18628298. ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR INCORPORATING A KNITTED COMPONENT simplified abstract (NIKE, Inc.)

ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR INCORPORATING A KNITTED COMPONENT

Organization Name

NIKE, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Denis Dekovic of Portland OR (US)

John Droege of Portland OR (US)

Windra Fahmi of Beaverton OR (US)

Jeongwoo Lee of Portland OR (US)

Daniel A. Podhajny of San Jose CA (US)

Karl Seamarks of Portland OR (US)

Doug D. Wilken of Hillsboro OR (US)

ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR INCORPORATING A KNITTED COMPONENT - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18628298 titled 'ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR INCORPORATING A KNITTED COMPONENT

The patent application describes an article of footwear with a knitted component in the instep region, featuring outer and inner lace apertures on the lateral and medial sides.

• The upper of the footwear has a knitted component in the instep region.
• Outer lace apertures and inner lace apertures are located along the instep area on the lateral and medial sides.
• The inner lace apertures are positioned more towards the middle of the upper than the outer lace apertures.
• A lace passes through an inner lace aperture on the medial side, travels along the interior surface of the upper, and exits through an outer lace aperture on the same side.
• The lace then extends across the instep area on the exterior surface of the upper and passes through an inner lace aperture on the lateral side.

Potential Applications: - Athletic footwear - Casual footwear - Fashion footwear

Problems Solved: - Enhanced fit and adjustability of the footwear - Improved aesthetic appeal with the knitted component

Benefits: - Comfortable fit - Secure lacing system - Stylish design

Commercial Applications: Title: Innovative Footwear Design with Knitted Component This technology can be utilized in the sports footwear industry, casual shoe market, and high-end fashion footwear segment. The innovative lacing system and knitted upper provide a unique selling point for brands looking to differentiate their products in the competitive footwear market.

Questions about the Innovative Footwear Design with Knitted Component: 1. How does the knitted component enhance the overall comfort of the footwear? 2. What are the potential market implications of this innovative lacing system in the footwear industry?

Original Abstract Submitted

An article of footwear with an upper having a knitted component in an instep region extending between lateral and medial sides. Outer lace apertures and inner lace apertures are disposed along the instep area on the lateral and medial sides, where inner lace apertures are located more inward towards a middle of the upper than outer lace apertures. A lace extends through an inner lace aperture from an exterior surface on the medial side of the upper, along an interior surface of the upper, and then exits the upper through an outer lace aperture on the medial side. After exiting the outer lace aperture on the medial side, the lace extends across the instep area along the exterior surface of the upper and extends through an inner lace aperture on the lateral side.