Carrier for ice fishing traps

• US 6,155,001 A
• Filed: 05/26/1999
• Issued: 12/05/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Phillip Marin
• Original Assignee: Phillip Marin
• Inventors: Marin, Phillip
• Primary Examiner(s): Carone, Michael J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen, Son T.
• Application Number:
  US09/318,995
• Time in Patent Office: 559 Days
• Field of Search: 43/54.1, 43/26, 43/21.2, 206/315.11, 206/372, 206/373, 224/922, 224/916, 224/604, 224/247, 224/609, 383/38-40, 211/70.8, 294/159
• US Class Current: 43/54.1
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 97/01 for ice-fishing ; Ice drilling, hook-setting or signalling devices

Abstract

A device allowing a person to carry a plurality of ice fishing traps. The device has two end pieces connected to each other by a plurality of sizing straps. Each end piece has a number of pockets capable of receiving the end of an ice fishing trap. The pockets on the respective end pieces are aligned so as to receive opposite ends of a trap. The device is then rolled in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the traps to form a cylindrical shape. Fastening means located on the outer surface of each end piece prevent the cylindrical shape from unrolling. A detachable shoulder strap enables the user to carry the device by slinging it over his/her shoulder, thereby leaving the hands free to perform other tasks.

Claims

1. A carrier for a plurality of ice fishing traps, said carrier comprising:

a) a first end piece having a first outer surface and a first inner surface, said first inner surface having a first plurality of pockets disposed thereon, wherein each of said first plurality of pockets has a rim forming an opening capable of receiving an end of one of said ice fishing traps;

b) a second end piece connected to said first end piece by a plurality of sizing straps, said second end piece having a second outer surface and a second inner surface, said second inner surface having a second plurality of pockets disposed thereon, wherein each of said second plurality of pockets has a rim forming an opening capable of receiving an opposite end of one of said ice fishing traps, wherein each opening of said second plurality of pockets is opposite one of said openings of said first plurality of pockets;

c) a first fastening means disposed on said first outer surface;

d) a second fastening means disposed on said second outer surface; and

e) a shoulder strap, said shoulder strap having a first end detachably coupled to said first outer surface and a second end detachably coupled to said second outer surface.

2. The carrier as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first end piece, said second end piece, and said shoulder strap are manufactured from a tear-resistant, quick-drying fabric.

3. The carrier as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one outer pocket, said outer pocket being disposed on either one of said first outer surface and said second outer surface.

4. The carrier as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening means both comprise hook-and-loop fasteners.

5. The carrier as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sizing straps are elastic.

6. The carrier as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said sizing straps has an adjustable length.

7. The carrier as claimed in claim 1 wherein said shoulder strap has an adjustable length.

8. The carrier as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said rims of said first plurality of pockets is elasticized.

9. The carrier as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said rims of said second plurality of pockets is elasticized.

10. An ice trap carrier comprising:

a) a first end piece having a first outer surface, said first outer surface having a pocket disposed thereon, and a first inner surface, said first inner surface having a first set of six pockets of equal size disposed thereon, each pocket of said first set having an elasticized rim defining a pocket opening capable of receiving an end of one of said ice fishing traps;

b) a second end piece, said second end piece being coupled to said first end by three sizing straps, said second end piece having a second outer surface and a second inner surface, said second inner surface having a second set of six pockets of equal size disposed thereon, wherein each pocket of said second set has an elasticized rim defining a pocket opening capable of receiving an opposite end of one of said ice fishing traps such that each of said pocket openings of said second set is opposite one of said pocket openings of said first set;

c) a first fastening means disposed on said first outer surface;

d) a second fastening means disposed on said second outer surface; and

e) a shoulder strap having a first end detachably coupled to said first outer surface and a second end detachably coupled to said outer surface.

11. An ice trap carrier as claimed in claim 10 wherein said first end piece, said second end piece, and said shoulder strap are manufactured from nylon.

12. The carrier as claimed in claim 10 wherein said first fastening means and said second fastening means both comprise hook-and-loop fasteners.

13. The carrier as claimed in claim 10 wherein said each of said sizing straps has an adjustable length.

14. The carrier as claimed in claim 10 wherein said shoulder strap has an adjustable length.

15. A method of carrying a plurality of ice fishing traps in an ice fishing trap carrier, said method comprising the steps of:

a) inserting a first end of an ice fishing trap in a pocket on an inner surface of a first end-piece of said carrier;

b) inserting an opposite end of said trap in a pocket on an inner surface of a second end-piece of said carrier located opposite the pocket containing said first end of said trap;

c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until all pockets in the first end-piece and the second end-piece are filled with ice fishing traps;

d) rolling the carrier in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the ice fishing traps to form a cylindrical shape;

e) securing fasteners located on an outer surface of said first end-piece;

f) securing fasteners located on an outer surface of said second end-piece;

g) attaching a shoulder-strap to the outer surfaces of the first and second end-pieces; and

h) carrying the trap by the shoulder-strap.