InventionHome backs fish cleaning stand for safer filleting

Marilyn K. of Kalamazoo, Michigan created First Mate, a fish cleaning and filleting stand designed to hold small and medium fish steady during processing. The utility-patented device is now being marketed for licensing to U.S. manufacturers and distributors.

Why it matters: - First Mate is designed to reduce slip-related knife risks during fish cleaning and filleting. - The stand aims to improve stability, precision and sanitation when handling slippery fish. - The product is positioned for home users and outdoor settings where a stable work surface is often unavailable.

What happened: - Marilyn K. of Kalamazoo, Michigan created First Mate, a self-contained fish cleaning and filleting stand. - InventionHome is helping market the utility-patented product for sale or licensing. - The target licensees are U.S.-based manufacturers or distributors.

The details: - First Mate is built from food-safe or food-grade materials. - The stand is designed to support small- and medium-sized fish in a belly-up orientation. - Adjustable side walls provide lateral support and can be repositioned to fit fish of varying widths. - A vertically extending gill post includes a removable coupler that secures the fish at the gill region. - The retention system is intended to limit longitudinal and rotational movement during scaling, gutting, skinning or filleting. - The belly-up position gives direct access to the abdominal cavity and internal organs. - The product is intended for use with fish species and body sizes commonly handled by recreational anglers. - Suggested use settings include home, dockside, campsite and other outdoor fish-cleaning environments.

Between the lines: - The design addresses a common pain point in fish prep: keeping a slippery fish still while using a sharp blade. - The product also appears aimed at users with limited hand strength, reduced dexterity or impaired vision. - InventionHome is using the patent as the commercial hook, not a launched retail product.

What's next: - InventionHome is seeking companies interested in licensing or further developing First Mate. - Interested companies can contact InventionHome at member@inventionhome.com. - Inventors seeking help with patenting, marketing or licensing can contact info@inventionhome.com or call 1-866-844-6512. - More information is available on InventionHome's website and its articles library.