Advanced Adaptive Footwear Lacing System Innovation
Legal Citation
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
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Athletic and performance footwear design, focusing on adaptive lacing systems, textile construction, and ergonomic footwear engineering. Expertise requires understanding of materials science, biomechanics, textile engineering, and footwear manufacturing techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A footwear design engineer with 5-7 years of experience, holding a degree in mechanical or textile engineering, familiar with advanced material technologies, athletic shoe design principles, and current manufacturing techniques for adaptive footwear systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations on the source patent's adaptive lacing system. The proposed modifications represent standard design iterations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve footwear performance and user experience. The technical solutions proposed are logical extensions of existing footwear design principles and do not require inventive leap beyond ordinary skill in the art.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,028 |
|---|---|
| Title | Footwear including an adaptable and adjustable lacing system |
| Assignee(s) | Under Armour, Inc. |