Adaptable Sealing and Insulation Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel application of earplug and pumping systems to various industries, enabling adaptable sealing and insulation solutions for diverse applications.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, focused on earplug and pumping systems, has limitations in terms of its applicability to other fields. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the core technology to solve sealing and insulation problems in industrial pipes, building insulation, wound care, underwater equipment, and machinery vibration reduction.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises adaptable systems that utilize inflatable elements, flexible anti-distal ends, and attachment mechanisms to provide sealing and insulation solutions. These systems can be configured to fit various applications, including industrial pipes, building gaps, wounds, underwater equipment, and vibrating machinery components. The inflatable elements expand to adjustable pressures, allowing for customizable sealing and insulation performance. The flexible anti-distal ends enable deformation to accommodate different shapes and sizes, while the attachment mechanisms ensure secure fastening to the target application.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications of the earplug and pumping system technology, expanding its scope beyond the original earplug context. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to address diverse sealing and insulation challenges, providing a unified solution across multiple industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in the material properties of the inflatable elements, flexible anti-distal ends, and attachment mechanisms to suit specific application requirements. Additionally, different actuation mechanisms could be employed to control the inflatable elements, such as manual, pneumatic, or electric systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable sealing and insulation systems have significant commercial potential across various industries, including industrial manufacturing, construction, healthcare, marine engineering, and machinery manufacturing. The target market includes companies seeking efficient, customizable, and effective sealing and insulation solutions for their specific applications.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F11/10 |
| A | A61 | A61F11/00 |
| A | A61 | A61F11/08 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/10181 |
| H | H04 | H04R1/1083 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial sealing technologies, focusing on inflatable adaptive systems with particular expertise in fluid-filled flexible structures, noise reduction, and adaptive sealing mechanisms
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced engineering or biomedical design background, familiar with material science, fluid dynamics, and adaptive sealing technologies, capable of translating design principles across different technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
A skilled practitioner would recognize that the core inflatable element technology from the source patent represents a fundamental sealing mechanism that can be readily adapted to multiple industrial and medical applications. The fundamental principles of pressure-controlled flexible membranes, material permeability, and deformable structures are universally applicable across different technical domains. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations that extend the original earplug technology through straightforward design translation and functional adaptation.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,396 |
|---|---|
| Title | Earplug and pumping systems |
| Assignee(s) | Staton Techiya LLC |