Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Knitted Component Technology: Multi-Industry Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11857022_0002_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Knitted Component Technology: Multi-Industry Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857022_0002_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857022_0002_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. 11,857,022.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, focused on footwear, demonstrated the effectiveness of knitted components with integrally knit contoured portions. However, the patent's limitations in terms of application and industry prevented the exploration of its broader potential. The present invention solves this problem by adapting the core technology to tackle diverse, high-impact challenges.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in the application of knitted components, transitioning from footwear to a wide range of industries and use cases. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the core technology's versatility and its adaptation to address previously unexplored challenges.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in knitted component materials, geometries, and integration methods to suit specific application requirements. Additionally, the invention could be implemented using different types of tensile strands, such as carbon fiber or Kevlar, to achieve distinct performance characteristics.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has far-reaching commercial potential, targeting industries such as architecture, healthcare, wearable technology, environmental sustainability, and water treatment. The market for these applications is substantial, with opportunities for partnerships, licensing, and product development.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43B1/04
A A43 A43B1/0063
A A43 A43B23/021
A A43 A43B23/025
A A43 A43B23/0215
A A43 A43B23/0235
A A43 A43B23/0245
A A43 A43B23/0265
A A43 A43B23/0275
A A43 A43B23/042
A A43 A43C1/04
D D04 D04B1/123
D D10 D10B2403/0213
D D10 D10B2403/02411
D D10 D10B2403/032
D D10 D10B2501/043

Field of Art

Advanced textile engineering and materials design, focusing on knitted components with integrated structural and functional properties, particularly in wearable technologies and structural applications

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with expertise in textile engineering, materials science, and advanced manufacturing techniques, capable of understanding complex knitted structures, material properties, and cross-domain technology adaptation

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental principles of the source patent's knitted component technology as readily adaptable to multiple domains. The core innovation of integrally knit contoured portions with tensile strands provides a versatile framework that can be systematically translated across different technical applications. The source patent's detailed description of knit construction techniques and material integration serves as a clear roadmap for extending the technology beyond footwear.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Knitted component with unitary knit construction having base and side portions with integrally knit contoured layers
PTD Variation
Applying the knitted component concept to architectural structures with embedded support mechanisms
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that the structural principles of knitted footwear components are directly transferable to architectural support systems, representing a predictable application of known textile engineering techniques
Source Patent Element
Spacer strands connecting overlapping knit layers to provide structural integrity
PTD Variation
Embedding sensors or functional elements within the knitted component's layered structure
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating additional functional elements into multi-layered knit structures is a known technique in textile engineering, representing a straightforward design modification with expected results
Source Patent Element
Monofilament material used in knit construction with configurable surface characteristics
PTD Variation
Adapting knitted components for water filtration by modifying fiber composition and layering
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection and configuration are standard design choices for a PHOSITA, with predictable outcomes based on established materials science principles
Source Patent Element
Contoured knit construction providing comfort and structural support in footwear
PTD Variation
Translating knitted component technology to prosthetic limb design for improved ergonomics
Obviousness Reasoning
Cross-domain adaptation of biomechanical support structures represents an obvious extension of known textile engineering principles
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857022's comprehensive disclosure of knitted component technology, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations represent obvious modifications within the ordinary skill of practitioners in textile engineering and materials design. The systematic translation of knitted structural principles across multiple domains constitutes prior art that would render subsequent similar claims obvious and non-patentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,022
TitleArticle of footwear incorporating a knitted component with tensile strand
Assignee(s)NIKE, Inc.