Flexible Container Support System: Multi-Industry Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11857078_0002_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Flexible Container Support System: Multi-Industry Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857078_0002_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857078_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. 11,857,078.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed an inflatable airbed mattress internal support system, addressing the issue of shape deformation under user weight. However, this innovation has limited applicability beyond the airbed industry. The present invention expands the core technology to cater to diverse industries, such as environmental remediation, construction, disaster relief, agriculture, and aerospace, where flexible containers require internal support to maintain their shape and structural integrity.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel application of the internal support system to diverse industries, leveraging the core technology to address specific challenges in each field. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the internal support system to cater to the unique requirements of each industry, demonstrating a non-obvious expansion of the original patent's scope.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in the material, shape, and size of the inflatable walls and side support beams, as well as different attachment mechanisms and modular configurations. Additionally, the system could be integrated with sensors and monitoring systems to provide real-time feedback on container performance and structural integrity.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including environmental remediation, construction, disaster relief, agriculture, and aerospace. The flexible container internal support system can enable the use of flexible containers in applications where they were previously impractical, opening up new markets and revenue streams for companies operating in these industries.

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Inflatable structure design and engineering, with expertise in pneumatic systems, material science, and structural mechanics for flexible containment solutions

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in inflatable product design, familiar with material properties, structural reinforcement techniques, and modular design principles across multiple industries

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core inflatable support system disclosed in the source patent represents a fundamental structural approach that can be readily adapted to different container applications by applying known engineering principles of structural reinforcement and modular design. The internal support wall and side beam configuration provides a versatile structural solution that can be translated across diverse industrial contexts with predictable results. The technical essence of maintaining container shape and integrity through internal pneumatic structures remains consistent across the disclosed variations.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Internal support wall constructed from single or multiple panels connected between top and bottom surfaces

PTD Variation

Applying the internal support wall concept to environmental remediation, construction, disaster relief, agriculture, and aerospace containers

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable extension of known structural support technique to solve shape maintenance challenges in different container applications using standard engineering design adaptation

Source Patent Element

Side support beams extending at non-normal angles between top and bottom panels

PTD Variation

Modifying beam configuration to accommodate specific container requirements in different industries

Obviousness Reasoning

Routine design modification using known geometric principles to optimize structural performance for specific use cases

Source Patent Element

Attachment mechanisms for securing internal support structures

PTD Variation

Developing alternative attachment methods for interconnecting inflatable walls and support beams in modular systems

Obviousness Reasoning

Obvious implementation of known connection techniques using standard mechanical engineering design approaches

Source Patent Element

Pneumatic inflation mechanism for maintaining structural integrity

PTD Variation

Integrating sensor and monitoring systems to provide real-time feedback on container performance

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable technological enhancement using standard instrumentation and control system design principles

Source Patent Element

Flexible material-based container with internal support structures

PTD Variation

Adapting support system for specialized environments like aerospace launch and re-entry conditions

Obviousness Reasoning

Routine engineering adaptation applying known structural design principles to extreme environmental requirements

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857078, a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the disclosed variations in flexible container support systems to be obvious extensions of the prior art, representing predictable applications of known structural design principles across multiple industrial domains. The fundamental approach of utilizing internal pneumatic support walls and strategically positioned support beams demonstrates a straightforward technological translation that lacks inventive complexity and would be apparent to a skilled practitioner in the field.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,078
Title	Inflatable airbed mattress internal support system
Assignee(s)	POLYGROUP MACAU LIMITED (BVI)