Advanced Adaptive Footwear: Extreme Environment Design
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with an integrally knit contoured portion. While effective for general use, this design may not be suitable for extreme environments or specialized applications. The present invention addresses these limitations by incorporating thermal insulation, moisture-wicking, reinforced materials, waterproof membranes, hidden compartments, and other features tailored to specific niches.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations of the original knitted component footwear, including thermal insulation, moisture-wicking, reinforced materials, waterproof membranes, hidden compartments, and other features tailored to specific niches. These adaptations provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent, enabling the invention to operate effectively in extreme environments and specialized applications.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include variations in material selection, component integration, and feature combinations to further expand the range of specialized applications. For example, the knitted component could be integrated with advanced materials, such as shape-memory alloys or phase-change materials, to enhance its adaptability to extreme environments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including outdoor gear, emergency response, military, and law enforcement. The adaptive footwear could be marketed as a premium product for extreme environments and specialized applications, offering a unique value proposition to customers seeking high-performance footwear solutions.
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 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,022 |
|---|---|
| Title | Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with tensile strand |
| Assignee(s) | NIKE, Inc. |