Abstract: A separable footwear article comprising an outsole oriented at a bottom of the footwear and configured for ground contact, the outsole comprising a first material, an upper portion comprising a second material different from the first material, and a welt positioned between the outsole and the upper. The welt is releasably coupled to the outsole with a first thread using a first stitching technique, and releasably coupled to the upper portion with a second thread using a second stitching technique. The outsole, the upper portion, and the welt are configured to be separated upon receipt of a pulling force upon the first thread and the second thread sufficient to remove the first thread and the second thread from the footwear article.

Abstract: A separable footwear article comprising an outsole oriented at a bottom of the footwear and configured for ground contact, the outsole comprising a first material, an upper portion comprising a second material different from the first material, and a welt positioned between the outsole and the upper. The welt is releasably coupled to the outsole with a first thread using a first stitching technique, and releasably coupled to the upper portion with a second thread using a second stitching technique. The outsole, the upper portion, and the welt are configured to be separated upon receipt of a pulling force upon the first thread and the second thread sufficient to remove the first thread and the second thread from the footwear article.

Abstract: A separable footwear article may comprise an outsole oriented at the bottom of the footwear and configured for ground contact, the outsole comprising a first material; an upper portion releasably coupled to the outsole with thread using chain stitching, the upper portion comprising a second material different from the first material; and an insole removeably disposed adjacent the upper portion and the outsole, the insole comprising a third material different from the first material and the second material; wherein the outsole, the upper portion, and insole are capable of being separated by releasing the thread and hand pulling the thread from the footwear article.

Abstract: A wire passer system for passing a surgical wire around a bone. The wire passer system broadly comprises a gun assembly, a flexible push member, and a surgical wire. The gun assembly can comprise a handle, a trigger, a rigid guide section, a support guide, a push rod, and tensioner.

Abstract: A separable footwear article may comprise an outsole oriented at the bottom of the footwear and configured for ground contact, the outsole comprising a first material; an upper portion releasably coupled to the outsole with thread using chain stitching, the upper portion comprising a second material different from the first material; and an insole removeably disposed adjacent the upper portion and the outsole, the insole comprising a third material different from the first material and the second material; wherein the outsole, the upper portion, and insole are capable of being separated by releasing the thread and hand pulling the thread from the footwear article.

Abstract: A wire passer system for passing a surgical wire around a bone. The wire passer system broadly comprises a gun assembly, a flexible push member, and a surgical wire. The gun assembly can comprise a handle, a trigger, a rigid guide section, a support guide, a push rod, and tensioner.

Abstract: System and methods for managing compliance of a wearer of apparel are disclosed. One method includes receiving an identifier associated with a toe cap for footwear; receiving, via radio frequency, characteristic information associated with the toe cap for footwear; determining a compliance of the toe cap based at least on the identifier and the characteristic information; and providing a response to a wearer of the footwear based at least upon the determination of the compliance.

Abstract: A separable footwear article may comprise an outsole oriented at the bottom of the footwear and configured for ground contact, the outsole comprising a first material; an upper portion releasably coupled to the outsole with thread using chain stitching, the upper portion comprising a second material different from the first material; and an insole removeably disposed adjacent the upper portion and the outsole, the insole comprising a third material different from the first material and the second material; wherein the outsole, the upper portion, and insole are capable of being separated by releasing the thread and hand pulling the thread from the footwear article.

Abstract: System and methods for managing apparel are disclosed. One method includes receiving information indicative of an magnetically energized sensor disposed adjacent a fastener associated with an item of apparel; determining a characteristic of the fastener based at least upon the received information; and providing a response to a wearer of the item of apparel based at least upon the characteristic of the fastener.

Abstract: System and methods for managing compliance of a wearer of apparel are disclosed. One method includes receiving an identifier associated with a toe cap for footwear; receiving, via radio frequency, characteristic information associated with the toe cap for footwear; determining a compliance of the toe cap based at least on the identifier and the characteristic information; and providing a response to a wearer of the footwear based at least upon the determination of the compliance.

Abstract: System and methods for managing comfort of a wearer of apparel are disclosed. One method includes determining a first environmental characteristic using a first sensor disposed adjacent an item of apparel; determining a second environmental characteristic using a second sensor disposed adjacent the item of apparel; determining a comfort signature based at least on the first environmental characteristic and the second environmental characteristic; and providing a response to a wearer of the item of apparel based at least upon the comfort signature.

Abstract: An article of footwear, a method of making the footwear, and an active last for forming the footwear are described. An example active last may comprise a heel portion disposed at a first end. The active last may comprise a forefoot portion disposed adjacent a second end, opposite the first end. At least a portion of the forefoot portion may have a curvilinear shape that curves upwardly from a horizontal axis to model an active stance.

Abstract: A sole, an article of footwear, and a method of making footwear are described herein. An example sole may comprise a midsole comprising a first region having a first density adapted for providing comfort and a second region having a second density adapted for providing support. The second density may be greater than the first density. The sole may comprise an outsole comprising a plurality of segments selectively disposed adjacent the midsole and adapted for providing traction on a variety of terrains. The outsole may comprise a unitary insert. Each of plurality of segments may be partially isolated from each other by portions of the midsole at least partially surrounding the plurality of segments.

Abstract: A modular last system comprising: a frame and plurality of last segments removably attached to the frame, wherein the plurality of last segments each have an outer surface that defines an anatomical shape.

Abstract: An articulating wire passer for passing a surgical wire around a bone broadly comprises a handle, rigid guide section, support guide, trigger, push rod, articulable member, tensioner, and wire catcher. The articulable member includes a number of pivotable segments configured to be advanced from an extended position to an engaged position via ratcheting action between the trigger and push rod. Tension in the surgical wire induced by the tensioner causes the pivotable segments to pivot as they advance from the rigid guide section and thus draw the surgical wire around the bone. The wire catcher allows the user to retrieve the surgical wire from the articulable member on the other side of the bone.

Abstract: An articulating wire passer for passing a surgical wire around a bone broadly comprises a handle, rigid guide section, support guide, trigger, push rod, articulable member, tensioner, and wire catcher. The articulable member includes a number of pivotable segments configured to be advanced from an extended position to an engaged position via ratcheting action between the trigger and push rod. Tension in the surgical wire induced by the tensioner causes the pivotable segments to pivot as they advance from the rigid guide section and thus draw the surgical wire around the bone. The wire catcher allows the user to retrieve the surgical wire from the articulable member on the other side of the bone.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and wire passer broadly comprising an elongated handle, a paddle, a curved tip, and a guide passageway. The elongated handle allows a user to grasp and apply leverage to the surgical retractor and wire passer. The paddle extends from the elongated handle and is a thin and flat plate for holding back non-skeletal tissue away from an operating area. The curved tip extends from the paddle opposite the handle and includes a concave engagement surface for engaging the bone. The guide passageway extends along the curved tip and curls a surgical wire at least partially around the bone.