Special receptacle or package – For a sport implement – exercise device – or game – For hunting or fishing equipment
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-11
2001-05-29
Bui, Luan K. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
For a sport implement, exercise device, or game
For hunting or fishing equipment
C043S055000, C062S371000, C062S457100, C220S254800, C220S318000, C220S524000, C220S756000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237765
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Art
The present invention relates generally to a bait bucket, and more particularly, to a refrigerated fishing bait bucket with an improved access lid.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A variety of fishing tackle boxes and bait buckets exist in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,226,553 and 5,169,018 both issued to Fiore disclose a tackle box with a lid latching handle and a removable carrying case. These patents, however, fail to disclose any inner compartment or area for ice or other similar material to keep the contents of the tackle box cool.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,359 to Doughty discloses a combination receptacle and ice chest for a sportsman. In this disclosure, a container slides into the hollow interior of a base member forming an annular space between the inner walls of the base member and the outer walls of the container. A cover is positioned in the top of the base member and covers both the container and the base member. Thus, this patent fails to show a structure in which access to the interior of the container can be gained without exposing the ice to ambient temperatures. U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,544 to Testa, Jr., discloses a combination bait storage cooler and tackle holder. The apparatus is comprised of an insulated box that includes a main lid. A smaller lid opens into an enclosed area inside the main lid to provide access to fishing bait. However, this patent fails to disclose any external cooling means.
While the above and various other fishing bait containers exist, there is a continuing need for an improved bait bucket which provides better access to the bait, provides improved cooling means and extended cooling time for the bait and provides a more user friendly bucket which can easily be latched and unlatched.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a fishing bait bucket which is designed primarily to keep fishing bait or the like cool for extended periods of time. The bait bucket of the present invention also provides ready access to the bait when desired without exposing the ice or other coolant to ambient temperatures and provides convenient means for locking the cooling material within the container to achieve the benefits of the invention.
More specifically, the fishing bait bucket in accordance with the present invention includes an outer box or container comprised of thermal insulating material. The bait bucket also includes an inner bait receiving chamber which is located inside the outer box in a fixed position. The inner chamber includes a wall which is spaced inwardly from the outer container wall to define an ice receiving cavity to receive ice or other cooling material.
The bait bucket of the present invention also includes a main lid which covers the open top of the outer container as well as the top of the ice receiving cavity and the bait receiving chamber. The main lid is designed so that it can be selectively attached or detached from, the outer container.
The bait bucket of the present invention also includes an access lid located within the main lid which is positioned in the area of the inner chamber so as to provide access to the inner chamber without removing the main lid from the outer box or exposing the ice within the ice cavity to ambient elements. The bottom or inner surface of the main lid is designed so that it mates with the bait receiving chamber as well as the outer container.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved refrigerated bait bucket.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a bait bucket with an access lid for providing access only to the bait.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a bait bucket with a main lid selectively connected to an outer container with a bait access door within the main lid.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings, the description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.
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Hagen Harold L.
Hagen Keith L.
Hagen Kevin H.
Bui Luan K.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Mitchell Manufacturing LLC
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