Advanced Digital Molding for Custom Footwear Innovation
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for digital molding and associated articles and methods has limitations in terms of material properties, breathability, and thermal insulation. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing a system and method for producing customized footwear with tailored properties, using digital molding and gradient printing of materials with varied properties.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the concept of gradient printing of materials with varied properties, dynamic control of material properties, and integration of sensors and actuators for real-time feedback and adjustment. These features are new and non-obvious compared to the original patent, and provide a significant improvement in terms of customized footwear production.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include using different types of materials, such as polymers or ceramics, or incorporating additional features, such as sensors or energy harvesting devices. Variations of the invention could also include using the digital molding system for producing customized articles other than footwear, such as medical devices or athletic equipment.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The present invention has significant commercial potential in the footwear industry, particularly in the areas of customized athletic footwear and medical devices. The ability to produce customized footwear with tailored properties could revolutionize the industry, providing improved comfort, support, and performance for athletes and individuals with specific needs.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A43 | A43B1/14 |
| A | A43 | A43B3/34 |
| A | A43 | A43B13/04 |
| A | A43 | A43B17/003 |
| A | A43 | A43B17/14 |
| A | A43 | A43B23/0215 |
| A | A43 | A43D1/00 |
| A | A43 | A43D1/02 |
| A | A43 | A43D999/00 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/112 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/209 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/336 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/393 |
| B | B29 | B29D35/00 |
| B | B29 | B29D35/12 |
| B | B33 | B33Y10/00 |
| B | B33 | B33Y30/00 |
| B | B33 | B33Y50/02 |
| B | B33 | B33Y70/00 |
| A | A43 | A43B5/00 |
| A | A43 | A43D2200/60 |
| B | B29 | B29K2075/00 |
| B | B29 | B29K2105/04 |
| B | B29 | B29K2713/00 |
| B | B29 | B29L2031/50 |
| B | B33 | B33Y80/00 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing technologies for footwear and customized articles, with expertise in robotic printing systems, material science, and digital fabrication techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced degree in materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or industrial design, with 3-5 years experience in 3D printing technologies, familiar with robotic printing systems, material property manipulation, and digital fabrication techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's digital molding methodology, leveraging known techniques in material property gradient printing, sensor integration, and customized manufacturing. The disclosed improvements follow directly from the source patent's core teachings of robotic printing with variable material compositions, representing incremental advancements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner in the field.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,023 |
|---|---|
| Title | Digital molding and associated articles and methods |
| Assignee(s) | Kornit Digital Technologies Ltd. |