Abstract: Apparatus and methods are given for providing enhanced product recommendations. In one embodiment, products are recommended to a consumer based on information manually entered by the consumer and/or derived from data relating to the consumer obtained from a health-monitoring platform. The recommended products are provided from a recommendation engine to a human operator or curator at an item selection entity, the curator selects a predetermined number of the recommended products for delivery to the consumer. Such delivery is established by the consumer to occur periodically (such as monthly) as part of a subscription service. Product recommendations are adjusted over time to relate to customer activity and interest data accumulated from the health-monitoring platform. In one embodiment, a recommendation engine is configured to specifically tailor its recommendation algorithms based on feedback information received from the curator and/or the consumer.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear with a braided upper is disclosed. The method includes overbraiding a last to form a braided upper and cutting a bottom opening in the braided upper to remove the last. The bottom opening is cut so as to leave a bottom peripheral portion on the bottom side of the braided upper. A midsole is attached directly to the bottom peripheral portion using a bonding agent.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole connected to the upper, and an outsole connected to the midsole. The midsole includes a lattice structure comprising a network of laths forming a plurality of cell units, the plurality of cell units arranged in a plurality of layers on the midsole. The cell units in an upper layer are stacked upon the cell units in a lower layer and separated by a set of vertices common to cell units in both the upper layer and the lower layer.

Abstract: A fitness tracking system for generating movement variables corresponding to movement of a user includes a monitoring device, a personal electronic device, and a remote processing server. The monitoring device is configured to be worn or carried by the user and includes a movement sensor configured to collect movement data. The personal electronic device is operably connected to the monitoring device. At least one of the personal electronic device and the monitoring device is configured to calculate feature data by applying a set of rules to the movement data, to calculate raw speed data corresponding to a speed of the user from the subset of the movement data, and to calculate raw distance data corresponding to a distance moved by the user from the subset of the movement data. The remote processing server includes a machine learning model for processing at least the feature data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are given for providing enhanced product recommendations. In one embodiment, products are recommended to a consumer based on information manually entered by the consumer and/or derived from data relating to the consumer obtained from a health-monitoring platform. The recommended products are provided from a recommendation engine to a human operator or curator at an item selection entity, the curator selects a predetermined number of the recommended products for delivery to the consumer. Such delivery is established by the consumer to occur periodically (such as monthly) as part of a subscription service. Product recommendations are adjusted over time to relate to customer activity and interest data accumulated from the health-monitoring platform. In one embodiment, a recommendation engine is configured to specifically tailor its recommendation algorithms based on feedback information received from the curator and/or the consumer.

Abstract: A garment includes a first panel provided on a limb portion with a first lacing guide coupled to the first panel. The first panel is an elastic fabric panel. The garment further includes a second panel provided on the limb portion with a second lacing guide coupled to the second panel. A cord extends between the first lacing guide and the second lacing guide. A cord adjustment mechanism is coupled to the cord. The cord adjustment mechanism is configured to reduce an effective length of the cord extending between the first lacing guide and the second lacing guide such that the first panel is stretched and the first panel is drawn toward the second panel.

Abstract: A chin strap includes a protective shell including a curved and convex contour extending between lengthwise ends of the shell, the shell further including a first curved edge extending between the lengthwise ends of the shell and a second curved edge extending between the lengthwise ends of the shell. A cross-section along a lengthwise central axis of the chin strap defines a first shell portion including the first curved edge and a second shell portion including the second curved edge. The first shell portion of the cross-section defines a first surface area between the lengthwise central axis and the first curved edge, and the second shell portion of the cross-section defines a second surface area between the lengthwise central axis and the second curved edge, where the first surface area is less than the second surface area.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a unitary, open-celled structure. Specifically, the sole assembly includes a lattice structure having an interconnected network of struts and nodes that cooperate to define voids. The struts and nodes are configured to generate predetermined support and flexure properties within the network. The lattice may be configured as a conformal lattice, being contoured to receive accessories or complementary support structures. The sole assembly may further include an insert formed of compression material (e.g., foam). In operation, the lattice and foam insert cooperate to provide stability and cushioning to the article of footwear.

Abstract: Hot melt sequins and methods of applying these sequins are disclosed. The sequins may be stitched to a layer of an article in a pattern to form a relatively rigid structure. The sequins may be made of a hotmelt material and melted to form a continuous structure. The sequins may be located along a lacing region and used as eyelets to secure laces.

Abstract: A method for providing activity data to a user for a workout session includes receipt of first activity data from a first activity sensor and receipt of second activity data from a second activity sensor during the workout session. A first parameter is generated for a workout attribute based on the first activity data received during a first time interval of the workout session, and a second parameter is generated for the workout attribute based on the second activity data received during a second time interval of the workout session. An aggregate parameter for the workout attribute is generated based on both the first parameter and the second parameter. The first activity data and the second activity data generated during the workout session are transmitted to a remote server where a third parameter for the workout attribute is generated.

Abstract: An article of apparel includes a composite material. The composite material includes a pliable first layer and a resilient second layer, where the first and second layers are secured to each other via a patterned strand network. In forming the composite material, the second layer is stretched and maintained under tension while the first layer is secured to the second layer via the patterned strand network. The tension on the second layer is then released, resulting in contraction of the second layer in relation to the first layer and an outward buckling or protrusion of the first layer in relation to the second layer to form protruding cells along the composite material that are bounded by portions of the patterned strand network. The patterned strand network can be formed using embroidery with one or more auxetic patterns in the stitching.

Abstract: A method of providing gait coaching is disclosed. Run data is received and stored regarding runs of a broad and diverse population of users, as well as a more narrow set of expert users. A gait metric model is developed for determining an ideal stride length or cadence based on pace and at least one physiological characteristic. Regression coefficients for at the model are determined based on a regression of the run data from the broad and diverse population of users. In contrast, a regression constant for the model is determined based on a regression of the run data from expert users. Using the model, an ideal stride length or cadence for a particular user on a particular run can be determined and utilized to provide useful monitoring, comparison, and feedback to the user regarding his or her stride length or cadence.

Abstract: Beads may be stitched to a substrate layer and then fused to form structures including foam midsoles, foam pads, and other foam structures. Beads may be embroidered to multiple substrate layers and then folded or stacked together to form a preform used in a mold to form a midsole.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear with an improved eyelet system independent of the upper. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, where the sole structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral side and a medial side. The article of footwear further includes an eyelet system coupled to the top surface of the sole structure. The eyelet system includes a base structure and a plurality of looped strand portions coupled to the base structure. The base structure is coupled to the top surface of the sole structure such that the plurality of looped strand portions extend outwardly from the sole structure, enabling the looped strand portions to receive a fastening element.

Abstract: Hot melt sequins and methods of applying these sequins are disclosed. A method of attaching two components includes stitching a hot melt sequin to one of the components and heating the hot melt sequin to bond the two components together. Sequins can also be applied to articles to create structural elements such as heel counters, toe covers, and lace cages. Sequins can be applied in 1D, 2D, and 3D patterns as well as in dispersive patterns. Sequins can be applied to vary the abrasion properties of a portion of an article.