Reinforcement component for an article of footwear
US9888743B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD10B2501/043
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A reinforcement component for an article of footwear is formed by a folded knit element. The knit element includes a plurality of strap members that are separated by slits when the knit element is in a contracted position. In an expanded position, the slits become openings between the plurality of strap members. The knit element has an upper portion that is folded over a lower portion so that ends of the plurality of strap members are brought together and a plurality of loops are formed along a top of the folded knit element. The folded knit element forms the reinforcement component and the plurality of loops are configured to receive a lace. Forces applied to the reinforcement component by the lace are distributed through the plurality of strap members across the upper of the article of footwear.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.