Nike patents stretchy knit shoe panels that snap back to shape
This patent describes a knitted shoe component featuring two tube-like structures connected by a webbed section. The webbed area is designed to stretch from a neutral position to an extended position and then snap back, using a single layer of knit fabric.
In the filing’s own words
The present disclosure provides an article. The article may include a first tubular rib structure and a second tubular rib structure. A webbed area may be located between the first tubular rib structure and the second tubular rib structure. The webbed area may have a first portion with a first width and a second portion with a second width, where the first width may be larger than the second width. The webbed area may be at least partially formed from a first yarn.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A knitted component, comprising: a first tubular structure; a second tubular structure; and a webbed area positioned at least partially between the first tubular structure and the second tubular structure, wherein the webbed area is adjustable between a neutral position and an extended position, wherein the webbed area is biased towards the neutral position, and wherein the webbed area comprises only one knit layer.
Facts
- Company
- Nike (NIKE, Inc.)
- Official title
- Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component
- Patent number
- US12729465B2
- Application number
- 18541853
- Filed
- Dec 15, 2023
- Granted
- Sep 8, 2026
- Inventors
- 1
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
D04B 1/225 Textiles & paperA43B 1/04 Human necessitiesA43B 23/0205 Human necessitiesA43B 23/0245 Human necessitiesA43B 23/027 Human necessitiesD04B 1/123 Textiles & paperMore from Nike in Clothing & sport
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.