Advanced Footwear Design: Customizable Performance Sole

Publication ID: 24-11857026_0001_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Footwear Design: Customizable Performance Sole,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857026_0001_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857026_0001_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. 11,857,026.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a sole structure of a footwear with a wavy shape in the peripheral portion of the heel, which improved the performance of the footwear. However, the original design had limitations in terms of durability and customization options. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing reinforced components, a cushioning system, and removable and replaceable parts, thereby enhancing the overall performance and user experience of the footwear.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present invention provides a novel solution to the limitations of the original patent by introducing reinforced components, a cushioning system, and removable and replaceable parts. The combination of these features provides a non-obvious improvement over the prior art, enhancing the durability, performance, and customization options of the footwear.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include varying the material and design of the reinforced toe cap and heel counter, or incorporating additional features such as adjustable lacing systems or customizable insoles. Variations of the cushioning system may also be explored, such as using different materials or configurations of air-filled chambers.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced durability and performance footwear has potential commercial applications in the sports and outdoor industries, as well as in the fashion and lifestyle markets. The customization options and improved comfort features make it an attractive product for a wide range of consumers.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43B13/14

Field of Art

Athletic and sports footwear design, specifically focusing on sole structure, cushioning systems, and ergonomic performance enhancement

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical or materials engineer with expertise in footwear design, familiar with shoe manufacturing techniques, material science, and ergonomic performance optimization

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable design extensions of the source patent's core teachings about sole structure and performance optimization. The proposed modifications of reinforced components, cushioning systems, and removable parts are logical engineering improvements that leverage known techniques in footwear design. These variations represent standard problem-solving approaches in the field of athletic shoe manufacturing.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Sole structure with specific geometric configurations for performance enhancement
PTD Variation
Adding reinforced toe cap and heel counter using lightweight high-strength materials
Obviousness Reasoning
Reinforcing critical shoe contact points is a known technique for improving durability, and material selection represents a predictable design choice for a PHOSITA
Source Patent Element
Sole design focused on improving wearer performance
PTD Variation
Incorporating air-filled chambers for enhanced shock absorption
Obviousness Reasoning
Cushioning systems using air chambers are well-established in footwear design, representing a standard approach to improving comfort and performance
Source Patent Element
Geometric sole configuration with specific angle relationships
PTD Variation
Creating removable and replaceable structural components
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design allowing component replacement is a common engineering solution for extending product lifecycle and customization
Source Patent Element
Focus on improving sole structure and performance
PTD Variation
Developing manufacturing method using strong adhesive for component attachment
Obviousness Reasoning
Selection of adhesive attachment methods represents a standard manufacturing technique with predictable results in footwear production
Source Patent Element
Sole design emphasizing ergonomic performance
PTD Variation
Implementing adjustable design features like customizable insoles
Obviousness Reasoning
User customization represents a known strategy for improving product adaptability and meeting diverse consumer needs
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857026, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the technical variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the prior art. The proposed modifications represent predictable design choices utilizing standard techniques in footwear manufacturing, and therefore would not meet the non-obviousness requirements of patentability under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,026
TitleFootwear