Specialized Surface Cleaning Devices for Unique Operational Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857138_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Surface Cleaning Devices for Unique Operational Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857138_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857138_0004_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. 11,857,138.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept adapts the original surface cleaning device with odor management to cater to specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as high-security areas, disaster relief zones, or extreme weather conditions.

Background and Problem Solved

The original surface cleaning device with odor management, as described in the original patent, provides a general solution for odor management during surface cleaning. However, it does not address the specific challenges posed by unique operational environments. For instance, in high-security areas, the device may need to be tamper-evident, while in disaster relief zones, it may need to be resistant to extreme weather conditions. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing specialized variations of the surface cleaning device tailored to these specific needs.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a surface cleaning device with an odor control assembly, which includes a fragrance member and an adjustment member. The adjustment member is designed to be transitioned between a plurality of user-selectable positions to vary the amount of fragrance particles output. Depending on the specific operational environment, the adjustment member can be designed to be tamper-evident, resistant to extreme weather conditions, waterproof, encrypted, or shock-resistant. For example, in high-security areas, the adjustment member can be encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. In disaster relief zones, the adjustment member can be designed to be resistant to extreme weather conditions, ensuring the device remains functional in harsh environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces novel features that distinguish it from the original patent. Specifically, the adjustment member's design variations for unique operational environments, such as tamper-evidence, resistance to extreme weather conditions, waterproofing, encryption, and shock-resistance, provide a non-obvious solution to the problem of adapting the surface cleaning device to specific markets or environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of fragrance members, such as essential oils or deodorizers, or incorporating additional features, such as air quality sensors or UV light disinfection. The inventive concept could also be applied to other types of cleaning devices, such as mops or dusters, to provide specialized solutions for various operational environments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including high-security facilities, disaster relief organizations, and extreme weather condition zones. The specialized surface cleaning devices can provide a competitive edge in these markets, offering tailored solutions that address specific operational challenges. Additionally, the inventive concept could be licensed to other companies or used as a platform for further innovation, expanding its market reach and potential.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A47 A47L7/0061
A A47 A47L5/30
A A47 A47L7/04
A A47 A47L9/0411
A A47 A47L9/0477
A A61 A61L9/042
A A61 A61L9/12

Field of Art

Surface cleaning devices with integrated odor management systems, encompassing vacuum cleaners, air purification technologies, and fragrance distribution mechanisms. Requires expertise in mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, and consumer appliance design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in home appliance design, familiar with modular component integration, environmental adaptation of consumer electronics, and user interface design for specialized equipment

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that adapting the source patent's odor management system for specialized environments represents predictable design variations using known engineering techniques. The core fragrance distribution mechanism remains fundamentally unchanged, with modifications primarily addressing environmental constraints through standard engineering approaches like waterproofing, encryption, and shock resistance.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Dial body with fragrance passageway configurable to adjust odor output
PTD Variation
Adding tamper-evident or encrypted design to the adjustment mechanism
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing security features on adjustable components is a known technique in high-security equipment design, representing a predictable solution to access control
Source Patent Element
Nozzle housing with drive motor generating heat
PTD Variation
Designing odor control assembly to withstand extreme weather conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Ruggedizing electronic components for harsh environments is a standard engineering practice with well-established design methodologies
Source Patent Element
Fragrance member integrated with surface cleaning device
PTD Variation
Incorporating alternative fragrance delivery methods like essential oils or UV disinfection
Obviousness Reasoning
Substituting fragrance delivery mechanisms represents an obvious design choice within a finite set of known techniques for odor management
Source Patent Element
Rotatable dial for fragrance passageway configuration
PTD Variation
Creating shock-resistant and waterproof adjustment mechanisms
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancing mechanical durability through material selection and structural reinforcement is a predictable engineering solution
Source Patent Element
Surface cleaning device with integrated odor management
PTD Variation
Adapting device for specialized operational environments like disaster relief zones
Obviousness Reasoning
Tailoring consumer electronics for specific use cases represents a standard product development approach with predictable design modifications
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, when considered in light of US Patent 11857138. The incremental modifications to the base surface cleaning device represent predictable design variations that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation, thereby establishing this disclosure as anticipatory prior art against potential future patent claims in this technological domain.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,138
TitleSurface cleaning device with odor management
Assignee(s)SharkNinja Operating LLC