Abstract: A weighted insole assembly, comprising a top thermoformable material layer, a bottom thermoformable material layer, and a weighted unit encapsulated between the top and bottom thermoformable material layers, the weighted unit including a heavy filler material and having a specific gravity between about 2.0 and about 4.

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: An electronic apparatus includes a sensor, a body that is provided separately from and is not incorporated to a shoe worn by a user, and a processing circuit provided on the body. The processing circuit obtains, based on a detection result of the sensor, a number of steps taken by the user during traveling while wearing the shoe, and calculates a wear degree, indicating a degree to which the shoe of the user is worn out, based on the number of steps.

Abstract: A cross-training flutter-kick boot system includes the use of a weighted elongate base having the general geometry of the bottom of the human foot. The base including an elevated central platform located opposite to an arch of the foot. The base also includes two pairs of hollow cylindrical elements, one element of each pair secured at a toe end of the weighted base and the other pair secured at a heel end of the base. A position control assembly (PCA) is securable upon the weighted base and includes respective front and rear hollow cylindrical elements which are securable within respective front and rear pairs of hollow elements by a platform connecting the front and rear I elements. The PCA, when secured to the weighted base, permits a bar having a channel to receive a second bar.

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, in, on, or near a center of gravity of the device user, in the device and/or in, on, or near the head of the device user, and use the processed data to alter a configuration of the bladders, compartments, chambers and internal sipes.

Abstract: A performance measuring system integrated with an article of clothing, the system has a computing unit for coordinating, processing and transmission of sensor data connected to a bus and an antenna. A sensor for measuring performance characteristics is connected to the bus; the bus facilitates transmission and reception of control and data values between the computing unit and the sensor. Also, an antenna is connected to the computing unit for communicating with other computing devices and transmission of sensor data. The other computing devices display the sensor data to a user or forward the sensor data onto another communication media such as the internet or interactive television. A social networking system sharing athletic statistics using a webservice, a personal processing unit connectible to the webservice, and a computing unit having an activity program for at least one sensor. This system has an activity update service integrally associated with the webservice.

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 computer system including a Web site and/or a cloud array of computers. The system is configured to have a connection to a smartphone or other mobile computer device and to use the device to control a configuration of computer-controlled bladders, compartments, chambers and/or internal sipes in footwear soles of a device user. The system is further configured to control the configuration of the bladders, compartments, chambers and/or internal sipes by using the device and the connection to: transmit data to the system for storage and/or shared or independent processing and/or analysis: process data received from the sensors in the footwear soles, a sensor including a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer in the device and a sensor including a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer located in, on, or near a head of the device user; and use the processed data to alter a configuration of the bladders, compartments, chambers and/or internal sipes.

Abstract: Cushioning element (4) for footwear, having a deformable filling (12) and an envelope (10) that encloses the deformable filling. The envelope is arranged for forming at least one flow channel (837). In use, at least part of the deformable filling flows into the at least one flow channel as a result of increased pressure of the deformable filling caused by a mechanical load The deformable filling contains solid bodies and further contains a lubricating fluid for mutually lubricating the solid bodies. A dimension of the at least one flow channel is arranged for hindering entrance of the solid bodies into the at least one flow channel during cushioning.

Abstract: A remote control wireless heated insole system in which address data identifying specific insoles to be heated is provided. Once the heating process is initiated, periodic repeated control signals are generated to cause heating of the insoles.

Abstract: A computer system comprising a Web site and/or a cloud array of computers wherein the system is configured to have a connection to a smartphone or other mobile computer device and the system is configured to use the device to control a configuration of computer-controlled footwear structural elements located in footwear soles of a device user, and sensors located in footwear soles of the device user and a sensor including a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer in the device. The system is further configured to control the configuration of footwear structural elements and sensors by using the device and the connection to: transmit data to the system for storage and/or shared or independent processing and/or analysis: process data received from the sensors located in footwear soles of the device user and the sensor in the device; and use the processed data to alter a configuration of the footwear structural elements.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an article of footwear, namely an interactive activity integrated into the article of footwear. The interactive activity may be operated when the article of footwear is either in motion or stationary. The interactive activity instructs the user to respond. Upon a correct or incorrect response, the interactive activity will provide either further instruction or provide a signal that informs the user of the propriety of their response. The interactive activity may be a music tutorial, a game, or an educational tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe with a sole unit, where the sole unit includes a recess for removably receiving a housing of an electronic assembly, for example, an electronic pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor. Further, the invention relates to a housing for receiving an electronic assembly, for example, a pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor, where the housing has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of a recess formed in a shoe sole.

Abstract: A weighted footwear assembly includes a foot covering including a sole and a perimeter wall attached to and extending upwardly from the sole. The perimeter wall includes an upper, a heel counter and a heel collar extending upwardly from the heel counter. The foot covering includes a back side, a front side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side wherein the front side is configured to cover toes of a foot. A plurality of sleeves is attached to the perimeter wall. Each of a plurality of weights has a size and shape for being received by one of the sleeves.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and footwear systems include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of footwear for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and footwear are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for the module for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.

Abstract: Footwear for use in resistance band training includes plural spaced straps extending loosely over the instep. Each strap is circumscribed by a connection ring freely movable along the strap such that, when the ring is pulled by an applied force, the ring traverses the strap and is repositioned according to the direction of the force. The user may alternatively select any of the straps to engage a resistance band. A belt for connection to the straps includes a band connection ring movable to different positions on the belt. A pad may be positioned over a front belt ring to comfortably project the band away from the user's body. The footwear and belt may be used with a vest connected to limbs and extremities to body parts for a full body workout.

Abstract: An electromotive unit that produces an electric current in response to a pressure applied thereto when a user lands the ground on his/her foot while walking or running, or a pressure detector that detects variation in the applied pressure is formed like a flat plate and arranged within a small space in a shoe. A wire material is provided to deliver, outside the shoe, the electric current produced in response to the pressure applied when the user lands the ground on his/her foot or a signal indicative of the variation in the applied pressure. The wire material is connected to a pedometer unit outside the shoe to perform counting. The wire material can be fixed and mounted onto a desired portion in the opening of the shoe by using a fastener or by being formed as a fixable wire material.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a ball contacting surface is disclosed. The ball contacting surface includes a raised peak member at the top and gripping members along a medial side. The ball contacting surface enhances the ability of a wearer to kick a ball with a low trajectory and to control the ball.

Abstract: An anti-slip overshoe has a contoured outer band and first gripping pad and second gripping pad disposed interior to the contoured outer band for enhanced traction. A web structure connects the first gripping pad and second gripping pad to the contoured outer band. A plurality of gripping devices is attached to the first gripping pad and second gripping pad for enhanced traction on natural surfaces. The gripping devices includes a body, button extending from a first end of the body, plurality of spikes disposed around a perimeter of the body, and central spike extending from a second end of the body. A neck is disposed around the body between the button and spikes. The spikes include a traction arm, plurality of edges formed along the traction arm, and concave surface between a first edge and second edge along the traction arm.

Abstract: An ankle inversion and eversion prevention athletic shoe has an upper foot support portion and a shoe bottom. The ankle inversion and eversion athletic shoe device is designed for preventing an athlete from spraining or turning or rolling an ankle during normal athletic competition or play or activities. The shoe includes a brace. The brace is located either behind the ankle on a heel of the shoe or on a side of said shoe in the general vicinity of the ankle. The brace includes an elongated arm and a floor contact surface designed to limit or control sliding of the foot to enable wearer time to regain composure, footing and balance. The brace provides the wearer time to regain his or her balance onto the shoe bottom, thus significantly limiting or precluding the typical and usually unavoidable ankle injury.

Abstract: A footwear assembly with integral footbed suspension system is disclosed. A shoe comprises a sole, a blade extending away from the sole, an Energy Return System (ERS) connected to the blade, an upper, and a cradle coupled to the upper and coupled to the ERS via a plurality of ties, wherein the ERS is intermediate the cradle and the blade. The ERS is configured to resiliently deform under pressure from the foot while the foot is substantially suspended via the cradle relative to the sole. A plurality of sensors are configured to detect relative movement between components of the shoe and to transmit data to a chip positioned in the shoe. The data can be used for gait and performance analysis.

Abstract: An inertial navigation device for fitting to an article that bears intermittently against a surface. The device comprises an inertial unit having at least one inertial sensor, and a mechanical connector structure for connecting the inertial unit to the article. In the device, the connector structure is arranged (1) to provide mechanical coupling between the inertial unit and the article when the article is not bearing against the surface and (2) to provide mechanical decoupling therebetween when the article is bearing against the surface, in such a manner that the inertial unit is substantially stationary relative to the surface when the article is bearing against the surface. A shoe and equipment is provided with such a device.

Abstract: A toe tap for a tap shoe is characterized by a blunt forward edge which defines a platform for a dance to utilize during dance steps, particularly when the dancer elevates to an elongated pointe position with supported by the tips of the toes. The tap includes a base which has a rear edge extending toward the ball area of the dance shoe and side edges which extend between the front and rear edges. The tap further includes constant perimeter around the side and front portions and a lip extending upwardly from the base at the constant perimeter to enable the dance to execute shuffle and other dance movements with the medial and lateral portions of the foot. A projection further extends from the lip at the front edge. The projection has a flat surface co-planar with the blunt front edge of the base to define a larger platform for supporting the toe tips of the dancer's foot.

Abstract: A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided.

Abstract: Footwear for use in resistance band training includes plural spaced straps extending loosely over the instep. Each strap is circumscribed by a connection ring freely movable along the strap such that, when the ring is pulled by an applied force, the ring traverses the strap and is repositioned according to the direction of the force. The user may alternatively select any of the straps to engage a resistance band. A belt for connection to the straps includes a band connection ring movable to different positions on the belt. A pad may be positioned over a front belt ring to comfortably project the band away from the user's body. The footwear and belt may be used with a vest connected to limbs and extremities to body parts for a full body workout.

Abstract: The mini crampon is secured to a ski mountaineering/AT boot containing a special binding insert molded into the sole of the AT boot, and at least two trunnion pins, and at least one stop bumper retained in the mini crampon, which engage the binding insert in the AT boot sole securing the mini crampon to the AT boot.

Abstract: A weighted insole assembly, comprising a top thermoformable material layer, a bottom thermoformable material layer, and a weighted unit encapsulated between the top and bottom thermoformable material layers, the weighted unit including a heavy filler material and having a specific gravity between about 2.0 and about 4.0.

Abstract: A device for a shoe with a sole assembly including at least an outer sole and an insole connected to a heel through a shank and a heel breast. The device includes a cap comprising a cap head mounted to a hollow shaft with internal threads therein. The hollow shaft of the cap is received within a bore extending from the insole to the outer sole on the heel breast of the shoe between the heel and the shank of the shoe. A shank having a first end comprising threads and a second end. The first end of the shank is received by the hollow shaft of the cap to fasten the shank to the cap on the heal breast of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.

Abstract: A footwear assembly including footwear composed of (a) an upper surface adapted to a foot, (b) two protuberances, (c) a sole, and (d) a map formed on the sole. The map includes markings that define an orientation and position for mounting two protuberances on a bottom surface of the sole.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as at least part of a sole of a shoe or as at least part of an insole of the shoe, the apparatus comprises a fixed section that provides a positioning of a big toe area at a lower position than a heel area and/or at a lower position than an outer edge area, and an adjustable section associated with the fixed section, wherein the adjustable section adjusts at least one of the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the heel area and the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the outer edge area.

Abstract: A device comprising a cleaning device operably attached to a mounting device, wherein the mounting device is configured to engage a footwear, wherein the cleaning device facilitates the cleaning of equipment, such as a golf club. Furthermore, a method of cleaning a golf club comprising providing a cleaning device, wherein the cleaning device has a first end and a second end, coupling the first end of the cleaning device and the attachment device, wherein the attachment device and a mounting plate form a mounting device, and wherein the mounting device is configured to engage a footwear is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe with a sole unit, where the sole unit includes a recess for removably receiving a housing of an electronic assembly, for example, an electronic pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor. Further, the invention relates to a housing for receiving an electronic assembly, for example, a pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor, where the housing has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of a recess formed in a shoe sole.

Abstract: A rowing shoe binding structure includes a cleat attachment structure and an adapter. The cleat attachment structure has at least one shoe sole facing surface. The shoe sole facing surface faces a shoe sole of a rowing shoe upon attaching the rowing shoe to the rowing shoe binding structure. The adapter is detachably coupled to the cleat attachment structure. The adapter includes at least one adapting portion that is configured to be disposed on the shoe sole facing surface of the cleat attachment structure.

Abstract: A reusable, hand-held carrier for transporting and storing a pair of ski boots includes: (a) a handle portion; (b) a shank including two opposite longitudinal first sides, an upper shank end being attached to a base handle section of the handle portion; (c) a hanger portion extending from a lower shank end and including at least two elongate hook elements, each of the hook elements including an open topped channel and a set of corresponding shoulder portions on opposite walls of the channel that form a pinched zone at the top of the channel. The boot carrier preferably also includes at least one carrier pin for holding a sole guard ski boot accessory within a recess in the carrier shank. A carrier wall mount and boot carrier set is also contemplated. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: The club head cleaning attachment for a golf shoe is removably secured to a golf shoe to enable the shoe to be used in cleaning the head or face of a golf club during play. The device is formed of a flexible, resilient elastomeric material, and has a toe pocket fitting over the extreme forward end of the toe cap and sole of the shoe. Attachment straps or bands extend rearwardly to secure the device about the horizontal circumference of the shoe. The strap or band may be a continuous, endless component stretched to fit around the shoe, or may have mating first and second ends that secure to one another behind the heel. The toe pocket includes a cleaning element extending outwardly therefrom generally along the forward edge of the shoe sole. The cleaning element may be a non-woven web of plastic material, an absorbent cloth, or a brush.

Abstract: A resistance training footwear comprises a tension bearing connector to removably couple with an elastic resistance band. The resistance training footwear may be a resistance training shoe having a tension bearing connector fixed to an outsole of the shoe, a resistance training shoe having a tension bearing connector fixed to an upper of the shoe, a resistance training sandal having a tension bearing connector fixed to an outsole of the sandal, or a resistance training sandal having a tension bearing connector fixed to straps of the sandal, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a health shoe having an arc type stretching body to be formed apart from a front end and a rear end of a shoe sole with a predetermined distance apart, which is capable of doing stretching exercises at the stable status because 5 the arc type stretching body is supported by the front end or the rear end in contact with the ground when doing exercises in forward flexion or backward extension postures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hiking boot attachment is provided that assists in the descent of slopes. The hiking boot attachment includes a platform that engages the underside of a mid-portion of a sole of a hiking boot, in a region under a ball of a hiker's foot. A strap system is attached to the platform and secures the platform to the hiking boot. Further, one or more supports are secured to the platform. The one or more supports each have a portion that extends downward from a bottom face of the platform to engage the ground and lift the platform above the ground. This may reduce incline of the hiking boot when descending a slope. The portions of the one or more supports that engage the ground deliver downward force to regions of ground disposed to lateral sides of the hiking boot, to promote stability.

Abstract: A cushioning attachment for shoes including athletic shoes and, in particular, running shoes includes two component features: a cushioning feature, and a resilient/traction feature. In addition, the cushioning attachment can include a securing feature for securing the device to the outsole of the shoe of a wearer. In the cushioning attachments, the cushioning feature is typically a first layer of the attachment while the resilient/traction feature is typically a second layer of the attachment. The attachment can also include a heel addition layer attached to the top of the first layer.

Abstract: Articles of clothing or pieces of athletic equipment include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the clothing or athletic equipment or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of clothing or piece of athletic equipment for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and clothing or piece of athletic equipment are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole secured to the upper. A support plate assembly includes a support member extending along a portion of the upper. A plate extends inwardly from the support member, the plate being positioned between the outsole and the midsole. A groove is formed in an exterior surface of the support member, and is positioned outwardly of the plate and extends longitudinally along the exterior surface of the support member.

Abstract: An insert system for an article of footwear includes an outer assembly, a first insert assembly and a second insert assembly. The outer assembly is configured to interchangeably receive the first insert assembly and the second insert assembly. The first insert assembly includes a first sleeve member and a first midsole configured to provide enhanced cushioning and support. The first sleeve member includes a tongue and a fastening member that wraps around the tongue. The second insert assembly includes a second sleeve member and a second midsole configured to enhance speed.

Abstract: Sports shoe (1) comprising a sole (2) provided with a grip enhancing structure (3), wherein the shoe comprises at least one detector (51, 52) arranged for detecting movement of said shoe and a processor, wherein the grip enhancing structure is moveable between an increased gripping state and a decreased gripping state, wherein the processor is arranged to move the grip enhancing structure between the states based on the detected movement by said detector.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of multi-functional footwear. In one example, an article of footwear includes a climbing arch configured to receive at least a portion of a climbing surface. The climbing arch also includes a plurality of engagement members extending from the arch and configured to engage a climbing surface. The article of footwear may also include a protective plate, a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions that form a receiving area configured to receive a portion of a second body, a drainage system configured to drain liquid from within the article of footwear, and/or an anti-rope burn upper. The described, multi-functional footwear may be designed with significantly less mass than known footwear.

Abstract: A removable, one-piece sole guard for preventing crevices on a ski boot sole from filling with snow, ice, and debris includes: (a) a head portion including a substantially planar top head surface that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface; (b) a body portion adjacent the head portion, which includes a substantially planar top body surface that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface; (c) at least one pin groove between the head portion and the body portion that opens to the top of the sole guard; (d) two opposite, substantially parallel guard sides; and (e) projections extending down from the bottom surface. A two-pin sole guard for a ski boot with at least two boot sole pins includes a second pin groove that opens to the rear. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A locking and unlocking device (10) for forming an interface between the shell (1) and the collar (2) of a sports boot, which comprises a rocker (11) that is movable in rotation about a pin (13), a lever (15) that is movable in rotation and an elastic element connected to the lever (15), such that the lever (15) is able to occupy a first stable position, in which it holds the rocker (11) in a locking position, and a second stable position, in which it holds the rocker (11) in an unlocking position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: A method of changing vibration characteristics of a stringed racquet having strings includes providing an article of apparel with a mount thereon. The method also includes providing a slotted vibration dampener. Moreover, the method includes increasing dampening of the stringed raquet by moving the slotted vibration dampener from a first position to a second position. The slotted vibration dampener is removably attached to the mount in the first position. The slotted vibration dampener is removably attached to the strings of the stringed racquet in the second position. The method further includes decreasing dampening of the stringed raquet by moving the slotted vibration dampener from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A device for transmitting a distress signal is provided which includes: an impact surface; a power supply for generating electrical energy resulting from an impact force applied to the impact surface; and a transmitter powered by the power supply for transmitter the distress signal. The distress signal can be an RF signal, which can be polarized. The power supply can include one or more piezoelectric generators, at least one capacitor in which the electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric generators is stored and/or an electronics component for regulating a generated voltage and for charging the capacitors. The device can also include a GPS receiver for receiving position data and providing such position data to the transmitter for inclusion into the distress signal.