Enhanced Baton System for Efficient Relay Handoffs
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A comprehensive system for optimizing relay baton handoffs, featuring innovative baton designs, training methods, and performance tracking, to improve overall team performance and reduce errors.
Background and Problem Solved
The original baton design, while addressing some limitations of traditional relay batons, still has inherent limitations. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a modular, easily separable baton design, tactile features, visual indicators, and sensors to track handoff performance, providing a more efficient, safe, and effective relay handoff experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced baton system comprises a set of tubular bodies that can be assembled as a unit and easily separated, allowing for simulation of dropped batons during training exercises. The baton features tactile surfaces, visual indicators, and textured regions to assist users in gripping and aligning the baton during handoffs. Additionally, integrated sensors track data related to handoff timing, grip location, and baton orientation, providing valuable insights for performance improvement.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features such as modular, separable baton design, tactile features, visual indicators, and performance tracking sensors, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement over the original design, making the handoff process more efficient, safe, and effective.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in baton materials, shapes, and sizes, as well as different types of sensors and data tracking methods. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other team sports or activities that involve baton or object handoffs.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced baton system has significant commercial potential in the sports industry, particularly in track and field, and can be marketed to teams, coaches, and athletes seeking to improve their relay handoff performance. The system's innovative features and performance tracking capabilities make it an attractive solution for teams looking to gain a competitive edge.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B69/0028 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Sports Equipment Design and Training Technology, specifically focusing on relay race equipment and performance optimization techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer or designer with expertise in sports equipment design, mechanical engineering, and athletic training technologies, familiar with biomechanics, materials science, and performance tracking systems
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core baton design, utilizing standard engineering techniques to enhance functionality and training capabilities. The modular, separable tubular bodies and added sensory/tactile features are logical improvements that solve known challenges in relay baton handoffs. These modifications represent incremental design choices that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize athletic equipment performance.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,858 |
|---|---|
| Title | Baton having tubular bodies |
| Assignee(s) | Briggs Athletics LLC |