Adaptable Ball Pit Solutions for Extreme Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A portable, multi-use ball pit system designed for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as disaster relief, high-security needs, extreme weather conditions, search and rescue operations, and remote, off-grid locations.
Background and Problem Solved
The original portable multi-use ball pit patent, while innovative, has limitations in its adaptability to diverse environments. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating specialized features to cater to specific markets, ensuring a secure, durable, and functional ball pit system in challenging situations.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptable ball pit system comprises interlocking panels with a height of between 2 and 3 feet, each having a thickness and upward and downward open slots. The system incorporates waterproof and durable materials, surveillance cameras, alarms, retractable canopies, anchoring systems, communication systems, emergency lighting, solar-powered lighting, and water collection systems, depending on the specific application. These features enable the ball pit system to withstand extreme weather conditions, provide high-security needs, facilitate search and rescue operations, and operate in remote, off-grid locations.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptability to diverse environments, achieved through the incorporation of specialized features that address specific challenges. The inventive step is the combination of these features with the original portable multi-use ball pit design, resulting in a unique and non-obvious solution.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modular panels with interchangeable components, adjustable panel heights, and integration with other emergency response systems. Variations may include ball pits with built-in medical stations, communication hubs, or renewable energy systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable ball pit system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including disaster relief, security services, search and rescue operations, and outdoor recreation. Target markets may include government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies operating in extreme environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Recreational and modular sports equipment design, with expertise in portable play structures, game enclosures, and adaptable spatial configurations
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer or designer with experience in recreational equipment, modular construction techniques, and adaptable spatial systems, familiar with materials science, structural design, and multi-purpose recreational infrastructure
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core ball pit design by applying known engineering techniques to address specific environmental and operational challenges. The fundamental interlocking panel structure remains consistent, with added functional features that represent standard problem-solving approaches in modular recreational and emergency infrastructure design.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,865 |
|---|---|
| Title | Portable multi-use ball pit |
| Assignee(s) | B1 & C1, Inc. |