Customization Kit For Articles Of Footwear
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorWilliam M. Dieter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A steaming apparatus for an article of footwear includes a steaming chamber adjoined to a plurality of wing portions. The steaming apparatus is configured to accommodate a steam source. The apparatus also includes provisions for securing the article of footwear within the steaming chamber such that a majority of the upper is subjected to steam. Articles of footwear may be placed in the steaming system to help customize the articles of apparel for a user's fit and comfort.
Claims26
A kit of parts, comprising:
- an assembled article of footwear including a customizable portion, the customizable portion being customizable when heated above a predetermined temperature;
- a steaming bag configured to receive and hold the assembled article of footwear in a steam environment;
- wherein the steaming bag includes a steaming chamber and a plurality of wing portions;
- the steaming chamber including a receiving end, a base portion, and a footwear receiving portion, the footwear receiving portion extending between the base portion and the receiving end;
- wherein the base portion includes at least one aperture;
- wherein the plurality of wing portions extend substantially radially outward from the steaming chamber when the steaming bag is erected;
- wherein the plurality of wing portions include a first wing portion that extends outward from a first edge of the steaming chamber;
- and
- wherein the first wing portion includes a first channel configured to receive a first elongated element.
A steaming bag configured to receive and hold an assembled article of footwear in a steam environment, the steaming bag comprising:
- a flattened configuration and an erected configuration;
- a steaming chamber including four sidewall portions joined along four edge portions;
- four wing portions, wherein each wing portion of the four wing portions is joined to one edge portion of the steaming chamber;
- wherein each of the four wing portions includes an elongated channel;
- the steaming chamber including a receiving end, a base portion, and a footwear receiving portion, the footwear receiving portion extending upward from the base portion to the receiving end;
- and
- wherein each of the four wing portions extend radially outward from the steaming chamber when the steaming bag is in the erected configuration.
A method of using a steaming bag, comprising:
- grasping a first wing portion and a second wing portion of a steaming apparatus;
- pulling the first wing portion in a first direction and pulling the second wing portion in a second direction, wherein the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction;
- and
- erecting the steaming bag on a surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.