CA2976762A1 - Apparatus and method for cooling beverages while ice fishing - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for cooling beverages while ice fishing Download PDFInfo
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- CA2976762A1 CA2976762A1 CA2976762A CA2976762A CA2976762A1 CA 2976762 A1 CA2976762 A1 CA 2976762A1 CA 2976762 A CA2976762 A CA 2976762A CA 2976762 A CA2976762 A CA 2976762A CA 2976762 A1 CA2976762 A1 CA 2976762A1
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Abstract
A beverage cooling apparatus useful during ice fishing features a submersible beverage holder configured to hold a supply of beverage containers therein in a submerged state within a frozen-over body of water. A discharge mechanism is operable to discharge at least one beverage container from the submersible beverage holder. An actuator is operably linked to the discharge mechanism and operable from above the frozen-over body of water to actuate the discharge mechanism. Full beverage containers of lower average density than water automatically float to the surface when released from the submerged beverage holder.
Description
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COOLING BEVERAGES WHILE ICE FISHING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to ice fishing accessories, and more particularly to use of the frozen-over body of water to keep beverages cool without freezing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A known challenge with storage of beverages during ice fishing is potential freezing of the beverages due to extreme temperatures out on the ice. For example, while an insulated cooler is typically thought of as a tool for helping maintain the cool temperature of a chilled beverage in warm summer whether, it also known to use an insulated cooler in the winter while ice fishing in order to slow the cooling of the beverages inside the cooler in order to reduce the likelihood that the beverages freeze before consumption.
One proposed solution found in an online forum at http://www.iceshanty.com is to place aluminum can beverages in a mesh bag and submerge it into the water through the hole in the ice. The liquid water beneath the ice is cold enough to chill the beverages from an initially warm state, but because the water is above its freezing point, it will not freeze the beverages.
Applicant has developed a unique beverage cooling apparatus that employs this same general principle of chilling beverages in a submerged state beneath the ice, while providing notable improvement over the simple mesh bag used in the forgoing prior art.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to ice fishing accessories, and more particularly to use of the frozen-over body of water to keep beverages cool without freezing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A known challenge with storage of beverages during ice fishing is potential freezing of the beverages due to extreme temperatures out on the ice. For example, while an insulated cooler is typically thought of as a tool for helping maintain the cool temperature of a chilled beverage in warm summer whether, it also known to use an insulated cooler in the winter while ice fishing in order to slow the cooling of the beverages inside the cooler in order to reduce the likelihood that the beverages freeze before consumption.
One proposed solution found in an online forum at http://www.iceshanty.com is to place aluminum can beverages in a mesh bag and submerge it into the water through the hole in the ice. The liquid water beneath the ice is cold enough to chill the beverages from an initially warm state, but because the water is above its freezing point, it will not freeze the beverages.
Applicant has developed a unique beverage cooling apparatus that employs this same general principle of chilling beverages in a submerged state beneath the ice, while providing notable improvement over the simple mesh bag used in the forgoing prior art.
2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a beverage cooling apparatus useful during ice fishing, said apparatus comprising:
a submersible beverage holder configured to hold a supply of beverage containers therein in a submerged state within a frozen-over body of water;
a discharge mechanism operable to discharge at least one beverage container from the submersible beverage holder; and an actuator operably linked to the discharge mechanism and operable from above the frozen-over body of water to actuate the discharge mechanism and thereby release said at least one beverage container.
Preferably the submersible beverage holder has an interior space configured to contain said supply of beverage containers therein and an exit opening in said beverage holding unit sized to allow release of an individual beverage container from the interior space of the beverage through said exit opening under actuation of the discharge mechanism.
Preferably the discharge mechanism comprises an exit blocker situated at or adjacent said exit opening and movable between a closed position at least partially obstructing the exit opening to prevent passage of said individual beverage container through said exit opening from the interior space of the beverage holding unit, and an open position opening up a greater area of the exit opening to enable exit of said individual beverage container through said exit opening.
Preferably the exit blocker is normally biased into the closed position.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a beverage cooling apparatus useful during ice fishing, said apparatus comprising:
a submersible beverage holder configured to hold a supply of beverage containers therein in a submerged state within a frozen-over body of water;
a discharge mechanism operable to discharge at least one beverage container from the submersible beverage holder; and an actuator operably linked to the discharge mechanism and operable from above the frozen-over body of water to actuate the discharge mechanism and thereby release said at least one beverage container.
Preferably the submersible beverage holder has an interior space configured to contain said supply of beverage containers therein and an exit opening in said beverage holding unit sized to allow release of an individual beverage container from the interior space of the beverage through said exit opening under actuation of the discharge mechanism.
Preferably the discharge mechanism comprises an exit blocker situated at or adjacent said exit opening and movable between a closed position at least partially obstructing the exit opening to prevent passage of said individual beverage container through said exit opening from the interior space of the beverage holding unit, and an open position opening up a greater area of the exit opening to enable exit of said individual beverage container through said exit opening.
Preferably the exit blocker is normally biased into the closed position.
3 Preferably the submersible beverage holder is configured to hold a plurality of beverage containers, and the discharge mechanism is configured to release only a single one of said beverage containers per actuation of the discharge mechanism.
Preferably the discharge mechanism further comprises a secondary blocker that is connected to the exit blocker for movement therewith and is configured to move into blocking position at least partially blocking the exit opening as the exit blocker moves into the open position, whereby the secondary blocker prevents exit of more than one beverage container per actuation of the discharge mechanism.
Preferably the secondary blocker and the exit blocker are rigidly connected and share a common pivot point about which the second blocker and the exit blocker are moved into the blocking and open positions, respectively, by the actuator.
Preferably the exit blocker and the secondary blocker comprise segments of a generally arc--shaped member that is pivotally supported on the submersible beverage holder with a concave inner side that faces into the interior space of the submersible beverage holder in the closed position of the exit blocker, the generally arc-shaped member being pivoted at a position offset from an apex of the arc--shaped member toward an end of the arch-shaped member corresponding to the secondary blocker.
Preferably the exit blocker has a concave curvature that faces into the interior space of the submersible beverage holder and is shaped and sized to
Preferably the discharge mechanism further comprises a secondary blocker that is connected to the exit blocker for movement therewith and is configured to move into blocking position at least partially blocking the exit opening as the exit blocker moves into the open position, whereby the secondary blocker prevents exit of more than one beverage container per actuation of the discharge mechanism.
Preferably the secondary blocker and the exit blocker are rigidly connected and share a common pivot point about which the second blocker and the exit blocker are moved into the blocking and open positions, respectively, by the actuator.
Preferably the exit blocker and the secondary blocker comprise segments of a generally arc--shaped member that is pivotally supported on the submersible beverage holder with a concave inner side that faces into the interior space of the submersible beverage holder in the closed position of the exit blocker, the generally arc-shaped member being pivoted at a position offset from an apex of the arc--shaped member toward an end of the arch-shaped member corresponding to the secondary blocker.
Preferably the exit blocker has a concave curvature that faces into the interior space of the submersible beverage holder and is shaped and sized to
4 generally conform with a circumferential wall of a beverage container Preferably there is provided a longitudinal support having opposing upper and lower ends, the submersible beverage holder being attached to the longitudinal support proximate the lower end thereof such that the longitudinal support reaches upwardly out of the frozen-over body of water when the submersible beverage holder is submerged.
Preferably there is provided a set of anchors coupled to the longitudinal support adjacent the upper end thereof to reach outwardly away from the longitudinal support and brace against surface ice that overlies the frozen-over body of water at areas of said surface ice surrounding an ice fishing hole therein through which the longitudinal support reaches downwardly into the frozen-over body of water.
Preferably said anchors are selectively deployable into working positions reaching outwardly away from the longitudinal support to brace against the surface ice, and selectively retractable into stowed positions lying along said longitudinal support for compact storage and travel of the apparatus.
Preferably the actuator comprises an actuator rod running along the longitudinal support from an operator input end of said actuator rod situated proximate the upper end of the longitudinal support, down to a working end that is linked to the discharge mechanism for actuation thereof.
Preferably there is provided an enlarged head on the actuator rod at the operator input end thereof to enable driving of the actuator rod in a downward working direction by depression of said enlarged head.
Preferably there is provided a set of anchors coupled to the longitudinal support adjacent the upper end thereof to reach outwardly away from the longitudinal support and brace against surface ice that overlies the frozen-over body of water at areas of said surface ice surrounding an ice fishing hole therein through which the longitudinal support reaches downwardly into the frozen-over body of water.
Preferably said anchors are selectively deployable into working positions reaching outwardly away from the longitudinal support to brace against the surface ice, and selectively retractable into stowed positions lying along said longitudinal support for compact storage and travel of the apparatus.
Preferably the actuator comprises an actuator rod running along the longitudinal support from an operator input end of said actuator rod situated proximate the upper end of the longitudinal support, down to a working end that is linked to the discharge mechanism for actuation thereof.
Preferably there is provided an enlarged head on the actuator rod at the operator input end thereof to enable driving of the actuator rod in a downward working direction by depression of said enlarged head.
5 Preferably the longitudinal support comprises a tubular member and the actuator rod runs downwardly through a hollow interior of said tubular member.
Preferably a connection between the actuator rod and the discharge mechanism comprises a lateral member reaching outwardly from the actuator rod.
Preferably the lateral member reaches outwardly from the actuator rod through a longitudinal slot in a side of the tubular member.
Preferably the actuator is biased into a non-working position maintaining a normal default state of the discharge mechanism, by which the beverage containers are retained in the submersible beverage holder.
Preferably there is provided a return spring biasing the actuator rod upwardly into an idle position maintaining a normal default state of the discharge mechanism, by which the beverage containers are retained in the submersible beverage holder.
Preferably the return spring is coupled between the lateral member of the actuator and a stationary anchor point on the beverage holder or longitudinal support.
Preferably the beverage holder comprises openings therein by which the beverage containers are directly exposed to the frozen-over body of water for optimal cooling of the beverage containers thereby.
Preferably the beverage holder is a cage.
Preferably the beverage holder has at least one openable/closeable access point of greater size than an individual beverage container to enable easy
Preferably a connection between the actuator rod and the discharge mechanism comprises a lateral member reaching outwardly from the actuator rod.
Preferably the lateral member reaches outwardly from the actuator rod through a longitudinal slot in a side of the tubular member.
Preferably the actuator is biased into a non-working position maintaining a normal default state of the discharge mechanism, by which the beverage containers are retained in the submersible beverage holder.
Preferably there is provided a return spring biasing the actuator rod upwardly into an idle position maintaining a normal default state of the discharge mechanism, by which the beverage containers are retained in the submersible beverage holder.
Preferably the return spring is coupled between the lateral member of the actuator and a stationary anchor point on the beverage holder or longitudinal support.
Preferably the beverage holder comprises openings therein by which the beverage containers are directly exposed to the frozen-over body of water for optimal cooling of the beverage containers thereby.
Preferably the beverage holder is a cage.
Preferably the beverage holder has at least one openable/closeable access point of greater size than an individual beverage container to enable easy
6 reloading of the beverage holder with multiple beverage containers.
Preferably the openable/closeable access point comprises an openable/closeable side wall of the beverage holder, opening of which provides access over a substantially full height and width of the beverage holder.
The openable/closeable side wall may be opened and closed by detachment and attachment of said openable/closeable side wall.
Preferably, in a beverage-filled state, each of said beverage containers and the contents thereof has an average density less than water, whereby said beverage containers will float to a surface of the frozen-over body of water.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cooling beverages during ice fishing, said method comprising:
(a) with a supply of beverage containers contained within a beverage holder, placing said beverage holder in a submerged state within a frozen-over body of water through an ice-fishing hole in an ice layer overlying said frozen-over body of water; and (b) from a location above said frozen-over body of water, operating an actuator to open said beverage holder while still in the submerged state, and thereby releasing at least one of said beverage containers from the beverage holder for retrieval of said at least one beverage container from the frozen-over body of water.
Preferably step (b) comprises releasing said at least one beverage container while leaving at least one other beverage container remaining therein for continued cooling of said at least one other beverage container by the submerged
Preferably the openable/closeable access point comprises an openable/closeable side wall of the beverage holder, opening of which provides access over a substantially full height and width of the beverage holder.
The openable/closeable side wall may be opened and closed by detachment and attachment of said openable/closeable side wall.
Preferably, in a beverage-filled state, each of said beverage containers and the contents thereof has an average density less than water, whereby said beverage containers will float to a surface of the frozen-over body of water.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cooling beverages during ice fishing, said method comprising:
(a) with a supply of beverage containers contained within a beverage holder, placing said beverage holder in a submerged state within a frozen-over body of water through an ice-fishing hole in an ice layer overlying said frozen-over body of water; and (b) from a location above said frozen-over body of water, operating an actuator to open said beverage holder while still in the submerged state, and thereby releasing at least one of said beverage containers from the beverage holder for retrieval of said at least one beverage container from the frozen-over body of water.
Preferably step (b) comprises releasing said at least one beverage container while leaving at least one other beverage container remaining therein for continued cooling of said at least one other beverage container by the submerged
7 state of the beverage holder.
Preferably step (b) comprises releasing only one beverage container at a time.
Preferably, an additional step (c) involves allowing said at least one of said beverage containers to float to surface within the ice fishing hole before retrieving said at least one of said beverage containers from said frozen-over body of water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of beverage cooling apparatus of the present invention for submerging a supply of beverage containers in a frozen-over body of water through an ice-fishing hole the overlying surface ice.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with a detachable front wall of a holding cage of the apparatus removed to enable loading of the holding cage with a supply of beverage containers.
Figure 4 is a partial front elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing a closeup of an upper end of a longitudinal support tube that hangs down through the ice fishing hole to carry the holding cage in a submerged state below the ice.
Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 3 with a set of movable anchors deployed outwardly from the upper end of the support tube
Preferably step (b) comprises releasing only one beverage container at a time.
Preferably, an additional step (c) involves allowing said at least one of said beverage containers to float to surface within the ice fishing hole before retrieving said at least one of said beverage containers from said frozen-over body of water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of beverage cooling apparatus of the present invention for submerging a supply of beverage containers in a frozen-over body of water through an ice-fishing hole the overlying surface ice.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with a detachable front wall of a holding cage of the apparatus removed to enable loading of the holding cage with a supply of beverage containers.
Figure 4 is a partial front elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing a closeup of an upper end of a longitudinal support tube that hangs down through the ice fishing hole to carry the holding cage in a submerged state below the ice.
Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 3 with a set of movable anchors deployed outwardly from the upper end of the support tube
8 to brace against the ice at areas thereof surrounding the ice fishing hole.
Figure 6 is a partial front elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing a normal default position of a discharge mechanism that, when actuated, releases an individual beverage container from the holding cage through an exit opening at the top of the cage.
Figure 7 is a partial front elevational view similar to Figure 6, but showing the discharge mechanism in its actuated position.
Figure 8 is a partial side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a partial side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 6.
Figure 10 is a partial side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 8 from an opposing side thereof.
Figure 11 is a partial side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 9 from an opposing side thereof.
Figure 12 is a partial side perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating mounting details of the detachable front wall of the holding cage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a beverage cooling apparatus useful during ice fishing in order to maintain beverages in a chilled but unfrozen state by keeping the beverages submerged within the frozen-over body of water that is being fished. The illustrated embodiment enables release of individual beverages one at a time, without withdrawing the beverage holder of the apparatus and any remaining beverages therein from their submerged state, thereby providing optimal beverage
Figure 6 is a partial front elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing a normal default position of a discharge mechanism that, when actuated, releases an individual beverage container from the holding cage through an exit opening at the top of the cage.
Figure 7 is a partial front elevational view similar to Figure 6, but showing the discharge mechanism in its actuated position.
Figure 8 is a partial side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a partial side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 6.
Figure 10 is a partial side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 8 from an opposing side thereof.
Figure 11 is a partial side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 9 from an opposing side thereof.
Figure 12 is a partial side perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating mounting details of the detachable front wall of the holding cage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a beverage cooling apparatus useful during ice fishing in order to maintain beverages in a chilled but unfrozen state by keeping the beverages submerged within the frozen-over body of water that is being fished. The illustrated embodiment enables release of individual beverages one at a time, without withdrawing the beverage holder of the apparatus and any remaining beverages therein from their submerged state, thereby providing optimal beverage
9 retrieval convenience and optimal beverage chilling performance.
The apparatus features a length of hollow metal tubing forming a main longitudinal support 10 that runs vertically downward through an ice fishing hole during use of the apparatus. An upper end of the longitudinal support remains above the surface ice of the frozen-over body of water, while a lower portion of the longitudinal support 10 has a beverage holding cage 12 rigidly attached thereto at a distance spaced well below the upper end of the longitudinal support in order to submerge the holding cage 12 within the body of water below the layer of surface ice.
An out-turned flange 14 radiates outwardly from the longitudinal support 10 around the upper end thereof.
A set of anchors 16 are pivotally coupled to the underside of the flange 14 at circumferentially spaced positions around the longitudinal support 10.
The illustrated embodiment features three such anchors 16 situated approximately ninety degrees apart around the circumference of the longitudinal support 10, but the quantity and spacing of the anchors may vary. Each anchor 16 is pivotal about a respective pivot axis lying perpendicular to the longitudinal support 10, whereby the anchor can pivot inwardly and outwardly toward and away from the longitudinal support. Accordingly, each anchor 16 is movable between a deployed position radiating outwardly away from the longitudinal support, as shown in Figure 5, and a stowed position folded inwardly against the longitudinal support member to extend generally therealong, as shown in Figure 4. For use of the apparatus, the anchors are pivoted outwardly into their deployed positions, and the holding cage 12 is lowered
The apparatus features a length of hollow metal tubing forming a main longitudinal support 10 that runs vertically downward through an ice fishing hole during use of the apparatus. An upper end of the longitudinal support remains above the surface ice of the frozen-over body of water, while a lower portion of the longitudinal support 10 has a beverage holding cage 12 rigidly attached thereto at a distance spaced well below the upper end of the longitudinal support in order to submerge the holding cage 12 within the body of water below the layer of surface ice.
An out-turned flange 14 radiates outwardly from the longitudinal support 10 around the upper end thereof.
A set of anchors 16 are pivotally coupled to the underside of the flange 14 at circumferentially spaced positions around the longitudinal support 10.
The illustrated embodiment features three such anchors 16 situated approximately ninety degrees apart around the circumference of the longitudinal support 10, but the quantity and spacing of the anchors may vary. Each anchor 16 is pivotal about a respective pivot axis lying perpendicular to the longitudinal support 10, whereby the anchor can pivot inwardly and outwardly toward and away from the longitudinal support. Accordingly, each anchor 16 is movable between a deployed position radiating outwardly away from the longitudinal support, as shown in Figure 5, and a stowed position folded inwardly against the longitudinal support member to extend generally therealong, as shown in Figure 4. For use of the apparatus, the anchors are pivoted outwardly into their deployed positions, and the holding cage 12 is lowered
10 down through the ice fishing hole in the surface ice into the underlying body of water until the deployed anchors come into contact with the surface ice at areas thereof around the ice fishing hole, whereby the longitudinal member 10 is suspended in its useful position reaching downwardly into the water to support the holding cage 12 in its submerged position below the ice.
As best shown in Figure 5, each anchor 16 of the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a flat plate having a hole 18 therein near the distal end of the anchor furthest from its pivotal connection to the flanged longitudinal support.
Accordingly, with the anchor in its deployed position atop the surface ice, a spike (not shown) can be driven through this hole into the underlying ice in order to maintain the position of the apparatus and prevent sliding thereof along the ice. With anchors on only three of four sides of the longitudinal support, the ice fishing hole is unobstructed on the anchorless side of the longitudinal support so as to leave suitable clearance in which beverage containers released from the holding cage can float up to the surface, and through which fishing lines can run downhole alongside the longitudinal support.
Accordingly, the longitudinal support may be optimally positioned by abutment of the side thereof from which the middle anchor extends against one side of the ice-fishing hole in order to maximize the open area of the hole at the opposing side thereof.
The holding cage 12 features a rear wall 20 affixed to the longitudinal member 10 in a vertical plane parallel thereto, an opposing front wall 22 lying parallel to the rear wall at a horizontally spaced distance therefrom, and two opposing side walls 24, 26 lying opposite one another and interconnecting the front and rear walls.
As best shown in Figure 5, each anchor 16 of the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a flat plate having a hole 18 therein near the distal end of the anchor furthest from its pivotal connection to the flanged longitudinal support.
Accordingly, with the anchor in its deployed position atop the surface ice, a spike (not shown) can be driven through this hole into the underlying ice in order to maintain the position of the apparatus and prevent sliding thereof along the ice. With anchors on only three of four sides of the longitudinal support, the ice fishing hole is unobstructed on the anchorless side of the longitudinal support so as to leave suitable clearance in which beverage containers released from the holding cage can float up to the surface, and through which fishing lines can run downhole alongside the longitudinal support.
Accordingly, the longitudinal support may be optimally positioned by abutment of the side thereof from which the middle anchor extends against one side of the ice-fishing hole in order to maximize the open area of the hole at the opposing side thereof.
The holding cage 12 features a rear wall 20 affixed to the longitudinal member 10 in a vertical plane parallel thereto, an opposing front wall 22 lying parallel to the rear wall at a horizontally spaced distance therefrom, and two opposing side walls 24, 26 lying opposite one another and interconnecting the front and rear walls.
11 Finally, a bottom wall 28 interconnects the front, rear and side walls at the lower ends thereof, whereby the set of five walls delimit an interior space of the holding cage 12.
Each wall is made up of a set of metal bars having open spaces therebetween, whereby water in the frozen-over body of water can readily flow into and out of the interior space of the cage formed by these bars so that the beverage containers stored within the cage are directly exposed to the cold water for optimal heat transfer relationship between the beverages and the surrounding body of water. A depth of the interior space of the cage measured between upright bars of the opposing front and rear walls of the cage just slightly exceeds the axial length of a conventional aluminum beverage can, and the spacing between upright bars in each wall is slightly lesser than the diameter of the conventional aluminum beverage can. The height of the cage is several times greater than the diameter of the conventional aluminum beverage can. While the illustrated embodiment is particularly configured for aluminum beverage can of conventional predetermined size and shape, other embodiments may be configured for use with other types of sizes of beverage container.
One of the side walls 26 of the cage is generally planar from the bottom wall to the top end of the cage, whereas the other side wall 24 is a multi-sectioned wall having a lower portion 24a that resides parallel to the planar side wall, an intermediate portion 24b that angles inwardly toward the plane of the planar side wall, and finally an upper portion 24c that once again lies parallel to the planar side wall at the top end of the cage. The distance between the opposing side walls of the cage at
Each wall is made up of a set of metal bars having open spaces therebetween, whereby water in the frozen-over body of water can readily flow into and out of the interior space of the cage formed by these bars so that the beverage containers stored within the cage are directly exposed to the cold water for optimal heat transfer relationship between the beverages and the surrounding body of water. A depth of the interior space of the cage measured between upright bars of the opposing front and rear walls of the cage just slightly exceeds the axial length of a conventional aluminum beverage can, and the spacing between upright bars in each wall is slightly lesser than the diameter of the conventional aluminum beverage can. The height of the cage is several times greater than the diameter of the conventional aluminum beverage can. While the illustrated embodiment is particularly configured for aluminum beverage can of conventional predetermined size and shape, other embodiments may be configured for use with other types of sizes of beverage container.
One of the side walls 26 of the cage is generally planar from the bottom wall to the top end of the cage, whereas the other side wall 24 is a multi-sectioned wall having a lower portion 24a that resides parallel to the planar side wall, an intermediate portion 24b that angles inwardly toward the plane of the planar side wall, and finally an upper portion 24c that once again lies parallel to the planar side wall at the top end of the cage. The distance between the opposing side walls of the cage at
12 the parallel lower portions thereof slightly exceeds twice the diameter of the conventional aluminum beverage can, while the lesser distance between the opposing side walls at the parallel upper portions thereof slightly exceeds only a single beverage can diameter. Accordingly, the lower portion of the cage will hold two rows of canned beverages within the interior space of the cage, each row lying adjacent a respective side wall of the cage with the circular top and bottom ends of the cans facing the front and rear walls of the cage. However, the row lying adjacent the planar side wall 26 contains more cans in a fully occupied state of the holding cage than the row lying adjacent the opposing multi-sectioned side wall 24. In other embodiments, both side walls may be parallel over their full lengths and spaced apart by a distance slightly exceeding only one beverage can diameter, thereby providing only a single-row capacity within the cage.
The cage 12 is open at a top end thereof, where the front, rear and side walls delimit an upward facing exit opening 30 of the cage. The cage resides on the anchorless side of the longitudinal support 10, whereby release of a beverage can from the holding cage 12 through the exit opening 30 at the top thereof allows the released beverage can to float upwardly along the longitudinal support 10 and onward through the ice fishing hole to the surface of the water on the anchorless side of the longitudinal support. This way, the beverage can is easily retrievable on the more-open side of the ice fishing hole up at the surface. Attention is now turned to the discharge mechanism by which such release of a beverage can is performed.
The cage 12 is open at a top end thereof, where the front, rear and side walls delimit an upward facing exit opening 30 of the cage. The cage resides on the anchorless side of the longitudinal support 10, whereby release of a beverage can from the holding cage 12 through the exit opening 30 at the top thereof allows the released beverage can to float upwardly along the longitudinal support 10 and onward through the ice fishing hole to the surface of the water on the anchorless side of the longitudinal support. This way, the beverage can is easily retrievable on the more-open side of the ice fishing hole up at the surface. Attention is now turned to the discharge mechanism by which such release of a beverage can is performed.
13 A generally arc-shaped blocking member 32 is pivotally coupled to the planar upper portion 24c of the multi-sectioned side wall 24 by a pivot pin 34 that lies perpendicular to the longitudinal support 10 and generally parallel to the pivot axes of the opposing two anchors of the three-anchor set. The top end of the multi-sectioned side wall 24 of the holding cage is slightly higher than the top end of the opposing side wall 26 of the cage 12, and the pivot pin 34 of the arc-shaped blocking member 32 is situated an elevation slightly above the top end of the opposing side wall 26.
The arc-shaped curvature of the blocking member 32, as best seen in Figures 3, 6 and 7, refers to its shape in vertical cross-sectional planes thereof that lie parallel to the front and rear walls of the cage. The blocking member 32 has two constituent parts, each arching away from the pivot pin 34 in a different direction. The first part is an exit blocker 36 that spans a greater portion of the blocking member's arc-like shape and that, in a normal default position of the blocking member, shown in Figure 6, reaches across the exit opening 30 of the cage toward the opposing planar side wall 26 thereof, with the concave side of the blocking member's arc-like shape facing downwardly into the interior space of the cage 12 through the exit opening 30.
The normal default position of the blocking member 32 thus places the exit blocker 36 in a closed position where the distal end 36a of the exit blocker furthest from the pivot pin 34, and thus denoting one extreme end of the arc-shaped blocking member 32, resides in close proximity over or beside the top end of the opposing side wall 26 so as to substantially obstruct the exit opening 30 of the holding cage 12. This normal default position of the blocking members 32 thus denotes a closed position of the exit
The arc-shaped curvature of the blocking member 32, as best seen in Figures 3, 6 and 7, refers to its shape in vertical cross-sectional planes thereof that lie parallel to the front and rear walls of the cage. The blocking member 32 has two constituent parts, each arching away from the pivot pin 34 in a different direction. The first part is an exit blocker 36 that spans a greater portion of the blocking member's arc-like shape and that, in a normal default position of the blocking member, shown in Figure 6, reaches across the exit opening 30 of the cage toward the opposing planar side wall 26 thereof, with the concave side of the blocking member's arc-like shape facing downwardly into the interior space of the cage 12 through the exit opening 30.
The normal default position of the blocking member 32 thus places the exit blocker 36 in a closed position where the distal end 36a of the exit blocker furthest from the pivot pin 34, and thus denoting one extreme end of the arc-shaped blocking member 32, resides in close proximity over or beside the top end of the opposing side wall 26 so as to substantially obstruct the exit opening 30 of the holding cage 12. This normal default position of the blocking members 32 thus denotes a closed position of the exit
14 blocker 36, which thereby blocks exit of any beverage can from the interior space of the holding cage 12. The radius of curvature of the blocking member 32 is similar or slightly greater than the diameter of the conventional aluminum beverage can, whereby the floating action of an uppermost beverage can in the holding cage biases the can upwardly into generally conforming abutment with the concave underside of the exit blocker 36.
Figure 7 shows the blocking member 32 pivoted out of its normal default position into an actuated position. Pivotal movement of the blocking member 32 into this position from that of Figure 6 pivots the exit blocker 36 upwardly away from the exit opening 30 of the holding cage 12. During this movement, the uppermost beverage can buoyantly biased against the concave underside of the exit blocker 36 rises upwardly therewith, until the exit blocker 36 has pivoted far enough to swing its distal end 36a over-center of the beverage can while opening up a space that exceeds the beverage can diameter between the exit blocker's distal end 36a and the top end of the planar side wall 26, thereby denoting an open position of the exit blocker 36 that no longer obstructs the exit opening 30 of the holding cage, and thus opens up an area of the exit opening that is large enough to accommodate release of a single individual beverage can therefrom.
The second part of the blocking member 32 denotes a secondary blocker 38, which normally resides in a retracted position at or closely adjacent the multi-section side wall 24 on which the blocking member 32 is pivoted, as shown in Figure 6, but which is moved into a blocking position partially obstructing the exit
Figure 7 shows the blocking member 32 pivoted out of its normal default position into an actuated position. Pivotal movement of the blocking member 32 into this position from that of Figure 6 pivots the exit blocker 36 upwardly away from the exit opening 30 of the holding cage 12. During this movement, the uppermost beverage can buoyantly biased against the concave underside of the exit blocker 36 rises upwardly therewith, until the exit blocker 36 has pivoted far enough to swing its distal end 36a over-center of the beverage can while opening up a space that exceeds the beverage can diameter between the exit blocker's distal end 36a and the top end of the planar side wall 26, thereby denoting an open position of the exit blocker 36 that no longer obstructs the exit opening 30 of the holding cage, and thus opens up an area of the exit opening that is large enough to accommodate release of a single individual beverage can therefrom.
The second part of the blocking member 32 denotes a secondary blocker 38, which normally resides in a retracted position at or closely adjacent the multi-section side wall 24 on which the blocking member 32 is pivoted, as shown in Figure 6, but which is moved into a blocking position partially obstructing the exit
15 opening 30 of the holding cage as the exit blocker 36 moves into its open position, as shown in Figure 7. This way, the blocking member 32 allows exit of only a single individual beverage can at any time. That is, as the uppermost beverage can in the cage rises upwardly from the exit opening 30 of the holding cage 12, following the upwardly swinging motion of the exit blocker 36, the secondary blocker 38 (sharing the same pivot point 34 as the exit blocker and being rigidly connected thereto) synchronously follows behind the exit blocker 36 and the exiting beverage can so as to partially obstruct the exit opening 30 and thereby block the next beverage can from floating upwardly out of the holding cage 12 with the currently exiting beverage can.
So the concave arc-like shape of the blocking member 32 effectively wraps around the longitudinal axis of the exiting beverage can by about half the circumference thereof, whereby rolling of the exit blocker's distal end 36a over center of the exiting beverage can also rolls the secondary blocker's distal end 38a under center of the exiting beverage can so as to block the next uppermost beverage can from escaping the holding cage 12.
The apparatus includes an actuator for triggering movement of the blocking member from its normal default position into its actuated position releasing an individual beverage can from the holding cage. The actuator features an elongated actuator rod 40 running concentrically downwardly through the tubular longitudinal support 10 from the top end thereof. The upper end of the actuator rod 40 resides a short height above the open top end of the tubular longitudinal support, and features an enlarged head 42 affixed to the rod to form an input member that,
So the concave arc-like shape of the blocking member 32 effectively wraps around the longitudinal axis of the exiting beverage can by about half the circumference thereof, whereby rolling of the exit blocker's distal end 36a over center of the exiting beverage can also rolls the secondary blocker's distal end 38a under center of the exiting beverage can so as to block the next uppermost beverage can from escaping the holding cage 12.
The apparatus includes an actuator for triggering movement of the blocking member from its normal default position into its actuated position releasing an individual beverage can from the holding cage. The actuator features an elongated actuator rod 40 running concentrically downwardly through the tubular longitudinal support 10 from the top end thereof. The upper end of the actuator rod 40 resides a short height above the open top end of the tubular longitudinal support, and features an enlarged head 42 affixed to the rod to form an input member that,
16 when depressed by a human operator, drives the actuator rod 40 downwardly into a working direction that drives movement of the blocking member 32 into its actuated position. The actuator rod 40 terminates above the bottom end of the tubular longitudinal support 10, and the bottom end of the actuator rod 40 carries a lateral member 44 in the form of a metal bar or rod that lies diametrically of the tubular longitudinal support 10 and extends through a pair of longitudinal slots 46 formed in diametrically opposing sides of the tubular longitudinal support 10.
The multi-sectioned side wall 24 of the cage 12 on which the blocking member 32 is pivotally supported is offset to one side of the tubular longitudinal support 10. On this side of the tubular longitudinal support, the lateral member 44 is coupled to the lower end of an upright link 46 whose upper end is connected to a pull tab 48 that radiates outwardly from the concave outer side of the arc-shaped blocking member 32 past the blocking member's pivot pin 34 on the same side of the longitudinal support. The lateral member 44 and the upright link 46 are pivotally coupled to enable relative pivoting therebetween about an axis parallel to the pivot pin 34 of the blocking member 32. The actuator rod 40, the lateral member 44 fixed thereto, and the upright link 46 coupled thereto thereby form a linkage for moving the blocking member into its actuated position under depression of the actuator rod To perform this actuation, the input member atop the actuator rod is pushed down, for example by the hand or foot of a human operator, which slides the lateral member 44 downwardly toward the bottom end of the longitudinal support 10, thus pulling the lower end of the upright link 46 downwardly, which in turn pulls downwardly on the
The multi-sectioned side wall 24 of the cage 12 on which the blocking member 32 is pivotally supported is offset to one side of the tubular longitudinal support 10. On this side of the tubular longitudinal support, the lateral member 44 is coupled to the lower end of an upright link 46 whose upper end is connected to a pull tab 48 that radiates outwardly from the concave outer side of the arc-shaped blocking member 32 past the blocking member's pivot pin 34 on the same side of the longitudinal support. The lateral member 44 and the upright link 46 are pivotally coupled to enable relative pivoting therebetween about an axis parallel to the pivot pin 34 of the blocking member 32. The actuator rod 40, the lateral member 44 fixed thereto, and the upright link 46 coupled thereto thereby form a linkage for moving the blocking member into its actuated position under depression of the actuator rod To perform this actuation, the input member atop the actuator rod is pushed down, for example by the hand or foot of a human operator, which slides the lateral member 44 downwardly toward the bottom end of the longitudinal support 10, thus pulling the lower end of the upright link 46 downwardly, which in turn pulls downwardly on the
17 pull tab 48 of the blocking member 32 and thereby pivots the blocking member upwardly out of its normal default position.
After any such depression of the actuator rod 40 to perform release of a single individual beverage can from the holding cage, the blocking member 32 is returned to its normal default position by a return spring 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the return spring 50 is an extension spring having a lower end thereof coupled to the lateral member 44 and an upper end coupled to a stationary point on the longitudinal support or cage, for example at an uppermost cross-bar of the holding cage's rear wall. Accordingly, the return spring 50 pulls upwardly on the lateral member 44 fixed to the bottom end of the actuator rod 40, thereby biasing the actuator rod 40 upwardly, which in turn pulls up on the bottom end of the upright link 46 so that the top end of the link drives the pull tab 48 of the blocking member 32 upwardly in order to swing the blocking member 32 back down into its normal default position in which the exit blocker 36 over closes over the exit opening 30 of the cage 12. The return of the exit blocker 36 to its closed position withdraws the secondary blocker 38 from its blocking position back into its retracted position, thereby allowing the next uppermost beverage can in the holding cage to float upwardly into the concave embrace of the exit blocker 36 to enable release of this beverage can under the next actuation of the discharge device.
With reference to Figure 7, an extension 49 on the blocking member 32 is attached to the distal end 38a of the secondary blocker and curves back therefrom along the concave side of the blocking member 32 toward the pull tab 48 jutting
After any such depression of the actuator rod 40 to perform release of a single individual beverage can from the holding cage, the blocking member 32 is returned to its normal default position by a return spring 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the return spring 50 is an extension spring having a lower end thereof coupled to the lateral member 44 and an upper end coupled to a stationary point on the longitudinal support or cage, for example at an uppermost cross-bar of the holding cage's rear wall. Accordingly, the return spring 50 pulls upwardly on the lateral member 44 fixed to the bottom end of the actuator rod 40, thereby biasing the actuator rod 40 upwardly, which in turn pulls up on the bottom end of the upright link 46 so that the top end of the link drives the pull tab 48 of the blocking member 32 upwardly in order to swing the blocking member 32 back down into its normal default position in which the exit blocker 36 over closes over the exit opening 30 of the cage 12. The return of the exit blocker 36 to its closed position withdraws the secondary blocker 38 from its blocking position back into its retracted position, thereby allowing the next uppermost beverage can in the holding cage to float upwardly into the concave embrace of the exit blocker 36 to enable release of this beverage can under the next actuation of the discharge device.
With reference to Figure 7, an extension 49 on the blocking member 32 is attached to the distal end 38a of the secondary blocker and curves back therefrom along the concave side of the blocking member 32 toward the pull tab 48 jutting
18 therefrom, whereby the blocking member 32 and extension 39 collectively form a generally S-shaped structure. The purpose of the extension 49 is so that during exit of a released beverage can from the cage in the open position of the blocking member 32, the extension 49 prevents the next can from getting caught behind the blocking member 32 between the convex side thereof and the upper portion 24c of the side wall.
To enable convenient loading of multiple cans into the holding cage, as opposed to individual loading of cans into the holding cage by repeated actuation and release of the blocking member 32, the front wall 22 of the holding cage is detachably mounted to the remainder of the cage to enable opening and closing of the cage over the full height and width thereof at the front side. Figure 3 shows the front wall in a removed state granting this improved access to the interior space of the holding cage 12. At an intermediate height along the removable front wall, a cross-bar spans vertically across two upright bars 54, 56 of the front wall. The length of this cross-bar 52 exceeds the width of the cage's interior space, and each end of the cross-bar 52 carries a respective L-shaped latch arm 58 that first reaches perpendicularly from the cross-bar in the same horizontal plane as the cross-bar, and then turns vertically upward at the distal end of the latch arm. Each L-shaped latch arm 58 reaches inwardly or rearwardly from the front wall 22, i.e. toward the opposing rear wall 20 of the cage when the removable front wall 22 is in its installed position.
Each side wall 24, 26 of the cage features an exterior upright bar 60 spanning vertically between two cross-bars 62, 64 outside of the other upright bars 65a, 65b of
To enable convenient loading of multiple cans into the holding cage, as opposed to individual loading of cans into the holding cage by repeated actuation and release of the blocking member 32, the front wall 22 of the holding cage is detachably mounted to the remainder of the cage to enable opening and closing of the cage over the full height and width thereof at the front side. Figure 3 shows the front wall in a removed state granting this improved access to the interior space of the holding cage 12. At an intermediate height along the removable front wall, a cross-bar spans vertically across two upright bars 54, 56 of the front wall. The length of this cross-bar 52 exceeds the width of the cage's interior space, and each end of the cross-bar 52 carries a respective L-shaped latch arm 58 that first reaches perpendicularly from the cross-bar in the same horizontal plane as the cross-bar, and then turns vertically upward at the distal end of the latch arm. Each L-shaped latch arm 58 reaches inwardly or rearwardly from the front wall 22, i.e. toward the opposing rear wall 20 of the cage when the removable front wall 22 is in its installed position.
Each side wall 24, 26 of the cage features an exterior upright bar 60 spanning vertically between two cross-bars 62, 64 outside of the other upright bars 65a, 65b of
19 the side wall that delimit the interior space of the cage and constrain the beverage containers therein. Each exterior upright bar 60 has a metal loop 66 slidable therealong and reaching outward therefrom in a generally horizontal plane.
With reference to Figure 3, the bottom wall of the holding cage features a pair of metal rings or loops 68 fixed to the underside thereof. Referring to Figure 5, downturned ends 79a of a pair of horizontal legs 79 at the bottom of the removable front wall engage with the loops 68 of the bottom wall order to secure the removable wall in the installed position closing off the interior space of the holding cage. During placement of the removable front wall 22 on the cage 12, the slidable loops 66 on the side walls are raised up out of the way, and the downturned ends 79a of the horizontal lower legs 79 of the front wall are hooked into the rings or loops 68 at the underside of the bottom wall. The upper part of the removable front wall is then titled into place toward the opposing rear wall, and the slidable loops 66 on the side walls are lowered down over the upright ends 58a of the L-shaped latch arms 58, as best shown in Figure 12, thereby locking the removable front wall in place.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the scope of the claims without departure from such scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
With reference to Figure 3, the bottom wall of the holding cage features a pair of metal rings or loops 68 fixed to the underside thereof. Referring to Figure 5, downturned ends 79a of a pair of horizontal legs 79 at the bottom of the removable front wall engage with the loops 68 of the bottom wall order to secure the removable wall in the installed position closing off the interior space of the holding cage. During placement of the removable front wall 22 on the cage 12, the slidable loops 66 on the side walls are raised up out of the way, and the downturned ends 79a of the horizontal lower legs 79 of the front wall are hooked into the rings or loops 68 at the underside of the bottom wall. The upper part of the removable front wall is then titled into place toward the opposing rear wall, and the slidable loops 66 on the side walls are lowered down over the upright ends 58a of the L-shaped latch arms 58, as best shown in Figure 12, thereby locking the removable front wall in place.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the scope of the claims without departure from such scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (30)
1. A beverage cooling apparatus useful during ice fishing, said apparatus comprising:
a submersible beverage holder configured to hold a supply of beverage containers therein in a submerged state within a frozen-over body of water;
a discharge mechanism operable to discharge at least one beverage container from the submersible beverage holder; and an actuator operably linked to the discharge mechanism and operable from above the frozen-over body of water to actuate the discharge mechanism and thereby release said at least one beverage container.
a submersible beverage holder configured to hold a supply of beverage containers therein in a submerged state within a frozen-over body of water;
a discharge mechanism operable to discharge at least one beverage container from the submersible beverage holder; and an actuator operably linked to the discharge mechanism and operable from above the frozen-over body of water to actuate the discharge mechanism and thereby release said at least one beverage container.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the submersible beverage holder has an interior space configured to contain said supply of beverage containers therein and an exit opening in said beverage holding unit sized to allow release of an individual beverage container from the interior space of the beverage through said exit opening under actuation of the discharge mechanism.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the discharge mechanism comprises an exit blocker situated at or adjacent said exit opening and movable between a closed position at least partially obstructing the exit opening to prevent passage of said individual beverage container through said exit opening from the interior space of the beverage holding unit, and an open position opening up a greater area of the exit opening to enable exit of said individual beverage container through said exit opening.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the exit blocker is normally biased into the closed position.
5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the submersible beverage holder is configured to hold a plurality of beverage containers, and the discharge mechanism is configured to release only a single one of said beverage containers per actuation of the discharge mechanism.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 or 5 wherein the discharge mechanism further comprises a secondary blocker that is connected to the exit blocker for movement therewith and is configured to move into blocking position at least partially blocking the exit opening as the exit blocker moves into the open position, whereby the secondary blocker prevents exit of more than one beverage container per actuation of the discharge mechanism.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the secondary blocker and the exit blocker are rigidly connected and share a common pivot point about which the second blocker and the exit blocker are moved into the blocking and open positions, respectively, by the actuator.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 or 7 wherein the exit blocker and the secondary blocker comprise segments of a generally arc-shaped member that is pivotally supported on the submersible beverage holder with a concave inner side that faces into the interior space of the submersible beverage holder in the closed position of the exit blocker, the arc-shaped member being pivoted at a position offset from an apex of the arc-shaped member toward an end of the arc-shaped member corresponding to the secondary blocker.
9. The apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the exit blocker has a concave curvature that faces into the interior space of the submersible beverage holder and is shaped and sized to generally conform with a circumferential wall of a beverage container
10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9 comprising a longitudinal support having opposing upper and lower ends, the submersible beverage holder being attached to the longitudinal support proximate the lower end thereof such that the longitudinal support reaches upwardly out of the frozen-over body of water when the submersible beverage holder is submerged.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 comprising a set of anchors coupled to the longitudinal support adjacent the upper end thereof to reach outwardly away from the longitudinal support and brace against surface ice that overlies the frozen-over body of water at areas of said surface ice surrounding an ice fishing hole therein through which the longitudinal support reaches downwardly into the frozen-over body of water.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said anchors are selectively deployable into working positions reaching outwardly away from the longitudinal support to brace against the surface ice, and selectively retractable into stowed positions lying along said longitudinal support for compact storage and travel of the apparatus.
13. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the actuator comprises an actuator rod running along the longitudinal support from an operator input end of said actuator rod situated proximate the upper end of the longitudinal support, down to a working end that is linked to the discharge mechanism for actuation thereof.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 comprising an enlarged head on the actuator rod at the operator input end thereof to enable driving of the actuator rod in a downward working direction by depression of said enlarged head.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14 wherein the longitudinal support comprises a tubular member and the actuator rod runs downwardly through a hollow interior of said tubular member.
16. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein a connection between the actuator rod and the discharge mechanism comprises a lateral member reaching outwardly from the actuator rod.
17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein a connection between the actuator rod and the discharge mechanism comprises a lateral member reaching outwardly from the actuator rod through a longitudinal slot in a side of the tubular member.
18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the actuator is biased into a non-working position maintaining a normal default state of the discharge mechanism, by which the beverage containers are retained in the submersible beverage holder.
19 The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 17 comprising a return spring biasing the actuator rod upwardly into an idle position maintaining a normal default state of the discharge mechanism, by which the beverage containers are retained in the submersible beverage holder.
20. The apparatus of claim 17 or 18 comprising a return spring coupled between the lateral member of the actuator and a stationary anchor point on the beverage holder or longitudinal support to bias the actuator rod upwardly into an idle position maintaining a normal default state of the discharge mechanism, by which the beverage containers are retained in the submersible beverage holder.
21. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein the beverage holder comprises openings therein by which the beverage containers are directly exposed to the frozen-over body of water for optimal cooling of the beverage containers thereby.
22. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the beverage holder is a cage.
23. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 22 wherein the beverage holder comprises at least one openable/closeable access point of greater size than an individual beverage container to enable easy reloading of the beverage holder with multiple beverage containers.
24. The apparatus of clam 23 wherein the openable/closeable access point comprises an openable/closeable side wall of the beverage holder, opening of which provides access over a substantially full height and width of the beverage holder.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the openable/closeable side wall is open and closed by detachment and attachment of said openable/closeable side wall.
26. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 25 in combination with said supply of beverage containers, each of which is in a beverage-filled state, wherein each of said beverage containers and the contents thereof has an average density less than water, whereby said beverage containers will float to a surface of the frozen-over body of water.
27. A method of cooling beverages during ice fishing, said method comprising:
(a) with a supply of beverage containers contained within a beverage holder, placing said beverage holder in a submerged state within a frozen-over body of water through an ice-fishing hole in an ice layer overlying said frozen-over body of water: and (b) from a location above said frozen-over body of water, operating an actuator to open said beverage holder while still in the submerged state, and thereby releasing at least one of said beverage containers from the beverage holder for retrieval of said at least one beverage container from the frozen-over body of water.
(a) with a supply of beverage containers contained within a beverage holder, placing said beverage holder in a submerged state within a frozen-over body of water through an ice-fishing hole in an ice layer overlying said frozen-over body of water: and (b) from a location above said frozen-over body of water, operating an actuator to open said beverage holder while still in the submerged state, and thereby releasing at least one of said beverage containers from the beverage holder for retrieval of said at least one beverage container from the frozen-over body of water.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein step (b) comprises releasing said at least one beverage container while leaving at least one other beverage container remaining therein for continued cooling of said at least one other beverage container by the submerged state of the beverage holder.
29. The method of claim 27 or 28 wherein step (b) comprises releasing only one beverage container at a time.
30. The method of any one of claims 27 to 29 comprising step (c) of allowing said at least one of said beverage containers to float to surface within the ice fishing hole before retrieving said at least one of said beverage containers from said frozen-over body of water.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201662376549P | 2016-08-18 | 2016-08-18 | |
| US62/376,549 | 2016-08-18 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2976762A1 true CA2976762A1 (en) | 2018-02-18 |
Family
ID=61241972
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2976762A Abandoned CA2976762A1 (en) | 2016-08-18 | 2017-08-18 | Apparatus and method for cooling beverages while ice fishing |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2976762A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020076688A1 (en) * | 2018-10-11 | 2020-04-16 | Pepsico, Inc. | Beverage chiller |
-
2017
- 2017-08-18 CA CA2976762A patent/CA2976762A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020076688A1 (en) * | 2018-10-11 | 2020-04-16 | Pepsico, Inc. | Beverage chiller |
| CN112823265A (en) * | 2018-10-11 | 2021-05-18 | 百事可乐公司 | Beverage freezer |
| US11519654B2 (en) | 2018-10-11 | 2022-12-06 | Pepsico, Inc. | Beverage chiller |
| CN112823265B (en) * | 2018-10-11 | 2023-05-05 | 百事可乐公司 | Beverage freezer |
| US11959697B2 (en) | 2018-10-11 | 2024-04-16 | Pepsico, Inc. | Beverage chiller |
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| FZDE | Dead |
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