Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Multi-Industry Energy Absorption Tech: Performance Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11857027_0007_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Multi-Industry Energy Absorption Tech: Performance Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857027_0007_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857027_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. 11,857,027.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,514, addressed the need for energy shock absorption and energy return in footwear. However, the limitations of the original patent were confined to the footwear industry. The present invention expands the scope of the original technology to address specific problems in various fields, such as stability and support in prosthetic limbs, balance and stability in wheelchairs, comfort and efficiency in bicycles, fatigue reduction in heavy backpacks, and athletic performance enhancement in swimming.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present invention is novel and non-obvious in its application of energy absorption and return systems to diverse industries beyond footwear. The new claims provide a significant expansion of the original patent's scope, addressing specific problems in various fields and providing innovative solutions that were not anticipated by the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include variations in the design and implementation of the energy absorption and return systems, such as different materials, geometries, and spring configurations. Additionally, the invention could be applied to other industries and devices, such as exoskeletons, orthotics, and sports equipment.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The present invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including prosthetics, wheelchairs, bicycles, backpacks, and swimming equipment. The market for these applications is substantial, with millions of people worldwide using these devices and equipment. The invention's ability to improve performance, comfort, and efficiency makes it an attractive solution for manufacturers and consumers alike.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43B13/181
F F16 F16F1/368
F F16 F16F3/10
F F16 F16F2224/0241
F F16 F16F2238/022

Field of Art

Mechanical engineering focusing on energy absorption and return systems, particularly in biomechanical and sports equipment applications, with expertise in spring mechanisms, flexible structures, and force transmission

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with advanced degree and 3-5 years experience in designing energy transfer systems, familiar with spring technologies, biomechanical design principles, and cross-industry adaptation of mechanical technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental energy absorption and return principles disclosed in the source patent as readily transferable to multiple technical domains. The core mechanical concept of energy storage and release through flexible leg and spring mechanisms can be systematically adapted to different mechanical systems with predictable results. The variations presented in the PTD represent straightforward extensions of known mechanical design principles using standard engineering problem-solving techniques.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Flexible curved legs with spring mechanisms for energy absorption in footwear
PTD Variation
Integrating similar spring mechanisms into prosthetic limbs for stability and support
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of known energy transfer principles to biomechanical assistive devices, representing a standard design approach for improving mechanical performance
Source Patent Element
Energy absorption system with multiple interconnected flexible components
PTD Variation
Implementing similar energy absorption systems in wheelchair design to enhance user mobility
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of adapting mechanical energy transfer principles across assistive technology domains with expected performance improvements
Source Patent Element
Spring-based energy return mechanism in shoe design
PTD Variation
Incorporating similar energy absorption systems into bicycle components like seats and pedals
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of obvious design solutions for improving mechanical efficiency using well-understood energy transfer principles
Source Patent Element
Curved flexible legs with spring mechanisms for force modulation
PTD Variation
Integrating energy absorption systems into athletic equipment like swimmer's kickboards
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of mechanical energy transfer technology using standard engineering design methodology
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857027, a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the claimed variations in energy absorption and return systems across diverse mechanical applications to be obvious and lacking in non-obvious inventive step. The systematic adaptation of spring-based energy transfer mechanisms to prosthetics, mobility devices, athletic equipment, and biomechanical systems represents a predictable application of known mechanical design principles.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,027
TitleShoes, devices for shoes, and methods of using shoes
Assignee(s)Athletic Propulsion Labs LLC