Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Molded Insert Protection Technology

Publication ID: 24-11857025_0002_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Molded Insert Protection Technology,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857025_0002_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857025_0002_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. 11,857,025.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a method and system for forming molded components with inserts, primarily focused on articles of footwear. However, the limitations of this original technology restricted its adoption in other fields. The present invention addresses this limitation by adapting the core technology to cater to diverse industries, solving the problem of inadequate insert protection during molding processes in these fields.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of this invention lies in the adaptation of the original patented technology to new industries, providing a non-obvious solution to the problem of insert protection during molding processes in these fields. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential for this technology to be applied beyond footwear and the development of new claims that address specific industry needs.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of this invention may include varying the type of plugging material, modifying the molding device to accommodate different insert geometries, or incorporating sensors and monitoring systems to enhance the molding process. Variations may also include using different materials for the plug and insert, or integrating the molding device with computer-aided design software to facilitate customization.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including medical devices, aerospace, and consumer electronics. The ability to create customized products with protected inserts can revolutionize manufacturing processes, improve product quality, and reduce production costs. The target market includes companies and research institutions involved in the development of innovative products and solutions in these industries.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43B13/04
B B29 B29D35/0018
B B29 B29D35/122
B B29 B29D35/14
B B29 B29D35/142

Field of Art

Molding and manufacturing technologies, specifically focused on insert-based component formation across multiple industries including footwear, medical devices, prosthetics, and precision manufacturing

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled manufacturing engineer with expertise in injection molding, materials science, and design for manufacturability, capable of adapting molding techniques across different technical domains

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental molding technique of protecting insert features through a plugging material is universally applicable across different manufacturing contexts. The core technical principle of using an elastomeric plug to cover and protect critical insert geometries during molding remains consistent regardless of the specific industry application. The variations proposed in the PTD represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technological concept.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Method of disposing a plug within a receptacle of an insert to cover engagement features
PTD Variation
Applying the same plugging technique to medical implant and prosthetic limb manufacturing
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of insert protection is directly transferable across manufacturing domains with predictable results
Source Patent Element
Use of elastomeric material for plug formation
PTD Variation
Selecting alternative plug materials specific to dental, aerospace, or hearing aid manufacturing requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection represents an obvious design choice within a finite set of known compatible materials
Source Patent Element
Molding process involving heat and pressure to form plug around insert features
PTD Variation
Adapting molding parameters for different insert geometries in specialized industries
Obviousness Reasoning
Process parameters are routinely optimizable by a PHOSITA using standard engineering techniques
Source Patent Element
Insert with receptacle and engagement features
PTD Variation
Modifying insert geometry for specific industry-specific functional requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
Geometric adaptations represent predictable design variations within known manufacturing constraints
Source Patent Element
Method of covering insert features during molding process
PTD Variation
Integrating computer-aided design and monitoring systems to enhance molding precision
Obviousness Reasoning
Technological enhancement represents an obvious improvement using standard engineering integration techniques
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857025, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the disclosed molding techniques and industry-specific variations to be obvious extensions of the prior art, rendering claims directed to such variations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103 due to the predictable application of known insert protection methodologies across multiple manufacturing domains.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,025
TitleSystem and method for forming a molded component with an insert
Assignee(s)NIKE, Inc.