Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Multifunctional Composite Foam: Advanced Material Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11857024_0007_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Multifunctional Composite Foam: Advanced Material Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857024_0007_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857024_0007_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. 11,857,024.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a high-performance composite foam for midsoles in performance footwear. However, the limitations of this technology were confined to the footwear industry. The present invention addresses the need for a multifunctional material that can be applied to diverse industries, providing innovative solutions for various applications.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in the application of the original composite foam technology, expanding its scope to encompass diverse industries. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the material's multifunctional potential and its adaptation to address specific challenges in various fields.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include varying the composition of the pelletized expanded thermoplastic elastomer, modifying the polyurethane matrix, or incorporating additional materials to enhance specific properties. The invention could also be adapted for use in other industries, such as aerospace, automotive, or medical devices.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The multifunctional composite foam material has vast commercial potential, with applications in industries such as renewable energy, construction, aerospace, and consumer products. The target market includes companies involved in thermal energy harvesting, building insulation, soundproofing, cryogenic storage, and wind turbine manufacturing, as well as industries seeking innovative materials for product development.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43B13/026
A A43 A43B13/04
C C08 C08J9/0061
C C08 C08L75/04
C C08 C08J2367/02
C C08 C08J2375/04
C C08 C08J2377/00
C C08 C08J2467/02
C C08 C08J2475/04
C C08 C08J2477/00

Field of Art

Polymer composite materials and manufacturing, with specific expertise in elastomeric foam technologies, material science, and advanced material applications across multiple engineering domains including footwear, thermal management, and structural components

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A materials engineer with advanced degree in polymer science or chemical engineering, experienced in composite material design, familiar with thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane matrix systems, and cross-industry material adaptation strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental compositional similarities between the source patent's composite foam and the PTD's proposed variations, understanding that the core material structure remains consistent while application domains change. The pelletized expanded thermoplastic elastomer and polyurethane matrix represent a versatile technological platform with inherent adaptability across thermal, structural, and acoustic domains. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the original material's fundamental properties, achievable through routine engineering design choices.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Pelletized expanded thermoplastic elastomer mixed within polyurethane matrix
PTD Variation
Thermal energy harvesting integration with thermoelectric devices
Obviousness Reasoning
Known thermal conversion techniques and material compatibility make this a predictable engineering adaptation with expected performance characteristics
Source Patent Element
Composite foam with specific elastomer composition
PTD Variation
Soundproofing applications leveraging material's acoustic absorption properties
Obviousness Reasoning
Material's inherent viscoelastic properties suggest natural sound dampening capabilities, representing a straightforward technical translation
Source Patent Element
Spheroid pelletized elastomer with 1-12mm dimensional range
PTD Variation
Cryogenic storage insulation utilizing material's thermal management characteristics
Obviousness Reasoning
Established material science principles demonstrate predictable thermal insulation performance based on existing compositional knowledge
Source Patent Element
Thermoplastic elastomer blend in polyurethane matrix
PTD Variation
Wind turbine blade surface enhancement for fatigue resistance
Obviousness Reasoning
Composite material's structural properties naturally suggest applicability to mechanical stress mitigation in engineering structures
Source Patent Element
Performance footwear midsole composite foam
PTD Variation
Building thermal insulation material
Obviousness Reasoning
Material's established thermal and structural properties make architectural insulation a logical and predictable alternative application
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857024's comprehensive disclosure of composite foam technology, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed technical variations obvious and predictable extensions of the foundational material composition, thereby establishing robust prior art against potential future patent claims in thermal, acoustic, and structural material domains.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,024
TitleComposite foam for midsole
Assignee(s)Columbia Sportswear North America, Inc.