BRPI0612798A2 - foot receiving device control systems and products containing such systems - Google Patents

Abstract

CONTROL SYSTEMS AND FOOT RECEIVING PRODUCT PRODUCTS CONTAINING SUCH SYSTEMS. Foot receiving devices, such as footwear articles (100), include: (a) a sensing device (102) that captures a feature of an interaction between a user's foot and a foot receiving device; (b) a control system (104) which receives output from the sensing device and controls a feature of the foot receiving device based on this output; and (c) a monitoring system for detecting and / or storing data indicating speed or distance information associated with use of the foot receiving device. The monitoring system may receive input from the same sensor device used to provide data to the control system. The control system may change the impact attenuation characteristics, tensile characteristics, flexibility characteristics, adjustment characteristics, or the like of the footwear article. Methods of making and using such footing devices are also described.

Description

"CONTROL SYSTEMS AND FOOT-DRIVING DEVICE PRODUCTS CONTAINING SUCH SYSTEMS"

Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to footwear or other foot receiving devices including the monitoring and / or control systems for automatically controlling a footwear feature such as a footwear performance characteristic. as well as distance / speed monitoring systems such as pedometers.

Background of the Invention

Conventional footwear items have included two primary elements, namely a leather and a sole structure. The upper provides a cover for the foot to reposition and position the foot with respect to the sole structure. Ejection, the leather may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing sweating. The sole structure is usually attached to a lower part of the leather and is usually positioned between the foot and the contact surface (the terms "contact surface" or "surface" as used herein, include any contact surface of footwear or foot, including but not limited to: grass, sludge, snow, ice, ceramic, pavement, carpet, synthetic grass, asphalt, concrete, clay, patios and the like). In addition- to attenuate ground reaction forces, the sole structure can provide traction and help control foot movement, such as design. Consequently, the leather and sole structure operate cooperatively to provide a structure It is suitable for a variety of physical activities such as walking and running.

The sole of the sports footwear, at least in some instances, will exhibit a layered configuration that includes a comfort-enhancing insole, an elastic mid-sole (e.g. formed at least in part of a polymer foam material) , and an external ground contact sole that provides both traction and abrasion resistance. The midsole, in at least some instances, will be the element of the primary sole structure that attenuates ground reaction forces and controls foot movement. Suitable polymer foam materials for at least parts of the midsole include ethyl vinyl acetate ("EVA") or polyurethane ("PU") which compresses elastically under an applied load to attenuate soil reaction forces. Conventional polymer foam materials are elastically compressible, in part due to the inclusion of a plurality of open or closed cells that define a substantially displaced internal volume by gas. The leather and sole structure in conventional footwear products may be joined together in a number of different ways, such as using mortar or adhesives, stitching or stitching, mechanical connectors, stitching techniques, or the like.

Summary of the Invention

The following is a general summary of the aspects of this invention to provide a basic understanding of at least some aspects of the invention. This summary is an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify the critical or key elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in general form as an introduction to the more detailed description provided below.

Aspects of this invention relate to foot receiving devices, such as footwear articles (e.g., sports shoes, etc.), which include a foot covering member (such as a leather) and a support member. foot (such as a sole member, optionally including the insole, midsole, and / or outsole parts) engaged with the foot cover member. The foot receiving device may additionally include: (a) a sensing device engaged with at least one of the foot covering member or the foot support member, where the sensing device is positioned and / or adapted to grasp the least one feature of an interaction between a user's op and the foot receiving device when it is in use; (b) a control system that receives output from the sensing device and controls at least one feature of the foot receiving device (such as a feature of the footrest member) based (partially named) on this output; and (c) a monitoring system for detecting and / or storing data indicating speed or distance information associated with the use of the foot receiving device. Optionally, if desired, the monitoring system may receive input from the same sensor device used to provide data to the control system. The control system may for example alter the impact attenuation characteristics, the traction characteristics, the flexibility characteristics, the adjustment characteristics, or the like of the footwear article. Such foot receiving systems may additionally include one or more devices, such as peripheral or remote devices, for example to receive user input (for example, referring to user settings or desired features for controllable or configurable characteristics, etc.), to provide information to the user (eg, distance and speed information, etc.), and the like.

Additional aspects of the invention relate to methods for manufacturing footwear or other foot-receiving systems that include control systems and / or monitoring systems, for example, of the types described above. Such methods may include, for example: (a) engaging a sensing device with a shoe article or foot receiving device (for example, during shoe manufacturing, retail or in use places, etc.) where the device is -sensitive device is positioned and / or adapted to at least capture a contact feature between the shoe article or foot receiving device on a surface contact when the shoe article is in use; (b) providing a control system programmed and adapted to receive the output of the sensing device and to control a feature of the footwear or footing device based on the output of the sensing device; (c) provide a distance monitoring system at least partially engaged with the footwear article or foot receiving device, where the distance monitoring system is programmed and adapted to detect and / or store data indicating safety information. speed or distance associated with the use of footwear or footwear. Optionally, if desired, the distance monitoring system may receive input data from the same sensing device providing input data used by the control system (for example, if the sensing device is capable of detecting each rise or fall of the sensor). wind of the user, etc).

Still further aspects of the invention relate to exemplified methods for using footwear or foot receiving devices of the types described above. Such methods may include: (a) picking up contact or other interaction between a footwear article (or other receiving device). standing) and a contact surface during use, where contact or interaction is captured using a sensor device at least partially engaged with the decalted article (or other foot receiving device); (b) controlling a feature of the footwear article (or other foot receiving device) based at least in part on the output of the sensing device; (c) determining user distance and velocity information based, in part, on the output of the sensing device. Several methods exemplified in accordance with these aspects of the invention may additionally include receiving user input that is used, at least in part. , in configuring and / or controlling the feature of the shoe item (or other foot receiving device), for example, to match or configure user preferences, etc. The same device or a different device, optionally embedded, connected, or remote from the footwear article (or other foot receiving device) may also be included to provide distance and / or speed information. or other information to a user or others.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain advantages thereof may be gained by referring to the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which reference numerals indicate similar figures, and where:

FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of an exemplified system according to the invention and / or an exemplary environment in which aspects of the invention may be used or practiced;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system example that may be used in accordance with the examples of the invention;

FIGs. 3A to 3C illustrate an example of a footwear article including an active impact attenuation control system as a control system in accordance with the examples of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary graph illustrating how the output of the sensing device such as a sensing device of FIGs. 3A to 3C, can be used to provide distance and / or speed information based on a pedometer.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a shoe article including a control system with user input and display characteristics according to the examples of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a sole member for a shoe article that includes pronation and / or supination reduction or elimination features as a control system according to examples of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a shoe article including a traction control system as a control system according to examples of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a shoe article including a shoe flexibility control system as a control system according to examples of the invention; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a shoe article including a shoe fitting or tightening control system of the safety system as a control system according to examples of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In the following description of various examples of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and in which various exemplary systems and environments in which aspects of the invention may be illustrated are shown by way of illustration. practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, exemplified systems, and environments may be employed and functional and structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms "top", "bottom", "side", "front" "rear", "up", "down", "under", "over", and the like can be used in this specification to describe various exemplified elements and features of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, for example based on the exemplary guidelines shown in the figures and / or a typical orientation during use. Nothing in this specification should be constructed as it requires a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures to fall within the scope of this invention.

To assist the reader, this specification is divided into several subsections, as follows: Terms, DescriptionGeneral Systems with Foot Receiving Device and Methods to Manufacture and Use Them According to the Invention; e Specific Examples of the Invention.

A.Terms

The following terms are used in this specification, and unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, these terms have the meanings provided below.

"Foot Receiving Device" means any device within which a user locates at least some part of his foot. In addition to all types of decals (described below), receiving devices include, but are not limited to: connectors and other devices for holding feet in snow skis, all terrain skis, water skis, snowboards and the like; lashings, armbands, or other devices for holding the feet on pedals for use with bicyclets, exercise equipment and the like; moorings, armbands, or other devices for receiving feet during video games or other games; and the like.

"Footwear" means any type of product worn on our feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, flip-flops, flip-flops, flip-flops, specific sports shoes ( such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball locks, football, football, ski boots, etc.), and the like. "Footwear" may protect the feet from the environment and / or increase the performance of a user (eg physically, medically and psychologically, etc.).

"Foot cover members" include one or more parts of a foot receiving device that extend at least partially over and / or at least partially cover at least some part of the user's foot, such as to aid in housing the receiving device standing and / or in place with respect to the user's foot. "Foot cover members" include, but are not limited to, uppers of the type provided in some conventional footwear products.

"Foot support members" include one or more parts of a foot receiving device that extends partially below at least some part of the user's foot, for example, such as to assist in foot support and / or attenuating the forces of reaction to which the user's foot would be exposed, for example, when descending with the foot receiving device. "Foot support members" include, but are not limited to, sole sole members provided in some conventional footwear products. Such sole members may include outer-conventional sole members, midsole, and / or insole.

"Ground contact elements" or "members" include at least some parts of a foot-receiving structure that contacts the ground or any other surface in use, and / or at least some parts of a frame with foot receiving device that engages another element or frame in use. Such "ground contact elements" may include, for example, but are not limited to, outsole elements provided in some conventional footwear products. The "ground contact elements" in at least some exemplified structures may be made of conventional and suitable materials to provide long wear, traction, and foot protection and / or to prevent the rest of the structure from receiving equipment. effects foot wear, for example when touching the ground or other surface use.

B. General Description of Foot Receiving Device Systems and Methods for Manufacturing and Using Them According to the invention.

Some aspects of the present invention will generally relate to footwear and other foot receiving device systems. As shown in FIG. 1, which generally illustrates an example of the invention and an exemplified environment in which the invention may be used, one or more individual footwear articles 100 (such as sport shoes or other foot receiving devices) may be equipped with one or more sensing devices 102, such as ground interaction and performance measuring devices. The sensing devices 102 may be programmed and adapted to capture or collect information related to at least one contact characteristic between a worn article 100 and the contact surface (e.g., the floor, floor, etc.) when the footwear article is worn. (for example, the impact force on the contact surface during a sporting event, exercise, or other activity, etc.). The output of the sensor device 102 may be provided to a control system 104, which optionally may include a microprocessor mounted on or over footwear 100, and the control system 104 may then be used to control or change at least one feature of the item 100 (optionally automatically without the need for additional user input). While any desired number or type (s) of characteristics of the article 100 may be changed or controlled based on the output sensor device 102, more specific examples of change types or controls include: changing or controlling an amount of attenuation of impact provided by footwear article 100, for example, by the sole, changing or controlling the impact characteristics of the foot to induce pronation, supination, or other gait correction; change or control in the tightening of the shoe fastening system (eg in laces, straps, buckles, etc.); change or control in the characteristics of shrinkage; change or control in the setting characteristics of the dope; change or control in the flexibility characteristics of footwear; etc.

Additionally, as shown in the example of FIG. 1, as the user 106 moves, the sensor102 device may also be able to provide (and programmed and adapted to provide) information indicating each time the user goes down with. This footwear information can be used by systems and methods according to at least a few examples of this invention to provide distance monitoring systems, for example systems for detecting and / or storing distance information and / speed associated with the use of footwear article 100. In other words, the interaction captured between the footwear article 100 and the contact surface, which is used to provide the footwear characteristic control information in the exemplified system described above. can also be used to provide distance and / or speed information (for example, the distance and / or speed information of the type meter.) Distance and / or speed data can be stored in a memory (e.g., a memory embedded in the shoe article 100, a memory provided with a peripheral device, etc.) / for example, for use and / or further analysis, and / or they may be transmitted or otherwise made available to the user106 or others, for example wireless transmission devices 108 optionally included as part of the control system 104 or footwear article 100. Optionally, if desired, sensor device 102, control system104, and / or footwear article 100 may include one or more microprocessors or other data processing capability to enable processing of collected data prior to transmitting data or other information to the user106 or otherwise. .

The desired data or information may be conveyed to the user 106 or otherwise in any manner desired to abandon the invention, for example, to a wireless receiver 110 provided with a display device 112. Optionally, if desired, the display device 112 may be equipped with one or more microprocessors to enable initial processing of raw data sent by sensor device 102, by control system 104, and / or footwear article 100, to enable additional data and / or information processing. sent, etc. Any type of information may be presented to the user 106 (or others) via display device 112, such as distance and / or speed information, time information, GPS information, footwear configuration information, etc. As more specific examples, display device 112 may include various electronic devices, such as laptops, user-charged devices, for example, a watch, a PDA-type device, a mobile phone, an MP3 or other audio player, a display device. used on the head, a beep device, headphones or earphones, etc. Any kind of "display device" can also be provided, such as audio devices, video devices, audio / video devices, alphanumeric screens, etc.

If desired, display device 112 (for another device) may also be programmed and adapted to receive user input, for example, control and configuration information for control system 104, etc. In this exemplified configuration, display device 112 may be equipped with a transmitter or other output device which sends data to a receiver or other input device located on or on the shoe article. If desired, devices 108 and 110 may be capable of performing both transmit and receive functions at least a few examples of this invention.

In view of this general example and general description of an exemplary environment of use, various exemplified aspects of the invention will be described in more detail below, including various exemplary features related to exemplary structural components and systems with foot receiving devices according to the invention; ways of manufacturing such systems; and ways to use such systems.

1. Foot Receiving Device SystemsExplained According to the Invention

In general, aspects of this invention relate to foot receiving device systems, such as footwear articles (e.g., sports shoes, etc.), which include a foot covering member (such as a leather) and a foot member. foot support (such as a sole member, optionally including an insole, a midsole, and / or a portion of the outer sole) engaged with the foot cover member. The foot receiving system may additionally include a sensing device engaged with at least one of the foot covering members or the foot support member, wherein the sensing device is adapted to capture at least one characteristic of an interaction between a user's foot and the foot-receiving device when the foot-receiving device is in use (for example, interactions between the foot-receiving device and its contact surface and / or a user's foot during one step) . The sensing device may send its output to a control system, and the control system may then be used to control at least one feature of the foot receiving device (such as the foot support member) based on the output of the sensing device. The foot receiving device system may also be equipped with a monitoring system for detecting and / or storing data indicating distance and speed information associated with the use of the foot receiving device system. Optionally, if desired, this monitoring system may receive input from the same sensor device used to provide data to the control system.

The control system can be used to control a wide variety of different features of the foot-receiving device system. For example, the control system may be programmed and adapted to: (a) control an amount of impact attenuation provided by the foot support member (for example, by changing the stiffness of at least a portion of the foot support member by changing impact attenuation on at least a heel part of the foot receiving device, etc.); (b) controlling the amount of impact attenuation in one or more parts of the foot pickup device, such as to reduce or eliminate pronation and / or supination when the foot pickup device is in use; (c) controlling a degree of traction provided, for example, by the ground contact member of the foot receiving device (for example, by an external sole member); (d) controlling a degree of flexibility in at least a portion of the foot receiving device (for example, the arch, the leather, the toe, etc); (e) controlling at least one aspect of the manner in which the foot receiving device fits to the user's foot (for example, by controlling a degree of tension applied by a fastening system to the foot receiving device by controlling an adjustment of the foot receiving device). foot covering member, controlling an adjustment of the doping foot member, etc); and their similars. Optionally, if desired, the control system may respond to the output of the sensing device and control the characteristics of the receiving device in an automatic or "intelligent" manner (for example, without the need for user input, the settings will automatically be changed. between steps, etc).

Various peripheral devices may also be associated with foot receiving device systems in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. For example, a peripheral device may be provided which is in communication with the control system to provide user input to the control system (for example, to allow at least partial user control over the control system, to allow remote user control). motorcycle, to allow user input regarding general settings, preferences, or tracks, etc.). This same peripheral device or a different device may also be used to provide information to the user, such as information such as the state or settings of the control system; information gathered, detected, or produced by the monitoring system (eg, distance and speed information); map, trail or warning information or other information; and / or any other designated audio, video, alphanumeric, or other information. Optionally, the peripheral device (s) will be sized, shaped, and weighed to be portable and easily carried by a user of the foot-receiving device (for example, to enable easy loading during an activity, sporting event, exercise routine; to enable the device to be included or attached to the foot-receiving device, the user, the user's clothing, etc.).

The sensing device providing the signals to the control system and / or the monitoring system may be of any suitable or desired form without abandoning the invention, including, for example, pressure sensors, power transducers, systems Hall effect sensors, voltage gauge, piezoelectric elements, load cells, proximity sensors, optical sensors, accelerometers, capacitance sensors, inductance sensors, ultrasonic transducers and reception systems, radio frequency transmitting and receiving systems, magnetic-resistive, etc.

As noted above, at least one more specific aspect of the invention relates to footwear systems including footwear control systems and distance and / or speed monitoring systems. Some more specific examples of shoe systems according to these examples of the invention may include: (a) a shoe article including a leather and a sole, (b) a sensor device engaged with the shoe article, where The sensing device is adapted to capture at least one feature of contact between the shoe article and a contact surface when the shoe article is in use; (c) a shoe control system that controls a characteristic shoe article based on the output of the sensing device, and (d) a distance and / or speed monitoring system at least partially engaged with the shoe article for detect or store data indicating the distance and / or speed information associated with the use of the decalted article. Optionally, if desired, the distance and / or speed monitoring system may use the sensor device input mentioned above.

2. Exemplary Methods of Manufacturing Systems with Foot Receiving Device According to Invention Examples

Additional aspects of this invention relate to methods for providing footwear and / or other foot receiving device systems that include control systems and distance and / or speed monitoring systems, for example, of the types described. above. Such methods may include: (a) engaging a sensing device with a shoe article or other foot receiving device (for example, during shoe manufacturing, at retail or in places of use, etc.), where the sensing device It is adapted to capture at least one contact characteristic between the footwear article or other receiving device and a contact surface or foot of a user when the footwear article or other receiving device is in use; (b) providing a control system programmed and adapted to receive an output from the sensing device to control a feature of the shoe article or other foot receiving device based on the output sensing device; and (c) provide a distance and / or speed monitoring system at least partially engaged with the footwear or other foot-receiving device, where the distance and / or speed monitoring system is programmed and adapted. to detect or store data indicating the distance and / or speed information associated with the use of the footwear or other foot receiving device. Optionally, if desired, the distance and / or speed monitoring system may receive data from the same sensor device which provides output used by the control system. In the various methods exemplified in accordance with this invention, the control system and / or monitoring system may be of the types described above and / or may be programmed and adapted to control and / or perform the various functions described above.

Additionally, methods according to at least some examples of this invention may additionally include providing a peripheral device. The peripheral device may perform various functions, including, for example: providing user input to the control system, providing user information or others (such as information such as the state or configuration of the control system; information gathered, detected, or produced by the monitoring system (eg distance or speed information), warning information, and / or any other audio, video, desired alphanumeric information, or other information), etc. Optionally, the peripheral device (s) will be sized, shaped, and weighed to be portable, and easily carried by a user of the foot receiving device (for example, to enable easy charging). during an activity, sporting event, exercise routine, to be mounted on a footwear article, a clothing article, or a piece of sports equipment, etc).

3. Exemplary Methods of Using Foot Receiving Devices According to Examples of the Invention

Still further aspects of the method according to the invention include methods for wearing footwear or other foot-receiving systems which include control systems and distance and / or speed monitoring systems, for example, of the types described above. Such methods may include: (a) picking up contact between a shoe article or other foot receiving device or a contact surface or a user's foot as the footwear article or other after receiving device is used, where contact is picked up using a sensing device at least partially engaged with the shoe article or other foot receiving device; (b) controlling a feature of the footwear article or other foot receiving device based at least in part on the output of the sensing device; (c) determine user distance or speed information based, at least in part, on the output of the sensing device. In the various methods exemplified in accordance with these aspects of the invention, the control system and / or the distance and / or speed monitoring system may be of the types described above and / or may be programmed and adapted to control and / or perform. the various functions described above.

Various methods exemplified in accordance with these aspects of the invention may additionally include receiving user input that is used, at least in part, to control the feature (s) of the footwear or other foot receiving device. Such user input may be entered, for example, through a shoe-mounted entry system, via a separate remote device from the shoe article, etc. The same peripheral device or a different peripheral device may also be included to provide distance and / or speed information to a footwear user or other foot receiving device (or others). Devices included in these methods may be portable such as may be readily carried by the wearer, for example, during the use of the footwear article as part of the worn article attached to a belt or other part of the wearer's clothing worn on the wearer. arm or leg of a user, etc.

Specific examples of structures according to the examples of the invention are described in more detail below. The reader should understand that these specific examples and structures are given merely for the purpose of illustrating the invention, and they should not be construed as limiting the invention.

C. Specific Examples of the Invention The various figures in this application illustrate examples of footwear and other foot receiving device products in accordance with the examples of this invention. When the same reference number appears in more than one design, this reference number is used consistently in this specification and in the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts throughout the specification.

As described above, FIG. 1 generally illustrates an example of the invention and an exemplary environment of use in which footwear articles 100 (such as sports shoes) or other foot receiving devices are equipped with sensor devices 102, control systems 104, and distance monitoring devices and / or speed. Sensor devices 102 may include detectors or sensor devices for capturing and / or collecting information during activity (for example, during exercise, a sporting event, or other activity execution). The sensor devices 102, control systems 104, and / or the detached articles 100 may additionally include processing and / or receiving / transmitting capabilities to provide information to the shoe user 106 (or others) and / or to receive the information. user shoes 106 (or others). The desired information may be presented to user 106 (or others) and / or input may be received from user 106 (or others) via a communication device 112, such as a clock, a device PDA type, mobile phone, MP3 or other audio player, head display device, tipobip device, RF device, infrared transmission, etc. Alternatively or additionally, if desired, the information captured (based on the output generated by the sensor device 102) may be used to automatically change or control the characteristics of the footwear 100 itself (for example, to control the impact attenuation characteristics). etc.) or to change or control other devices, with or without providing distance, speed, and / or other information to a user 106 (or others).

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates exemplary elements and an exemplary arrangement or system 200 which may be included as part of a general footwear or foot-receiving device system which includes distance monitoring and / or control capabilities of the type generally described in conjunction with the invention. FIG. 1. System 200 of this example includes a monitoring element 202 which includes a sensor device 204 adapted to capture at least one contact or interaction characteristic between a worn article and a contact surface or a user's foot when the shoe article is in contact. use. The monitoring member 202 in this exemplary structure 200 may be assembled and / or constructed as part of the footwear article, for example, within or as part of the sole member of a footwear article, such as on the midsole. Optionally, if desired, sensor device 204 may be separated from monitoring element 202, and optionally sensor device 204 may send signals to monitoring element 202 (e.g., via cable or wireless connections, etc.). .).

Contact or interaction data between the shoe article and the wearer's contact surface or foot can be measured on the sensor device 204 and transferred to a microprocessor 206 and / or stored in memory208. Based on data measured from sensor device 204, microprocessor 206 may control one or more devices 210, for example, included as part of the shoe article to control a feature of the decalted article. As a more concrete example, and as will be explained in more detail below, the sensor device 204 can capture the amount of compression of the intermediate foot sole of the footwear article. Based on the degree to which the midsole is depressed, the microprocessor 206 may control a device 210 to increase or decrease stiffness of at least a portion of the sole member. In this way, the monitoring element 202 can be used to automatically and / or automatically control the impact attenuation characteristics of a footwear article without the need for additional user input. Several examples of this type of impact attenuation control and other controlled devices 210 will be described in more detail below. Of course, if desired, the controlled device 210 may be included as part of the monitoring element 202 without departing from this invention.

In addition to providing information regarding the midsole compression pattern or other aspects of the interaction between a user's foot and a worn article, the sensing device 204 in this exemplified system may also be able to capture each of the (eg the midsole will compress with each step. If desired, and as will be explained further below, detection of the information corresponding to each user step can be used by systems and methods accordingly). with at least a few examples of this invention to collect distance and / or speed information for a footprint in connection with the use of the footwear article. further analysis, display, processing, review, etc. Optionally, if desired, distance and / or speed information may be transmitted to another device 212, for example to a peripheral display device, in any way desired, for example via cable or wireless connections (a wireless communication system is illustrated in the example of FIG. 2), to enable display of distance and / or speed information to the user in real time as exercises and events continue, etc. As described above, this device 212 may be any type of display device, such as an audio display device, a video display device, an alphanumeric display device, and the like. More specific examples of possible 212 devices for this purpose include: a watch or other display device used in the arm, a PDA-type device, a mobile phone, an MP3 or other audio player, a display device used in the head, a device beep type, etc.

As additionally shown in FIG. 2, device 212 may also include a user input system for receiving user input, for example, and directing it to a monitoring system 202. Of course, the input system can be used for any purpose without departing from this invention, for example: to require information from the monitoring element 202 (such as distance and / or speed information of pedometer type, step count information, or other information available); to adjust parameters used in the control system (eg setting general impact attenuation characteristics, etc.); to communicate with other devices; to interact with other features of device 212 (e.g., time required, altitude, or GPS information; time of setup, display, or other features of device 212, etc.); and the like. The input system may include any type of input devices, such as buttons, keys, switches, speech input / recognition, pen / digitizer input, etc.

A wide variety of features of a shoe article (or other foot receiving device) may be controlled by systems and methods according to this invention, and in addition a wide variety of different types of sensing devices. It can also be used (eg magnetic sensors, Hall effect sensors, light sensors or other radiation sensors, depression sensors, piezoelectric sensors, accelerometers, gyrosensors, optical sensors, etc.). A more specific example relates to the automatic / active control of the impact-mitigating characteristics of a shoe article based on a compression degree captured from the midsole and / or other parts of the shoe article. For example, when a midsole member compresses a substantial amount as it is captured by a sensor device 204, the monitoring element 202 according to at least some examples of the invention can capture that large amount of compression and automatically activate a device such as to increase the stiffness characteristics of at least some part of the shoe article. On the other hand, when the compression of the captured midsole member is determined to be preferably light, for example, optionally, although preferably firm contact with the contact surface or the user's foot, the monitoring element. According to at least a few examples of the invention you can grasp this fact and automatically activate a device such as to diminish the stiffness characteristics of at least some part of the footwear article. User-independent input can be provided, for example, to set large parameters for the desired amount of impact attenuation (eg, a preference for a firm midsole versus a user preference for a midsole) soft, etc.) to overcome automatically configured impact attenuation levels, etc. Various detector types, systems, and methods can be used to provide automatic impact attenuation control without abandoning this invention. For example, known systems such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,430,843, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0009913, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0177531 may be used for Actively and / or dynamically control the impact attenuation characteristics of a footwear article with at least some examples of this invention (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 entirely by reference).

FIGs. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate more specific examples of arrangements, elements, and components that may be included in monitoring and / or controlling systems with at least some examples of this invention. As shown in these figures, a sole member 300 of a shoe article 350 (or other after receiving device) includes an intermediate sole member 302 and an external sole member 304. In this example, the sole structure 300, the sole system monitoring and / or control and the associated sensor device (s) are provided in a defined area between the midsole 302 and the midsole 304. More particularly, in this exemplified structure, a blade lower support 306 and upper support blade 308 are provided (optionally integrally formed with the outer sole 304 and the intermediate sole 302, respectively), and parts of the monitoring and control system are provided. between these blades 306 and 308. These upper and lower support blades 308 and 306, respectively, may be included, for example, to help maintain less parts of the monitoring system. and / or control in a particular predetermined orientation. If desired, at least parts of the monitoring and / or control system may be arranged in a cavity 310 defined in the midsole 302. The midsole 302 may be made of conventional materials and / or in conventional ways as are known and used in the technique.

The monitoring and / or chord control system with at least some examples of this invention may include a triggered activation system 314 based on a sensor device output (described in more detail below). Activation system 314 may include a drive 316 (e.g. a motor) and an adjustable element 318. The monitoring and / or control system may additionally include a sensor 320, for example, a proximity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a Hall effect, an accelerometer, etc., a magnet 322, and an associated electrical circuit. In general, if desired, the monitoring and / or control system may have the general structure and / or shape illustrated and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No..2004 / 0177531.

In the exemplary structure illustrated in FIGs. Up to 3C, sensor 320 is located below the adjustable element 318, and magnet 322 is vertically spaced from sensor320 and located above adjustable element 318. Any desired type of magnet 322 may be used without abandoning this invention, such as a magnet type neodymium iron boron or other known or conventional magnets (for example, permanent magnets). The actual positioning and / or spacing of the sensor320 relative to magnet 322 may vary widely, for example, to measure and / or modify the compressibility of the sole member 300 (e.g., the intermediate sole member 302). In this illustrated exemplary structure 300, the sensor3420 and magnet 322 are located in positions that generally correspond to areas where maximum compression occurs on the rear part of a shoe article 350 (e.g., under the user's heel). In such structures, the sensor320 and magnet 322 may be centered generally between the facelateral and median face of the sole 300 and may be between about 25 mm and about 45 mm from a posterior aspect of the wearer's foot.

If desired, the total monitoring and / or control system, or at least parts thereof, may be enclosed in a sealed waterproof enclosure. Activation system 314 may include a driver 316. More specifically, at least a few exemplary arrangements, driver 316 may include a motor 324 and a transmission element 326. Adjustable element 318, which may be used to control the degree of stiffness or "give" "on the midsole member 302 may include a limiter 328, an expansion member 330, and an anvil member 332. In the particularly illustrated example, driver 316 includes a lead drive screw made of bidirectional electric motor 324 and a threaded rod that It forms the transmission element 326. Desired, in at least some examples of this invention, the motor 324 may be a type-controlled radio servomotor used in model airplanes or other similar small electronic objects. Threaded rod 326 can be constructed of any desired material such as steel, stainless steel, etc.

Motor 324 may be mechanically coupled to drive element 326 to drive drive element 326 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Transmission member 326 may be designed to threadably engage the limiter 328 and transversely position the limiter 328 relative to the expansion member 330 (see the double headed arrow in FIG. 3B). In this illustrated exemplary structure 300, as the limiter 328 is threadedly engaged with the transmission element 326, it is required to rotate with respect to the motor 324 and the decal article, and thus no energy is required to maintain the position. limiter 328 once the position is configured in that exemplary structure 300. For example, the activation system 314 may contain sufficient friction and a sufficiently thin thread may be provided on the transmission element 326 to prevent inadvertent rotation of the transmission element 326. during or in response to a heel strike or other downward event. Of course, other arrangements of various sensor and control elements are possible without abandoning this invention. As a more specific example, driver 316 may include any type of rotary or linear activator, gear train, connection, or combination thereof, without departing from this invention.

In the illustrated exemplary structure 300, the expansion member 330 constitutes a generally cylindrical member with an elongated or generally elliptical circular cross-section. While they may be, the former arcuate tremors of expansion element 330 are not necessarily semicircular. The radius of the arched ends may be selected as to obey a particular application, for example to provide a predetermined amount of flexibility, etc. In addition, the sizes of these ends can be varied, for example, to control the amount of longitudinal expansion of the expansion element 330 when under a vertical compressive load, etc. In general, the larger the radius or size of the end portions, the greater longitudinal expansion is possible under a vertical compression load. Expansion member 330 may be constructed to have a solid outer wall, and optionally, if desired, a foam compressive core or other elastic material. The size, shape, and materials used in the expansion member 330 may be freely selected, for example, to suit a particular application. As more specific examples, the expanding member 330 may be constructed of plastic or polymeric materials such as thermoplastic materials such as DESMOPAN® (a thermoplastic polyurethane material available from Bayer AG from Leverkusen, Germany), PEBAX® (a co-polymer). polyamide block polyamide available from Atofina Corp. of Puteaux, France), etc. In at least some instances, the expansion member 330 or at least its outer wall may be made as a member of a unitary piece, for example, by injection molding or by other suitable or desired methods, including conventional methods known in the art. technique.

If desired, the transmission member 326 may extend through the expansion member 330 and connect to the stop member 332. The stop member 332 may be used to prevent movement of the expansion member 330 in a direction away from the limiter 328. Alternatively If desired, the functions of the stop member 332 may be performed by a rear wall of the cavity 310 or another portion of the sole structure, and the stop member 332 may be omitted without departing from this invention. A wide range of other structural modifications can also be provided in the sole structure without abandoning this invention.

The general operation of the adjustable element 318 is described with respect to an application where the monitoring and / or control system is used to modify the impact attenuation characteristics of a footwear article 350 in response to a measured parameter. , for example, in response to the measured compression of the midsole member 302. The expansion element 330 compresses when activated by a vertical force (e.g., a step, landing on a jump, etc.). In response to compression, the expansion member 330 expands in the horizontal direction. Limiter 328 controls / limits the amount of horizontal movement or expansion that expansion member 330 may experience. When horizontal movement is limited, vertical movement will be limited as well, thereby enabling control over the firmness or feel of the midsole by controlling the location of the limiter 328. Therefore, by controlling the position of the limiter 328, the characteristics of the attenuation Total impact ratios of footwear article 350 can be controlled.

The monitoring and / or control system may be used to actively and / or automatically control the amount of compression of midsole member 302 that a user creates when descending on footwear article 350, dropping, etc. As an example, when a user is wearing a shoe article 350, such as that illustrated in FIGs. 3A through 3C, utilizes a contact surface during one step or other activity, vertical force is applied to the expanding member 330 via the sole 300 and the user's foot. This force causes the expanding member 330 to expand during contact with the ground until the expansion member 330 contacts the limiter 328, thereby controlling the amount of compression experienced on the sole member 300.

During compression, the sensor device 320 included as part of the monitoring and / or control system in this exemplified system measures field strength of magnet 322. In this illustrated exemplary structure, sensor device 320 is provided near the base of the magnet member. intermediate outsole 302 and magnet 322 is disposed near the top of intermediate midsole 302 with expansion member 330 therebetween. The magnetic field strength detected by the sensor device 320 changes as the magnet 322 moves closer to the sensor device 320, for example, as the intermediate sole 302 is compressed, for example, during one step when jumping, etc. The amount of change or other variations in the captured magnetic field may correspond to the strength of the pitch (eg proportionally, etc.). A microprocessor 334 included as part of the monitoring and / or control system may be programmed and adapted such that this magnetic field strength can be converted at a distance (e.g., an intermediate sole compression distance 302). The change in distance (and thus the change in measured magnetic field strength) indicates the extent to which the intermediate desolate member 302 compressed. The microprocessor 334 of the monitoring and / or control system can then signal the activation system 314 based on the change in distance or compression measure, thereby automatically and in real time changing the impact attenuation characteristics of the system. footwear article 350 (for example, to modify the hardness or compressibility of the intermediate sole 302 based on the signal received from the monitoring and / or control system). Changes in impact attenuation characteristics can be made instantly, if desired, between steps automatically as the event or performance continues (for example, measured high midsole compression levels or forces may induce a midsole "hardening" and / or low levels of midsole compression (measured or forces may induce "midsole" softening).

Of course, other structures for changing the hardness or compressibility of midsole member 302 may be used without abandoning the invention. More specific examples include air or fluid filled bladders (for example, where changes in pressure or volume change hardness or compressibility), piston type systems, hydraulic type systems, pneumatic type systems, etc. The impact attenuation characteristics of the shoe article may also be changed at any location in the shoe article without departing from the invention, such as in one or more of the median, lateral or intermediate parts of the foot, front hip, arch, median or rear, etc.

Compression sensing of the mid-sole 302 can also be used in systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention as a step count indicator, thereby allowing the monitoring and / or control system to also provide velocity information. and / or pedometer-based distance and / or other information. Such data may be stored in memory 336 displayed on the footwear article and / or otherwise provided to a user, for example via a wired or wireless connection (a transmitting / receiving device338 is illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B ). Any type of speed and / or distance type information may be provided and / or any type of transmission system may be used without departing from this invention, including, for example, using algorithms and / or systems of the types described in U.S. Pat. 5,724,265, 5,955,667, 6,018,705,6,052,654, 6,876,947 and 6,882,955, patents which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of output that can be generated by a sensing device (e.g. sensor 320) and its use for both impact attenuation control and providing pedometer-based speed and / or distance information. As shown in FIG. 4 and described above, a sensor device 320 (e.g., a Hall sensor or other magnetic sensor) may generate an output indicating a measured magnetic field strength of magnet 322. Due to intermediate solenoid compression (for example, during a step, jumping, etc.), the magnitude of the measured magnetic field force may change over time (for example, over the course of a step, etc.). If the force of the peak magnetic field measuring a step cycle falls below a predetermined lower limit 380, the impact attenuation characteristics of footwear article 350 may be considered too rigid (for example, the midsole is not compression is required), and the position of the limiter 328 may be moved to enable further expansion of the expandable element 330. On the other hand, if the depic magnetic field force measured during a step cycle falls above a predetermined upper limit 382, the impact attenuation characteristics of footwear article 350 can be considered as too much generation (for example, the midsole provides much compression), and the position of the limiter 328 can be moved to enable less expansion of the expanding element. In this way, the output of the sensor device 320 can be used to automatically control the impact attenuation characteristics of an art. igo of footwear.

This same sensor data, however, can also be used to provide "step count" information (for example, each user step can be captured due to compression of the midsole member). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, each time the captured magnetic field strength exceeds a certain threshold 384, systems according to at least some examples of this invention may assume that the user has taken a step. Using this step count data, along with data indicating the user's step length (for example, previously entered user data, previously measured, measured in a measured footprint, derived from user specific averages for heights, etc.), elapsed time data, and the like, Systems and methods in accordance with this example of the invention may measure and / or display to the user (or others) speed and / or distance information based on a pedometer (e.g., distance = step count χ step length; speed = distance / time elapsed, etc.).

As described above in conjunction with FIGs. 1 to 3C, if desired, systems and methods according to at least some aspects of this invention may operate in conjunction with one another or more peripheral devices, for example devices that provide information to users, devices that receive user-entered input (for example, data step length, etc.), devices that receive input from other sources (e.g., GPS data, map data, etc.), etc. In the various illustrated examples discussed above, the monitoring and / or control system and / or speed and distance measurement system may communicate with the peripheral device via a remote or wireless connection. Any desired type of connection, communication system, and / or communication protocol may be used without departing from this invention.

It is not necessary, however, that the sanctuary inputs, external inputs or sources of information, and / or display devices be remote and / or wireless in communication with the monitoring and / or control system and / or measurement system. speed and distance. For example, if desired, wire connections, electrode pins, or connections, and the like may be used as opposite wireless connections. Additionally, if desired, user inputs, external inputs or other sources of information (eg GPS tracking systems, map information, etc.) and / or display devices may be provided and / or as part of the article. footwear (or other foot receiving device) or separate from the associated footwear article (or other foot receiving device). As a more specific example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a footwear article 400 including a monitoring and / or control system and / or a speed and / or distance measurement system (generally indicated as the expansion member30 in FIG. 5) may also include user input devices. 402 (a) and 402 (b) (e.g., in the form of buttons, etc.) that allow the user to enter information by requesting increased or decreased midsole compressibility, respectively. As more specific examples, if desired, input buttons 402 (a) and 402 (b) may be used to change and / or control the position of limiter 328 (see FIGs. 3A and 3B), thereby to change potential compressibility. Of course, user input for other purposes can be provided without abandoning the invention (for example, to provide other footwear control information, to control control information provided as output, to request certain output information, to output typical wide-pitch data or other information used in pedometer systems, etc.).

In addition to user input devices, footwear items 400 may also include one or more display devices 404 which provide various types of user information such as midsole configuration information, vehicle information location and / or distance, and / or any other desired information. For example, display device 404 may be LED, LCD, or other display devices such as those typically used for electronic devices such as watches, cell phones, PDAs, MP3s or other portable audio devices, and the like. Also, the various display devices 404 and / or input systems 402 (a) and 402 (b) individually may be mounted on any part of the shoe frame 400 without abandoning the invention, such as on the leather, on the sole member, on more than one part of the shoe frame 400, etc.

Features of a shoe article beyond the amount of impact attenuation provided can be controlled without abandoning this invention. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary sole structure 500 that includes devices that change a user's walking mode, for example, to assist in correcting (e.g. reducing or eliminating) pronation or supination in the user's walking mode, to assist. the user's step and landing more correctly, or for other purposes. As shown, the sole member 500 of a shoe article may include one or more sensor devices 502 (a) and 502 (b) which capture the manner in which the wearer's foot (or shoe article) strikes the contact surface. The sensing device (for example, 502 (a) and 502 (b) in this example) may be positioned such as to pick up when a user performs pronation and / or supination in his walking mode. Sensor devices 502 (a) and 502 (b) may provide their signals to a microprocessor or other part of a monitoring and / or control system 504, which may determine, for example, the time and / or relative force associated with the blow. standing on each side of the foot. The microprocessor or other part of the monitoring and / or control system 504 may be provided either embedded in the footwear article (for example, in the midsole as shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C) or remote from it, such as in a foot device. - peripheral to receive user input and / or display information for the user. If the blow of the foot is caught substantially earlier or substantially earlier on one side of the foot compared to the other (for example, when more than a predetermined degree of pronation or supination is detected), elements 506 (a) and / or 506 (b) provided as part of the footwear article may be controlled (for example, by the same microprocessor or other part of the 504 monitoring and / or control system described above or a different microprocessor or system) such as to change the ca - User gait or stomp characteristics to reduce or eliminate pronation or supination. As more specific examples, controlled elements 506 (a) and 506 (b) may be air or fluid filled bladders that expand or contract depending on the applied pressure, air or fluid filled bladders that become softer or harder depending on the applied pressure, expansion elements of the type described above in conjunction with FIGs. 3A to 3C, pistons, hydraulic elements, pneumatic elements, etc. Of course, any way of detecting the tendency to prone and / or supination and / or modifying the footwear or sole member 500 to reduce or eliminate the tendency for depronation and / or supination and / or otherwise to change. The characteristics of the user's gait or stomp can be used without abandoning the invention. Also, as described above, these changes can be made automatically between steps as the user continues to wear the footwear article.

Control element (s) 506 (a) and / or 506 (b) for changing the characteristics of the user's walking mode or standing can be changed for any reason and / or in response to any captured characteristics. without abandoning the invention. In addition, fluid filled bladders, pistons, hydraulic elements, pneumatic elements, or other controlled elements may be provided at any location in the footwear article without departing from the invention, such as in one or more of the median, lateral, midfoot, front, arch, midline, back etc.

Since the sensing devices 502 (a) and 502 (b) in this exemplified sole structure 550 are capable of sensing surface contact by the foot (e.g., pacemaker), the same signals for detecting a pronation, supine or otherwise. tion, or other walking mode bias may also be used to provide speed and / or distance measurement information, for example, conventional pedometer type speed and / or distance information, without abandoning this invention. Accordingly, in the same manner as described above in conjunction with FIGs. 3A through 4, the microprocessor and / or other control system 504 (or another microprocessor or system) on the sole member 500 may also be used to provide speed and / or distance information to the user, for example via a remote peripheral device. via a screen embedded in the shoe article, etc., based on output generated by one or more of the sensing devices 502 (a) and / or 502 (b).

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a decalted article 600 in which such a feature can be automatically controlled. In this exemplified shoe structure 600, the degree of traction provided by the shoe article 600 can be controlled, for example, automatically and instantaneously, optionally between individual steps, for example based on the amount of slips detected during a user's step. As a more specific example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a shoe article 600 may be equipped with one or more sensor devices 602, such as an accelerometer and / or other devices, which are positioned such as to be able to pick up when a user's hand slides or slips by stepping. When a slip or slip is detected (for example, more than a predetermined amount of slide or slide, as determined by an algorithm provided in a microprocessor and / or other part of the 604 control system), the microprocessor and / or another portion of control system 604 (or another microprocessor or system) may be programmed and adapted to change one or more characteristics of shoe article 600 in an effort to provide better traction. More specifically, according to at least some examples of this invention, the microprocessor and / or other part of the 604 control system (or another microprocessor or system) may be programmed and adapted to change the traction characteristics of at least one. some part of the outer sole of the shoe 606tal as to provide better traction. As a more specific example, the external sole traction supply characteristics of footwear 606 may be changed, for example, by heating the material of the outer sole 606 using one or more heating elements 608 included or adjacent to the sole. outer sole 606. Heating elements 608 of this type may be used to soften outer sole member material 606 in some way, thereby providing better traction on floors or other surfaces.

Of course, other ways of modifying the traction characteristics of a footwear article can be used without departing from this invention. For example, when slips or slips are detected, a microprocessor or other part of the control system may be used to automatically lengthen spikes or jumps included in the decal item (for example, by rotating additional spike spike length, pushing more spindle length). tip or heel via pressure, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, etc.). As another potential example, a microprocessor or other part of the control system may be used to automatically expose additional spikes or heels included in the shoe article when a predetermined degree of slipping and / or slipping is detected. Still other ways of modifying traction characteristics can be provided without abandoning this invention.

Since the sensing device 602 of this exemplified decal structure 600 may be able to detect surface contact by the foot (e.g., detecting each step due to the direction change detected by an accelerometer or other detector, etc.), the same signals to detect a slip or slip They may also be used to provide speed and / or distance measurement information without departing from this invention. Accordingly, in the same manner as described above in conjunction with FIGs. 3A through 4, the microprocessor and / or other parts of the control system604 (or another microprocessor or system) in the output article 600 may be used to provide the user with speed and / or distance information, for example via a device. remote peripheral device via a screen embedded in the decaled article, etc., based on output generated by the 602 sen-sor device.

Another example of a controllable shoe article 700 is shown in FIG. 8. In this exemplified footwear structure 700, a degree of flexibility of the decal article 700 is controlled, optionally automatically and instantaneously (e.g., in real time, between steps or interactions with the floor surface, etc.), based on output from one or more more sensor devices (a single sensor device (s) 702 is shown in FIG. 8). As an example, the sensing device 702 may pick up a degree of bending in the shoe article 700 as the user descends and forwards this information to a microprocessor or control system 704. If the amount of bending exceeds a limit or falls below a lower limit, the degree of flexibility of the footwear article may be changed, for example, based on signals provided by the microprocessor or another part of the control system 704. As another example, if If desired, sensors may be located to capture the degree of pressure applied by the user's foot to various parts of the sole (eg, insole, heel and toe areas, etc.) to capture when the wearer is attempting. flex the arch of the shoe (for example for dance and / or aerobic shoes), and the flexibility of the shoe 700 can then be altered to allow more or less arch flexion, depending on the pressure applied by the wearer's foot and / or s locations where pressure is applied.

Any way of changing the degree of flexibility of a shoe article can be used and the degree of flexibility can be changed at any location in the shoe article without abandoning that invention. FIG. 8 generally illustrates an example in which the degree of flexibility in an arch support part of a shoe article 700 is changed, for example, by changing a thickness of a support blade system 706 included in the arch area (in this generally illustrated example, the thickness of the blade system 706 is changed by moving one blade 706 (a) relative to another 706 (b) (thereby increasing or decreasing the total thickness of the blade system 706 in the arc area). Alternatively, as another example, if desired, additional blade elements may be moved from one area of shoe article 700 to another area to provide additional blade support material or to decrease the amount of blade support material in a given area, thereby increasing or decreasing flexibility in this area. As further examples, heating and / or cooling elements may also be provided with the shoe article 700, mechanical devices may be clamped, released, moved, etc., and the like, to change the degree of flexibility. of a carrier material without abandoning this invention. Other ways of changing flexibility may be provided if abandoning the invention.

As the sensor device (s) 702 of this exemplified footwear structure 700 may be able to detect surface contact by the foot (e.g., each step due to the detected amount of flexion, etc.), the same signals to detect the degree of flexion may be used to provide speed and / or distance measurement information, for example, conventional pedometer speed and / or distance information, without departing from this invention. Accordingly, in the same manner as described above in conjunction with FIGs. Up to 4, the microprocessor and / or other part of the control system 704 (or another microprocessor or system) in footwear item 700 may also be used to provide the user with speed and / or distance information, for example, via a peripheral device. via a screen embedded in the shoe article, etc., based on output generated by the sensor device (s) 702.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another example of a controllable shoe article 800. In this exemplary shoe structure 800, aspects of the manner in which the shoe article 800 fits or engages a user's foot are controlled, optionally automatically and instantaneously ( for example, in real time, between steps or interactions with the contact surface, etc.). One or more adjustment aspects of the footwear article may be controlled based on the output from one or more sensing devices (a single sensing device 802 is shown in FIG. 9). As an example, the sensor device 802 can capture the amount of depression applied by a user's foot when in contact with the ground or other surface during a step, jump, etc., for example, as a measure of the effort being put on by the user. arius. This data may be sent to a microprocessor or other part of the 804 control system. If the contact pressure exceeds an upper limit or falls below a lower limit, the tie tightening or other fastening system 806 of the footwear article may be changed. for example, based on signals produced by the microprocessor or other part of the control system 804.

Any way to change the fastening of the fastening system or other adjustment features to a decalted article can be used without abandoning this invention. FIG. 9 generally illustrates an example in which the clamping degree of a fastening system is changed by changing a length of a strip member 806 used as the fastening system (strip member 806 in this exemplary fastening system rolls on the user's foot several times - through the leather, through the sole, etc.). The length of this strip member 806 may be changed, for example, using the microprocessor or other part of the control system 804 to wind or unwind any of the strip member 806 from a supply device. 808 (e.g., a roller, etc.). As another example, if desired, the microprocessor or other part of the control system 804 may be used to move more of the strap member 806 through a clamp member or buckle 810 (for example, by rotating a portion of the clamp 810). which engages strip 806, etc.). As still further examples, if desired, the microprocessor or other part of the control system 804 may be used to move the fastener loops in or out of a loop clamp or retention member, to change a length of a strip. a fitting or cable that snaps around a periphery of a user's foot, and / or otherwise changes an aspect of the manner in which the shoe article engages or fits into a user's foot. The fastening system and / or other adjusting element which is controlled may be located anywhere on the footwear article and / or engages the user's foot or parts of the footwear article in any desired location and in any desired manner. , without abandoning this invention. Systems of this type may be used to automatically customize the size of a user's wear at any given time, without regard to other equipment worn by the user (eg no socks, thin socks, thick socks, multiple socks, etc.). As described above, user input may also be received by such adjustment systems to enable at least some user control over the adjustment type at a given time (eg, tight fit to play, loose adjustment). at other times, tight fit for running or running short distances versus looser fit for walking or exercise, etc.).

Since the sensor device (s) 802 of such exemplified footwear structure 800 may be able to detect surface contact by the foot (e.g., each step due to detected pressure sensing, etc.), the same signals to control tightness or characteristic Adjustment (s) may also be used to provide speed and / or distance measurement information, for example, conventional pedometer type speed and / or distance information, without departing from this invention. Accordingly, in the same manner as described above in conjunction with FIGs. 3A through 4, the microprocessor and / or other parts of the control system 804 (or another microprocessor or system) in footwear article 800 may also be used to provide speed and / or distance information to the user, for example via a peripheral device. remote, via a screen embedded in the shoe article, etc., based on the output generated by the sensor device (s) 802.

As described above, user input may be received, for example, into a peripheral device that is remotely located from the shoe article and / or remotely mounted to the shoe article (or other parts of the wearer's body or clothing). Such a device may be used, at least in part, to remotely control the desired feature (s) of the footwear article (for example, to enable the user to adjust impact attenuation characteristics at discrete levels or intervals). , to enable the user to vary the configured performance feature (s) and / or its limits, to enable the user to exceed the automatically configured feature (s), etc.).

This user input device can adjust the settings on both footwear items simultaneously and / or, if desired, individual control over the footwear items can be provided. If desired, the total system can control the stiffness or attenuation of impact in the user's plantar / dorsal foot directions as well as in the median / lateral directions, or in combinations or sub-combinations of these various directions. Additionally, if desired, impact attenuation or other characteristics may be controlled on the upper and / or anywhere in the sole without departing from this invention. Also, pedometer-based speed and / or distance information can be derived from step counts generated by a shoe item or two.

As further examples or additional potential alternatives, if desired, the peripheral device may display GPS information, map information, or other location or route based information (for example, generated based on pedometer-based speed and / or distance information). and / or GPS). If desired, in such systems, one or more features of the footwear article may be controlled based on, for example: the user's location along a route; changes detected in terrain, altitude, etc., reach various predetermined reference points reach various distances or altitude altitudes; and their similars. As still further examples, various reference points (such as mileage markers along a road, signs, other transmitting devices, or the like) may be used to transmit information to a control system (optionally loaded by the user). and / or in the shoe article) which may be used to change one or more features of a shoe article according to at least some examples of this invention. A wide variety of control elements and trigger events can be used to automatically control one or more characteristics of a shoe article without abandoning this invention.

Systems of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 6,865,825, which patent is fully incorporated herein by reference, may also be used to provide control in accordance with at least some examples of this invention.

Several examples of the invention described above refer to the use of control systems according to examples of the invention to adjust various features of a shoe article (or other footing device) in real time, for example, instantly, automatically, as that the footwear article (or other foot-receiving device) is being used (eg between individual steps), etc. As an advantageous aspect according to some examples of this invention, the invention is not limited to use in such situations. For example, methods and methods according to at least some examples of the invention may be used to adjust characteristics of a footwear article (or other footing device) over time and / or under different conditions of use, for example to accommodate changes. in footwear structure caused by wear, damage, age, temperature, humidity, etc. As a more specific example, aspects of the present invention may be used to adapt the impact attenuation characteristics of a shoe article due to changes in the foam material of the midsole that may run over time (for example, due to the foam breakage, damage, moisture, age, etc.) such that the footwear provides a more consistent feel throughout its life and / or under a wide variety of conditions of use. As another example, aspects of the invention may be used to adjust the traction characteristics of a shoe article due to the wear of the outsole, heels, or tipping limbs, which may occur over time (e.g., to provide heel length or toe length). as the ends of the heels or tips wear, to warm the outer sole member more frequently as the outer sole member traction elements wear, etc.).

Various ways of operating control systems according to examples of this invention are described above and will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the above descriptions. As a more specific example, one or more contact-related characteristics between a worn article and a contact surface or the user's foot may be captured as the shoe article is worn (for example, as the user descends), such as one or more features described above in conjunction with FIGs. 1-9 (for example, contact pressure, in-middle soled compression, degree of flexion, degree of slip or slip, etc.). The information captured may be fed into a control system, which in turn may signal to another device, for example, to change a footwear configuration, thereby to control a footwear feature when appropriate. (For example, when captured parameters fall within a predetermined range, when they fall above or below limit values, depending on a predetermined algorithm, etc.). Optionally, user input may be provided and used by the user. least in part to configure one or more characteristics and / or parameters associated with the configuration of these characteristics. The altered characteristic (s) may include, for example: altered impact attenuation characteristics, altered tensile characteristics, altered flexibility characteristics, altered adjustment characteristics, altered clamping system clamping characteristics, etc. These changes to characteristics may occur at any time, such as in real time, instantly, between steps or hops, etc., while the use of the shoe article continues. Many different changes to the features may occur during continuous use of the disposed article without abandoning the invention. Information captured, or optionally information from another sensor or detector, can also be used to determine user speed or distance information (eg, pedometer type speed and / or distance information) and provide providing this information to the user.

Several different methods of providing decal systems including control features may also be provided without departing from the invention, as is apparent from the above description. Such methods may include engaging a sensing device with a shoe article, for example with the leather and / or the sole member, integrally formed as part of the shoe article, embedded or housed in the sole member, etc. Such engagement may occur during manufacture or assembly of footwear, retail or in use locations (eg via a snap-in or mounting element provided on the shoe article to receive the sensing and / or control devices, etc.). The sensor device, as noted above, can be positioned and adapted to capture at least one contact characteristic between the shoe article and a contact surface or ope of a user when the shoe article is in use. A control system may be provided (e.g., detached or housed and usually supported with the sensing device) to receive output from the sensing device and to control a feature of the footwear as described above (e.g. for change some aspect of the footwear configuration) based on the output received. The control device may be located within or on the shoe article, partially within or on the worn article, or remote from the shoe article without departing from this invention. Aspects of providing footwear systems in accordance with examples of the invention may further include providing a distance monitoring system, optionally at least partially engaged with the subject article, for detecting or storing data indicating velocity information and / or distance associated with the use of footwear. Optionally, the distance monitoring system may use the same sensor device and optionally the same signals provided by the sensor device as that used for footwear feature control.

Conclusion

Of course, many modifications to the specifically described structures, systems, and methods may happen without departing from this invention. For example, while the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred methods of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations, combinations, and exchanges of the systems and methods described above. In addition, various specific structural features included in the examples merely represent examples of structural features that may be included in some examples of structures according to the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various specific structural features may be omitted and / or modified in a footwear or other footing device product without departing from the invention.

In addition, with respect to the methods, many variations on the method steps may occur, the steps may be changed in order, various steps or features may be added or omitted, etc., without abandoning the invention. Thus, the reader should understand that the spirit and scope of the invention should be broadly constructed as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (100)

1. Footwear system, characterized in that it comprises: a footwear article including a leather and a sole member, a device engaged with the footwear article, wherein the sensing device is adapted to capture at least one contact feature between the footwear article a surface when the shoe article is in use, a shoe control system that controls a feature of the shoe article based on the sensor device output; A distance monitoring system at least partially engaged with the footwear article to detect or store data indicating speed or distance information associated with the use of the footwear article. Footwear system according to claim 1, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control an amount of impact attenuation provided by the footwear article. Footwear system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount of impact attenuation by changing the stiffness of an intermediate sole part. Sole member. Footwear system according to claim 2, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount of impact attenuation on at least a portion of the heel of the article. Footwear Footwear system according to claim 1, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of distortion provided by the sole member. Footwear system according to claim 1, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of flexibility in at least a part of the footwear article. Footwear system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the tightness of a fastening system for the footwear article. Footwear system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control at least one aspect of the manner in which the footwear article fits a user's foot. Footwear system according to claim 1, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the characteristic of the footwear article such as to reduce or eliminate pronation when Footwear article is in use. Footwear system according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance monitoring system utilizes sensor device output to determine speed or distance information. Footwear system according to claim 10, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control an amount of impact attenuation provided by the footwear article. Footwear system according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control a traction degree provided by the sole member. Footwear system according to claim 10, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of flexibility provided in at least a portion of the footwear article. Footwear system according to claim 10, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the fastening of a fastening system for the footwear article. Footwear system according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control at least one aspect of the manner in which the footwear article fits at the foot of a shoe. user. Footwear system according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the feature of the footwear article as well as to reduce or eliminate pronation when the footwear article is in use. 17. Footwear system according to claim 10, further characterized by the fact that it comprises: a device in communication with the footwear control system to provide user input to the footwear control system. Footwear system according to claim 17, characterized in that the device includes a system for providing speed or distance information to a user. A footwear system according to claim 10, further characterized by the fact that it comprises: a device in communication with the distance monitoring system for providing speed or distance information to a user. A footwear system according to claim 1, further characterized by the fact that it comprises: a device in communication with the footwear control system for providing user input to the footwear control system. Footwear system according to claim 20, characterized in that the device includes a system for providing speed and distance information to a user. Footwear system according to claim 20, characterized by the fact that the device is portable such as to be chargeable by a user of the footwear system. 23. Footwear system according to claim 1, further characterized by the fact that it comprises: a device in communication with the distance monitoring system for providing speed or distance information to a user. 24. Footwear system according to claim 23, characterized by the fact that the device is portable such as to be chargeable by a user of the footwear system. Footwear system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device includes a magnetic sensor system. Footwear system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device includes a magnet and a sensor to detect changes in a detected magnetic field as a result of contact. Footwear system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the sensor device achieves contact pressure or a pressure change induced by contact. 28. Foot receiving device system, characterized in that it comprises: a foot cover member, a foot support member engaged with the foot cover member, a sensing device engaged with at least one of the foot cover member. where the sensing device is adapted to capture at least one feature of an interaction between a user's foot and the receiving foot device when it is in use, a control system that controls a feature of the footrest limb based on sensor device output; a monitoring system at least partially engaged with the foot receiving device to detect or store data indicating speed or distance information associated with the use of the foot receiving device. Footpod system according to Claim 28, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control an amount of impact attenuation provided by the footpod member. Foot Receiver System according to Claim 29, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount of impact attenuation by changing a stiffness of at least part of the limb. of foot support. Foot pod system according to claim 29, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount of impact attenuation on at least a heel portion of the foot pod. foot Foot receiving device system according to claim 28, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of traction provided by the contact member with the ground. Foot receiving device system according to claim 28, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of flexibility in at least one part of the foot receiving device. Foot receiving device system according to claim 28, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control the tightness of a fastening system. Foot-receiving device system according to Claim 28, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control at least one aspect of the manner in which at least a portion of the receiving device system is. standing upright to a user's foot. Foot receiving device system according to claim 28, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control the feature such as to reduce or eliminate a user's walking style. Foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, characterized in that the monitoring system utilizes the output of the sensor device to determine speed or distance information. Footpod system according to Claim 37, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control an amount of impact attenuation provided by the footpod member. Foot receiving device system according to claim 37, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of traction provided by the foot support member. Footpod system according to claim 37, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of flexibility provided in at least a portion of the footpod system. . 41. Foot-receiving device system according to claim 37, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control the tightness of a fastening system. 42. Footpod system according to claim 37, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control at least one aspect of the manner in which at least a portion of the footpod system. standing upright to a user's foot. Foot-receiving device system according to Claim 37, characterized in that the control system is programmed and adapted to control the feature such as to reduce or eliminate a user's walking style. Foot-receiving device system according to claim 37, further characterized by the fact that it comprises: a device in communication with the control system for providing user input to the control system. Foot receiving device system according to claim 44, characterized in that the device includes a system for providing speed or distance information to a user. 46. The foot-receiving device system of claim 37, further characterized by the fact that it comprises: a device in communication with the monitoring system for providing speed or distance information to a user. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, further characterized by the fact that it comprises: a device in communication with the control system for providing user input to the control system. Foot-receiving device system according to claim 47, characterized in that the device includes a system for providing speed and distance information to a user. A footer device system according to claim 47, characterized in that the device is portable such as to be chargeable by a user of the footer device. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, further characterized by the fact that it comprises: a device in communication with the monitoring system for providing speed or distance information to a user. A footer device system according to claim 50, characterized in that the device is portable such as to be chargeable by a user of the footer device system. Foot receiving device system according to claim 28, characterized in that the sensing device includes a magnetic sensing system. Foot receiving device system according to claim 28, characterized in that the sensing device includes a magnet and a sensor for detecting changes in a magnetic field detected as a result of the interaction. Foot receiving device system according to claim 28, characterized in that the sensing device senses contact pressure or an interaction-induced pressure change. 55. A method of providing a footwear system, characterized in that it comprises: engaging a sensing device with a disposed article, wherein the sensing device is adapted to capture at least one contact characteristic between the disposed article and a surface when the article footwear is in use: providing a programmed footwear control system adapted to receive an output from the sensing device for controlling a feature of the footwear article based on the output of the sensing device; Provide a distance monitoring system at least partially engaged with the footwear article, where the distance monitoring system is programmed and adapted to detect or store data indicating speed or distance information associated with the use of footwear article. . 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control an amount of impact attenuation provided by the footwear article. A method according to claim 56, characterized in that the shoe control system is programmed and adapted to control a stiffness of an intermediate sole portion of the sole member. A method according to claim 56, characterized in that the shoe control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount of impact mitigation at least on a heel portion of the shoe article. A method according to claim 55, characterized in that the shoe control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of traction provided by the shoe article. A method according to claim 55, characterized in that the shoe control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of flexibility of at least a portion of the shoe article. 61. A method according to claim 55, characterized in that the shoe control system is programmed and adapted to control the stiffness of a fastening system for the shoe article. 62. The method of claim 55, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control at least one aspect of the manner in which the footwear article fits on a user's foot. 63. A method according to claim 55, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the characteristic footwear article such as to reduce or eliminate deflation when the footwear article is worn. in use. 64. The method of claim 55, wherein the distance monitoring system is programmed and adapted to receive a sensor device output and to use the received output to determine speed or distance information. 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control an amount of impact attenuation provided by the footwear article. 66. The method of claim 64, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of traction provided by the footwear article. 67. The method of claim 64, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of flexibility provided on at least a portion of the footwear article. 68. The method of claim 64, wherein the shoe control system is programmed and adapted to control the tightness of a fastening system for the shoe article. 69. The method of claim 64, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control at least one aspect of the manner in which the footwear article fits on a user's foot. 70. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the characteristic footwear article such as to reduce or eliminate deflation when the footwear article is worn. in use. 71. The method of claim 64, further comprising: providing a device in communication with the footwear control system for providing user input to the footwear control system. Method according to claim 71, characterized in that the device is programmed and adapted to provide speed or distance information to a user. 73. A method according to claim 64, further comprising: providing a device in communication with the distance monitoring system, wherein the device is programmed and adapted to provide speed or distance information. to a user. 74. The method of claim 55, further comprising: providing a device in communication with the footwear control system for providing user input to the footwear control system. 75. Method according to claim 74, characterized in that the device is programmed and adapted to provide speed or distance information to a user. 76. The method of claim 74, wherein the device is portable such as to be chargeable by a shoe system user. 77. The method of claim 55, further comprising: providing a device in communication with the distance monitoring system, wherein the device is programmed and adapted to provide speed or distance information. to a user. A method according to claim 77, characterized in that the device is portable such as to be chargeable by a shoe system user. Method according to claim 55, characterized in that the sensing device includes the magnetic sensing system. 80. A method according to claim 55, characterized in that the sensor device includes a magnet and a sensor for detecting changes in a magnetic field detected as a result of contact. 81. A method according to claim 55, characterized in that the contact sensing device or a contact induced pressure change. 82. Method of using a footwear system, characterized in that it comprises: capturing contact between a footwear article and a surface as the footwear article is used, where contact is captured using a sensing device at least partially engaged with the article. control a feature of the footwear article based at least in part on the output of the sensing device; and determine user speed or distance information based at least in part on output from the sensor device. 83. The method of claim 82, wherein the control includes controlling an amount of impact attenuation provided by the shoe article. 84. The method of claim 83, wherein the control includes controlling the amount of impact attenuation by changing a stiffness of an intermediate sole portion of the footwear article. 85. The method of claim 83, wherein the control includes controlling the amount of impact attenuation on at least one heel part of the footwear article. 86. The method of claim 82, wherein the control includes controlling a degree of traction provided by the footwear article. A method according to claim 82, characterized in that the control includes controlling a degree of flexibility in at least a portion of the shoe article. 88. A method according to claim 82, characterized in that the control includes controlling a degree of tension applied in securing the shoe article to a user's foot. 89. The method of claim 82, wherein the control includes controlling at least one aspect of the manner in which the shoe article adjusts to a user's foot. 90. A method according to claim 82, characterized in that the control includes controlling the feature of the shoe article such as to reduce or eliminate pronation. 91. The method of claim 82, further characterized by the fact that it comprises: receiving user input, where user input, at least in part, is used in the control. 92. Method according to claim 91, characterized in that the user input is entered through a device separate from the footwear article. 93. The method of claim 92, wherein the device is in communication with a control system engaged at least in parallel with the footwear article. 94. The method of claim 92, further comprising: providing speed or distance information to a user of the shoe article, where it is provided via the user input device. A method according to claim 82, further characterized by the fact that it comprises: providing speed or distance information to the user. 96. Method according to claim 95, characterized in that speed or distance information is provided to the user via a separate device from the footwear article. 97. The method of claim 96, wherein the device is carried by the wearer of the shoe article. 98. The method of claim 82, characterized in that the capture includes the use of a magnetic sensor system. 99. The method of claim 82, wherein the uptake includes detecting changes in at least one contact-induced magnetic characteristic. 100. The method of claim 82, wherein the uptake includes detecting a contact pressure or a contact induced pressure change.