Ice Hole Preservation Device

Abstract

Disclosed is an ice hole plug comprising an elongated pipe member, an end cap closing off one end of the pipe and having a pneumatic valve, along with a bracket attachable to the pipe exterior. The pipe is placed through a hole in a layer of ice that provides access to a body of water therethrough, wherein the pipe bracket prevents the pipe from falling through the hole. An air pump is then connected to the pneumatic valve to pressurize the pipe and force liquid from its interior, preventing the pipe from freezing closed. The pipe brackets further provide a means to weight the device and counteract its buoyancy during pressurization. Once installed, the pipe retains the hole over a prolonged period, preventing hole closure due to freezing and ice accumulation. The hole and water under the ice is the accessible by removing the end cap.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.