Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Enhanced Portable Multi-Use Ball Pit System

Publication ID: 24-11857865_0001_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Portable Multi-Use Ball Pit System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857865_0001_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857865_0001_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. 11,857,865.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved portable multi-use ball pit system designed for enhanced safety, portability, and versatility, addressing the limitations of traditional Ga-ga pits.

Background and Problem Solved

Traditional Ga-ga pits have inherent limitations, including safety concerns, cumbersome assembly, and limited accessibility. The original patent, 'Portable multi-use ball pit,' partially addressed these issues but still had room for improvement. The new inventive concept focuses on direct improvements and enhancements, tackling the remaining limitations to create a more efficient, safer, and more enjoyable gaming experience.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced portable multi-use ball pit system consists of a set of interlocking panels with improved safety features, such as padded edges and corners, to minimize player injuries during gameplay. The panels are designed to be lightweight, collapsible, and reinforced with hinges, allowing for easy transportation and assembly. The system also features adjustable heights, enabling players of different ages and abilities to participate in the game. Additionally, the system includes pre-assembled panel sections, reducing the time and effort required for setup and takedown. Furthermore, integrated storage compartments provide convenient storage for balls, scorekeeping equipment, and other accessories when not in use.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce several innovative features, including padded edges and corners, collapsible panels, adjustable heights, pre-assembled panel sections, and integrated storage compartments. These features address the limitations of traditional Ga-ga pits and the original patent, providing a more comprehensive and user-friendly gaming experience.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the enhanced portable multi-use ball pit system could include variations in panel materials, shapes, and sizes, as well as different types of safety features, adjustable height mechanisms, and storage compartment designs. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in different environments, such as indoor or outdoor settings, or integrated with other gaming systems or technologies.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced portable multi-use ball pit system has significant commercial potential in the entertainment, recreation, and education industries. It could be marketed as a premium product for schools, community centers, and amusement parks, offering a unique and enjoyable gaming experience for users of all ages and abilities.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A63 A63C19/08
A A63 A63B63/00
A A63 A63B67/002
E E04 E04H17/18
A A63 A63B2102/22
A A63 A63B2208/12
A A63 A63B2209/00
A A63 A63B2210/50
A A63 A63B2243/0025
A A63 A63C2019/085

Field of Art

Recreational game equipment design, specifically portable gaming structures and modular play systems involving physical activity and sports equipment

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or product designer with expertise in recreational equipment design, familiar with modular construction techniques, safety considerations for sports equipment, and portable game system configurations

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's enhancements represent predictable design iterations of the source patent's Ga-ga pit concept. The modifications address known limitations in portable game structures through standard engineering approaches such as adding safety features, improving transportability, and creating modular configurations. These variations represent routine problem-solving within the field of recreational equipment design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Octagonal panel-based pit structure with interchangeable panel configurations
PTD Variation
Adding padded edges and corners to minimize player injuries
Obviousness Reasoning
Safety enhancement is a predictable design improvement for physical activity structures, representing a known technique to reduce potential player harm in recreational equipment
Source Patent Element
Fixed height panels between 2-3 feet tall
PTD Variation
Implementing adjustable height mechanisms to accommodate different player ages and abilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptable sizing is a standard design approach in recreational equipment, allowing broader user accessibility through simple mechanical adjustments
Source Patent Element
Modular panel assembly with slot-based connections
PTD Variation
Incorporating reinforced hinges and collapsible panel design for improved portability
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhanced transportability represents a logical extension of existing modular construction principles, solving known limitations in mobile game structures
Source Patent Element
Basic polygonal play area configuration
PTD Variation
Adding integrated storage compartments for game accessories
Obviousness Reasoning
Convenient accessory storage is a predictable design enhancement that solves practical user needs through standard product design problem-solving
Source Patent Element
Single-purpose game pit structure
PTD Variation
Creating a multi-environment adaptable system for indoor and outdoor use
Obviousness Reasoning
Expanding use cases through material and design modifications represents a standard approach to product versatility in recreational equipment design
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857865, the claimed variations in the published technical disclosure would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention. The disclosed enhancements represent predictable design iterations that combine known techniques in recreational equipment design, demonstrating that the claimed innovations lack the non-obviousness required for patent protection under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,865
TitlePortable multi-use ball pit
Assignee(s)B1 & C1, Inc.