Nike patents shoe upper with a fused, net-like knitted layer
Nike describes a footwear component made of two knitted layers: a solid base and a net-like top layer with small openings. The layers are joined using heat-meltable plastic yarns that fuse together when heated, creating a single, integrated piece without traditional stitching.
In the filing’s own words
Aspects herein are directed to, among other things, a knitted component for an article of footwear. The knitted component includes a knitted base layer secured to a knitted net layer. The knitted net layer may have a yarn defining cells with openings through which the knitted base layer is exposed. A thermoplastic polymer material, which may initially form yarn that forms the knitted net layer or the knitted base layer, may at least partially fuse the knitted base layer to the knitted net layer. In some aspects, the knitted component further includes one or more inlaid strands at least partially arranged between the knitted base and net layers. The inlaid strands may also include a thermoplastic polymer material that is at least partially melted during heating of the knitted component and, when cooled, fuses the inlaid strands to the knitted base layer and knitted net layer.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An article of footwear comprising a knitted component, the knitted component comprising: a knitted base layer; a knitted net layer integrally knitted with the knitted base layer; and one or more inlaid strands extending between the knitted base layer and the knitted net layer, wherein one or more yarns forming the knitted net layer form a plurality of polygon cells, wherein adjacent polygon cells share at least one common vertex, and wherein each polygon cell is defined by floating sections of yarn of the knitted net layer extending between one or more vertices, wherein the one or more inlaid strands intersect the floating sections.
Facts
- Company
- Nike (NIKE, Inc.)
- Official title
- ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A KNITTED NET LAYER
- Publication number
- US20260262781A1
- Application number
- 19656551
- Filed
- Apr 23, 2026
- Published
- Sep 10, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 7
Classified under
A43B 1/04 Human necessitiesA43B 1/028 Human necessitiesA43B 23/0215 Human necessitiesA43B 23/0245 Human necessitiesMore from Nike in Clothing & sport
- Nike patents clothing that stiffens instantly to protect against impacts Sep 15, 2026
- Nike patents underwear with electric straps that adjust tightness Sep 17, 2026
- Nike patents fabric that tightens when it gets wet Oct 15, 2026
- Nike patents shoe that pumps fluid to heel for cushioning Sep 8, 2026
- Nike patents top with built-in pocket for breast pumps Oct 1, 2026
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.