Shoe Attachment (e.g., Ornament, Pocket, Etc.) Patents (Class 36/136)
  • Patent number: 11771180
    Abstract: A lacing system for an article of footwear has a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The system includes a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure, the upper having a lateral side, a medial side, and a tongue, a housing that is disposed along the tongue and entirely within the midfoot region, and an electronics assembly enclosed entirely within the housing. The electronics assembly includes at least a motor and a gear assembly. A first lace extends from the housing through a first aperture and a second aperture, and the first lace is drawn into the housing when the motor is activated by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: PUMA SE
    Inventors: Markus Bock, Randolph Maussner
  • Patent number: 11464274
    Abstract: An insole including a base; an electronic element provided to the base; a connection line configured to extend from the electronic element and to pass through the base; and a cover provided on a top surface of the base to cover the electronic element and configured to be separable from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Se-Gon Roh, Haewook Ahn, Yeji Bae, Minho Choi, Chang Hyun Roh, Youngbo Shim
  • Patent number: 11452604
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to medical devices, systems and methods to treat a regurgitating cardiac valve, including, for example a tricuspid or mitral valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kalyna L. Apkarian, Thomas P. Jancaric, Reggie Roth, Umang Anand, Dennis B. Werner, Jason A. Kilvington, James K. Cawthra, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11419748
    Abstract: A stabilization device can determine a condition of a human foot and can include a body, a pad, and a sensor. The body can be coupleable to a human foot. The pad can be coupleable to a distal portion of the body, and the pad can be configured to interface with a walking surface. The sensor can be securable to one of the body and the pad and the sensor can be configured to produce a sensor signal as a function of a sensed condition of the stabilization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Zelen, Orsa Britton, Kenneth D. Johannaber, David A. Nolan, Derek Dalbey
  • Patent number: 11389109
    Abstract: Real-time head and spine alignment, position and other physiological parameters are detected to measure human being health and wellness status. A wearer is reminded to actively correct spinal curvatures and the system may further interfere if head and spinal mal-position or other injury or disease parameters are detected by the system's sensor devices. The system includes wearable universal sensor modules that are attached and detached easily from receiver units having different formats for different body locations depending on their physiological functions. The system is designed to analyze, by artificial intelligence, data from each universal sensor module and provide accurate feedback that can be used by health professionals to monitor remote individual health status and notify a wearer to prevent and correct mal-position or injury or disease status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Y. Michael Lee
  • Patent number: 11291460
    Abstract: A tourniquet assembly is provided comprising an external band and an internal band with a first and second semi-permanent adhesive members. The external band has a first connecting member affixed thereto and a second connecting member removably connected thereto. The internal band is designed to form a loop having a circumference around a limb for constricting blood flow in the limb when the external band forms a loop when the first connecting member is attached to the second connecting member. The tourniquet assembly further comprises a tensioning member connected to the internal band and configured to apply direct tension to the internal band without applying direct tension to the external band. Herein, the circumference formed by the internal band is reduced when the tensioning member is actuated, thereby compressing the limb when the tourniquet assembly is placed around the limb, and thereby reducing blood flow to the limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: Randy Watts
  • Patent number: 11268688
    Abstract: A wearable illumination devices is provided, including a first light source coupled to a first light guide, a second light source coupled to a second light guide, and a support connected between the first and second light guides, wherein the first light source is configured to illuminate the first light guide and the second light source is configured to illuminate the second light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: ICEDOG LIMITED
    Inventor: Jason Coleman
  • Patent number: 11123255
    Abstract: A hip component for a legged mobility device has a hip body, and a hip insert assembly for adjusting a size of the hip component. The hip insert assembly includes a carrier assembly mounted to the hip body, and a main insert assembly spaced apart from the carrier assembly. Adjustment screws are connected to the carrier assembly and the main insert assembly. The carrier assembly includes an adjustment mechanism including a drive shaft and an adjustment chain to effect translational movement of the adjustment screws to move the main insert assembly to adjust both width and depth of the hip component simultaneously. The hip component includes abduction/adduction control mechanism that includes elastomeric bushings that are selective as to resistance level and shape to control a degree of abduction and adduction, and to preset an initial angle. A leg component includes a central carrier, and first and second housings that are located on opposite sides of the central carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Jefferson-Shawn Etheridge, Mike Clausen, Ryan Farris
  • Patent number: 11109636
    Abstract: A shoe system includes a sole and a shoe upper connected with the sole. A gap is disposed between a first upper portion and a second upper portion. The shoe system also includes a first permanent connector permanently connected to the first upper portion; a second permanent connector permanently connected to the second upper portion, and a removable and printable connector strap connectable with the shoe upper. First and second releasable connector portions of the removable and printable connector strap are releasably connectable with the first and second permanent connectors, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: VIDA SHOES INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Lawrence Arin
  • Patent number: 11047706
    Abstract: A method for distinguishing a foot motion of a user by placing a pedometer at a foot of a user includes the steps of collecting an accelerating data from an accelerometer in a real time manner; filtering the accelerating data via a smoothing filter and a Kalman filter; generating a step data that represents number of steps taken by the user in response to the accelerating data through the smoothing filter; generating an activity data that represents a foot motion of the user in response to the accelerating data through the Kalman filter; and combining the step data and the activity data to form a resulted data that distinguishes the foot motion with step count of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: Deming Kong, Guanxing Chen
  • Patent number: 11000099
    Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The tensioning system may be used with various sensors to determine how the motorized tensioning device should be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings, Cody Collier Henderson, James Alan Capra, Mark Stanley Soderberg, Daniel Hipwood
  • Patent number: 10945604
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to biosensors and other elements combined in real-time for health applications that acquire health data of an individual from one or more data streams by a first element and integrate these data through a second element that is configured to predict and/or recognize an interruptive health event and then via one or more successive elements alert one or more providers of a possible interruptive health event, enable the providers to propose one or more effective interventions, communicate directly with the individual and providers and/or caregivers, and/or provide confirmation in the event that effective interventions were made. Embodiments also relate to predicting and recognizing brain attack in real-time by acquiring and integrating health data from one or more data streams, interfacing with one or more providers so that they can propose and/or effect one or more effective interventions, and communicating with an affected individual, providers, and/or caregivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: NaviSalute, LLC
    Inventors: Howard J Federoff, Ophir Frieder, Massimo S. Fiandaca, Ramesh Jain
  • Patent number: 10945662
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a shoe includes a top portion configured to provide covering to a top of a user's foot, a sole portion coupled to the top portion, and one or more processors embedded within the sole portion. Communicatively coupled to the one or more processors are one or more memory modules, one or more user input devices, and a user output device. The user input device includes at least a microphone. Machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the shoe to: receive a command from a user with the one or more user input devices; process the command from the user; and output information with the user output device relevant to the command from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Justin London
  • Patent number: 10820656
    Abstract: A shoe degradation sensor assembly includes a first sensor disposed in or proximate to a material layer of a shoe between a foot space and an outer surface of the shoe, and an electrical contact assembly operable to removably electrically connect the shoe degradation sensor assembly to a reader. The material layer changes in at least one physical property with degradation to the shoe, and the first sensor is configured to indicate the changing physical property of the material layer thereby indicating a degree of degradation to the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew P. Bonifas, Brock A. Hable, Nicholas T. Gabriel, Ronald D. Jesme, Nicholas G. Amell, Kristy A. Jost
  • Patent number: 10702018
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with an outer layer, an inner layer, and a chamber element positioned at least partially between the outer layer and the upper layer. The chamber element may be formed of two layers of a transparent colored polymer material and may be sealed to enclose a fluid. The chamber element may also have a plurality of subchambers. The outer layer may have a plurality of apertures. Each subchamber may protrude at least partially through a corresponding one of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Beye, Eric Joseph Marshall
  • Patent number: 10433615
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a midsole for dispersing the pressure of the mesopodium and the metatarsal bones, and a shoe having the same, the midsole having, installed in a metatarsal bone portion and mesopodium portion of the central upper part thereof, a midfoot support for receiving an inner sole, which protrudes upwardly so as to support the mesopodium, and having a bridge groove formed in a metatarsal bone portion of the lower part thereof, wherein the bridge groove consists of three components, and has been improved so as to be capable of supporting joints between the metatarsal bone body and basal tarsus metatarsal bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignees: In Sik Park, Eugene David Park
    Inventors: In Sik Park, Eugene David Park
  • Patent number: 10426640
    Abstract: An adjustable prosthetic socket includes proximal and distal ends and an axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. A distal base is adapted to support a distal portion of a residual limb and is located at the distal end of the socket. First and second spines extend upward from the distal base that define at least part of a circumference of the socket about the axis. A proximal support is connected to the second spine and arranged to distribute pressure from the second spine over a portion of the residual limb. A tensioning system is operatively connected to the first and second spines and arranged to selectively adjust the circumference of the socket. The tensioning system includes a dial tensioner connected to the first spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventor: Andrew Bache
  • Patent number: 10385485
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in one aspect, provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper may include a knitted component. The knitted component may include a knit element, a first tensile strand with an exposed first end, and a second tensile strand with an exposed second end. The first tensile strand may be at least partially inlaid within the knit element, the second tensile strand may be at least partially inlaid within the knit element, and the exposed first end of the first tensile element may be secured to the exposed second end of the second tensile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Daniel A. Podhajny
  • Patent number: 10327700
    Abstract: An intelligent insole is provided. The intelligent insole includes an insole body, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and a signal collector. The pressure sensor, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are formed on the surface of the insole body, and the above sensors and the insole body are manufactured via the same 3D printing process. The pressure sensor senses the pressure signal from the insole body in contact with the foot. The temperature sensor and the humidity sensor respectively sense the temperature signal and the humidity signal of the insole body. The signal collector is respectively electrically connected to the pressure sensor, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor to receive the pressure signal, the temperature signal and the humidity signal and then transmit the signals to a signal receiver via wireless transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Yu-Chi Lee, Mao-Jiun Wang, Chun Zhang, Hsu-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 10298280
    Abstract: A sensor for a portable connected device comprising a filter 30 is arranged to reduce a noise component on a sampled input signal, wherein the filter is arranged to consider only input measurements that change systematically in a same direction, updating an output value when all the input samples in a predetermined time window are above or below a current output value and, repeating the current output value when the input samples in the time window are below and above the current output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Semtech Corporation
    Inventors: Olivier Nys, Chaouki Rouaissia
  • Patent number: 10176691
    Abstract: A tracking and monitoring shoe that includes a tracking device comprising a controller, a battery in electrical communication with at least one solenoid and at least one permanent magnet, a plurality of lights, a microphone, and a speaker. The tracking device may be implanted within a portion of the shoe, defined as the tracking section. The plurality of lights may be operable to emit light from a sole of the shoe and the plurality of lights and the tracking device may be electrically connected to the battery. The battery may be configured to be rechargeable when a walking motion translates the at least one permanent magnet. Furthermore, the tracking device may be configured to activate the plurality of lights, microphone, and speaker when the tracking device detects the shoe has reached or transcended a boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Rachanee L. Smoak
  • Patent number: 10070681
    Abstract: An article of footwear or an article of apparel can include provisions for facilitating the installation of a control device. The control device can include a panel comprising a plurality of buttons that can provide manual control to a user. The control device can be installed in a compartment within the article after initial manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the control device can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • Patent number: 10056850
    Abstract: A wearable power generating device is provided. The wearable power generating device includes an arcuate-shaped flexible substrate, a first energy generating device, an energy harvesting circuit, and an energy storage device. The first energy generating device generates a first voltage in response to the first energy generating device being in tension or compression or being bent. The energy harvesting circuit receives the first voltage and outputs a DC voltage in response to receiving the first voltage. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the energy harvesting circuit and receives the DC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph L. Meloche, Heather S. Meloche
  • Patent number: 9918517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a footwear article, such as a boot, having a knob, hook, platform or other extension protruding on an upper portion thereof. The knob, hook, platform or other extension may be utilized for engaging with a cart, dolly or other movable object for moving the same by moving the wearer's foot. Methods of using the same are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Randy L. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9894954
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components. A sole plate can include one or more specialized compartments designed to receive a component. The sole plate can be configured to provide greater stability to a sole structure. In some cases, the sole plate can be used to receive a component that can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings
  • Patent number: 9877540
    Abstract: An assembly includes a shoe and a device connected with the shoe to support the ankle, wherein the device includes a shaped piece which surrounds the ankle at least at the rear and is formed corresponding to the malleoli of the ankle. A shaped piece and a shoe suitable for use in the assembly and a set of the shaped piece and a fixing element for attachment to a shoe are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Exo Ligament B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Dalitso Fleuren
  • Patent number: 9782125
    Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices may include an authentication or activation system for providing power or otherwise determining the connection of a sensor in the article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Berner, Jr., Albert Shum, Charles W. Case, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 9687039
    Abstract: A graphical element laminate for use in forming a skate boot, including a base layer, a first thermoplastic layer laminated on an outer side of the base layer, a second thermoplastic layer laminated on an outer side of the first thermoplastic layer, and a graphical element printed on at least one portion of at least one of the first thermoplastic layer outer side and the second thermoplastic layer inner side. At least a portion of the second thermoplastic layer is transparent and/or translucent such that when the laminate forms part of the skate boot at least a portion of the graphical element is visible through the second thermoplastic layer from an exterior of the skate boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SPORT MASKA INC.
    Inventors: Philippe Koyess, David Dekoos
  • Patent number: 9620100
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an acoustic amplification system for a shoe which includes an amplifier configured to couple to a sole portion of the shoe. The amplifier includes a body; an open-ended cavity disposed within the body; and a sound wave-amplifying conduit disposed within the body, the sound wave-amplifying conduit having opposing inlet and outlet ports, whereby the inlet port acoustically couples to the open-ended cavity and the outlet port acoustically couples to an ambient environment. Following, sound waves entering the inlet port from a sound wave-generating device received within the open-ended cavity are amplified within the sound wave-amplifying conduit to generate amplified sound waves which exit from the outlet port into the ambient environment, the amplified sound waves providing amplified sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: S9, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Ochipa
  • Patent number: 9615629
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage device encloses the laces of footwear. The storage device comprises a lower member, an upper member, and a joint that permits articulated motion between the lower member and the upper member in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the storage device. The upper member comprises an enclosure with an inner cavity that receives the laces therein. In one example, the outer member comprises a pair of closure members that articulate in a second direction toward the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Stash Sporting Goods, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Cashel, Carol Stanley
  • Patent number: 9549586
    Abstract: A battery for use with a heated insole has a cushion portion on top of the battery to provide comfort when the battery is disposed within the insole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Schawbel Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Veronica M. Zsolcsak, Micha Eizen, Thomas John William Bayes, Ian Nicholson Whitehead
  • Patent number: 9545136
    Abstract: A fabric wrap jewelry item embodiment includes an elongate strip of fabric having a width, an elongate length, and two ends, wherein the elongate length is sized to wrap at least twice around an appendage of a wearer and the ends connected together to form a loop of fabric material, and a pendant affixed to the elongate strip of fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Amy Lori Cochrane
  • Patent number: 9526294
    Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear having a sole structure with a cushion layer wherein a lighting assembly, having a switch, a power source, and at least one light source or LED, can be inserted and attached into the sole structure to provide external illumination from the footwear. The cushion layer exhibits a means for transmitting light from the lighting assembly secured within to the exterior of the footwear, the means for transmitting light can take the form of a polymeric material of at least partial transparency, in some cases having a fluid enclosed within or the form of a plurality of light transmission channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Troy Larsen
  • Patent number: 9439828
    Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamic compression of venous tissue enable improved blood movement in the extremities. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a pressure pad provides a compressive force to the venous plexus region of the foot. The pressure pad is successively withdrawn and re-pressed against the foot. Improved blood circulation may reduce the occurrence of undesirable complications such as deep vein thrombosis, ulcers, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: AVEX, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Matthew Mayer, Peter E. Von Behrens, David M. Mayer, Gerhard Rill
  • Patent number: 9296605
    Abstract: System is provided for aiding a horseback rider in maintaining balance while riding, includes sensor pad positioned between rider and saddle, pad/blanket worn by the horse during riding. Sensor pad includes sensors for measuring force exerted by the rider on the horse at individual measuring points. Controller configured for receiving force data from the sensor pad, includes a microprocessor continuously polling each sensor in the sensor pad for force data, calibrating each measurement based on an initial value, aggregating measurements from sensors on a left side and a right side of the sensor pad over a predetermined time interval, and calculating the differences between measurements on the right side and left side of the sensor pad. Power supply, electronic circuitry and alert mechanism receive signal from controller and notify rider when rider is off-balance based on calculated differences between measurements on right side and left side of sensor pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Feinberg, Brigitte Huber
  • Patent number: 9204688
    Abstract: An article of footwear for use before and after a pedicure including a toe separator, strap securing mechanisms and an offset toe stem adapter end for connecting straps of footwear to the foot without compromising or damaging pedicured toenails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Natasha Virginia Hazarian
  • Patent number: 9192207
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a skate boot, including providing a first sheet of thermoplastic material, the thermoplastic material being at least one of translucent and transparent, printing a graphic element on the first side of the first sheet of thermoplastic material, providing a second sheet of base layer material with a first side of the second sheet of base layer material having a design element, positioning the first side of the first sheet onto the first side of the second sheet such that the graphic image is disposed between the first side of the first sheet and the first side of the second sheet, and joining the first sheet and the second sheet together to form a graphic element laminate. The graphic element laminate is affixed to an outer surface of a skate boot core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: SPORT MASKA INC.
    Inventors: Philippe Koyess, David Dekoos
  • Patent number: 9144269
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have a sole structure and an upper that includes a foundation element and a tensile element. The tensile element may include a base layer and a plurality of strands, with the base layer being joined to an exterior surface of the foundation element. In manufacturing the footwear, a thermoplastic polymer material in the base layer may be utilized to bond or otherwise join the tensile element to the foundation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Meschter, Lia Uesato
  • Patent number: 9131745
    Abstract: Footwear includes an upper, a sole, a cavity, a location determining device, a wireless communication device, a communication antenna, a first electrical conductor, a location signal antenna, a second electrical conductor, and a bus cable. The cavity is formed in the sole and includes a first portion located on a bottom heel region of the sole and a second portion located on a rear heel region of the sole. The location determining device and the wireless communication device are disposed in the first portion of the cavity. The communication antenna and the location signal antenna are mounted in the second portion of the cavity. The bus cable includes a first end that is electrically coupled to the location determining device and a second end that is mounted in the second portion of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBAL TREK XPLORATION CORP.
    Inventors: Ruk Peterson, Patrick E. Bertagna, Christopher M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 9032583
    Abstract: A traction-enhancing cleaning kit for allowing sports players to clean and dry the soles of their court shoes while in-play. The cleaning kit comprises a gellified shoe cleaning fluid (3), and a shoe-attachable cleaning and drying device (1) comprising a gel-absorbent cleaning/drying cartridge (2) removably secured by hook-and-loop to a carrier platform (4), which is in turn secured along the forefoot of the sneaker by its laces. The cartridge (2) includes an encapsulated viscose rayon microfiber panel (20) backed by a moisture-impermeable layer (30), and held captive in a plastic frame (10). The frame (10) includes a raised wiping lip (114) surrounding the panel (20). In use, the player need only swipe one foot over the top of the cleaning and drying device (1) attached to the other foot, brushing the sole. One swipe wets and squeegees dry, and the process is repeated for the other foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventors: Steve McLaughlin, Seth McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20150128454
    Abstract: A shoe and shoe ornamenting device is shown. The shoe is shown in an exemplary embodiment, depicted as a preferred loafer having attachment points for attachment of a shoe ornamenting device thereto. The attachment points preferably comprise a loop of material that serves as a point of connection for the shoe ornamenting device. A replaceable band is secured to a first shackle and a second shackle, the shackles being removably secured, respectively, to loops of material at each bridge end of the shoe, using a fastener, such as a pin, which secures the shackle to a loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: William Lange Sykes
  • Patent number: 9027262
    Abstract: A shoe, such as an athletic shoe, includes a pump assembly integral therewith. The pump assembly includes a pump which produces a stream of pressurized air and a delivery assembly which operates to deliver the stream of pressurized air to an end use location exterior of the shoe. The shoe may comprise an athletic shoe and may be utilized to inflate sports balls such as basketballs, footballs, and volleyballs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Efferent Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ben Blankenship, Sam Howard
  • Publication number: 20150113833
    Abstract: Footwear having an upper section for extending over a wearer's foot, the surface having an opening, and an accessory having a projection received in the opening, and an accessory for footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: BACK BEAT, INC.
    Inventor: MARY BONCUTTER
  • Publication number: 20150113834
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a base layer, a plurality of strand segments, and a deposition layer. The base layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The strand segments are located adjacent to the first surface and extend substantially parallel to the first surface for a distance of at least five centimeters. The deposition layer is deposited upon the first surface and the strand segments, and the deposition layer is joined with the first surface and the strand segments. The deposition layer is applied using a screen printing process. Different inks can be used during the screen printing process to form the deposition layer and an indicia layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Chin-Chen Huang, Daniel A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150113835
    Abstract: Described is a shoe pad for attachment to the outer sole of a shoe. The shoe pad includes a body having a first side configured for engaging a stepping surface and a second side configured for attachment to the outer sole of the shoe. The first and second sides are offset by a thickness of the body. A decorative wrap is attached to the body at least partially about an outer perimeter of the body in a direction transverse to the body thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Theresa Rosenberger
  • Patent number: 9009992
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a ball contacting member is disclosed. The ball contacting member enhances the ability of a wearer to kick a ball with a low trajectory. The ball contacting member can be attached to the article of footwear in various different ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Thomas G. Bell, Daniel W. Peter, Blake Rhulen, Morgan Stauffer
  • Patent number: 9011971
    Abstract: A shoe ornament structure, comprises: a base layer, a sub-base layer, a ground color layer, a ornamental layer, a blocking wall and a transparent layer. The ground color layer has a predetermined thickness and is formed on the sub-base layer. The ornamental layer is formed with different grains or color or materials and located on the ground color layer. The blocking wall of a height 0.5-0.7 mm is formed on ornamental layer, and the transparent layer is formed in the area defined by the blocking wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Dah Lih Puh Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jui-Fen Shiao
  • Publication number: 20150097374
    Abstract: A power generation device includes a first pivot arm having a shank extendable in a predetermined direction, and a rack arranged along the predetermined direction, wherein the shank has a slot between the rack and an end portion of the shank; a second pivot arm having a first end portion coupled with the end portion of the shank at a first pivot; and a third pivot arm having a first end portion coupled with a second end portion of the second pivot arm at a second pivot, and a second end portion of the third pivot arm coupled with the slot of the shank at a third pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: CHE WEI LIN, HE CHEN CHEN
  • Publication number: 20150096203
    Abstract: A footwear article, preferably a sand slipper comprised of an upper sole, upper attached to the sole which defines a foot opening with an insert pad filled with loose particulate material which is configured within the pad to provide the feeling of walking on the sandy beach, all without squishing the particulate material to the sides, and with an electric massage element mounted in the insert pad to provide vibration to both the wearer's foot and the particulate material to enhance the massage affect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Ivan E. Brown, Teryle L. Kounkel, Brandon Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20150096204
    Abstract: Articles of footwear and footwear systems include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of footwear for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and footwear are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for the module for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Whipple Case, JR.