Abstract: Dual-strap carrying assemblies and devices including such assemblies are provided herein. The carrying devices may be embodied in dual carrying strap golf bags that allow the bearer to more easily don and remove the bag. The secondary strap of the dual strap assembly is connected to the primary strap by a movable engagement assembly, such as an assembly that rotates to allow the secondary strap to more easily become within the reach of the bearer of the bag. In some embodiments, the movable engagement assembly may include a movement limiting device that prevents the secondary strap from moving too far out of the bearer's reach. The strap assemblies may be used in combination with a flexible base stand to make a self-standing carrying device that is easy to don and doff.

Abstract: Shoes and shoe sole assemblies and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a shoe and shoe sole assembly made of a non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material that becomes more resilient as more energy is applied. The shoe and shoe sole assembly is configured with a heel and forefoot insert configured to fit within a recess in a midsole. In other embodiments, the non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material is mixed with at least one other polymer in a foam. The midsole is formed with a heel impact region and a forefoot region made of the foam.

Abstract: Dual-strap carrying assemblies and devices including such assemblies are provided herein. The carrying devices may be embodied in dual carrying strap golf bags that allow the bearer to more easily don and remove the bag. The secondary strap of the dual strap assembly is connected to the primary strap by a movable engagement assembly, such as an assembly that rotates to allow the secondary strap to more easily become within the reach of the bearer of the bag. In some embodiments, the movable engagement assembly may include a movement limiting device that prevents the secondary strap from moving too far out of the bearer's reach. The strap assemblies may be used in combination with a flexible base stand to make a self-standing carrying device that is easy to don and doff.

Abstract: A footwear lower is presented which provides cushion support and lateral stability in a lightweight construction. The lower may include a primary midsole, cushion elements, a rear lower midsole, a directional cradle, and an outsole. The cushions may be located in the between the directional cradle and the rear lower midsole. Various embodiments of cushions are presented and may be consistent with specific types of shoes such as running trainers, trail shoes, general fitness footwear, or basketball shoes. The lower may be consistent with approaches to remediate a wearer's pronation or supination.

Abstract: A cleated shoe is presented which provides cushion support and lateral stability in a lightweight construction. The shoe includes a lower and an upper. The lower may include a primary midsole, cushion elements, and an outsole. A cleat may be connected to the outsole. At least one cushion may be located between the primary midsole and outsole. Various embodiments of cushions are presented and may be consistent with specific types of shoes associated with various types of activities such as football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, or golf. The lower may be consistent with approaches to remediate a wearer's pronation or supination.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outer shell, an inner layer positioned inside of the outer shell, and at least one tensioning member engaging the inner layer. The inner layer configured to surround and conform to at least a portion of a human foot. The at least one tensioning member includes a portion that extends to the outside of the outer shell, wherein the portion that extends to the position that is outside of the outer shell is configured to enable tightening and loosening of the at least one tensioning member.

Abstract: Golf bags may include certain structures and features that allow easy and ready access to various pieces of golf equipment. Such golf bags may include: (a) a base; (b) one or more wall members extending from the base (defining a chamber for plural clubs); (c) a housing member located outside the chamber and defining a first aperture that provides access to a space outside the chamber for receiving a putter shaft; and (d) a ball storage compartment located outside the chamber and outside the housing member. The ball storage compartment, the housing member, and the first aperture may be arranged so that at least a portion of the space for receiving the putter shaft lies between the chamber and the ball storage compartment.

Abstract: Golf bags may include certain structures and features that allow easy and ready access to various pieces of golf equipment. Such golf bags may include: (a) a base; (b) one or more wall members extending from the base (defining a chamber for plural clubs); (c) a housing member located outside the chamber and defining a first aperture that provides access to a space outside the chamber for receiving a putter shaft; and (d) a ball storage compartment located outside the chamber and outside the housing member. The ball storage compartment, the housing member, and the first aperture may be arranged so that at least a portion of the space for receiving the putter shaft lies between the chamber and the ball storage compartment.

Abstract: A golf ball storage system is provided herein. The system may be configured on an exterior of a golf bag and generally includes an upper aperture and a lower aperture that may be substantially vertically aligned. The first and second apertures are connected by an internal sleeve. The sleeve may have a generally tubular configuration to contain golf balls within the storage system in a single file, stacked arrangement. The sleeve may be substantially vertical when the golf bag is in an upright position such that gravity will force balls inserted into the upper aperture to fall to a bottom portion of the sleeve, adjacent the lower aperture, for ease of removal.

Abstract: A golf ball storage system is provided herein. The system may be configured on an exterior of a golf bag and generally includes an upper aperture and a lower aperture that may be substantially vertically aligned. The first and second apertures are connected by an internal sleeve. The sleeve may have a generally tubular configuration to contain golf balls within the storage system in a single file, stacked arrangement. The sleeve may be substantially vertical when the golf bag is in an upright position such that gravity will force balls inserted into the upper aperture to fall to a bottom portion of the sleeve, adjacent the lower aperture, for ease of removal.

Abstract: Shoes and shoe sole assemblies and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a shoe and shoe sole assembly made of a non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material that becomes more resilient as more energy is applied. The shoe and shoe sole assembly is configured with a heel and forefoot insert configured to fit within a recess in a midsole. In other embodiments, the non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material is mixed with at least one other polymer in a foam. The midsole is formed with a heel impact region and a forefoot region made of the foam.

Abstract: A cleated shoe is presented which provides cushion support and lateral stability in a lightweight construction. The shoe includes a lower and an upper. The lower may include a primary midsole, cushion elements, and an outsole. A cleat may be connected to the outsole. At least one cushion may be located between the primary midsole and outsole. Various embodiments of cushions are presented and may be consistent with specific types of shoes associated with various types of activities such as football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, or golf. The lower may be consistent with approaches to remediate a wearer's pronation or supination.

Abstract: A footwear lower is presented which provides cushion support and lateral stability in a lightweight construction. The lower may include a primary midsole, cushion elements, a rear lower midsole, a directional cradle, and an outsole. The cushions may be located in the between the directional cradle and the rear lower midsole. Various embodiments of cushions are presented and may be consistent with specific types of shoes such as running trainers, trail shoes, general fitness footwear, or basketball shoes. The lower may be consistent with approaches to remediate a wearer's pronation or supination.

Abstract: Support structures for footwear and the like include a contacting member (e.g., an outsole) that includes at least two recessed segments extending in a longitudinal direction in the forefoot portion. The recessed segments provide lines of flex such that various regions of the contacting member independently move about the lines of flex and separately engage/disengage from a contact surface when a wearer shifts his/her weight. Additionally or alternatively, the contacting member may include a set of traction members in the forefoot portion that inhibit forefoot movement in a lateral direction while optionally allowing forefoot movement in a medial direction and a set of traction members in a heel portion that inhibit heel movement in the medial direction while optionally allowing heel movement in the lateral direction. Such support structures may be used, e.g., for golf shoes or shoes for other activities requiring a swinging or twisting action.

Abstract: Support structures for footwear and the like include contact surface-contacting members (e.g., outsole structures) having an exterior surface that includes: (a) a recessed segment extending longitudinally from a forefoot to a heel portion, (b) plural lateral motion inhibiting traction elements in the lateral, forefoot portion, and (c) plural medial motion inhibiting traction elements in the lateral, heel portion. The recessed segment provides a flex line about which the medial and lateral sides of the surface-contacting member can move to independently engage and disengage from a contact surface as a wearer's weight shifts. In at least some structures, the lateral side of the foot-supporting member may be less flexible and/or more stable than the medial side. Support structures of the types described above can allow more of the surface-contacting member to remain in contact with the ground and provide a solid base or support for the movement or activity.

Abstract: Golf bags may include certain structures and features that allow easy and ready access to various pieces of golf equipment. Such golf bags may include: (a) a base; (b) one or more wall members extending from the base (defining a chamber for plural clubs); (c) a housing member located outside the chamber and defining a first aperture that provides access to a space outside the chamber for receiving a putter shaft; and (d) a ball storage compartment located outside the chamber and outside the housing member. The ball storage compartment, the housing member, and the first aperture may be arranged so that at least a portion of the space for receiving the putter shaft lies between the chamber and the ball storage compartment.

Abstract: A golf ball storage system is provided herein. The system may be configured on an exterior of a golf bag and generally includes an upper aperture and a lower aperture that may be substantially vertically aligned. The first and second apertures are connected by an internal sleeve. The sleeve may have a generally tubular configuration to contain golf balls within the storage system in a single file, stacked arrangement. The sleeve may be substantially vertical when the golf bag is in an upright position such that gravity will force balls inserted into the upper aperture to fall to a bottom portion of the sleeve, adjacent the lower aperture, for ease of removal.

Abstract: Support structures for footwear and the like include a contacting member (e.g., an outsole) that includes at least two recessed segments extending in a longitudinal direction in the forefoot portion. The recessed segments provide lines of flex such that various regions of the contacting member independently move about the lines of flex and separately engage/disengage from a contact surface when a wearer shifts his/her weight. Additionally or alternatively, the contacting member may include a set of traction members in the forefoot portion that inhibit forefoot movement in a lateral direction while optionally allowing forefoot movement in a medial direction and a set of traction members in a heel portion that inhibit heel movement in the medial direction while optionally allowing heel movement in the lateral direction. Such support structures may be used, e.g., for golf shoes or shoes for other activities requiring a swinging or twisting action.