Modular Adaptive Shelving System: Multi-Industry Solution

Publication ID: 24-11857075_0002_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular Adaptive Shelving System: Multi-Industry Solution,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857075_0002_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857075_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. 11,857,075.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a wall-mountable shelf for bathroom accessories. However, this invention was limited to a specific application. The present invention addresses the need for a shelving system that can be applied to diverse industries, providing a modular and customizable solution for various use cases.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of this invention lies in its application of the core technology to diverse industries, including inventory management, retail, office furniture, smart homes, and musical instrument storage. The inventive step is the recognition of the shelving system's potential beyond its original application, coupled with the development of modular and customizable components to address the unique needs of each industry.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include adjustable shelving heights, interchangeable shelf materials, and integration with artificial intelligence-powered inventory management systems. Variations of the invention could also include shelving systems designed for specific industries, such as healthcare or hospitality.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The modular shelving system has vast commercial potential across various industries, including inventory management, retail, office furniture, smart homes, and musical instrument storage. The target market includes businesses and individuals seeking customizable and efficient shelving solutions. The invention's adaptability and versatility make it an attractive solution for industries seeking to optimize their storage and display capabilities.

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Architectural and industrial design, specifically wall-mounted storage systems and modular shelving technologies with expertise in materials science, structural engineering, and spatial optimization

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced engineering or design credentials, familiar with material properties, mounting techniques, and cross-industry adaptations of storage solutions, capable of recognizing transferable design principles across different application domains

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core wall-mountable shelf technology disclosed in the source patent represents a fundamental modular design that can be readily adapted to multiple industrial contexts through predictable modifications. The PTD's variations represent logical extensions of the original shelving concept by applying known mounting and material principles to different use cases. The systematic approach of integrating sensors, software, and industry-specific storage requirements represents incremental design choices well within the capabilities of an ordinary skilled practitioner.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Wall-mountable shelf using brittle materials like solid surface, ceramic, and glass

PTD Variation

Adapting the shelf design for specialized inventory management and retail display systems

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable application of existing structural design to alternative industrial contexts, utilizing known mounting techniques and material properties

Source Patent Element

Shelf with reactive adhesive bonding between apron and ledge

PTD Variation

Integrating sensor technologies and inventory tracking software into shelf structure

Obviousness Reasoning

Known technique of embedding electronic components into structural elements, representing a straightforward design modification for a PHOSITA

Source Patent Element

Modular shelf design with configurable mounting surfaces

PTD Variation

Creating industry-specific storage compartments for musical instruments and office workstations

Obviousness Reasoning

Obvious design adaptation using standard modular engineering principles, representing a finite set of predictable configuration options

Source Patent Element

Shelf capable of supporting various material compositions

PTD Variation

Smart home system with item detection and restocking alert capabilities

Obviousness Reasoning

Straightforward integration of sensor technology into existing shelf design, representing a known technique for enhancing functional utility

Source Patent Element

Wall-mounting mechanism with configurable attachment points

PTD Variation

Retail store layout optimization using strategically positioned shelving

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable application of existing shelving technology to spatial design challenges, representing an obvious design extension

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857075, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations represent obvious design extensions readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art, thereby establishing prior art that would render substantially similar patent claims non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103 due to the predictable combination of known structural and technological elements within a standard design optimization framework.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,075
Title	Wall-mountable accessory
Assignee(s)	Salto, LLC