Abstract: A powder bed material can include from 80 wt % to 100 wt % metal particles having a D50 particle size distribution value from 4 ?m to 150 ?m. From 10 wt % to 100 wt % of the metal particles can be surface-activated metal particles having in intact inner volume and an outer volume with structural defects. The structural defects can exhibit an average surface grain density of 50,000 to 5,000,000 per mm2.

Abstract: The golf shoe outsole of the invention has a generally flexible forward section and a generally hard heel section, each section having a plurality of pod sections molded thereupon, each pod section having at least one cleat attached thereto. and an outer edge or perimeter that is flared quite significantly to provide a greater degree of flexibility and traction with turf, and therefore greater stability and balance to the user.

Abstract: A golf shoe having an upper, a midsole, and an outsole is provided. A collapsible support element is positioned in a recess proximate to a wearer's first metatarsal bone. The collapsible support element has anisotropic mechanical properties and includes a series of longitudinal wave elements. The wave elements are stiffer in a longitudinal direction and more collapsible in a transverse direction. The wave elements resist collapsing when a golfer walks but have a propensity to collapse during the golfer's swing, which allows more efficient transfer of energy during the swing. The shoe further includes flexing channels in a forward portion as well as a flexing channel in the rear portion.

Abstract: The golf shoe outsole of the invention comprises a generally flexible forward section and a generally hard heel section, each section having a plurality of pod sections molded thereupon, preferably there are eight separate pod sections, each having at least one cleat attached thereto. Each pod section has an outer edge or perimeter that is flared quite significantly to provide a greater degree of flexibility and traction with turf, and therefore greater stability and balance to the user. The outsole has a 0.375 width to length ratio at the metatarsal area of the outsole and a pod vertical height of at least 9.1 mm and a flare angle of at least 52° from vertical on the outer edges of the pods. The pods are relatively hard with a minimum Shore A hardness of 95 and extend a minimum of 6.3 mm from the bottom surface of the outsole. The forward portion of the outsole is made from a relatively flexible thermoplastic polyurethane having a hardness between 75 to 85 Shore A.

Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include a plurality of sensors, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response element is a lateral adjuster having an upper bracket located in the laces area and a lower bracket affixed to the side of the sole, brackets supporting a plurality of electrostrictive polymer bands.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shoe (10) including an upper (12), having lateral and medial sides, a midsole (14) joined to the upper (12), and an outsole (16) joined to the midsole (4). Shoe (10) is tightened around the wearer's foot using a lacing system (18) comprising a lace (20) and tightening mechanism (22). Lace (20) is threaded through shank (24) positioned under the arch and heel wrap (26) and attached at opposite ends to tightening mechanism (22). In an advantageous aspect of the present invention, lace (18) is tensioned to draw shank (24) upwards and towards the arch of the foot. In order to support the foot, shank (24) is comprised of a material having a strain rate lower than the upper (12).

Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, wherein a single collapsible support element is positioned in a recess proximate to a wearer's first metatarsal bone. The single collapsible support element has aniotropic mechanical proerties disposed in the recess, the support element being stiffer in a longitudinal direction and more collapsible in a transverse direction, and having a variable thickness in a transverse direction wherein an inner thickness is thicker than an outer thickness, The collapsible support element resists collapsing when a golfer walks but have a propensity to collapse during the golfer's swing, which allows more efficient transfer of energy during the swing. The shoe further comprises flexing channels in a forward portion as well as a flexing channel in the rear portion.

Abstract: The present invention is further directed towards a golf shoe having an outsole comprising of forward and rear base sections that are connected and molded together with an arch support shank. The base sections are relatively soft and made from thermoplastic polyurethane having a maximum Shore A hardness of between 75 to 85. The shank is also made of thermoplastic polyurethane having a minimum hardness of at least 95 Shore A hardness. Each base section has a plurality of openings, wherein a corresponding plurality of relatively hard pods are molded, each pod of a size and configuration to fit within a corresponding opening and extend at least 6.3 mm from the bottom surfaces of the base sections. The shoe provides flexibility both across the metatarsal area and longitudinally at approximately the metatarsal area thereby providing the golfer with improved traction and balance, especially when the golfer executes a golf shot.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, wherein a collapsible support element is positioned in a recess proximate to a wearer's first metatarsal bone, and the collapsible support element is stiffer in a longitudinal direction and is more collapsible in a transverse direction. The collapsible support element comprises a collapsible gel pad encased in a thermoplastic urethane, or a single collapsible element having a wave configuration, or a series of collapsible wave elements. Each embodiment of the collapsible support element resists collapsing when a golfer walks but have a propensity to collapse during the golfer's swing, which allows more efficient transfer of energy during the swing. The shoe further comprises flexing channels in a forward portion as well as a flexing channel in the rear portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a flashing tape used in construction applications to seal out moisture, and methods of using the same. The tape constructions disclosed include a viscoelastic core layer and at least one elastomeric skin layer, and may further contain a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive to attach the flashing tape to a substrate.

Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include a plurality of sensors, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf shoe outsole that is comprised of a generally soft, and flexible base having a plurality of raised portions on the lower surface of the base, a pair of flexing supports that are placed on the lower surface of the base in an abutting relationship with the raised portions, a pair of chassis that fit over and about the base and a two-piece arch support that acts as a shank for the arch section of the base. The base has a plurality of raised portions that are of a size shape, and number to correspond and mesh together with a plurality of cleat containing pods that are molded to both chassis. The two-piece arch support allows for the necessary rigidity in the arch area of the shoe which is vital for a good golf swing.