Devices and process to keep ice fishing holes from freezing

Abstract

A process and devices useful in ice fishing or spearing to keep the water surface in the hole free of ice. The innate reservoir of warm water in a lake or river is utilized with a pump or bubbler to keep the surface of the water above freezing and free of ice. Devices with a small submergible pump, bubbler, or other water transfer means together various inlet and outlet nozzles, inlet and outlet extensions, with a support frame, power source, and operating conveniences are adapted to move the warmer water from lower levels to the surface of the ice hole.

Description

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 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

[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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

Many different means have been tried to keep the ice holes open but none are very desirable or effective for a number of reasons.

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.

These cannot be used while fishing and they are quite cumbersome to use and handle.

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.

Images