Abstract: An article of footwear may include an elastic membrane suspended within an interior of an upper of the article of footwear and spaced above the sole, such that a wearer's foot contacts the membrane and is cradled by the membrane as the membrane is stretched toward an underlying midsole. In some examples, the 5 membrane may contact the midsole for a discrete length of a contact area, e.g., selected by the manufacturer. In some examples, a void between the membrane and the sole is filled, at least in part, with a selected filler material. In some examples, the membrane comprises a material having tailored stretch characteristics.

Abstract: A rate dependent tether for securing a shoe to a user, and footwear incorporating the rate dependent tether. The rate dependent tether may include a tube filled with a shear-thickening material and at least one cable or ribbon. In conditions of normal, low, or no intense activity by the user, the rate dependent tether's deformation resistance is low allowing the rate dependent tether to be extended to allow insertion or removal of the foot. At active levels, for example, participating in sporting events or intense activities, the rate dependent tether's deformation resistance is high preventing the rate dependent tether from loosening and securing the shoe on the user. The rate dependent tether may be connected to a saddle. A rate dependent insole for footwear, a support impregnated with a shear-thickening fluid, a rate dependent footcone, and rate dependent bands are also described.

Abstract: A soft wearable medical device may comprise a soft compliant pumpactuator or actuators at least partially disposed in a glove assembly. Responsive to a detection of a tremor, such as an ataxia tremor, an actuator at least partially inflates to provide a stabilizing counterforce and reduce or eliminate the tremor.

Abstract: A shoe system including a shoe upper with a bottom side having an aperture extending to a cavity. The shoe system also includes a selectively removable outsole which includes a bottom for contacting the ground, and a top for engaging with the bottom of the shoe upper. The top side of the outsole further includes a projection which is sized and shaped to extend through the aperture and into the cavity when the outsole is in a first orientation, which is misaligned with respect to the shoe upper. The projection is also sized and shaped to fit within the cavity but no longer back through the aperture when the outsole is in a second orientation, which is aligned with respect to the shoe upper. In the second orientation, the projection within said cavity prevents disengagement of the outsole from the shoe upper.

Abstract: A shoe system including a shoe upper with a bottom side having an aperture extending to a cavity. The shoe system also includes a selectively removable outsole which includes a bottom for contacting the ground, and a top for engaging with the bottom of the shoe upper. The top side of the outsole further includes a projection which is sized and shaped to extend through the aperture and into the cavity when the outsole is in a first orientation, which is misaligned with respect to the shoe upper. The projection is also sized and shaped to fit within the cavity but no longer back through the aperture when the outsole is in a second orientation, which is aligned with respect to the shoe upper. In the second orientation, the projection within said cavity prevents disengagement of the outsole from the shoe upper.

Abstract: A shoe system including a shoe upper with a bottom side having an aperture extending to a cavity. The shoe system also includes a selectively removable outsole which includes a bottom for contacting the ground, and a top for engaging with the bottom of the shoe upper. The top side of the outsole further includes a projection which is sized and shaped to extend through the aperture and into the cavity when the outsole is in a first orientation, which is misaligned with respect to the shoe upper. The projection is also sized and shaped to fit within the cavity but no longer back through the aperture when the outsole is in a second orientation, which is aligned with respect to the shoe upper. In the second orientation, the projection within said cavity prevents disengagement of the outsole from the shoe upper.

Abstract: A shoe system including a shoe upper with a bottom side having an aperture extending to a cavity. The shoe system also includes a selectively removable outsole which includes a bottom for contacting the ground, and a top for engaging with the bottom of the shoe upper. The top side of the outsole further includes a projection which is sized and shaped to extend through the aperture and into the cavity when the outsole is in a first orientation, which is misaligned with respect to the shoe upper. The projection is also sized and shaped to fit within the cavity but no longer back through the aperture when the outsole is in a second orientation, which is aligned with respect to the shoe upper. In the second orientation, the projection within said cavity prevents disengagement of the outsole from the shoe upper.

Abstract: A back pack carries a self-contained motor and air pump, the air intake of the pump connected to a right and left hand linearly expandable and contractable hoses having sealed free ends attached to gloves. The pump draws air from the closed hose, causing the hose to linearly contract and thereby aids the skier in pulling himself past his hand-held ski poles. A pressure switch in one or both gloves activates a solenoid that opens a valve near the pump air intake, breaking the suction in the hoses and allowing the skier to reach forward, stretching the hose, and plant his poles for another pulling motion. A flow divider in association with the valve aids in relieving suction on the hose when the valve is open. A special interlocking coaxial plug connects the glove to the hose and wires from the plug to the solenoid are incorporated in the hose in a spiral pattern for spring-like flexture with the expanding and contracting hose.