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NikePatent applicationClothing & sportInterest 4/10

Nike patents fabric with raised, printed textures on shoes and clothes

Nike describes a method for creating apparel and footwear with textured surfaces that have distinct raised areas. The design features a continuous printed pattern that spans across different height levels, including vertical sides, to create a specific tactile feel.

Why it mattersThis filing suggests Nike is exploring new ways to add durable, integrated textures to fabrics, which could improve the look and feel of their products.

In the filing’s own words

An article of apparel includes a substrate formed from one or more component parts and having an exterior surface. The exterior surface includes: (i) a first surface level, (ii) a second surface level, and (iii) a sidewall surface connecting the first surface level and the second surface level. A height dimension from the first surface level to the second surface level is at least 1 mm. A continuous printed segment extends from the first surface level, along the sidewall surface, and to the second surface level.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An article of apparel, comprising: a substrate formed from one or more component parts and having an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes: (i) a first surface level, (ii) a second surface level, and (iii) a sidewall surface connecting the first surface level and the second surface level, wherein a height dimension from the first surface level to the second surface level is at least 1 mm; and a continuous printed segment extending from the first surface level, along the sidewall surface, and to the second surface level.

Facts

Company
Nike (NIKE, Inc.)
Official title
Textile Components and/or Other Articles Including Printed Structures, Methods of Making These Articles, and Products Including Such Articles
Publication number
US20260256245A1
Application number
19555265
Filed
Mar 3, 2026
Published
Sep 3, 2026
Inventors
3
Claims
22

Classified under

A43B 23/042 Human necessitiesB33Y 70/00 Operations & transportB33Y 80/00 Operations & transport
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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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.