Abstract: An article of footwear, method, and motorized lacing system includes a motor, including a motor shaft, a spool, coupled to the motor shaft, configured to spool and unspool the lace based on the turning of the motor shaft, a processor circuit, and a three-dimensional encoder. The three-dimensional encoder defines a major axis and has a surface having a tabs extending from a drum, an optical sensor, positioned within optical range of the cylindrical encoder, configured to output a signal to the processor circuit indicative of a detected one of the tabs, and a beam break, positioned between the three-dimensional encoder and the optical sensor, forming a pair of slits. The optical sensor is positioned to view the tabs through the pair of slits, wherein the processor circuit is configured to operate the motor based, at least in part, on the signal as received from the optical sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoe having a simpler structure compared to patent document JP-A 2010-162318, with reduced discomfort and enhanced repulsive force. According to an aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention, a shoe 10 comprising: a middle sole 14 having a foot contacting surface 40 and a ground contacting surface 42; an upper at least partially covering the foot contacting surface 40 of the middle sole 14; and an elastic structure 18 curving upwards towards the rear direction at least from the outer foot side of the ground contacting surface is provided. With such configuration, discomfort can be reduced and repulsive force can be enhanced.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components such as a lighting apparatus. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include a chamber designed to receive the lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus can be installed in the chamber after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the lighting apparatus can include provisions for facilitating the installation of the lighting apparatus in the chamber, including a removable handle portion that can help guide the lighting apparatus within the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of shoe lights; in particular, to a shoe light device capable of flashing in different modes and a driving method thereof. A motion sensor, an integrated chip and a light-emitting device are integrated on a shoe, and the motion sensor and the light-emitting device are electrically connected to the integrated chip. The integrated chip is configured to control the light-emitting device to emit light in a preset constant-sequence output mode when the duration of reception of pulse signals generated by the motion sensor reaches a preset threshold, so that trigger control over the light-emitting device is realized. The shoe light device capable of flashing in different modes has the advantages of high integrity of elements, simple structure, simple production process, and various integrated cyclic output modes for flashing of the light-emitting device.

Abstract: An insole with embedded sensing system includes a pressure sensing layer arranged on the insole, an infrared sensing layer arranged inside the insole, and a sensing module installed inside an arch pad integrated with the insole. The sensing module is electrically coupled with the pressure sensing layer and the infrared sensing layer for receiving and processing detected electronic signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for calculating athletic activity parameters. Multiple housings are position at different locations on a user's body. The housings are configured to be removably engaged with an electronic module that includes a sensor and a processor configured to calculate athletic activity parameters. Each housing is connected to or includes an identification memory that stores information identifying a location of the housing. The electronic module uses the location information to select an algorithm to use when calculating the athletic activity parameters.

Abstract: In example aspects, materials with different colors and/or one or more different characteristics are used for footwear manufacturing. In some aspects, the colors and/or the one or more characteristics of the materials may be obscured with a concealing layer. In other aspects, the concealing layer may include a structural-color element.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to articles such as bladders comprising mechano-luminescent materials which emit light when the mechano-luminescent materials are placed under stress. The present disclosure is also directed to articles including these bladders, methods of forming these bladders, and methods of making articles including these bladders.

Abstract: A sensor device is attached to, for example, a mechanical component. The sensor device includes a sensor unit, an output unit, and an energy harvesting unit. The sensor unit measures a condition related to the mechanical component. The output unit outputs information that is based on the measurement result from the sensor unit to the outside. The energy harvesting unit converts energy that exists in an external environment into electric power and supplies an electric power for operating at least one of the sensor unit and the output unit.

Abstract: An item of footwear for magnetotherapy comprises a lower sole in which there is defined a tread surface, an intermediate container which can be received in an opening which is defined in the lower sole, a magnetic field generator, a control unit, a battery, an inner sole which is or can be placed over the intermediate container and a vamp structure which is connected to the lower sole. The intermediate container is produced from material having greater rigidity with respect to the lower sole and comprises respective recesses which are intended to receive the magnetic field generator, the control unit and the battery, respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lighting assembly including a lighting structure. The lighting structure includes a protective housing, a wick, and a main control circuit board; the surface of the main control circuit board is provided with a lighting module structure for switching the modes of ever-bright lighting, flickering lighting, and low-speed flickering lighting; when a switching button is in contact with the surface of a contact conductor, a loop is formed to respectively switch the modes of ever-bright lighting, flickering lighting, and low-speed flickering lighting in the lighting module structure so as to improve the practicality of a product; different modes can be used in different lighting occasions; flickering lighting can be selected to increase the promptness thereof on foggy days so as to ensure personal safety; low-speed flickering lighting can be selected in rainy days so as to achieve the function of reducing power consumption.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit for enhancing a pointe shoe for improving a dance technique or a dance performance by a performer. An example kit includes a pointe shoe cover comprising a body portion made from a material including at least polyester and configured to envelop the pointe shoe, a light-emitting diode (LED) ribbon, affixed to the body portion, affixed to at least a vamp or a binding of the pointe shoe cover, one or more membrane switches, affixed to the toe portion, configured to activate when the performer stands en pointe during the dance performance, a toggle switch configured to switch between different modes of the LED ribbon, a button cell affixed to an external side portion of the body portion, at least one wire connecting the button cell to the LED ribbon, the toggle switch, and the one or more membrane switches.

Abstract: A display apparatus for lighted footwear, having a spring switch, a battery-powered integrated circuit sealingly encapsulated, a plurality of illuminators, and a wiring harness connecting the illuminators to points of the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit being configured for activating the illuminators in a sequential pattern that can include repeated activation cycles when the spring switch is subjected to an effective acceleration. The display apparatus preferably includes the battery being sealingly encapsulated together with the spring switch and the integrated circuit; an ON/OFF switch can be included for selectively producing a deep sleep state of the integrated circuit that is unresponsive to the spring switch. Also disclosed is footwear incorporating the display apparatus, wherein the encapsulated enclosure is located within a sole heel portion of the shoe, and the illuminators are distributed on the footwear for external view.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of shoe lights; in particular, to a shoe light device capable of flashing in different modes and a driving method thereof. A motion sensor, an integrated chip and a light-emitting device are integrated on a shoe, and the motion sensor and the light-emitting device are electrically connected to the integrated chip. The integrated chip is configured to control the light-emitting device to emit light in a preset constant-sequence output mode when the duration of reception of pulse signals generated by the motion sensor reaches a preset threshold, so that trigger control over the light-emitting device is realized. The shoe light device capable of flashing in different modes has the advantages of high integrity of elements, simple structure, simple production process, and various integrated cyclic output modes for flashing of the light-emitting device.

Abstract: A shoe has a sensor system operably connected to a communication port. Performance data is collected by the system and can be transferred for further use via the communication port. The shoe may contain an electronic module configured to gather data from the sensors. The module may also transmit the data to an external device for further processing. Users can use the collected data for a variety of different uses or applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear with flexible display means, comprising: a) at least one strap that is comprised of a flexible thin display panel, b) a sole comprising attachment latches adapted to attach the at least one strap to the sole; and an electrical circuitry configured to enable the flexible thin display panel to display digital content.

Abstract: A lace adjuster assembly (12) is adapted to selectively adjust a shoelace (11) of a shoe (10) of a user. The lace adjuster assembly (12) comprises a lace adjuster (14) and a feedback assembly (19). The lace adjuster (14) is adapted to selectively adjust the shoelace (11) of the shoe (10) of the user. The feedback assembly (19) is coupled to the lace adjuster (14). Additionally, the feedback assembly (19) is configured to perform one of (i) selectively measuring statistical data of the user during an athletic performance, and (ii) selectively capturing an image of the user during the athletic performance.

Abstract: As described above, one or more aspects of the present disclosure provide articles having structural color, and methods of making articles having structural color. The present disclosure provides for articles that exhibit structural colors through the use of an optical element, where structural colors are visible colors produced, at least in part, through optical effects. The optical element (e.g., a single layer reflector, a single layer filter, a multilayer reflector or a multilayer filter) can include the reflective layer(s), constituent layers, and an optional textured surface. The optical element has a minimum percent reflectance in a wavelength range within the wavelength range of about 380 to 625 nanometers. The optical element imparts a structural color that corresponds substantially to the range of wavelength range.

Abstract: A light emitting shoe assembly includes a shoe that is wearable on a user's foot. The shoe has a vamp, a heel, a heel lift, a shank, a heel breast, an outsole and a collar. A light emitter is integrated into the shoe such that the light emitter emits light outwardly from the shoe. A template is integrated into the light emitter and the template is comprised of a light impermeable material to inhibit light from passing through the template. A pattern is punched through the template to produce an image on the support surface. A color switch is movably integrated into the shoe and the color switch is electrically coupled to the light emitter thereby altering a color of light that is emitted by the light emitter.

Abstract: A light symbol projection device is disclosed. The light symbol projection device has a housing which is temporarily secured within a receiving mechanism. The receiving mechanism is embedded within a product such as, for example, a shoe. The light symbol housing may project, in various colors, a word, pattern, symbol, logo or other indicia on the ground. The light symbol housing may be interchangeable so that the receiving mechanism may receive various light symbol housings having different light projections. In one embodiment, a speaker associated with the device may also provide an audible sound.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole system secured to the upper. The sole system includes a bladder member with an illumination device. The bladder member is formed from at least a partially transparent or colored outer polymer layer that encloses a fluid. The illumination device is located within the sole system. Light from the illumination device may pass out the sole system by passing through the bladder member, thereby imparting the configuration of an illuminable fluid-filled bladder member.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of shoe lights; in particular, to a shoe light device capable of flashing in different modes and a driving method thereof. A motion sensor, an integrated chip and a light-emitting device are integrated on a shoe, and the motion sensor and the light-emitting device are electrically connected to the integrated chip. The integrated chip is configured to control the light-emitting device to emit light in a preset constant-sequence output mode when the duration of reception of pulse signals generated by the motion sensor reaches a preset threshold, so that trigger control over the light-emitting device is realized. The shoe light device capable of flashing in different modes has the advantages of high integrity of elements, simple structure, simple production process, and various integrated cyclic output modes for flashing of the light-emitting device.

Abstract: An article of footwear that produces an audio component for a performance includes a rigid heel assembly that attaches to the article of footwear. The rigid heel assembly has a cavity with an open end. The cavity houses an audio transmission assembly that includes a transmitter. A microphone converts the audio component of the performance into a digital audio signal and is operatively connected to the audio transmission assembly which wirelessly transmits the digital audio signal of the audio of the performance.

Abstract: An article of footwear, method, and motorized lacing system includes a motor, including a motor shaft, a spool, coupled to the motor shaft, configured to spool and unspool the lace based on the turning of the motor shaft, a processor circuit, and a three-dimensional encoder. The three-dimensional encoder defines a major axis and has a surface having a tabs extending from a drum, an optical sensor, positioned within optical range of the cylindrical encoder, configured to output a signal to the processor circuit indicative of a detected one of the tabs, and a beam break, positioned between the three-dimensional encoder and the optical sensor, forming a pair of slits. The optical sensor is positioned to view the tabs through the pair of slits, wherein the processor circuit is configured to operate the motor based, at least in part, on the signal as received from the optical sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for calculating athletic activity parameters. Multiple housings are position at different locations on a user's body. The housings are configured to be removably engaged with an electronic module that includes a sensor and a processor configured to calculate athletic activity parameters. Each housing is connected to or includes an identification memory that stores information identifying a location of the housing. The electronic module uses the location information to select an algorithm to use when calculating the athletic activity parameters.

Abstract: An LED driving system for synchronizing two LED driving integrated circuits to drive LED strings. The LED driving system sequentially activates the LED strings driven by the first LED driving integrated circuit and then outputs a downstream enabling signal from the first LED driving integrated circuit to the second LED driving integrated circuit to activate the LED strings driven by the second LED driving integrated circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, kits and methods for smart footwear for dance performances, as well as computer-implemented methods to train performers using the smart footwear. An example method for improving a dance technique or a dance performance by a performer, comprises receiving, using a radio frequency (RF) transceiver on a wireless device, a signal from an RF transmitter on a pointe shoe, determining, based on the signal, an activation status of each of a plurality of pressure sensors on the pointe shoe, and providing, based on the activation status, an indication of an accuracy or efficacy of the performer standing en pointe during the dance technique or dance performance.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including a button assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, the button assembly can include a bushing and an actuator. The bushing can include an actuator housing surrounded by an outer flange. The actuator housing can include an exterior side and an interior side relative to the footwear platform. The actuator can include a plurality of actuator bodies disposed within the actuator housing. Each actuator body of the plurality of actuator bodies can include a switch interface adapted to interact with a switch on a lacing engine.

Abstract: A messaging apparatus for wearable items. The messaging apparatus may comprise a light source, at least one sensor to detect an event, and a controller to control the flashing of the light source in response to the detection of the event. The controlling of the flashing of the light source may generate at least one visible element that is visible to a viewer. Further, the light source may not be adapted in the form of the at least one visible element, but rather, the controlled flashing of the light source may be in the form of the at least one visible element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of flicker lights, and particularly relates to a flicker light and a lighting shoe. The flicker light includes a lamp, and further includes a control module for generating irregular flicker signals. A signal output end of the control module is electrically connected with the lamp. Through the control module for generating the irregular flicker signals, the signal output end of the control module is electrically connected with the lamp, so that the work flicker time sequence of all LED lights on the lamp in the flicker light is irregular during work; moreover, the work time and number of the LED lights are different every time, thereby achieving a special flicker mode of the flicker light.

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 or magnetic sensor configured to sense changes in a body's proximity to the sensor in footwear. Characteristics of the sensed proximity 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 or about the footwear.

Abstract: A messaging apparatus for wearable items. The messaging apparatus may comprise a light source, at least one sensor to detect an event, and a controller to control the flashing of the light source in response to the detection of the event. The controlling of the flashing of the light source may generate at least one visible element that is visible to a viewer. Further, the light source may not be adapted in the form of the at least one visible element, but rather, the controlled flashing of the light source may be in the form of the at least one visible element.

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: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components such as a lighting apparatus. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include a chamber designed to receive the lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus can be installed in the chamber after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the lighting apparatus can include provisions for facilitating the installation of the lighting apparatus in the chamber, including a removable handle portion that can help guide the lighting apparatus within the chamber.

Abstract: A charging system can include provisions for providing power to various systems or components associated with the article of footwear. A charging system may include a charging device dimensioned to be used with one or more articles of footwear, where the articles of footwear can include different sizes. In some cases, the charging system can be used to facilitate the transfer of power to components in a motorized tensioning system.

Abstract: Provided in a smart shoe module mounted to a smart shoe for analyzing the motion of a wearer and providing various functions, the smart shoe module comprising: an upper case which forms an upper outer experience of a pressure switch and elastically behaves by means of a pressure, which is applied in a first direction and has a particular value or larger, in order to accurately measure the motion of the wearer by measuring the pressure generated during walking of a wearer, as digital signals such as on-signal and an off-signal, and, moreover, minimize a manufacturing tolerance so as to prevent an error in distinguishing between an on-signal and an off-signal from being caused by the pressure generated during walking of the wearer; a lower case coupled to the lower end of the upper case and forming a lower end outer experience of the pressure switch; a substance amounted to the inside of the upper case and generating a signal in the first circuit unit through the elastic behavior; and a control unit for process

Abstract: Described are shoes for ball sports including an upper having an outer surface. An actuator is configured to change at least one surface property of a portion of the outer surface of the upper, and a sensor is configured to be sensitive to movements of the shoe. A processing unit is connected to the actuator and the sensor and configured to process sensor data retrieved from the sensor and to cause the actuator to change the at least one surface property of the portion of the outer surface of the upper if a predetermined event is detected in the sensor data.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole system secured to the upper. The sole system includes a bladder member with an illumination device. The bladder member is formed from at least a partially transparent or colored outer polymer layer that encloses a fluid. The illumination device is located within the sole system. Light from the illumination device may pass out the sole system by passing through the bladder member, thereby imparting the configuration of an illuminable fluid-filled bladder member.

Abstract: An integrated multilayer structure for hosting electronics, includes a first substrate including organic, electrically substantially insulating natural material including and exhibiting a related naturally grown or natural textile based surface texture. The first substrate has a first side facing a predefined front side of the structure, the first side of the first substrate being optionally configured to face a user and/or use an environment of the structure or of its host device. The first substrate has an opposite second side, a plastic layer, optionally including thermoplastic or thermoset plastics, molded onto the second side of the first substrate so as to at least partially cover it. The first substrate further includes circuitry provided on the second side of the first substrate, wherein the circuitry is at least partially embedded in the molded material of the plastic layer. A related method of manufacture is also presented.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software products analyze foot strikes. A runner profile defining characteristics of a user and a shoe type of the shoes is received. Shoe characteristics are retrieved based upon the shoe type. A model of shoe wear is configured based upon both the runner profile and the shoe characteristics. Sensor data indicative of movement of a runner's foot is received from a foot strike monitor configured with the shoes and processed through the model to determine a user's expected lifetime for the shoes. The user's expected lifetime is indicated to the user.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for lacing a shoe that includes an upper on which a rotating closure is arranged for lacing the shoe by means of at least one tensioning element. The method includes lacing the shoe with a first level of lacing power, resulting in a first tension of the at least one tensioning element, when the user of the shoe generates a first closing signal (S1) by means of the closing button, or alternatively lacing the shoe with a second level of lacing power, resulting in a second tension of the at least one tensioning element, which is higher than the first tension, when the user of the shoe generates a second closing signal (S2) by means of the closing button, which is different from the first closing signal.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided and includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface. The midsole has a footbed, a bottom surface, and a series of channels extending therethrough. The bottom surface opposes the inner surface to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a series of pins each having a post extending through corresponding ones of the series of channels between a first end and a second end. The first end extends into the cavity outward from the bottom surface of the midsole and the second end extends into the interior void outward from the footbed of the midsole. The article of footwear also includes a resilient member that engages the first end of each of the series of pins and biases the series of pins toward the interior void.

Abstract: A shoe apparatus with electronic grip enhancement is disclosed. In particular, the shoe includes: an electrical energy storage device such as a capacitor or battery; a piezoelectric generator configured to generate electricity when the user takes a step in the shoe; and a sole including an electrostatic adhesive portion configured to augment the grip of the shoe.

Abstract: A lace adjuster assembly (12) is adapted to selectively adjust a shoelace (11) of a shoe (10) of a user. The lace adjuster assembly (12) comprises a lace adjuster (14) and a feedback assembly (19). The lace adjuster (14) is adapted to selectively adjust the shoelace (11) of the shoe (10) of the user. The feedback assembly (19) is coupled to the lace adjuster (14). Additionally, the feedback assembly (19) is configured to perform one of (i) selectively measuring statistical data of the user during an athletic performance, and (ii) selectively capturing an image of the user during the athletic performance.

Abstract: A system for presenting a demonstration of the speed of sound, includes a sound source that produces a sound wave; a viewing area positioned at a predetermined distance from the sound source; and a plurality of lights positioned between the sound source and the viewing area, wherein each of the plurality of lights undergoes a visible change, sequentially, from the sound source to the viewing area when a sound wave is produced by the sound source. The rate at which the plurality of lights are visibly changed is substantially equal to the speed of sound such that the sound wave reaches the viewing area at substantially the same time that a light of the plurality of lights that is closest to the viewing area is visibly changed.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components such as a lighting apparatus. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include a chamber designed to receive the lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus can be installed in the chamber after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the lighting apparatus can include provisions for facilitating the installation of the lighting apparatus in the chamber, including a removable handle portion that can help guide the lighting apparatus within the chamber.

Abstract: A garment having audio-video display capabilities, has a garment body bearing a a video display device. The display device is preferably mounted to a surface of the garment body whereby it cannot be seen unless activated. An audio reproduction device is also mounted to the garment body. Both the video and audio display/reproduction devices are controlled by a microprocessor system likewise mounted to the garment body. The processor system is capable of receiving video and audio data and control signals from a remote source, such as a smartphone, over a wireless communications system, such a Bluetooth system. In addition, the garment may itself have a camera and microphone to allow the wearer to record audio-visual material and display it on the garment system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sole structure includes providing a plate within a cavity of a mold. The plate includes a base and a rib, and the base includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the upper, the second surface faces away from the first surface, and the rib projects from the second surface of the base. Moreover, the method includes providing a preform bladder member within the cavity of the mold, wherein the preform bladder member including a first member and a second member. The method additionally includes forming a bladder from the first and second members using the mold. Also, the method includes attaching the first member to the plate using the mold. Attaching the first member to the plate includes shaping the first member according to surfaces of the rib.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole system secured to the upper. The sole system includes a bladder member with an illumination device. The bladder member is formed from at least a partially transparent or colored outer polymer layer that encloses a fluid. The illumination device is located within the sole system. Light from the illumination device may pass out the sole system by passing through the bladder member, thereby imparting the configuration of an illuminable fluid-filled bladder member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a light-emitting module using a special circuit design to solve the abnormal breakage of the battery lifetime and comprising a power supply module storing an electrical power; a first sub-circuit and a second sub-circuit, the first sub-circuit comprising a first light-emitting diode module, the second sub-circuit comprising a second light-emitting diode module and a passive component, wherein the passive component is connected with the second light-emitting diode module in series, the lighting color of the first light-emitting module is different from the lighting color of the second light-emitting diode module; and a control module coupled to the power supply module, the first sub-circuit, and the second sub-circuit, for supplying the electrical power with the first sub-circuit and the second sub-circuit and driving the first light-emitting diode module and the second light-emitting diode module to emit light.