties, zippers, buttons, snaps, or buckles. Or, the panel  20 ′ can be constructed such that there are vertically elongated pockets located on its outer surface  28 ′ for removably receiving the rod holders  80 . Preferably, the attachment means is durable such that it can secure the rod holder  80  even when forces are applied to the rod holder (such as when a fish bites the line). Alternatively, the rod holders  80  can be incorporated or at least partially incorporated into the panel  20 ′ itself. For example, the rod holders  80  can be sewn into the panel  20 ′ between the first and second layers, between the second and third layers, or the rod holders can be placed within the foam layer (i.e., the second layer).  
      Preferably, the rod holders  80  provide a channel  84  for receiving at least a portion of a handle for a conventional fishing rod. As shown in  FIG. 9 , there is a plurality of rod holders  80  extending the height of the panel  20  that are formed of 1 and ⅝ inch diameter PVC pipe that is secured to the panel  20 ′ with one or more attachment means  82 . Those skilled in the art will understand that various other rod holders  80  of various shapes, materials, and sizes can be employed as well. For example, the rod holders  80  can have channels that are not circular, but rather are C-shaped, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other suitable shape for housing at least a portion of a fishing rod handle. Additionally, the rod holders  80  can be constructed of a material other than PVC pipe such as, for example, aluminum, plastic, or another suitable material. The rod holders  80  can also extend beyond the height of the panel  20 ′, or the rod holders can extend along only a portion of the height of the panel. Also, even though the rod holders  80  are depicted as being generally perpendicular to the lid  50 ′, the rod holders can be offset such that they are not perpendicular to the lid, but instead angled outward for clearance to more easily remove the lid to access the tank.  
      In lieu of or in addition to the closures  30  and  32 , male and female buckle-type connectors  86  and  88  may be located at the ends of a pair of nylon straps permanently affixed to the panel  20 ′ to provide a more secure connection. The addition of the rod holders  80  adds weight to the panel  20 ′, and thus, the buckle-type connection is preferable to the hook-and-loop material in this embodiment because the weight of the rod holders can cause the ends of the panel secured with hook-and-loop material to disengage.  
       FIG. 10  depicts a third exemplary embodiment of a panel  20 ″ for a bait tank. The panel  20 ″ is substantially similar to the panel  20 , but with the exceptions noted herein. The panel  20 ″ has a notch  34 ″ located at an upper corner thereof, and a notch  36 ″ located at a lower corner thereof. Thus, when the ends  22 ″ and  24 ″ are connected together, the notches  34 ″ and  36 ″ form openings for the aeration holes and drain. Also, the panel  20 ″ of  FIG. 10  shows three tabs made of hook or loop material for securing the lid to the panel, although those skilled in the art understand any number or type of closure or tab can be used. Alternatively, the ends may each have two smaller notches that cooperatively form the notches  34  and  36  when the panel is installed on the tank  
      In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the panel can be configured as a notchless rectangular band sized to fit between the aeration holes and drain so as to provide some insulation. Thus, although not optimal, the panel is sized and shaped to cover the periphery of the bait tank that is located in a circumferential band between the aeration holes and drain. Thus, the circumferential areas above the aeration holes and below the drain would not be insulated.  
      In another alternative embodiment, the panel  20 ′ can be a closed-top sleeve that essentially fits over the entire bait tank, including the aeration holes and tubes and the drain. Thus, the top and sides of the bait tank would be insulated.  
      In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the panel  20  has a continuous “closed-loop” side sheet (instead of ends that detachably couple together by hook-and-loop material). The panel  20  can include an elastic section for permitting the sheet to be stretched slightly for fitting over the tank. Or the panel  20  can be made of an insulating material with elastic properties.  
      In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the panel  20  has a bottom. The bottom can be fixedly attached to the sides of the panel  20 , for example, by two straps positioned so that the panel can be collapsed into a flat arrangement. Or the bottom can be coupled to the panel sides by hook-and-loop material, zippers, ties, buttons, snaps, buckles, or other conventional attachment devices that can provide a removable attachment.  
      In still another alternative embodiment, the panel can be a universal panel that can be adapted to a variety of commercially available bait tanks. Preferably, the universal panel is sized and shaped to accommodate a large bait tank. For example, the panel may have a length and height sufficient for use with a 20-gallon tank. Such a panel may also have a foldable, removable, elastically retractable, or otherwise displaceable portion so that the height of the panel can be reduced for use with a shorter 10-gallon tank. And the panel may have a series of closures (e.g. a series of hook-and-loop strips) arranged for alignment and engagement with the panel ends further overlapping as when using the panel with the 10-gallon tank. The panel can include one or more seams for folding the layers onto themselves so as to provide a fit for a smaller bait tank. Optionally, the user can cut along the seams for fitting a smaller tank. Alternatively, the material can be made of elastic or another stretchy material that allows the panel to fit on a various sizes of bait tanks.  
      Accordingly, it can be seen that the present invention provides fishermen with a relatively inexpensive panel and a lid for insulating a standard, commercially available bait tank. In addition, the panel and lid of the present invention is substantially flexible such that when the bait tank is not in use, the panel and lid can be rolled up or folded and stored within the inner chamber  12  of the bait tank.  
      It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only. Thus, the terminology is intended to be broadly construed and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. For example, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, the term “or” means “and/or,” and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, any methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless expressly stated otherwise herein.  
      While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.