Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Smart Footwear Tech: AI-Driven Performance Ecosystem

Publication ID: 24-11857022_0003_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Smart Footwear Tech: AI-Driven Performance Ecosystem,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857022_0003_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857022_0003_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

Conventional articles of footwear lack the ability to provide personalized recommendations, monitor user activity, and ensure authenticity. The original patent, 'Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with tensile strand,' addressed the limitation of traditional footwear uppers but did not explore the potential of integrating this technology with other innovations. The present invention solves this problem by combining the patented knitted component with advanced technologies to create a comprehensive footwear ecosystem.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present invention's novelty lies in the synergistic integration of the knitted component with tensile strand and other advanced technologies, resulting in a more comprehensive and personalized footwear ecosystem. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential for combining these distinct technologies to create a new, more powerful system.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include varying the type of advanced technology integrated with the knitted component, such as using machine learning instead of AI or incorporating augmented reality features. Variations may also include adapting the invention for use in other types of wearable devices or sports equipment.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The Intelligent Footwear Ecosystem has significant commercial potential in the athletic footwear market, with potential applications in sports performance tracking, personalized footwear recommendations, and supply chain authentication. The invention may also be adapted for use in other industries, such as healthcare and fashion.

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

Athletic and performance footwear design, specifically focusing on advanced knitted component technologies with integrated structural and functional elements

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with expertise in textile engineering, footwear design, and advanced materials integration, possessing knowledge of manufacturing techniques, sensor technologies, and material science principles

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's knitted component with tensile strand provides a foundational framework for technological integration, making the PTD's proposed variations predictable extensions of existing footwear design principles. The disclosed AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies represent standard approaches for enhancing functional capabilities of advanced footwear systems. These variations would be considered routine implementation of known technological enhancement strategies within the footwear design domain.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Knitted component with unitary construction and tensile strand integration
PTD Variation
Incorporating IoT sensors directly into the knitted component's structural framework
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find sensor integration a predictable design choice given the existing modular knit structure, with known techniques for embedding electronic components into textile materials
Source Patent Element
Knitted component with overlapping layers connected by spacer strands
PTD Variation
Using blockchain verification system integrated with the knitted component's material structure
Obviousness Reasoning
The existing complex knit architecture naturally supports additional data transmission and authentication layers as a logical technological extension
Source Patent Element
Base portion of knitted component coextensive with sole structure
PTD Variation
AI-powered recommendation engine analyzing user interaction with the knitted footwear component
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating data collection and machine learning represents a standard approach to enhancing product functionality using existing structural elements
Source Patent Element
Knitted component with monofilament material and spacer strand connections
PTD Variation
3D printing manufacturing process using enhanced tensile strength materials
Obviousness Reasoning
Material science and manufacturing advancements represent predictable evolutionary steps in footwear design, leveraging existing structural knowledge
Source Patent Element
Knitted upper with configurable interior and exterior surfaces
PTD Variation
Augmented reality features integrated with footwear's structural components
Obviousness Reasoning
Expanding functional capabilities through digital interface represents a routine technological enhancement within advanced footwear design
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857022 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed footwear system configurations obvious and lacking inventive step. The combination of known knitted component technologies with standard digital integration techniques demonstrates a predictable application of existing design principles, thereby rendering potential claims obvious under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

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