Abstract: A fall prevention footwear accessory device includes a first strap configured to wrap around an upper portion and sole of the footwear at a ball portion of the footwear. A first fastener removably secures a looped first end of the first strap. A second fastener slidably receives the looped first strap and secures a second end of the first strap. A second strap includes a central cleat region that rotatably attaches to the second fastener post and removably attaches to a third fastener attached to the first strap. The device facilitates relocation of the second strap cleat region between a first position under the footwear sole and a second position over the footwear upper.

Abstract: An adjustable heel support member includes a base portion and an extended portion. The extended portion comprises a lateral portion, a medial portion and a rearward portion. The heel support member further includes a fastening member that can be used to adjust the lateral portion, the medial portion and the rearward portion to resize the heel support member. In some cases, the fastening member may be an elastic ring.

Abstract: The pressure relieving device is intended to provide users with a stress relieving support surface that is customizable. To that end, the device includes a sleeve with one or more compartments that may be individually filled and refilled with a deformable media. The deformable media further includes a mixture of both non-rigid deformable and rigid non-deformable particles that enable the device to conform to any shape when acted upon by a pressure and recover back when pressure is removed. The device may act as a footwear component for use as a shoe insole insert which may be customized by the user to relieve pain in the areas of foot where most required. Accordingly, the footwear component adapts to the user's foot pattern while standing or moving. Furthermore, the device is durable, washable and reusable, and may be used with open shoes, closed shoes or even without any shoes.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure including a heel cushioning unit. The heel cushioning unit has a top portion, a bottom portion, a body portion connecting the top portion to the bottom portion, medial support fins in a medial side recess at a medial side of the heel cushioning unit and lateral support fins in a lateral side recess at a lateral side of the heel cushioning unit. Both the medial support fins and the lateral support fins extend transversely outward from the body portion and extend from the top portion to the bottom portion. The heel cushioning unit defines a through hole extending from the medial side to the lateral side and disposed rearward of the medial support fins and the lateral support fins. The article of footwear has an outsole with arch portions defining stepped ridges extending lengthwise in a fore-aft direction of the sole structure.

Abstract: Soles for articles of footwear with a three-dimensional mesh having a bottom surface defined at least partially by a plurality of nodes having a platform with a top platform surface connected to a bottom platform surface with a side surface a plurality of struts for the three-dimensional mesh directly connected to the top platform surface. In some embodiments, the side surface of two directly adjacent nodes defining the bottom surface are not connected to each other at the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the bottom platform surface of two or more adjacent nodes can merge to form a continuous integrally formed surface at the bottom surface of the three-dimensional mesh.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole coupled to the upper. The article of footwear includes an inflation system. The inflation system includes an inflatable bladder, a pump in fluid communication with the bladder, and a control circuitry operatively linked to the pump. The pump adjusts the air pressure of the inflatable bladder. The control circuitry receives a command signal from a remote device, and upon receipt of the command signal, the control circuitry transmits an actuation signal to the pump to adjust the air pressure of the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A leg protection device to be used in conjunction with footwear and adapted to removably wrap around a user's leg near or on their ankle to protect the user from rubbing and irritations caused by the footwear when worn and in use. A flexible panel is provided incorporating a plurality of apertures adapted to allow a chosen amount of air flow to the covered portion of the leg when needed. The flexible panel further includes edge portions around a perimeter thereof and surrounding each of the apertures and made from a material adapted to increase comfort to the user while in use.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe upper that holds a wearer's foot when worn. A shoe sole is connected to the shoe upper and has a collapsible section including a body that at least partially defines a pocket in the collapsible section. An insert is installed in the pocket. The insert has a vertical thickness that expands the collapsible section and increases the vertical thickness of the shoe sole compared to when no insert is installed in the pocket. The shoe may be used for limb length correction.

Abstract: Soles for articles of footwear including a mechanically anisotropic three-dimensional mesh. The mechanically anisotropic three-dimensional mesh can include one or more mechanically anisotropic regions with a first lattice shear modulus measured in a first direction and a second lattice shear modulus measured in a second direction opposite to or orthogonal to the first direction. The first and second lattice shear moduli are different to provide the three-dimensional mesh with mechanically anisotropic properties. The mechanically anisotropic three-dimensional mesh can be three-dimensionally printed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric energy hunting device and a voltage signal application system thereof are disclosed. The piezoelectric energy hunting device includes a plurality of curved piezoelectric elements, a plurality of rigid foams, and a flexible foam structure. The plurality of curved piezoelectric elements are arranged side by side with one another, wherein each curved piezoelectric element is attached to one of the rigid foams. The flexible foam structure includes a top foam and a bottom foam covering the outer surface of the plurality of curved piezoelectric elements and the plurality of rigid foams; when the flexible foam structure is compressed, the plurality of curved piezoelectric elements are simultaneously deformed, thereby generating a voltage signal. When the flexible foam structure is not compressed, the flexible foam structure and the plurality of rigid foams provide an elastic force to restore the plurality of curved piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: A footwear covering system is provided to permit the movement of a footwear covering from a first position, in which it is retained in a retention structure of a leg covering, to a second position in which the footwear covering at least partially covers an article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a medial contact portion disposed on the medial side of the article is described. The medial contact portion includes a plurality of raised elements that extend outwards from the surface of the upper on the medial side. The raised elements are configured to contact a ball during passing or trapping to absorb and dampen forces associated with the impact of the ball with the article to provide cushioning. The sizing and spacing arrangement of the raised elements on the medial contact portion provide sufficient surface area to allow a portion of the surface of the upper to contact a ball. In one embodiment, the upper is made from a synthetic leather material that has substantially the same coefficient of friction under dry conditions and wet conditions.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an electricity generating insert for a piece of footwear, the insert can be removably placed in the heel portion, e.g. under the insole. The insert comprises a multilayer piezoelectric stack that alternatively flexes under the compression-decompression that occurs during locomotion, which flexing causes friction in the stack to generate electricity capable of charging electronic devices and the like, e.g. via a port on the footwear.

Abstract: A cueing device or system includes one or more sensors configured to take measurement data for one or more participants in an activity. A processor in communication with the sensors analyzes the measurement data to detect events associated with the environment and participants, extracts attributes associated with the events from the measurement data, predicts a movement outcome associated with one of the events based on the attributes, and generates one or more instructions based on the predicted movement outcome. A cue administrator generates one or more anticipatory cues based on the instructions generated by the processor. The cues are administered as cue stimuli encoding timing and magnitude information selected to reduce response time for recognition of the event.

Abstract: Sole Flo Balance Boards relates to balance boards and solves the problem of not being able to move around when using a balance board. These balance boards provide one with the ability to practice balancing while moving. Sole Flo Balance boards uses hook and loop cinch straps that are attached to the board so that a person can fasten the boards to their feet and therefore move into different position while trying to maintain and develop their balance.

Abstract: A footwear construction capable of incorporating one to three or more platform layers, or no platform layers at all. The invention comprises a kit including a sneaker member, optionally includable in the final construction first second and third platform members, guide members, optionally in sets of three, suitable for inclusion in a constructed footwear item with one, two or three platform members, and a tread its sole member, optionally replaceable by other types of soles.

Abstract: An adjustable heel support member includes a base portion and an extended portion. The extended portion comprises a lateral portion, a medial portion and a rearward portion. The heel support member further includes a fastening member that can be used to adjust the lateral portion, the medial portion and the rearward portion to resize the heel support member. In some cases, the fastening member may be an elastic ring.

Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor, and the sensor is configured to sense changes in a foot proximity to the sensor in footwear. Information about the sensed proximity can be used to determine a foot velocity characteristic, which in turn can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot, about an activity, or about the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole attached to the upper, and an impact absorber attached to the upper at least along a midfoot region of the upper and capable of absorbing a portion of a lateral impact when the impact absorber is moved into contact with a top surface of the sole. The impact absorber is be integrally formed with the sole and has a width that varies along a length of the impact absorber. The width of the impact absorber decreases in a forefoot region and a heel region. The upper rolls to contact the top surface of the sole upon lateral impact. The sole and the upper may be attached asymmetrically.

Abstract: A chassis for an article of footwear may include a base and a frame attached to a top side of the base. The frame may include a network of interconnected walls defining a plurality of cells, each of at least a portion of the cells having a bottom at least partially closed by an underlying portion of the base. A bottom of the base may be fixed with respect to a plantar section of an upper. A sock liner may be indexed to the chassis or to another footwear support structure. The sock liner may have downwardly-extending tabs configured to rest in cells of the chassis or in other cavities of a support structure.

Abstract: A codification and cueing system for adversarial or cooperative interactions between actors engaged in sports and other activities uses measurements from motion sensors to identify events in the activity and participant's behavior to provide real-time cues to help the actors perform as well as train. The codification describes the interactions based on behavioral events and movements. The cueing method can be implemented using different subsets of such events. Following detection of these events, a signal is transmitted to generate auditory, visual and/or haptic stimuli. These stimuli encode information and hence the cues help the participants select, prepare for and execute relevant aspects of the performance.

Abstract: An electrically conductive shoe includes a shoe body having an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, and the outsole has a receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is communicated with a bore of the midsole. A conductive device is mounted on a bottom of the outsole. A flexible conductive member has an end electrically connected to the conductive device and an opposite end extending to an inner space of the upper through the receiving chamber of the outsole and the bore of the midsole and attached to an inner side of the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for improving the operation and use of various systems associated with the article. A control device included in the article can be configured to allow manual control of a system by a user. A lockout feature that can disable manual control may be included. During periods of competitive activity, the manual controls may be disabled to allow a user wearing the article to engage in different activities without inadvertent activation of a system. In some cases, the control device and lockout feature can be used in conjunction with a motorized tensioning system.

Abstract: A replay data acquisition section acquires replay data for reproducing a play status of a game. A replay image generation section generates a replay image of a game scene on the basis of the acquired replay data. A user determination section determines a user to be included in a combined image. A user image acquisition section acquires a user image obtained by imaging the determined user. A combination processing section generates the combined image by combining the acquired user image with the replay image.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises adjustable apparatus for engaging the feet of a user, including sole-support members positioned for receiving the soles of a user's feet, an adjustable heel engaging member that is positioned to be adjusted relative to the sole-support members, and a pivotally adjustable member positioned to engage the top of a user's feet, and further including one or more members for adding weights to the device.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a mechanism for wirelessly adjusting tension of an article includes a tension input component that is coupleable with a vehicle in an area that is easily accessible to a user. The tension input component is configured to receive input from the user corresponding to an adjustment of a motorized tensioning device that is attached to the article and that is configured to adjust a tension of a tension member. The tension input component is configured to wirelessly transmit the received input to the motorized tensioning device. Adjustment of the tension member tightens or loosens the article in accordance with the input received from the tension input component.

Abstract: A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.

Abstract: An adjustable heel support member includes a base portion and an extended portion. The extended portion comprises a lateral portion, a medial portion and a rearward portion. The heel support member further includes a fastening member that can be used to adjust the lateral portion, the medial portion and the rearward portion to resize the heel support member. In some cases, the fastening member may be an elastic ring.

Abstract: A fitness set for the practice of fitness, sport, rehabilitation or physiotherapy exercises may include at least one weight, at least one shoe support for fastening the weight to a shoe of a user, and at least one body support for fastening the weight to the body of a user, the weight having a first releasable binding element and the shoe support and the body support having at least one second releasable binding element matching the first releasable binding element of the weight, configured so that that the weight may be releasably attached to the shoe support or to the body support. Methods for fitness training are also provided.

Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. A capacitive sensor, such as disposed within or upon the sensor housing, can be configured to provide the foot presence indication. In an example, foot presence can be detected using time-varying characteristics of a signal from the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are weighted shoe assemblies that allows easy selection of different weights and the ability to accommodate a variety of foot or shoe sizes. This greatly reduces the cost of providing all sizes and shapes of individually fitted shoes. More specifically disclosed are weighted shoe assemblies having an upper attachment component to attach to a user's foot or shoe and a removable weight components to allow selection of desired weights and means to removably attach the components together.

Abstract: The shoe sole covering is configured for use with a shoe. The shoe sole covering is configured to attach to the sole of the shoe. The sole of the shoe is further defined with an insole and an outsole. The shoe sole covering attaches to the outsole of the shoe to form a barrier between the shoe and a supporting surface. The barrier prevents cross-contamination between the supporting surface and the shoe. The shoe sole covering is a disposable product that is biodegradable. The shoe sole covering is also degradable primarily through hydrolysis reactions. The shoe sole covering comprises a vamp guard, a heel guard, an arch union, and a tab. The arch union attaches the vamp guard to the heel guard. The tab attaches to the heel guard.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved shoe cover with a bistable latch that allows for easy securing and removal of the shoe cover while providing a strong connection between the shoe and the shoe cover when in use. The shoe cover includes at least one bistable spring band at or around the toe, midsection, or heel of the cover for securing the cover to the shoe. In addition, a secondary attachment mechanism may be employed as well, which may include: a string-like material to encircle the shoe about its center, a semi-rigid structure on the inner-side of the cover; and/or an impressionable material located on or within the inner-side of the cover, so that it is directly exposed to the specialized shoe. The impressionable material will create a mold that is at least partially impermanent, permanent or semi-permanent.

Abstract: Articles of footwear have an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes an adjustment system having a base element, a fluid-filled chamber, an adjusting element, an anchoring element, and a tensile strand. The adjusting element is positioned outward from the fluid-filled chamber. The anchoring element is secured to the base element and is spaced from the adjusting element. The tensile strand extends between the adjusting element and the anchoring element. The adjusting element is operable to change a tension placed upon the tensile strand.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for a dynamic footwear cushioning system. One example embodiment includes: setting a cushioning level for cushioning material in accordance with a first setting; and altering, in dependence upon an environmental condition change, the cushioning level for the cushioning material in accordance with a second setting.

Abstract: Embodiments are related to systems and methods that utilize shoes with an attachment member to couple with weights, wherein the attachment member may allow the weights to have a free range of motion when coupled with the shoes. Responsive to coupling the weights with the attachment member, a user may utilize the shoes to target specific muscle groups of the user's lower body.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a device having a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor can be operable to transmit a radio frequency signal directed to a radio frequency identifier tag carried by a first item, receive usage information from the radio frequency identifier tag, determine a measure of wear and tear of the first item from the usage information, compare the measure of wear and tear to a threshold, detect from the comparison a state of usage of the first item, and submit a notice representative of the state of usage of the first item. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.

Abstract: An outsole for an orthopedic device includes a heel part, a forefoot part, and a mid-foot part separating the heel part from the forefoot part. A longitudinal axis extends in a longitudinal direction between an anterior end of the forefoot part and a posterior end of the heel part. A transverse axis intersects the longitudinal axis and extends in a transverse direction between a lateral edge of the outsole and a medial edge of the outsole. A bottom surface extends along the longitudinal axis and between the medial and lateral edges. The bottom surface defines an apex at the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse axes and at least one apical line passing through the apex and subtending an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis. The bottom surface curves through the apex and along the at least one apical line in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

Abstract: A computer system including a Web site and/or a cloud array of computers configured to have a connection to a smartphone or other mobile computer device and use the device and connection to control a configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers and internal sipes located in a sole or removable inner sole insert of footwear. The computer system can also use the device and connection to transmit data to the computer system for storage and/or shared or independent processing and/or analysis, process data from sensors located in either one or both of the sole or the removable inner sole insert of the device user, and in, on, or near a center of gravity of the device user, and use the processed data to alter a configuration of the bladders, compartments, chambers and internal sipes and to control the relative foot position of the right and left feet.

Abstract: A shoe can include support members for a plantar surface of a foot that include: (a) a heel support plate; (b) a forefoot support plate; (c) a heel securing strap component for securely engaging a heel supporting component with a wearer's heel; and (d) a unidirectional hinge, wherein the hinge allows the heel support plate to rotate internally with respect to the forefoot support plate and limit the heel support plate from rotating externally with respect to the forefoot support plate. The support member allows the shoe to twist and move with the foot, allowing the ankle to remain neutral, rather than the shoe fighting the foot's natural motion. The unidirectional nature of the hinge plate also prevents the shoe from rotating externally beyond a predetermined limit point.

Abstract: A computer system using big data techniques including a Web site and/or a cloud array of computers configured to have a connection to a smartphone or other mobile computer device and use the device and connection to control a configuration of bladders, compartments, chambers and internal sipes located in both left and right footwear soles or removable inner sole inserts. The computer system can also use the device and connection to transmit data to the computer system for storage and/or shared or independent processing and/or analysis using big data techniques, process data from sensors located in both the right and left soles or removable sole inserts of the device user, in the device, and in, on, or near a center of gravity of the device user and a head of the device user, and use the processed data to alter a configuration of the bladders, compartments, chambers and internal sipes.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having at least one elongated heel support member. The elongated heel support member may be angled and extend from a heel region to a midfoot region, in order to disperse forces applied by a wearer's heel during movement. The heel system may include two heel support members, each associated with a side of the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a series of ribs in the midfoot region, which may abut a front edge of the heel support members. Finally, the article of footwear may include asymmetric side flaps extending downward from an upper plate so as to overlap a midsole.

Abstract: A system may use a sensor device affixed to the user or an article of clothing of the user to provide information on performance of an activity. For example, a sensor device may be affixed to a portion of the laces on footwear of the user. Acquired data from the sensor device may be processed to provide analysis information to the user about the performance.

Abstract: A removable exercise device attached to a users shoe for use during exercise. The device includes a variety of removable and interchangeable accessories to be used for various physical activities and exercises. These accessories are designed to place user's foot in a declined position. The accessories include wheels and bottoms with various shapes, heights, and materials.

Abstract: A computer system including a Web site and/or a cloud array of computers configured to have a connection to a smartphone or other mobile computer device and use the device and connection to control a configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers and internal sipes located in a sole or removable inner sole insert of footwear. The computer system can also use the device and connection to transmit data to the computer system for storage and/or shared or independent processing and/or analysis, process data from sensors located in either one or both of the sole or the removable inner sole insert of the device user, and in, on, or near a center of gravity of the device user, and use the processed data to alter a configuration of the bladders, compartments, chambers and internal sipes.

Abstract: A multilayer insole for removable placement in an article of footwear, the multilayer insole including a bottom insole layer having a top side, a top insole layer having an underside, an intermediate layer that is (a) an insole material layer, (b) a flexible circuit layer or (c) a bonding region for joining the bottom insole layer with the top insole layer, a location data receiving means for receiving an input signal relating to a location of the insole, and a location data transmitting means for transmitting an output signal relating to the location of the insole, wherein the location data receiving means and the location data transmitting means are both integrally associated with the multilayer insole. Also provided are a unitary insole, data transfer systems and methods of using them involving the different insoles and methods of manufacturing the different insoles.

Abstract: A shoe may comprise an upper and a sole structure that includes a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region. Each of the support elements may be non-destructively removable from and replaceable into the sole structure. The shoe may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to measure force exerted in a footbed region of the article of footwear, as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the sensors. The processor may be configured to receive input indicative of forces measured by the sensors and to transmit data based on that input. Methods utilizing the article may include removing a support element and replacing the removed support element with a replacement support element.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a brace may include a motorized tensioning device, a tensioning member operationally coupled with the motorized tensioning device to tighten the brace about the limb, and a control unit communicatively coupled with the motorized tensioning device to control adjustment of a tension of the tensioning member. A method for providing therapy with the brace fitted about a limb may include communicating a first instruction from the control unit to the motorized tensioning device to adjust the tension of the tensioning member according to a therapeutic regimen that is designed to aid in recovery of the limb via repetitive movement of the limb.