Adaptive Handle Extensions for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept adapts the original handle extension design for specific, niche markets, providing improved performance and usability in high-altitude, wet, disaster relief, adaptive sports, and extreme weather conditions.
Background and Problem Solved
The original handle extension patent, while effective for general sporting implements, had limitations in addressing the unique challenges of specialized environments. The new inventive concept solves these problems by introducing adaptations that cater to the specific needs of these niche markets.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptive handle extensions comprise a rigid base portion and a transverse extension projecting from the base portion. The transverse extension features variations in width, texture, and material to address the specific challenges of each niche market. For high-altitude tennis, the extension has a greater width proximal to the base portion to provide additional stability in low-air-pressure conditions. For wet conditions, the extension features a textured surface to increase friction with the user's hand. In disaster relief situations, the endcaps are arranged on a pallet to provide a compact, organized storage system for sporting equipment. For adaptive sports, the transverse extension has an adjustable width to accommodate users with varying hand sizes or abilities. Finally, for extreme weather conditions, the transverse extension features a weather-resistant coating to protect the user's hand.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations to the original handle extension design, providing non-obvious solutions to the specific challenges of specialized environments. The inventive step lies in the tailored design elements that address the unique needs of each niche market.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include adjustable extensions, interchangeable tips, or integrated sensors to further enhance performance and usability in specialized environments. Variations may also include different materials, shapes, or sizes to accommodate diverse user needs and preferences.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive handle extensions have significant commercial potential in the sporting goods industry, particularly in niche markets such as high-altitude sports, adaptive sports, and disaster relief. The inventive concept may also appeal to manufacturers of specialized sporting equipment and users seeking improved performance and usability in challenging environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B60/16 |
| A | A63 | A63B60/14 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Sports equipment design, specifically handle and endcap technologies for sporting implements, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, materials science, and ergonomic design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years of experience in sports equipment design, familiar with materials selection, ergonomic adaptation, and manufacturing techniques for athletic implements
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental endcap design provides a flexible framework for environmental and user-specific adaptations. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering solutions that address specific use conditions by modifying known structural elements. These modifications involve standard design techniques such as adjusting surface texture, width, and material properties to enhance performance in targeted scenarios.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,854 |
|---|---|
| Title | Handle extension |