Nike patents layered shoe upper with heat-resistant plastic and suede
Nike has been granted a patent for a specific construction method for the front part of a shoe, known as the vamp. The design uses multiple layers, including a heat-resistant plastic sheet, a synthetic suede reinforcement, and a base lining to create a durable structure.
In the filing’s own words
An article of footwear, having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, a medial side and a lateral side opposite the medial side, a fastening system configured to couple the medial side and the lateral side, a sole structure, an upper with layers extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the upper including a void space configured to receive a foot of a wearer, the layers of the upper further comprising: a vamp overlay, a vamp reinforcer comprising a synthetic suede textile material, and a base vamp lining. In some embodiments, the upper may additionally comprise a vamp lining disposed on top of the vamp reinforcer and a vamp disposed between the vamp lining and the vamp overlay. The vamp may consist of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An article of footwear, comprising: a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion; a medial side and a lateral side opposite the medial side; a fastening system configured to couple the medial side and the lateral side; a sole structure; one or more cleats coupled to the sole structure; and an upper with layers extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the upper including a void space configured to receive a foot of a wearer, wherein each of the layers of the upper includes one or more textile materials further comprising: a vamp including a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material, wherein the TPU material has a melting point of at least 110 degrees Celsius; a vamp reinforcer comprising a synthetic suede textile material; and a base vamp lining.
Facts
- Company
- Nike (NIKE, Inc.)
- Official title
- Footwear with vamp overlay
- Patent number
- US12757978B2
- Application number
- 18818197
- Filed
- Aug 28, 2024
- Granted
- Oct 13, 2026
- Inventors
- 1
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
A43B 23/0205 Human necessitiesA43B 21/24 Human necessitiesMore 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.