Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Adaptive Ice Hole Cover: Advanced Fishing & Research Tech

Publication ID: 24-11856934_0004_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Ice Hole Cover: Advanced Fishing & Research Tech,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856934_0004_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856934_0004_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, designed for general ice fishing purposes, lacked adaptability for specialized environments. This invention addresses the limitations of the original design by introducing novel features that cater to specific market needs, ensuring enhanced performance, safety, and usability in diverse contexts.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of this invention lies in the strategic adaptation of the original pivotal ice hole cover to address the unique challenges and requirements of specialized environments. The inventive step resides in the deliberate integration of novel features, materials, and functionalities that enable the ice hole covers to thrive in diverse contexts, thereby expanding their commercial appeal and usability.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in materials, shapes, and sizes to accommodate different ice fishing hole dimensions, environmental conditions, or user preferences. Additional features, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or advanced sensors, could be integrated to further enhance the performance and versatility of the adaptive ice hole covers.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including recreational ice fishing, disaster relief, search and rescue operations, environmental monitoring, and scientific research. The adaptive ice hole covers can be marketed to specialized users, such as ice fishermen, emergency responders, researchers, and outdoor enthusiasts, who require tailored solutions for their specific needs and environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01K97/01

Field of Art

Ice fishing equipment design, specifically protective covers for ice fishing holes, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, materials science, and outdoor equipment adaptation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or product designer with experience in outdoor equipment, familiar with thermal insulation, modular design principles, and environmental adaptation techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental ice hole cover design provides a versatile platform for environmental and functional modifications. The core mechanical structure of the pivotal cover can be readily adapted to different use cases by integrating known technologies and design principles. The variations proposed in the PTD represent predictable extensions of the original patent's core technical concept.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Pivotal lid portions with hinges that allow opening and closing of the ice hole cover
PTD Variation
Adding a satellite communication module or self-luminating feature to the cover
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating electronic components into mechanical devices is a known technique, and a PHOSITA would find it obvious to enhance the functional utility of the ice hole cover with communication or illumination technologies
Source Patent Element
Ring configuration designed to circumscribe an ice fishing opening
PTD Variation
Using thermally-insulated materials or incorporating a built-in heating element
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection and thermal management are predictable design choices for outdoor equipment, and a PHOSITA would recognize the benefits of improving temperature resistance in extreme environments
Source Patent Element
Lid retainer mechanism with spring-biased configuration
PTD Variation
Implementing a tamper-evident locking mechanism for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting locking mechanisms to enhance security is a standard design approach, and the modification represents a finite, predictable solution to access control
Source Patent Element
Hinged lid portions that can fully open on demand
PTD Variation
Reinforced anchoring system for high-wind or high-altitude environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Structural reinforcement is a standard engineering technique, and a PHOSITA would recognize the need to adapt the cover's design to withstand different environmental conditions
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856934, the variations disclosed herein would be obvious to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art, as they represent predictable modifications to the fundamental ice hole cover design using known techniques and technologies. The disclosed adaptations constitute prior art that would render obvious any patent claims covering similar technical variations, demonstrating the limitations of non-obvious innovation in this technical domain.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,934
TitlePivotal ice hole cover