Strap Attachment and Orthopedic Device for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857450_0009_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Strap Attachment and Orthopedic Device for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857450_0009_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857450_0009_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. 11,857,450.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel strap attachment and orthopedic device designed for specific, high-stakes environments, such as high-security facilities, disaster relief situations, extreme weather conditions, search and rescue operations, and space-constrained environments.

Background and Problem Solved

Orthopedic devices often require specialized features to operate effectively in unique environments. The original patent disclosed a strap attachment assembly for attaching a strap to a device, but it lacked adaptability for extreme conditions. This inventive concept addresses the need for a strap attachment and orthopedic device that can withstand and perform optimally in high-stress, specialized environments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a strap attachment assembly with a tamper-evident feature and a reinforced cable for high-security facilities. In disaster relief situations, the strap attachment assembly includes a quick-release mechanism for rapid strap securing. For extreme weather conditions, the retainer is weather-resistant, and the cable features a water-repellent coating. In search and rescue operations, the strap attachment assembly incorporates shock-absorbing material for rugged terrain use. In space-constrained environments, the strap attachment assembly is compact, and the cable has a reduced diameter for adjustability. These specialized variations enable the orthopedic device to operate effectively in diverse, high-stakes environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptability to specific, high-stakes environments through the incorporation of unique features, such as tamper-evident mechanisms, quick-release mechanisms, weather-resistant materials, shock-absorbing materials, and compact designs. These features, in combination, provide an inventive step beyond the original patent's disclosure.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different materials for the retainer and cable, incorporating additional sensors for monitoring environmental conditions, or integrating the strap attachment assembly with other safety features, such as GPS tracking or emergency alerts. Variations may also include adapting the strap attachment assembly for use in other specialized environments, such as space exploration or high-altitude operations.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in industries such as healthcare, emergency services, search and rescue operations, and specialized manufacturing. The ability to provide orthopedic devices that can operate effectively in high-stakes environments addresses a critical need in these industries, offering a competitive advantage and potential for significant market share.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F5/0125
A A61 A61F2005/0144
A A61 A61F2005/0167

Field of Art

Orthopedic device design and biomechanical engineering, focusing on strap attachment mechanisms for supportive medical devices, with expertise in material science, mechanical engineering, and ergonomic design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or mechanical design specialist with 3-5 years of experience in orthopedic device development, familiar with modular attachment systems, material adaptations, and environmental performance requirements

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental strap attachment mechanism provides a versatile framework for environmental and functional adaptations. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering modifications using known techniques of material selection, geometric adjustment, and specialized feature integration. These adaptations would be considered routine problem-solving within the orthopedic device design domain, leveraging standard design principles of modularity and context-specific optimization.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Cable pivotally secured to a frame with adjustable segment configuration
PTD Variation
Reduced diameter cable for space-constrained environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Diameter modification represents a predictable design variation to optimize spatial requirements, using standard material engineering techniques
Source Patent Element
Retainer with internal cable routing channel
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant retainer with water-repellent cable coating
Obviousness Reasoning
Material enhancement is a known technique for improving environmental performance, representing an obvious solution to expand device functionality
Source Patent Element
Strap attachment assembly with frame member connection
PTD Variation
Quick-release mechanism for disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating rapid attachment features is a standard design approach for improving device usability in specialized contexts
Source Patent Element
Adjustable cable segment connection to frame
PTD Variation
Tamper-evident feature for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding security mechanisms represents a predictable design extension using known mechanical integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Strap attachment with frame member interface
PTD Variation
Shock-absorbing material integration for rugged terrain usage
Obviousness Reasoning
Material substitution for enhanced performance is a routine engineering design choice with foreseeable outcomes
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would be considered obvious to a person having ordinary skill in orthopedic device design, when viewed in light of US Patent 11857450. The disclosed adaptations represent predictable engineering modifications that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation, thereby establishing this publication as anticipatory prior art against potential future patent claims covering similar technical implementations.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,450
TitleStrap attachment and orthopedic device using the same
Assignee(s)Ossur Iceland ehf