Enhanced Baton for Efficient Relay Racing
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved relay baton design that enhances handoff efficiency, speed, and safety through innovative textured grip patterns, real-time feedback, and data analytics.
Background and Problem Solved
The original baton having tubular bodies patent (BACKGROUND) highlights the importance of successful handoffs in relay races. However, the existing design has limitations in terms of grip location, timing, and hand-eye coordination. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a textured grip pattern, sensors, and a data analytics module to improve handoff efficiency and provide real-time feedback.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced relay baton comprises a first tubular body with an outer surface featuring a textured grip pattern designed to improve hand-eye coordination and timing during handoffs. A second tubular body at least partially surrounds the first tubular body, defining a breakaway interface. The baton may further include a sensor to detect speed and acceleration during handoffs, and a display unit to provide real-time feedback on handoff efficiency. A system for relay race training can be created by combining the enhanced baton with a timing system and a data analytics module to track handoff efficiency and provide insights for improvement.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a textured grip pattern, sensors, and a data analytics module, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the existing design, enhancing handoff efficiency, speed, and safety in relay races.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced relay baton may include varying textured grip patterns, different sensor configurations, or integration with wearable devices. Variations of the system for relay race training could incorporate additional data analytics tools or virtual reality training modules.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced relay baton and system for relay race training have significant commercial potential in the sports industry, particularly in track and field events. The innovative design can be marketed to athletic teams, coaches, and individual athletes seeking to improve their performance and 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 Athletic Training Technology, specifically focusing on relay racing equipment and performance tracking systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer with expertise in sports equipment design, biomechanics, and sensor integration, familiar with athletic performance measurement technologies and ergonomic design principles
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the source patent's fundamental baton design provides a natural framework for incorporating performance-enhancing technologies. The PTD's additions of grip texturing, sensors, and data analytics represent predictable extensions of existing sports equipment design principles. These variations solve known challenges in relay racing by applying standard technological augmentation techniques to the existing baton structure.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,858 |
|---|---|
| Title | Baton having tubular bodies |
| Assignee(s) | Briggs Athletics LLC |