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Devices and process to keep ice fishing holes from freezingRelated Patent Categories: Pumps, MiscellaneousDevices and process to keep ice fishing holes from freezing description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070014680, Devices and process to keep ice fishing holes from freezing. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to the field of thermodynamics, hydraulics, the unique properties of water, and more specifically to devices and the process to keep ice fishing and spearing holes from refreezing. Water freezes at 32 F and has a maximum density at 39.2 F, so in a body of water that is covered with ice the temperature will vary from 32 F at the top to approximately 39 F at the bottom because the more dense warm water will sink to the lowest point. Water just below the surface of the ice will be approximately 34F and 4 to 5 feet lower the temperature will be approximately 37F. Warmer and colder water have different viscosities and do not mix readily so ideally one would want to move the warmer water to the surface rather than mix it with the cold water. The dynamic and kinematic viscosity of water both change by more than 15% when the water temperature varies from 32 F to 39 F resulting in specific layers with different temperatures as they move past each other. It follows that an objective is to move the warmer water from lower levels to the surface utilizing various water moving devices and techniques to replace the colder water and thus keep the surface from freezing. [0002] This invention addresses the problem associated with sport ice fishing or spearing in cold weather where the ice holes freeze over or become closed. An ice fishing or spearing hole is bored or chiseled through the ice to the water below to gain access to catch fish. One of the troublesome problems encountered, is the surface of the bored or chiseled holes will freeze and continue to freeze due to the exposure to cold air requiring that the thin layer of ice be periodically strained and removed. Water at the surface of the ice hole freezes because it is exposed to air that is lower than 32 F degrees. The ice will form faster on the surface if the air temperature is very cold and also if the wind is blowing across the open hole. When it is zero degrees F. and the wind is blowing 10 to 15 MPH the open hole will start to freeze in less than 2 minutes. As the thin layer of ice freezes on the surface of the hole, the fishing line or the bobber eventually become frozen in the ice and the quality of fishing deteriorates. With a layer of ice on the top of the hole it is difficult to tell if a fish is biting and difficult to retrieve ones line or pull in a fish through the frozen ice. Rather than continually chopping and straining off the ice it is desirable to have devices and a method to keep the holes free of ice. [0003] Many different means have been tried to keep the ice holes open but none are very desirable or effective for a number of reasons. One group of prior inventions use various scooping devices and strainers to periodically remove the ice as it freezes. These are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,024,757, 4,718,188, 3,857,787, 3,289,850, 5,072,538, 5,140,767, 3,747,253, and 4,978,156. [0004] Another group of inventions reference and describe some sort of a cover or plug for the ice hole to try to keep the cold air from refreezing the hole. Examples of inventions utilizing these protective features are U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,675,523 and 6,526,689. [0005] Another group of art that address this refreezing issue falls into an area where heating devices of some sort are used to try to keep the ice holes open. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,774,856, 4,006,732, 3,204,630, 4,739,747, 5,844,210, 4,911,141, 3,545,118, 4,612,910, 3,507,268, and 4,294,030 describe the use of electric heaters, propane cartridges, charcoal, or gelled fuel cells to provide heat to keep the ice holes from refreezing. [0006] As one can see numerous attempts have been made to deal with or try to alleviate the formation of ice on the top of the ice hole. There are ways described to improve the scooping and skimming of the ice from the surface, but this still requires the constant attention and effort to remove the ice and it is a distraction from fishing. The references describing covers or plugs for the holes are basically to reduce the ice build up when away from the fishing holes or over night so that new holes do not need to be bored or chiseled. These cannot be used while fishing and they are quite cumbersome to use and handle. [0007] The heated devices to keep the ice from forming have many draw backs and can be quite dangerous. They are expensive to operate because in order to be effective a large amount of fuel or electricity is needed. These devices remain complex and cumbersome, require high manufacturing costs, typically produce insufficient or dispersed heat levels, can cause burning or tangling of the fishing line and exhibit varying degrees of stability when mounted in place. Some of these heated devices require a means to control the heat which in itself is a big drawback. A more serious drawback for some of these heated devices to keep the ice hole open is that they can be dangerous. If someone slipped and fell against them they could be burned severly. In the clamshell ice houses the fabric could easily be ignited and in the ice houses there have been a number of deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. [0008] This invention does not require a heating device and operates on a small amount of energy to accomplish the objective of keeping the ice hole open. Warm water from lower levels is moved to the surface of the ice hole by various water moving devices. This invention is inexpensive to produce, portable and user friendly, small in size, and easily transported with other fishing gear. It can be used in any size of fishing hole and can be easily and quickly removed from the ice hole when catching a fish. The most important feature is the ability to keep the ice holes open even at very low temperatures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] One aspect of this invention relates to a small efficient inexpensive device and the process that will keep ice fishing or spearing holes from refreezing even at very low temperatures. The device will transfer warmer water from lower levels to the surface of the hole utilizing a liquid transfer means that is electrically, mechanically, or manually operated, located in or below the hole, or in a seperate hole with the outlet directed to the area of interest in another hole or holes. [0010] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the process and device for moving water to create agitation or various flow patterns in ice fishing holes to assist and enhance fishing techniques to catch more fish. [0011] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a device comprising a water moving apparatus with the ability to adjust the transfer rate or the warmer water supply level and incorporate parts such as a pump or bubbler, support frame, power supply, extending arm and inlet, and additional tubing and deflectors as required. [0012] Yet another aspect of the present invention is the utilization of a bubbling source to keep the ice fishing or spearing holes from refreezing with a device for individual holes or comprising a central source with connecting lines that would keep multiple holes free of ice. [0013] Yet another aspect of the present invention is the process and devices for eliminating the ice formation in the fishing or spearing holes require a very small amount of power, are compact, user freindly, and a provide a definite asset that will improve the ice fishing or spearing experience. [0014] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. [0016] FIG. 1 is a Cross-Section view of an ice fishing hole. [0017] FIG. 2 is a Cross-Section view of the invention with submerged pumps. [0018] FIG. 3 is a Front-View of the invention in an ice hole. [0019] FIG. 4 is a Cross-Section view on the invention utilizing a Venturi Pump. [0020] FIG. 5 is a Cross-Section View showing water supplied to alternate holes. [0021] FIG. 6 is a Cross-Section View of the invention utilizing a motor with propeller. Continue reading about Devices and process to keep ice fishing holes from freezing... Full patent description for Devices and process to keep ice fishing holes from freezing Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Devices and process to keep ice fishing holes from freezing patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. 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