Abstract: A measuring device with a measuring tape and a one-piece handle. The handle includes a main body with a fixed reference, an anchor portion with a movable reference and a resilient element. The measuring tape is secured to the anchor portion. The resilient element allows the anchor portion to move with respect to the main body when the measuring tape is under the tension. The resilient element is configured so that the movable reference comes into alignment with the fixed reference when the measuring tape is under proper tension. The fixed reference may also provide a reference from which to take measurements. The resilient element may include a pair of nonlinear segments that straighten under tension. The main body may include a pair of fixed references disposed on opposite sides of the measuring tape, and the anchor portion may include a pair of corresponding movable references.

Abstract: A measuring device with a measuring tape and a one-piece handle. The handle includes a main body with a fixed reference, an anchor portion with a movable reference and a resilient element. The measuring tape is secured to the anchor portion. The resilient element allows the anchor portion to move with respect to the main body when the measuring tape is under the tension. The resilient element is configured so that the movable reference comes into alignment with the fixed reference when the measuring tape is under proper tension. The fixed reference may also provide a reference from which to take measurements. The resilient element may include a pair of nonlinear segments that straighten under tension. The main body may include a pair of fixed references disposed on opposite sides of the measuring tape, and the anchor portion may include a pair of corresponding movable references.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole and an upper joined with the outsole, the upper having an exterior surface. A panel is joined with the upper, the panel being foldable about an axis between a first position and a second position. A first indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the first position, and a second, different indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the second position.

Abstract: A sole assembly including an outsole and a midsole that balances proprioception, flexibility, protection and running efficiency. The midsole can define a flexibility void in the arch region of the assembly. The outsole can include ground contacting wearing tread extending through the arch region adjacent the flexibility void, with the outsole minimized adjacent the flexibility void to enhance flexibility, along with the flexibility void, in the arch region. The sole assembly can include a 4 mm to 8 mm or other heel to toe drop to accommodate a variety of running and other activities. The sole assembly can be outfitted with shock pods of denser, more rigid material than the midsole to dissipate forces from the wearer to the midsole over a larger area. The midsole can include a non-supportive upwardly extending portion in the arch to provide a wearer with the false perception that the arch is supported to reduce fatigue.

Abstract: A sole assembly generally including a flex plate, a heel spring and a heel cup. The flex plate may extend from the rear of the sole through the arch into the forefoot. The heel spring may be an elliptical spring and may have internal resilient stoppers that prevent the spring from bottoming out. The height of the stoppers may increase toward the rear of the sole. The stoppers may be extensions of the outsole fitted up through apertures in the elliptical spring. The heel spring may be disposed beneath the flex plate in the heel region. The heel cup may be disposed above the flex plate in the heel region. The heel cup may have an extension that extends upwardly a sufficient distance to cradle the wearer's heel to provide an enhanced forefoot lever. The flex plate, heel spring and heel cup may be a single unitary component.

Abstract: A sole component having a base, a toe cover and an integral line of articulation permitting the toe cover to be molded in an “open” position and moved into a “closed” position during assembly on the article of footwear. The line of articulation may include a line of reduced thickness extending laterally across the sole. The line of articulation may also include breaks defined in the sidewall of the sole in alignment with the line of reduced thickness. The present invention also provides a method of forming a sole component generally including the steps of providing a mold having bottom and top mold parts shaped to cooperatively define a mold cavity in the shape of a sole component having a toe cover joined to a base along a line of articulation, closing the mold parts, injecting a sole forming material into the cavity, removing the sole component and moving the toe cover about the line of articulation into a closed configuration for use.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing footwear including injection molding a polymeric material on a sheet of material in preselected locations and/or in a preselected pattern so that the polymeric material bonds to the sheet and forms a structural exoskeleton of an upper of the footwear. The upper can be joined with a sole. The polymeric material can be injection molded on the sheet while the sheet is in a planar or flat configuration, and subsequently, the sheet and bonded exoskeleton can be conformed to a three-dimensional configuration of an upper. Additional polymeric materials can be injected on the exoskeleton to reinforce certain areas of the same. The exoskeleton can define one or more holes through which the sheet is visible to form one or more aesthetic regions on the upper. An article of footwear constructed with the method is also provided.

Abstract: An indicator system includes a human perceptible indicator, a motion-activated switch, and a controller in electrical communication with the indicator and the motion activated switch. The controller includes a non-transitory memory storing first and second indicator sequences, and a counter counting a number of activations of the motion-activated switch. The controller causes activation of the indicator according to the first indicator sequence when the number of switch activations is less than a first threshold count, and according to the second indicator sequence when the number of switch activations is greater than or equal to the first threshold count, and less than a second threshold count.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole secured thereto. The sole includes a midsole with a receptacle, within which a flexible fluid-filled bladder may be fitted. The bladder is adjustable with respect to the midsole between at least first and second orientations. The bladder provides the sole with a first characteristic when in the first orientation and a second characteristic, different from the first characteristic, when in the second orientation. Accordingly, the sole is readily adjustable between the first characteristic and the second characteristic by movement of the bladder with respect to the midsole.