Customized Protective Solutions via Advanced Molding and Polymer Injection
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of customized sleeve manufacturing for prosthetics to create tailored protective gear, orthotics, casts, support garments, and exoskeletons for diverse industries, enhancing performance, comfort, and safety.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method for manufacturing customized sleeves for prosthetics, addressing the need for precise fitting and comfort. However, this technology's potential extends beyond prosthetics. The new claims overcome the limitations of the original patent by applying the core technology to various fields, such as sports, veterinary care, healthcare, and assistive technology, where customized protection and support are essential.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a mold of a specific body part, a preform made of an elastomer material, and a means for injecting a polymer cross-linkable at low temperature around the preform. This enables the creation of customized protective gear for athletes, orthotics for animals, casts for broken bones, support garments for individuals with disabilities, and exoskeletons for individuals with paralysis. The low-temperature polymer injection ensures a precise, comfortable, and safe fit.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the core technology, expanding its scope beyond prosthetics. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the original method to cater to diverse industries, addressing specific needs and challenges.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include using different types of elastomer materials, varying the mold design, or incorporating sensors and feedback systems to enhance performance and comfort. Variations may also involve integrating the technology with existing products or developing new products that combine multiple features.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
This inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including sports equipment, veterinary care, healthcare, assistive technology, and beyond. The target market includes manufacturers of protective gear, orthotics, casts, support garments, and exoskeletons, as well as medical professionals, athletes, and individuals with disabilities.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/5046 |
| B | B29 | B29C45/0053 |
| B | B29 | B29C45/14065 |
| B | B29 | B29C45/14336 |
| B | B29 | B29C65/48 |
| B | B29 | B29C66/729 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/5053 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/5056 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/7837 |
| B | B29 | B29C2045/0079 |
| B | B29 | B29C2045/14155 |
| B | B29 | B29K2083/00 |
| B | B29 | B29K2105/0061 |
| B | B29 | B29L2031/7532 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device manufacturing, prosthetic and orthotic design, polymer molding technologies with a focus on customized medical and assistive devices
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or materials scientist with expertise in polymer processing, 3D molding techniques, and adaptive medical device fabrication, possessing knowledge of elastomer materials, low-temperature polymer injection, and personalized medical equipment design
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core manufacturing technique disclosed in the source patent for prosthetic sleeves represents a generalizable method applicable to multiple protective and assistive device contexts. The fundamental process of creating a body-specific mold, using an elastomer preform, and injecting a cross-linkable polymer at low temperature is directly transferable across different medical and performance-related applications. The technical variations proposed in the PTD represent predictable extensions of the original manufacturing approach, utilizing substantially identical processing techniques with minimal substantive modifications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,439 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method for manufacturing a customized sleeve for a prosthesis |