Smart IoT Footwear: AI-Enhanced Performance Tracking Shoe
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with an integrally knit contoured portion. However, the existing design lacks the integration of advanced technologies, limiting its functionality and user experience. The new invention addresses this limitation by incorporating IoT sensors for real-time tracking, AI-powered recommendation engines, blockchain-based authentication, and new materials with enhanced thermal insulation properties.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new invention introduces a synergistic combination of the original knitted component with advanced technologies, providing a new and non-obvious system that enhances the functionality, comfort, and user experience of the footwear. The integration of IoT sensors, AI-powered recommendation engines, blockchain-based authentication, and new materials with enhanced thermal insulation properties creates a more powerful and personalized footwear system.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include integrating the knitted component with other technologies such as augmented reality, 5G connectivity, or energy harvesting. The invention could also be implemented in various forms, such as a smart insole, a wearable device, or a mobile application.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The invention has significant commercial potential in the sports and fitness industry, as well as in the healthcare and wellness sector. The integration of advanced technologies with the knitted component creates a unique value proposition for consumers, enabling them to track their performance, receive personalized recommendations, and enjoy enhanced comfort and health benefits.
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
Athletic and performance footwear design, specifically focusing on advanced knitted component technologies with emphasis on material engineering, sensor integration, and adaptive footwear systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with expertise in textile engineering, footwear design, materials science, and emerging wearable technologies, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree with 3-5 years of industry experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's knitted component with tensile strands provides a foundational framework for technological enhancement, making the PTD's proposed variations predictable extensions of existing design principles. The integration of IoT sensors, AI recommendation systems, and advanced materials represents incremental improvements that leverage standard design methodologies in smart footwear development. These variations demonstrate standard technological convergence by applying known sensor and software technologies to an established knitted footwear substrate.
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. |