Customized Fit Solutions Using Elastomeric Materials
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel approach to create customized fit solutions using elastomeric materials, extending the original technology to new applications and industries.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method for manufacturing customized sleeves for prostheses. However, this technology had limitations in terms of its applicability to other fields. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by applying the core technology to entirely different industries, such as athletic protective gear, ergonomic tool grips, animal orthotics, electronic device protection, and doll prosthetics.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a system and method for creating customized fit solutions using elastomeric materials. It involves providing a mold of a specific body part or object, a preform made of an elastomeric material, and an injection system for injecting a polymer around the preform to create a customized fit. The elastomeric material can be silicone gel or bi-component silicone, and the process can be performed at a controlled temperature. The resulting customized fit solutions can be used in various applications, including athletic protective gear, ergonomic tool grips, animal orthotics, electronic device protection, and doll prosthetics.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the original technology, including athletic protective gear, ergonomic tool grips, animal orthotics, electronic device protection, and doll prosthetics. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the potential for the original technology to be adapted to these new fields, and the development of specific solutions tailored to each application.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of elastomeric materials, varying the temperature and pressure conditions during the manufacturing process, or incorporating additional features such as sensors or adjustable components. Variations could also include using the technology for other applications, such as customized footwear or medical devices.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including sports equipment, tool manufacturing, veterinary care, consumer electronics, and toy manufacturing. The ability to create customized fit solutions using elastomeric materials could revolutionize the way products are designed and manufactured, providing a competitive advantage for companies that adopt this technology.
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 and Manufacturing Technologies: Elastomeric Material Forming and Prosthetic/Protective Device Manufacturing, involving precision molding, material science, and custom fit technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with expertise in materials engineering, prosthetic design, and polymer processing, possessing knowledge of elastomeric material properties, injection molding techniques, and custom fabrication methods
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the source patent's fundamental technique of creating customized elastomeric sleeves as a versatile manufacturing approach that could be readily adapted to multiple applications beyond prosthetic limbs. The core technical principles of using a mold, elastomeric preform, and injection molding are universally applicable across different domains requiring precise, customized fit solutions. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the original patent's core technological concept by applying the same fundamental manufacturing methodology to different contexts.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,439 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method for manufacturing a customized sleeve for a prosthesis |