Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Adaptive Basketball Shooting Devices for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857859_0009_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Basketball Shooting Devices for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857859_0009_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857859_0009_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. 11,857,859.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept adapts basketball shooting devices for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, enhancing accessibility and performance in high-wind, limited accessibility, aquatic, high-temperature, and low-visibility conditions.

Background and Problem Solved

The original adaptive basketball shooting device patent, while addressing the need for adaptive athletes with limited arm strength, does not account for various environmental challenges. This inventive concept tackles these limitations by introducing specialized variations and niche solutions to cater to diverse operational environments, ensuring equal accessibility and enjoyment of adaptive basketball.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept encompasses four primary adaptations: (1) a stabilizing anchor system for high-wind environments, (2) a portable, modular device for areas with limited accessibility, (3) a waterproof and buoyancy-enabled device for aquatic environments, and (4) a heat-resistant conveyor belt and cooling system for high-temperature environments. Additionally, the concept integrates a sensor system and audio feedback for users with visual impairments. These adaptations enable adaptive athletes to participate in basketball shooting activities regardless of environmental constraints.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel adaptations that are non-obvious in light of the original patent. Specifically, the stabilizing anchor system, portable modular design, waterproof and buoyancy-enabled device, heat-resistant conveyor belt, and sensor system with audio feedback provide innovative solutions to previously unaddressed environmental challenges.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include adjustable stabilizing systems, modular components for easy customization, and advanced sensor systems for real-time feedback. Variations could also involve integrating additional features, such as automated ball retrieval or adjustable shooting angles, to further enhance user experience.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the adaptive sports industry, targeting specialized markets such as disaster relief, high-security needs, and extreme weather conditions. The device could be marketed to organizations, schools, and individuals involved in adaptive basketball, providing a unique solution for inclusive and accessible sports participation.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A63 A63B71/0009
A A63 A63B47/021
A A63 A63B69/0071
A A63 A63B69/406
A A63 A63B2071/0018
A A63 A63B2225/09

Field of Art

Adaptive sports equipment design, specifically wheelchair-based basketball assistance devices, involving mechanical engineering, assistive technology, and sports equipment design with expertise in mechanical systems, material science, and accessibility engineering

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or sports equipment designer with experience in adaptive technologies, familiar with wheelchair mechanics, conveyor systems, and assistive device design, possessing knowledge of materials, structural modifications, and environmental adaptation strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental basketball shooting device provides a modular framework that naturally invites environmental adaptations. The core mechanical principles of the original device suggest straightforward modifications to address different operational contexts. The disclosed variations represent predictable engineering extensions that solve known limitations in adaptive sports equipment design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Frame configured to be mounted on a wheelchair with armrest supports
PTD Variation
Stabilizing anchor system integrated into outer frame for high-wind environments
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that adding stabilization mechanisms is a predictable design modification to enhance device performance in challenging environmental conditions, using standard mechanical anchoring techniques
Source Patent Element
Conveyor system for vertical ball movement
PTD Variation
Heat-resistant conveyor belt with integrated cooling system for high-temperature environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection and thermal management are standard engineering practices, and a PHOSITA would find it obvious to modify conveyor belt materials and add cooling mechanisms to maintain operational performance in extreme conditions
Source Patent Element
Frame with platform attached to wheelchair armrest supports
PTD Variation
Portable, modular device design for areas with limited accessibility
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design and improved portability are predictable design improvements that a PHOSITA would consider as natural extensions of the original wheelchair-mounted device concept
Source Patent Element
Conveyor system with guide rails and belt mechanism
PTD Variation
Sensor system and audio feedback for users with visual impairments
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating sensor technologies and feedback mechanisms is a known technique in assistive device design, representing an obvious enhancement to improve device usability for diverse user populations
Source Patent Element
Basketball retrieval and shooting mechanism
PTD Variation
Waterproof outer frame with buoyancy system for aquatic environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting mechanical devices for specific environmental conditions is a standard engineering approach, and a PHOSITA would find it obvious to modify material selections and structural designs to enable aquatic functionality
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857859's disclosure of an adaptive basketball shooting device, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the environmental adaptations and technical variations herein obvious and predictable extensions of the prior art, thereby rendering potential claims to such modifications unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103 due to the combination of known techniques and design choices within the relevant technological domain.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,859
TitleAdaptive basketball shooting devices