Abstract: There is provided a tactile sensor that is a status sensor that move between inactive and active states. The tactile sensor can cover a large area and can be in the form of long strips. Its construction allows it to cover surfaces that are flat or curved or that include bends. In an exemplary application, these tactile sensors may be used as vehicle bumpers or in other applications where contact with an object, surface or the like needs to be detected. Activation of the sensor, typically coupled to a control system that controls motion of the vehicle, may cause the vehicle to shut off, typically ceasing motion, within a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The sports shoe according to the invention has a highly elastic heel which reduces the shock on the foot during running and jogging. The heel which is made of a resilient, elastic material is in the shape of a strip which is arched in dowward direction and connected to the sole at its front end while forming a longitudinal cavity with the sole which is open towards the rear end of the shoe. A spring composed of two leaves which are connected at one end and unconnected at the other end of the spring, are inserted into the cavity with the connected ends positioned at the front end of the cavity and with the unconnected ends close to the rear end of the heel, whereby the upper of the two leaves is connected to the sole and the lower, strongly bent leaf to the arched heal strip.