Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Adaptive Lacing System: Multi-Industry Ergonomic Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11857028_0002_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Lacing System: Multi-Industry Ergonomic Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857028_0002_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857028_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. 11,857,028.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent focused on an adaptable and adjustable lacing system for footwear, but its potential applications extend far beyond. The new invention addresses the limitations of the original patent by exploring novel uses in workspace ergonomics, orthotics, wearable devices, athletic training, and mobility assistance. These new applications require adaptability, adjustability, and customization to meet the unique demands of each field.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the adaptable and adjustable lacing system, which are non-obvious extensions of the original patent. The inventive step lies in the system's adaptability to diverse industries, solving specific problems and improving user experiences in each field.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include adjustable lacing systems for medical devices, prosthetics, or exoskeletons. Variations could involve different materials, geometries, or actuation mechanisms to optimize performance in each application.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptable and adjustable lacing system has vast commercial potential across multiple industries, including workspace ergonomics, healthcare, athletic training, and mobility assistance. Target markets include companies developing wearable devices, orthotics, and assistive technologies, as well as industries seeking to improve user experiences and performance.

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

Field of Art

Footwear and wearable device design, focusing on adaptive attachment systems, ergonomic interfaces, and biomechanical support technologies across medical, athletic, and assistive device domains

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A design engineer with expertise in textile engineering, biomechanical interfaces, and adaptive mechanical systems, possessing knowledge of materials science, ergonomic design principles, and interdisciplinary product development

Obviousness Rationale

The source patent's adaptable lacing system provides a fundamental technological framework that a skilled practitioner would recognize as readily extensible to diverse application contexts. The core mechanical principles of adjustable, conforming attachment systems are universally applicable across different domains requiring personalized, dynamic user interfaces. A PHOSITA would naturally perceive the potential for translating the footwear lacing technology into medical, assistive, and performance monitoring contexts by applying standard design translation techniques.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
One-piece knit textile extending across lateral and medial sides of footwear
PTD Variation
Applying similar textile integration principles to medical orthotic and prosthetic device design
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of known textile engineering techniques, representing a standard design adaptation for improved biomechanical interfaces
Source Patent Element
Adjustable lacing system providing dynamic fit accommodation
PTD Variation
Implementing similar adjustment mechanisms in wearable vital sign monitoring devices
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of adapting mechanical attachment systems to ensure consistent sensor contact and user comfort
Source Patent Element
Configurable textile structure allowing precise body region engagement
PTD Variation
Translating lacing system to mobility assistance devices requiring customized support
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of design solutions for creating adaptable, user-specific mechanical interfaces
Source Patent Element
Dynamic fit adjustment mechanism
PTD Variation
Athletic performance monitoring system with real-time biomechanical adaptation
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious combination of known attachment technologies with sensor integration, representing a standard design evolution
Source Patent Element
Textile-based conforming attachment system
PTD Variation
3D-printed orthotic design utilizing adjustable engagement principles
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of established textile interface technologies to emerging manufacturing paradigms
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857028's comprehensive disclosure of an adaptable lacing system, the present publication demonstrates that variations extending the core technological principles into medical, assistive, and performance monitoring domains would be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art. The fundamental mechanical and textile engineering concepts disclosed in the source patent provide sufficient conceptual foundation for rendering subsequent implementations in alternative contexts non-patentable.

Original Patent Information

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