JP5220600B2 - Footwear system, foot receiving device system, and method of providing or using them - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a monitoring and / or control system for automatically controlling characteristics of an article of footwear, such as performance characteristics of the article of footwear, and a pedometer-type speed and / or distance monitoring system, for example. Footwear or other foot receiving device.

BACKGROUND Conventional footwear includes two main elements, a top member and a sole structure. The upper member provides a cover for the receiving foot and positions the foot relative to the sole structure. Further, the top member may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing sweat. The sole structure is generally fixed to the lower part of the upper member, generally the foot and the contact surface (the term “contact surface” or “surface” as used herein refers to grass, earth, snow, ice, tile , Flooring, carpet, artificial turf, asphalt, concrete, clay, coated surface, and the like, including but not limited to any foot or footwear contact surface). In addition to dampening ground reaction forces, the sole structure may provide static friction and assist in controlling foot movements such as pronation. Thus, the top member and the sole structure work together to provide a comfortable structure suitable for various walking activities such as walking and running.

  In at least some instances, the athletic shoe sole member includes a shoe insole that enhances comfort, a resilient insole (e.g., at least partially formed from a polymer foam), and wear-resistant and stationary. Fig. 4 shows a hierarchical configuration including outsole in contact with the ground providing both friction. The insole, in at least some examples, is the primary sole structural element that damps ground reaction forces and controls foot movement. Polymer foam suitable for at least the insole portion includes ethyl vinyl acetate (“EVA”) or polyurethane (“PU”) that is elastically compressed under the applied load to damp ground reaction forces . Conventional polymer foams are elastically compressible, in part, by including a plurality of open or closed cells that define an internal volume that is substantially displaced by gas. Top members and sole structures in conventional footwear products can be coupled together in a variety of different ways, such as using cement or adhesives, overhangs or stitching, mechanical connections, fusion techniques, or the like. Can do.

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of at least some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical 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 the invention include a foot cover member (e.g., an upper member) and a foot support member (e.g., an insole, an insole, and / or an outsole portion that is engaged with the foot cover member). The present invention relates to a foot receiving device such as a footwear article (such as an athletic shoe). The foot receiving device further includes: (a) an interaction between the user's foot and the foot receiving device when engaged with at least one of the foot cover member or the foot support member and the foot receiving device is in use. A detection device positioned or adapted to detect at least one characteristic of: (b) receiving an output from the detection device and (at least in part) based on this output at least one of the foot-receiving devices A control system that controls characteristics (such as the characteristics of the foot support member), and (c) a monitoring system for sensing and / or storing data indicative of 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 detection device used to provide data to the control system. The control system can change, for example, the impact damping characteristics, static friction characteristics, softness characteristics, fit characteristics, or the like of the footwear article. Such foot-receiving systems, for example, receive user input (e.g. regarding user settings or desired characteristics for configurable or controllable characteristics) and provide information to the user (e.g. speed or distance information) One or more devices, such as remote or peripheral devices, may also be included.

  A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for making footwear or other foot-receiving device system, including for example a control system and / or a monitoring system of the type described above. Such methods include, for example, (a) engaging the detection device with the footwear or foot-receiving device (e.g., during footwear manufacturing, at a storefront or at a point of use), where the footwear is being used. When the detection device is positioned and / or adapted to detect at least one characteristic of contact between the footwear or foot-receiving device and the contact surface; (b) receiving output from the detection device; Providing a control system programmed and adapted to control the characteristics of the footwear or foot receiving device based on the output from the detection device; and (c) to the footwear or foot receiving device A distance monitoring system that is programmed and adapted to detect and / or store data indicative of speed or distance information associated with the use of a footwear or foot-receiving device, at least partially engaged It may include the step of providing a. Optionally, if desired, the distance monitoring system may receive input data from the same detection device that provides the input data used by the control system (e.g., the detection device steps in or lifts the user's foot). For example, when each event can be detected).

  A further aspect of the invention relates to an exemplary method for using a footwear or foot-receiving device system of the type described above. Such a method comprises: (a) at least partially contacting or otherwise interacting between the footwear article (or other foot receiving device) and the contact surface during use of the footwear article (or other foot receiving device). Detecting using a mechanically engaged detection device; (b) controlling the characteristics of the footwear article (or other foot receiving device) based at least in part on the output from the detection device; and (c) determining user speed or distance information based at least in part on the output from the detection device.

  Various exemplary methods according to these aspects of the present invention are at least partially in setting and / or controlling the characteristics of a footwear article (or other foot-receiving device), for example to match or set user preferences. Receiving the user input used for. The same or different device, optionally mounted on, attached to, or remote from the footwear (or other foot-receiving device), provides speed or / and distance information or other information to the user or others. May be included to provide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description of various embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the purpose of illustrating various exemplary systems and environments that can form part of this specification and perform aspects of the present invention. Reference is made to the drawings. It is understood that other specific configurations of components, exemplary systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “front”, “back”, “upper”, “lower”, “lower”, “upper”, and the like are referred to herein as the present invention. While being used to describe various exemplary features and elements of the invention, these terms are used in the specification for convenience, eg, in the direction and / or typical use of the embodiments shown in the figures. Used based on direction. In this specification, it should not be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional structure to fall within the scope of the present invention.

  To assist the reader, the specification is divided into various subsections as follows. That is, the terminology, a general description of foot-receiving device systems and methods for making and using them according to the present invention, and specific embodiments of the present invention.

A. Terminology The following terms are used herein and have the meanings set forth below unless otherwise indicated or apparent from the context.

  “Foot receiving device” means a device in which a user inserts at least part of his / her foot. In addition to all types of footwear (below), foot-receiving devices are bindings and other devices for securing feet on skis, cross-country skis, water skis, snowboards, and the like; bicycles, exercise Bindings, clips, or other devices for securing a foot to a pedal for use with equipment, and the like; Bindings, clips or other for receiving a foot while playing a video game or other game Apparatus; and the like, including but not limited to.

  “Footwear” means any type of product worn on the foot, and this term is for all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, tongs, flip flops, mules, indoors, slippers, sports only Including, but not limited to, shoes (eg, golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball spikes, soccer or football spikes, ski boots) and the like. “Footwear” protects the foot from the environment and / or improves the wearer's ability (eg, physically, physiologically, medically).

  “Foot cover member” includes one or more portions of a foot receiving device that extends and / or at least partially covers at least a portion of a wearer's foot, eg, Assist in holding the foot-receiving device on the foot and / or in place. A “foot cover member” includes, but is not limited to, a top member of the type provided in some conventional footwear products.

  "Foot support member" includes one or more portions of a foot receiving device that extends at least partially under at least a portion of the wearer's foot, eg, supporting the foot and / or, eg, the foot receiving device Helps attenuate the reaction force that the wearer's feet are exposed to when stepped on. A “foot support member” includes, but is not limited to, a sole member of the type provided in some conventional footwear products. Such shoe sole members can include conventional outsole, insole, and / or insole members.

  A “ground contact element” or “member” is a foot receiving device that engages at least some portion of the foot receiving device structure that contacts the ground or other surface during use and / or another element or structure during use Including at least some parts of the structure. Such “ground contact elements” may include, but are not limited to, for example, outsole elements provided in some conventional footwear products. A “ground contact element” in at least some exemplary structures provides long wear, static friction, protects the foot, and / or foot receptive when, for example, it contacts the ground or other surface during use It can be made of conventional materials suitable to protect the rest of the device structure from the effects of wear.

B. General description of foot-receiving device systems and methods of making and using them according to the present invention Some aspects of the present invention generally relate to footwear systems and other foot-receiving device systems. One or more individual footwear articles 100 (e.g., athletic shoes or other foot receptacles) as shown in FIG. 1 schematically illustrating an embodiment of the present invention and an exemplary environment in which the present invention can be used. The device may be equipped with one or more detection devices 102, such as a capability or ground interaction measurement device. The detection device 102 may detect at least one characteristic of contact between the footwear article 100 and the contact surface (e.g., ground, floor, etc.) when the footwear is used (e.g., during athletics, practice, or other performance). And can be programmed and adapted to detect or collect information regarding impact forces on contact surfaces). The output from the detection device 102 can be provided to the control system 104, and can optionally include a microprocessor mounted in or on the footwear 100, which can then be It can be used to control or change at least one characteristic of 100 (optionally, automatically, without the need for further user input). Any desired number or characteristic type of footwear 100 can be changed or controlled based on the output from the detection device 102, and more specific examples of types of changes or controls include footwear 100, Change or control of impact attenuation provided by, for example, a sole member; change or control of foot impact characteristics to cause pronation, prolapse or other gait modification configurations; footwear fixing systems (eg, shoelaces, straps, Change or control of tightening of buckles, etc .; change or control of static friction characteristics; change or control of foot fit characteristics; change or control of footwear softness characteristics.

  Further, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, as the user 106 moves, the detection device 102 also allows (and provides) to provide information indicating each time the user steps on the article 100. Can be programmed and adapted). This step information is used by systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention to detect and / or store speed and / or distance information associated with the use of a distance monitoring system, such as the footwear article 100. System can be provided. In other words, the interaction detected between the footwear article 100 and the contact surface is used to provide footwear property control information in the example system described above, and further, speed and / or distance It may be used to provide information (eg pedometer type speed and / or distance information). If desired, this speed and / or distance data is stored in a memory (e.g., a memory included on footwear 100, a memory with peripherals, etc.) for later use and / or analysis, for example. And / or may be transmitted or made available to a user 106 or others via a wireless transmitter 108 optionally included, for example, as part of the control system 104 or the article 100 it can. Optionally, if desired, detection device 102, control system 104 and / or footwear 100 may allow processing of the collected data prior to transmitting data or other information to user 106 or others. One or more microprocessors or other data processing capabilities.

  Data or desired information can be communicated to the user 106 or others such as the wireless receiver 110 with the display device 112 in any desired manner without departing from the invention. Optionally, if desired, display device 112 can be equipped with one or more microprocessors to allow for initial processing of raw data sent by detection device 102, control system 104, and / or footwear 100, It may allow further processing of sent data and / or information, etc. Any type of information such as speed and / or distance information, time information, GPS information, footwear setting information, etc. can be presented to the user 106 (or others) via the display device 112. As a more specific example, the display device 112 may be a portable user portable device, such as a watch, a PDA device, a mobile phone, an MP3 or other audio player, a head-mounted display device, a pager device, Various electronic devices such as headphones or earphones can be included. Any type of “display device” may be provided, such as an audio device, a video device, an audio / video device, an alphanumeric display device, and the like.

  If desired, display device 112 (for another device) may also be programmed and adapted to receive control or configuration information for user input, such as control system 104 and the like. In this exemplary configuration, display device 112 may be equipped with a transmitter or other output device that sends data to a receiver or other input device located in or on the footwear article. If desired, devices 108 and 110 may be capable of performing both transmit and receive functions in at least some embodiments of the present invention.

  In light of this general example and a general description of an exemplary use environment, various exemplary features associated with exemplary structural elements of a foot-receiving device system according to the present invention, the manner in which such a system is formed, Various exemplary aspects of the invention, including the manner in which such systems are used, and are described in more detail below.

1. Exemplary Foot Receiving Device System of the Present Invention In general, aspects of the present invention include a foot cover member (e.g., an upper member) and a foot support member (e.g., shoe insole, insole, And / or a foot-receiving device system, such as a footwear article (eg, athletic shoe) that optionally includes a sole member. The foot receiving device system may further include a detection device engaged with at least one of the foot cover member or the foot support member, wherein the detection device is the user's foot when the foot receiving device is used. Adapted to detect at least one characteristic of the interaction between the foot and the foot receiving device (e.g. the interaction between the foot receiving device and its contact surface and / or the user's foot during one step) . The detection device can send output to the control system, and then the control system can be used to control at least one characteristic of the foot receiving device (such as a foot support member) based on the output from the detection device. it can. The foot-receiving device system can also be equipped with a monitoring system for detecting and / or storing data indicative of speed or distance information associated with the use of the foot-receiving device system. Optionally, if desired, the monitoring system may receive input from the same detection device used to provide data to the control system.

  The control system can be used to control a variety of different features or characteristics of the foot-receiving device system. For example, the control system (a) controls the amount of shock attenuation provided by the foot support member (e.g., changes the shock attenuation at least at the heel portion of the foot receiving device by changing the stiffness of at least a portion of the foot support member). (B) controlling the impact attenuation in one or more parts of the foot-receiving device so as to reduce or eliminate pronation and / or prolapse when the foot-receiving device is used (C) controlling the degree of static friction provided, for example, by the ground contact member of the foot-receiving device (e.g., by the outsole member), and (d) Control the degree of flexibility, and (e) control at least one aspect of the manner in which the foot-receiving device fits the user's foot (e.g., foot-receiving). Programmatically adapted by controlling the degree of tension applied to the fixation system for the device, by controlling the fit of the foot cover member, by controlling the fit of the foot support member, etc. Can be made. Optionally, if desired, the control system is responsive to the detector output and in an automatic or “smart” manner (eg, without the need for user input to automatically change settings between steps). The characteristics or characteristics of the receiving device may be controlled.

  Various peripheral devices may be associated with the foot-receiving device system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. For example, peripheral devices that communicate with the control system to provide user input to the control system (e.g., to allow remote user control to enable at least partial user control on the control system) To allow user input regarding general settings, preferences, or ranges, etc.). Also, using this same peripheral device or a different device, information about the status or settings of the control system, information collected, detected or generated by the monitoring system (e.g. speed or distance information), map, trajectory, or Information such as route alerts or other information, and / or any other desired audio, video, alphanumeric, or other information can be provided to the user. Optionally, the peripheral device is portable so that it can be easily carried by a user of the foot-receiving device system (e.g., allowing it to be carried easily during performance, athletics, during daily practice) , So as to allow the device to be included or attached to a foot-receiving device, a user, a user's clothing, etc.), will be dimensioned, shaped and weighted.

  The detection device that provides signals to the control system and / or monitoring system may be in any suitable desired form without departing from the invention, for example, a pressure sensor, a force transducer, a Hall effect sensor system, a strain Includes gauges, piezoelectric elements, load cells, proximity sensors, optical sensors, accelerometers, capacitance sensors, inductance sensors, ultrasonic transducer and receiver systems, radio frequency transceiver systems, magnetoresistive elements, and the like.

  As noted above, at least another specific aspect of the present invention relates to a footwear system that includes a footwear control system and a speed and / or distance monitoring system. Some more specific examples of footwear systems according to these examples of the present invention include: (a) a footwear article including a top member and a sole member; (b) engaged with the footwear article and the footwear article used. A detection device adapted to detect at least one characteristic of contact between the footwear article and the contact surface in the case of (i) a footwear control that controls the characteristics of the footwear article based on the output from the detection device; A system and (d) a speed and / or distance monitoring system that is at least partially engaged with the footwear to detect or store data indicative of speed and / or distance information associated with the use of the footwear be able to. Optionally, if desired, the speed and / or distance monitoring system may use input from the detection device described above.

2. Exemplary Method of Creating a Foot Receiving Device System According to Embodiments of the Invention Further aspects of the invention include footwear and / or footwear including, for example, a control system of the type described above, and a speed and / or distance monitoring system. Or relates to a method for providing another foot-receiving device system. Such a method includes: (a) when a footwear article or other foot-receiving device is used, the detection device is at least for contact between the footwear item or other foot-receiving device and the contact surface or the user's foot; Engaging a detection device adapted to detect a characteristic with an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device (e.g. during footwear manufacture, at a storefront or at a point of use), (b) output from the detection device Providing a control system programmed and adapted to control the characteristics of the footwear or other foot receiving device based on the output from the detection device, and (c) the footwear or other foot Speed and / or distance programmed and adapted to sense or store data indicative of speed or distance information associated with the use of an article of footwear or other foot receiving device, at least partially engaged with the receiving device Providing a monitoring system can be included. Optionally, if desired, the speed and / or distance monitoring system may receive data from the same detector that provides the output used by the control system. In various exemplary methods according to the present invention, the control system and / or monitoring system may be of the type described above and / or programmed and adapted to control or perform the various functions described above. May be.

  Further, the method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may further include providing a peripheral device. Peripheral devices, for example, provide user input to the control system, information to the user or others (information about the status or settings of the control system, information collected, detected, or generated by the monitoring system (e.g. speed Or a variety of functions may be performed, such as providing distance information), warning information, and / or any desired audio, video, alphanumeric or other information). Optionally, the peripheral device is portable and can be easily carried by a user of the foot-receiving device (e.g., carried out, during athletics, during daily exercise, Sized, shaped, and weighted to be worn on clothing items, exercise equipment, etc.).

3. Exemplary Method of Using a Foot Receiving Device System According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention Further aspects of the method according to the present invention also include footwear including a control system of the type described above and a speed and / or distance monitoring system, for example. Or methods for using other foot-receiving device systems. Such a method comprises the steps of (a) detecting contact between a footwear article or other foot-receiving device and a contact surface or a user's foot when the footwear or other foot-receiving device is used. A contact is detected using a detection device at least partially engaged with the footwear or other foot-receiving device; (b) the footwear based at least in part on the output from the detection device Or controlling the characteristics of other foot-receiving devices, and (c) determining user speed or distance information based at least in part on the output from the detection device. In various exemplary methods according to these aspects of the invention, the control system and / or speed and / or distance monitoring system may be of the type described above and / or control the various functions described above. And / or may be programmed and adapted to perform.

  Various exemplary methods according to these aspects of the invention can further include receiving user input that is used at least in part in controlling the characteristics of the footwear article or other foot-receiving device. Such user input can be input, for example, via an input system attached to the footwear, via a remote device separated from the footwear article, or the like. Peripheral devices that are the same as or different from those for providing speed and / or distance information to the user of the footwear or other foot-receiving device (or to others) may further be included. The devices included in these methods can be worn on a user's arm or leg in a portable manner, for example, as part of a footwear article, clipped to a belt or other part of a user's clothing during use of the footwear article. For example, it may be easily carried by the user.

  Specific examples of structures according to embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below. The reader should understand that these specific examples and structures are shown merely to illustrate the invention and they should not be construed as limiting the invention.

C. Specific Embodiments of the Invention The various figures herein illustrate examples of footwear and other foot-receiving device products according to embodiments of the invention. Where the same reference number appears in more than one drawing, that reference number is used consistently in the specification and drawings and refers to the same or similar parts throughout.

  As described above, FIG. 1 generally shows that an article 100 or other foot-receiving device (such as an athletic shoe) is equipped with a detection device 102, a control system 104, and a speed and / or distance monitoring device. 2 illustrates an exemplary environment of an embodiment and use of the present invention. The detection device 102 may include a detector or detection device for detecting and / or collecting information that is being performed (eg, during practice, athletics, or other performance activities). The detection device 102, the control system 104, and / or the footwear article 100 may further provide information to the footwear user 106 (or other) and / or information from the footwear user 106 (or other). Processing capabilities and / or transmission / reception capabilities for receiving may be included. The desired information can be presented to the user 106 (or others) and / or input can be on a watch, PDA type device, mobile phone, MP3 or other audio player, head-mounted display device, pocket It can be received from user 106 (or others) via communication device 112, such as a bell-type device, an RF device, infrared transmission, and the like. Alternatively or additionally, if desired, the detection information (based on the output generated by the detection device 102) can be used to automatically change or control the characteristics or characteristics of the footwear 100 itself (e.g., the impact attenuation characteristics of the footwear). Can be used to change or control other devices, with or without providing speed, distance and / or other information to the user 106 (or others) .

  FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary elements and exemplary configurations or systems 200 that can be included as part of an overall footwear or foot-receiving device system that includes control and / or distance monitoring capabilities of the type schematically described in conjunction with FIG. Schematically illustrated. The system 200 of this example is a detection device adapted to detect at least one characteristic of contact or interaction between the footwear article and the contact surface or the user's foot when the footwear article is in use. A monitoring element 202 including 204 is included. The monitoring element 202 in this exemplary structure 200 may be attached to and / or configured as part of a footwear article, for example in or as part of a shoe sole member of a footwear such as an insole. May be. Optionally, if desired, the detection device 204 may be separate from the monitoring element 202, and optionally, the detection device 204 may send a signal to the monitoring element 202 (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection, etc. And).

  Data relating to contact or interaction between the footwear item and the contact surface or the user's foot may be measured by the detection device 204, transferred to the microprocessor 206, and / or stored in the memory 208. Based on the measured data from the detection device 204, the microprocessor 206 can control the characteristics of the footwear, for example, by controlling one or more devices 210 included as part of the footwear article. . As a more specific example, and as will be described in more detail below, the detection device 204 can detect the amount of compression of the insole member of the footwear article. Based on the detected degree of insole compression, the microprocessor 206 can control the device 210 to increase or decrease the stiffness of at least a portion of the sole member. In this manner, the monitoring element 202 can be used to actively and / or automatically control the impact damping characteristics of the footwear item without the need for further user input. Various embodiments of this type of shock attenuation control and other controlled devices 210 are 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 the invention.

  In addition to providing information regarding the degree of compression of the insole, or other aspects of the interaction between the user's foot and the footwear, the exemplary system detection device 204 also includes a step for each user. Can be detected (eg, the insole is somewhat compressed at each step). If desired, and as described in more detail below, detection of information corresponding to each user step is used by the system and method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention to provide a pedometer for the use of footwear. Mold speed and / or distance information can be collected. This speed and / or distance information can be stored in the memory 208 for, for example, real-time or later analysis, display, processing, evaluation, etc. Optionally, if desired, speed and / or distance information to another device 212, such as a peripheral display device, in any desired manner, such as a wired or wireless connection (a wireless communication system is illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. ) To allow the user to display speed and / or distance information in real time while practice or competition continues. As described above, the device 212 can be any type of display device, such as an audio display device, a video display device, an alphanumeric display device, or the like. More specific examples of possible devices 212 for this purpose are watches or other wrist-worn display devices, PDA-type devices, mobile phones, MP3 or other audio players, head-mounted display devices, pockets Includes bell-type devices.

  As further shown in FIG. 2, the device 212 can also include a user input system for receiving user input, eg, directing it to the monitoring system 202. Of course, the user input system is used in the control system to request information (e.g., pedometer type speed and / or distance information, step count information, other available information) from the monitoring element 202, for example. Interact with other features of device 212 to communicate with other devices (e.g., request time, altitude, or GPS information) to communicate with other devices (e.g., set general shock attenuation characteristics) To set the time, display or other characteristics of the device 212), and the like, and may be used for any purpose without departing from the invention. The input system may include any type of input device such as buttons, keys, switches, voice recognition / input, digitizer / stylus input, and the like.

  Various characteristics of the footwear article (or other foot-receiving device) can be controlled by the system and method according to the present invention, and various different types of detection devices can also be used (e.g. magnetic sensors, halls). Effect sensors, light or other radiation sensors, pressure sensors, piezoelectric sensors, accelerometers, gyro sensors, optical sensors, etc.). Another specific embodiment relates to active / automatic control of the impact damping characteristics of an article of footwear based on the detected degree of compression of the insole and / or other parts of the footwear. For example, if the insole member compresses a significant amount as detected by the detection device 204, the monitoring element 202 according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may detect this large amount of compression and It can be activated automatically to increase the stiffness characteristics of at least some portion of the footwear article. On the other hand, if the detected insole compression is determined to be relatively small, for example, optionally, although the contact surface or contact with the user's foot is relatively stiff, at least some of the present invention The monitoring element 202 according to this embodiment can detect this fact and automatically activate the device to reduce the stiffness characteristics of at least some portions of the footwear article. Independent user input is provided, for example, setting a wide range of parameters (e.g. user's preference for hard insole, user's preference for soft insole, etc.) for the desired amount of shock attenuation, set automatically It is possible to invalidate the shock attenuation level.

  Various detector types, systems and methods can be used without departing from the present invention to provide automatic shock attenuation control. 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 are disclosed footwear according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. Can be used to actively and / or dynamically control the impact damping characteristics of the 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 fully incorporated herein by reference).

  3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate more specific examples of components, elements, and components that can be included in a monitoring and / or control system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in these figures, the sole member 300 of the footwear article 350 (or other foot receiving device) includes an insole member 302 and an outsole member 304. In the sole structure 300 of this embodiment, the monitoring and / or control system and associated detection device are provided in an area defined between the insole member 302 and the outsole member 304. More specifically, in this example structure, a lower support plate 306 and an upper support plate 308 are provided (optionally formed integrally with the bottom member 304 and the midsole member 302, respectively) and are part of the monitoring and control system. Is provided between the plates 306 and 308. For example, these optional upper and lower support plates 308 and 306 may be included, respectively, to help maintain at least some portions of the monitoring and / or control system in a particular predetermined direction. If desired, at least some portions of the monitoring and / or control system may be placed in a cavity 310 defined in the insole member 302. Insole 302 may be made of conventional materials and / or in a conventional manner, as is known and used in the art.

  A monitoring and / or control system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention can include an activation system 314 that is driven based on output from a detection device (described in more detail below). The firing system 314 can include a driver 316 (eg, a motor) and an adjustable element 318. The monitoring and / or control system can further include, for example, a proximity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a sensor 320 such as an accelerometer, a magnet 322, and associated electrical circuitry. In general, if desired, the monitoring and / or control system may take the general structure and / or form illustrated and described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0177531.

  In the exemplary structure illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, sensor 320 is positioned below adjustable element 318 and magnet 322 is vertically spaced from sensor 320 and above adjustable element 318. Placed in. Any desired type of magnet 322, such as a neodymium iron hole type magnet, or other known or conventional magnets (eg, permanent magnets) may be used without departing from the invention. For example, the actual positioning and / or spacing of the sensor 320 relative to the magnet 322 can vary widely to suit a particular application such as measuring and / or correcting the compressibility of the sole member 300 (eg, insole member 302). . In this illustrated example structure 300, the sensor 320 and the magnet 322 are generally positioned at a location corresponding to the region where maximum compression occurs in the hind leg portion of the footwear article 350 (e.g., under the user's ribs or heel). The In such a construction, the sensor 320 and the magnet may generally be centered between the lateral side and the middle side of the sole member 300, between about 25 mm and about 45 mm forward of the rear side of the user's foot. May be.

  If desired, the entire monitoring and / or control system, or at least a portion thereof, may be enclosed in a sealed waterproof container. The firing system 314 can include a driver 316. More specifically, in at least some example configurations, driver 316 can include a motor 324 and a transmission element 326. The adjustable element 318 may include a limiter 328, an expansion element 330, and a stop member 332 that can be used to control the degree of stiffness or “given” in the insole member 302. . In the illustrated embodiment, the driver 316 includes a lead screw drive comprised of a bidirectional electric motor 324 and a threaded rod that forms a transmission element 326. If desired, in at least some embodiments of the present invention, the motor 324 may be a radio-operated servomotor of the type used in model airplanes or other similar miniature electronics. The threaded rod 326 can be constructed from any desired material such as steel, stainless steel, and the like.

  The motor 324 can be mechanically coupled to the transmitting element 326 to drive the transmitting element 326 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The transmitting element 326 can be designed to screw the limiter 328 and position the limiter 328 laterally relative to the expansion element 330 (see double headed arrow in FIG. 3B). In the illustrated example structure 300, the limiter 328 is screwed to the transmitting element 326 so that it is prevented from rotating relative to the motor 324 and the footwear, so once its position is in the example structure 300. When set at, no power is required to maintain the position of the limiter 328. For example, the triggering system 314 may include sufficient friction and sufficient fine screws to prevent unintentional rotation of the transmitting element 326 during or in response to a heel bump or other stepping event. May be provided on the transmitting element 326. Of course, other configurations of the various sensors and control elements are possible without departing from the invention. As a more specific example, driver 316 may include any type of rotary or linear actuator, gear train, linkage, or combinations thereof without departing from the invention.

  In the illustrated exemplary structure 300, the expansion element 330 comprises a generally cylindrical element with a cross-section formed in an elongated circular or generally elliptical shape. On the other hand, the arcuate end of the expansion element 330 is not necessarily semicircular in shape. The radius of the arcuate end can be selected to suit a particular application, for example to provide a predetermined amount of bending. In addition, the size of these ends can be varied to control the amount of expansion of the expansion element 330 in the vertical direction, for example, under vertical loads with compressive forces. In general, larger end radii or sizes allow greater longitudinal expansion under vertical compression loads. The expansion element 330 may be constructed to have a rigid outer wall and optionally a compressible core of foam or other resilient material, if desired. The size, form and material used in the expansion element 330 can be freely selected, eg, to suit a particular application. As a more specific example, the expansion element 330 is DESMOPAN® (a thermoplastic polyurethane resin material available from Bayer AG of Leverkusen, Germany), PEBAX® (from Atofina Corp. of Puteaux, France). It may be constructed from plastics or polymeric materials such as thermoplastic materials such as available polyether block copolyamide polymers). In at least some embodiments, the expansion element 330 or at least its outer wall is a single unitary member, for example, by injection molding or by any other suitable or desired method, including conventional methods known in the art. Can be made as

  If desired, the transmitting element 326 may extend through the expansion element 330 and connect to the stop member 332. Stop member 332 can be used to prevent movement of expansion element 330 in a direction away from limiter 328. Alternatively, if desired, the function of the stop member 332 may be performed by the rear wall of the cavity 310 or other portion of the sole structure, and the stop member 332 may be omitted without departing from the invention. In addition, a variety of other structural modifications may be provided within the sole structure without departing from the invention.

  The general operation of the adjustable element 318 is to allow the monitoring and / or control system to change the impact damping characteristics of the footwear 350 according to the measured parameters, for example, depending on the measured compression of the insole member 302. It will be described in the context of an application such as when used to modify. When subjected to normal force (eg, step, jump landing, etc.), the expansion element 330 compresses. In response to compression, the expansion element 330 expands in the horizontal direction. The limiter 328 controls / limits the amount of movement or horizontal expansion that the expansion element 330 may experience. Where horizontal movement is limited, vertical movement is limited as well, and controlling the position of the limiter 328 allows control over the stiffness or feel of the insole member. Therefore, by controlling the position of the limiter 328, it is possible to control the overall impact damping characteristics of the footwear 350.

  The monitoring and / or control system is used to actively and / or automatically control the amount of compression of the insole member 302 generated by the user, such as when stepping on the footwear 350 or landing on a jump. can do. As an example, if a user wearing a footwear article 350 as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C engages a contact surface during a stride or other activity, the sole member 300 and the user A vertical force is applied to the expansion element 330 through the legs. This force causes the expansion element 330 to expand while in contact with the ground until the expansion element 330 contacts the limiter 328, thereby controlling the amount of compression experienced in the sole member 300.

  During compression, a detection device 320 included as part of the monitoring and / or control system in this exemplary system measures the field strength of the magnet 322. In this illustrated exemplary structure, the detection device 320 is provided on the substantially bottom surface of the insole member 302 and the magnet 322 is placed substantially on the top of the insole member 302 with the expansion element 330 therebetween. The magnetic field strength detected by the detection device 320 changes as the magnet 322 moves closer to the detection device 320, for example, when the insole member 302 is compressed, for example during a step, landing in a jump. To do. The amount of change or other variation in the detected magnetic field may correspond to a step force (eg, proportional). The microprocessor 334 included as part of the monitoring and / or control system may be programmed and adapted to convert this magnetic field strength into a distance (eg, midsole member 302 compression distance). A change in distance (ie, a change in the measured magnetic field strength) indicates a range in which the insole member 302 is compressed. The monitoring and / or control system microprocessor 334 can then output a signal to the triggering system 314 based on the change in distance or compression measurement, thereby automatically and in real time of the footwear 350. The impact damping characteristics can be altered (eg, modifying the stiffness or compressibility of the insole member 302 based on signals received from the monitoring and / or control system). Changes in impact damping characteristics may be performed during operation, if desired, automatically between steps, while competition or performance continues (e.g., if the measured insole compression level or force is increased). For example, the insole may be “hard” and / or if the measured insole compression level or force is low, the insole may be “soft”).

  Of course, other structures for changing the hardness or compressibility of the insole member 302 may be used without departing from the present invention. More specific examples include bags filled with air or fluid (e.g., where the change in pressure or volume changes stiffness or compressibility), piston-type systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, etc. May be included. The impact damping characteristics of the footwear may be at any location on the footwear, such as the front of the foot, the arch, the middle of the foot, or the rear of the foot, at one or more of the middle, sides, or center of the foot Modifications can be made without departing from the invention.

  The detection of compression of the insole member 302 may also be used as a step number indicator in systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, whereby the monitoring and / or control system can be pedometer-based. And / or other speed and / or distance information can be provided. This data is stored in memory 336, displayed on the footwear, and / or otherwise provided to the user, for example via a wired or wireless connection (a typical transceiver 338 is shown in FIG. And illustrated in 3B). Any type of speed and / or distance type information can be provided and / or any type of data transmission system can be used without departing from the invention, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,724,265, 5,955,667. , 6,018,705, 6,052,654, 6,876,947 and 6,882,955, each of which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

  FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the output that can be generated by a detection device (e.g., sensor 320) and its use for both impact attenuation control and the provision of pedometer-based speed and / or distance information. To do. As shown in FIG. 4 and described above, the detection device 320 (eg, a Hall sensor or other magnetic sensor) can generate an output that indicates the measured magnetic field strength of the magnet 322. Due to insole compression (e.g., jump landing during a step), the magnitude of the measured magnetic field strength may change over time (e.g., through a single step). If the maximum magnetic field strength measured during the step cycle falls below a predetermined lower limit 380, the impact damping characteristics of the footwear 350 are too hard (e.g., the insole does not provide adequate compression). Considered, the position of the limiter 328 can be moved to allow the expandable element 330 to expand more. On the other hand, if the maximum magnetic field strength measured during the step cycle is above a predetermined upper limit 382, the impact damping characteristics of the footwear 350 are considered too loose (e.g., the insole provides excessive compression). Once made, the position of the limiter 328 can be moved to allow the expandable element 330 to be less expanded. In this manner, the output from the detection device 320 can be used to automatically control the impact damping characteristics of the footwear article.

  This same sensor data, however, can also be used to provide “step count” information (eg, each user's step can be detected by compression of the insole member). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, each time the detected magnetic field strength exceeds a predetermined threshold 384, the system and method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention allows a user to perform a step. Can be interpreted. Data indicating the user's step length (e.g., data previously entered by the user, previously measured, measured on the measurement track and derived from the average of a particular user's height), elapsed time data, and similar With this step count data, the system and method according to this embodiment of the invention displays pedometer-based speed and / or distance information to the measurement and / or user (or others). (For example, distance = number of steps × step length, speed = distance / elapsed time, etc.).

  As described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 3C, if desired, systems and methods according to at least some example aspects of the present invention can include one or more peripheral devices, eg, devices that provide information to a user, users Can work with devices that receive input (eg, step length data), devices that receive input from other sources (eg, GPS data, map data, etc.), and the like. In the various illustrated embodiments described above, the monitoring and / or control system and / or speed and distance measurement system can communicate with peripheral devices via a remote or wireless connection. Any desired type of connection, communication system, and / or communication protocol may be used without departing from the invention.

  However, for user input, external inputs or information sources and / or display devices need not communicate remotely and / or wirelessly from monitoring and / or control systems and / or speed and distance measurement systems . For example, if desired, wired connections, electrode pins or connections and the like may be used as an alternative to wireless connections. Further, if desired, user input, external input or other information source (e.g., GPS tracking system, map information, etc.), and / or display device may be on and / or part of the footwear (or other foot-receiving device). Or separately from the associated footwear article (or other foot receiving device). As another specific example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a monitoring and / or control system and / or a speed and / or distance measurement system (shown schematically as expansion element 330 in FIG. 5). ) Includes user input devices 402 (a) and 402 (b) (e.g., button type etc.) that allow a user to enter information that requires increased or decreased insole member compressibility, respectively. ) May be included. As a more specific example, if desired, the input buttons 402 (a) and 402 (b) change and / or control the position of the limiter 328, thereby changing the possible compressibility of the insole member 302. (See FIGS. 3A and 3B). Of course, user input is typical for use in pedometer systems for other purposes (e.g. providing other footwear control information, controlling information provided as output, requesting predetermined output information) May be provided without departing from the present invention (for example, to input stride length data or other information).

  In addition to the user input device, the footwear 400 also provides a user with various types of information such as insole compressibility setting information, speed and / or distance information, and / or other desired information. Alternatively, a plurality of display devices 404 can be included. For example, the display device 404 can be an LED, LCD, or other display device similar to that commonly used in electronic devices such as watches, cell phones, PDAs, MP3 or other portable audio devices, and the like. But you can. Also, various display devices 404 and / or input systems 402 (a) and 402 (b) may be used as top members, sole members, one or more portions of the footwear structure 400, etc. without departing from the invention. It may be individually attached to any part of the footwear structure 400.

  Properties of the footwear other than the provided shock attenuation can be controlled without departing from the invention. 6 to change the user's gait, for example to help correct (eg reduce or eliminate) pronation or gyration in the user's gait, to more accurately assist the user's step or landing. FIG. 6 illustrates an example sole structure 500 that includes a device for or for other purposes. As shown, footwear sole member 500 includes one or more detection devices 502 (a) and 502 (b) that detect the manner in which a user's foot (or footwear item) strikes the contact surface. be able to. The detection device (eg, 502 (a) and 502 (b) in this example) can be positioned to detect when the user turns the gait pronation and / or prolapse. The detection devices 502 (a) and 502 (b) may include, for example, a microprocessor or other monitoring and / or control system 504 that can determine the relative timing and / or force associated with each side of the foot being hit. These signals may be provided to the portion. The microprocessor or other part of the monitoring and / or control system 504 is mounted on or away from the footwear (eg, insole shown in FIGS. 3A-3C), eg, receives user input and / or the user May be provided in a peripheral device for displaying information. If foot contact is detected substantially more or substantially earlier on one side of the foot compared to the other (e.g., a pronation or prolapse greater than a certain degree is detected), Elements 506 (a) and / or 506 (b) provided as part may change the user's gait or foot contact characteristics to reduce or eliminate pronation or prolapse (e.g., above It can be controlled by the same microprocessor described or other parts of the monitoring and / or control system 504, or by a different microprocessor or system. As a more specific example, the controlled elements 506 (a) and 506 (b) depend on the pressure applied, a bag filled with air or fluid that expands or contracts depending on the pressure applied. It may be configured to be a softer or harder bag filled with air or fluid, an expansion element of the type described above in connection with FIGS. 3A to 3C, a piston, a hydraulic element, a pneumatic element, etc. Good. Of course, the footwear or sole member 500 is modified and / or so to detect pronation and / or pronation tendencies and / or to reduce and / or eliminate pronation and / or pronation trends. Otherwise, any way of changing the user's gait or foot contact characteristics may be used without departing from the invention. Also, as described above, these changes can be made automatically between steps when the user continues to use the article of footwear.

  Control elements 506 (a) and / or 506 (b) for altering a person's gait characteristics or foot hit characteristics are from the present invention for any reason and / or depending on any detected characteristics. Can be changed without losing. In addition, fluid filled bags, pistons, hydraulic elements, pneumatic elements, or other controlled elements may be used without departing from the invention, for example, in the middle, sides, or middle portion of the foot, in front of the foot It may be provided at any position on the footwear, such as one or more, such as a part, arch, middle part of the foot, or rear part of the foot.

  The detection devices 502 (a) and 502 (b) of the sole structure 500 of this embodiment can detect surface contact (e.g., each step) by the foot, so pronation, prolapse or other walking tendency can be detected. The same signal to detect can be used to provide speed and / or distance measurement information, eg, conventional pedometer type speed and / or distance information, without departing from the invention. Thus, further using the sole member 500 microprocessor and / or other control system 504 (or another microprocessor or system) in the same manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 3A-4. Based on the output generated by one or more detection devices 502 (a) and / or 502 (b), for example via a remote peripheral device, via a display device mounted on the footwear Speed and / or distance information can be provided.

  FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an article 600, whose characteristics can be automatically controlled. In this exemplary footwear structure 600, the degree of static friction provided by the footwear article 600 is, for example, automatically and during execution, optionally between individual steps, for example, the slip detected during a user step. Control can be based on quantity. As a more specific example, as shown in FIG. 7, the footwear 600 is positioned so that it can detect when a user's foot slides or slips during one step. One or more detection devices 602, such as a programmed accelerometer and / or other devices, may be provided. If a slip or slide is detected (e.g., exceeds a predetermined amount of slip or slide as determined by an algorithm provided in the microprocessor and / or other part of the control system 604), the microprocessor and / or Or other parts of the control system 604 (or another microprocessor or system) are programmed to change one or more characteristics of the footwear 600 in an effort to provide better static friction. Can be adapted. More specifically, according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, the microprocessor and / or other portions of the control system 604 (or another microprocessor or system) may provide better static friction. , And can be programmed and adapted to change the static friction characteristics of at least a portion of the footwear sole member 606. As another specific example, the static friction that provides the characteristics of the footwear sole member 606 uses, for example, one or more heating elements 608 included in or adjacent to the sole member 606. The material of the bottom member 606 can be changed by heating. This type of heating element 608 can be used to soften the material of the outsole member 606 somewhat, thereby providing better static friction on the floor or other surface.

  Of course, other ways of modifying the static friction properties of the footwear may be used without departing from the invention. For example, if a slide or slip is detected, a microprocessor or other part of the control system can be used to automatically extend a spike or anti-slip included in the footwear (e.g., additional spikes). Or by rotating the non-slip length, pushing out more spikes or non-slip length etc. via pneumatic, hydraulic or pressure cylinder etc.). As another possible example, additional spikes or anti-skids included in the footwear when a predetermined degree of slip and / or slide is detected using a microprocessor or other part of the control system Can be automatically exposed. Still other ways of modifying the static friction characteristics may be provided without departing from the invention.

  This example footwear structure 600 detection device 602 can detect surface contact by a foot (e.g., detecting each step by a change in direction that can be detected by an accelerometer or other detector, etc.) Or the same signal for detecting slides can be further used to provide speed and / or distance surveying information, eg, conventional pedometer type speed and / or distance information, without departing from the invention. . Accordingly, the microprocessor and / or other portion of the control system 604 (or another microprocessor or system) in the footwear 600 is further used in the same manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 3A-4. Thus, based on the output generated by the detection device 602, speed and / or distance information can be provided to the user, for example, via a remote peripheral device, via a display device mounted on an article of footwear, etc. .

  Another example of a controllable footwear 700 is shown in FIG. In this exemplary footwear structure 700, the degree of flexibility of the footwear 700 is optionally automatic based on output from one or more detection devices (a single detection device 702 is shown in FIG. 8). Automatically and during execution (eg, in real time, during a step or interaction with the ground surface, etc.). By way of example, the detection device 702 can detect the degree of flexibility of the article of footwear 700 when the user steps in and send this information to the microprocessor or control system 704. If the amount of bending exceeds the upper limit value or falls below the lower limit value, the degree of flexibility of the footwear may be changed based on signals provided by, for example, the microprocessor or other parts of the control system 704. it can. As another example, if desired, sensors are arranged to detect the degree of pressure applied by the user's feet to various portions of the sole member (e.g., to the shoe sole, heel and toe areas). Can detect when the user attempts to bend the arch of the shoe (e.g., for dance and / or aerobic shoes) and then the pressure and / or pressure applied by the user's foot is applied Depending on the position, the flexibility of the footwear 700 can be changed to allow more or less bending in the arch.

  Any manner of changing the degree of flexibility of the footwear article can be used, and the degree of flexibility can be changed at any location in the footwear article without departing from the invention. FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an embodiment in which the degree of flexibility in the arch support portion of the footwear 700 is altered, for example, by changing the thickness of the support plate system 706 included in the arch area (this is schematically illustrated). In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the plate system 706 moves one plate 706 (a) relative to the other plate 706 (b), thereby the overall thickness of the plate system 706 in the arch area. Changed by increasing or decreasing). Alternatively, as another example, if desired, additional plate elements may be moved from one region of the footwear article 700 to another to provide additional plate support material, or the amount of plate support material in a given region , Thereby increasing or decreasing the flexibility of the region. As a further example, heating and / or cooling elements may be further provided in the footwear 700 to secure the mechanical device to change the degree of flexibility of the support material without departing from the invention, It can be loosened and moved. Other ways of changing flexibility may be provided without departing from the invention.

  The detection device 702 of this exemplary footwear structure 700 can allow detection of surface contact by the foot (e.g., each step depending on the amount of bending detected), and the same signal for detecting the degree of bending. Can be used to provide speed and / or distance measurement information, such as conventional pedometer type speed and / or distance information, without departing from the invention. Thus, further use of the microprocessor and / or other parts of the control system 704 (or another microprocessor or system) in the footwear 700 in the same manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 3A-4. Thus, based on the output generated by the detection device 702, speed and / or distance information can be provided to the user, for example, via a remote peripheral device, via a display mounted on the footwear.

  FIG. 9 illustrates yet another example of a controllable footwear 800. FIG. In this exemplary footwear structure 800, aspects of the manner in which the footwear 800 fits or engages the user's foot, optionally automatically and during execution (e.g., in real-time, step or interaction with the contact surface). Controlled). One or more matching aspects of the footwear article can be controlled based on output from one or more detection devices (a single detection device 802 is shown in FIG. 9). By way of example, the detection device 802 detects the amount of pressure applied by the user's foot when touching the ground or other surface during a step, such as during a jump, as a reference for work performed by the user. be able to. This data may be sent to a microprocessor or other part of the control system 804. When the contact pressure exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit, the tightening of the shoe laces or other fastening system 806 is based on signals generated by, for example, a microprocessor or other part of the control system 804 May be changed.

  Any manner of changing the fastening system of the footwear or other conforming characteristics may be used without departing from the invention. FIG. 9 generally illustrates an embodiment in which the degree of tightening of the fastening system is changed by changing the length of the strap member 806 used as the fastening system (the strap member 806 in the fastening system of this embodiment). Is wrapped around the user's foot a plurality of times, such as through a shoe sole member across the top member). The length of the strap member 806 can be changed by winding or unwinding some of the strap member 806 from a supply device 808 (e.g., a roller, etc.) using, for example, a microprocessor or other portion of the control system 804. it can. As another example, if desired, other portions of the microprocessor or control system 804 can be used to move through the clamp or buckle member 810 (e.g., by rotating the portion of the clamp 810 that engages the strap 806). Etc.) The strap member 806 can be further moved. As a further example, if desired, the microprocessor or other part of the control system 804 can be used to move the fixation system shoelace into or out of the shoelace clamp or retaining member around the wearer's foot. The length of the matching strap or cable that fits can be changed and / or otherwise the aspect of the manner in which the footwear engages or fits the user's foot can be changed. The controlled fastening system and / or other conforming elements may be located anywhere on the footwear article and / or in any desired position and in any desired manner without departing from the invention. Can engage the user's foot or footwear part. Using this type of system, the user can be informed at any time during use, regardless of other equipment worn by the user (e.g. no socks, thin socks, thick socks, multiple socks, etc.) The size of footwear can be customized automatically. As described above, user input can also be received by such an adaptation system to allow user control at least at a given time for the adaptation type (e.g., A tight fit for play, a loose fit at other times, a tight fit for running or running, and a looser fit for walking or jogging).

  This example footwear structure 800 detection device 802 can detect surface contact by the foot (e.g., each step with sensed pressure detection, etc.), thus further using the same signal to control the tightening or fit characteristics. Thus, speed and / or distance measurement information, such as conventional pedometer type speed and / or distance information, can be provided without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the microprocessor of footwear 800 and / or other portions of control system 804 (or another microprocessor or system) are further used in the same manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 3A-4. Thus, based on the output generated by the detection device 802, speed and / or distance information can be provided to the user, for example, via a remote peripheral device, via a display device mounted on the footwear, etc. .

  As described above, user input is received, for example, at a peripheral device located remotely from the footwear and / or removably attached to the footwear (or other part of the user's body or clothing) be able to. This device can be used, at least in part, to remotely control the desired properties of the footwear item (e.g., allowing the user to set the impact damping properties at a continuous level or interval, , Allowing set operating characteristics and / or their thresholds to be changed, or allowing users to override set characteristics automatically).

  This user input device can adjust the settings of both footwear simultaneously and / or provide individual control over the footwear if desired. If desired, the entire system controls stiffness or shock attenuation in the sole / dorsal direction of the user's feet, as well as in the mid / lateral direction, or in a combination or subcombination of these various directions. Also good. Further, if desired, impact damping or other characteristics may be controlled at the top member and / or at any portion of the sole member without departing from the invention. Pedometer-based speed and / or distance information can also be derived from the number of steps generated by one or two footwear items.

  As a further possible embodiment or alternatively, if desired, the peripheral device may include GPS information, map information, or other location or route based information (e.g., GPS and / or pedometer based speed and / or distance information). Can be displayed). If desired, in such a system, one or more characteristics of the footwear may include, for example, detected changes in the user's position along the route, terrain, altitude, reaching various predetermined goals, various Can be controlled based on reaching a certain threshold distance or altitude, and the like. As yet a further example, various targets (e.g., mile markers, signs, other transmitters or the like along a route) are used to provide one or more of the articles of footwear according to at least some embodiments of the present invention or Information can be sent to a control system (optionally carried by the user and / or within the article of footwear) that can be used to change multiple properties. A variety of control elements and trigger events can be used to automatically control one or more characteristics of an article of footwear without departing from the invention.

  A system of the type described in US Pat. No. 6,865,825 is fully incorporated herein by reference and can be used to provide control according to at least some embodiments of the present invention.

  The various embodiments of the present invention described above relate to the use of a control system according to embodiments of the present invention and when footwear (or other foot-receiving devices) are being used (e.g. between individual steps). ), Etc., in real time, for example during execution, automatically adjust various characteristics of the footwear (or other foot receiving device). Although one advantageous aspect according to some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to use in these situations. For example, using systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, over time, such as in response to changes in footwear structure caused by wear, breakage, aging, temperature, humidity, moisture, etc. The properties of the footwear article (or other foot receiving device) under different use conditions can be adjusted. As a more specific example, aspects of the present invention may be used over time to provide a more consistent feel for an article of footwear throughout its life and / or under various use conditions ( The impact damping characteristics of the footwear article can be adapted in response to changes in the foam of the insole member that may occur (e.g., due to foam breakage, damage, wetting, aging, etc.). As another example, aspects of the invention may be used to adjust the static friction properties of an article of footwear due to wear of outsole, anti-slip or spike members that may occur over time (e.g., anti-slip or spike If the end wears, it can provide additional anti-slip or spike lengths, or more often or frequently heat the outsole member when the static friction element of the outsole member wears).

  Various modes of motion control systems according to embodiments of the present invention are described above and will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the above description. As a more specific example, when an article of footwear is used (e.g., when the user steps on), one or more features related to contact between the article of footwear and the contact surface or the user's foot, e.g., FIG. One or more of the various features described above in connection with -9 can be detected (eg, contact pressure, insole compression, degree of bending, degree of slip or slide, etc.). The detected information can be fed to the control system and then signaled to another device, when appropriate (e.g., the detected parameters are within a predetermined range depending on the predetermined algorithm). The composition of the article of footwear can be changed, thereby controlling the characteristics of the article of footwear. Optionally, user input may be provided and used at least in part to set one or more characteristics and / or parameters associated with setting the characteristics. The changed characteristics may include, for example, a change in impact damping characteristics, a change in static friction characteristics, a change in flexibility characteristics, a change in conformance characteristics, a change in fixed system tightening characteristics, and the like. These property changes can occur during a step or jump at any time, for example in real time, during execution, while the use of the article of footwear continues. Many different changes in properties can occur during the continued use of an article of footwear without departing from the invention. The detected information, or optionally information from another sensor or detector, is further used to determine user speed or distance information (e.g., pedometer type speed and / or distance information) and pass this information to the user. Can be provided.

  As will be apparent from the above description, a variety of different ways of providing a footwear system including control features can be further provided without departing from the invention. In such a method, the detection device is engaged with the footwear article, for example, the upper member and / or the sole member, integrally formed as a part of the footwear, embedded or housed in the sole member or the like. A process may be included. This engagement can occur during footwear manufacturing or assembly, at the point of sale or in use (eg, via a slot or mounting element provided in the footwear that receives the detection and / or control device). The detection device, as mentioned above, is positioned and adapted to detect at least one characteristic of contact between the footwear article and the contact surface or the user's foot when the footwear article is in use May be. The control system receives the output from the detection device and, based on the received output, to control the characteristics of the footwear article as described above (e.g., to change certain aspects of the construction of the footwear article). ), May be provided (eg, separated from the detection device or normally housed or supported). The control device may be placed in or on the footwear article, partially in or on the footwear article, or separately from the footwear article without departing from the invention. An aspect of providing a footwear system according to an embodiment of the present invention is optionally at least partially engaged with footwear for sensing or storing data indicative of speed and / or distance information associated with the use of footwear articles. It may further include providing a distance monitoring system. Optionally, the distance monitoring system may use the same detection device used for footwear characteristic control, and optionally the same signal provided by the detection device.

CONCLUSION Of course, many modifications to the specifically described structures, systems and methods may be made without departing from the invention. For example, while the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, including presently preferred forms of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize many variations, combinations, and alternatives to the systems and methods described above. Will be recognized. Moreover, various specific structural features included in the embodiments are merely representative of structural features that may be included in some embodiments of the structure according to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various specific structural features may be omitted and / or modified in footwear or other foot-receiving device products without departing from the invention. Further, many variations in the method steps may be made in connection with this method, the order of the steps may be changed, and various steps or features may be added without departing from the invention or It may be omitted. Accordingly, the reader should understand that the nature and scope of the present invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

A more complete understanding of the present invention and its certain advantages will be obtained by reference to the following description in consideration of the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like features.
Fig. 4 illustrates an overview of an exemplary system and / or exemplary environment of the present invention in which aspects of the present invention may be used or implemented. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary system that can be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows an example of an article of footwear including an active impact damping control system as a control system of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates an example graph illustrating how output from a detection device, such as the detection device of FIGS. 3A-3C, can be used to provide pedometer-based speed and / or distance information. Fig. 4 illustrates an example of an article of footwear including a control system with user input and display features of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a sole member for a footwear article including pronation and / or pronation reduction or exclusion features as a control system of an embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows an embodiment of an article of footwear including a static friction control system as a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows an embodiment of an article of footwear including a footwear flexibility control system as a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows an embodiment of an article of footwear including an footwear adaptation or fastening system tightening control system as a control system of an embodiment of the invention.

Claims (57)

An article of footwear comprising a top member and a sole member, the shoe member having a cavity therein;
A detection device provided in a cavity of the sole member, the detection device being adapted to detect at least one characteristic of contact between the footwear and the surface when the footwear is in use; ,
A footwear control system;
A distance monitoring system adapted to sense or store data that is at least partially engaged with the footwear and that indicates speed and distance information associated with the use of the footwear;
A footwear system comprising:
The distance monitoring system includes a peripheral device configured to communicate with a detection device and located remotely from the footwear;
The detection device is adapted to provide the same data output for both the footwear control system and the distance monitoring system, and the footwear control system is adapted to control the characteristics of the footwear article based on the data output from the detection device. And
The peripheral device is adapted to receive the data output from the detecting device, the peripheral device includes a processor configured to determine the speed and distance information by processing the data output from said detection device, said A display device configured to display speed and distance information determined by the processor;
Footwear system.   The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount of shock attenuation provided by the footwear article.   The footwear system of claim 2, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control impact attenuation by changing the stiffness of the midsole portion of the sole member.   The footwear system of claim 2, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control impact attenuation in at least a heel portion of the footwear article.   The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the degree of static friction provided by the sole member.   The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the degree of flexibility in at least a portion of the footwear article.   The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the tightening of the fastening system for the footwear article.   The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control at least one aspect of the manner in which the footwear conforms to the user's foot.   The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the characteristics of the footwear article to reduce or eliminate pronation when the footwear article is in use.   The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is configured to communicate with the footwear control system and is adapted to provide user input to the footwear control system.   The footwear system of claim 10, wherein the peripheral device is portable for carrying by a user of the footwear system.   The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the detection device includes a magnetic sensor system.   The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the sensing device includes a magnet and a sensor for sensing a change in the sensed magnetic field as a result of contact between the footwear article and the surface.   The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the detection device detects a contact pressure or pressure change caused by contact between the footwear article and the surface. A foot cover member;
A foot support member engaged with the foot cover member;
When the foot-receiving device is in use, the foot-receiving device is adapted to detect at least one characteristic of the interaction between the user's foot and the foot-receiving device and is associated with at least one of the foot cover member or the foot support member. A combined detection device;
A control system;
A monitoring system that is at least partially engaged with the foot-receiving device and adapted to sense or store data indicative of speed and distance information associated with use of the foot-receiving device;
A foot receiving device system comprising:
The monitoring system includes a peripheral device configured to wirelessly communicate with the detection device and located remotely from the detection device;
The detection device is adapted to provide the same data output to both the control system and the monitoring system, the control system is adapted to control a characteristic of a foot support member based on the data output from the detection device;
The peripheral device, receiving said data output from the detecting device, the processing data output from the detector to determine the speed and distance information, and is adapted to display the speed and distance information,
Foot receiving device system.   16. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 15, wherein the control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount of shock attenuation provided by the foot support member.   17. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 16, wherein the control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount of shock attenuation by changing the stiffness of at least a portion of the foot support member.   17. A foot receiving device system according to claim 16, wherein the control system is programmed and adapted to control impact attenuation in at least a heel portion of the foot receiving device.   16. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 15, wherein the control system is programmed and adapted to control the degree of static friction provided by the ground contact member.   16. The foot receiving device system of claim 15, wherein the control system is programmed and adapted to control the degree of flexibility in at least a portion of the foot receiving device.   16. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 15, wherein the control system is programmed and adapted to control the tightening of the fixation system.   The foot-receiving device system according to claim 15, wherein the control system is programmed and adapted to control at least one aspect of the manner in which at least a portion of the foot-receiving device system fits the user's foot.   16. The foot-receiving device system of claim 15, wherein the control system is programmed and adapted to control the characteristics to reduce or eliminate pronation in the user's gait.   16. The foot-receiving device system of claim 15, wherein the peripheral device is configured to communicate with the control system and is adapted to provide user input to the control system. 25. A foot receiving device system according to claim 24, wherein the peripheral device is portable for carrying by a user of the foot receiving device.   The foot-receiving device system according to claim 15, wherein the detection device comprises a magnetic sensor system.   The foot-receiving device system of claim 15, wherein the detection device includes a magnet and a sensor for detecting a change in the sensed magnetic field as a result of the interaction between the user's foot and the foot-receiving device.   16. The foot receiving device system of claim 15, wherein the detecting device detects a contact pressure or pressure change caused by interaction between the user's foot and the foot receiving device. Engaging the footwear article with a detection device adapted to detect at least one characteristic of contact between the footwear article and the surface when the footwear article is in use;
Providing a footwear control system; and a distance programmed and adapted to sense or store data that is at least partially engaged with the footwear and that indicates speed and distance information associated with the use of the footwear Providing a monitoring system comprising the steps of:
The distance monitoring system includes a peripheral device configured to communicate with a detection device and located remotely from the footwear;
The detection device is adapted to provide the same data output to both the footwear control system and the distance monitoring system, the footwear control system receiving data output from the detection device, and data output from the detection device Programmed and adapted to control the characteristics of an article of footwear based on
The peripheral device is adapted to receive the data output from the detecting device, the peripheral device includes a processor configured to determine the speed and distance information by processing the data output from said detection device, said A display device configured to display speed and distance information determined by the processor;
Method.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount of shock attenuation provided by the footwear article.   32. The method of claim 30, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the stiffness of the midsole portion of the sole member.   32. The method of claim 30, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the impact attenuation in at least a heel portion of the footwear article.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the degree of static friction provided by the footwear article.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the degree of flexibility of at least a portion of the footwear article.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the fastening of the fastening system for the footwear article.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control at least one aspect of the manner in which the footwear conforms to the user's foot.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the footwear control system is programmed and adapted to control the characteristics of the footwear article to reduce or eliminate pronation when the footwear article is in use.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the peripheral device is configured to communicate with the footwear control system and is adapted to provide user input to the footwear control system. 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the peripheral device is portable for carrying by a footwear system user.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the detection device comprises a magnetic sensor system.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the sensing device includes a magnet and a sensor for sensing a change in the sensed magnetic field as a result of contact between the footwear article and the surface. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the detection device detects a contact pressure or pressure change caused by contact between the article of footwear and the surface. Detecting contact between the footwear article and the surface when the footwear article is used using a detection device at least partially engaged with the footwear article;
Transmitting output data from the detection device to a peripheral device in communication with the detection device and to a footwear control system in communication with the detection device;
Based at least in part on the output data from the detection device, the step of controlling the article of footwear of properties by the footwear control system;
Step based at least in part on the output data from the detection device, using a processor of the peripheral device determines the user speed and distance information; and
A method of using a footwear system comprising: using a display of a peripheral device to display speed and distance information determined by a processor.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the controlling includes controlling the amount of impact attenuation provided by the footwear article.   45. The method of claim 44, wherein the controlling step includes the step of controlling the amount of shock attenuation by changing the stiffness of the insole portion of the footwear article.   45. The method of claim 44, wherein the controlling step includes the step of controlling the amount of shock attenuation in at least a heel portion of the footwear article.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the controlling includes controlling the degree of static friction provided by the footwear article.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the controlling includes controlling the degree of flexibility in at least a portion of the footwear article.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the controlling step includes the step of controlling the amount of tension applied when securing the article of footwear to the user's foot.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the controlling includes controlling at least one aspect of the manner in which the footwear conforms to the user's foot.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the controlling step includes the step of controlling the properties of the article of footwear to reduce or eliminate pronation. 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising receiving user input used at least in part for controlling.   53. The method of claim 52, wherein user input is entered via a peripheral device.   54. The method of claim 53, wherein the peripheral device is in communication with a control system that is at least partially engaged with the article of footwear.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the detecting step includes the use of a magnetic sensor system.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein detecting comprises sensing a change in at least one magnetic property caused by contact between the article of footwear and the surface.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein detecting comprises sensing a contact pressure or pressure change caused by contact between the footwear article and the surface.

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