Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Self-Healing Smart Footwear Lacing System Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11857028_0010_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Self-Healing Smart Footwear Lacing System Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857028_0010_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857028_0010_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, but it had limitations in terms of material durability and responsiveness to user needs. The new invention addresses these limitations by introducing self-healing materials, autonomous lacing systems, and real-time sensor feedback to create a truly adaptive footwear system.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention's self-healing materials, autonomous lacing system, and AI-powered technology provide a significant departure from the original patent's limitations, introducing a new paradigm in footwear design and functionality. The invention's ability to adapt to user needs in real-time, combined with its modular and customizable design, represents a substantial inventive step.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include the use of different self-healing materials, such as shape-memory alloys or polymers, or the integration of additional sensors, such as temperature or pressure sensors, to further enhance the system's adaptability. Variations may also include the application of this technology to other wearable devices, such as athletic equipment or prosthetics.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in the athletic footwear market, particularly in high-performance and specialty segments. Additionally, the technology may be applied to medical devices, such as orthotics and prosthetics, or to industrial applications, such as protective footwear for workers in hazardous environments.

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 adaptive footwear design, focusing on upper construction, textile integration, and dynamic fit systems, with expertise in materials engineering, textile manufacturing, and biomechanical performance optimization

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A design engineer with advanced degree in materials science or mechanical engineering, experienced in footwear design, familiar with textile manufacturing techniques, sensor integration, and adaptive material technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's adaptive lacing and textile construction principles. The proposed self-healing materials, AI-powered systems, and modular design are logical progressions of existing footwear technology that combine known techniques in materials science and adaptive systems. The incremental improvements in sensing, material properties, and dynamic adjustment would be considered routine design iterations within the established technological framework.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
One-piece knit textile upper extending across lateral and medial sides of footwear
PTD Variation
Self-healing textile upper with embedded micro-sensors and adaptive material properties
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of advanced material science to existing textile construction techniques, representing a known approach to enhancing functional performance of textile-based footwear components
Source Patent Element
Adjustable lacing system integrated with footwear upper
PTD Variation
AI-powered autonomous lacing system that dynamically adjusts tension based on real-time sensor data
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of existing adaptive lacing technologies, utilizing standard control systems and sensor integration techniques commonly known in wearable technology design
Source Patent Element
Footwear upper with defined regions including forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot
PTD Variation
Modular upper with 3D-printed interchangeable components and intelligent fit adaptation
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine design variation applying additive manufacturing and modular design principles to existing footwear construction methods
Source Patent Element
Textile-based upper with integrated structural elements
PTD Variation
Soft flexible exoskeleton integrated with adaptive lacing system for enhanced support
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable combination of known biomechanical support techniques with existing footwear construction methodologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857028 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations obvious and lacking inventive step. The proposed modifications represent routine engineering developments that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner, combining known techniques in materials science, sensor integration, and adaptive systems to incrementally improve footwear design and functionality.

Original Patent Information

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