The US20130145530A1 patent claiming a December 09, 2012 priority has caused quite a stir. The USPTO (the office responsible for issuing patents and trademarks in the United States) was surprised to receive this unusual patent from inventor Manu Mitra. The patent, which bears the title Iron Man follows, and its familiar design drawings, quickly bring to mind the famous fictional character created by screenwriter Stan Lee.
What is this invention about?
The invention described in this patent relates to an integral suit made of a resistant material, such as metal. Combining an automatic hydraulic system with a power source, the suit can be used to push and lift heavy objects, protect the wearer from projectiles (such as bullets), and incorporate electronics such as sensors, computers, cameras and communications.
Iron Man patent status follows
The USPTO examiners cited a long list of patents, videos and documents prior toManu Mitra’s patent application, including exoskeletons, YouTube videos and the Kevlar vest. The patent application was thus rejected for lack of inventive step and novelty.
At a time when many inventors draw inspiration from fiction to create new technologies (Star Trek, Star Wars…), perhaps we’ll soon see the appearance of an Iron Man flying armor.
