Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Ice Fishing Hole Cover: Smart Safety Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11856934_0001_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Ice Fishing Hole Cover: Smart Safety Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856934_0001_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856934_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,934.

Background and Problem Solved

The original pivotal ice hole cover patent, while innovative, had inherent limitations such as accidental opening during strong winds, corrosion susceptibility, and manual operation. This new invention addresses these limitations by incorporating a mechanical override mechanism, safety latch, corrosion-resistant materials, and electronic actuation, thereby ensuring effortless opening, improved safety, and enhanced durability.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention's novelty lies in the combination of the mechanical override mechanism, safety latch, corrosion-resistant materials, electronic actuation, and fish landing assist feature, which collectively provide a more efficient, convenient, and safe ice fishing experience. The inventive step is the integration of these features to address the limitations of the original patent, resulting in a significantly improved pivotal ice hole cover system.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include variations in the lid retainer mechanism, such as using a hydraulic or pneumatic system instead of electronic actuation. Additionally, the fish landing assist feature could be modified to accommodate different types of fish or fishing styles. The corrosion-resistant materials used for the ring and lid halves could also be substituted with other durable materials.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced pivotal ice hole cover system has significant commercial potential in the ice fishing industry, particularly among recreational and professional anglers. The invention's improved safety features, durability, and automation capabilities make it an attractive solution for ice fishing enthusiasts, fishing guides, and outdoor gear manufacturers.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01K97/01

Field of Art

Ice fishing equipment design, specifically protective covers for ice fishing holes, requiring mechanical engineering skills, understanding of outdoor equipment functionality, and materials science knowledge

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or product designer with expertise in outdoor recreational equipment, familiar with materials selection, mechanical mechanisms, and environmental adaptation techniques for fishing accessories

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's foundational ice hole cover design. The disclosed modifications leverage standard design techniques and known mechanical principles to enhance functionality and user experience. These variations would be considered routine engineering adaptations within the standard problem-solving approach of the technical field.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Pivotal lid portions with hinge mechanism from source patent
PTD Variation
Adding mechanical override mechanism and electronic actuator for lid opening
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to incorporate remote or assisted opening mechanisms, as mechanical actuation improvements are predictable solutions for enhancing user convenience in outdoor equipment
Source Patent Element
Ring circumscribing ice fishing opening
PTD Variation
Constructing ring from corrosion-resistant materials
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection for improved durability is a standard design optimization that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner, especially for outdoor equipment exposed to harsh environmental conditions
Source Patent Element
Lid retainer with spring biasing mechanism
PTD Variation
Adding safety latch to prevent accidental opening
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing additional safety features is a predictable design enhancement that addresses known user interaction challenges, representing a logical extension of existing mechanical control systems
Source Patent Element
Basic pivotal lid structure
PTD Variation
Incorporating fish landing assist feature
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying equipment to improve functional utility is a standard design approach, and integrating fish handling capabilities represents an obvious optimization for ice fishing equipment
Source Patent Element
Lid retainer pin mechanism
PTD Variation
Adding illumination source to pin button
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating lighting features into mechanical components is a known technique for improving user interaction and functionality in outdoor equipment design
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on a comprehensive analysis of US Patent 11856934 and the corresponding Published Technical Disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious and lacking inventive step under 35 U.S.C. Section 103. The disclosed modifications represent predictable engineering improvements that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner without requiring extraordinary insight or non-obvious problem-solving.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,934
TitlePivotal ice hole cover