18434349. PROTECTIVE UPPER FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR simplified abstract (NIKE, Inc.)
Contents
- 1 PROTECTIVE UPPER FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 PROTECTIVE UPPER FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Original Abstract Submitted
PROTECTIVE UPPER FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Rachael M. Noon of Portland OR (US)
PROTECTIVE UPPER FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18434349 titled 'PROTECTIVE UPPER FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes an article of footwear with an armor system including a shroud made of a second material that covers the forefoot region of the upper. The shroud has an articulable shroud vamp with overlapping lames made of a material harder than the first material of the upper.
- The upper of the footwear is made of a first material.
- The armor system includes a shroud covering the forefoot region of the upper.
- The shroud has an articulable shroud vamp with overlapping lames made of a second material that is harder than the first material.
- The shroud may also include a toe cap and a saddle made of the second material.
- The second material is an up-cycled polyethylene composite.
Potential Applications
The technology described in the patent application could be applied in the design and manufacturing of protective footwear for various activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and military operations.
Problems Solved
This technology solves the problem of providing enhanced protection to the forefoot region of the footwear while maintaining flexibility and comfort for the wearer.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include increased durability, improved impact resistance, and overall enhanced performance of the footwear in challenging environments.
Potential Commercial Applications
The technology could be commercially applied in the production of specialized footwear for outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel, and workers in industries where foot protection is crucial.
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art could be footwear with reinforced toe caps or mid-foot protection, but the specific design of an articulable shroud vamp with overlapping lames made of a harder material may be unique to this patent application.
Unanswered Questions
How does the articulable shroud vamp affect the overall flexibility of the footwear?
The articulable shroud vamp is designed to provide protection to the forefoot region while allowing for natural movement. However, the exact impact on flexibility needs to be further explored through testing and user feedback.
What is the expected lifespan of the footwear with this armor system compared to traditional footwear?
While the use of a harder material in the armor system may increase durability, the actual lifespan of the footwear would depend on various factors such as usage intensity, maintenance, and environmental conditions. Further research and long-term testing would be needed to determine the exact lifespan difference.
Original Abstract Submitted
An article of footwear includes an upper formed of a first material, and an armor system including a shroud covering a forefoot region of the upper. The shroud includes an articulable shroud vamp having a plurality of overlapping lames arranged in series along a ball portion of the shroud, each of the lames being formed of a second material having a greater hardness than the first material. The shroud may include a toe cap covering a toe portion of the upper and a saddle covering a mid-foot portion of the upper. The shroud vamp is disposed between the toe cap and the saddle. The saddle and the toe cap may be formed of the second material. The second material may be an up-cycled polyethylene composite.
