Abstract: A snow and water sport sliding device with a pneumatic core and method of manufacturing the device. The device includes a top layer comprising a front tip, a middle segment with a binding plate, and a back segment with an adjustable air valve. Top layer may also include a blade spring system. The device also includes a main core component layer under the top layer that comprises of a hollow air chamber, and a base layer. Base layer may include embedded metal edge.

Abstract: An orthotic support assembly includes a first orthotic support that is attachable to a sole of a shoe to abut a support surface upon which a user is walking. The first orthotic support has a rounded profile thereby facilitating the sole of the shoe to roll on the first orthotic support when the user walks. A second orthotic support is attachable to the sole of the shoe and the second orthotic support has a rectilinear profile to inhibiting the sole of the shoe from rocking on the first orthotic support when the user walks. A third orthotic support is attachable to the sole of the shoe and the third orthotic support has a trapezoidal profile. In this way the sole of the shoe is oriented level on the ground to facilitate a user with an unstable foot to walk in a level orientation.

Abstract: A gait assistive device that may be used to improve a gait disability by replacing or compensating movement of joints of an ankle and a foot that occur during a gait or that may be used for a bottom structure of a gait robot is disclosed. The present invention provides a gait assistive device including: a foot supporting part; a rear connecting part coupled to a heel portion of the foot supporting part; and a rearfoot plate coupled to the rear connecting part, wherein the rear connecting part may include a joint, and a shaft of the joint is installed on a line or rear line of a load line at heel strike during a gait cycle based on a direction of a gait.

Abstract: A footwear component that includes a sole including a recessed area and a support member positioned in the recessed area. The support member includes a main support, a front support that extends at least partially over a front end of the main support, and a rear support that extends at least partially below a rear end of the main support. The front support of the support member moves toward the main support when pressure is applied to the front support and moves away from the main support when pressure is released from the front support. Similarly, the rear support of the support member moves toward the main support when pressure is applied to the rear support and moves away from the main support when pressure is released from the rear support.

Abstract: Footwear articles for walking are provided. In one example, a footwear article may include a midsole with a lower surface of constant curvature extending from a heel of the midsole to a toe of the midsole, wherein the lower surface maintains the constant curvature throughout a stance phase of a walking gait. In this way, a smooth step-to-step transition and a smaller range of oscillation of the center of mass of the wearer is achieved, and energy expenditure during walking is reduced. In turn, a wearer of the footwear article may smoothly walk for extended periods of time with reduced fatigue.

Abstract: A load bearing assistance apparatus for transferring load from a lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device to the ground. The load bearing assistance apparatus includes a lateral and a medial spring-loaded members and a linking mechanism for connecting the load bearing assistance apparatus to the lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device. The linking mechanism also connects the lateral and medial spring-loaded members in a spaced apart configuration so as to position them adjacent the lateral and medial portions, respectively, of the foot of the user of the lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device and such that a portion of the lateral and medial spring-loaded members enters in contact with the ground during locomotion.

Abstract: A padded overshoe assembly for facilitating a user to walk on a fragile surface includes a shoe binding for receiving a user's shoe. A paddle is provided and the shoe binding is pivotally disposed on the paddle. The paddle has a width and a length that is greater than the width and the length of the sole to evenly distribute the user's weight over a surface upon which the user is walking thereby reducing the likelihood the user will damage the surface. A cushion is coupled to and extends downwardly from the paddle to abut the surface upon which the user is walking. Additionally, the cushion is comprised of a resiliently compressible material to inhibit the surface from being damaged by the user.

Abstract: A mobility enhancement device has an elongate strap of flexible material and a slide member having an inner face secured to a first surface of the strap and an outer smooth surface configured for sliding engagement with a floor surface. The strap is secured in a loop about a user's foot or footwear with releasable fastener devices associated with opposite end portions of the strap secured together and the slide member positioned to face downward from a ventral region of the sole of the foot or footwear so that the outer smooth surface is positioned for sliding engagement with a floor surface during ambulation or transfer.

Abstract: A bouncing shoe-holder includes a shoe holder for holding a shoe worn by a user, a bouncing unit and a fastening unit. The bouncing unit includes an upper resilient member having a downward curving configuration and a lower resilient member having an upward curving configuration coupled thereto in an end-to-end manner to define a bouncing cavity therebetween. The fastening unit includes a fastening member supported within the bouncing cavity to directly fasten the bouncing unit at a bottom side of the shoe holder.

Abstract: A futuristic shoe with true energy return based on enhanced heel-lift, optimized shoe springs (40% reduction in maximum foot impact), practical precise automatic electronic gear changers, novel powerful shoe impact chargers, improved pulley electronic actuators, novel low-impact much stronger springs (featuring the novel use materials such as Kevlar, Spectra Shield, and fiberglass), novel remarkably stronger, more flexible, and tougher structures, and multiple designs for enhanced heel-lift and to prevent excessive toe sink. These designs require linkages and two improved hinges—one with enhanced natural hinges and a second with tied cogged hinges. There is a rotating-arms enhanced optimal spring, which when combined with the tied cogged hinges, results in optimal foldable arrays for deployment in outer space—and which gives a smart energy return knee brace.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a shock-absorbing devices and shoes. In one aspect, the shoe encompasses an upper; a sole; and at least one shock-absorbing assembly, the shock-absorbing assembly including: a support frame connected to at least a portion of the upper or sole, and a plurality of shock-absorbing members having first and second opposed ends, the first ends of the shock-absorbing members being connected to a portion of the support frame. Also disclosed herein are methods for dampening an applied force to a joint during walking using the disclosed devices and shoes.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a pair of step-up apparatuses wearable on feet of a user. Each step-up apparatus is configurable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration to simulate a selected motion when the user wearing the pair of step-up apparatuses travels by foot. One of the step-up apparatuses moves towards the expanded configuration while the other step-up apparatus moves towards the compressed configuration.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a pair of apparatuses wearable on feet of a user. Each apparatus is configurable between expanded configurations and compressed configurations to simulate a selected motion when the user wearing the pair of apparatuses travels by foot. One of the apparatuses can move towards an expanded configuration while the other apparatus moves towards a compressed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear. Further, the article of footwear can include a knitted upper and means for cushioning. In addition, the components of the article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a midsole. A first midsole impact force attenuation structure or system is arranged at least within the toe region of the midsole. A second midsole impact force attenuation structure or system is arranged at least within the heel region of the midsole, such that the second midsole impact force attenuation structure or system includes a molded heel region member extending from a lateral side of the article of footwear to a medial side; the heel region member having a hollow central region defined by a first radius of curvature in a direction toward the toe region and a second radius of curvature in a direction toward the heel region. The first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature. The heel region member may be in an asymmetrical stiffness construction.

Abstract: A practice device for simulating a cheerleading stunt includes a frame that has a base plate and a top plate; a tubular shaft that extends between the base and top plates; a weight that is disposed in the tubular shaft; a spring that is disposed in the tubular shaft and that contacts and biases the weight; a shoe structure; and a mount that supports the shoe structure at one end thereof and that is constructed and arranged to be disposed within the tubular shaft with the spring disposed between the weight and the mount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (C) including a shoe portion and a sole (S), the sole including two main portions that are pivotably connected together and being characterized in that the second front portion (200), secured to the shoe portion of the forepart, extends to the rear of a first swivel pin (A1) in a lever arm portion (210), projects to the rear within the same plane as that of the front portion (200), and is kinetically secured to the latter. The rear end of said arm has a second swivel pin (A2) with the end (310) of at least one resilient module (300), the other end (320) of which is pivotably connected around a third swivel pin (A3) secured to the rear end of the rear portion (100) of the sole (S).

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole, a support assembly beneath the midsole, and an outsole. The support assembly includes a primary member and a secondary member engaged with the primary member. A portion of the secondary member extends through an aperture in the primary member. An opening in the primary member exposes the aperture to an exterior of the primary member.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear. The article of footwear having an upper for receiving a foot and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure may include at least one support member. In addition, the sole structure may include a tensile member associated with the at least one support member and a tensioning device configured to selectively alter one or more properties of the at least one support member, by tightening and loosening the tensile member.

Abstract: A muscle exercising apparatus including an elongated housing having two interrelated longitudinally elongated parts movable relatively away from one another to push laterally against body muscle, and a spring and slider combination operatively connected with the housing and relatively movable to control spread positioning of two housing parts, as the slider is displaced lengthwise of the housing parts.

Abstract: A foot exercise device includes at least one attachment means for a foot and a sole that forms a closed accommodation space having one or more compressible chambers to accommodate a particulate material or a fluid. The surface of the sole reaches beyond the foot surface circumferentially around the sides.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a performance enhancing shoe sole that includes an anterior support structure and a posterior support structure that are connected by a first support structure. The anterior support structure and posterior support structure are flexible bent spring structures. The first support structure provides a plantar interface that includes a midfoot arch. The shoe sole is positionable in a shoe to provide shock absorption and controlled energy return from the posterior support structure to the first support structure. The shoe sole is an interconnected bent spring system that can be a single ribbon of flexible material defining multiple pivot angles or a multi-layered cantilevered flexible bent spring. The shoe sole can also include inserts that dampen shock.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a relatively rigid platform supported by a compressible base. The base has a central flat and then slopes outward and upward from the central flat in a spherical section. The base permits instability in height, angle, and shear strain movement. The user performs postures and/or exercises using the exercise device under each appendage being used for support. The instability triggers the Golgi tendon receptor and the muscle spindle receptor and thereby achieves physiological benefits. The muscular training devices come in different sizes and configurations to make up a muscular training system.

Abstract: An article of footwear may incorporate a chamber with an outer barrier and a tether element. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity, and tether element may be located within the interior cavity and joined to opposite sides of the barrier. Upon pressurization of the chamber, the tether element may extend across the interior cavity and be placed in tension by the outward force of a pressurized fluid within the interior cavity. The tether element may have a variety of configurations. For example, the tether element may have a diagonal orientation, or different tether elements may have different lengths. A tether element may also have plates or tie pieces secured to opposite sides of the chamber, with one or more tethers extending between. Also, the tether element may include one of more sheets that extend across the interior cavity.

Abstract: A foot orthotic comprising: a toe platform, the toe platform comprising a toe, sulcus, and ball; a longitudinal arch pad in communication with the toe platform; a heel cup in communication with the longitudinal arch pad, the heel cup comprising a heel; where the orthotic is made from a flexible material, and where in order to form an angle ? that is greater than 0° between the toe platform and the remainder of the orthotic, a pre-load pressure P is required.

Abstract: An adjustable spring device for Walking and running is attachable to the user's footwear. The device includes an upper sole coupled to the footwear, a lower elastic sole, and a support bracket configured as a curvilinear confined band that includes a flat top fastened to the upper sole, and a concaved bottom fastened to the lower sole. The lower sole is furnished with a plurality of slots, preferably straight-lined, and aligned at a predetermined angle, cut from the periphery towards the longitudinal axis of lower sole and ending at predetermined points thereof. The slots are preferably so arranged that, if the predetermined points are linked by four straight lines extending therethrough, the four lines will form a rhomb-shaped figure having two vertexes positioned at the front and the rear ends of the lower sole. Means for variable adjustment of the support bracket are provided, creating comfortable energy exchange conditions.

Abstract: Footwear with a powerful arch spring made with spring boards that can be utilized by the heel and ball of the foot areas during impact for efficient energy storage and return during walking, running and other forms of self-propelled locomotion. The spring boards can extend into the toe area of the footwear to create a toe spring with efficient energy storage and return. Embodiments of the present invention combine the spring boards which are excellent for storing and returning energy with a shock absorbing material which can also function as a secondary spring in order to achieve high efficiency energy returns while maintaining comfort and stability with the footwear.

Abstract: A spring shoe, and also in particular a spring, as well as a method of returning energy to a user, are provided. In one embodiment, a method and apparatus stores foot strike energy and releases it after a slight delay, when it will exert a force on the user which includes a forward component. This is accomplished in an embodiment by a spring in the sole which has a decreasing spring force, such that the force required to compress the sole decreases for all or part of the compression displacement as the spring is compressed.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a pair of step-up apparatuses wearable on feet of a user. Each step-up apparatus is configurable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration to simulate a selected motion when the user wearing the pair of step-up apparatuses travels by foot. One of the step-up apparatuses moves towards the expanded configuration while the other step-up apparatus moves towards the compressed configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to footwear comprising a sole and an upper, which sole is attached to spring means supported on a ground surface, which spring means comprise at least one U-shaped spring element, which is connected to the sole with a first leg and which is supported on the ground surface with the other leg. A drawback of such footwear is that the spring means are constructed with a certain overmeasure in relation to the footwear so as to generate a certain useful spring effect. Adjusting the spring means of said known footwear is complex and cannot be done efficiently. The object of the invention is to provide improved footwear as referred to in the introduction, as well as improved spring means according to the invention, with on the one hand small constructional dimensions while retaining an advantageous spring effect, which is furthermore easier to adjust.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot including, a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a performance enhancing shoe sole that includes an anterior support structure and a posterior support structure that are connected by a first support structure. The anterior support structure and posterior support structure are flexible bent spring structures. The first support structure provides a plantar interface that includes a midfoot arch. The shoe sole is positionable in a shoe to provide shock absorption and controlled energy return from the posterior support structure to the first support structure. The shoe sole is an interconnected bent spring system that can be a single ribbon of flexible material defining multiple pivot angles or a multi-layered cantilevered flexible bent spring. The shoe sole can also include inserts that dampen shock.

Abstract: Footwear with energy accumulation is presented. In a first version, the footwear comprises a sole, back, associated therewith, and fixation means coupled with the sole and back for securing a user's foot on the sole. The sole and back are disposed at an initial angle exceeding 90° therebetween, and form a leaf spring, while being arms of the spring. Alternatively, the leaf spring is made separate from the sole and back, having two arms respectively coupled with them. In a second version, the footwear comprises a sole including a frontal portion and a rear portion, the frontal portion is formed as a console spring downwardly bent out and cantileveredly secured to the rear portion, and fixation means for securing the user's foot on the sole, coupled therewith and depressing the front part of the foot against the spring. The portions are disposed at an initial angle therebetween less than 180°.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot including, a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom: translation away from the sole of the user's foot and rotation about a longitudinal axis at ground level. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.

Abstract: A simplified energy-return shoe system includes an energy-return shoe system is disclosed including a shoe portion for containing a user's foot with an upper sole having an upper toe sole area and an upper heel sole area. The upper sole is affixed to a bottom surface of the shoe portion and the upper sole is bendable at a point between the upper toe sole area and the upper heel sole area. A lower sole has a lower toe sole area and a lower heel sole area. The lower sole is bendable at a point between the lower toe sole area and the lower heel sole area. A heel suspension mechanism links the upper heel sole area to the lower heel sole area whereas the upper heel sole area is held in a parallel relationship to the lower heel sole area and the upper heel sole is allowed to move backwards in relationship to the lower heel sole. A device such as a spring is provided for pushing the upper heel sole area away from the lower heel sole area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a health and diet footwear with buffering means that has a plurality of spring members mounted on the lower portion thereof, thereby obtaining substantially higher exercising effects as compared to a general footwear. The health and diet footwear with buffering means of the invention can detachably mount fixed plates on a sole by means of screws and have a plurality of spring members disposed between the fixed plates disposed on the upper ends of the spring members and a support plate disposed on the lower ends of the spring members by means of detachable mounting or spiral coupling, so that the spring members can be easily and rigidly coupled therebetween. Further, when a part of the spring members is damaged or broken, it can be exchanged individually.

Abstract: Footwear with a powerful arch spring made with spring boards that can be utilized by the heel and ball of the foot areas during impact for efficient energy storage and return during walking, running and other forms of self propelled locomotion. The spring boards can extend into the toe area of the footwear to create a toe spring with efficient energy storage and return. Embodiments of the present invention combine the spring boards which are excellent for storing and returning energy with a shock absorbing material which can also function as a secondary spring in order to achieve high efficiency energy returns while maintaining comfort and stability with the footwear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot, including a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom: translation away from the sole of the user's foot and rotation about a longitudinal axis at ground level. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a custom article of footwear, a method of making the same, and a method of conducting retail and Internet business. In particular, the components of the custom article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and they can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: This embodiment is named THE ADAPTABLE PERFORMANCE SOLE APPARATUS. Its purpose is to be adapted to the choice of footwear/bare feet thus enhancing the shock action and comfort regardless of the footwear it's being attached to. This adaptable performance sole apparatus gets its attach ability from straps and/or attaching mechanisms and can be attached to shoes, sneakers as well as bare feet. The shock producing element shown in FIG.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a sandal for balance training or muscle strengthening that may be used, for example, in the game of golf. The sandal includes a sole having a toe portion and a heel portion, each of the toe and heel portions including an upper surface and a lower surface. A coupling mechanism is provided that couples the toe portion to the heel portion. At least one of the toe portion and heel portion includes an angled edge adjacent to the lower surface that allows pivoting of the sandal in a forward pivot direction, a backward pivot direction and/or a side cant direction. The coupling mechanism may allow adjustment of a spacing between the toe portion and the heel portion and may include a threaded rod.

Abstract: A shoe suspension system for use with a shoe or boot having an upper and lower sole. The system includes a first tandem hinge pivotally engaged between the upper toe sole and the lower toe sole which opens and closes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe a plurality of tandem hinges pivotally engaged between the upper mid heel sole and the lower sole which also open and close parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe and return springs engaged between the upper mid heel sole and the lower sole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to jump shoes, at which a coil spring 40 is installed, wherein a flexible blocking member 50 is installed to fully enclose around the middle layer 20 and the bottom layer 30, a connecting band 60 is fixed to the bottom layer 30 to discharge both ends of the connecting band 60 through a discharging hole 502 formed at both sides of the blocking member 50, and fastening means such as a Velcro tape 70a or a buckle band 70b is formed at the both ends of the connecting band 60 to fasten the both ends of the fastening band 60, thereby providing a jumping function by resilient force of the coil spring, or suppressing the jumping function.

Abstract: A land mine pressure fuse avoidance system has a base. A tread on the base contacts the ground around a land mine and independently distributes pressures around the ground. The tread has plural independent closed cell foam rubber elements. Each element is separated from adjacent elements for independently supporting only a portion of a load on the base, while other similarly independent elements support remaining portion of the load. The base is a cylindrical tire, a continuous track, a shoe sole attachment or a robotic foot, and the tread is conformed to and extends outward from the base. The independent elements of the tread are made of closed cell foam rubber formed as a tread on the base with notches between adjacent elements of the tread. Notches extend longitudinally along the tread, and notches extend across the tread, forming block shaped elements extending from the base.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper, an outsole defining a ground engaging surface, and a sole disposed between the upper and the outsole. The sole includes an energy return system having a first rigid plate, a second rigid plate spaced a predetermined distance from the first rigid plate, and at least one separating element disposed therebetween to maintain the spacing between the plates.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper, an outsole defining a ground engaging surface, and a sole disposed between the upper and the outsole. The sole includes an energy return system having a first rigid plate, a second rigid plate spaced a predetermined distance from the first rigid plate, and at least one separating element disposed therebetween to maintain the spacing between the plates.

Abstract: A removable heel cushion is described. The cushion is comprised of a heel pocket and a resilient shock absorber configured for placement within the heel pocket. The assembled removable heel cushion is easily connected to a shoe by placing the heel pocket over the heel section of a shoe, whether the shoe is flat soled or has a heel, and then securing attachments, such as shoe laces or VELCRO™ tipped straps, over the upper section of the shoe. Resilient shock absorbers can vary from coiled springs to vacuum formed hemispheres customized to user preference. Shock absorbers can be frangibly attached to the heel pocket for replacement or additions according to user preferences.

Abstract: A minefield shoe for reducing the danger of accidental detonation of a land mine by a wearer of the shoe, the shoe including: (a) a cushion including a plurality of inflatable compartments, the cushion having, when inflated, at least one flexible, substantially flat, ground-contacting surface extending across the compartments; (b) passages, disposed within the cushion, for providing fluid communication between the compartments, and (c) means for attaching the shoe to a boot of the wearer, wherein each of the compartments is in fluid communication with at least one other compartment, via the passages, so as to prevent any significant increase in internal pressure of any one of the compartments resulting from a decrease in internal volume of another compartment, thereby to allow deformation of the ground-contacting surface to form a matching counterpart of terrain engaged by the shoe, while maintaining a substantially even distribution of the load on the shoe along all of the ground-contacting surface.

Abstract: This invention is a spring shoe called herein a space shoe. Its sole is a structure constrained to compress without tilting; this structure is called herein the p-space. This optimally simple, anti-tilt, compressible structure comprises overlapping diamond and parallelogram linkages which constrain an upper plate from tilting as it moves vertically up and down with respect to a lower plate. The p-diamond has many applications where non-tilt spring systems are required, and it is an inexpensive alternative to telescopically guided spring systems. Applications include, but are not limited to, a space shoe with a push-off means for natural foot action. Here, a minimal number of springs and stops can be changeably incorporated in the sole to optimize walking and running performance. A heel hugger mechanism ensures that the shoe hugs the heel of the wearer during swing phase. A flex-rigger prevents sideways rollover and sprained ankles.

Abstract: A lightweight bouncing sandal for youths, comprising a tough thin bottom layer, which is durable enough to withstand repeated scuffing and impacting with the ground and has an exposed textured surface to provide traction and reduced slipping when wet, a middle resilient layer of sufficient size and thickness to support a seventy-five pound load without compressing fully, a top confronting layer of semi-flexible material, with sufficient thickness and rigidity to support a two and one half pound per square inch load without distorting, with at least one elastic strap permanently affixed at its ends, such that it lays flat against the top layer without slack in a relaxed state, with an asymmetrically curved base to aid the user in maintaining balance while running, jumping or walking.