Modular Storage System for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept discloses a versatile storage system that can be adapted to various industries, providing a modular and customizable solution for storing and organizing diverse items, including medical equipment, musical instruments, books, laboratory samples, and sports equipment.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Art rack with dowels,' addressed the limitations of traditional art storage racks by providing an adjustable and customizable solution. However, this invention was limited to the art storage industry. The present inventive concept builds upon this core technology to tackle the broader problem of inadequate storage solutions across multiple industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a modular storage system consisting of a first base rail and a second base rail placed parallel to each other on a surface, with a plurality of top apertures and side apertures. A plurality of storage dowels are inserted into the top apertures to form slots for holding diverse items. The system can be configured to accommodate various item sizes and types by adjusting the dowel positions and adding or removing dowels as needed. This modular design enables the system to be easily adapted to different industries and applications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its ability to apply the core technology of the original patent to entirely new industries and use cases, such as medical equipment storage, musical instrument storage, book storage, laboratory sample storage, and sports equipment storage. The inventive step is the recognition of the broader applicability of the adjustable and customizable storage system beyond the art storage industry.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the material and design of the base rails and dowels to suit specific industry requirements. For example, medical equipment storage may require stainless steel or antimicrobial materials, while musical instrument storage may require padding or vibration-dampening features.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The modular storage system has significant commercial potential across various industries, including healthcare, music, education, laboratory research, and sports. The system's adaptability and customizability make it an attractive solution for organizations and individuals seeking efficient and organized storage solutions.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Storage systems and modular organizational technologies, encompassing design of rack and shelving solutions across multiple industries. Requires engineering knowledge of structural design, material compatibility, and adaptable storage configurations
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or industrial designer with expertise in modular storage solutions, familiar with adapting basic structural designs across different application domains, possessing skills in spatial configuration and material selection
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental storage rack design disclosed in the source patent represents a generalizable framework easily translatable across different storage contexts. The core technical elements - parallel base rails, adjustable dowel positioning, and modular configuration - are inherently adaptable to diverse storage requirements. The variations presented in the PTD represent predictable extensions of the original patent's core technological concept.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,090 |
|---|---|
| Title | Art rack with dowels |