Advanced Adaptive Lacing System for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857028_0009_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Adaptive Lacing System for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857028_0009_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857028_0009_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 an adaptable and adjustable lacing system for general footwear applications. However, this invention addresses the limitations of the original patent by providing specialized solutions for specific operational environments. The new claims cater to the distinct requirements of high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, athletic performance tracking, and accessibility, offering improved functionality, safety, and performance.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious features that differentiate them from the original patent. The incorporation of tamper-evident features, reinforced upper material, and quick-release mechanisms for high-security and disaster relief environments, as well as the water-resistant coating and breathable upper material for extreme weather conditions, and the wearable device integration and adjustable tension and release mechanisms for athletic performance tracking and accessibility, represent a significant inventive step beyond the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include modifications to the lacing system for specific industries, such as law enforcement, emergency response, or outdoor recreation. Additionally, variations of the invention could incorporate advanced materials, such as nanomaterials or smart fabrics, to enhance the footwear system's performance and functionality.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptable and adjustable lacing system for specialized environments has significant commercial potential in various industries, including high-security, disaster relief, outdoor recreation, athletic performance tracking, and accessibility. The market for specialized footwear solutions is growing, driven by the increasing demand for tailored products that meet specific operational requirements.

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

Athletic and specialized footwear design, focusing on adaptive lacing systems, upper construction, and performance-oriented footwear technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A design engineer with expertise in footwear manufacturing, materials science, and ergonomic design, familiar with adaptive textile technologies and performance-enhancing footwear systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's adaptable lacing system by applying known design modifications to address specific use cases. The core technological framework of the adjustable lacing system remains fundamentally consistent, with variations primarily involving material selection, additional features, and targeted application contexts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Adaptable lacing system with adjustable textile upper
PTD Variation
Tamper-evident features and reinforced upper material for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying material properties to enhance security is a predictable design choice for specialized footwear applications, utilizing known textile reinforcement techniques
Source Patent Element
One-piece knit textile extending across footwear lateral and medial sides
PTD Variation
Water-resistant coating and breathable upper material for extreme weather conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying surface treatments and material modifications to enhance performance is a standard engineering approach within textile-based footwear design
Source Patent Element
Adjustable lacing mechanism with tension control
PTD Variation
Quick-release mechanism for disaster relief and accessibility applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting existing tension control mechanisms to include rapid deployment is an obvious solution for specialized use cases with finite design constraints
Source Patent Element
Textile-based footwear upper with integrated structural elements
PTD Variation
Wearable device integration for athletic performance tracking
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating electronic sensing capabilities into textile structures is a well-established technique in performance footwear design
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857028's disclosed adaptable lacing system, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious through predictable combinations of known textile engineering techniques, material modifications, and application-specific design adaptations.

Original Patent Information

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