Adaptable Training Ball Technology for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original baseball-like training ball patent to create innovative solutions for remote environmental monitoring, wildlife tracking, autonomous drone navigation, physics education, and weather pattern prediction.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's focus on baseball-like training balls limited its applicability to other industries. This new inventive concept addresses the problem of restricted use cases by adapting the core technology to tackle diverse challenges, unlocking new possibilities and opportunities.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a range of applications that utilize the adaptable training ball technology. For instance, the remote environmental monitoring system involves dispersing training balls with embedded sensors in a designated area to collect environmental data. The wildlife tracking method employs baseball-like training balls with GPS tracking capabilities to monitor migration patterns. The autonomous drone navigation system uses a training ball with a reflective surface as a target for calibration. The physics education method utilizes adjustable weight and aerodynamics training balls to teach complex concepts. Lastly, the weather pattern prediction system relies on a network of training balls with embedded weather sensors to collect data.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases that depart significantly from the original patent's focus on baseball-like training balls. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to address distinct problems in various industries, demonstrating a non-obvious and innovative approach.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include using different materials or shapes for the training balls, incorporating additional sensors or features, or integrating the technology with existing systems. Variations could also involve adapting the technology for use in other industries, such as agriculture, construction, or healthcare.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has vast commercial potential across multiple industries, including environmental monitoring, wildlife conservation, drone technology, education, and weather forecasting. The target markets include government agencies, research institutions, private companies, and educational organizations, offering a broad range of opportunities for licensing, partnerships, and product development.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B37/04 |
| A | A63 | A63B37/12 |
| A | A63 | A63B43/04 |
| A | A63 | A63B37/14 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Sports equipment design, sensor integration, and training technology with expertise in polymeric materials, sensor embedding, and multi-purpose ball structures
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer with knowledge of materials science, sensor technologies, sports equipment design, and interdisciplinary product adaptation, capable of translating core mechanical concepts across different technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core polyethylene spherical structure with hollow cavity from the source patent provides a versatile platform for sensor integration and cross-domain application. The modular design inherently suggests adaptability beyond baseball training, making the PTD's proposed variations predictable extensions of the original technological concept. The embedded sensor and tracking capabilities represent straightforward technological substitutions that a skilled practitioner would find obvious when applying the base ball design to alternative use cases.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,846 |
|---|---|
| Title | Baseball like training ball |
| Assignee(s) | SWEETSPOT BASEBALL, LLC |