Modular Containment Systems for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A versatile, modular containment system leveraging the core technology of surgical drapes with containers to address contamination and waste management challenges across various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, emergency response, and environmental remediation.
Background and Problem Solved
The original surgical drape with container patent primarily focused on urological procedures, leaving a significant gap in addressing contamination and waste management challenges in other industries. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the core technology to diverse applications, providing a flexible and effective solution for managing contaminants and waste in various settings.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The modular containment system consists of a canopy portion with a fluid-impermeable layer and an attached container for collecting and disposing of contaminated materials. The system can be configured to accommodate various industries, such as agricultural greenhouses, industrial manufacturing facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing cleanrooms, emergency response situations, and environmental remediation projects. The canopy portion can be sized and shaped to fit specific equipment or areas, and the container can be designed for easy attachment and detachment. The system's modular design enables easy assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration to adapt to different use cases.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a non-obvious and innovative application of the surgical drape with container technology to diverse industries, providing a unique solution for managing contaminants and waste. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the core technology's potential for broader applications and the development of modular, adaptable designs to address specific industry challenges.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include customizable canopy shapes and sizes, varying container materials and designs, and integration with existing equipment or infrastructure. Variations could also involve different attachment mechanisms, adjustable container capacities, or incorporation of sensors and monitoring systems to optimize waste management and contamination control.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The modular containment system has significant commercial potential across various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, emergency response, and environmental remediation. The system's adaptability, ease of use, and effectiveness in managing contaminants and waste make it an attractive solution for industries seeking to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Contamination Control and Protective Systems, with expertise in medical device draping, industrial containment, and modular protective equipment design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced technical training in materials engineering, medical device design, or industrial safety systems, capable of understanding fluid-impermeable barriers, modular system design, and cross-industry contamination management strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental principles of the surgical drape with container technology as readily adaptable to diverse contamination control scenarios. The core technical elements of fluid-impermeable coverage and integrated waste collection are universally applicable across multiple industrial and environmental contexts. The modular design principles demonstrated in the source patent provide a clear technological framework for extending the invention to alternative use cases with predictable and successful results.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,287 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical drape with container |
| Assignee(s) | PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation |