Advanced Adaptive Footwear Lacing System Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11857028_0001_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Adaptive Footwear Lacing System Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857028_0001_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857028_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. 11,857,028.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a footwear design with a lacing system, but it had limitations in terms of adjustability, comfort, and performance. The new invention addresses these limitations by introducing advanced features that improve the overall functionality and user experience of the footwear.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features such as self-tightening mechanisms, dynamic lacing, customizable settings, shock-absorbing materials, and breathable designs, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement over the existing invention, making the new claims non-obvious and inventive.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include variations in the lacing system's materials, designs, and configurations. For example, the self-tightening mechanism could be replaced with a manual adjustment system or a sensor-based system that detects the wearer's foot shape and adjusts accordingly. The dynamic lacing feature could be implemented using different materials, such as shape-memory alloys or smart textiles.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced footwear system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including athletic footwear, hiking boots, work boots, and fashion footwear. The invention's advanced features and improved user experience make it an attractive solution for consumers seeking high-performance footwear. The target market includes athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals seeking comfortable and functional footwear for daily activities.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43B23/028
A A43 A43B1/04
A A43 A43B5/06
A A43 A43B7/085
A A43 A43B23/02
A A43 A43B23/0205
A A43 A43B23/0235
A A43 A43B23/0255
A A43 A43B23/0275
A A43 A43B23/086
A A43 A43C1/00
A A43 A43C1/04
D D04 D04B1/123
D D04 D04B1/14
D D04 D04B1/16
D D04 D04B1/22
D D04 D04B1/24
D D10 D10B2401/041
D D10 D10B2403/02
D D10 D10B2501/043

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,028
TitleFootwear including an adaptable and adjustable lacing system
Assignee(s)Under Armour, Inc.