Adaptive Support Member: Multi-Industry Space Optimization

Publication ID: 24-11857083_0002_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Support Member: Multi-Industry Space Optimization,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857083_0002_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857083_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. 11,857,083.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Chair having a flexible support member,' addressed the need for a seating unit with a device for retaining accessory articles. However, its application was limited to the furniture industry. The present invention extends this core technology to new fields, solving the problem of clutter, disorganization, and inefficient use of space in various settings.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a non-obvious extension of the original patent's concept, applying the flexible support member to entirely new industries and use cases. The inventive step lies in recognizing the versatility of the core technology and adapting it to address specific challenges in different fields.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include adjustable support members with customizable hook assemblies, integrated sensors for monitoring stored items, or smart systems for tracking and managing inventory. Variations may also involve different materials, shapes, or sizes of the support member to accommodate specific industry requirements.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptable support member has significant commercial potential in various industries, including marine, cycling, recreational vehicles, healthcare, and workshops. Its ability to secure and organize items efficiently can lead to increased productivity, reduced clutter, and enhanced user experience. Target markets include manufacturers of boats, bicycles, and recreational vehicles, as well as healthcare providers and workshop operators.

Field of Art

Furniture design and ergonomic support systems, with expertise in structural configurations of seating units, attachment mechanisms, and modular support structures

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer or designer with knowledge of mechanical design, materials science, and ergonomic principles, capable of adapting structural support concepts across different industrial and functional contexts

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize the fundamental design of the flexible support member with hook assembly as a versatile structural element that can be readily adapted to different environments and use cases. The core technical concept of a flexible support with attachment capabilities is transferable across various contexts by applying standard engineering design principles. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations that extend the source patent's core technological concept through straightforward modifications and industry-specific adaptations.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Backrest with flexible support member and hook assembly for retaining accessory articles
PTD Variation
Applying the support member and hook assembly to boat seating for securing fishing gear
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of transferring attachment mechanisms between similar structural contexts, with predictable results in cargo management
Source Patent Element
Structural support member with convergent and divergent design allowing flexible attachment
PTD Variation
Integrating support member into bicycle seat for tool and accessory retention
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable design extension using standard engineering adaptation principles for modular attachment systems
Source Patent Element
Hook assembly protruding from a support structure for article retention
PTD Variation
Implementing support member in medical environments for equipment storage
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite identified solutions for storage challenges using known mechanical attachment techniques
Source Patent Element
Flexible support member with configurable attachment capabilities
PTD Variation
Adapting support structure for workshop tool organization
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious design choice applying standard mechanical engineering principles of modular attachment and load distribution
Source Patent Element
Structural support with integrated hook mechanism
PTD Variation
Implementing support member in recreational vehicle storage systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable variation using known techniques of mechanical adaptation and cross-industry design transfer
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857083, the disclosed variations represent obvious extensions of the original chair support member concept, demonstrating that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed adaptations to boat, bicycle, medical, workshop, and recreational vehicle contexts to be straightforward design modifications achieving predictable results through known engineering techniques.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,083
TitleChair having a flexible support member
Assignee(s)Steelcase Inc.