Advanced Knitted Footwear: Smart Performance Technology
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
Conventional knitted components in footwear often suffer from limited tensile strength, lack of customization, and inadequate performance. The original patent disclosed an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with an integrally knit contoured portion, but it had limitations in terms of tensile strand density, foot shape accommodation, and electronic integration. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing novel systems, methods, and components that enhance the overall performance of knitted components in footwear.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present invention's novelty lies in its comprehensive approach to addressing the limitations of conventional knitted components. The inventive step is characterized by the introduction of adaptive, customized, and electronically integrated knitted components that enhance footwear performance and user experience.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different materials, such as smart fabrics or nanomaterials, to enhance the performance of the knitted components. Variations of the invention could also involve the integration of additional features, such as temperature control or health monitoring, to further expand the functionality of the footwear.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The present invention has significant commercial potential in the athletic footwear industry, with potential applications in high-performance sports shoes, hiking boots, and other specialized footwear. The invention's focus on customization, adaptability, and electronic integration also positions it for success in the growing market for smart, wearable technologies.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Footwear design and manufacturing, specifically focusing on knitted components for athletic and performance footwear, with expertise in textile engineering, material science, and advanced manufacturing techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced degree in textile or materials engineering, 5-7 years of experience in footwear design, familiar with advanced knitting technologies, 3D modeling, and material performance optimization
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core teachings about knitted footwear components. The disclosed innovations leverage known techniques in textile engineering and electronic integration that would be readily apparent to someone skilled in footwear design and manufacturing. The modifications represent logical combinations of existing technologies with the foundational knitted component approach established in the source patent.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,022 |
|---|---|
| Title | Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with tensile strand |
| Assignee(s) | NIKE, Inc. |