Abstract: A spool assembly and method of use is disclosed having generally a first and a second mating portions which can mate along a longitudinal axis of the spool to retain a belt therein. The mating surfaces of the first and second mating portions can take a variety of geometries or splines which can efficiently retain the belt while maintaining a suitable transmission ratio. In an exemplary embodiment, the spool exit curve for the retained belt can be radially inward of a majority of the spool to reduce the overall diameter of the spool. In some exemplary embodiments, the spool can be mounted within a motor and rotated thereby to spool and unspool the belt.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an upper for an article of footwear includes: forming a foam layer; forming a preliminary upper by laminating an outer layer, an inner layer, and the foam layer intermediate to the outer layer and the inner layer; and molding the preliminary upper to a shape having a contour to substantially fit at least a portion of a foot to provide at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an upper for an article of footwear includes: forming a foam layer; forming a preliminary upper by laminating an outer layer, an inner layer, and the foam layer intermediate to the outer layer and the inner layer; and molding the preliminary upper to a shape having a contour to substantially fit at least a portion of a foot to provide at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the affixion of an exoskeleton device that can include multiple rotational degrees of freedom in its attachment mechanism to approximate linear motion orthogonal to the person's line of action. The present invention can include one or more additional, non-parallel degrees of freedom. The present invention provides a sliding mechanism for adjusting the exoskeleton mating point along the user's body.

Abstract: A spool assembly and method of use is disclosed having generally a first and a second mating portions which can mate along a longitudinal axis of the spool to retain a belt therein. The mating surfaces of the first and second mating portions can take a variety of geometries or splines which can efficiently retain the belt while maintaining a suitable transmission ratio. In an exemplary embodiment, the spool exit curve for the retained belt can be radially inward of a majority of the spool to reduce the overall diameter of the spool. In some exemplary embodiments, the spool can be mounted within a motor and rotated thereby to spool and unspool the belt.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane or polyester film attached together to form an airtight seal. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air in the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The article of footwear may also include an assembly for connecting several tubes to one under foot inflation mechanism. The article of footwear may also include inflatable laces that are inflated by an underfoot inflation mechanism.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes: an upper sole portion; and a pod assembly having a plurality of pods fluidly connected in series disposed below the upper sole portion, wherein the pod assembly extends from a lateral heel portion of the sole to a medial forefoot portion of the sole such that the plurality of pods compress substantially in sequence through a gait cycle of a wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane or polyester film attached together to form an airtight seal. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air in the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The article of footwear may also include an assembly for connecting several tubes to one under foot inflation mechanism. The article of footwear may also include inflatable laces that are inflated by an underfoot inflation mechanism.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes: an upper sole portion; and a pod assembly having a plurality of pods fluidly connected in series disposed below the upper sole portion, wherein the pod assembly extends from a lateral heel portion of the sole to a medial forefoot portion of the sole such that the plurality of pods compress substantially in sequence through a gait cycle of a wearer.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring head acceleration and/or forces acting thereon are disclosed. A device for monitoring an acceleration or a force acting on the head of a user includes a flexible article adapted to be worn on the head of the user; and a monitoring assembly coupled to the flexible article. The monitoring assembly includes a sensor for measuring a force on the head and transmitting data relating to the force, the sensor disposed proximate to the head, a processor adapted to receive the force data from the sensor, and a flexible strip operatively connecting the sensor and the processor.

Abstract: A sole includes an upper sole portion having a heel region and a toe region, and a pod assembly disposed below the upper sole portion. The pod assembly includes at least five pods fluidly connected in a substantially linear arrangement extending from the heel region to the toe region. The pods are fluidly connected in series.

Abstract: A sole includes an upper sole portion having a region and a toe region, and a pod assembly disposed below the upper sole portion. The pod assembly includes at least five pods fluidly connected in a substantially linear arrangement extending from the heel region to the toe region. The pods are fluidly connected in series.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring head acceleration and/or forces acting thereon are disclosed. A device for monitoring an acceleration or a force acting on the head of a user includes a flexible article adapted to be worn on the head of the user; and a monitoring assembly coupled to the flexible article. The monitoring assembly includes a sensor for measuring a force on the head and transmitting data relating to the force, the sensor disposed proximate to the head, a processor adapted to receive the force data from the sensor, and a flexible strip operatively connecting the sensor and the processor.

Abstract: A sole includes a base having a medial side and a lateral side; and a plurality of projections extending from the base, wherein at least one of the projections includes a first pod filled with ambient air and a foam layer disposed below the first pod. The first pod and the foam layer are disposed such that the projection extends non-orthogonally from the base.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes a fiber-reinforced polymer plate extending from a heel area of the article of footwear to a toe area of the article of footwear, wherein flexibility of the fiber-reinforced polymer plate varies as a function of location along a longitudinal axis of the fiber-reinforced polymer plate, and wherein the fiber-reinforced polymer plate includes a stiffening layer disposed at a midfoot area of the fiber-reinforced polymer plate.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes a fiber-reinforced polymer plate extending from a heel area of the article of footwear to a toe area of the article of footwear, wherein flexibility of the fiber-reinforced polymer plate varies as a function of location along a longitudinal axis of the fiber-reinforced polymer plate, and wherein the fiber-reinforced polymer plate includes a stiffening layer disposed at a midfoot area of the fiber-reinforced polymer plate.