Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Molded Component Insert Customization Method

Publication ID: 24-11857025_0009_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Molded Component Insert Customization Method,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857025_0009_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857025_0009_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. 11,857,025.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a method for forming molded components with inserts, but it lacked adaptability for specialized markets. This invention addresses the limitations of the original patent by providing customized solutions for niche environments, where conventional molded components may not meet the required standards.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention's novelty lies in its adaptability to various niche environments, which is not addressed by the original patent. The inventive step is the customization of the insert's features to meet the specific requirements of each environment, providing a tailored solution that was not previously possible.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include different materials, geometries, or features for the insert, depending on the specific requirements of the niche environment. Additionally, the invention could be implemented using different molding techniques or apparatuses, such as 3D printing or injection molding.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including defense, disaster relief, outdoor gear, search and rescue, and aerospace. The customized solutions provided by the invention can help companies operating in these industries to improve their products and services, thereby gaining a competitive advantage.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43B13/04
B B29 B29D35/0018
B B29 B29D35/122
B B29 B29D35/14
B B29 B29D35/142

Field of Art

Molding and manufacturing technologies, specifically focused on insert molding techniques for component fabrication across various industrial and specialized environments, with expertise in materials science, precision manufacturing, and insert design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with advanced engineering knowledge in materials processing, injection molding techniques, insert design, and composite material fabrication, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering or materials science with 3-5 years of industrial manufacturing experience

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core molding methodology by adapting the fundamental insert and plug molding technique to specialized environmental contexts. The core technical mechanism of disposing a plug within a receptacle and molding around an engagement feature remains consistent across the disclosed variations. The adaptations primarily involve selecting appropriate materials and configuring insert features to match specific application requirements, which would be considered routine design optimization within the skilled practitioner's capabilities.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Molding a plug including an elastomer material within a receptacle of an insert with an engagement feature
PTD Variation
Adapting the insert design for high-security applications by incorporating a securement feature
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying insert geometry to enhance functional characteristics is a predictable design choice for a PHOSITA, representing a straightforward application of known molding techniques to achieve specialized performance requirements
Source Patent Element
Method of pressing a plug into a receptacle under heat and pressure
PTD Variation
Implementing the molding technique for disaster relief or high-altitude environment applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Transferring established molding processes to different environmental contexts represents a standard engineering approach of adapting proven manufacturing techniques to novel use cases
Source Patent Element
Insert including a bushing and laterally extending flange
PTD Variation
Incorporating tracking features or critical component protection mechanisms in the insert design
Obviousness Reasoning
Augmenting standard insert geometries with additional functional elements is a routine design modification that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance component performance
Source Patent Element
Molding method involving a plug and receptacle with engagement features
PTD Variation
Using composite materials and removable plugging techniques for extreme weather condition applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Selecting alternative material compositions and implementing protective strategies during molding represents standard engineering problem-solving within the skilled practitioner's expertise
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would be considered obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art in light of US Patent 11857025, as the technical modifications represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core molding methodology through routine design optimization and application-specific adaptations that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,025
TitleSystem and method for forming a molded component with an insert
Assignee(s)NIKE, Inc.