Abstract: Foot support systems (and articles of footwear including them) include a midfoot flex component, such as a bi-stable spring element, that moves the article of footwear/sole structure/ foot support component/midfoot flex component between an open position/foot insertion or removal configuration and a closed position/foot supporting configuration and vice versa.

Abstract: A system and method for generating wireless signals from the physical movement of a person utilizing a movement detection mechanism attached to the person wherein the system allows a person to manipulate the generated wireless signals to selectively control digital responses which may be in the form of sensory-perceivable outputs such as sounds and/or visual effects, for example, through the person's physical movement. Movement sensors attached to the person (e.g., on one foot or both feet) communicate with other system components such as microprocessors, transmitters and/or tactile interface controls, for example, to wirelessly send signal pulses from a person to a computer or mobile device and allow the person wearing the sensors and/or another person to selectively control the dynamics of the digital responses so to create a unique sensory output.

Abstract: A device, system and method for determining a proper kick technique is disclosed herein. The device preferably comprises a body configured to be worn on a foot of a user, sensors, a processor, an alert mechanism, and a power source. The sensors are preferably piezoelectric sensors. The device preferably provides feedback to a player by informing the player that the player has struck a ball with a proper surface of the player's foot.

Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert, or positioned within the insert, in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.

Abstract: A toddler shoe has a squeaker or other air-powered noisemaker (collectively “squeaker”) that is selectively active in that the squeaker can be turned on or off. The squeaker can be turned on or off without removing the squeaker from the shoe, and because the squeaker remains in the shoe, the functional characteristics of the shoe are unaffected by the on or off state of the squeaker.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including a display unit; a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with an insole in a shoe and an external device; and a controller configured to receive a foot gesture input signal from the insole for controlling the mobile terminal or the external device, control the function on the mobile according to the foot gesture input signal in response to the foot gesture input signal being mapped a function of the mobile terminal, and transmit a control signal to the external device to control the function on the external device in response the foot gesture input signal being mapped the function of the external device.

Abstract: A light effect material is used to create a viewing effect visible to a viewer on the opposite side of the light effect material than one or more LEDs which emit light which is dispersed by dispersive elements on the outer surface of the light effect material. A transparent space is used to space the LEDs apart from the dispersive elements of the light effect material and light emitting dies of the LEDs are substantially parallel to the light effect material.

Abstract: A device for presenting information about an article of footwear is disclosed, including: a housing for securing to the article of footwear; a position sensor disposed in the housing for determining a position of the device; a memory for storing information related to the article of footwear being in a first position; and a display for presenting the information about the article of footwear being in the first position based on the position of the device determined by the position sensor.

Abstract: Various systems to aid a visually impaired musician to learn musical notation. The system includes a microprocessor with a memory adapted to store musical notation. Multiple transducers are operatively attached to the microprocessor. The transducers are spatially located on and/or in contact with a part of the body of the visually impaired musician. Responsive to the musical notation, the microprocessor is configured to signal the transducers to provide a physical or tactile sensation to the part of the body of the visually impaired musician.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiment relates to a talking shoe for kids. In a preferred embodiment, a communication apparatus is disposed with a detection device. In this embodiment, the detection device comprise of nano sensors embedded in silicon substrate disposed in micro/nano-fibers.

Abstract: Digital musical footwear is disclosed having hidden compartments which house a thin integrated multi-plane electronic circuit board assembly (2) and a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. A transmitter antenna is attached to a hand held device such as a smart phone which antenna sends wireless short wave sound signals to a receiving antenna part of the circuit board assembly. Multiple mini-speakers (6, 7) are footwear mounted to play the music. Bluetooth® version 4.0 wireless protocol technology is employed in the circuit board assembly. The circuit board can be flat and hidden in a recess of a heel or curved and hidden in a wall recess of the footwear as can the battery pack. Advanced lithium ion batteries such as silicon wafer or silicon core-shell nanowire batteries may be used to reduce battery weight. Flexible flat speakers (65) such as the FleXpeaker® may also be used to further reduce weight.

Abstract: A footwear device for enhancing an entertainment experience in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a first actuator mounted in the footwear device and operable to impart a vibration to the footwear device based on an indication of reproduced sound included in the entertainment experience. A vibration signal is provided to drive the vibration of the footwear device and may be based on reproduced audible information and/or enhanced information optimized to maximize vibration. The present application also relates to an entertainment system for use with the vibrating footwear device.

Abstract: A music playing system employing the combination of mini-speaker footwear wirelessly receiving music from a music source (20) external to the footwear using an audio adapter transmitter (13) connected to the music source (20) to wirelessly transmit music to an audio adapter receiver (9) mounted in the footwear is disclosed. A rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery pack (10) is hidden in a shoe compartment (19). This battery pack powers the speakers (1-4) in the footwear and the audio adapter receiver (9). The external music source (20) may for example be but not limited to an iPod, iPhone, iPad, iPad 3G, iPod nano, iPod Shuffle, iPod Touch, iPad Tablet, smart phone, Droid phone, Android phone, MP3 player, CD player, microchip player or computer. Power for the audio adapter transmitter (13) is provided by the battery power pack of the external music source.

Abstract: When referring to “shoe” below, it is deemed to mean all types of footwear. Shoes having a push button or squeezable device on any part of the shoe (i.e. a buckle in the front of the shoe, on an ornament attached to the front of the shoe or in the top of the tongue of the shoe) which when pushed or squeezed triggers LEDs (of different colors preferably) and a sound recording teaching or educating or instructing the wearer on the alphabet, numbers, how to tie his/her shoelace, buckling his/her shoe and other educational, teaching or instructional topics or enhancing the theme of the shoe based on a cartoon character, movie character, book character, singer, actor, or nursery rhyme character. Perforations in the area the chip or device is stored permits a message stored in memory in the generator to be transmitted. The push button (squeezable) device is concealed by some material.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing a content, includes a reproduction processing unit for reproducing the content, a detecting unit for detecting a motion of a person, a predicting unit for predicting a timing of the motion of the person, based on an output from the detecting unit, and a control unit for controlling the reproduction processing unit in the reproduction of the content by synthesizing a timing indicated by timing information corresponding to the content to be reproduced with the timing of the motion of the person, predicted by the predicting unit.

Abstract: An insole (102) for a shoe is provided, having a display surface (116), preferably disposed on an insert, for the display of information when the insole is in place in a shoe. A shoe (10), for example a sports shoe, is also provided having a receiver disposed on its external surface. The receiver retains an insert having a display surface, visible when the shoe is being worn and adapted for the display of information. The display surface may carry a brand or other design and/or emit light or sound by means of a suitable emission device. An accessory for a shoe comprises a mount for securing to a shoe, the mount having a display surface adapted to be visible when the shoe is being worn. The mount preferably holds an insert of the kind mentioned above.

Abstract: A shoe includes an electronic audio sound generator built into the sole. The electronic audio sound generator is mounted between the inner sole and the outer sole, and may be selectively turned ON for transmitting an audio signal to a speaker in communication with the electronic audio sound generator and positioned between the inner sole and the outer sole or somewhere on the shoe for receiving the transmitted audio signal and emitting an audible sound from the shoe. The generator is responsive to an activator contained in the shoe for selectively turning ON the programmable electronic audio sound generator.

Abstract: Children's footwear configured to have the appearance of a motor vehicle. The footwear has a light emitting device, a sound emitting device, and a remote transmitter for controlling the light emitting device and the sound emitting device. The footwear may come in a variety of motor vehicle appearances.

Abstract: A shoe apparatus includes a shoe sole and a shoe upper atop the shoe sole. The shoe apparatus includes at least one sensor for determining when at least a portion of the shoe sole is compressed and includes at least one speaker. A processor is in data communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one speaker, the processor having programming to actuate the at least one speaker to output sound when the at least one sensor detects the compression. The processor may also be in communication with at least one light, the processor having programming to actuate the light when the sensor detects that a wearer has taken a step. At least one battery is in electrical communication with the at least one speaker and the processor.

Abstract: A system and method for securing accessories to shoes and other articles of clothing is described. One illustrative embodiment is a system for attaching a decorative accessory to a shoe, the system comprising a shaft having first and second ends; a first shoulder secured to the first end of the shaft, the first shoulder being configured for insertion through an expandable hole in an upper portion of the shoe and configured to engage an inner surface of the upper portion of the shoe; a second shoulder secured to the second end of the shaft, the second shoulder being configured to engage the shoe; and a third shoulder adjacent to the second shoulder, the third shoulder comprising the decorative accessory.

Abstract: Psychoacoustic footwear includes a heel adapted to generate a sound during walking. The sound may be produced electronically or mechanically. In a mechanical implementation, the heel may include a chamber with an opening. A vibrating object within the heel, such as a tuning fork or key, emits an audible sound when the object is struck. A pendulum, hammer, or other mechanical device may be provided to controllably strike the object. Movement and contact with a hard surface during walking produces a distinctive sound that is subtle, yet audible to nearby bystanders. The sound draws attention of bystanders and may evoke favorable emotional reactions. The heel may be comprised of plastic, metal, wood or composites. Electrical implementations may include a speaker, sound producing and/or amplification circuitry, a power supply and a switch for generating or amplifying sound.

Abstract: An over-the-shoe tap plate carrying accessory slipper for tap dancers is a unitary molded slipper made of a stretchable elastic material having a top strap held relative to a sole by upright straps, and being stretchable to fit over a street shoe. The accessory slipper carries heel and toe tap plates that are removably affixed to the bottom of the sole of the accessory slipper, and which are attached with screws that are threaded into embedded nuts in the sole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound generating apparatus embedded into a shoe and its shoes, the sound generating apparatus having a sensor embedded into the shoe to generate simple sounds, numeral voices together with the simple sounds or numeral voices in a multiplication table in a case where consecutive motions are detected a certain number of times within a predetermined time or at a less time interval than the predetermined time.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed to an arrangement of first and second articles of footwear which may be used in a system or method for teaching a user a plurality of individual units according to a predetermined order. The arrangement is configured to sense movement of the feet of a user and to provide one of the individual units in response to each movement sensed of the first and second foot of a user. In an exemplary form, the arrangement may provide to the user, in proper order, the letters of the alphabet as the user walks or moves while wearing the articles of footwear.

Abstract: A soccer training apparatus for teaching a user the proper technique to stop a soccer ball. The training apparatus includes a contact patch assembly having a contact region, and a strap mechanism configured to removably mount around a foot and shoe of the user in a manner orienting the contact region generally at an instep portion of the user's foot. The contact region, in one example, includes one of a hook or loop material. The training apparatus further includes a soccer ball having an exterior surface containing the other of a loop or hook material that is adapted to cooperate with the contact region of the contact patch assembly to promote attachment of the soccer ball to the contact region. Such contact and adherence indicates precision locational contact of the foot or shoe with the soccer ball at the instep portion thereof.

Abstract: The invention is for a lace gripper comprising an upper body and a lower body that may be joined together whereby a tied lace is secured between the two bodies. Preferable the upper body is designed to receive inserts, charms, lights, recording devices, alarm and locating audible signals and locating devices, to allow the user to customize the lace gripper to their personal preference. The lace gripper can additionally be utilized to maintain a memo and would be secured to an object of daily use, such as a key ring or purse.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an electrical circuit having a battery, one or more integrated circuits connected to an array of LEDs and to a loudspeaker, and, a number of switches which are operative to activate the integrated circuit(s) in response to motion of the footwear and/or the application of a magnetic field from a permanent magnet located externally of the article of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a children shoe that enables children to put shoes on the right feet by matching up the shoe big toe to big toe or heel to heel before putting on the shoe. The smart shoe essentially comprises an engaging portion on the outside of shoe with a pressure activated switch that emits light when switch is pressed the smart shoe also comprises a circuit connected to a switch, a battery and speaker and microprocessor comprising a memory that enables an announcement or other distinctive sounds to be emitted from a speaker.

Abstract: An article of footwear such as a shoe having an array of light sources and at least one loudspeaker is provided in combination with a separate device having a recording unit which records sound and a transmitter which transmits an RF signal representative of the sound recording to the shoe where a circuit operates the loudspeaker in the shoe to reproduce the recorded sound.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes an electrical circuit having a battery, one or more integrated circuits connected to a signal device such as an array of LEDs and/or a loudspeaker, and, at least one switch which is operative to activate the integrated circuit(s) in response to the application of a magnetic field to the switch from a permanent magnet located externally of the article of clothing.

Abstract: Illuminated footwear including a translucent sole insert housing LEDs, preferably of different colors which may be combined to produce a wide array of colors is provided. The heel similarly includes a translucent insert and includes an interior mirror material and an illumination source. An on/off switch in the toe of the footwear is connected in a circuit with a replaceable battery, a control processor and the LEDs. The control processor includes logic that may dim, strobe, or shut off all or some of the LEDs. In operation, when the device is activated, the LEDs are illuminated. The light from the individual LEDs is blended and reflected by the interior mirror materials in an outward direction from the shoe. The translucent material in the sole and heel of the shoe allows the blended light to pass through to create a pleasing visual effect.

Abstract: A tap dancing shoe has a shock absorbing cushion to minimize the potential for injury caused by the repetitive stresses placed upon the feet and knees during tap dancing. The tap dancing shoe includes a shoe upper that can be fabricated from a variety of materials. The shoe upper is attached to a rigid sole such that the shoe upper and the top surface of the sole create a shoe cavity to encase the foot. The width of the shoe cavity may be adjusted by an adjustable portion of the shoe upper to insure that the tap dancing shoe fits securely on the foot of the dancer. A rigid heel is attached to the sole of the tap dancing shoe. Tap plates are then secured to the sole of the tap dancing shoes. Generally, a front tap plate is attached at the front, or ball portion, of the shoe, and a heel tap plate is attached to the heel of the tap dancing shoe. A shock absorbing cushion is permanently affixed to the sole of the tap dancing shoe within the shoe cavity.

Abstract: A role-playing shoe comprising a shoe body having a heel portion. A switch is mounted on the heel portion and a light and a speaker are included in the shoe body. An integrated circuit housed within the shoe body and electrically coupled to the switch, the light, and the speaker, lights the light and sounds the speaker upon actuation of the switch.

Abstract: A footwear the entire appearance simulates the appearance of a reptile preferably a chameleon reptile. The footwear can be a slipper, preferably a children's slipper, having a stuffed body adapted to simulate the appearance of //a// the chameleon reptile. The outer surface of the slipper body is covered with a green skin simulating imbricating reptile plates having an open protruding reptile mouth embracing a retractable tongue. An inner horizontal air pad sole cushions the child's foot and controls the expansion and deflating of the reptile tongue and activates a foot switch of a battery powered electric system which controls a pair of opposing reflector eye lamps.

Abstract: A new and improved footwear the entire appearance simulates the appearance of a reptile preferably a shameleon reptile. The footwear can be a slipper, preferably a children's slipper, having a stuffed body adapted to simulate the appearance of a chameleon reptile. The outer surface of the slipper body is covered with a green skin simulating imbricating reptile plates having an open protruding reptile mouth embracing a retractable tongue. An inner horizontal air pad sole cushions the child's foot and controls the expansion and deflating of the reptile tongue and activates a foot switch of a battery powered electric system which controls a pair of opposing reflector eye lamps.

Abstract: A child's slipper is provided having a decorative animal head and a music box disposed within the animal head. A hat is interconnected with the animal's head. A pull string extends from the music box, through the animal's head, and through the hat. A pull ring or bead is interconnected to the pull string, the pull ring or bead positioned exterior of the hat. The pull ring or bead is pulled to actuate the music box. A substantial portion of the pull string remains positioned within the animal's hat.

Abstract: A sensing device is constructed by a sensor case which is attached to a bottom surface of a footwear (e.g., sole of a shoe) and which contains a piezoelectric sensor, a sensor fixing member, a disc plate pressure member and an annular elastic member. The sensor fixing member has elastic deformability so that the sensor fixing member is located to face with the disc plate pressure member with an air gap in which the sensor fixing member is capable of deforming within a limit of elasticity thereof. Thus, it is possible to perform musical tone control in response to an output of the piezoelectric sensor when a foot motion is applied to the footwear. In addition, a musical tone control apparatus of a percussion instrument type is constructed using a pad unit stored in a pad storage portion of an upper case. Herein, the pad unit is constructed by a pad skin unit and a sensing unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a slipper in combination with a hand puppet. The slipper comprises a sole and an associated upper attached to the sole and forming therewith a foot pocket having an inlet opening for reception of a persons foot. Decoration is provided on the upper representing a puppet character such as a head. Either a set of finger slots or a pocket is provided in the sole so that a person, by inserting their fingers into the slots or by insertion of their hand into the pocket, can manipulate the puppet character in the manner of a glove puppet.

Abstract: A sports footwork training device that immediately alerts players if their weight is not on the balls of the feet includes a switch removably attachable to a rearward portion of a lower surface of a sole of a shoe. The switch is closable by application of pressure to a heel of the shoe. An alarm, electrically coupled to the switch, is triggered when the switch is closed. A method for training a sports participant to maintain weight on a forward part of a foot is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation for measuring forces applied to a wearer's foot, the apparatus providing an indication to the wearer when forces on the foot exceed pre-selected upper limits or do not meet pre-selected lower limits. A body member is disclosed for attachment around the wearer's foot, the body member having an exterior sole and an interior sole portion covered by a rigid foot plate. The foot plate includes an upper support surface for contact with the foot. The interior sole portion includes at least one cavity within, with a force sensing unit attachable partially within the cavity. At least one strain gage is positioned at a midpoint on the force sensing unit, and the force sensing unit is connectable to the underside of the foot plate. An electronic means is mounted within the cavity and is electrically connected to the at least one strain gage.

Abstract: An audio shoe includes a shoe top attached to a sole, and a channel extending into the sole from a side edge thereof. A speaker attached to a housing is positioned inside the channel. The speaker is oriented with its axis in a vertical position. A slot is provided between the front of the speaker and the side edge of the sole to enable sound to escape. The diameter of the speaker may be up to the width of the sole, which is large enough to provide improved sound volume and quality. In a first embodiment, the housing includes audio circuitry and user controls. In a second embodiment, a separate audio module is attached to the shoe top, and connected to the speaker with a cable. In a third embodiment, curved vertical supports extend between the top and bottom walls of the channel to provide additional shock absorption. In a fourth embodiment, a mesh is provided across the opening of the channel for shielding the speaker from dirt and water.

Abstract: A device and method for firing a cap contained within a row of caps. The device includes a base structure for retaining the row of caps so that one of the caps is set in a predetermined firing location. A hammer pin is provided that is movable with respect to the base structure and the cap held therein. The hammer pin is positioned adjacent to the cap in the predetermined firing position so that when the entire device is compressed the hammer pin strikes and fires the cap. The device is preferably compressed by locating the device either in or on the sole of a shoe. As a person stands on that shoe, the device will become compressed and the cap will fire. The device also preferably contains an advancement mechanism for automatically advancing a new cap into the firing position after a cap has been fired. In this manner, multiple caps can be fired simply by walking, running or jumping.

Abstract: A soccer training aid uses a conforming fabric upper attached to a soccer shoe with straps passing between the cleats. The upper provides a foundation for colored targets indicating proper kicking points for soccer.

Abstract: A tap dance sound producing apparatus (20) utilizes an attachment member (22) and sound producing members (24, 26). The attachment member preferably comprises a sock having a ground engaging surface (36). The sound producing members (24, 26) are preferably grommets which reinforce openings (32, 34) in the ground engaging surface (36) of the sock. An attachment member (22) is pulled onto each of a dancers feet (30, 56) and the sound producing members (24, 26) strike the ground as the dancer dances to produce a tap sound.

Abstract: A musical shoe construction 10 including a plurality of piezo electric sensor disks 40 imbedded in and disposed around the periphery of the heel and toe portions of a rubberized sole element 23 of the lower shoe portion 22. Each of the sensor disks 40 is associated with an individual oscillator circuit 41 to produce a distinctive musical tone in response to the application of an external force to one or more of the sensors 40.

Abstract: A new noise making garment for producing sounds when noise pads are compressed as well as providing reinforced areas where wear is likely to occur. The inventive device includes a garment with a plurality of noise pads coupled to the garment. Each noise pad comprises a deformable bladder with a flexible wall that permits deformation of the bladder. The flexible wall defines an interior air chamber that holds air. A valve with a noise making device extends through the flexible wall of the bladder to permit the passage of air from the interior air chamber through the valve when the bladder is deformed. The noise making device creates an audible sound when air passes through the valve. Preferably, a noise pad is located at each knee region towards the front of the garment, at each elbow region towards the back of the garment, and at each sole region. Ideally, a reinforcement layer surrounds the outer surface of each noise pad that is located at the knee regions and at the elbow regions.

Abstract: The shoe incorporates adjustable straps that are positioned to tighten the shoe casing around a wearer's instep. A retractor mechanism incorporates elastic members. The elastic members are charged when the wearer loosens shoe by pulling on the straps. The stored energy is released when a catch is released releasing the elastic members to tighten and cinch the shoe on the wearer's foot. During charging a first elastic member is extended an intermediate distance and a second elastic member is charged a greater distance. The second elastic member triggers the release of the first elastic member when it reaches the intermediate position, increasing the tension available for cinching the straps.

Abstract: A shoe activated sound synthesizer device that enables movement of a shoe to be translated into audible sounds. The sound synthesizer device consists of a shoe in which there is disposed at least one trigger element capable of producing a trigger signal when the shoe is flexed to a predetermined degree. As the shoe is worn and is brought into contact with the floor, the shoe is flexed. By bringing different parts of the shoe into contact with the floor in a controlled manner, a person can selectively control the production of trigger signals from any trigger element contained within the shoe. A sound synthesizer circuit is provided that is coupled to each trigger element contained within the shoe. The sound synthesizer circuit produces an audible sound, via a speaker, when a trigger signal is received from the shoe.

Abstract: A caterpillar track shoe including a shoe having a plurality of screw holes in the sole; a caterpillar track type driving mechanism fastened to the screw holes of the shoe and controlled to move the shoe on a piece of land through a toe-controlled switch in the shoe and a selector switch on the base frame of the driving mechanism, the driving mechanism including a DC motor, a battery power supply, a caterpillar track assembly, and a gear box coupled between the DC motor and the drive wheel of the caterpillar track assembly.

Abstract: A musical sound controlling apparatus to be placed inside a shoe and operated by the foot of a user. The musical sound controlling apparatus has a substrate plate and at least a piezoelectric sensor device. The substrate plate and the piezoelectric sensor device include a pair of hook and loop pads for detachably connecting the piezoelectric sensor device and the substrate member. Upon depression of the piezoelectric sensor device by the foot of a user, the piezoelectric sensor generates a signal for controlling musical sounds. Furthermore, the substrate plate is divided into two separated sections, a toe section and a heel section. A size adjusting device slidably couples the heel section to the toe section so that the overall size of the musical sound controlling apparatus can be changed according to the size of the shoe.