Modular Lab Storage System: Advanced Sample Management

Publication ID: 24-11857069_0002_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular Lab Storage System: Advanced Sample Management,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857069_0002_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857069_0002_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. 11,857,069.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed an apparatus and method for storing jars, which, although effective for its intended purpose, had limitations in terms of adaptability to other industries. This invention addresses the need for a versatile storage system that can be easily modified and customized for diverse laboratory and medical applications, thereby providing a more efficient and organized way to store critical materials and samples.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel application of the core technology, expanding its scope to encompass laboratory and medical storage needs. The inventive step lies in the customization of the front retaining member to accommodate specific requirements of different industries, thereby creating a modular and adaptable storage system.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include varying the angle of connection between the base and side retaining members, incorporating additional features such as sensors or automated retrieval systems, or using different materials for the construction of the storage system. These variations would ensure broad conceptual coverage and allow for further customization to meet specific industry needs.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The modular storage system has significant commercial potential in the laboratory and medical industries, where efficient and organized storage of materials and samples is critical. The system's adaptability and customization options make it an attractive solution for a wide range of applications, from medical vial storage to laboratory sample management and chemical reagent storage.

Field of Art

Storage systems and organizational apparatus, with specific expertise in container retention mechanisms for laboratory, medical, and industrial applications

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or industrial designer with experience in modular storage solutions, familiar with precision mounting systems, material adaptations, and cross-industry design translation

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental storage apparatus design can be readily adapted across different technical domains by modifying surface characteristics or environmental interactions while maintaining the core structural geometry. The source patent's jar storage system provides a universal framework that can be systematically modified to suit specialized storage requirements through predictable engineering modifications. These variations represent straightforward design extensions that do not require inventive complexity beyond routine engineering skill.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Base configured to connect to a surface via fasteners with perpendicular side retaining members
PTD Variation
Adapting the base and retention geometry to medical vial, laboratory sample, and chemical reagent storage
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable design translation applying known mounting principles to different container types with minimal structural modification
Source Patent Element
Rotational and translational motion for jar insertion/removal
PTD Variation
Applying identical motion mechanics to medical vials and laboratory samples
Obviousness Reasoning
Consistent mechanical interaction principle that remains functionally equivalent across different container geometries
Source Patent Element
Perpendicular connection angles between base and side members
PTD Variation
Introducing specialized front retaining member surfaces like sterile, refrigerated, or ventilated interfaces
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of adding functional surface treatments to standard structural geometries to enable domain-specific adaptations
Source Patent Element
Modular storage apparatus with geometric constraints
PTD Variation
Expanding application from jar storage to specialized scientific and medical container retention
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of predictable design adaptations representing routine engineering problem-solving across related technical domains
Source Patent Element
Fastener-based surface connection mechanism
PTD Variation
Specifying laboratory surface mounting with identical connection principles
Obviousness Reasoning
Straightforward design translation using known mounting techniques with no substantive technical innovation
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed herein would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, as they represent predictable engineering adaptations of the foundational storage apparatus disclosed in US Patent 11857069, employing routine design modifications to translate a fundamental storage mechanism across multiple technical domains without introducing non-obvious technological complexity.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,069
TitleApparatus and method for storing jars