Enhanced Portable Marker for Ice Hockey
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to an improved portable marker for ice hockey, providing enhanced traction, stability, and visibility on ice surfaces. The marker features a textured bottom contact surface, reinforced rim, friction-enhancing coating, ventilation holes, reflective material, and a removable carrying strap, addressing the limitations of existing portable markers.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for a portable marker for ice hockey has limitations, such as inadequate traction, stability, and visibility. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel features that improve the overall performance and user experience of the portable marker.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced portable marker comprises a base portion with a textured bottom contact surface, providing improved traction on ice surfaces. The outer wall extends upward from the base portion to a top surface, featuring a reinforced rim to prevent damage from hockey sticks. Additionally, a friction-enhancing coating can be applied to the bottom contact surface to further improve stability. The outer wall includes ventilation holes to reduce wind resistance, making the marker more stable in windy conditions. For increased visibility, the outer wall incorporates a reflective material, allowing the marker to be easily seen in low-light conditions. A removable and adjustable carrying strap is also provided for convenient transportation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty of the present inventive concept lies in the combination of features that address the limitations of existing portable markers. The textured bottom contact surface, reinforced rim, friction-enhancing coating, ventilation holes, reflective material, and removable carrying strap provide a unique solution that is not obvious from the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include varying the texture pattern on the bottom contact surface, using different materials for the reinforced rim, or incorporating additional features such as LED lights or sensors to enhance visibility and functionality. The inventive concept can also be adapted for use in other ice sports, such as figure skating or speed skating.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced portable marker has significant commercial potential in the ice hockey and ice sports industries, providing a safer and more efficient training experience for athletes. The marker can be marketed as a premium product, targeting professional and amateur hockey teams, ice rinks, and sports equipment manufacturers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B69/0026 |
| A | A63 | A63B71/0036 |
| A | A63 | A63B71/03 |
| A | A63 | A63B2209/08 |
| A | A63 | A63B2209/10 |
| A | A63 | A63B2214/00 |
| A | A63 | A63B2244/18 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Ice hockey training equipment and sports accessories, focusing on portable markers and training aids for ice surfaces. Skill in this field requires understanding of sports equipment design, materials science, and practical athletic training requirements
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A person with engineering or industrial design background specializing in sports equipment, familiar with material properties, manufacturing techniques, and performance optimization for athletic training tools
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable incremental improvements to the source patent's portable marker design. The disclosed enhancements like textured surfaces, reinforced rims, and reflective materials are standard design optimization techniques commonly applied in sports equipment engineering. These modifications address known limitations in existing ice markers through straightforward engineering solutions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,857 |
|---|---|
| Title | Portable marker for ice hockey |