Abstract: A belt pack communication device is provided. An exemplary belt pack communication device includes at least one printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) positioned in a main body. The at least one PCBA has electrical components producing infrared (IR) signals. An IR transparent section is positioned on the main body. The IR transparent section includes at least one extrusion configured to allow the IR signals to pass through the IR transparent section and to receive external IR signals from at least a different communication device. A battery compartment for receiving a battery and delivering power to the at least one PCBA. The battery compartment is configured to isolate and seal the battery from the at least one PCBA. Several metal contacts are positioned at distal ends of the battery compartment. The metal contacts are configured to pass power from the battery to the at least one PCBA.

Abstract: An insert assembly is provided having a sleeve configured to receive an insert. The sleeve includes an undercut feature resting on a mating surface on the outside of the insert. The insert having a concentric rib on its outer diameter. The mating surface provides friction between the sleeve and the insert by at least partial encapsulation of the sleeve using the undercut feature, retaining the insert within the sleeve. The mating surface includes a multi-level surface that interlocks the sleeve and the insert.

Abstract: A force absorbing device for a footwear appliance includes a shoe upper and a shoe sole having a planar sole surface, such that forces between the shoe upper and planar sole surface in ground contact are absorbed by force mitigation assemblies disposed in the shoe sole. A force mitigation assembly adapted for an athletic shoe includes a linkage to a wearer interface responsive to movement based on activity of the wearer. An attachment to a sole surface receives ground forces transmitted from frictional contact between the sole surface and a surface against which the sole is disposed, such as for running, turning, etc. A force mitigation assembly absorbs these forces received from the sole surface for directing the received force in a controlled manner. An elastic field in the force mitigation assembly is defined by a resilient material adapted to deform in response to the received force.

Abstract: A protective headgear device, or helmet, protects against head injuries such as concussions and CTE by imposing a network of constant force members (CFMs) between an outer impact shell and an inner fitted capsule engaging the skull/head surface. CFMs exhibit a force absorbing behavior that differs from conventional linear spring behavior that impose a counterforce proportional to the displaced distance. CFMs occupy a compact void between the outer impact shell and the inner fitted capsule by component miniaturization and tethers that redirect forces within the void. An absence of conventional foam and straps increases accommodation for the CFMs and connection tethers/attachments. The CFMs exhibit a substantially constant force that avoids a sharp impactful response associated with head injuries.

Abstract: A force absorbing device for a footwear appliance includes a shoe upper and a shoe sole having a planar sole surface, such that forces between the shoe upper and planar sole surface in ground contact are absorbed by force mitigation assemblies disposed in the shoe sole. A force mitigation assembly adapted for an athletic shoe includes a linkage to a wearer interface responsive to movement based on activity of the wearer. An attachment to a sole surface receives ground forces transmitted from frictional contact between the sole surface and a surface against which the sole is disposed, such as for running, turning, etc. A force mitigation assembly absorbs these forces received from the sole surface for directing the received force in a controlled manner. An elastic field in the force mitigation assembly is defined by a resilient material adapted to deform in response to the received force.