Enhanced Restraint Anchor System with Improved Security and Efficiency

Publication ID: 24-11857452_0001_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Restraint Anchor System with Improved Security and Efficiency,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857452_0001_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857452_0001_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. 11,857,452.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept presents a novel restraint anchor system that addresses the limitations of existing anti-ligature devices by incorporating advanced locking mechanisms, reinforced outer surfaces, adjustable slots, and quick-release features, thereby enhancing security, efficiency, and versatility in patient restraint systems.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for the method and apparatus for restraint anchor highlights the need for secure and reliable restraint systems in various environments. However, the existing design may have limitations in terms of security, ease of use, and adaptability. The new inventive concept tackles these limitations by introducing innovative features that improve the overall performance and functionality of the restraint anchor system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced restraint anchor system comprises a tub with an improved locking mechanism, featuring a spring-loaded latch that automatically secures the tub upon insertion into a mounting location. This mechanism ensures a high level of security and prevents tampering. Additionally, the tub's outer surface is reinforced to provide added resistance to tampering and enhance the overall security of the system. The system also includes an adjustable slot that accommodates varying widths of restraining straps, increasing the versatility of the system. Furthermore, a quick-release mechanism is incorporated to enable rapid detachment of the device from the mounting location, improving efficiency and facilitating easy removal.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious features that significantly improve the security, efficiency, and adaptability of the restraint anchor system. The spring-loaded latch, reinforced outer surface, adjustable slot, and quick-release mechanism collectively provide a unique and innovative solution that addresses the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the design of the locking mechanism, such as using alternative materials or incorporating additional safety features. The reinforced outer surface could be achieved through different manufacturing processes or materials. The adjustable slot could be designed to accommodate different types of restraining straps or accessories. Furthermore, the quick-release mechanism could be modified to suit specific applications or environments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced restraint anchor system has significant commercial potential in the healthcare and security industries, where patient safety and security are paramount. The system's improved security features, ease of use, and adaptability make it an attractive solution for hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and correctional institutions. Additionally, the system's versatility and customizability could appeal to a broader range of industries, such as education and transportation.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F5/3776
A A44 A44B11/2588
A A47 A47B91/08

Field of Art

Medical restraint systems and patient safety devices, focusing on anti-ligature technology for healthcare and institutional environments, requiring expertise in mechanical design, safety engineering, and medical equipment fabrication

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or medical device designer with 3-5 years experience in safety-critical equipment design, familiar with patient restraint technologies, material science, and mechanical locking mechanisms

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's anti-ligature device by applying standard design optimization techniques. The disclosed modifications such as spring-loaded latching, reinforced surfaces, and adjustable slots represent logical extensions of the existing restraint anchor technology. These variations solve known limitations in patient restraint systems through straightforward mechanical design approaches that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Tub-based anti-ligature device with mounting hole and sealing mechanism
PTD Variation
Adding spring-loaded automatic locking mechanism to secure tub upon insertion
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing self-locking mechanisms is a known technique in mechanical design, representing a predictable solution to enhance device security with minimal complexity
Source Patent Element
Basic cylindrical tub structure for restraint mounting
PTD Variation
Reinforcing outer surface to increase tampering resistance
Obviousness Reasoning
Material reinforcement is a standard engineering approach to improving device durability, representing an obvious design choice for safety-critical equipment
Source Patent Element
Fixed slot for restraining strap
PTD Variation
Introducing adjustable slot accommodating varying strap widths
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular and adaptable design is a common engineering strategy to increase product versatility, representing a predictable solution to expand device functionality
Source Patent Element
Static mounting mechanism
PTD Variation
Implementing quick-release mechanism for rapid device detachment
Obviousness Reasoning
Developing efficient attachment/detachment methods is a standard design optimization technique, representing a logical improvement to existing restraint technologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857452, the present disclosure demonstrates that the claimed variations in restraint anchor systems would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention. The combination of known mechanical design techniques with the source patent's foundational anti-ligature device structure renders the claimed innovations predictable and non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,452
TitleMethod and apparatus for restraint anchor
Assignee(s)Indnrn Holdings, LLC