Advanced Retractable Rod Connecting Device Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11857067_0001_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Retractable Rod Connecting Device Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857067_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857067_0001_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. 11,857,067.

Background and Problem Solved

The original connecting device with retractable rods, as described in the prior patent, has limitations in terms of weight, impact resistance, and component wear. The present invention addresses these issues by introducing innovative materials, mechanisms, and designs that improve the overall performance and usability of the connecting device.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present invention's novelty lies in the combination of advanced materials, damping mechanisms, low-friction coatings, rod-locking systems, and modular designs, which collectively provide a significant improvement over the original patent. The inventive step is evident in the integration of these features, which were not obvious from the prior art.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different materials, such as carbon fiber or titanium, for the retractable rods. The damping mechanism could be replaced with an elastic or hydraulic system. The low-friction coating could be applied using various methods, such as electroplating or spraying. The rod-locking mechanism could be designed with different locking configurations, and the modular case could be adapted for various applications, such as furniture or machinery.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced connecting device has significant commercial potential in various industries, including furniture manufacturing, sports equipment, and machinery production. The invention's improved efficiency, safety, and convenience features make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to enhance their products and reduce production costs.

Field of Art

Mechanical engineering, specifically folding furniture and connection mechanisms, with expertise in rod-based retractable structural systems and modular design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in furniture design, familiar with telescoping mechanisms, material selection, and structural connection techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's connecting device. The proposed modifications involve standard design optimization techniques commonly applied in mechanical systems. Each variation represents a straightforward extension of the existing patent's core technical principles using known materials and manufacturing approaches.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Retractable rod connection system with case and multiple interconnected rods
PTD Variation
Lightweight high-strength material rod construction
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection is a routine design choice for improving structural performance, with predictable results in reducing weight while maintaining mechanical properties
Source Patent Element
Connecting members with slots and posts for rod attachment
PTD Variation
Low-friction coating on rod surfaces to reduce wear
Obviousness Reasoning
Surface treatment to minimize friction is a standard engineering technique for improving mechanical component durability and performance
Source Patent Element
Rotatable connection mechanisms between rods and case
PTD Variation
Integrated damping mechanism to control rod retraction
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding controlled motion damping is a well-known method for managing mechanical system dynamics, representing a predictable solution to potential impact issues
Source Patent Element
Modular housing with positioning posts and holes
PTD Variation
Enhanced modular case design for easier component replacement
Obviousness Reasoning
Designing for modularity and ease of maintenance is a standard design optimization approach in mechanical systems
Source Patent Element
Rod connection system with locking capabilities
PTD Variation
Explicit rod-locking mechanism for transportation stability
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing additional locking features represents a straightforward design enhancement using known mechanical fastening techniques
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857067, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the technical variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the prior art. The proposed modifications represent predictable engineering improvements utilizing standard design techniques, material selections, and mechanical system optimizations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner in the field of mechanical connection devices.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,067
TitleConnecting device having retractable rods
Assignee(s)JIANGXI RASSON BILLIARD MANUFACTURING CO., LTD