Adaptable Backstop System for Diverse Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857856_0007_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptable Backstop System for Diverse Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857856_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857856_0007_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. 11,857,856.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept disclosed herein adapts the core technology of a sports goal backstop system to various industries and fields, providing a versatile solution for containing and managing projectiles, debris, and sound waves in diverse contexts.

Background and Problem Solved

The original sports goal backstop system patent addressed the issue of retrieving sport projectiles that miss a goal. However, the concept's potential extends beyond sports equipment. The inventive concept disclosed herein solves the problem of applying the core technology to entirely new industries, such as renewable energy, aerospace, acoustics, agriculture, and architecture, where containment and management of projectiles, debris, and sound waves are critical.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The adaptable backstop system comprises a material implement with a goal acceptance aperture, attached to a frame or surface via an attachment mechanism. The material implement extends beyond the outer edge of the frame or surface to catch or absorb projectiles, debris, or sound waves. The system can be configured for various applications, including protecting solar panels from environmental debris, reducing wind noise on wind turbines, soundproofing recording studios, deterring birds from agricultural fields, and reducing echo in large public spaces.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptability to diverse industries and fields, where the core technology of the sports goal backstop system is applied to solve distinct problems. The inventive step involves recognizing the potential of the original technology and creatively extending its application to new contexts, resulting in a versatile solution with broad commercial potential.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the adaptable backstop system may include varying the material implement's mesh size, shape, and material, as well as modifying the attachment mechanism to accommodate different frame or surface types. Additionally, the system could be integrated with sensors, automation, or AI to enhance its functionality and efficiency.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptable backstop system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including renewable energy, aerospace, acoustics, agriculture, architecture, and sports equipment. The system's versatility and adaptability make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to contain and manage projectiles, debris, and sound waves in diverse contexts.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A63 A63B63/004
A A63 A63B71/022

Field of Art

Sports equipment design and protective systems, with expertise in backstop technologies, material engineering, and adaptive structural configurations for containment and noise/debris management

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with knowledge of material science, structural engineering, and sports equipment design, capable of understanding modular attachment systems, mesh configurations, and cross-industry technology adaptation

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core backstop technology disclosed in the source patent represents a fundamental containment mechanism that can be readily adapted to multiple technical domains. The fundamental elements of a mesh material, goal acceptance aperture, and attachment mechanism are universally applicable across different contexts. The variations presented in the PTD represent predictable extensions of the original backstop concept by applying known engineering principles of material adaptation and structural reconfiguration.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Material implement with goal acceptance aperture attached to a frame via hooks or lacing mechanism
PTD Variation
Applying backstop system to solar panel frame to catch environmental debris
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable substitution of sports goal frame with solar panel frame, using identical attachment and mesh containment principles
Source Patent Element
Backstop designed to stop projectile movement beyond a defined boundary
PTD Variation
Using backstop system to reduce wind noise on wind turbine blades
Obviousness Reasoning
Known acoustic dampening technique applying existing mesh containment technology to energy dissipation problem
Source Patent Element
Fabric or mesh material with configurable attachment mechanisms
PTD Variation
Soundproofing recording studio by placing backstop around sound sources
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious application of sound absorption principles using existing mesh material containment strategy
Source Patent Element
Backstop system with goal acceptance aperture and flexible material implementation
PTD Variation
Bird deterrent system for agricultural fields using mesh backstop configuration
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of containment technology to environmental management using known material and structural principles
Source Patent Element
Mesh material with configurable attachment to structural frames
PTD Variation
Echo reduction system for large public spaces using backstop around reflective surfaces
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious adaptation of existing backstop technology to acoustic management using standard engineering design choices
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857856, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the disclosed backstop system variations obvious and predictable extensions of the original sports goal backstop technology. The fundamental containment principles, attachment mechanisms, and material configurations represent known techniques readily adaptable across multiple technical domains, thereby rendering potential patent claims obvious and anticipatable by this prior art disclosure.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,856
TitleSports goal backstop system