KR101968737B1 - Footwear having sensor system - Google Patents

Abstract

The sensor system is adapted for use in a shoe product and comprises an insertion member having first and second layers, a port connected to the insertion member and configured to communicate with the electronic module, a plurality of loads and / A sensor, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensor to the port.

Description

[0001] FOOTWEAR HAVING SENSOR SYSTEM [0002]

Cross reference of related application

This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 401,914, filed February 22, 2012, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 401,916, filed February 22, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 401,918, all of which are entitled " shoes with sensor system ", all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to shoes having a sensor system, and more particularly to shoes having a load and / or pressure sensor assembly operatively connected to a communication port located within the shoe.

Footwear with the sensor system included here is known. The sensor system collects execution data, which may later be accessed for use, for example, for analytical purposes. For any system, the sensor system can be complex or the data can only be accessed or used with any operating system. Therefore, the use of the collected data may be unnecessarily limited. Thus, although any shoe having a sensor system may provide a number of advantageous features, these shoes have certain limitations.

The present invention seeks to overcome some of these limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art and to provide new features that have not hitherto been adopted.

The present invention relates generally to shoes having a sensor system. Various aspects of the present invention relate to a shoe product comprising an upper member and a sole structure and a sensor system coupled to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors configured to sense loads and / or pressures applied by the user's feet to the sensors.

Various aspects of the present invention relate to sensor systems adapted for use in shoe products. The sensor system includes an insertion member configured to be inserted into the foot-receiving chamber of the shoe product including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insertion member and configured for communication with the electronic module, And / or a pressure sensor, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.

The system may include a path for providing electrical communication between the first layer and the second layer. The system may further include a housing coupled to the insertion member and configured to support the electronic module to communicate with the port. The insertion member may further comprise at least one additional layer, such as a spacer layer having an aperture aligned with the sensor and / or components of the path, to permit coupling of the sensor and / or path.

According to one aspect, the sensor system includes a first resistor located on the first layer and a second resistor located on the second layer, wherein each of the first and second resistors is connected to one or more of the leads Lt; / RTI > Wherein the port, the path, the sensor, the lead, and the first and second resistors form a circuit on the insertion member, the circuit configured to apply a voltage between a ground and a first terminal located in the port, do. The first and second resistors are arranged in parallel between the first terminal and the ground. Each of the resistors includes an inner section coupled to the first lead, an outer section coupled to the second lead, and a bridge extending between the inner section and the outer section and partially overlapping both the inner section and the outer section And the resistor may be configured to allow electronic signals to pass between the first and second leads through the inner section, the bridge, and the outer section.

According to another aspect, the path further comprises a substantially annular stiffener located in at least one of the first and second layers around the path, wherein the stiffener may have reduced stretchability relative to the path . The path further comprises or alternatively includes a first conductive portion on the first layer and a second conductive portion on the second layer, wherein the first and second conductive portions are in continuous contact with each other through the hole And provides electrical communication between the first and second layers, wherein the first and second conductive portions each extend through the corresponding conductive portion to divide the first and second conductive portions into separate first and second sections Gt; gaps < / RTI > In this configuration, the gap can be extended and aligned substantially perpendicular to the imaginary line extending between the front edge of the first metatarsophalangeal sensor and the back edge of the fourth metacarpal sensor. In this configuration, the path can constitute two separate paths on either side of the gap.

According to another aspect, the spacer layer may include a first hole aligned with one of the sensors to allow at least partial contact between the first and second contacts of the sensor through the spacer layer, And a channel extending from the aperture to the vent hole in the insert member, the channel being configured to allow flow of air between the first and second layers from the sensor through the first vent hole to the exterior of the insert member, ). ≪ / RTI > The vent hole may have a selectively permeable closure member positioned to cover the vent hole. In addition, the vent holes may be connected to two or more sensors via additional channels and / or the insert member may include a second vent hole connected to the one or more sensors in a similar configuration. The shoe article incorporating the insertion member may include a cavity in the sole member of the shoe located at least partially below the vent. Wherein the cavity is configured to allow the air venting from the first vent hole to pass away from the insert member, the cavity communicating laterally from the vent hole to a distal end located outside the outer periphery of the insert member . A patch of dielectric material may also be coupled to one of the first and second layers, extending across the channel to be positioned between the first and second layers, thereby forming a channel between the first and second layers It is possible to resist short-circuiting of the conductive member.

According to a further aspect, the insertion member may include an extension extending into the recess to form an interface by reinforcing the end of the lid, the extension having a stiffener strip extending across the end of the lid. The extension includes a curved region that is bent down at or near the outer edge of the housing and a depending portion that extends downwardly into the recess from the curved region. In this configuration, the interface is positioned within the recesses on the protrusions, and the strips extend transversely across the curvature region to provide reinforcement and wear resistance to the curvature region. The system may include an interface assembly including a base member and a plurality of electrical connectors supported by the base member, wherein at least a portion of the protrusion is received within the base member and the end of the lead is connected to the electrical connector To form the interface.

According to another aspect, the insertion member includes a first cut-out portion on the inner edge of the insertion member and a second cut-out portion on the lateral edge of the insertion member, near the border between the forefoot and the midsole. The width of the insertion member formed between the inner side edge and the lateral edge is larger than the width measured between the first and second cut-out portions and the width measured at the heel portion in the middle portion. The insert member may also include an aperture configured to receive the housing in the midsole, the aperture being formed less than half the width of the midsole. The insertion member may also include other cut-outs.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a sensor system comprising various combinations of the above-described features.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a shoe product with an external device configured for communication with the electronic module and a sensor system as described above in which the electronic module is connected. The module is configured to receive data from the sensor and to send the data to an external device, and the external device is configured for further processing of data.

According to an aspect, the system may also include an accessory device connected to an external device and configured to enable communication between the electronic module and the external device. The accessory device may be configured for connection to the second external device to enable communication between the electronic module and the second external device.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

1 is a side view of a shoe;
Figure 2 is an opposite side view of the shoe of Figure 1;
3 is a top perspective view of a sole of shoes incorporating a sensor system of one embodiment according to various aspects of the present invention (shoes with the upper removed and the foot-contact members folded on one side);
Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the sole and sensor system of Figure 3 with the foot-contact member of the shoe removed and the electronic module removed;
Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the sole of Figure 3 without the foot-contact member of the shoe removed and propelled with a sensor system;
Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an electronic module usable in a sensor system to communicate with an external electronic device;
Figure 7 is a top view of the insertion member of the sensor system of Figure 3 adapted to be positioned within the sol configuration of the user's right foot shoe;
Figure 8 is a top perspective view of the insertion member of Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a top view of the sensor system of Figure 3, including the insertion member of Figure 7;
Figure 10 is a top perspective view of the sensor system of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the sensor system of Figure 9;
Figure 12 is a top view of a sensor system adapted to be used in the sole structure of a user's left foot shoe product as the sensor system of Figure 9 and similar sensor system;
Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the insertion member of Figure 7 showing four different layers;
Figure 14 is a top view of the first layer of the insertion member of Figure 13;
15 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the first layer of Fig. 14;
Figure 16 is a top view of the second layer of the insertion member of Figure 13;
17 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the second layer of Fig. 16;
Figure 18 is a top view of the spacer layer of the insertion member of Figure 13;
Figure 19 is a top view of the bottom layer of the insertion member of Figure 13;
20 is a schematic circuit diagram showing an embodiment of a circuit formed by the components of the sensor system of Fig. 9; Fig.
21 is an enlarged sectional view schematically showing the area indicated by the line 21-21 in Fig. 11;
Figure 22A is a bottom view of the sensor system of Figure 9;
22B is a bottom view of the sensor system as shown in Fig. 22A with a filter connected to the vent hole of the sensor system; Fig.
22C is a top view of a spacer layer of another embodiment of an insertion member for a sensor system according to various aspects of the present invention, wherein the dashed line is a view showing the position of the sensor;
Fig. 22D is a bottom view of the insertion member for the sensor system incorporating the spacer layer of Fig. 22C, and the broken line shows the position of the filter connected to the insertion member; Fig.
FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the electronic module of FIG. 6 in a state in which communication with an external game device is possible;
24 is a schematic view of a pair of shoes each including a sensor system in a mesh communication mode with an external device;
25 is a schematic view of a pair of shoes each including a sensor system in a " daisy chain " communication mode with an external device;
26 is a schematic view of a pair of shoes each including a sensor system in an independent communication mode with an external device;
Figure 27 is a plot of pressure versus resistance for an embodiment of a sensor according to various aspects of the present invention;
Figure 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the sol and sensor system of Figure 4;
29 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a brush and sensor system in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;
Figure 30 is a top view of the sole of Figure 3 with the foot-contact member in the operative position;
31 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 10;
32 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a taken along the line 32-32 of FIG. 10;
33 is an exploded perspective view of a sensor system of another embodiment according to various aspects of the present invention;
34 is an exploded perspective view of a sensor system of another embodiment according to various aspects of the present invention;
35A and 35B are schematic cross-sectional views of the sensor of the sensor system of FIG. 7;
36 is a top perspective view of a sole of a shoe incorporating a sensor system of another embodiment according to various aspects of the present invention (shoes with the upper removed and the foot-contact member folded on one side);
Figure 37 is a top perspective view of the shoe of Figure 36 without the foot-contact member of the shoe removed and without a sensor system;
38 is a top perspective view of the sole and sensor system of Fig. 36 with the foot-contact member of the shoe removed and the electronic module removed;
39 is a top view of the insertion member of the sensor system of Fig. 36 adapted to be positioned within the sol configuration of the user's right foot shoe;
40 is a top view of the first layer of the insertion member of FIG. 39;
41 is a top view of the second layer of the insertion member of Fig. 39;
42 is a top view of the spacer layer of the insertion member of Fig. 39;
Figure 43 is a top view of the bottom layer of the insertion member of Figure 39;
Figure 44 is an exploded perspective view of the insertion member of Figure 39 showing four different layers;
45 is an upper perspective view of a sole of a shoe incorporating a sensor system of another embodiment according to various aspects of the present invention (shoes with the upper removed and the foot-contact member folded to one side);
46 is a top perspective view of the sole of Fig. 45 without the foot-contact member of the shoe and without the sensor system;
Figure 47 is a top perspective view of the sol and sensor system of Figure 45 with the foot-contact member of the shoe removed and the electronic module removed;
48 is a top plan view of an insertion member of a sensor system of an embodiment joined to be positioned within a sol configuration of a user's right foot shoe according to various aspects of the present invention;
Figure 49 is a top view of the first layer of the insertion member of Figure 48;
Figure 50 is a top view of the spacer layer of the insertion member of Figure 48;
51 is a top view of the second layer of the insertion member of FIG. 48;
52 is a top view of an insertion member of another embodiment of a sensor system according to various aspects of the present invention;
Figure 53 is a top view of the first layer of the insertion member of Figure 52;
Figure 54 is a top view of the spacer layer of the insertion member of Figure 52;
Figure 55 is a top view of the second layer of the insertion member of Figure 52;
56 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 56-56 of Fig. 52; Fig.
57 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a method and apparatus of an embodiment for forming recesses in a sole structure of a shoe product in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;
58 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sole structure of the shoe product of FIG. 57 having an insertion member of the sensor system and a foot-contact member connected thereto;
59 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a sensor system of another embodiment positioned within the sole structure of a shoe product according to various aspects of the present invention;
59A is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a sensor system of another embodiment located within a sole structure of a shoe article according to various aspects of the present invention;
60 is a perspective view of a foot-contact member of an embodiment configured for use in a sensor system according to various aspects of the present invention;
61 is a perspective view of a sensor system of another embodiment according to various aspects of the present invention;
62-64 are a top view and perspective view of a port of an insertion member according to various aspects of the present invention;
65-67 show the components of the housing of the port;
68-71 show a view of an interface assembly used in a port;
72-73 illustrate a view of an interface assembly operatively connected to an insertion member;
74 is a partially enlarged plan view of the port connected to the insertion member with the cover member removed;
75-76 are side views of a port attached to an insertion member;
77-78 are further views of modules according to various aspects of the present invention;
79-80 are perspective views of a contact and a module carrier according to various aspects of the present invention;
81-83 are perspective views of components of the module;
84 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the overmolding of the contacts of the interface of the module;
85-86 are plan views of a module illustrating an optical assembly according to various aspects of the present invention;
87-90 are interior views of a module showing the components of the light assembly;
91-94 are views of a PCB and a ground plane extender associated with modules according to various aspects of the present invention.

While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad scope of the invention to the illustrated and described embodiments Embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail herein.

Footwear, such as shoes, is shown as an example in Figures 1-2 and is generally designated by reference numeral 100. The shoe 100 may have various other shapes, including, for example, various types of landings. In one exemplary embodiment, the shoe 100 typically includes a load and / or pressure sensor system 12 operatively connected to the universal communications port 14. The load and / As will be described in more detail below, the sensor system 12 collects performance data regarding the wearer of the shoe 100. By being connected to the universal communication port 14, a number of other users can access the performance data in a variety of different applications as described below.

The shoe 100 product is shown in Figure 1-2 as including an upper 120 and a sole structure 130. For the sake of reference in the following description, the shoe 100 can be divided into three approximate regions as illustrated in FIG. 1: a forefoot portion 111, a foot portion 112, and a heel portion 113. The regions 111-113 are not intended to precisely bound the region of the shoe 100. Exactly, the regions 111-113 are intended to represent the approximate area of the shoe 100 that provides the reference frame in the following discussion. The region 111-113 is generally applied to the shoe 100 but the reference to the region 111-113 is specifically for the upper 120, the sole structure 130 or the upper 120, Or may be applied to individual components contained in and / or formed as part of structure 130. [

As further illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the upper 120 is secured to the sole structure 130 to form an empty space or chamber for receiving the feet. For reference, the upper 120 includes an outer surface 121, an opposite inner surface 122, and a footwell area 123. The outer surface 121 is positioned to extend along the outside (i.e., outside) of the foot, and generally passes through each of the regions 111-113. Similarly, inner side 122 is positioned to extend along the opposite inner side (i.e., interior) of the foot and generally passes through each of the regions 111-113. The toe portion area 123 is located between the outer side surface 121 and the inner side surface 122 and corresponds to the upper surface or the toe area of the foot. The forearm region 123 includes a throat 124 in the illustrated example that is utilized in a conventional manner to control the size of the upper 120 relative to the foot, A shoelace 125 that adjusts the fit, or any other suitable closing mechanism. The upper 120 also includes an ankle opening 126 allowing the foot to access an empty space within the upper. A variety of materials commonly used in the footwear upper to construct the upper 20 may be used. Thus, upper 120 may be formed of, for example, one or more of leather, synthetic leather, natural and synthetic fibers, polymer sheets, polymer foam, mesh fibers, felt, nonwoven polymer, or rubber material. The upper 120 may be formed of one or more of these materials, which may be stitched together or adhesively bonded together, for example, in a manner generally used and known in the art.

The upper 20 may also include a heel element (not shown) and a toe element (not shown). The heel elements, if provided, may extend upwardly and along the inner surface of the upper 120 at the heel 113 to enhance the comfort of the shoe 100. The toe element, when provided, is located within the forefoot 111 and on the outer surface of the upper 120 to provide wear resistance, protect the toes of the wearer, and assist in the placement of the feet. In some embodiments, one or both of the heel element and the toe element may be omitted or the heel element may be disposed on the outer surface of the upper 120, for example. Although the configuration of the upper 120 described above is suitable for the shoe 100, the upper 120 may represent any desirable upper structure configuration that is not conventional or conventional without departing from the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the brush structure 130 is secured to the lower surface of the upper 120 and may have a generally general shape. The sole structure 130 may include multiple structures including, for example, a midsole 131, an outsole 132, and a foot-contact member 133. The foot-contacting member 133 is typically a thin, compressed member that is positioned adjacent to the sole (or between the upper 120 and the middle 131) in an empty space within the upper 120, ) Can be improved. In various embodiments, the foot-contact member 133 may be an insole, a strobel, an insole member, a bootie member, a sock, and the like. 3-5, the foot-contact member 133 is an insole member or an insole. The term " foot-contacting member " as used herein does not necessarily mean that the other element is in direct contact with the user's foot as may be in direct contact therewith. Precisely, the foot-contact member can form part of the inner surface of the foot-receiving chamber of the shoe product. For example, a user may wear a sock that is in direct contact. As another example, the sensor system 12 may be incorporated into a shoe product designed to slide over the shoe or a shoe product such as an outer booty element or a shoe cover. In such a product, the top of the sole structure may be regarded as a foot-contact member even if it is not in direct contact with the user's foot. In some configurations, the insole or insole may be omitted, and in other embodiments, the shoe 100 may have a foot-contacting member positioned over the insole or insole.

The midsole member 131 may be a cushioning member or a cushioning member, and in some embodiments may comprise multiple members or elements. For example, the midsole member 131 may be made of polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, or other materials (such as phylon, filllight, etc.) that attenuate the forces of the earth or other contact surfaces during compression, walk, phylite) and the like). In some example constructions according to the present invention, the polymer foam material may be a fluid bladder or cushioning material (such as a bladder or a cushioning material) that enhances comfort, operational-control, stability, and / a moderator, etc.). In another example construction, the midsole 131 may include additional elements to compress the action of the ground or other contact surface through compression. For example, the midsole 131 may include a columnar element that aids in buffering or absorbing the load.

The outsole 132 is secured to the lower surface of the middle 131 of the shoe structure 100 illustrated herein and is made of an abrasion resistant material such as rubber or the like which is in contact with the earth or other surface during walking or other activities, . The material forming the outsole 132 may be made of a suitable material and / or textured to provide improved drag and slip resistance. The outsole 132 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be of various different types having different types of ground planes, shapes and other constructions in connection with the present invention, but may be provided on one or both sides of the outsole 132 And is exemplified as including a plurality of incisions or grooves. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be applied to other types of footwear and footwear structures, as well as to different types and configurations of footwear.

1-5 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a shoe 100 incorporating another sensor system 12 in accordance with the present invention, and Figs. 3-22b illustrate exemplary embodiments of a sensor system 12. Fig. The sensor system 12 includes an insertion member 37 to which a load and / or pressure sensor assembly 13 is coupled. The insertion member 37 is configured to be positioned in contact with the sole structure 130 of the shoe 100 and in one embodiment the insertion member 37 is positioned below the spline member 131 below the foot- And is configured to be positioned in a general face-to-face relationship. The sensor assembly 13 includes a plurality of sensors 16 and a communication or output port 14 that is communicable (e.g., electrically connected through a conductor) with the sensor assembly 13. The port 14 is configured to communicate data received from the sensor 16 to an electronic module (also referred to as an electronic control unit) 22, for example, as described below. Port 14 and / or module 22 may likewise be configured to communicate with an external device as described below. 3-5, the system 12 includes four sensors 16: a first sensor 16a in the area of the large toe (first phalange or big toe) of the shoe, Two sensors at the forefoot of the shoe, and a fourth sensor 16d at the heel, including the second sensor 16b of the metatarsal head region and the third sensor 16c of the fifth metatarsal head region . In the foot these areas typically experience maximum pressure during travel. Each sensor 16 is configured to sense the pressure applied by the user's feet to the sensor 16. The sensors communicate with port 14 through sensor leads 18, which may be wire leads and / or other electrical conductors or suitable communication media. 3-5, the sensor leads 18 are electrically conductive media printed on the insertion member 37, such as silver-containing inks or metallic inks such as copper and / or tin-based inks. Lt; / RTI > The leads 18 may alternatively be provided as tin wires in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the lid 18 may be connected to the foot-contact member 133, the midsole member 131, or other member of the sole structure.

The sensor system 12 of another embodiment may include other numbers or configurations of sensors 16 and generally includes at least one sensor 16. For example, in one embodiment, the system 12 includes a large number of sensors, and in another embodiment, the system 12 includes two sensors, one at the heel of the shoe and one at the forefoot do. In addition, the sensor 16 may communicate with the port 14 in any other manner, including any known type of wired or wireless communication, including Bluetooth and short range communication. Each shoe in a pair of shoes is provided with a sensor system 12, and the paired sensor systems may operate cooperatively or independently of each other, and the sensor systems in each shoe may communicate or not communicate with each other . The communication of the sensor system 12 is described in more detail below. Sensor system 12 may have a computer program / algorithm that controls the collection and storage of data (e.g., pressure data derived from the interaction of a user's foot with a ground or other contact surface) Is understood to be stored in and / or executed by the processor 16, the module 22, and / or the external device 10.

The sensor system 12 may be located in various structures within the soles 130 of the shoe 100. 3-5, the port 14, the sensor 16 and the lid 18 are connected to each other by, for example, positioning the insertion member 37 between the middle window 131 and the foot-contact member 133 May be located between the middle window (131) and the foot-contact member (133). The insertion member 37 may be connected to one or both of the middle 131 and the foot-contact member 133 in one embodiment. As described below, cavities or recesses 135 may be located within the midsole 131 (FIG. 5) and / or the foot-contact member 133 for receiving the electronic module 22, The port 14 can be accessed from within the recess 135 in the embodiment. The recesses 135 may further include a housing 24 for the module 22 and the housing 24 may provide a physical space for the port 14 and / Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 22 < / RTI > In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the recess 135 is formed by a cavity in the upper major surface of the middle window 131. As shown in Figure 5, the sol structure 130 may include a hole formed therein to receive access to the recess 135 and / or to receive the housing 24, which may be regarded as part of the recess 135 And may include a compressible brush member 138. The insertion member 37 may be disposed on the top of the compressible brush member 138 to position the housing 24 in the recess 135. [ The compressible brush member 138 may face the middle 131 in one embodiment and may be in direct contact with the middle 131. The compressible brush member 138 may face the middle 131 such that one or more additional features, such as a strobel member, are located between the corresponding brush member 138 and the middle pane 131. 3-5, the compressible solenoid member 138 is present in the form of a foam member 138 (e.g., EVA member) positioned between the foot-contact member 133 and the middle 131, The foam member may be regarded as a bottom insole / insole in this embodiment. The foam member 138 can be joined to the strobes 133A (Fig. 58) of the middle 131 by using, for example, adhesive in one embodiment, and can cover any stitched portion on the strobel, Wear of the member can be prevented. This configuration is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3-5, the housing 24 includes a plurality of walls including a side wall 25 and a base wall 26 and also extends outwardly from the top of the side wall 25, And a flange or lip 28 that is configured to be connected to the tubular member 37. In one embodiment, the flange 28 forms the housing 24 through a peg 28A piercing through the hole 28B in the insertion member 37 located at the front end of the hole 27 Is a separate member connected to the barrel (29). The pins 28B may be connected by ultrasonic welding or other techniques, and may be received within the receptacle in one embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, the shoe 100 product may be manufactured such that a barrel 29 is formed in the sole structure 130, and the flange 28 may optionally be provided with a snap connection, for example, Can be linked later. The housing 24 may include a retaining structure for retaining the module 22 within the housing 24 such as a tab / flange and slot configuration, a complementary tab, a fastening member, a friction- May be complementary to the retaining structure on module 22. The housing 24 also includes a finger recess 29A located within the flange 28 and / or the barrel 29 that grips the module 22 to secure the module 22 from the housing 24 Provides space for the user's fingers to be removed. The flange 28 provides a wide base for restraining the upper portion of the insertion member 37 and the base is provided with a flange 28 that applies a load to the insertion member 37 and / Dispersing reduces the likelihood that these components will be greatly deflected and / or damaged. Rounded corners on the flange 28 also help prevent damage to the insertion member 37 and / or the foot-contact member 133. The flange 28 may have different shapes and / or contours in different embodiments and may provide similar functionality to different shapes and / or contours.

The foot-contact member 133 is configured to be placed on the upper portion of the foam member 138 to cover the insertion member 37 and includes a depression 134 on the lower main surface as shown in FIG. 3, 24). The foot-contact member 133 may be attached to the foam member 138 and attached to the forefoot portion only in one embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, thereby pulling the foot-contact member 133 upwardly, It can be accessed. Further, the foot-contact member 133 may be made of an adhesive or high-friction material (e.g., a silicone material having a sliding resistance against the insertion member 37 and / or the foam member 138) (Not shown). For example, in one embodiment (e.g., Figure 3) in which the foot-contact member 133 is attached to the forefoot and not the heel, the foot-contact member 133 has an adhesive material positioned on the heel . The adhesive material may provide enhanced sealability to prevent foreign objects from penetrating into the sensor system. 60, the foot-contact member 133 is configured to be positioned over the port 14 and the module 22 can be inserted and / or removed through the foot-contact member 133 And may include a door or hatch 137 formed to a certain size. The foot-contact member 133 of the embodiment shown in Figure 60 may be used in place of the foot-contact member 133 of Figure 3, Figure 36, or Figure 45 to provide access to the port 14 and the module 22 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 60, the door 137 may have a hinge 137A formed by the attachment of material along one edge of the door 137, thereby opening and closing the door 137 by turning. Further, the door 137 is formed of the same material as that of the foot-contact member 133 in the present embodiment, so that the buffering property is not significantly lost by the interposition of the door 137. [ In addition, the door 137 may include a tab 137B or other structure that assists the user in gripping or manipulating the door 137. In one embodiment, the sensor system 12 can be located on the bottom surface of the foot-contact member 133, and in this embodiment the door 137 is accessible to the port 14 (not shown). In another embodiment, the door 137 may include a hinge on the other edge or may be opened in other ways, for example by separation, sliding, and the like. In one embodiment, the foot-contact member 133 may include a graphic representation 92 at the top as described below.

3-5 and 7, the foam member 138 includes a recess 139 of the same outer shape as the insert member 133 for receiving the insert member 37 therein And the bottom layer 69 (FIG. 13) of the insertion member 37 may include an adhesive backing to retain the insertion member 37 in the recess 139. In one embodiment, relatively strong adhesives, such as acrylic adhesives for instant bonding, can be used for this purpose. The insertion member 37 has a hole or space 27 for receiving and providing space for the housing 24 and the foam member 138 of the present embodiment is configured such that the housing 24 supports the stroboscope and / It may be completely penetrated or at least partially penetrated. 3-5, the foot-contact member 133 may have a reduced thickness as compared to a conventional foot-contact member 133 (e.g., an insole), and the thickness of the foam member 138 Contact member 133 is substantially equal to the thickness reduction of the foot-contact member 133, thereby providing equivalent cushioning. Contact member 133 may be an insole with a thickness of about 2-3 mm and foaming member 138 may have a thickness of about 2 mm and the depth of recess 139 About 1 mm. The foam member 138 may be adhesively connected to the insert member 37 prior to connecting the foam member 138 to the shoe 100 product in one embodiment. This configuration allows the foam member 138 and the insertion member 138 to be deformed prior to attaching the foam member 138 to the strobel or other portion of the shoe 100 that normally bends or flexes the foam member 138, 37 can be laid flat. The foam member 138 to which the insertion member 37 is adhered can be provided as a single piece which is inserted into the shoe 100 product in one embodiment in this configuration. The arrangement of the ports 14 of Figures 3-5 not only provides minimal contact, irritation, or other interference to the user's feet, but also provides easy access by simply lifting the foot-contact member 133.

3-5, the housing 24 extends completely through the insertion member 37 and the foam member 138, and the recess 135 also extends through the strobes 133A And partially extends into the middle 131 of the shoe 100 to receive the housing 24. In an alternative embodiment, the recess 135 may be configured differently and in one embodiment may be positioned completely below the strobes 133A such that the window penetrates the strobes 133A to form the module 22 in the recess 135. [ . ≪ / RTI > The recess 135 includes forming the strobes 133A and / or the midsole 131 to cut or remove the material from the strobes 133A and / or the middle 131 or to form the recess 135 therein May be formed using various methods or by other methods or a combination of these methods. In one embodiment, as shown schematically in Figure 57, a hot knife (not shown) is cut through the strobil 133A to cut into the middle 131 to remove the piece 135A of the material forming the recess 135, (109) is used. In this embodiment, the hot knife 109 has a wall portion 109A which extends around the outer periphery of the hot knife 109 and forms a cavity 109B for receiving the part to be removed 135A, And a branching portion 109C extending through the through-hole. The wall portion 109A cuts down into the stroboscope 133A and the middle window 131 to cut the outer boundary of the piece portion 135A to be removed. The branching section 109C weakens the bottom side of the section 135A to facilitate removal and helps to keep the section 135A in the cavity 109B during removal, 130 so that the single piece 135A can be removed. In one embodiment, the hot knife 109 may be heated to a temperature of 250-260 占 폚. In another embodiment, the hot knife 109 (which may be other configurations) may be used to form recesses 135 of different shapes and / or shapes within the sole structure 130. 58 schematically illustrates an insertion member 37 connected to the sole structure 130 and a housing 24 received in a recessed portion 135 after it is formed. 58, since the gap between the housing 24 and the recess 135 may cause a defect in the material, the housing 24 may be advantageously held in close contact with the wall of the recess 135. The removal process of the piece 135 can be automated using a suitable computer control device.

The recess 135 may be located elsewhere in a further embodiment. For example, the recess 135 may be located on the upper main surface of the foot-contact member 133, and the insertion member 37 may be disposed on the top of the foot-contact member 133. Contact member 133 and the insert member 37 may be positioned between the foot-contact member 133 and the middle 131. In another example, the recess 135 may be located on the bottom major surface of the foot- have. As a further example, the recess 135 can be located in the outsole 132 and accessible from the outside of the shoe 100, for example, through holes in the side, bottom, and heel portions of the sole 130. 3-5, the port 14 is easily accessible for connection and disconnection of the electronic module 22 as described below. In the embodiment shown in Figure 59, the foot-contact member 133 has an insertion member 37 connected to the bottom surface, and the port 14 and the recess 135 are, for example, And is formed in the brush structure 130 in the same configuration as the brush structure. The interface 20 is positioned on the side of the housing 24, as is similarly shown in connection with other embodiments, although it is understood that the interface 20 may be located elsewhere for contact, for example, The module 22 may be modified to accommodate this change. In this embodiment, the foot-contact member 133 may have an aperture (e.g., FIG. 60) for access to the module 22 or may be pulled up to access the module 22 as shown in FIG. 3 . 59A, the insertion member 37 is placed in contact with the mass member 131 under the foot-contact member 133 and the stroboscope 133A. In this embodiment, the strobes 133A and / or the foot-contact members 133 may have holes for access to the module 22 and / or may be pulled up as shown in FIG. 3 to access the module 22 can do.

In another embodiment, the sensor system 12 may be positioned differently. For example, in one embodiment, the insert member 37 may be positioned within the foot-contact member 133 located on the insole member, such as, for example, a sock, an insole, an inner footwear boot, or other similar product, And can be positioned between the member 133 and the insole member. Other configurations are possible, and some examples of other configurations are described below. As described above, the sensor system 12 may be included in each of the paired shoes.

The insertion member 37 of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3-22b is formed in a multi-layer structure including at least a first layer 66 and a second layer 68. Fig. The first and second layers 66 and 68 may be formed of flexible film materials such as Mylar® or other PET (polyethylene terephthalate) films, or other polymer films such as polyamides. In one embodiment, the first and second layers 66 and 68 may each be a PET film having a thickness of 0.05-0.2 mm, such as a thickness of 125 microns. Further, in one embodiment, each of the first and second films 66 and 68 has a minimum bending radius of 2 mm or less. The insertion member 37 may be positioned between the spacer layer 67 located between the first and second layers 66 and 68 and / or the bottom layer positioned below the second layer 68 at the bottom of the insertion member 37 69, and these additional layers are included in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3-22b. The layers 66,67,68 and 69 of the insertion member 37 are stacked on top of each other in confronting relation to each other and in one embodiment the layers 66,67,68 and 69 are all of similar or identical circumferential And are overlapped with each other (Fig. 13). In one embodiment, spacer layer 67 and bottom layer 69 may each have a thickness of 89-111 [mu] m, such as 100 [mu] m. The total thickness of the insertion member 37 may be about 450 [mu] m in one embodiment, about 428-472 [mu] m in another embodiment, and about 278-622 [mu] m in a further embodiment. Insertion member 37 may also include additional adhesives of 100-225 占 퐉 thickness, and may further include one or more optional reinforcing layers such as additional PET layers in other embodiments. Additionally, in one embodiment, the insertion members of all four layers described above have a minimum bending radius of 5 mm or less. The orientation of the first and second layers 66 and 68 may be reversed by, for example, placing the second layer 68 into the top layer and the first layer 66 under the second layer 68 I understand. In the embodiment of Figures 3-22b the first and second layers 66 and 68 are formed by a combination of a sensor 16, a lead 18, resistors 53 and 54, a path 50, Includes various printed circuitry and other components, including dielectric patches 80 and other components. The components are printed on the bottom surface of the first layer 66 and on the top surface of the second layer 68 in the embodiment of Figures 3-22b, but in other embodiments, at least some of the components may be printed on the first and second layers 66, and 68, respectively. It is understood that the components located on the first layer 66 and / or the second layer 68 can be transferred / transferred to another layer. In one embodiment, the components may be printed in a manner that limits the total number of printer steps required, and in one embodiment, all components on the individual layers 66, 68 may be printed in one step.

The layers 66, 67, 68, 69 may be connected together by an adhesive or other bonding means in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the spacer layer 67 may include an adhesive on one or both sides, such that it is connected to the first and second layers 66 and 68. The bottom layer 69 may also include adhesive on one or both sides to be connected to the second layer as well as the shoe 100 product. To this end, the first and second layers 66, 68 may additionally or alternatively have a contact surface. Various other methods may be used to connect layers 66, 67, 68, 69 in other embodiments, such as heat sealing, spot welding or other known methods.

The sensor system 12 and the insertion member 37, foot-contact member 133, and / or other components of the shoe 100 may include a graphic design or other indicia (not shown) on top. The graphic design may be provided on one or more graphics layers (not shown) that may be connected to the insert member 37, for example by placing the graphic layer on the first layer 66. The graphical design may correspond to the sensor assembly 13, lid 18 and various other components supported by the layer. 60, the foot-contact member 133 may include a graphical representation (not shown) that forms a graphical representation of the insertion member 37 of the sensor system 12 located below the corresponding foot-contact member 133. For example, (92). In other embodiments, other graphical designs including information, style, and other such designs may be used.

The insertion member 37 shown in Fig. 3-22b has a configuration that can be used less than the configuration of other insertion members and can provide a large rupture resistance at a common stress point. In this embodiment, the insertion member 37 has various material portions that are cut from the area of the insertion member 37, which may be unnecessary, for example, in the lateral forefoot or the outer and inner heel. In this configuration, the insertion member 37 has a forefoot portion 37A configured to be in contact with the forefoot portion of the user's foot and a forefoot portion 37B configured to be in contact with the forefoot portion of the user's foot (i.e., metatarsus) The heel portion 37C and the first phalanx portion 37D configured to be in contact with the first and second phalanxes respectively extend rearward from the middle portion 37A and forward from the forefoot portion. Figures 4, 8, 10 and 22A illustrate these features in more detail. It is understood that the first phalanx portion 37D can be brought into contact with only the first phalanx of the user depending on the form of the user's foot. In this embodiment, the first pharyngeal portion 37D and the heel portion 37C are configured to be configured as a semispherical shape that extends forward or backward respectively from the base to the free end in the wider mid portion and forefoot portion 37A-B, respectively The width of the forefoot portion 37B is greater than the width of the middle portion 37A and both the middle portion and the forefoot portion 37A-B are larger than the widths of the first pharyngeal portion 37D and the heel portion 37C. As described herein, the width of a portion of the insertion member 37 is measured in the medial-lateral direction and the length is measured in the front-rear (toe-heel) direction. In the embodiment of Figures 3-22b, the first phalanx 37D has one of the sensors 16a positioned above to be contacted by the user's first phalanx, and the heel 37C is held in place by the heel of the user And one of the sensors located at the top to be contacted (16d). The remaining two sensors 16b and 16c are located on the forefoot portion 37B of the insertion member 37 and specifically in the first and fifth metatarsophalange head regions which are in contact with the first and fifth metatarsal head regions of the user's foot do. The middle portion 37A includes a hole 27 for receiving the housing 24 and the module 22 and the hole 27 extends between the forefoot portion 37B and the heel portion 37C and is connected to the two Thereby forming two strips 88. In one embodiment, the strip 88 has a minimum width of 8 mm or a width in the range of 3-5% of the total length of the insertion member 37. In this example, the length of the insertion member 37 is measured from the forefoot side tip portion of the first phalanx portion 37D to the heel side tip portion of the heel portion 37C. These strips 88 are subjected to high stresses during use, which helps to prevent them from breaking during use. In another embodiment, the strip 88 may be reinforced by an additional structure. For example, in one embodiment, the strip 88 and / or other portions of the insert member 133 may be reinforced by fibers or similar structures. As another example, the insert member 37 may, in one embodiment, completely enclose the housing 24 and occupy the entire joint between the strip 88 and the rest of the strip 88 and insert member 37 Such as an additional structural layer, which may include additional structural layers on at least a portion of the insert member 37.

3-22b, the insertion member 37 has a peripheral edge forming the outer periphery of the insertion member 37, and the peripheral edge thereof extends from the rear side of the heel portion along the inside of the insertion member 37 An outer edge 86 extending from the rear of the heel portion 37C to the front of the forefoot portion 37B and an outer edge 86 extending from the rear of the heel portion 37C to the front end of the first phalanx portion 37D, And a front edge 87 extending from the outer edge 86 to the first phalanx portion 37D along the third, fourth and fifth metatarsal portions. The inner, outer and front edges 85, 86, 87 each have a cut-out in this embodiment as shown, for example, in Figures 8, 10 and 22a. The cut-out portion 87A along the front edge 87 is positioned between the outer edge 86 and the first phalanx portion (i.e., the semicircular shape) 37D. The cut-out portions 85A and 86A along the inner and outer edges 85 and 86 are located near the connection between the forefoot portion 37B and the middle portion 37A and extend from the middle portion 37A to the insertion member 37, And the width W2 at the forefoot portion 37B is formed to be smaller than the width W1 of the insertion portion 15 formed between the first and second cut-out portions 85A and 86A (formed between the inner and outer edges 85 and 86) Is larger than the width W3. This configuration ensures that the neck 89 between the middle part 37A and the forefoot 37B is narrower than the middle part 37A or the forefoot 37B. The widths W1 and W2 of the forefoot portion 37A and the forefoot portion 37B are larger than the width W4 measured at the heel portion 37C and the forefoot portion 37B has the maximum relative width W2. In the present embodiment, the heel portion 37C is formed so that the heel portion 37C is wider than the further forward portion in the heel portion 37C so as to increase the width from the middle portion 37A to the heel end side of the insertion member 37 And a rear end portion 37E.

The cut-out portions 85A, 86A, 87A each extend inward into the body of the insertion member 37 and have a generally concave and / or recessed shape. Each of the cut-out portions 85A, 86A and 87A includes a smooth, concave inner curved surface (curved surface) that prevents ripping, rupture or crack propagation of the insertion member 37. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3-22a, ). In this embodiment, each of the cut-out portions 85A, 86A, 87A is at least partially defined by a concave curved surface edge forming an arc of at least 120 [deg.]. In addition, in one embodiment, at least one of the cut-out portions 85A, 86A, 87A is formed at least partially by a concave curved surface edge forming an arc of at least 180 [deg.]. As shown, for example, in Figures 8, 10 and 22A, at least the inner and outer cut-out portions 85A, 86A are each formed at least partially by a concave curved surface edge forming an arc of at least 180 [ . In addition, in this embodiment, each of the cut-out portions 85A, 86A, 87A has a smoothly curved edge whose opposite sides are located on the outer periphery of the insertion member at the inner, outer and front edges 85, 86, 87 A boundary is formed. In this embodiment, one or both of the curved edges forming the boundary of each of the cut-out portions 85A, 86A and 87A form an arc of at least 90 [deg.]. The use of the cut-out portions 85A, 86A and 87A of these positions and constructions can be achieved, for example, by the durability of the insertion member 133 by preventing the spreading, rupture or crack propagation of the insertion member 133, The life can be increased. In this embodiment, the cut-out portions 85A, 86A and 87A are located in a high stress region, where such breakage resistance is most advantageous. The insert member 37 configured as shown in FIG. 3-22b may have sufficient fatigue resistance to withstand up to 20 MPa of stress over at least 500,000 cycles.

In a further embodiment, the insert member 37 may have a different cut-out and / or have the same but different type of cut-out. For example, the insert member 37 'shown in FIGS. 22C-22D may have a cut-out portion 85A, 86A, 87A (FIG. ). In this embodiment, the inner cut-out portion 85A forms a smaller arc than the inner cut-out portion 85A of the insertion member 37 of Fig. 3-22B. The front cut-out portion 87A of this embodiment forms a less symmetrical and uniformly curved shape compared to the front cut-out portion 87A of the insertion member 37 of Figs. 3-22b.

Figures 36-47 illustrate a further embodiment of the sensor system 412, 512 with insertion members 437, 537 of a different configuration and configuration than the sensor system 12 and insert member 37 shown in Figures 3-22b, ). The sensor systems 412, 512 of Figures 36-47 include a number of structural and functional features common to the sensor system 12 of Figures 3-22b. For example, the sensor systems 412, 512 include sensors 16 that are configured and positioned substantially the same as the sensor system 12 of Figures 3-22b and function in a similar manner. As another example, the sensor system 412, 512 includes a path 50 between two parallel fixed resistors 53, 54 and layers 66, 68 similar to the sensor system of Figures 3-22b. These and other common features will not be described again here for brevity.

In the embodiment of Figures 36-44, insert member 437 is provided with cut-out portions 85A, 86A, 87A at similar positions relative to insert member 37 of Figures 3-22b, (85A, 86A, 87A) have slightly different outer shapes. In this embodiment, the inner cut-out portion 85A forms a smaller arc than the inner cut-out portion 85A of the insertion member 37 of Fig. 3-22B. The front cut-out portion 87A of this embodiment forms a deeper and larger arc than the front cut-out portion 87A of the insertion member 37 of Fig. 3-22B. The outer cut-out portion 86A of the present embodiment is shallow and forms a smaller arc than the outer cut-out portion 86A of the insertion member 37 of Fig. 3-22B. In addition, the insertion member 437 of Figs. 36-44 has a heel portion 37C with a substantially constant width and does not include an extended tail portion 37E.

In the embodiment of Figures 45-47, the insertion member 537 is provided with cut-out portions 85A, 86A, 87A at similar positions with respect to the insertion member 37 of Figures 3-22b, (85A, 86A, 87A) have slightly different outer shapes. In this embodiment, the inner cut-out portion 85A forms a smaller arc than the inner cut-out portion 85A of the insertion member 37 of Fig. 3-22B. The outer cut-out portion 86A of the present embodiment is shallow and forms a smaller arc than the outer cut-out portion 86A of the insertion member 37 of Fig. 3-22B. The front edge 87 of the insertion member 537 of Figures 45-48 gradually forms an angle from the first phalanx portion 37D to the fifth metatarsal sensor 16c side and directly into the front cut- Thereby forming an almost linear edge that extends. The resulting front cut-out portion 87A forms a smaller arc than the front cut-out portion 87A of the insertion member 37 of Fig. 3-22b. In addition, the insertion member 537 of Figs. 45-48 has a heel portion 37C of substantially constant width, and does not include an extended tail portion 37E. The lid 18 and many of the many components of the sensor system 512 of Figures 45-48 are not illustrated and / or referred to herein, and these components may be integrated into the sensor system 12 of Figure 3-22b and / (Structurally and / or functionally) similar to or equivalent to the corresponding components of sensor system 412 of Fig.

The insertion member 37, 37 ', 437, 537 may have any number of different configurations, shapes, and configurations, and may include other inserts or peripheries than the sensor 16 of a different number and / have. For example, any of the insert members 37, 37 ', 437, and 537 described herein may include any or all of the structural features and other shapes, dimensions, and shapes, such as cut-outs 85A, 86A, And may include features related to other features in the structural features and outlined features described above. In addition, any of the insertion members 37, 37 ', 437, 537 described herein may include additional or different structural features that may provide different shapes and / or functionality.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3-22b, the sensor 16 is a load and / or pressure sensor for measuring the pressure and / or the load of the sol structure 130. The sensor 16 can sense the pressure on the sensor 16 by measuring the resistance through the port 14 by having a resistance that is reduced when the pressure on the sensor 16 increases. The sensor 16 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3-22b is an elliptical or obround shape that allows one sensor size to be utilized for many different shoe sizes. The sensor 16 of the present embodiment includes two contacts 40 that each include a first contact 40 positioned on a first layer 66 and a second contact 42 positioned on a second layer 68 , 42). The first layer 66 is a top view and the electronic structure (including the contact 40, the lead 18, etc.) is located on the bottom side of the first layer 66 and is otherwise transparent Or through the first layer 66 which is translucent. The contact portions 40, 42 are positioned opposite to each other and exist in overlapping relation with each other, so that the pressure on the insertion member 37, for example by the user's foot, makes contact between the contact portions 40, 42 stronger. The resistance of the sensor 16 is reduced as the contact between the contacts 40 and 42 increases and the module 22 is configured to sense the pressure based on a change in the resistance of the sensor 16. [ In one embodiment, the contacts 40,42 may be formed by a conductive patch printed on the first and second layers 66,68, for example as in the embodiment of Figures 3-22b, (40, 42) may be formed of the same or different materials. Additionally, in one embodiment, the leads 18 are formed of a material having a higher conductivity and a lower resistivity than the material (s) of the sensor contacts 40,42. For example, the patch may be formed of carbon black or other conductive carbon material. Further, in one embodiment, the two contacts 40, 42 are formed of the same material or formed of two materials having similar hardness that can reduce abrasion and wear due to different hardness of the materials contacted with one another . In this embodiment, the first contact portion 40 is printed on the bottom surface of the first layer 66 and the second contact portion 42 is printed on the upper side of the second layer 68 so that the contact between the contact portions 40 and 42 . The embodiment shown in Figures 3-22b includes a spacer layer 67 that contacts the other end of the first and second layers 66 and 68 through the spacer layer 67, 40, and 42, respectively. In one embodiment, each hole 43 is aligned with one of the sensors 16 to permit at least partial contact between the contacts 40, 42 of each sensor 16. 7-18, the hole 43 is smaller in area than the sensor contacts 40, 42, so that the outside of the contacts 40, 42 and the distribution leads 18A are insulated from each other, , 42 are brought into contact with each other (e.g., see Figs. 13, 35A-35B). In another embodiment, the bore 43 may be sized such that contact is made between the contacts 40, 42 over the entire surface. It is understood that the size, dimension, shape and structure of the sensor 16 and the contacts 40, 42 can be varied while maintaining similar functionality in other embodiments. In addition, the sensor 16 of the same size can be utilized for different sized inserts 37 in the case of different shoe sizes, in which case the dimensions of the sensor 16 relative to the overall dimension of the insert 37 are different It can be understood that the size of the insertion member 37 may be different.

In another embodiment, the sensor system 12 may include a sensor 16 of a different configuration than the sensor 16 of the embodiment of Figures 3-22b. For example, FIGS. 33-34 illustrate a sensor system 212, 312 of a further embodiment having a sensor 16 of a different configuration than the sensor 16 of sensor system 12 of FIG. 3-22b. In the embodiment P shown in Figs. 33-34, the contacts 40, 42 of the sensor 16 of Figs. 33-34 have different configurations than the contacts 40, 42 of the sensor 16 of the embodiment of Figs. . Other components and features of the sensor system 212, 312 are similar or identical to those of the sensor system 12 of FIG. 3-22b, including any variations and alternative embodiments described herein. As another example, Figures 48-51 illustrate one embodiment of the sensor 16 of the embodiment of Figures 3-22b, including a sensor 16 having contacts 740, 742 and 744 in contact with the contacts 40,42 and other configurations. An exemplary sensor system 712 is illustrated. In a further example, the sensor 16 may employ other configurations that do not include carbon-based or pseudo-contacts 40, 42 and / or may not function as a resistance sensor 16. [ Examples of such sensors include, among other examples, capacitive pressure sensors or strain measurement pressure sensors.

As further illustrated in Figures 3-22b, in one embodiment, the insert member 37 is configured to allow air flow through the insert member 37 during compression and / or bending operations of the insert member 37, Flow system 70 as shown in FIG. 9, 11, 13, 18, 22A-22B, and 28-30 illustrate components of the air flow system 70 in more detail. The air flow system 70 is connected to the sensor 16 from the sensor 16 to the at least one vent opening 72 and between the first and second layers 66 and 68 and through the vent And may include one or more air passages or channels that allow the flow of air to the outside of the insert member 37 outwardly. The air flow system 70 ensures more consistent performance by suppressing excessive pressure build up during compression of the sensor 16 and allowing the contacts 40 and 42 of the sensor 16 to be always separated at various air pressures and altitudes . A channel 71 may be formed between the first and second layers 66 and 68. 18, the spacer layer 67 includes a channel 71 formed therein and air is directed through these channels 71 between the first and second layers 66, ) ≪ / RTI > The vent 72 may include a filter 73 covering the vent in one embodiment as shown in Figure 22B. These filters 73 may be configured to allow air, moisture, and debris to pass through the vents 72 and to prevent moisture and debris from passing into the vents 72. In another embodiment, the insert member 37 may not include a spacer layer 67 and the channel 71 may be formed by coating the layers 66 and 68 together in a measurement pattern, for example, by application of a non- It can be formed by not sealing. Thus, the air flow system 70 can be considered integral with, or directly formed by, layers 66 and 68 in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the air flow system 70 may include other numbers or configurations of air channels 71, vents 72 and / or other passageways.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3-22b, 28 and 30, the air flow system 70 includes a plurality of air vents 72 and four air vents 72, each of which connects four sensors 16 to one of the vents 72 And an air channel (71). The spacer layer 67 includes holes 43 in each of the sensors in this embodiment and the channel 71 is connected to the hole 43 so that the air flows off the sensor 16 through the channel 71 . Further, in this embodiment, two of the sensors 16 are connected to each of the vents 72 via the channel 71. [ For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 7-18, the first metatarsal sensor 16b includes a channel 71 extending beyond the first metatarsal region of the insertion member 37 to the vent 72 And the first phalanx sensor 16a includes a channel 71 extending through the passageway that also includes movement through the first metatarsal sensor 16b to the same vent 72 as well. In other words, the first phalanx sensor 16a has a channel 71 extending from the hole 43 in the first phalanx sensor 16a to the hole 43 in the first metatarsal sensor 16b, The channel 71 extends from the first metatarsal sensor 16b to the vent 72. The fifth metatarsal sensor 16c and the heel sensor 16d share a common vent hole 72 located at the heel of the insertion member 37. One channel 71 extends rearwardly from the hole 43 in the fifth metatarsus sensor 16c to the vent 72 and the other channel 71 extends from the hole 43 in the heel sensor 16d, (72). Sharing the vents among the various sensors can reduce cost by preventing the need for an additional filter 73 in particular. In another embodiment, the air flow system 70 may have other configurations, such as those shown in Figures 22C-22D and described below. In a further embodiment, each sensor 16 may have its own individual vents 72, otherwise three or more sensors 16 may share the same vents 72.

Each vent hole 72 is formed as an opening at the bottom side of the second layer 68 (i.e., the opposite layer of the first layer 66), and the opening is shown in Figures 16-18 and 22A-22B Permits the outflow of air, moisture, and / or debris from the air flow system 70 as shown. In other embodiments, the vent 72 may include multiple openings. In a further embodiment, the vent 72 may be additionally or alternatively formed by the opening in the first layer 66 to allow air to be vented upwardly from the insert member 37. In a further embodiment, the ventilation holes 72 are formed in the side surfaces of the insertion member 37 by extending the channel 71 to the edge, for example, so that the channel 71 is opened to the outside of the insertion member 37 through the edge. (Thin edge). As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-22b, 28, and 30, the downward discharge of air makes it more difficult for debris to enter the vent. The bottom layer 69 includes holes 74 located below the vent holes 72 so that air flowing from the vent holes 72 can pass through the bottom layer 69. The holes 74 may be formed in the second layer 68 so as to allow the filter 73 to adhere to the second layer 68 through the bottom layer 69 around the perimeter of each vent 72, It is much bigger. Additionally, in this embodiment, each vent 72 includes a reinforcement material 75 positioned around the vent 72 to add stability and strength to the material and prevent fracture / rupture. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcement material 75 is formed of the same material as the leads 18 (e.g., silver or other metallic ink) to facilitate printing, but the sensor contacts 40, 42, Or may be formed of the same material as the material.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3-22b, 28 and 30, the vent opening 72 is open downward and air passing through the vent opening 72 is directed downward into the middle 131 and, if present, . In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3-22b, Figure 28, and Figure 30, the foam member 138 includes a cavity 76 located directly below the vent opening 72, Outgoing air is configured to pass into each cavity 76. 3-5, 28, and 30, each cavity 76 is formed as a slot that extends completely through the foam member 138, which slot is formed by punching, cutting, or otherwise . In other embodiments, cavity 76 may be a recess extending through only a portion of foam member 138 or may be a recess extending through at least a portion of the structure (e.g., strobel, midsole, etc.) (138). ≪ / RTI > In a further embodiment, the sol structure may not include the foam member 138 and the cavity 76 may be at least partially filled with a slot, recess or other cavity, such as a structure in another solenoid member, such as a strobel, . As shown in Figure 5, at least a portion of the cavity 76 may be circular in one embodiment and may extend beyond the vent opening 72 to provide space for air exhaust. This configuration allows air to pass through the vent 72 without disturbance from the foam member 138. In other embodiments, the insert member 37 may be positioned over another ball member (e.g., a portion of the middle 131) that may include one or more cavities 76 as described above. In a further embodiment, there may not be a cavity and air may be vented downward into the foam member 138 or into another ball member. One or both of the cavities 76 may further have an extension forming a passageway 77 through which air can pass from the cavity 76. 3-5, 28, and 30, each of the cavities 76 includes a channel portion 77 that extends outwardly from the cavity 76 and extends beyond the outer perimeter of the insert member 37. In other words, the channel portion 77 of the cavity 76 extends from the vent opening 72 to the distal end 78 located outside the outer circumferential boundary of the insertion member 37. The distal end 78 of the channel portion 77 of the cavity 76 is located outside the outer perimeter of the recess 139, As will be understood by those skilled in the art. 3-5, the distal end 78 extends to the edge of the foam member 138. In the embodiment shown in Figs. This configuration permits air to pass through the solenoid structure 130 into the cavity 76 by passing it outwardly and / or outwardly away from the foam member 138 via the channel portion 77 . Figure 28 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the present configuration, with arrows representing air flow. The configuration shown in Figures 3-5, 28, and 30 is configured to prevent movement of debris (e.g., dust, fibers, etc.) and to prevent moisture from flowing out of the vents 72 while preventing moisture from moving into and out of the vents 72 Possibly allowing the flow of air back into the vent hole 72. The combined downward, outward, and upward passageways through which air must pass through and out of the vent 72 are configured to inhibit such movement, and the debris may be applied to the distal end 78 of the cavity 76, such as a drain trap, ). ≪ / RTI >

The distal end 78 may stop at a point that is within the foam member 138 and is still outside the outer perimeter of the insert member 37 so that the air is drawn into the cavity 76 at the distal end 78. In other embodiments, To provide the same or similar functionality. Figures 36-38 and Figure 47 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of such a configuration. In the embodiment of Figs. 36-38 and 47, the foot-contact member 133 is configured to allow the passage of air through the foot-contact member 133, such as the passage 79 shown in Figs. 28 and 30, And a passageway positioned about the distal end 78 of the distal end 76. In a further embodiment, at least a portion of the channel portion 77 may be a tunnel within the foam member 138 rather than a slit. In this configuration, the channel portion 77 includes an opening that allows the air passing through the tunnel portion and the tunnel to be discharged upward, or the tunnel portion may extend completely along the edge of the foam member 138 to allow lateral venting . 29 shows a cross section of an alternative embodiment in which the foam member 138 has a cavity 76 but does not have a channel portion 77. FIG.

In addition, the foot-contact member 133 may include a foot-contact member 133 extending through the foot-contact member 133 located at the distal end 78 of the cavity 76 in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, 28, And includes the passage 79 described above. 28 and 30, the passageway 79 may be a pin-hole type passageway 79 that extends vertically through the foot-contact member 133. As shown in Fig. In other embodiments, other types of passageways 79, including slits or grooves, may be used, and at least one passageway 79 may be used instead of the foot-contact member 133, (Not shown). The passageway 79 allows the air exiting through the vent 72 and through the cavity 76 to pass out of the sol structure 130 through the foot-contact member 133. In other embodiments, the foot-contact member 133 may not include any passage (s) 79. The foot-contact member 133 can still be vented to a configuration without any passage (s) 79, for example by using a breathable foam or other breathable material for the construction of the foot-contact member 33 .

As discussed above, in one embodiment, the insert member 37 can include one or more filters 73 that at least partially cover the vent (s), as seen in Figures 22b and 28-29 . The filter 73 may be regarded as a selectively permeable cover covering the vent 72 which permits passage of at least air from the vent 72 and prevents any unwanted material from passing through the vent. For example, in the embodiment of Figures 3-22b, Figure 28 and Figure 30, the filter 73 may be made of an optional permeable material that permits an outward flow of air and an outward flow of air while preventing the ingress of moisture and / Lt; / RTI > One type of filter 73 that can achieve this function is, for example, a fluoropolymer porous membrane, such as a porous membrane comprising PTFE (i.e., Teflon) fibers. In one embodiment, The high surface energy of the PTFE allows the water to be rolled on the surface of the filter 73 rather than infiltrated into it. 73 may include an adhesive on one side so as to be connected to the insert member 37 and may include other materials connected to the inner and outer opposite sides such as a polyester material to provide shear strength for the porous film 3-22b, 28, and 30, the filter 73 includes a second layer 68 around the perimeter of the vent 72 to cover the vent 72, The bottom layer 69 is adhered to the bottom side of the bottom layer 69. [ Includes a hole 74 that is much larger than the vent 72 to allow the filter 73 to adhere to the second layer 68 in the embodiment of Figures 8 and 30. In another embodiment, The filter 73 may be used and / or the filter 73 may be connected to the insertion member 37 in other ways. In a further embodiment, the filter 73 may not be used.

Figures 36-44 illustrate the use of an insertion member 437 with an air flow system 70 having a channel 71 and a venting aperture 72 in a different configuration than the insertion member 37 described above with reference to Figures 3-22b. Sensor system 412 is illustrated. Figures 22C-22D and Figures 45-47 illustrate a further embodiment of the insertion member 437 including an air flow system 70 having a channel 71 and a vent 72 configured similarly to the insertion member 437 of Figures 36-44. (37 ', 537). The positions of the sensors 16a-16d in the embodiment of Figures 22c-22d are generally the same as in the embodiment of Figures 3-22b, 28 and 30, and in Figure 22c, . These structural features are not described here again for brevity. In the embodiment of the insertion member 437 of Figures 36-44, the first phalanx sensor 16a and the first metatarsal sensor 16b are connected to the same vent hole 72 by a channel 71, do. The fifth metatarsophalange sensor 16c and the heel sensor 16d are also connected to a common vent 72 which is connected to the tq mouth member 437 rather than to the heel as in the embodiment of Figures 3-22b, In the fifth metatarsal portion of the second metacarpal. In this configuration, the heel sensor 16d includes a channel 71 extending from the hole 43 in the heel sensor 16d to the hole 43 in the fifth metatarsal sensor 16c and a fifth metatarsal sensor 16c And the other channel 71 extending from the outlet port 72 to the vent hole 72. As shown in Figures 36-44, the position of the vent hole 72 is different from that of the previous embodiment, so that the insertion member 437 is specifically designed to have a sole that includes features applied to the vent hole 72 at that location, May be used in structure 130. Figures 36-38 illustrate a foam member 138 that includes a sol structure 130 and a cavity 76 positioned to cooperate with the vent 72 of the insertion member 437. [ These cavities 76 function similarly to cavities 76 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 3-5 described herein. For example, the foam member 138 may include a sole structure 130 (not shown) extending forward beyond the outer periphery of the insertion member 437 to allow air to escape from the vent hole 72 in the fifth metatarsal portion of the insertion member 437 And a cavity 76 in the fifth metatarsal portion of the second metatarsal. The foaming member 138 also includes a sore structure 130 that extends rearward beyond the outer periphery of the insertion member 437 to allow air to be evacuated from the vent hole 72 in the first metatarsal portion of the insertion member 437 And a cavity 76 in the first metatarsal portion. The insertion members 37 ', 537 of Figures 22c-22d and Figures 45-47 can utilize a foam member 138 having cavities 76 located in similar locations in various embodiments. It is understood that cavities 76 in other locations and configurations may be used in other embodiments. In a further embodiment the single sol structure 130 includes multiple cavities 76 arranged to be used for different types of insertion members 37, 37 ', 437, 537, . ≪ / RTI > In this embodiment, at least a part of the cavity 76 may not be used depending on the configuration of the insertion member 37, which will be referred to hereinafter. In a further embodiment, any of the features, features, etc., of the embodiment of the air flow system 70 described herein may include other embodiments of the sensor system 12, insert member 37, and / or shoe 100, , Air flow system 70, as shown in FIG.

In the embodiment of Figures 3-22b, as described above, the spacer layer 67 may be formed on the surface of the sensor 16, for example, in a path 50 and excluding the areas where electrical contact is desired, such as between the contacts 40, 42 of the sensor 16. [ And insulates the conductive members / components on the first and second layers 66 and 68 from each other. The spacer layer 67 has apertures 38 and 43 to define the area of the desired electrical contact between the layers 66 and 68. The components of the air flow system 70, particularly the channel 71, may provide a path for short circuit or other undesirable electrical contact by one or more conductive members between the first and second layers 66, . In one embodiment, the sensor system 12 includes a plurality of spaced apart conductive layers of dielectric material 80 to inhibit or prevent undesirable shorting by one or more conductive members across the open region of the spacer layer 67, And may include one or more patches. This dielectric material 80 may be in the form of an acrylic ink or other UV-curable ink or other insulating material suitable for application. 16-17, the insertion member 37 includes a dielectric material 80 (not shown) extending across the channel 71 to insulate the power distribution leads 18A located around the sensor contacts 40, ). ≪ / RTI > The dielectric material 80 is connected to the top of the second layer 68 to cover the distribution leads 18A as shown in Figures 16-17, Or both of the first and second layers may comprise a dielectric material 80. In some embodiments, Spacer layer 67 may have a dielectric " bridge " over channel 71 in a further embodiment. In addition, the dielectric material completely covers a portion of the power distribution leads 18A and is wider than the width of the channel 71, which compensates for differences in movement, displacement, or manufacturing tolerances of the spacer layer 67. [ In this embodiment, the insertion member 37 includes one patch 80 on the rear side of the first phalanx sensor 16a and two patches 80 on the front and rear ends of the first species bone sensor 16b. One patch 80 on the rear side of the fifth metatarsal sensor 16c and one patch 80 on the front side of the heel sensor 16d so that one of the channels 71 and the distribution lead 18A) of the dielectric material 80 are crossed. The inserting member 37 may be provided at other locations on the inserting member 37 to insulate other portions of the power distribution leads 18A or other conductive members from being shorted between the layers 66 and 68. In other embodiments, Patches may be included. It is understood that the spacer layer 67 having different configurations, such as holes, holes, openings, etc., which are different in shape and / or position, can use dielectric material 80 at other locations for isolation. As discussed herein, the dielectric material 80 may be used in many other applications as a reinforcement or reinforcement material.

3-22b, the port 14, the sensor 16 and the lid 18 form the circuit 10 on the inserting member 37. In Fig. The port 14 includes a plurality of terminals 11 of which four terminals 11 are each individually dedicated to one of the four sensors 16 and one terminal 11 is connected to the circuit 10 One terminal 1 is for voltage measurement, and one terminal 1 is for voltage measurement. In this embodiment, the sensor system 120 includes a pair of resistors 53 and 54, respectively, located on one of the layers 66 and 68, a circuit on the first layer 66 and a circuit on the second layer 68, The resistors 53 and 54 provide a reference point for the module 22 to measure the resistance of each sensor 16 and the module 22 is connected to the active sensor 16 The resistors 53 and 54 are arranged in parallel within the circuit 10 which can be a change in the circuit 10 and / Compensates for changes in the manufacturing process used to form the resistors 53 and 54, such as a change in the conductivity of the ink used to print the sensor contacts 40 and 42. In one embodiment, The equivalent resistances of the resistors 53 and 54 are 1500 +/- 500 k OMEGA. In other embodiments, a single resistor 53, 54 or two resistors 53, The resistors 53 and 54 may be located at different locations on the inserting member 37 or may be located within the circuit of the module 22. For the circuit 10 of this embodiment, The technical representations are described below and illustrated in FIG.

Figure 20 illustrates a circuit 10 that may be used to sense and measure pressure in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The circuit 10 includes a power terminal 104a for applying a voltage to the circuit 10, a measurement terminal 104b for measuring the voltage as described below, and a sensor dedicated to one of the sensors 16a-16d, And includes six terminals 104a-104f including four sensor terminals 104c-104f that represent the ground in this embodiment. The terminals 104a-104f represent the terminal 11 with the port 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed resistors 102a and 102b representing the resistors 53 and 54 are connected in parallel. The fixed resistors 102a and 102b may be physically located on separate layers. The equivalent resistance between terminals 104a and 104b is determined by the well known equation (1): < EMI ID =

=고정 저항기(102a)의 저항이고,

=고정 저항기(102b)의 저항이고,

=등가 저항이다.here,

= Resistance of the fixed resistor 102a,

= Resistance of the fixed resistor 102b,

= Equivalent resistance.

The electrically parallel connection of the fixed resistors 102a and 102b compensates for changes in the manufacturing process used to form the fixed resistors 102a and 102b. For example, if the fixed resistor 102a has a resistance outside of the desired resistance, the deviation of the equivalent resistance as determined by equation (1) is minimized by the averaging effect of the fixed resistor 102b. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the two fixed resistors are provided for illustrative purposes only. Additional fixed resistors can be connected in parallel, and each fixed resistor can be formed in a different layer.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, fixed resistors 102a and 102b are connected to sensors 16a-16d. The sensors 16a-16d may be implemented by a variable resistor that changes resistance in response to a pressure change as described above. Each of the sensors 16a-16d may be implemented with multiple resistors. In one embodiment, each sensor 16a-16d is physically implemented with two variable resistors located in different layers and electrically connected in parallel. For example, as discussed above in connection with an embodiment, each sensor 16a-16d may include two contacts 40, 42 that are in strong contact with each other as the applied pressure is increased, The resistance of the contact portions 16a-16d can be reduced as the contact becomes stronger. As described above, the parallel connection of the resistors forms an equivalent resistance that minimizes the variations that occur during the manufacturing process. In another embodiment, the contacts 40, 42 may be arranged in series. The sensors 16a-16d may be connected to ground through switches 108a-108d. The switches 108a-108d may be switches that are closed when connected to the sensor. In some embodiments, the switches 108a-108d are implemented as transistors or integrated circuits.

In operation, a voltage level of, for example, 3 volts is applied to terminal 104a. The switches 108a-108d are switches that are closed when one of the sensors 16a-16d is connected to ground. Upon connection to the ground, each sensor 16a-16d forms a voltage divider in which the fixed resistors 102a, 102b are combined. For example, when the switch 108a is closed, the voltage between the terminal 104a and the ground is divided between the combination of the fixed resistors 102a and 102b and the sensor 16a. The voltage measured at the terminal 104b changes as the resistance of the sensor 16a changes. As a result, the pressure applied to the sensor 16a can be measured as the voltage level at the terminal 104b. The resistance of the sensor 16a is measured using the voltage applied to the sensor 16a in series with the fixed resistors 104a and 104b having known values. Similarly, selective close switches 108b-108d will form the voltage levels at terminals 104c-104f with respect to the pressure applied to sensors 16b-16d. It is understood that the connection between sensors 16a-16d and terminals 104c-104f may be different in other embodiments. For example, the sensors 16a-16d are connected to the other pins of the interface 20 of the insertion member 37 of the left shoe as compared to the insertion member 37 of the right shoe, as shown in Fig. In another embodiment, the voltage level may be applied in an opposite manner so that ground is located at terminal 104a and a voltage is applied to terminals 104c-104f. In a further embodiment, other circuit configurations may be used to obtain similar results and functionality.

It is understood that the two resistors 53, 54 have similar or identical structures in the illustrated embodiment, but the resistors may have different structures in other embodiments. Each of the resistors 53 and 54 includes two sections 55 and 56 spaced from each other and a bridge 57 located between the sections 55 and 56 and connecting the sections. 15 and 17 show the resistors 53 and 54 in more detail, with one resistor 53 seen from above and the remaining resistor 54 seen from below. The sections 55 and 56 allow the electronic signals or currents entering the resistors 53 and 54 through one lead 18 to pass between the sections 55 and 56 across the bridge 57, 18 so that they can be connected to different leads 18. The sections 55 and 56 are formed as an outer section 56 that substantially surrounds the inner section 55 and the inner section 55 to provide a long transmission length between the sections 55 and 56 within a small area . In this embodiment, the bridge 57 also substantially encloses the inner section 55 and is substantially surrounded by the outer section 56. [ 15-17, the bridge 57 partially overlaps both the inner section 55 and the outer section 56 to enable transmission through the corresponding bridge 57. As shown in Fig. In the embodiment of Figures 15 and 17, the inner section 55 is formed in a circular or nearly circular shape. The outer section 56 is at least partially defined by a semi-annular shape at least partially surrounding the inner section 55 in this embodiment and is spaced from the inner section around the inner edge of the ring. The bridge 57 of this embodiment is at least partially formed in a semi-annular shape with inner and outer semicircular edges and the bridge 57 at least partially surrounds the inner section 55 and at least partially covers the sections 55, 56). 17, the inner edge of the bridge 57 covers the inner section 55 and the outer edge of the bridge 57 covers the outer section 56. As shown in Fig. Between the outer section 56 and the bridge 57 a lead 18 is connected to the inner section 55 and not to the outer section 56 or the bridge 57, The gap 58 is formed so that it can be passed away from the first and second electrodes 55, 55. In other words, the semi-annular shaped outer section 56 and the bridge 57 have ends that define a gap 58 therebetween. It is understood that the mutual shape, size and arrangement of the sections 55, 56 and the bridge 57 can be different in different embodiments.

In one embodiment, the bridge 57 may be formed of a material that is more resistant than the sections 55, 56 and thus may provide most of the resistance of each resistor 53, 54. The sections 55,56 may be formed at least in part from a material of high conductivity such as silver. In the embodiment of Figures 3-22b, the inner and outer sections 55,56 are formed of the same material as the lid 18, such as printed silver-based or other metal-based ink. In this embodiment, the bridge 57 is formed of the same material as the sensor contacts 40, 42, such as carbon black or other conductive carbon material. It is understood that the inner and outer sections 55, 56 and / or the bridge 57 may be formed of different materials in different embodiments.

Path 50 allows for overall continuous and / or uninterrupted electrical communication and passes electronic signals between first and second layers 66 and 68. 3-22b the port 14 is directly connected to the second layer 68 and the path 50 is connected to the port 14 and the sensor contacts 40,42 on the first layer 66,68 ≪ / RTI > The path 50 includes a conductive portion 51 on a first layer 66 and a second layer 68 which are in continuous contact with one another so that the first and second layers 66, To provide continuous electrical communication between the two layers 66, 68 (e.g., see FIG. 21). The spacer layer 67 in this embodiment includes an aperture 38 that is aligned with the path 50 to permit continued contact between the conductive portions 51 through the spacer layer 67. 3-22b, each of the conductive portions 51 is divided into two sections 52 separated by a long gap 59 (Fig. 15). These conducting sections 52 have a substantially semi-circular shape in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3-22b, and the conducting section 51 has a roughly circular shape. The section 52 on the first layer 66 has substantially the same shape, size and location as the section 52 on the second layer 68 so that the corresponding section in each layer 66, And contacts the corresponding section 52 at the second end 66, 68. The gap 59 on the two layers 66, 68 is in a substantially aligned state in this embodiment. In other words, the conductive section 51 does not directly contact either of the left section 52 and the right section 52, and the left section 52 of the conductive section 51 is coupled to the other and the right section 52 of the conductive section 51 May be arranged to be coupled to each other. This configuration may alternatively be described as forming two separate parallel paths between the first and second layers 66 and 68, each section 52 having a separate conductive path < RTI ID = 0.0 > . ≪ / RTI > The conductive portion 51 of the path 50 is formed of a conductive material and in one embodiment the conductive portion 51 may be formed of the same material as the lead 18, such as silver-based ink or other metallic ink. In other embodiments, path 50 and its components described herein may have different sizes, shapes, configurations, or locations, and may be formed of different materials.

The path 50 may be at least partially enclosed or delimited by the reinforcing structure 60 in one embodiment to provide structural support and / or effect. As shown in Figs. 7-17 and Fig. 21, the conductive portion 51 is surrounded by a substantially annular reinforcing member 60. Fig. The stiffener 60 in this embodiment is not completely annular because the gap 59 extends through the stiffener 60 and the stiffener 60 is connected to the conducting portion 51 in the alternative embodiment, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > gaps < / RTI > In this embodiment, the stiffener 60 functions to support the contact between the conductive parts 51 to achieve the maximum contact between the conductive parts 51. Fig. 21 shows this configuration in more detail. It is understood that Figure 21 is at least a partial diagram in nature and that the relative sizes of the components shown in Figure 21 may be exaggerated for effect and understanding. In addition, FIG. 21 does not show the bottom layer 69 for brevity in representing the other layers 66 and 68. The spacer layer 67 separates the conductive portions 51 such that the layers 66 and 68 are deflected toward each other in the path 50 so that the conductive portions 51 are brought into contact with each other.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 21, the holes 38 in the spacer layer 67 allow the conductive parts 51 to be biased towards each other to be in contact with each other. The first and second layers 66 and 68 are evacuated to achieve this contact, for example by passing the rollers over an assembled insert member 37 at the location of the path 50 to remove excess air. Or otherwise can be squeezed together. The deflection of the layers 66 and 68 towards one another forms an annular transition region 61 in one or both of the layers 66 and 68 near the rim of the hole 38 and the layer or layers (66, 68) are biased towards each other. The transition region 61 is formed by the outer and inner annular broken lines 61a and 61b so that the transition region 61 is between the broken lines 61a and 61b and the conductive portion 51 is surrounded by the inner wave And is present in the disconnection line 61b. In this configuration, the first and second layers 66 and 68 are substantially horizontal outside the outer fold line 61a and within the inner fold line 61b, and the first and second layers 66 and 68 are transitioned And are inclined toward each other in the region 61 so that the conductive portions 51 are brought into contact with each other. The bore 38 is larger in dimension than the stiffener 60 so that the stiffener 60 is positioned adjacent the edge of the bore 38. In this configuration the increased stiffness of the stiffener 60 tends to cause the layers 66 and 68 to abruptly transition at least partially vertically from horizontal at the location of the stiffener 60, There is a tendency to form the region 61.

21, the position of the transition region 61 in the stiffener 60 allows maximum contact between the conductive portions 51 within the region 62 where the transition region 61 defines the boundary. In one embodiment, most of the conducting portions 51 are in continuous contact with one another through apertures 38 within the bounded region 62 by the transition regions 61. [ In another embodiment, the conductive portions 51 are in continuous contact with each other through the holes 38 over the entire or almost all of the bordered regions 62 by the transition regions 61. This continuous contact helps to ensure that path 50 and circuit 10 function properly without interruption. Adhesives may be used in or near the path 50 to enhance contact between the layers 66 and 68 in the path 50. The stiffener 60 may be formed of any material having appropriate stiffness and may be formed of a material of greater rigidity than the material of the conductive portion 51 in one embodiment. One example of such a material is carbon black or other carbon-based materials, but in other embodiments, other materials including other types of printable materials may be used.

The stiffener 60 may assist in achieving continuous contact between the conductive portions 51 in other ways. In the embodiment of Fig. 3-22b, the stiffener 60 is formed by a carbon-based ink that is capable of absorbing light of different wavelengths better than the metal-based ink of the conductive portion 51, which may exhibit a reflective tendency. The ink on the layers 66 and 68 can be cured using infrared radiation and in this embodiment the reinforcement 60 can absorb a greater amount of infrared radiation than the conductive portion 51. [ This absorption tends to heat the areas of the layers 66 and 68 immediately below the stiffener 60 causing the temperature gradients along the thickness of the layers 66 and 68 so that the layers 66 and 68 are in contact with the stiffener 60 ) Is warmer on the printed surface, and the opposite surface becomes colder. This temperature gradient can cause differential expansion / contraction of the opposing faces of the layers 66 and 68 near the stiffener 60 so that the warm surface in the stiffener 60 is less shrunk The area of each of the layers 66 and 68 inside the stiffener 60 (i.e., in the conductive portion 51) can be slightly protruded or concave upward. This protrusion of the layers 66 and 68 allows the contact between the conductive portions 51 to be strengthened by extending the conductive portions 51 on the layers 66 and 68 in close proximity to each other so that the continuity of the conductive portions 51 in the stiffener 60 ≪ / RTI > contact or nearly continuous contact. The protrusions of the layers 66 and 68 may be additionally or alternatively reinforced by mechanical stamping or other pre-deforming action to effect a protruding or depressing effect. The contact between the conductive parts 51 can be enhanced by additionally or alternatively using a bonding method such as ultrasonic spot welding or other spot welding. In one embodiment, ultrasonic spot welding may be performed in a waffle pattern between the conductive portions 51 to keep the conductive portions 51 in an engaged state with each other.

The gap 59 in the path 50 can perform various functions. One function that may be performed by the gap 59 is to electrically isolate between the sections 52 of the path 50 to form a separate connection between the layers 66 and 68. Another function that can be performed by the gap 59 is to improve the durability of the path 50 while the insertion member 37 is bent. In general, the feet of the user may extend from the fifth tribal valley (also referred to as the fifth tribe bone head portion or the fifth metacarpal portion) to the first tribal valley portion (also referred to as the first tribological bone head portion or the first species bony portion) There is a tendency to " roll " In the embodiment of Figures 3-22b the path 50 is located near the second and / or third species valley of the insertion member 37 so that the roll of the user's foot is passed directly over the path 50 . Repeated rolling of such characteristics can bend the conductive portion 51, which can again cause wear, cracking, separation, and the like. The gap 59 can function as a bending point that minimizes bending of the conductive portion 51 when properly aligned. 3-22b, the gap 59 is approximately perpendicular to the direction of the typical roll of the user's foot, i.e. perpendicular to the line extending between the fifth metatarsal portion and the first metatarsal portion of the insertion member 37 . In one embodiment, a hypothetical line L (see FIG. 10) may be drawn between the sensor 16b of the first trough and the sensor 16c of the fifth metatarsal, And can be arranged within +/- 45 [deg.] In a state of being vertically or perpendicular to the line (L). The line L shown in Fig. 10 is drawn between the front edge of the first metatarsal sensor 16b (e.g., the front center) and the rear edge of the fifth metatarsal sensor 16c (rear center). In one embodiment, the gap 59 (if present) may be otherwise positioned, particularly if the path 50 is located in another area of the insertion member 37.

Figures 52-56 illustrate a sensor system 612 of another embodiment that includes an insertion member 37 similar to sensor system 12 and insertion member 37 of Figures 3-22b. In the embodiment of Figures 52-56, the path 50 does not include the stiffener 60 as in the embodiment of Figures 3-22b. In addition, in this embodiment, the conducting portion 51 of the path 50 is expanded to cover the area covered by the stiffener 60 of the embodiment of Figs. 3-22b. In other words, in this embodiment, the conductive portion 51 extends almost to the edge of the hole 38 aligned with the path 50, and a part of the conductive portion 51 is covered with the transition region 61, . The expanded size of the conductive portion 51 in the embodiment of Figures 52-56 can provide the function of a more continuous and continuous path 50 by providing a larger surface area for potential contact between the conductive portions 51 have. In another aspect, the path 50 shares structural and functional features with the embodiment of the path 50 illustrated in Figures 3-22b and elsewhere. These similar structures and functions are not mentioned again for brevity. In one embodiment, mechanical stamping or other pre-deforming operation can be used to enhance the contact between the conductive portions 51 as described above, by providing the protruding or depressing effect of the vias 66, 68. It is possible to additionally or alternatively use a bonding method such as ultrasonic spot welding to enhance the contact between the conductive parts 51 as described above.

In other embodiments, the path 50 may be located at another location or have other configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the path 50 may be formed by, for example, using a 2-pin connection (not shown) on the first layer 66 to connect the 2-pin connection to the interface 20 And may be formed at or near the terminal 11 by connecting to the fifth and sixth terminals 11, respectively. Other structures that form the path 50 in a further embodiment may be utilized.

Figures 48-51 illustrate sensor systems 12, 412, 512, and 612 that are configured differently from the sensor systems 12, 412, 512, and 612 described herein, and sensor systems 712 ). The sensor system 712 of Figures 48-51 includes many of the structural and functional features that are common to the sensor system 12 described above and illustrated in Figures 3-22b. For example, in the embodiment of Figures 48-51, the contour of the insertion member 37, the alternative location of the sensor 16, and the configuration of the air flow system 70 are similar to that of the insertion member 37 in Figure 3-22b The alternative location of the sensor 16, and the configuration of the air flow system 70. These and other such common features will not be recited herein for brevity.

In the embodiment of Figures 48-51 the sensor system 712 includes two contacts or electrodes 740 and 742 located on the second layer 68 and a third contact 744 located on the first layer 66. [ (Not shown). In this embodiment, all of the contacts 740, 742, 744 are formed of the carbon-based ink as described above having at least one distribution lead 18A at the edge of each contact 740, 742, 744. The contacts 740 and 742 on the second layer 68 may have different conductivity than the contacts 744 on the first layer 66 and may be formed of doped carbon based ink to achieve higher conductivity. The contacts 740 and 742 on the second layer 68 are electrically separated from each other and are connected to the port 14 by leads 18, respectively. A single power or ground lead 18B is connected to the first contact 740 of all the sensors 16 and a second contact 742 of the individual sensor 16 is connected to the port 14 by a separate lead 18. [ Lt; / RTI >

The structure of the sensor 16 in the sensor system 712 of Figures 48-51 is similar to the sensor 16 of the embodiment of Figures 3-22b. In this embodiment, the combined first and second contact portions 740 and 742 are arranged such that the first and second contact portions 740 and 742 are electrically separated from each other and the third contact portion 744 Is structurally similar to the contact portion 42 on the second layer 68 of the embodiment of Figures 3-22b, except that it is structurally similar to the contact portion 40 on the first layer 66 of the embodiment. In other embodiments, sensor 16 and / or contacts 740, 742, 744 may have other configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the contacts 744 on the first layer 66 may be a single patch of carbon-based ink.

In the embodiment of the sensor system 712 of Figures 48-51 the first and second contacts 740 and 742 are electrically separated from each other and the third contact 744 contacts the first and second contacts 740, 742, the third contact 744 being configured to make contact with the first and second contacts 740, 742 when a vertical pressure is applied to the sensor 16. The signal from the port 14 passes through the electrode 744 of the sensor 16 on the first layer 66 to cause the two electrodes 66 of each sensor 16 on the second layer 68, (740, 742). The resistivity of the sensor 16 is thus determined by the contact between the contacts 740 and 742 on the second layer 68 and the electrodes 744 on the first layer 66 and the pressure applied to the sensor 16 The relationship between the resistances of the sensor 16 is similar to that of the sensor 16 of the embodiment of Figs. 3-22b described herein and illustrated in Fig. The sensitivity range, operating pressure, and other functional characteristics of the sensor 16 of Figures 48-51 may be similar to those of the sensor 16 of the sensor system 12 of Figures 3-22b.

The connection at the port 14 in the sensor system 712 of Figures 49-51 includes the power terminal 104a, the measurement terminal 104b and the four sensor terminals 104c-104f, And is schematically illustrated in Fig. The measurement of resistivity / resistance may be completed in the same or similar manner as described above. The circuit of the embodiment of Figs. 48-51 is similar to that shown in Fig. 20, but the present embodiment has only one fixed resistor 53 instead of two parallel fixed resistors 53 and 54 as in the embodiment of Figs. 3-22b . In addition, each sensor 16 in the embodiment of FIG. 3-22b may be considered to be a parallel five resistors, while each sensor 16 of sensor system 712 of FIGS. 49-51 includes three additional It can be considered to be two parallel resistors (contact portions 742) arranged in series with a parallel resistor (contact portion 740). In another embodiment, the sensor system 712 of Figures 48-51 may be wired to have two fixed parallel resistors or any other resistor configuration described herein. It is understood that the path 50 is not required between the layers 66 and 68 in this embodiment since the lid 18 connected to the port 14 is present only in the second layer 68. [ Thus, the spacer layer 67 in the sensor system 712 of Figures 48-51 may not include the hole 38 as in the spacer layer 67 of Figures 3-22b.

The insertion member 37 may be constituted by laminating various components on a polymer (e.g., PET) film. In one embodiment, the insert member 37 includes an electrical conductor portion 51, including the power distribution leads 18A, the conductive portion 51 of the path 50, the inner and outer sections 55,56 of the resistors 53 and 54, Is constructed by first laminating a conductive metallic material on each of the layers 66, 68 by printing the leads 18 in a traced pattern. Thereafter, additional carbon material is laminated on each of the layers 66 and 68, for example by printing, to form the contact portions 40 and 42, the stiffener 60 of the path 60, the bridge 57 of the resistors 53 and 54, And the like. Any additional component such as any dielectric portion may then be deposited. The layers 66 and 68 may be printed on a PET sheet in one embodiment, and may be cut after printing to form a peripheral shape.

The port 14 is configured to transmit data collected by the sensor 16 to an external source in one or more known ways. In one embodiment, port 14 is a universal communication port configured to communicate data in a universally readable format. 3-22b, the port 14 includes an interface 20 for connection to the electronic module 22 illustrated with respect to the port 14 of Fig. Additionally, in this embodiment, the port 14 cooperates with the housing 24 for insertion of the electronic module 22 located in the recess 135 of the mid-arc or mid-zone of the middle window 131. As shown in FIGS. 7-16, the sensor leads 18 are connected to the port 14 by being brought together and forming the integrated interface 20 at the terminal 11. In one embodiment, the integrated interface may include separate connections that connect the sensor leads 18 to the port interface 20, e.g., via a plurality of electrical contacts. In other embodiments, the sensor leads 18 may be integrated to form, for example, a pluggable interface or other configuration of the external interface, and in a further embodiment the sensor lead 18 may form a non-integrated interface , Wherein each lead 18 has its own individual terminal 11. The module 22 may include an interface 23 for connection to the port interface 20 and / or the sensor lead 18, as also described below.

In the embodiment of Figures 3-22b, the interface 20 takes the form of an electrical contact or terminal 11. In one embodiment, the terminal 11 is formed on a tongue or extension 21 that extends into one of the holes 27 provided for the housing 24 from one of the layers 66,68. The extensions combine the ends of the leads 18 into a single area to form the interface 20. In the embodiment of Figures 3-22b the extension 21 extends into the hole 27 from the second layer 68 and then is bent downwardly in the housing 24 so that the terminal 11 is received within the housing 24 And allows the interface 20 to be accessible within the housing 24. In order to increase the length of the extension 21 and allow the extension 21 to bend downwardly and extend downwardly into the housing 24, the second layer 68 is provided on both sides of the extension 21 in this embodiment And further includes a slit 83. The rounded ends of the slits 83 can prevent cracks and ruptures from forming and / or propagating in the material of the second layer 68 near the extensions 21. The extension 21 may pass under the flange 28 of the housing 24 and another space below the slot or lip 28 to extend into the housing 24. If the flange 28 is a separate part as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 31-32, the extension 21 is provided with a flange 28 and a flange 28 before the flange 28 is connected to the barrel 29, Respectively. 3-22b, the extension 21 is formed of the same polymeric film material as the second layer 68 and is integral with the second layer 68 (e.g., formed as a single piece) ). The extensions 21 may extend from the first layer 66 and may include portions connected to both layers 66 and 68 and / or may extend from one layer or both layers < RTI ID = 0.0 > As shown in Fig.

The extension 21 as shown in FIGS. 3-22b and 32 includes a stiffener 81 connected to the extension to reinforce a portion of the extension 21. The stiffener 81 can be selected from a number of different materials that provide strength, hardness, abrasion resistance, and other reinforcement. For example, the stiffener 81 may be formed of the same material as the dielectric material 80 used to insulate between the layers 66 and 68 in the channel 71, such as acrylic ink or other UV-curable ink . In the embodiment shown in Figures 3-22b and Figure 32, the stiffener 81 is in the form of a long strip extending over the entire width of the extension 21 in the middle along the length of the extension 21. In this embodiment, the extension 21 extends from the second layer 68 into the hole 27 and the stiffener 81 is stacked on top of the extension 21 and extends across the end of the lead 18 . The stiffener 81 may have a greater strength than the material of the lead 18 in one embodiment and may have a greater strength than the film material that forms the layer in other embodiments.

In the configuration illustrated in Figures 3-22b and 32, the extension 21 is positioned within the housing 24 by bending down into the recess 135 and into the housing 24 as described above And forms the interface 20 within the housing 24. 32, the extension 21 includes a bend region 84 in which the extension 21 is bent downward at the outer periphery of the housing 24, thereby defining the side wall 25 of the housing 24 And then extend downward. The bend region 84 is generally linear and extends transversely across the extension 21. [ In the illustrated embodiment, the stiffener 81 is configured such that the strip of stiffener 81 extends transversely across the bend region 84 and extends generally parallel to the bend region 84, Lt; / RTI > In one embodiment, the stiffener 81 is formed as a long rectangular strip, and the stiffener 81 has a width sufficient to cover the entire bending area 84. [ In this position, the stiffener 81 performs various functions. One such function is to prevent the film of the leads 18 and / or extensions 21 from being damaged due to the bending of the extensions 21. This other function prevents the film of the lid 18 and / or the extension 21 from being abraded and abraded, for example, preventing the film from peeling against the housing 24 at the bend area 84, . This additional function is to provide stiffness and / or strength to the extensions 21. Other advantages of the reinforcement 81 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, the stiffener 81 may be positioned, shaped, or configured differently, or alternatively, or alternatively, in other locations to provide stiffeners 81 with other components of the sensor assembly 12, such as strength, stiffness, And the like. In a further embodiment, the stiffener 81 may not be used or the stiffener 81 may cover most of the extension 21.

The housing 24 may include a connector structure such as a connector pin or spring (not shown) to establish a connection between the interface 20 and the module 22. In one embodiment, the port 14 includes an electrical connector 82 forming an interface 20 that may include contacts that are attached to the terminals 11 individually as described above and illustrated in Fig. The connector 82 may be connected to the extension 21 and the terminal 11 via a crimping connection. The interface 20 of the present embodiment includes seven terminals: four terminals 11 are each individually connected to one of the sensors 16 and one terminal 11 is connected to a measurement terminal (104b in FIG. 20) And one terminal functions as a power terminal (104a in Fig. 10) for applying a voltage to the circuit 10. [ As described above, the power terminal may instead be configured as a ground terminal in another embodiment, wherein the sensor terminal (104c-104f in Fig. 20) is configured as a power terminal. The configuration of the sensor 16, the lead 18 and other components of the sensor system 12 may be different between the left and right foot inserting members 37 and the sensor 16 may be located on the right Can be connected to the other terminal 11 in the left insertion member 37 as compared to the insertion member 37. In this embodiment, the first four terminals 11 are still held for connection to the sensor 16 (although in a potentially different order), wherein the fifth, sixth and seventh terminals 11 are located on the left and right sides The insertion member 37 has the same function. This configuration may be different in other embodiments. In another embodiment, the module 22 may be specifically configured for use with the left or right shoe 100 and the insert member 37. The seventh terminal may be used for powering an accessory device such as a unique identification chip. In one embodiment, the sixth and seventh terminals 11 extend on the trailing portion 21A extending from the end of the extension 21. [ The accessory device can be powered by being connected across two terminals 11 on the tail portion 21A. The accessory device may include a small printed circuit board (PCB) having a memory chip attached to the trailing portion 21A through the formation of an anisotropic contact. In one embodiment, the ancillary chips are used to determine whether the shoe 100 is a right or left shoe, a male or female shoe, a particular type of shoe (e.g., running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, Information that uniquely identifies the shoe 100 product, such as a serial number, as well as substantial information. This information may be read by the module 22 and then used for analysis, presentation, and / or organization of data obtained from the sensor. The accessory device may be sealed within the housing 24, for example, via epoxy or other material.

The port 14 is adapted to couple to a number of different electronic modules 22, which may include simple or more complex features such as memory components (e.g., flash drives). It is understood that the module 22 may be a complex component such as a personal computer, a portable device, a server, and the like. The port 14 is configured to transmit the data collected by the sensor 16 to the module 22 for storage, transmission and / or processing. In some embodiments, port 14, sensor 16, and / or other components of sensor system 12 may be configured for processing of data. The port 14, the sensor 16 and other components of the sensor system 12 may additionally or alternatively transmit data directly to the external device 110 or the plurality of modules 22 and / or the external device 110 Lt; / RTI > Other components of the port 14, sensor 16, and / or sensor system 12 may include suitable hardware, software, and the like for these purposes. Examples of housings and electronic modules in shoe products are illustrated in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 416,458, which is incorporated herein by reference and is a part of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0260421. Port 14 is illustrated as having electronic terminal 11 that forms interface 20 for connection to module 22 in another embodiment but port 14 may include one or more additional or alternative communication interfaces . ≪ / RTI > For example, the port 14 may include a USB port, a firewall port, a 16-pin port, or other type of physical contact interface, or may be a WiFi, Bluetooth, short range communication, RFID, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee or other wireless communication Technique interface or an interface for infrared or other optical communication techniques. In another embodiment, sensor system 12 may include one or more modules 22 or two or more ports 14 configured for communication with external device 110. This configuration can alternatively be considered to be a single dispensing port 14. For example, each of the sensors 16 may have a separate port 14 for communication with one or more electronic modules 22, as in the embodiment of the sensor system 812 shown in Fig. The individual ports 14 may be configured for wireless communication using wireless or contactless communication as described above. In one embodiment, each port 14 comprises an RFID chip comprising an antenna, and in another embodiment port (s) 14 utilize the user's body as a transmission system, To a module 22 located elsewhere on the body of the user. The port 14 in this embodiment is connected to the sensor 16 by a lead 18 and the lead 18 in the broken line of Figure 61 represents the lead 18 on the lower layer of the insertion member 37 . The port 14 may be positioned between the layers of the insertion member 37, in the hole of the insertion member 37, or above or below the insertion member 37 in various embodiments. It is understood that multiple or dispense port (s) 14 can be used to couple a combination of two or more sensors to a single port 14. In a further embodiment, the sensor system 12 may include one or more ports 14 having other configurations that may include combinations of two or more configurations mentioned herein.

Module 22 may further include one or more communication interfaces for connection to external device 110 for transferring data for processing purposes as described below or as shown in Figures 6 and 23 . Such an interface may include any of the contact or non-contact interfaces described above. In one example, the module 22 includes at least a foldable USB connection for connecting the computer and / or the battery of the module 22. As another example, the module 22 may be configured to be tethered or contactlessly connected to a mobile device, such as a watch, cell phone, portable music player, and the like. The module 22 may be configured to be in wireless communication with the external device 110 through which the module 22 may be retained in the shoe 100. Thus, in other embodiments, the module 22 may be configured to be removed from the shoe 100 to be connected directly to the external device 110, for example, for data transmission by the above-described foldable USB connection. In a wireless implementation, the module 22 may be coupled to an antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may have a shape, size and location to be used at an appropriate transmission frequency for the selected wireless communication method. Additionally, the antenna may be located internally within the module 22 or external to the module. In one example, the sensor system 12 itself (e.g., the lead 18 and the conductive portion of the sensor 16) can be used to form an antenna. The module 22 may be further disposed, positioned and / or configured to enhance antenna acceptability, and in one embodiment, a portion of the user's body may be used as an antenna. In one embodiment, the module 22 may be permanently mounted within the shoe 100, or, alternatively, may be optionally removed by the user and left in the shoe 100 if desired. In addition, as further described below, the module 22 may be removed and then replaced with another module 22 that is programmed and / or configured to collect and / or utilize data from the sensor 16 in another manner . Once the module 22 is permanently mounted within the shoe 100, the sensor system 12 may further include an external port (not shown) that allows data transfer and / or battery charging, such as a USB or firewall port. It is understood that the module 22 can be configured for both contact and non-contact communication.

Port 14 may be located in various positions without departing from the invention, but in one embodiment port 14 may be configured to allow the wearer, for example during foot landing, to step in and / Is provided and / or otherwise configured in a predetermined position and orientation to prevent or minimize contact of the wearer ' s foot and / or the stimulation of the wearer ' s foot when used. The arrangement of the ports 14 in Figures 3-4 illustrates one such example. In another embodiment, the port 14 is positioned near the heel or foot portion of the shoe 100. Other features of the shoe 100 structure may help reduce or prevent contact between the wearer's foot and the port 14 (or an element connected to the port 14) to improve the overall comfort of the shoe 100 structure . For example, as described above and illustrated in Figures 3-5, the foot-contact member 133 is provided over the port 14 to cover the port 14, at least partially, To provide a padding layer. Additional features may be used to reduce contact between the wearer ' s foot and the port and to control any unpleasant feel of the wearer ' s feet. If desired, opening to the port 14 may be provided through the upper surface of the foot-contact member 133 without departing from the invention. Such an arrangement may be advantageous, for example, when the housing 24, electronic module 22 and other features of the port 14 include a structure for adjusting the feel at the user ' s feet and / And when a feel control element is provided, and so on. Any feature of any of the various features described above that may help or reduce the contact between the wearer's foot and the housing (or the elements contained within the housing) to improve the overall comfort of the shoe structure may be provided without departing from the invention, The features include the various features described above in concert with the accompanying drawings, as well as other known methods and techniques.

Figs. 62-76 disclose another view of the port 14 of an embodiment configured for use with the insertion member 37. Fig. Similar structures as described above will be indicated by the same or similar reference numerals. Modifications of the embodiment and the embodiment will be described in detail below. As discussed and disclosed herein, the port 14 forms or supports an interface 20 for operable connection with the module 22. Module 22 is also described in further detail below. Through the operable connection between the port 14 and the module 22, the data sensed by the sensor assembly 12 can be acquired, stored and / or processed for further use and analysis.

As can be seen from Figures 62-64, the port 14 is generally supported in the middle of the insertion assembly 37. The port 14 includes a housing 24 that supports the interface assembly 156. The interface assembly 156 is operatively connected to the extension 21 having the lead 18 at the top in the insertion member 37, as will be described in greater detail below. This connection establishes the interface 20 for further operational connection with the interface 23 of the module 22.

As further illustrated in Figures 65-67, the housing 24 of the present embodiment includes a base member 140 and a cover member 142. The base member 140 may correspond to the barrel 29 as described above forming the side wall 25 and the base wall 26. The first end of the base member 140 has a generally rectangular configuration for receiving the extension 21 of the insertion member 37. The second end of the base member 140 has a rounded configuration. The base member 140 forms a first section 144 and a second section 146. The first section 144 corresponds to the shape of the module 22 and is sized to receive the module and the second section 146 is sized to receive and support the interface assembly 156. The second section 146 further includes first and second outer slots 148, 150 communicating with each other. The first outer slot 148 is wider and larger than the second outer slot 150. The housing 24 further defines a protrusion 151 at the second end for holding the module 22 in the housing 24. [ A finger recess 29A is located adjacent to the protrusion 151. [ The base member 140 further includes a pair of receiving portions 152 cooperating with the cover member 142.

As further illustrated in Figures 66-67, the cover member 142 includes a center hole 153 sized to receive the module 22. The cover member 142 further includes a beam member 154 at a first end and a second end of the cover member 142 includes a rounded configuration. The beam member 154 protrudes above a portion of the first section 144 when connected to the base member 140 as will be described. The lower surface of the cover member 142 is received in the receiving portion 152. The outer periphery of the cover member 142 defines a lip or flange 28. In the exemplary embodiment, the cover member 142 is secured to the housing 24 The base member 140 may be formed with a ledge on the side wall to receive the protruding wall on the cover member 142. In this case, do.

Figures 68-71 further illustrate the components of the interface assembly 156. The interface assembly 156 includes a carrier 157 that supports the electrical connector 82 as outlined with reference to Fig. The electrical connector 82 has a distal end that defines a contact that is resiliently supported by the carrier 157 to cooperate with a corresponding contact on the module 22, respectively. The electrical connector 82 has a bend around the carrier 157 and has a proximal end with a plurality of fingers 158 on the top. In one embodiment, four fingers 158 are associated with each connector 82, and the fingers 158 can be arranged in a flower petal configuration. As described in further detail below, the interface assembly 156 may further include a filler material or injection component 159. The end portion 82A of the connector is understood to snap off at a predetermined position before connection with the extension 21 of the insertion member 37 as shown in Fig.

72-73, the interface assembly 156 is operatively connected to an extension 21 having a lead 11 thereon at an insertion member 37. As shown in Figs. To this end, a finger 158 is connected to the extension 21, where contact is made between the lid 11 and the connector 82. This coupling can be seen and understood from FIG. 72 and can also be understood from FIG. In the exemplary embodiment, the fingers 158 project through the extension 21, each of the plurality of fingers 158 extending through the extension 21 to engage the extension in a surrounding manner. As further illustrated in FIG. 72, the posterior portion 21A is understood to be further foldable so as to be positioned adjacent the rear face of the extension portion 21. As shown in FIG. As discussed, the trailing portion 21A with the sixth and seventh connectors may have a PCB member 90 connected to the trailing portion and functioning as described above, which PCB member may be a unique identification chip . It is understood that the extension 21 and the carrier 157 are positioned to protrude from the upper plane of the insertion member 37. The carrier 157 is positioned in the first outer slot 148 of the base member 140 of the housing 24, as further illustrated in FIG. The carrier 157 is sized to fit within the first outer slot 148. The connector 82 is directed into the first section 144 formed by the housing 24. As can be seen from Figures 75-76, it is understood that the fill material or injection component 159 may be injected into the second outer slot 150 through the opening 150A (Figure 65). The injection component 159 may be a thermoset plastic in the exemplary embodiment, and may be one or more other materials. The injection component 159 fills the second outer slot 150 and provides a protective connection by extending around an area where the extension 21 is connected to the connector 82 held by the carrier 157. In one embodiment, the injection component 159 maintains a desired degree of stretch to enhance the connection between the extension 21 and the port 14. [ The injection component 159 can resist shock and vibration while suppressing moisture penetration and corrosion agents. It is understood that the base member 140 is positioned in the insertion member 37 and the receiving portion 152 is aligned with the corresponding opening 28B through the insertion member 37. [ The cover member 142 is positioned on the upper surface of the insertion member 37 and the protruding posts 155 are fitted in the receiving portion 152 (Figs. 62-67). An ultrasonic welding operation is performed to connect the cover member 142 to the base member 140. [ This connection is similar to the connection of pin 28A as shown in Fig. Other connection techniques for connecting the cover member 142 to the base member 140, including snap connections or other mechanical connections, may be used in other embodiments. It is understood that the beam member 154 extends over the interface 20 and the connector 82 protrudes within the housing 24. This configuration ensures that the port 14 is securely connected to the insertion member 37 and also provides an operative connection with the module 22 as described herein.

Figures 77-90 disclose additional drawings and features of one embodiment of module 22 and are described in further detail below. Module 22 is received by port 14 and operatively connected to the port for collection, storage, and / or processing of data received from sensor system 12, as discussed previously. Module 22 may include various components for this purpose, including, but not limited to, printed circuit boards, power supplies, lighting elements, interfaces and other types of sensors (including multi-axis accelerometers, gyroscopes and / .

The module 22 includes a housing 170 that supports an interface 23 with an electrical connector forming a contact that cooperates with the interface 20 of the port 14. As will be described in more detail below, the contacts associated with the interface 23 of the module 22 are present in a sealed configuration to prevent penetration of moisture. The module 22 further comprises a non-illuminated LED light indicator that is visually recognizable only at the time of illumination. Finally, the module 22 uses a unique ground plane extender to enhance the operation of the module 22.

79-83, the housing 170 of the module 22 supports the interface assembly 171. As shown in Figs. The interface assembly 171 includes a plurality of connectors 172 and a module carrier 173. The connectors 172 each have a terminal end forming a contact forming the interface 23 of the module 22 as a whole. The connector 172 is understood to be insert molded so that a material is formed around the connector 172 to form the module carrier 173. A portion 172A (Figure 79) of the connector 172 is understood to be snapped off at a predetermined position to place the connector 172 at an appropriate length for additional operable connection. The housing 170 typically includes a module base member 174 having outer and inner base members 175, 176. The housing 170 further includes a module top member 177 having outer and inner top members 178, 179. The module base members 175 and 176, the module top members 178 and 179 and the interface assembly 171 cooperate to provide a sealed configuration around the connector 172. The connector 172 may be regarded as having an overmolding configuration. These components also form an internal cavity, and the housing 170 supports internal components including a printed circuit board operatively connected to the connector 172.

As discussed, the connector 172 is insert molded and the module carrier 173 is formed around the connector 172. The outer base member 175 is understood to be formed, for example, by an injection molding process to form an end opening. In this process, the connector 172 can be sufficiently supported within the mold to withstand the pressures associated with the injection molding process. The interface assembly 171 and the outer base member 175 are disposed in a mold wherein the interface assembly 171 is positioned at the end opening and is supported by the outer base member 175. In a further injection molding process, additional material is injected into the mold to form the inner base member 176. An inner base member 176 is formed about the module carrier 173 and the distal end of the connector 172 and against the surface of the outer base member 175. An inner cavity is formed by the inner base member 176, within which the printed circuit board 180 is supported. The connector 172 is understood to be operatively connected to the printed circuit board 180. It is also understood that other components of the module 22 are supported within the inner cavity. As will be described in greater detail below, the connector 172 is configured in a sealed form from an overmolding process.

A module top member 177 as shown in Figs. 85-86 and 89-90, including inner and outer top members 179, 178, may also be formed using an injection molding method in one embodiment . As shown in Fig. 88, the inner upper member 179 has a through hole 181. The outer upper member 178 is a generally planar member. The inner upper member 179 is located on the base member 174 and the outer upper member 178 is located on the inner upper member 179. The upper member 177 is connected to the base member 175 to cover the internal components of the module 22.

With this structural arrangement, the connector 172 is sealed to prevent potential moisture penetration. 84, the carrier 173 is in surface-to-surface contact with the connector 172, generally at the inner surface of the connector 172. As shown in Fig. In addition, the inner base member 176 is generally positioned around the connector 172 at the outer surface of the connector 172. [ The inner base member 176 further includes a contact surface 182 that is in contact with and joined to a contact surface 183 formed by the outer base member 175. As further illustrated in Fig. 84, with this configuration, a complicated path indicated by the imaginary line L is formed. This complex path L minimizes the possibility of penetration of moisture. For example, a user may enter a water pool during use, potentially exposing the port 14 and module 22 to moisture. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector 172 is considered to be sealed with 5 ATM. A bonding material (e.g., an adhesive) may be used between the module carrier 173 adjacent to the complicated path L and the inner base member 176, for example, at one or both points P in FIG.

Module 22 is understood to be received within port 14. The front end of the module 22 is inserted into the first section 144 through the center hole 153. The size of the module 22 corresponds roughly to the size of the first section 144 and is formed in an interference fit manner. The interface 23 on the module 22 is operatively associated with the interface 20 on the port 14 where each contact of the interfaces 20 and 23 is in surface to surface contact . Thus, the interface 23 of the module 22 is configured to be urged toward the interface 20 side of the port 14. The module 22 may include a recess 184 on the rear face that is adapted to support the module 22 through the snap connection to the protrusion 151 of the housing 24 ). The user can easily remove the module 22 from the port by approaching the module 22 with the aid of the finger recess 29A. Thus, the module 22 can be used to replace a module 22 of some sort for a given application, for example, with a different type of module for another purpose, or to replace the discharged module 22 with a newly packed module 22 , It is easily insertable into the port 14 and is removable from the port 14.

As shown in FIGS. 85-90, the module 22 includes a light assembly 185 to provide a user with an illuminated indication. The light assembly 185 is operatively connected to the printed circuit board 180. The light assembly 185 includes a light source 186 and a light guide 187. The light 186 is an LED light member according to an exemplary embodiment, although other light members may be used. The light 186 includes an arcuate section 188 and is configured to illuminate the light in a first direction, e.g., indicated by arrow A1, which may be horizontal in the exemplary embodiment. The light 186 may be considered to be a side emitting LED. The light guide 187 includes a first section 189 defining a first passageway 190 configured in a first direction. The first section 189 includes a recessed area that corresponds to the arcuate section 188 of the light 186 and acquires as much light as possible from the light 186 by accommodating the arcuate section. The first section 189 thus exists in a facing relationship with the arcuate section 188 of the light 186 and partially encloses the light 186. As shown in the figure, the light guide 187 has a shape that disperses light along an arc to assist in dispersing light into a wide area. The light guide 187 further includes a second section 191 forming a second passageway 192 configured in a second direction. The second passage 192 is different from the first direction because it extends at a predetermined angle upward. In one exemplary embodiment, the second section 191 has an inclination of an angle of about 45 degrees determined to improve the reflection of light. The second passageway 192 includes a distal end positioned near the hole 181 in the inner upper member 179. The second passageway 192 is shown in FIG. The light guide 187 may be treated with a dispersant prior to injection molding of the light guide, for example, by adding a dispersant to the resin. Since the light 186 and the light guide 187 are configured in facing relationship, the components achieve the smallest occupied area, which is beneficial due to the limited area formed in the module 22. In operation, the light 186 is activated as desired through the printed circuit board 180. The light is irradiated in the direction indicated by the arrow A1. In addition, the light is illuminated in an arcuate configuration based on the shape of the light guide 187. The light is directed into the first passageway 190 along these directions. The light guide 187 directs light into the second passageway 192 in the direction of arrow A2. When light is irradiated from the side emitting LED for the first time, the light travels in the direction tilted from the A1 direction toward the second passage 192 side. Thereafter, the light passes through the hole 181 in the direction A2 and is emitted through the external upper member 178. The shape of the light guide 187 is tailored to distribute the light uniformly over a very short path length as shown. The dispersant used in the light guide 187 minimizes the concentration of light emanating from the light 186 by assisting in diffusing the light very uniformly. Due to the associated short path length, the LED light 186 can illuminate light having a more concentrated brightness in a given area. According to the present design, light is more uniformly dispersed and reflected when the slope of the light through the hole 181 is limited. The outer top member 178 located above the hole 181 is structured for the thickness of the material and the amount of colorant added to provide the desired translucency. Thus, as can be seen from Figures 90 and 91, if the light 186 does not emit light, the user can not detect that the LED is emitting within the module 22, Quot; state " is provided. Once the light 186 is activated, light is directed through the hole 181 and the outer upper member 178 along the arrow A1 along the arrow A2, as indicated by the LT mark in Figure 91. Depending on the shape and processing of the light guide 187 and the top member, the light is reflected in a more improved fashion to provide uniformly distributed light over the entire area of light emitted through the top member. Additional structures may also be added to reflect light in a more advanced manner. For example, the light guide 187 may have a surface texture that enhances light reflection. The inclined wall or other surface of the light guide 187 may be coated with a paint or attached with a sticker to obtain a desired light reflection change. It is understood that the light 186 is capable of irradiating light in multiple colors. The light 186 provides an indication to indicate various parameters including the battery life of the module 22.

The configuration of port 14 and module 22 described herein provides a tightly-fitting configuration. The configuration provides waterproofness and suppresses the penetration of moisture. These characteristics are obtained while providing an operative connection between the port 14 and the module 22. The fingers 158 on the interface assembly also provide a rigid connection with the extension 21 of the insertion member 37 because the engagement position between the finger and the extension is maximized. The filler material 159 is selected to have the desired hardness to provide sufficient stretch and corrosion resistance. In one exemplary embodiment, the filler material 159 may have a Type A hardness value of the Shore durometer of 30 or less. The filling material 159 protects the periphery of the connection between the extension 21 and the interface assembly 156. The housing / post connection of the housing and the insertion member 37 further provides a stress relief to the insertion member 37 thereby minimizing the possibility that the insertion member 37 may rupture during use.

91-94 disclose additional features relating to the ground plane extender associated with module 22. [ In particular, a further aspect relates to maximizing the surface area of the PCB layer in one or more electronic devices, such as module 22, for example. Any aspect relates to increasing the surface area of the ground plane layer of the PCB. 91 shows a top perspective view of an exemplary PCB 1002 that may include one or more telecommunication components, including, but not limited to, processors, capacitors, diodes, resistors, and / or combinations thereof. Although the PCB 1002 is illustrated as being planar along a horizontal axis ("x" axis), those skilled in the art will appreciate that the PCB 1002 (or a plurality of discrete PCBs that are operatively communicating) may be configured to form a non- . The PCB 1002 further includes a ground plane layer (see 1004) formed of a conductive material such as copper. 91, the viewable portion of the ground plane layer 1004 is located around the periphery of the PCB 1002, but a corresponding portion of that layer 1004 may be disposed and / Or connected.

In certain embodiments, the PCB 1002 may be configured such that at least one component, such as a battery (not shown in Figures 91-93, but shown in Figure 94), is operable to communicate with the portable power source. PCB 1002 may be configured to be disposed within a portable device having a limited size for a battery or other type of portable power source. Due to the size limitation of the portable device described above, the battery can be miniaturized, so there is a limit on the service time between charges and there may be a limitation on the discharge speed. According to one embodiment, the PCB 1002 may include a space such as a space 1006 for a battery. 91, the cell space 1006 includes an area along the x-z plane of the PCB 1002 so that power can be placed adjacent to the PCB 1002. As shown in FIG. PCB 1002 may be sized to form battery space 1006 or may be configured to be alterable (e.g., through snap regions and / or alternating thickness regions) to form one or more battery spaces. In this regard, the illustrated space is a space for a battery, but one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the area and / or space configured to house or position only the battery.

Although the battery space 1006 of the PCB 1002 is illustrated as a slot configuration disposed on three sides by a portion of the PCB 1002, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape, size, and / It will be readily understood that other forms exist within the scope of the present invention. The exact shape and size of the battery space 1006 may be dependent on the intended use and is therefore not limited by this disclosure. Thus, the only requirement for the battery compartment 1006 is to provide an electrical connection to the intervening area along a horizontal plane (e.g., a plane along the x-axis) of the PCB 1002 to allow power to be placed adjacent the PCB 1002 along a horizontal plane have. As shown in FIG. 94, which shows a side view of the PCB 1002, a battery such as 1008 may be positioned along the horizontal plane (x-axis) of the PCB 1002. The surface area of the PCB 1002 is minimized compared to a PCB that does not have the same space as the space for the battery 1008 because the battery 1008 occupies an area within the battery space 1006. However, And a ground plane layer.

According to an optional embodiment, a ground planar layer 1004 of the PCB 1002 may be electrically connected to a ground plane extender (e.g., see 1010). 92 shows an example ground plane extender 1010 according to one embodiment. The ground plane extender 1010 may be formed of any material that effectively increases the surface area of the ground plane layer 1004. In one embodiment, the ground plane extender may be made of copper and / or aluminum, but in a further embodiment the ground plane extender 1010 may be made of any conductive material, at least in part. (And / or alignment) between the extender 1010 and the ground plane layer 1004 by conductive adhesive, soldering, step through soldering, welding, snapping in, and combinations thereof. (1012) can be used. 92, the extender 1010 may be disposed adjacent to one side (e.g., the top) of the battery 1008 and may extend substantially parallel to the PCB 1002 along the horizontal (x) And may include portions such as an upper region (e.g., 1014) that forms a plane. For example, the extender 1010 may include a vertical ridge 1016 that is operatively connected to the PCB 1002 and extends from the PCB 1002 to the upper region 1016. The upper region 1016 may include one or more apertures 1018 that may permit heat exchange from surrounding components, including the battery 1008.

94, the extender 1010 is shown adjacent to the first side (e.g., upper side) of the battery 1008 and electrically connected to the PCB 1002, 0.0 > 1008 < / RTI > In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 94, the ground plane extender 1010 and the antenna 1020 have a configuration parallel to the PCB 1002 and to each other. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the portable device comprises a first layer comprising three layers, i. E., A ground plane extender, such as 1010, and a second layer including at least a portion of the cell along the same plane as the PCB operatively connected to the ground plane extender. A second layer comprising a cell positioned to be present, and a third layer comprising an antenna such as 1020. [ In the illustrated embodiment, the layers are arranged vertically, but there are other arrangements within the scope of the present invention. In this respect, there is no requirement that each layer be in direct physical contact with adjacent surfaces of adjacent layers unless otherwise stated. For example, there is no requirement that the antenna 1020 be in direct physical contact with the adjacent surface of the battery 1008. [

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic module 22 that includes data transmission / reception capabilities through a data transmission / reception system 107 that may be used in accordance with at least some examples of the present invention. 6 exemplifies a data transmission / reception system (TX-RX) 107 integrated into electronic module structure 22, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a shoe 100 structure or other structure for data transmission / And / or that the data transmission / reception system 107 need not be fully contained within one housing or one package in all of the examples of the present invention. Precisely, various components or elements of the data transmission / reception system 107 may be separated from one another on other boards in different housings in various other ways, and / ) Products or other devices. Other possible mounting structures of the various examples are described in more detail below.

In the example of Figure 6, the electronic component 22 may include a data transmission / reception component 107 for transmitting data to and / or receiving data from one or more remote systems. In one embodiment, the transmit / receive element 107 is configured to communicate via the port 14, for example, via the contact or non-contact interface described above. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the module 22 includes an interface 23 configured for connection to the port 14 and / or the sensor 16. In the module 22 shown in Fig. 6, the interface 23 has a contact portion that is complementary to the terminal 11 of the interface 20 of the port 14 for connection with the port 14. In another embodiment, as described above, the port 14 and the module 22 may include other types of interfaces 20, 23 that may be contact or wireless. In some embodiments, the module 22 may interface with the port 14 and / or the sensor 16 via a TX-RX element 107. Thus, in one embodiment, the module 22 may be external to the shoe 100, and the port 14 may include a wireless transmitter interface for communication with the module 22. The electronic component 22 of the present embodiment further includes a processing system (e.g., one or more microprocessors), a memory system 204, and a power source 206 (e.g., a battery or other power source). In one embodiment, the power supply 206 may be configured to perform inductive charging with, for example, a coil or other inductive element. In this configuration, the module 22 can be charged by allowing the charging of the module without removing the module 220 from the port 14 by placing the shoe 100 product on a guide pad or other induction charger. The power source 206 may additionally or alternatively be configured to perform charging using energy-producing techniques and may be configured to charge the power source 206 through absorption of kinetic energy due to, for example, And an energy production device such as a charger.

The connection to one or more sensors may be accomplished as shown in FIG. 6, but it may be possible to sense or provide data or information regarding various other types of parameters, such as physical or physiological data about the user or use of the shoe 100 product An additional sensor (not shown) may be provided. The physical or physiological data may include pedometer type speed and / or distance information, other speed and / or distance data sensor information, temperature, altitude, air pressure, humidity, GPS data, accelerometer output or data, heart rate, , Body temperature, EKG data, EEG data, data about changes in angular orientation and angular orientation (e.g., gyroscope-based sensors), and the like. This data may be stored in the memory 204 and / or used, for example, for transmission to some remote location or system by the transmission / reception system 107. If present, the additional sensor (s) may include an accelerometer (e.g., a pedometer type sensing directional changes during walking for speed and / or distance information, sensing the jump height, etc.). Module 22 may include an additional sensor 208 such as an accelerometer and data from sensor 16 may be provided by module 22 or external device 110 from accelerometer 208 Lt; / RTI >

As a further example, an electronic module, system and various kinds of methods as described above can be used to automatically control the shoe product. Such systems and methods are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 6,430,843, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0009913, and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004 / 0177531 (U.S. Patent No. 6,430,843, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0009913 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0177531, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, Part of it). When used to provide speed and / or distance type information, a sensing unit of the kind described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,724,265, 5,955,667, 6,018,705, 6,052,654, 6,876,947, and 6,882,955, , And / or a system. Each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additional embodiments of sensor and sensor systems, as well as shoe products and sol structures and members utilizing the same, are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0063778 and 2010, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and form part of this disclosure. / 0063779.

The electronic module 22 may also include an activation system (not shown). The activation system or a portion thereof may be associated with the module 22 or with the shoe 100 product (or other device), with or without other portions of the electronic module 22. The activation system may be used to selectively activate functions (e.g., data transmission / reception functions, etc.) of at least a portion of electronic module 22 and / or electronic module 22. Various other activation systems can be used without departing from the invention, and these various systems will be described in more detail below with respect to the various figures attached hereto. In one example, the sensor system 12 may be activated and / or stopped by activating the sensor 16 in a specific pattern, such as a continuous or alternating toe / heel tap. As another example, the sensor system 12 may be connected to the sensor system 12, as well as to other locations, by a button or switch that may be located on the module 22, on the shoe 100, Can be activated. In any of these embodiments, the sensor system 12 may include a " sleep " mode that may cause the system 12 to stop after a set idle period. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor system 12 may operate as a low power device that does not activate or stop.

The module 22 may be configured to communicate with an external device 110, which may be an external computer or computer system, a mobile device, a game system, or other type of electronic device, as shown in FIG. The exemplary external device 100 shown in Figure 23 includes a processor 302, a memory 304, a power source 306, a display 308, a user input 310 and a data transmission / . The data transmission / reception system 108 may be coupled to a module (not shown) via the transmission / reception system 107 of the module 22 in any of a variety of known communication schemes, including contact and non- 22). The module 22 and / or the port 14 include electronic devices of various other types and configurations and also include an intermediate device that has the function of sending information to another external device and which may or may not further process such data And is configured to communicate with a plurality of external devices. In addition, the transmission / reception system 107 of the module 22 may be configured for a plurality of different types of electronic communication. The shoe 100 may include a separate power source for operating the sensor, as needed, such as a battery, a piezoelectric element, a solar energy source, or other power source. In the embodiment of FIG. 3-22b, the sensor 16 obtains power through a connection to the module 22.

As described below, such a sensor assembly may be customized for use with specific software for the electronic module 22 and / or the external device 110. The third party may provide such software as a package with a solenoid insertion member having a customized sensor assembly. The module 22 and / or the entire sensor system 12 may be implemented within the module 22, external device 110, or other component, such as, for example, Can be used with one or more algorithms for analysis.

In operation, the sensor 16 collects data according to its own function and design, and sends the data to the port 14. The port 14 allows the electronic module 22 to interface with the sensor 16 and to collect data for further use and / or processing. In one embodiment, the data is collected, stored and transmitted in a universally readable format, and thus the data may be accessed and / or downloaded by a plurality of users in a variety of different applications for a variety of different purposes. For example, data is collected, stored and transmitted in XML format. In one embodiment, the module 22 is connected to the circuit 10 as shown in Figure 20 by measuring the voltage drop at the measurement terminal 104b that reflects a change in the resistance of the particular sensor 16 that is currently switched, And senses the pressure change in the sensor 16. 27 illustrates an example of a pressure-resistance curve for a sensor, wherein the dashed line represents the potential movement of the curve due to factors such as warping of the insertion member 37. Fig. The module 22 may have an activation resistor RA and the activation resistance is the sensed resistance required for the module 22 to recognize the pressure on the sensor. The corresponding pressure forming this resistance is known as the activation pressure PA. The activation resistor RA is selected to correspond to the particular activation pressure PA for which the module 22 desires to write data. In one embodiment, the activation pressure PA may be about 0.15 bar, about 0.2 bar, or about 0.25 bar, and the corresponding activation resistance RA may be about 100 k OMEGA. Additionally, in one embodiment, the maximum sensitivity range may be 150-1500 mbar. In one embodiment, the sensor system 12 configured as shown in FIG. 3-22b may detect a pressure of 0.1-7.0 bar (or about 0.1-7.0 atmospheres), and in another embodiment, the sensor system 12 ) Can detect a pressure exceeding this range with high sensitivity.

In another embodiment, the sensor system 12 may be configured to collect other kinds of data. In one embodiment (discussed above), the sensor (s) 16 may collect data regarding the number, order, and / or frequency of compression. For example, the system 12 may include other parameters such as contact time and floating time, as well as other parameters such as the number of steps, jumps, cuts, kicks, or other compression forces that occur while wearing the shoe 100 Or frequency. Both quantitative sensors and two-stage on / off sensors can collect this data. As another example, the system may record the order of compressive forces caused by the shoe, which may be used for purposes such as determining pronation or supination of the foot, weight shift, foot strike pattern, or other such use . In another embodiment (described above), the sensor (s) 16 may quantitatively measure the compressive force on adjacent portions of the shoe 100 and the resulting data may include quantitative compressive forces and / or impact values. The relative difference in load on the other part of the shoe 100 may be utilized to determine the load distribution and " pressure center " of the shoe 100. The load distribution and / or pressure center may be calculated independently for one or both of the shoes 100, or calculated for both shoes to find, for example, the center of pressure center or load distribution for a person's body. In a further embodiment, the sensor (s) 16 may measure the rate of change of the compressive force, the contact time, the floating time or the time between impacts (e.g., in the case of jumping or tipping) and / or other time- . In certain embodiments, the sensor 16 may require any critical load or impact prior to recording of the load / impact as described above.

As described above, since the data is provided to the module 22 in a universally readable format via the universal port 14, the number of applications, users, and programs that can use the data is almost unlimited. Port 14 and module 22 are then configured and / or programmed as desired by the user and port 14 and module 22 receive input data from sensor system 12, And the like. Module 22 may be able to recognize, for example, through use of the unique identification chip 92 described herein, that the received data relates to a left or right footwear. The module 22 may process the data differently according to the recognition of the left / right shoe and may transmit the data to the external device 110 through identification of the data coming from the left / right shoe. The external device 110 may similarly process the data based on the identification of the left / right shoe or otherwise treat the data differently. In one example, the connection of the sensor 16 to the terminal 11 and the interface 20 may be different between the left and right insertion members 37 as shown in FIG. 12 and described above. According to this configuration, the data from the left insertion member 37 can be interpreted as different from the data from the right insertion member 37. The module 22 and / or the electronic device 110 may perform similar operations on other identification information contained in the unique identification chip 92. In many applications, data is further processed by module 22 and / or external device 110 prior to use. In the configuration in which the external device 110 further processes data, the module 22 can transfer the data to the external device 110. [ Such transmission data may be transmitted in the same format that is universally readable or may be transmitted in a different format, and the module 22 may be configured to change the format of the data. In addition, the module 22 may be configured and / or programmed to collect, utilize and / or process data from the sensor 16 for one or more specific applications. In one embodiment, the module 22 is configured to collect, utilize and / or process data for use in a plurality of applications. Examples of such uses and applications are given below. The term " application ", as used herein, refers generally to a particular use and not necessarily to that used in a computer program application as used in the computer arts. Nevertheless, certain applications may be implemented entirely or partially in a computer program application.

Also, in one embodiment, the module 22 may be replaced with a second module 22 configured to operate unlike the first module 22 after being removed from the shoe 100. The first module 22 is removed from the housing 24 after lifting the foot-contacting member 133 and the first module 22 is removed from the port 14 and the second module 22 Is inserted into the housing 24, the second module 22 is connected to the port 14, and finally the foot-contact member 133 is placed in position again. The second module 22 may be programmed and / or configured differently than the first module 22. In one embodiment, the first module 22 may be configured for use in one or more specific applications, and the second module 22 may be configured for use in one or more other applications. For example, the first module 22 may be configured for use in one or more gaming applications, and the second module 22 may be configured for use in one or more mobility and monitoring applications. As another example, the module 22 may be configured to be used differently within the same game or performance monitoring application. In another embodiment, the first module 22 may be configured to collect some sort of data, and the module 22 may be configured to collect other kinds of data. Examples of this kind of data are described herein, which data may include quantitative and / or pressure measurements, relative load and / or pressure measurements (i.e., sensor 16 relative to each other), load transfer, Strike pattern), load and / or pressure fluctuation rate, and the like. In a further embodiment, the first module 22 may be configured to utilize or process data from the sensor 16 in a manner different from the second module 22. For example, module 22 may be configured for collection, storage, and / or transmission of data only, or may be configured to store data in any manner, such as, for example, organizing data, changing form of data, And can be configured to further process. In another embodiment, the module 22 is configured to communicate with another external device 110, for example, with a different communication interface, and may be configured to communicate in other ways. The module 22 may include aspects of both structural and functional, such as, for example, using a different power source, or may include various other hardware components, such as additional sensors (GPS, accelerometers, etc.) It can function differently on the side.

One use that may be taken into account for the data collected by the system 12 is the use of many athletic activities such as golf swing, baseball / softball swing, hockey swing (ice hockey or field hockey), tennis swing, ball throwing / In the measurement of the critical load transfer. The pressure data collected by the system 12 may provide valuable feedback on the balance and stability used to improve the technique in any applicable sport. It is understood that the rather expensive and complex sensor system 12 can be specified based on the intended use of the data collected thereby.

The data collected by the system 12 may be used to measure various other motility and characteristics. The data can be used to measure the degree and / or speed of in-flight / abduction that can be used to improve skills in running / jogging or other athletic activities, foot strike patterns, balance, and other such parameters. With regard to infertility / abduction, the analysis of data can also be used as a predictor of conception / abduction. Speed and distance monitoring may be performed, which may include, for example, a pedometer-based measurement such as a contact measurement or a loft time measurement. For example, the jump height can be measured using contact or loft time measurements. It is possible to measure the outer cutting force including the differential load applied to the other portion of the shoe 100 during cutting. The sensor 16 may be positioned to measure a shear force, such as a foot slipping outwardly within the shoe 100. As an example, additional sensors may be incorporated into the side of the upper 120 of the shoe 100 to sense the load on the side portion.

Data or measurements derived therefrom may be useful for exercise training, including improving speed, power, immediacy, continuity, skill, and the like. The port 14, the module 22, and / or the external device 110 may be configured to provide valid real-time feedback to the user. In one example, port 14 and / or module 22 may be placed in communication with a computer, mobile device, etc. to send results in real time. In another example, one or more vibrating elements may be included in the shoe 100, such as the feature disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,978,684, incorporated herein by reference and forming part of this disclosure, To provide feedback to the user to assist in controlling the motion. In addition, the data may include, for example, comparing any motion and previous motion of the user to show correspondence, improvement, or lack thereof, or comparing the motion of the user with other similar motions such as, for example, Can be used to compare operations. The system 12 may also be used to record biomechanical data for a " characteristic " motion movement of a given motion. This data may be provided elsewhere for use in, for example, duplication or simulation of certain operations, such as used in a shadow application that overlays any action over a game application or similar action of a user.

System 12 may be configured for " all day activity " tracking to record various activities the user may perform over a course of a day. System 12 may include, for example, a special algorithm for this purpose in module 22, external device 110 and / or sensor 16.

System 12 may be used for control applications rather than data collection and processing applications. In other words, the system 12 may be operatively connected to other devices, such as a computer, television, video game, etc., for use in controlling an external device 110 based on user actions sensed by the sensor 16 Can be incorporated. In practice, shoes in which the sensor 16 is incorporated and the leads 18 extend into the universal port 14 are enabled to operate as an input system, and the electronic module 22 allows input from the sensor 16, Programmed and adapted to use the input data in any desired manner, e.g., as a control input to a remote system. For example, a shoe with a sensor control may be used for any footwork, gesture, etc. (e.g., foot tapping, double foot tapping, heel tapping, double hill tapping, (e.g., page-down, page-up, undo, copy, cut, paste, save ), Close (" close "), and the like), for example, as a control or input device for a computer or a program executed by a computer. Software may be provided for this purpose to assign foot gestures to other computer function controls. It is contemplated that the operating system may be configured to receive and recognize control inputs from the sensor system 12. [ Television or other external electronic devices may be controlled in this manner. The shoe 100, including the system 12, may be used in a game application or game program similar to a Nintendo Wii controller that can be used to assign a certain action to a predetermined function and / or to create a virtual representation of a user's actions on the display screen Can be used. As an example, pressure center data and other load distribution data may be used in game applications that may include balances, load transitions, and virtual representations of other performance activities. The system 12 may be used as a dedicated controller or alternate controller of a game or other computer system. Examples of configurations and methods of using a sensor for a shoe product as a control for an external device and a foot gesture for the control are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 138,048, .

Additionally, the system 12 may be configured to communicate directly with the external device 110 and / or the controller for that external device. As described above, FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment for communication between the electronic module 22 and an external device. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 23, system 12 may be configured to communicate with external game device 110A. The external game device 110A includes components similar to the exemplary external device 110 shown in Fig. The external game device 110A also includes at least one game medium 307 (e.g., cartridge, CD, DVD, Blu-ray or other storage device) And / or at least one remote controller (305) configured to communicate by being wirelessly connected. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 305 complements the user input 310, but in one embodiment the controller 305 may function as the only user input. In this embodiment, the system 12 includes a wireless transmitter / receiver with a USB plug-in configured to be coupled to the external device 110 and / or the controller 305 to enable communication with the module 22, And an accessory device 303. In one embodiment, the accessory device 303 may be configured to be coupled to one or more additional controllers and / or external devices of the same and / or different type as the controller 305 and the external device 110. It is understood that when the system 12 includes other types of sensors (e.g., accelerometers) as described above, such additional sensors may be included for control of games or other programs on external devices.

An external device 110, such as a computer / gaming system, may include other types of programs to interact with the system 12. For example, the game program may be configured to change an attribute of a character in a game based on a user's actual activity that can encourage exercise or active activity by a user. In another example, the program may be configured to display an avatar of a user that is associated with or is responsive to user activity collected by the shoe's detection system. In such an arrangement, the avatar may look, for example, vigorous and active if the user was active, and, for example, vicious and lazy if the user was inactive. The sensor system 12 may be configured to be more sophisticated to record data describing a " characteristic shift " of motion, which may be utilized for various purposes, such as in a gaming system or a modeling system.

A single product shoe 100, including the sensor system 12 as described herein, may be used alone or as a pair of shoes 100, 100 'as shown in Figures 24-26, Can be used in combination with the shoe 100 'of the second product having the system 12'. The sensor system 12'of the second shoe 100'may include one or more sensors 16'connected to the port 14'may be in communication with the electronic module 22'with the sensor lead 18'in general, . The second sensor system 12 'of the second shoe 100' shown in FIGS. 24-26 has the same configuration as the sensor system 12 of the first shoe 100. However, in other embodiments, shoes 100, 100 'may include sensor systems 12, 12' having different configurations. The two shoes 100 and 100'are all configured to communicate with the external device 110 and in the illustrated embodiment each shoe 100,100'is configured to communicate with an electronic module 22, 22 '. In other embodiments, both shoes 100 and 100 'may include ports 14 and 14' configured to communicate with the same electronic module 22. In this embodiment, at least one shoe 100, 100 'may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the module 22. 24-26 illustrate various communication modes between modules 22 and 22 '.

24 illustrates a " mesh " communication mode in which the modules 22 and 22 'are configured to communicate with each other and are also configured to communicate independently of the external device 110. FIG. 25 shows a " daisy-chain " communication mode in which one module 22 'communicates with the external device 110 via another module 22. In other words, the second module 22 'is configured to send signals (which may include data) to the first module 22, and the first module 22 is configured to send signals (including data) from both modules 22 and 22' And to send a signal to the external device 110. Similarly, the external device communicates with the second module 22 'via the first module 22 by sending a signal to the first module 22 sending a signal to the second module 22'. In one embodiment, modules 22 and 22 'may communicate with each other for purposes other than sending and receiving signals to external device 110. 26 shows an " independent " communication mode in which each module 22, 22 'is configured to communicate with the external device 110 independently and the modules 22, 22' are not configured to communicate with each other. In another embodiment, the sensor systems 12, 12 'may be configured to communicate with each other and / or with the external device 110 in different ways.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art from reading this disclosure, various aspects described herein may be implemented as a method, data processing system, or computer program product. Accordingly, such aspects may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining hardware and software aspects. It is also contemplated that such aspects may be embodied in computer-readable program code embodied in or on the storage medium, or in a computer program (e.g., a computer program) stored by one or more tangible computer-readable storage media or storage devices having directives It can take the form of a product. Any suitable type of computer readable storage medium may be used, including hard disks, CDROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and / or any combination thereof. Also, various intangible signals representing data or events as described herein may be transmitted over metal wires, optical fibers, and / or wireless transmission media (e.g., air and / or space) ) In the form of electromagnetic waves traveling through a signal-conducting medium, such as a waveguide (e.g.

As noted above, aspects of the present invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer and / or a processor of a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Such program modules may be included in tangible computer-readable media as described above. Aspects of the present invention will also be able to be implemented in distributed computing environments, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected through a communications network. Program modules may be stored in memory such as the memory 204 of the module 22 or the memory 304 of the external device 110 or may include both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices, May be located within an external medium, such as game medium 307. [ Module 22, external device 110, and / or external medium may include complementary program modules for use together, such as in a particular application. It will also be appreciated that for the sake of brevity a single processor 202 and 302 and a single memory 204 and 304 are shown and described in module 22 and external device 110 and that processors 202 and 302 and memory 204, and 304 may include a plurality of processors and / or memories, each of which may comprise a system of processors and / or memories.

The sensor system described herein can be utilized in a variety of different applications and configurations, including general mobility monitoring, such as in fitness training, or sports specific activities such as basketball. It is understood that additional sensors may be located at different locations on the shoe. Sensors in the sensor system may be configured to sense certain outer motion and motion cutting motion. As discussed herein, the data collected by the sensor system may be processed by an associated algorithm in an electronic module, mobile device or remotely. This data processing may be considered to be able to be used to advise the wearer about the wearer to be advised as to when a new pair of shoes is needed. Such data may be processed and acted upon to advise the user of a particular type of shoe design that may be beneficial to a particular user. Eventually, the data can be processed to assist the custom design of the shoe. The sensor system is illustrated as being in shoes, but the system can be used for other types of apparel.

Other structures, including footwear articles, foot contact members, inserts and sensor systems, as well as various embodiments of the sensor system described herein provide advantages and advantages over the prior art. For example, many of the sensor embodiments described herein provide relatively low cost and durable options for sensor systems, such that the sensor system can be integrated into the footwear article with little additional cost and good reliability . As a result, regardless of whether or not the consumer ultimately wants to use the sensor systems, footwear with integral sensor systems can be manufactured without significantly affecting cost. Additionally, sole inserts with customized sensor systems can be manufactured and distributed inexpensively with software designed to utilize the sensor systems, without significantly affecting software costs. As another example, the sensor system may be used in a wide variety of applications, including games, fitness, athletic training and improvement, substantial controls of computers and other devices, and many others that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art To provide a wide range of functionality. In one embodiment, third party software developers can develop software that is configured to operate using inputs from sensor systems, including games and other programs. The ability of a sensor system to provide data in a universally readable format greatly expands the scope of third party software and other applications in which sensor systems may be used. Additionally, in one embodiment, the sensor system can generate signals and data that enable accurate detection of applied forces, which provides greater usability and versatility. As a further example, various sole inserts, including sensor systems, including liners, inners, and other elements, enable interchangeability and customization of the sensor system for other applications. Those skilled in the art will recognize other advantages.

Here, several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and shown. Skilled artisans will appreciate the particular embodiments and possible combinations of components and variations thereof. Those skilled in the art will further understand that any of the embodiments may be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, these examples and embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details described herein. The terms " first ", " second ", " upper ", " lower ", etc. used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments in any way. Additionally, the term " plurality " as used herein refers to any number in the number, as needed, either disjunctively or conjunctively, but from over to infinity. Also, " provision " of an article or apparatus, as used herein, refers to enabling or making the article accessible, such that further operations may be performed on the article, It does not imply that the supplying party manufactures, produces, or supplies the goods or that the party providing the goods owns or controls the goods. Thus, although specific embodiments have been shown and described, numerous modifications could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (22)

As a sensor system,
An insertion member configured to be inserted into the foot-receiving chamber of the shoe product and including a first layer, a second layer, and a spacer layer positioned between the first layer and the second layer;
A port coupled to the insertion member and configured to communicate with the electronic module,
Wherein the sensor comprises a first contact portion located on the first layer and a second contact portion located on the second layer, the second contact portion being in alignment with the first contact portion, Wherein the sensor is configured such that a pressure on the inserting member changes a resistance of the sensor by enhancing engagement between the first and second contacts, the spacer layer being disposed between the first and second contacts of the sensor through the spacer layer, And a hole aligned with the sensor to permit at least partial engagement between the second contacts,
At least one lead positioned on the first and second layers and connecting the first and second contacts to the port,
A channel defined by said spacer layer and extending from said aperture to allow air flow away from said sensor between said first and second layers,
Wherein the first and second layers are connected to one of the first and second layers and extend over the channel and are positioned between the first and second layers such that one or more conductive members between the first and second layers, Wherein the dielectric material comprises a dielectric material. 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the channel extends from the aperture to the vent and the channel permits flow of air between the first and second layers from the sensor to the exterior of the insert member through the aperture Lt; / RTI > 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one conductive member comprises a first lead that intersects the channel, and wherein a patch of dielectric material extends across the channel at the first lead and extends between the first and second layers Wherein a patch of dielectric material prevents shorting of the first lead between the first and second layers through the channel. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the at least one conductive member further comprises a second lead intersecting the channel at the same time as the first lead, the patch of dielectric material being located between the first and second leads Thereby preventing shorting between said first and second leads through said channel. The method of claim 3,
A second sensor formed on the insertion member, wherein the second sensor includes a third contact portion positioned on the first layer and a fourth contact portion positioned on the second layer, 3 contact and the second sensor is configured such that the pressure on the inserting member changes the resistance of the second sensor by enhancing engagement between the third and fourth contacts, And a second hole aligned with the sensor to permit at least partial engagement between the first and second contacts of the second sensor, wherein the one or more leads connect the third and fourth contacts to the port A second sensor,
A second channel defined by said spacer layer and extending from said second aperture to allow air flow away from said second sensor between said first and second layers,
And a second layer connected to one of the first and second layers and extending across the channel and positioned between the first and second layers to provide at least one additional conductive member between the first and second layers through the channel, Further comprising a second patch of dielectric material that prevents shorting of the dielectric material. 4. The sensor system of claim 3, wherein the first and second layers are formed of a polymeric film material, wherein the dielectric material has a greater stiffness than the polymeric film material. The method according to claim 1,
A plurality of sensors formed on the insertion member and including the sensor, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is configured to sense a pressure applied to the sensor;
A plurality of leads positioned on said insertion member and connecting said sensor to said port, said plurality of leads having said end comprising said one or more leads and integral with said port to form an interface; The lead,
A housing coupled to the insertion member and defining a well configured to receive the electronic module therein;
Further comprising:
Wherein the insertion member includes an extension extending into the recess and incorporating an end of the plurality of leads to form the interface, the extension having a strip of reinforcement extending across the end of the lead,
Wherein the extension comprises a bend region in which the extension portion is bent downward at the outer circumferential edge of the housing and a depending portion extending downwardly from the bend region into the recess, Wherein the strip is positioned on the protrusion, the strip extending transversely across the bend region. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the housing includes a side wall defining the recess and a lip extending outwardly from an upper portion of the side wall, the protrusion of the extension extending downwardly adjacent the side wall of the housing Lt; / RTI > 9. The electronic device of claim 8, further comprising: an interface assembly having a base member and a plurality of electrical connectors supported by the base member, wherein at least a portion of the protrusion is received within the base member, Wherein the electrical connector is coupled with the electrical connector to form the interface. 8. The sensor system of claim 7, wherein the stiffener comprises a long strip extending across the bending area and parallel to the bending area. 8. The sensor system of claim 7, wherein the stiffener is a strip of dielectric material. 8. The method of claim 7,
Further comprising a path for providing electrical communication between the first layer and the second layer,
Wherein each of the sensors includes a first contact positioned on the first layer and a second contact positioned on the second layer, the second contact is aligned with the first contact, Wherein pressure on the insertion member is configured to enhance the coupling between the first and second contacts to change the resistance of the sensor,
Wherein the spacer layer comprises a plurality of holes, each of the holes being aligned with one of the plurality of sensors, the holes being configured to allow coupling between the first and second contacts through the spacer layer,
The plurality of leads connecting the first contact portion, the second contact portion, the path, and the port,
Wherein the second layer is configured to be disposed in opposition to a sole structure of a shoe product, the extension being connected to the second layer. 13. The sensor system of claim 12, wherein the first and second layers are formed of a polymeric film material, wherein the extensions comprise the polymeric film material and are integral with the second layer. 8. The sensor system of claim 7, wherein the stiffener has greater stiffness than the material forming the lead. 15. The sensor system of claim 14, wherein the first and second layers are formed of a polymeric film material, wherein the stiffener has a greater stiffness than the polymeric film material. As a shoe product,
A sole structure configured to support a user's foot,
A top connected to the brush structure to define a foot-receiving chamber,
Sensor system,
The sensor system comprises:
An insertion member coupled to the sole structure of the shoe product and including a first layer, a second layer, and a spacer layer positioned between the first and second layers;
A port coupled to the insertion member and configured to communicate with the electronic module,
Wherein the sensor comprises a first contact portion located on the first layer and a second contact portion located on the second layer, the second contact portion being in alignment with the first contact portion, Wherein the sensor is configured such that a pressure on the inserting member changes a resistance of the sensor by enhancing engagement between the first and second contacts, the spacer layer being disposed between the first and second contacts of the sensor through the spacer layer, And a hole aligned with the sensor to permit at least partial engagement between the second contacts,
At least one lead positioned on the first and second layers and connecting the first and second contacts to the port,
A channel defined by said spacer layer and extending from said aperture to allow air flow away from said sensor between said first and second layers,
Wherein the first and second layers are connected to one of the first and second layers and extend over the channel and are positioned between the first and second layers such that one or more conductive members between the first and second layers, Wherein the patch comprises a patch of dielectric material that prevents the dielectric material from being damaged. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the channel extends from the aperture to the vent and the channel permits air to flow between the first and second layers from the sensor to the exterior of the insert through the vent Shoes products. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one conductive member comprises a first lead that intersects the channel, and wherein a patch of dielectric material extends between the first and second layers Wherein a patch of dielectric material prevents shorting of the first lead between the first and second layers through the channel. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one conductive member further comprises a second lead intersecting the channel concurrently with the first lead, the patch of dielectric material being located between the first and second leads Thereby preventing shorting between said first and second leads through said channel. 19. The method of claim 18,
A second sensor formed on the insertion member, wherein the second sensor includes a third contact portion positioned on the first layer and a fourth contact portion positioned on the second layer, 3 contact and the second sensor is configured such that the pressure on the inserting member changes the resistance of the second sensor by enhancing engagement between the third and fourth contacts, And a second hole aligned with the sensor to permit at least partial engagement between the first and second contacts of the second sensor, wherein the one or more leads connect the third and fourth contacts to the port A second sensor,
A second channel defined by said spacer layer and extending from said second aperture to allow air flow away from said second sensor between said first and second layers,
And a second layer connected to one of the first and second layers and extending across the channel and positioned between the first and second layers to provide at least one additional conductive member between the first and second layers through the channel, Further comprising a second patch of dielectric material that prevents shorting of the dielectric material. 19. The shoe product of claim 18, wherein the first and second layers are formed of a polymeric film material, wherein the dielectric material has a greater stiffness than the polymeric film material. delete

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