ECCO Sko A/S

Utilization of knitted components, often with multi-layer structures or integrated thermoplastic yarns, and other advanced materials like specialized foams or structural color elements, for footwear uppers and other components.

Footwear systems designed with interchangeable or reconfigurable components, such as soles, uppers, or footbeds, to allow for customization, repair, or adaptation to different uses.

Engineering of footwear sole components, including midsoles, outsoles, and integrated plates or shanks, to optimize cushioning, stability, energy return, and biomechanical support for specific activities.

Novel mechanisms for securing footwear to the foot, moving beyond traditional laces to include reel-based cables, vacuum-actuated bladders, or integrated frames for enhanced fit and ease of use.

Manufacturing methods for optical components such as lenses, waveguides, films, and filters, requiring high precision in molding, surface treatment, or material composition to achieve specific optical properties like refractive index, microstructures, or tinting.

Techniques for combining multiple materials or layers, often with specialized surface treatments, coatings, or assembly methods, to create functional or aesthetically enhanced plastic articles, including consumer goods and encapsulated electronics.

Methods for forming complex and lightweight structures from composite materials, typically involving fibrous reinforcement (e.g., carbon fiber) embedded in a resin matrix, for applications requiring high strength-to-weight ratios like aerospace or wind energy.

Integration of electronic sensors and feedback mechanisms into footwear for monitoring physiological parameters, providing navigation assistance, or detecting health conditions.

Integration of additive manufacturing with subtractive manufacturing (e.g., machining, cutting) or other traditional processes within a single system or workflow to create parts with improved features, surface finish, or material properties, or to enable new manufacturing paradigms.