IP Verse

Particulate Aerogel Material Kit For Grip Enhancement

Patent No. US11660257 (titled "Particulate Aerogel Material Kit For Grip Enhancement") was filed by Chalkless Inc on Jul 1, 2022.

What is this patent about?

’257 is related to the field of grip enhancement, specifically addressing the problem of reduced friction between human skin and solid surfaces due to factors like perspiration, natural oils, and surface smoothness. Traditional solutions like chalk, antiperspirants, and gloves have limitations, including messiness, ineffectiveness against existing moisture, and reduced dexterity. The invention aims to provide an improved method and material for enhancing grip in various applications.

The underlying idea behind ’257 is to utilize the unique properties of particulate aerogel material to increase friction between skin and a solid surface. The aerogel particles, when placed between the skin and the surface, increase the contact area and absorb moisture and oils, leading to a higher coefficient of friction. This approach leverages the high surface area and absorptive capabilities of aerogels to create a more secure grip.

The claims of ’257 focus on a grip enhancement kit comprising particulate aerogel material and a container. The container has a plurality of openings for dispensing the aerogel. The aerogel is in dry particulate form, not dispersed in a liquid. Furthermore, the claims specify that at least 50% of the aerogel particles have a maximum cross-sectional dimension of at least 50 nanometers.

In practice, the user applies the particulate aerogel material to their skin, either directly or indirectly (e.g., through a glove), and then grips the desired object. The aerogel particles create a high-friction interface , improving the user's hold. The material can be dispensed from various container types, including porous bags, perforated lids, or even pre-applied to fibrous sheets for convenient use.

This approach differentiates itself from existing solutions by providing a dry, highly porous material that both increases surface area and absorbs moisture. Unlike chalk, the hydrophobic aerogel resists water and doesn't mark surfaces. Unlike antiperspirants, it addresses existing moisture and increases surface area. Unlike gloves, it doesn't significantly reduce dexterity. The particulate nature also allows for easy and even application.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the early 2020s, at a time when improving grip on surfaces was typically addressed through materials science and surface treatments, systems commonly relied on established methods such as applying coatings or using textured materials rather than novel particulate additives. Hardware or software constraints made precise control of friction and surface properties on a micro or nano scale non-trivial.

Novelty and Inventive Step

Claims 1-26 were rejected in a non-final office action. The examiner's rejection was based on obviousness over prior art. The applicant's arguments were considered but deemed moot. The rejection was made final.

Claims

This patent contains 26 claims, of which claims 1 and 11 are independent. The independent claims are directed to a grip enhancement kit comprising particulate or dry aerogel material and a container. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the features and characteristics of the container and the aerogel material.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Container adapted to contain
(Claim 1, Claim 11)		“In certain embodiments, an article is provided. In some embodiments, the article comprises a flexible container; and a particulate aerogel material within the container. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a boundary of the container is porous and permits transport of the particulate aerogel through the porous boundary upon application of force to the flexible container.”A container specifically designed to hold the particulate aerogel material.
Dry aerogel particles
(Claim 11)		“The method comprises, in some embodiments, establishing direct contact and/or indirect solid contact between human skin, a particulate aerogel material, and a solid surface, wherein the particulate aerogel material is between the human skin and the solid surface.”Aerogel material in particle form that is not dispersed in a liquid.
Maximum cross-sectional dimension
(Claim 11)		“In some embodiments the particulate aerogel material exhibits a high surface area. In some embodiments, the particulate aerogel material exhibits a surface area of at least 100 m2/g, at least 200 m2/g, at least 300 m2/g, at least 400 m2/g, at least 500 m2/g, at least 600 m2/g, at least 700 m2/g, at least 800 m2/g, at least 900 m2/g, at least 1000 m2/g, at least 1100 m2/g, or at least 1200 m2/g.”The largest measurable distance across a dry aerogel particle.
Particulate aerogel material
(Claim 1)		“In some embodiments, particulate aerogel material is applied to human skin resulting in improved grip with solid surfaces. In other instances, particulate aerogel material is applied to a solid surface to be gripped resulting in improved grip. In some embodiments, the particulate aerogel material provides improved tribological, absorptive, antiperspirant, textural or surface area properties.”A material in particle form made of aerogel, used to enhance grip.
Plurality of openings
(Claim 1)		“In certain embodiments, the article comprises a container; and particulate aerogel material within the container; wherein the container comprises a plurality of openings through which the particulate hydrophobic aerogel material can be transported.”Multiple holes or apertures in the container.

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US11660257

CHALKLESS INC
Application Number
US17810356
Filing Date
Jul 1, 2022
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Jul 1, 2042
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents