Recirculating Baitfish Bucket

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a new and improved fishing bait bucket or container. More specifically, this invention relates to a bait bucket that has a generally cylindrical insulated main body, a suction hose assembly, a water pump, an overflow hose assembly, a main lid, and a secondary lid. This invention allows for the continuous passive cycling of water through the bait bucket to optimize the conditions therein and the lifespan of the baitfish.

Claims

1. A bait bucket, comprising: a container for holding a fluid and bait, the container having a lid and the lid having a main lid and a secondary portion movable perpendicularly to the main lid; a pump secured in a housing adjacent the container; a suction hose extending into the container and connected to the pump for drawing a fluid into the container; and an outlet hose for drawing fluid from the container.

2. The bait bucket of claim 1, wherein the container has no corners and has one of a circular, oval or elliptical shape.

3. The bait bucket of claim 1, wherein the pump includes a battery and the pump includes an adaptor to connect to an electrical outlet.

4. The bait bucket of claim 1, wherein the secondary portion has a dimension that is less than a dimension of the main lid.

5. A bait bucket, comprising: a body having at least a partially cylindrical shape, the body having a perpendicularly extending lid portion; a pump that is powered by a 12 v power source separate from the body and the pump; the pump includes a battery; a suction hose and an outlet hose, the suction hose connected to the pump and the outlet hose connected to the body; and a main lid connected by a hinge to the perpendicularly extending lid portion and the main lid including closure element to secure the main lid to the body.

6. The bait bucket of claim 5, wherein the suction hose and outlet hose allow fluid to be continuously cycled throughout the body to create a current.

7. The bait bucket of claim 5, wherein the suction hose and the outlet hose are removable.

8. The bait bucket of claim 5, wherein the pump includes a power switch and the pump is contained in a housing separate from the body.

9. A bait bucket, comprising: An insulated cylindrical body with at least one handle integrated with the body; a pump powered by a 12 v power source, the pump connectable to a power source via an adaptor; a suction hose that is connected to the pump to draw fluid into the body; an outlet hose that allows water to be discharged from the cylindrical body; a circular main lid that is secured to the main body of the body via a one of latches, clamps or fasteners; and a semi-circular secondary lid that is attached to the main lid via a hinge and the secondary lid being perpendicularly extendable from the main lid.

10. The bait bucket of claim 9, wherein the pump includes an inlet, a 1.sup.st inlet wall, and a 2.sup.nd inlet wall to create a fluid current within the device.

11. The bait bucket of claim 9, wherein each of the outlet hose and the suction hose is constructed of reinforced PVC.

12. The bait bucket of claim 9, wherein each of the outlet hose and the suction hose is rubber.

13. The bait bucket of claim 9, wherein the main lid of the body has a gasket that prevents the contents of the body from spilling.

14. The bait bucket of claim 9, wherein the suction hose has a weighted end to keep the suction hose submerged under the surface of the fluid.

15. The bait bucket of claim 9, wherein the outlet hose has a mesh screen over an end of the outlet hose that prevents bait fish from exiting the device

16. The bait bucket of claim 9, wherein the pump includes a 12 v adaptor.

17. The bait bucket of claim 9, wherein the pump includes a stop to prevent the flow of fluid into the body.

18. The bait bucket of claim 9, wherein the cylindrical body is selected from the shape including circular, round, oval or elliptical.

19. The bait bucket of claim 9, wherein the body has no corners.

20. The bait bucket of claim 9, wherein the secondary lid allows access to at least a portion of the contents of the body without requiring the opening of the main lid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the improved bait bucket of the present in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the improved bait bucket of the present invention while placed inside a boating vessel on a body of water in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the interior of the main body of one embodiment of the improved bait bucket of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the suction hose assembly of the improved bait bucket of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the 12 v cigarette lighter plug power supply of one embodiment of the improved bait bucket of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

[0026] As noted above, there exists a need in the art for an improved bait bucket or container that helps prevent the premature demise and thus decreases the likelihood of bait fish death or a decrease in baitfish lifespan. There also exists a need for an improved bait bucket or container that helps to prevent and decreases the likelihood of bait fish premature death or a decrease in baitfish lifespan via controlling the water conditions of the bait bucket through use of water or fluid circulation. Finally, there also exists in the art a need for a bait bucket or container that makes the task of helping to prevent the likelihood of premature bait fish death a substantially completely passive and uninvolved task after the initial set up of the device.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the improved bait bucket 100 of the present invention. The device 100 is further comprised of a main body 110, a suction hose assembly 120, a water pump 130, an overflow hose assembly 170, a main lid 150, and a secondary lid 160 which is connected to the main lid 150 by a hinge or other means to allow opening of the secondary lid. The main lid has a dimension that is larger than the secondary lid. The main body 110 of the device 100 is preferably and generally cylindrical in shape, in part to ensure that bait fish are unable to swim into any corners of the body 110 and injure themselves. Other shapes may be used to achieve a similar objective such as circular, ovals and ellipses that do not have defined corners. The main body 110 is also preferably comprised of a rigid and molded plastic material that may also include of one or more handles 119. The bucket or container may also be formed from metal, e.g. stainless steel, aluminum or other materials which generally do not rust or corrode. The handles 119 may be attached to or integral with the exterior surface 112 of the main body 110, or may be preferably molded or integrated into the construction of the main body 110. The handles 119 allow for easy transport or maneuvering of the device while on or in a fishing vessel, especially if the device 100 is full of water and therefore extremely heavy.

[0028] The main body 110 is also comprised of a housing 132 for the water pump 130 that is preferably comprised of the same plastic material as the entirety of the main body 110. Other materials may of course be used. The housing 132 and pump 130 are also preferably located near the bottom surface 118 of the main body. Water from a body of water (e.g. a lake, stream, tub, etc.) is drawn through the suction hose assembly 120 via the pump 130 which then suctions the water into the main body 110 of the device via an inlet 134 which will be explained more fully below. Pump 130 is preferably an inline cartridge style pump hidden behind a pump cover, but may also be self-priming or other suitable type of pump. The pump 130 is further comprised of a dial or mechanism 136 (e.g., a quarter turn ball valve also preferably hidden behind the pump cover) that allows the user to open and close the suction hose assembly 120 to fill the bucket, and separate the flow of water from the assembly 120 to the main body 110 of the device 100. This allows a user to ensure water does not leak or exit the main body 110 during transport. It may also be used to reduce the current of the water within the bucket while in operation for smaller sized baldish if necessary.

[0029] In differing embodiments of the device 100, the mechanism 136 may include a level or gate that functions to close off or limit the flow from the suction hose assembly 120. The pump 130 has a power switch 138 that directs power to the pump via a power supply cord 140 that is in electrical communication with a cigarette lighter plug or other electrical adaptor 142. The plug 142 can be plugged or inserted into any power source (e.g. such as the cigarette lighter or electrical outlet in a vehicle) to charge the rechargeable battery (not shown) of the pump 130. Accordingly, the power supply cord 140 may be comprised of two different types of electrical connectors, such as a cigarette lighter connector and a “direct to battery” connector that is connected in a male to female fashion with the battery. It is further contemplated that the battery will allow for the device 100 and pump 130 to be powered for several hours at a time and permits continuous use of the device 100 and pump 130.

[0030] The main lid 150 of the device 100 is generally circular in shape, or will follow a similar shape if other shapes are used, e.g. circular, oval or ellipse, and is preferably comprised of a plastic material such as with the main body 110 of the device 100. The top surface 152 of the main lid is preferably also comprised of a series of indentations which allows the latch, clasp or fastener mechanism 164 to fully secure the main lid 150 to the main body 110. The latch, clasp or fastener system is permanently affixed to the sides of the main body 110 of the device 100 and allows a user to fully secure the lid 150 for travel or usage. In addition, the main lid 150 preferably includes one or more gaskets (not shown) that ensures a water-tight seal with the main body 110 and prevents the contents of the device 100 from spilling. The main lid 150 includes a secondary lid 160 which will be explained more fully below when discussing FIG. 2. The secondary lid 160 is further attached to the main lid 150 via a hinge 162 that allows the secondary lid 160 to travel to a perpendicular position to the top surface 152 of the main lid 150.

[0031] FIG. 2. illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the improved bait bucket or container 100 of the present invention while placed inside a boating vessel on a body of water or on a dock, pier, house boat or the like. In this figure, the function of both the suction hose assembly 120 and overflow hose assembly 170 will become fully apparent. Both hoses 122, 172 of the suction hose assembly 120 and overflow hose assembly 170 are preferably comprised of a reinforced PVC hose (e.g., wire, braided nylon, etc.), which in differing embodiments of the device 100, can also be comprised of a rubber material or other suitable material for transporting water. For example, it is contemplated that the overflow hose may be molded from a reinforced material and angled, and that the suction hose may be comprised of a reinforced heater hose. The suction hose may further comprise a priming bulb (not shown) along its length and a weighted end cap 1220 that will have, for example, three 2 oz tungsten weights integrated onto it (not shown). In addition, both hoses 122, 172 are removable for cleaning purposes. As noted in the figure, the suction hose assembly 120 may be placed over the side wall of a boat 10, for example into a body of water 15 to allow for the water 15 to be suctioned into the device 100 via a process that will be explained more fully below when discussing FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The overflow hose assembly 170 also is preferably placed over the side wall of a boat 10 and over a body of water 15 to allow for old water, or water from inside the bucket or container to exit the device 100. The overflow hose assembly 170 is further comprised of an overflow fitting and cap (both not shown). The overflow fitting allows the assembly 170 to attach to the main body 110 of the device 100 and is further comprised of a threaded cap (not shown) that secures the assembly 170 to the main body 110. The fitting also includes a nylon or stainless steel mesh screen, which prevents bait fish from exiting the device via the assembly 170 but allows water, debris and other organic materials to exit the device 100. The cap with the mesh screen preferably attaches to the inside of the bucket at the overflow fitting.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the interior of the main body 110 of one embodiment of the improved bait bucket 100. It should be noted that the body 110 of the device 100 includes an exterior outer surface 112 and exterior inner surface 1120 as well as an interior outer surface 114 and interior inner surface 1140. It is preferred that within the device 100 a layer of foam insulation exists between the exterior inner surface 1120 and interior outer surface 114 to allow for the water stored within the device 100 to remain at a steady ambient or other desired temperature. It is also illustrated in this figure, that the inlet 134 of the water pump 130 can be fully observed. The inlet 134 travels from the pump 130 to the interior inner surface 1140 of the main body 110, wherein water exits the inlet 134 at the junction of the 1.sup.st inlet wall 1142 and 2.sup.nd inlet wall 1144, which meet in a generally triangular junction or shape. This shape encourages and enables a current to be formed within the main body 110 at all times, to which the bait fish will swim against and which in turn creates optimal dissolved oxygen levels and seeks to increase the lifespan and vitality of the baitfish. Importantly, the inlet 134 is a key feature on the bait bucket 100 and is preferably in the general shape of a pocket hole used in woodworking. Experimental testing has shown that optimal functionality of the bait bucket 100 can be achieved by angling the inlet 134 left or right but in the general direction of the bottom of the bucket and at an angle of 120 degrees (if angled to the right) or 240 degrees (if angled to the left) from the vertical. Notwithstanding, it is also contemplated that other angled positions could also be used with respect to the positioning of the inlet, such as between 60 degrees to 300 degrees from the vertical.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the suction hose assembly 120 of the improved bait bucket 100. The assembly 120 is further comprised of a hose 122 and an end cap 1220. As mentioned supra, the hose 122 is preferably comprised of a reinforced PVC hose (e.g., wire, braided nylon, etc.), which in differing embodiments of the device 100, can also be comprised of a rubber or other suitable material. The end cap 1220 of the device 100 is further comprised of a series of integrated weights (not shown) that allow the end cap 1220 to remain submerged under the surface of a body of water at all times, thereby ensuring a continuous supply of water is being suctioned into the device 100. The front surface 1222 of the end cap 1220 is further comprised of a grate 1224, or in differing embodiments of the device, a nylon or stainless steel mesh screen (not shown) which prevents large organic matter from entering into the device 100 via the suction hose assembly 120, while still allowing water to enter the assembly 120.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the 12 v cigarette lighter plug 142, or other power adaptor and power supply cord 140 of one embodiment of the improved bait bucket 100. The plug 142 is further comprised of a plug body 1420, a 1.sup.st end 1422, a second end 1424, and a pair of spring-loaded contacts 1426. The power supply cord 140 further enters the body 1420 at the 2.sup.nd end 1424 and connects the plug 142 to the pump 130 to allow powering of the pump 130 to occur. The spring contacts 1426 that comprise the 1.sup.st end 1422 of the plug 142 allow the plug 142 to be retained in a female cigarette lighter outlet. The outlets can be found in an automobile, ATV, motorhome, trailer or watercraft such as a boat where the outlets allow the battery of the device 100 to be charged and powered.

[0035] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the improved bait bucket 100 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the device 100 and its various components, as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the device 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the device 100 and may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.

[0036] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.