Advanced Pivotal Ice Fishing Hole Cover Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11856934_0006_PTD

Published: October 26, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Pivotal Ice Fishing Hole Cover Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856934_0006_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856934_0006_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 fishing hole cover had limitations in terms of visibility, wind resistance, and lid retention. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing a self-illuminating ring, pivotal lid portions designed to reduce wind resistance and ice accumulation, and an automatic lid retainer adjustment feature to accommodate varying ice thicknesses.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention provides a non-obvious improvement over the original patent by introducing a self-illuminating ring, reducing wind resistance and ice accumulation, and automatically adjusting the lid retainer to accommodate varying ice thicknesses. These features enhance the safety and efficiency of the ice fishing experience.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include different materials for the self-illuminating ring, adjustable hinge mechanisms, or varying thermal insulation layer designs. Additionally, the invention could be adapted for use in different types of fishing holes or environments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced pivotal ice fishing hole cover has significant commercial potential in the ice fishing industry, particularly among recreational and professional fishermen. The invention's advanced features and improved safety and efficiency could lead to increased market share and revenue growth.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A01	A01K97/01

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Ice fishing equipment design, specifically portable ice hole covers with mechanical closure mechanisms, requiring engineering skills in mechanical design, materials science, and outdoor equipment fabrication

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or technical designer with expertise in outdoor recreational equipment, familiar with thermal insulation techniques, mechanical hinges, and protective device design for extreme environmental conditions

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations and incremental improvements to the source patent's fundamental ice hole cover design. The proposed modifications leverage known engineering techniques and design principles that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance the original invention's functionality and user experience. These variations represent standard problem-solving approaches within the technical domain of ice fishing equipment design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Pivotal lid portions with hinge mechanism

PTD Variation

Self-illuminating ring and built-in fish detection system

Obviousness Reasoning

Adding electronic sensing and illumination components to mechanical devices is a predictable design enhancement using known electrical integration techniques

Source Patent Element

Lid retainer pin with actuator button

PTD Variation

Automatic adjustment for varying ice thicknesses

Obviousness Reasoning

Modifying mechanical retention mechanisms to accommodate environmental variations represents a standard engineering design optimization approach

Source Patent Element

Ring circumscribing ice fishing opening

PTD Variation

Integrated thermal insulation layer to reduce heat transfer

Obviousness Reasoning

Incorporating thermal management features is a routine design choice for improving equipment performance in cold environments

Source Patent Element

Pivotal lid portions with hinges

PTD Variation

Lid portions designed to reduce wind resistance and ice accumulation

Obviousness Reasoning

Aerodynamic and environmental adaptation modifications represent standard problem-solving approaches for outdoor equipment design

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 103, the variations disclosed in this published technical disclosure would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, with a reasonable expectation of success, when considered in light of US Patent 11856934. The incremental modifications represent predictable design variations that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation, thereby establishing this disclosure as valid prior art against potential future patent claims in the technical domain of ice fishing hole covers.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,934
Title	Pivotal ice hole cover