U.S. patent application number 11/177489 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-11 for control systems and foot-receiving device products containing such systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nike, Inc.. Invention is credited to Charles Whipple JR. Case, Allan Schrock, Albert Shum.
Application Number | 20070006489 11/177489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37102395 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070006489 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Case; Charles Whipple JR. ;
et al. |
January 11, 2007 |
Control systems and foot-receiving device products containing such
systems
Abstract
Foot-receiving devices, such as articles of footwear, include:
(a) a sensing device that senses a characteristic of an interaction
between a user's foot and a foot-receiving device; (b) a control
system that receives output from the sensing device and controls a
characteristic of the foot-receiving device based on this output;
and (c) a monitoring system for detecting and/or storing data
indicating speed or distance information associated with use of the
foot-receiving device. The monitoring system may receive input from
the same sensing device used for providing data to the control
system. The control system may alter the impact attenuation
characteristics, the traction characteristics, the flexibility
characteristics, the fit characteristics, or the like of the
article of footwear. Methods of making and using such
foot-receiving devices also are described.
Inventors: |
Case; Charles Whipple JR.;
(Lake Oswego, OR) ; Shum; Albert; (Portland,
OR) ; Schrock; Allan; (Portland, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF
1001 G STREET N W
SUITE 1100
WASHINGTON
DC
20001
US
|
Assignee: |
Nike, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
37102395 |
Appl. No.: |
11/177489 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/06 20130101; A61B
5/6807 20130101; A43D 1/027 20130101; G01C 22/006 20130101; A43B
13/181 20130101; A61B 5/1038 20130101; A43B 7/24 20130101; A43B
3/0005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/132 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00 |
Claims
1. A footwear system, comprising: an article of footwear including
an upper member and a sole member; a sensing device engaged with
the article of footwear, wherein the sensing device is adapted to
sense at least one characteristic of contact between the article of
footwear and a surface when the article of footwear is in use; a
footwear control system that controls a characteristic of the
article of footwear based on output from the sensing device; and a
distance monitoring system at least partially engaged with the
article of footwear for detecting or storing data indicating speed
or distance information associated with use of the article of
footwear.
2. A footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the footwear
control system is programmed and adapted to control an amount of
impact attenuation provided by the article of footwear.
3. A footwear system according to claim 2, wherein the footwear
control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount of
impact attenuation by altering a stiffness of a midsole portion of
the sole member.
4. A footwear system according to claim 2, wherein the footwear
control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount of
impact attenuation at least in a heel portion of the article of
footwear.
5. A footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the footwear
control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of
traction provided by the sole member.
6. A footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the footwear
control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of
flexibility in at least one portion of the article of footwear.
7. A footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the footwear
control system is programmed and adapted to control tightness of a
securing system for the article of footwear.
8. A footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the footwear
control system is programmed and adapted to control at least one
aspect of the manner in which the article of footwear fits a user's
foot.
9. A footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the footwear
control system is programmed and adapted to control the
characteristic of the article of footwear so as to reduce or
eliminate pronation when the article of footwear is in use.
10. A footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the distance
monitoring system utilizes output from the sensing device for
determining the speed or distance information.
11-19. (canceled)
20. A footwear system according to claim 1, further comprising: a
device in communication with the footwear control system for
providing user input to the footwear control system.
21-22. (canceled)
23. A footwear system according to claim 1, further comprising: a
device in communication with the distance monitoring system for
providing the speed or distance information to a user.
24-25. (canceled)
26. A footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the sensing
device includes a magnet and a sensor for detecting changes in a
detected magnetic field as a result of the contact.
27. A footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the sensing
device senses contact pressure or a pressure change induced by the
contact.
28. A foot-receiving device system, comprising: a foot-covering
member; a foot-supporting member engaged with the foot-covering
member; a sensing device engaged with at least one of the
foot-covering member or the foot-supporting member, wherein the
sensing device is adapted to sense at least one characteristic of
an interaction between a user's foot and the foot-receiving device
when the foot-receiving device is in use; a control system that
controls a characteristic of the foot-supporting member based on
output from the sensing device; and a monitoring system at least
partially engaged with the foot-receiving device for detecting or
storing data indicating speed or distance information associated
with use of the foot-receiving device.
29. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, wherein
the control system is programmed and adapted to control an amount
of impact attenuation provided by the foot-supporting member.
30. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 29, wherein
the control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount
of impact attenuation by altering a stiffness of at least a portion
of the foot-supporting member.
31. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 29, wherein
the control system is programmed and adapted to control the amount
of impact attenuation at least in a heel portion of the
foot-receiving device.
32. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, wherein
the control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of
traction provided by the ground-contacting member.
33. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, wherein
the control system is programmed and adapted to control a degree of
flexibility in at least one portion of the foot-receiving
device.
34. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, wherein
the control system is programmed and adapted to control tightness
of a securing system.
35. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, 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 a user's foot.
36. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, wherein
the control system is programmed and adapted to control the
characteristic so as to reduce or eliminate pronation in a user's
gait.
37. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, wherein
the monitoring system utilizes output from the sensing device for
determining the speed or distance information.
38-46. (canceled)
47. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, further
comprising: a device in communication with the control system for
providing user input to the control system.
48-49. (canceled)
50. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, further
comprising: a device in communication with the monitoring system
for providing the speed or distance information to a user.
51-52. (canceled)
53. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, wherein
the sensing device includes a magnet and a sensor for detecting
changes in a detected magnetic field as a result of the
interaction.
54. A foot-receiving device system according to claim 28, wherein
the sensing device senses contact pressure or a pressure change
induced by the interaction.
55. A method of providing a footwear system, comprising: engaging a
sensing device with an article of footwear, wherein the sensing
device is adapted to sense at least one characteristic of contact
between the article of footwear and a surface when the article of
footwear is in use; providing a footwear control system programmed
and adapted to receive an output from the sensing device and to
control a characteristic of the article of footwear based on the
output from the sensing device; and providing a distance monitoring
system at least partially engaged with the article of footwear,
wherein the distance monitoring system is programmed and adapted to
detect or store data indicating speed or distance information
associated with use of the article of footwear.
56. A method according to claim 55, wherein the footwear control
system is programmed and adapted to control an amount of impact
attenuation provided by the article of footwear.
57. A method according to claim 56, wherein the footwear control
system is programmed and adapted to control a stiffness of a
midsole portion of the sole member.
58-61. (canceled)
62. A method according to claim 55, wherein the footwear control
system is programmed and adapted to control at least one aspect of
the manner in which the article of footwear fits a user's foot.
63. (canceled)
64. A method according to claim 55, wherein the distance monitoring
system is programmed and adapted to receive an output from the
sensing device and to utilize the received output for determining
the speed or distance information.
65-76. (canceled)
77. A method according to claim 55, further comprising: providing a
device in communication with the distance monitoring system,
wherein the device is programmed and adapted to provide the speed
or distance information to a user.
78-79. (canceled)
80. A method according to claim 55, wherein the sensing device
includes a magnet and a sensor for detecting changes in a detected
magnetic field as a result of the contact.
81. A footwear system according to claim 55, wherein the sensing
device senses contact pressure or a pressure change induced by the
contact.
82. A method of using a footwear system, comprising: sensing
contact between an article of footwear and a surface as the article
of footwear is used, wherein the contact is sensed using a sensing
device at least partially engaged with the article of footwear;
controlling a characteristic of the article of footwear based, at
least in part, on output from the sensing device; and determining
user speed or distance information based, at least in part, on
output from the sensing device.
83. A method according to claim 82, wherein the controlling
includes controlling an amount of impact attenuation provided by
the article of footwear.
84. A method according to claim 83, wherein the controlling
includes controlling the amount of impact attenuation by altering a
stiffness of a midsole portion of the article of footwear.
85-88. (canceled)
89. A method according to claim 82, wherein the controlling
includes controlling at least one aspect of the manner in which the
article of footwear fits a user's foot.
90-94. (canceled)
95. A method according to claim 82, further comprising: providing
speed or distance information to the user.
96. A method according to claim 95, wherein the speed or distance
information is provided to the user via a device separate from the
article of footwear.
97-98. (canceled)
99. A method according to claim 82, wherein the sensing includes
detecting changes in at least one magnetic characteristic induced
by the contact.
100. A method according to claim 82, wherein the sensing includes
detecting a contact pressure or a pressure change induced by the
contact.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to articles of footwear or
other foot-receiving devices that include monitoring and/or control
systems for automatically controlling a characteristic of the
article of footwear, such as a performance characteristic of the
article of footwear, as well as speed and/or distance monitoring
systems, e.g., of the pedometer type.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional articles of footwear have included two primary
elements, namely an upper member and a sole structure. The upper
member provides a covering for the foot that receives and positions
the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper
member may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides
ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration.
The sole structure generally is secured to a lower portion of the
upper member and generally is positioned between the foot and the
contact surface (the terms "contact surface" or "surface," as used
herein, include any foot or footwear contact surface, including but
not limited to: grass, dirt, snow, ice, tile, flooring, carpeting,
synthetic grass, asphalt, cement, concrete, clay, court surfaces,
and the like). In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces,
the sole structure may provide traction and help control foot
motion, such as pronation. Accordingly, the upper member and the
sole structure operate cooperatively to provide a comfortable
structure that is suited for a variety of ambulatory activities,
such as walking and running.
[0003] The sole member of athletic footwear, in at least some
instances, will exhibit a layered configuration that includes a
comfort-enhancing insole, a resilient midsole (e.g., formed, at
least in part, from a polymer foam material), and a
ground-contacting outsole that provides both abrasion-resistance
and traction. The midsole, in at least some instances, will be the
primary sole structure element that attenuates ground reaction
forces and controls foot motion. Suitable polymer foam materials
for at least portions of the midsole include ethylvinylacetate
("EVA") or polyurethane ("PU") that compress resiliently under an
applied load to attenuate ground reaction forces. Conventional
polymer foam materials are resiliently compressible, in part, due
to the inclusion of a plurality of open or closed cells that define
an inner volume substantially displaced by gas. The upper member
and sole structure in conventional footwear products may be joined
to one another in various different ways, such as using cements or
adhesives, stitching or sewing, mechanical connectors, fusing
techniques, or the like.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following presents a general summary of aspects of this
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 a general form as a prelude to the more detailed
description provided below.
[0005] Aspects of this invention relate to foot-receiving devices,
such as articles of footwear (e.g., athletic footwear, etc.), that
include a foot-covering member (such as an upper member) and a
foot-supporting member (such as a sole member, optionally including
insole, midsole, and/or outsole portions) engaged with the
foot-covering member. The foot-receiving device further may
include: (a) a sensing device engaged with at least one of the
foot-covering member or the foot-supporting member, wherein the
sensing device is positioned and/or adapted to sense at least one
characteristic of an interaction between a user's foot and the
foot-receiving device when the foot-receiving device is in use; (b)
a control system that receives output from the sensing device and
controls at least one characteristic of the foot-receiving device
(such as a characteristic of the foot-supporting member) based (at
least in part) on this output; and (c) a monitoring system for
detecting and/or storing data indicating speed or distance
information associated with use of the foot-receiving device.
Optionally, if desired, the monitoring system may receive input
from the same sensing device used for providing data to the control
system. The control system may alter, for example, the impact
attenuation characteristics, the traction characteristics, the
flexibility characteristics, the fit characteristics, or the like
of the article of footwear. Such foot-receiving systems further may
include one or more devices, such as remote or peripheral devices,
e.g., for receiving user input (e.g., relating to user settings or
desired features for the settable or controllable characteristics,
etc.), for providing information to the user (e.g., speed or
distance information, etc.), and the like.
[0006] Further aspects of this invention relate to methods for
making footwear or other foot-receiving device systems that include
control systems and/or monitoring systems, e.g., of the types
described above. Such methods may include, for example: (a)
engaging a sensing device with an article of footwear or
foot-receiving device (e.g., during footwear manufacturing, at
retail or use locations, etc.), wherein the sensing device is
positioned and/or adapted to sense at least one characteristic of
contact between the article of footwear or foot-receiving device
and a contact surface when the article of footwear is in use; (b)
providing a control system programmed and adapted to receive an
output from the sensing device and to control a characteristic of
the article of footwear or foot-receiving device based on the
output from the sensing device; and (c) providing a distance
monitoring system at least partially engaged with the article of
footwear or foot-receiving device, wherein the distance monitoring
system is programmed and adapted to detect and/or store data
indicating speed or distance information associated with use of the
article of footwear or foot-receiving device. Optionally, if
desired, the distance monitoring system may receive input data from
the same sensing device that provides input data used by the
control system (e.g., if the sensing device is capable of detecting
each step down or step up event of the user's foot, etc.).
[0007] Still additional aspects of this invention relate to example
methods for using footwear or foot-receiving device systems of the
types described above. Such methods may include: (a) sensing
contact or other interaction between an article of footwear (or
other foot-receiving device) and a contact surface during use,
wherein the contact or interaction is sensed using a sensing device
at least partially engaged with the article of footwear (or other
foot-receiving device); (b) controlling a characteristic of the
article of footwear (or other foot-receiving device) based, at
least in part, on output from the sensing device; and (c)
determining user speed or distance information based, at least in
part, on output from the sensing device.
[0008] Various example methods in accordance with these aspects of
the invention further may include receiving user input that is
used, at least in part, in setting and/or controlling the
characteristic of the article of footwear (or other foot-receiving
device), e.g., to match or set user preferences, etc. The same or a
different device, optionally on board, attached to, or remote from
the article of footwear (or other foot-receiving device), also may
be included to provide speed and/or distance information or other
information to a user or others.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A more complete understanding of the present invention and
certain advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the
following description in consideration with the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features,
and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of an example system
according to the invention and/or an example environment in which
aspects of the invention may be used or practiced;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example system
that may be used in accordance with examples of the invention;
[0012] FIGS. 3A through 3C illustrate an example of an article of
footwear including an active impact-attenuation control system as a
control system in accordance with examples of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an example graph illustrating how output
from a sensing device, such as the sensing device of FIGS. 3A
through 3C, may be used to provide pedometer based speed and/or
distance information;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an article of footwear
including a control system with user input and display features in
accordance with examples of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a sole member for an
article of footwear that includes pronation and/or supination
reduction or elimination features as a control system in accordance
with examples of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an article of footwear
including a traction control system as a control system in
accordance with examples of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an article of footwear
including a footwear flexibility control system as a control system
in accordance with examples of the invention; and
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an article of footwear
including a footwear fit or securing system tightness control
system as a control system in accordance with examples of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following description of various examples of the
invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which
form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration
various example systems and environments in which aspects of the
invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
specific arrangements of parts, example systems, and environments
may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Also, while the terms "top," "bottom," "side," "front," "back,"
"above," "below," "under," "over," and the like may be used in this
specification to describe various example features and elements of
the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of
convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the
figures and/or a typical orientation during use. Nothing in this
specification should be construed as requiring a specific three
dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the
scope of this invention.
[0020] To assist the reader, this specification is broken into
various subsections, as follows: Terms; General Description of
Foot-Receiving Device Systems and Methods of Making and Using Them
According to the Invention; and Specific Examples of the
Invention.
[0021] A. Terms
[0022] The following terms are used in this specification, and
unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, these terms have
the meanings provided below.
[0023] "Foot-receiving device" means any device into which a user
places at least some portion of his or her foot. In addition to all
types of footwear (described below), foot-receiving devices
include, but are not limited to: bindings and other devices for
securing feet in snow skis, cross country skis, water skis,
snowboards, and the like; bindings, clips, or other devices for
securing feet in pedals for use with bicycles, exercise equipment,
and the like; bindings, clips, or other devices for receiving feet
during play of video games or other games; and the like.
[0024] "Footwear" means any type of product worn on the feet, and
this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes,
boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs,
slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes,
baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, etc.), and
the like. "Footwear" may protect the feet from the environment
and/or enhance a wearer's performance (e.g., physically,
physiologically, medically, etc.).
[0025] "Foot-covering members" include one or more portions of a
foot-receiving device that extend at least partially over and/or at
least partially cover at least some portion of the wearer's foot,
e.g., so as to assist in holding the foot-receiving device on
and/or in place with respect to the wearer's foot. "Foot-covering
members" include, but are not limited to, upper members of the type
provided in some conventional footwear products.
[0026] "Foot-supporting members" include one or more portions of a
foot-receiving device that extend at least partially beneath at
least some portion of the wearer's foot, e.g., so as to assist in
supporting the foot and/or attenuating the reaction forces to which
the wearer's foot would be exposed, for example, when stepping down
in the foot-receiving device. "Foot-supporting members" include,
but are not limited to, sole members of the type provided in some
conventional footwear products. Such sole members may include
conventional outsole, midsole, and/or insole members.
[0027] "Ground-contacting elements" or "members" include at least
some portions of a foot-receiving device structure that contact the
ground or any other surface in use, and/or at least some portions
of a foot-receiving device structure that engage another element or
structure in use. Such "ground-contacting elements" may include,
for example, but are not limited to, outsole elements provided in
some conventional footwear products. "Ground-contacting elements"
in at least some example structures may be made of suitable and
conventional materials to provide long wear, traction, and protect
the foot and/or to prevent the remainder of the foot-receiving
device structure from wear effects, e.g., when contacting the
ground or other surface in use.
[0028] B. General Description of Foot-Receiving Device Systems and
Methods of Making and Using Them According to the Invention
[0029] Some aspects of the present invention relate generally to
footwear systems and other foot-receiving device systems. As shown
in FIG. 1, which generally illustrates an example of the invention
and an example environment in which the invention may be used, one
or more individual articles of footwear 100 (such as athletic
footwear or other foot-receiving devices) may be equipped with one
or more sensing devices 102, such as performance or ground
interaction measuring devices. The sensing devices 102 may be
programmed and adapted to sense or collect information relating to
at least one characteristic of contact between the article of
footwear 100 and the contact surface (e.g., the ground, the floor,
etc.) when the article of footwear is used (e.g., the impact force
on the contact surface during an athletic event, exercise, or other
performance, etc.). Output from the sensing device 102 may be
provided to a control system 104, which optionally may include a
microprocessor mounted in or on the article of footwear 100, and
the control system 104 then can be used to control or change at
least one characteristic of the article of footwear 100
(optionally, automatically, without the need for further user
input). While any desired number or type(s) of characteristics of
the article of footwear 100 may be changed or controlled based on
output from the sensing device 102, more specific examples of the
types of changes or controls include: change or control in an
amount of impact-attenuation provided by the article of footwear
100, e.g., by the sole member; change or control of foot impact
characteristics to induce a pronation, supination, or other gait
correction configuration; change or control in the tightness of the
footwear securing system (e.g., in laces, straps, buckles, etc.);
change or control in traction characteristics; change or control in
foot fit characteristics; change or control in footwear flexibility
characteristics; etc.
[0030] Additionally, as shown in the example of FIG. 1, as the user
106 moves, the sensing device 102 also may be capable of providing
(and programmed and adapted to provide) information indicating each
time the user steps down in the article of footwear 100. This step
information may be used by systems and methods in accordance with
at least some examples of this invention to provide distance
monitoring systems, e.g., systems for detecting and/or storing
speed and/or distance information associated with use of the
article of footwear 100. In other words, the sensed interaction
between the article of footwear 100 and the contact surface, which
is used to provide footwear characteristic control information in
the example system described above, also may be used to provide
speed and/or distance information (e.g., speed and/or distance
information of the pedometer type). If desired, this speed and/or
distance data may be stored in a memory (e.g., a memory included on
board the article of footwear 100, a memory provided with a
peripheral device, etc.), e.g., for later use and/or analysis,
and/or it may be transmitted or otherwise made available to the
user 106 or others, e.g., via wireless transmission devices 108
optionally included as part of the control system 104 or the
article of footwear 100. Optionally, if desired, the sensing device
102, the control system 104, and/or the article of footwear 100 may
include one or more microprocessors or other data processing
capability to enable processing of collected data before
transmitting the data or other information to the user 106 or
others.
[0031] The data or desired information may be conveyed to the user
106 or others in any desired manner without departing from the
invention, for example, to a wireless receiver 110 provided with a
display device 112. Optionally, if desired, the display device 112
may be equipped with one or more microprocessors to enable initial
processing of the raw data sent by the sensing device 102, control
system 104, and/or the article of footwear 100, to enable further
processing of data and/or information sent, etc. Any type of
information may be presented to the user 106 (or others) via
display device 112, such as speed and/or distance information, time
information, GPS information, footwear setting information, etc. As
more specific examples, the display device 112 may include various
electronic devices, such as portable, user carried devices, e.g., a
watch, a PDA type device, a cellular telephone, an MP3 or other
audio player, a head worn display device, a pager type device,
headphones or earphones, etc. Any type of "display device" also may
be provided, such as audio devices, video devices, audio/video
devices, alpha-numeric displays, etc.
[0032] If desired, the display device 112 (for another device) also
may be programmed and adapted to receive user input, e.g., control
or setting information for the control system 104, etc. In this
example configuration, the 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 article of footwear. If
desired, devices 108 and 110 may be capable of performing both
transmission and reception functions in at least some examples of
this invention.
[0033] In light of this general example and general description of
an example environment of use, various example aspects of the
invention will be described in more detail below, including various
example features relating to example structural components of
foot-receiving device systems in accordance with the invention;
manners of making such systems; and manners of using such
systems.
[0034] 1. Example Foot-Receiving Device Systems According to the
Invention
[0035] In general, aspects of this invention relate to
foot-receiving device systems, such as articles of footwear (e.g.,
athletic footwear, etc.), that include a foot-covering member (such
as an upper member) and a foot-supporting member (such as a sole
member, optionally including an insole, a midsole, and/or an
outsole portion) engaged with the foot-covering member. The
foot-receiving device system further may include a sensing device
engaged with at least one of the foot-covering member or the
foot-supporting member, wherein the sensing device is adapted to
sense at least one characteristic of an interaction between a
user's foot and the foot-receiving device when the foot-receiving
device is in use (e.g., interactions between the foot-receiving
device and its contact surface and/or a user's foot during a step).
The sensing device may send its output to a control system, and the
control system then may be used to control at least one
characteristic of the foot-receiving device (such as the
foot-supporting member) based on output from the sensing device.
The foot-receiving device system also may be equipped with a
monitoring system for detecting and/or storing data indicating
speed or distance information associated with use of the
foot-receiving device system. Optionally, if desired, this
monitoring system may receive input from the same sensing device
used for providing data to the control system.
[0036] The control system may be used to control a wide variety of
different features or characteristics of the foot-receiving device
system. For example, the control system may be programmed and
adapted to: (a) control an amount of impact attenuation provided by
the foot-supporting member (e.g., by altering a stiffness of at
least a portion of the foot-supporting member, by changing the
impact attenuation at least in a heel portion of the foot-receiving
device, etc.); (b) control the amount of impact attenuation in one
or more portions of the foot-receiving device so as to reduce or
eliminate pronation and/or supination when the foot-receiving
device is in use; (c) control a degree of traction provided, e.g.,
by the ground-contacting member of the foot-receiving device (e.g.,
by an outsole member); (d) control a degree of flexibility in at
least one portion of the foot-receiving device (e.g., in the arch,
in the upper member, in the toe portion, etc.); (e) control at
least one aspect of the manner in which the foot-receiving device
fits a user's foot (e.g., by controlling a degree of tension
applied to a securing system for the foot-receiving device; by
controlling a fit of the foot-covering member, by controlling a fit
of the foot-supporting member, etc.); and the like. Optionally, if
desired, the control system may respond to the sensing device
output and control the characteristics or features of the
foot-receiving device in an automatic or "smart" manner (e.g.,
without the need for user input to change the settings,
automatically, between steps, etc.).
[0037] Various peripheral devices also may be associated with
foot-receiving device systems in accordance with at least some
examples of this invention. For example, a peripheral device may be
provided that is in communication with the control system for
providing user input to the control system (e.g., to allow at least
partial user control over the control system, to allow remote user
control, to allow user input regarding general settings,
preferences, or ranges, etc.). This same peripheral device or a
different device also may be used to provide information to the
user, such as information as to the status or settings of the
control system; information gathered, detected, or produced by the
monitoring system (e.g., speed or distance information); map,
track, or route warning or other information; and/or any other
desired audio, video, alphanumeric, or other information.
Optionally, the peripheral device(s) will be sized, shaped, and
weighted so as to be portable and easily carriable by a user of the
foot-receiving device system (e.g., to enable easy carrying during
a performance, athletic event, exercise routine; to enable the
device to be included in or attached to the foot-receiving device,
the user, the user's clothing, etc.; etc.).
[0038] The sensing device that supplies signals to the control
system and/or the monitoring system may be of any suitable or
desired form without departing from the invention, including, for
example, pressure sensors, force transducers, Hall effect sensor
systems, strain gauges, piezoelectric elements, load cells,
proximity sensors, optical sensors, accelerometers, capacitance
sensors, inductance sensors, ultrasonic transducer and receiver
systems, radio frequency transmitter and receiver systems,
magneto-resistive elements, etc.
[0039] As noted above, at least one more specific aspect of the
invention relates to footwear systems that include footwear control
systems and speed and/or distance monitoring systems. Some more
specific examples of footwear systems in accordance with these
examples of the invention may include: (a) an article of footwear
including an upper member and a sole member; (b) a sensing device
engaged with the article of footwear, wherein the sensing device is
adapted to sense at least one characteristic of contact between the
article of footwear and a contact surface when the article of
footwear is in use; (c) a footwear control system that controls a
characteristic of the article of footwear based on output from the
sensing device; and (d) a speed and/or distance monitoring system
at least partially engaged with the article of footwear for
detecting or storing data indicating speed and/or distance
information associated with use of the article of footwear.
Optionally, if desired, the speed and/or distance monitoring system
may use input from the sensing device mentioned above.
[0040] 2. Example Methods of Making Foot-Receiving Device Systems
According to Examples of the Invention
[0041] Further aspects of this invention relate to methods for
providing footwear and/or other foot-receiving device systems that
include control systems and speed and/or distance monitoring
systems, e.g., of the types described above. Such methods may
include: (a) engaging a sensing device with an article of footwear
or other foot-receiving device (e.g., during footwear
manufacturing, at retail or use locations, etc.), wherein the
sensing device is adapted to sense at least one characteristic of
contact between the article of footwear or other foot-receiving
device and a contact surface or a user's foot when the article of
footwear or other foot-receiving device is in use; (b) providing a
control system programmed and adapted to receive an output from the
sensing device and to control a characteristic of the article of
footwear or other foot-receiving device based on the output from
the sensing device; and (c) providing a speed and/or distance
monitoring system at least partially engaged with the article of
footwear or other foot-receiving device, wherein the speed and/or
distance monitoring system is programmed and adapted to detect or
store data indicating speed or distance information associated with
use of the article of footwear or other foot-receiving device.
Optionally, if desired, the speed and/or distance monitoring system
may receive data from the sane sensing device that provides output
used by the control system. In various example methods in
accordance with this invention, the control system and/or the
monitoring system may be of the types described above and/or may be
programmed and adapted to control and/or perform the various
functions described above.
[0042] Additionally, methods in accordance with at least some
examples of this invention further may include providing a
peripheral device. The peripheral device may perform various
functions, including, for example: providing user input to the
control system; providing information to the user or others (such
as information as to the status or settings of the control system;
information gathered, detected, or produced by the monitoring
system (e.g., speed or distance information); warning information;
and/or any other desired audio, video, alphanumeric, or other
information); etc. Optionally, the peripheral device(s) will be
sized, shaped, and weighted so as to be portable and easily
carriable by a user of the foot-receiving device (e.g., to enable
easy carrying during a performance, athletic event, exercise
routine; to be mounted on an article of footwear, an article of
clothing, or a piece of athletic equipment; etc.).
[0043] 3. Example Methods of Using Foot-Receiving Device Systems
According to Examples of the Invention
[0044] Still additional method aspects according to the invention
include methods for using footwear or other foot-receiving device
systems that include control systems and speed and/or distance
monitoring systems, e.g., of the types described above. Such
methods may include: (a) sensing contact between an article of
footwear or other foot-receiving device and a contact surface or a
user's foot as the article of footwear or other foot-receiving
device is used, wherein the contact is sensed using a sensing
device at least partially engaged with the article of footwear or
other foot-receiving device; (b) controlling a characteristic of
the article of footwear or other foot-receiving device based, at
least in part, on output from the sensing device; and (c)
determining user speed or distance information based, at least in
part, on output from the sensing device. In various example methods
in accordance with these aspects of the invention, the control
system and/or the speed and/or distance monitoring system may be of
the types described above and/or may be programmed and adapted to
control and/or perform the various functions described above.
[0045] Various example methods in accordance with these aspects of
the invention further may include receiving user input that is
used, at least in part, in controlling the characteristic(s) of the
article of footwear or other foot-receiving device. Such user input
may be entered, for example, through a footwear mounted input
system, through a device separate and remote from the article of
footwear, etc. The same or a different peripheral device also may
be included to provide speed and/or distance information to a user
of the article of footwear or other foot-receiving device (or to
others). The devices included in these methods may be portable so
as to be readily carried by the user, e.g., during use of the
article of footwear, as part of the article of footwear, clipped to
a belt or other portion of the user's clothing, worn on a user's
arm or leg, etc.
[0046] Specific examples of structures according to examples of the
invention are described in more detail below. The reader should
understand that these specific examples and structures are set
forth merely to illustrate the invention, and they should not be
construed as limiting the invention.
[0047] C. Specific Examples of the Invention
[0048] The various figures in this application illustrate examples
of footwear and other foot-receiving device products according to
examples of this invention. When the same reference number appears
in more than one drawing, that reference number is used
consistently in this specification and the drawings to refer to the
same or similar parts throughout.
[0049] As described above, FIG. 1 generally illustrates an example
of the invention and an example environment of use in which
articles of footwear 100 (such as athletic footwear) or other
foot-receiving devices are equipped with sensing devices 102,
control systems 104, and speed and/or distance monitoring devices.
The sensing devices 102 may include detectors or sensing devices
for sensing and/or collecting information during a performance
(e.g., during exercise, an athletic event, or other performance
activity). The sensing devices 102, control systems 104, and/or the
articles of footwear 100 further may include processing
capabilities and/or transmission/reception capabilities to provide
information to the footwear user 106 (or others) and/or to receive
information from the footwear user 106 (or others). The desired
information may be presented to the user 106 (or others) and/or
input may be received from the user 106 (or others) via a
communication device 112, such as a watch, a PDA type device, a
cellular telephone, an MP3 or other audio player, a head worn
display device, a pager type device, RF device, infrared
transmission, etc. Alternatively or additionally, if desired, the
sensed information (based on output generated by sensing device
102) may be used to automatically change or control characteristics
or features of the footwear 100 itself (e.g., to control the impact
attenuation characteristics of the footwear, etc.) or to change or
control other devices, with or without providing speed, distance,
and/or other information to a user 106 (or others).
[0050] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates example elements and an
example arrangement or system 200 that may be included as part of
an overall footwear or foot-receiving device system that includes
control and/or distance monitoring capabilities of the type
generally described in conjunction with FIG. 1. The system 200 of
this example includes a monitoring element 202 that includes a
sensing device 204 adapted to sense at least one characteristic of
contact or interaction between an article of footwear and a contact
surface or a user's foot when the article of footwear is in use.
The monitoring element 202 in this example structure 200 may be
mounted in and/or constructed as part of the article of footwear,
e.g., in or as part of the sole member of an article of footwear,
such as in the midsole. Optionally, if desired, the sensing device
204 may be separate from the monitoring element 202, and
optionally, the sensing device 204 may send signals to the
monitoring element 202 (e.g., via wired or wireless connections,
etc.).
[0051] Data relating to the contact or interaction between the
article of footwear and the contact surface or the user's foot may
be measured by sensing device 204 and transferred to a
microprocessor 206 and/or stored in memory 208. Based on the
measured data from the sensing device 204, the microprocessor 206
may control one or more devices 210, e.g., included as part of the
article of footwear to control a characteristic of the article of
footwear. As a more concrete example, and as will be explained in
more detail below, the sensing device 204 may sense the amount of
compression of the article of footwear's midsole member. Based on
the sensed degree of midsole compression, the microprocessor 206
may control a 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 attenuation characteristics of an article of
footwear without the need for additional user input. Various
examples of this type of impact attenuation control and other
controlled devices 210 will be described in more detail below. Of
course, if desired, the controlled device 210 may be included as
part of the monitoring element 202 without departing from this
invention.
[0052] In addition to providing information regarding the degree of
compression of the midsole or other aspects of the interaction
between a user's foot and an article of footwear, the sensing
device 204 of this example system 200 also may be capable of
sensing each of the user's steps (e.g., the midsole will compress
somewhat with each step). If desired, and as will be explained in
more detail below, detection of information corresponding to each
user's step may be used by systems and methods according to at
least some examples of this invention to collect pedometer type
speed and/or distance information relating to use of the article of
footwear. This speed and/or distance information may be stored in
memory 208, e.g., for real time or later analysis, display,
processing, review, etc. Optionally, if desired, the speed and/or
distance information may be transmitted to another device 212,
e.g., a peripheral display device, in any desired manner, e.g., via
wired or wireless connections (a wireless communication system is
illustrated in the example of FIG. 2), to enable display of speed
and/or distance information to the user in real time, as the
exercise or event continues, etc. As described above, this device
212 may be any type of display device, such as an audio display
device, a video display device, an alphanumeric display device, or
the like. More specific examples of possible devices 212 for this
purpose include: a watch or other arm worn display device, a PDA
type device, a cellular telephone, an MP3 or other audio player, a
head worn display device, a pager type device, etc.
[0053] As further shown in FIG. 2, the device 212 also may include
a user input system for receiving a user's input, e.g., and
directing it to the monitoring system 202. Of course, the user
input system may be used for any purpose without departing from
this invention, for example: for requesting information from the
monitoring element 202 (such as pedometer type speed and/or
distance information, step count information, other available
information); for setting parameters used in the control system 200
(e.g., setting general impact attenuation characteristics, etc.);
for communicating with other devices; for interacting with other
features of the device 212 (e.g., requesting time, altitude, or GPS
information; setting time, display or other features of device 212,
etc.); and the like. The input system may include any type of input
devices, such as buttons, keys, switches, voice recognition/input,
digitizer/stylus input, etc.
[0054] A wide variety of characteristics of an article of footwear
(or other foot-receiving device) may be controlled by systems and
methods in accordance with this invention, and additionally, a wide
variety of different types of sensing devices also may be used
(e.g., magnetic sensors, Hall effect sensors, light or other
radiation sensors, pressure sensors, piezoelectric sensors,
accelerometers, gyro-sensors, optical sensors, etc.). One more
specific example relates to active/automatic control of
impact-attenuation characteristics of an article of footwear based
on a sensed degree of compression of the midsole and/or other
portions of the article of footwear. For example, when a midsole
member compresses a substantial amount as sensed by a sensing
device 204, the monitoring element 202 in accordance with at least
some examples of the invention may sense this large amount of
compression and automatically activate a device so as to increase
stiffness characteristics of at least some portion of the article
of footwear. On the other hand, when the sensed midsole member
compression is determined to be rather slight, e.g., optionally,
despite rather firm contact with the contact surface or the user's
foot, the monitoring element 202 in accordance with at least some
examples of the invention may sense this fact and automatically
activate a device so as to decrease stiffness characteristics of at
least some portion of the article of footwear. Independent user
input may be provided, e.g., to set broad parameters for the
desired amount of impact attenuation (e.g., a user's preference for
a firm midsole v. a user's preference for a soft midsole, etc.), to
override the automatically set impact attenuation levels, etc.
[0055] Various detector types, systems, and methods may be used for
providing automatic impact attenuation control without departing
from this invention. For example, known systems like those
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,843, U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2003/0009913, and U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2004/0177531 may be used to actively and/or
dynamically control the impact attenuation characteristics of an
article of footwear in accordance with at least some examples of
this invention (U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,843, U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2003/0009913, and U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2004/0177531 each are entirely incorporated herein
by reference).
[0056] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate more specific examples of
arrangements, elements, and components that may be included in
monitoring and/or control systems in accordance with at least some
examples of this invention. As shown in these figures, a sole
member 300 of an article of footwear 350 (or other foot-receiving
device) includes a midsole member 302 and an outsole member 304. In
this example sole structure 300, the monitoring and/or control
system and the sensing device(s) associated therewith are provided
in an area defined between the midsole 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, integrally formed with the outsole member 304 and the
midsole member 302, respectively), and portions of the monitoring
and control system are provided between these plates 306 and 308.
These optional upper and lower support plates 308 and 306,
respectively, may be included, for example, to help maintain at
least some portions of the monitoring and/or control system in a
particular predetermined orientation. If desired, at least some
portions of the monitoring and/or control system may be disposed
within a cavity 310 defined in the midsole member 302. The midsole
302 may be made of conventional materials and/or in conventional
manners, as are known and used in the art.
[0057] The monitoring and/or control system in accordance with at
least some examples of this invention may include an actuation
system 314 driven based on output from a sensing device (described
in more detail below). The actuation system 314 may include a
driver 316 (e.g., a motor) and an adjustable element 318. The
monitoring and/or control system further may include a sensor 320,
e.g., a proximity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a Hall Effect
sensor, an accelerometer, etc., a magnet 322, and associated
electrical circuitry. In general, if desired, the monitoring and/or
control system may take on the general structure and/or form
illustrated and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2004/0177531.
[0058] In the example structure illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 3C,
the sensor 320 is located below the adjustable element 318, and the
magnet 322 is vertically spaced from the sensor 320 and located
above the adjustable element 318. Any desired type of magnet 322
may be used without departing from this invention, such as a
neodymium iron bore type magnet or other known or conventional
magnets (e.g., permanent magnets). The actual positioning and/or
spacing of the sensor 320 with respect to the magnet 322 may vary
widely, e.g., to suit a particular application, for example, for
measuring and/or modifying the compressibility of the sole member
300 (e.g., the midsole member 302). In this illustrated example
structure 300, the sensor 320 and the magnet 322 are located at
positions that generally correspond to areas where maximum
compression occurs in the rearfoot portion of an article of
footwear 350 (e.g., under the user's calcaneous or heel). In such
structures, the sensor 320 and magnet 322 may be centered generally
between a lateral side and a medial side of the sole member 300 and
may be between about 25 mm and about 45 mm forward of a posterior
aspect of the user's foot.
[0059] If desired, the overall monitoring and/or control system, or
at least portions of it, may be encased in a sealed, waterproof
enclosure. The actuation system 314 may include a driver 316. More
specifically, in at least some example arrangements, the driver 316
may include a motor 324 and a transmission element 326. The
adjustable element 318, which may be used to control the degree of
stiffness or "give" in the midsole member 302, may include a
limiter 328, an expansion element 330, and a stop member 332. In
the particularly illustrated example, the driver 316 includes a
lead screw drive, made up of the bi-directional electric motor 324
and a threaded rod that forms the transmission element 326. If
desired, in at least some examples of this invention, the motor 324
may be a radio-controlled servomotor of the type used in model
airplanes or other similar small electronic objects. The threaded
rod 326 may be constructed from any desired material, such as
steel, stainless steel, etc.
[0060] The motor 324 may be mechanically coupled to the
transmission element 326 to drive the transmission element 326 in
either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The transmission
element 326 may be designed to threadedly engage the limiter 328
and transversely position the limiter 328 relative to the expansion
element 330 (see the double headed arrow in FIG. 3B). In this
illustrated example structure 300, because the limiter 328 is
threadedly engaged with the transmission element 326, it is
prevented from rotation relative to the motor 324 and the article
of footwear, and therefore, no power is required to maintain the
limiter's 328 position once the position is set in this example
structure 300. For example, the actuation system 314 may contain
sufficient friction and a sufficiently fine thread may be provided
on the transmission element 326 to prevent inadvertent rotation of
the transmission element 326 during or in response to a heel strike
or other step down event. Of course, other arrangements of the
various sensor and control elements are possible without departing
from this invention. As a more specific example, the driver 316 may
include any type of rotary or linear actuator, a gear train, a
linkage, or combinations thereof, without departing from this
invention.
[0061] In the illustrated example structure 300, the expansion
element 330 constitutes a generally cylindrical element with an
elongated circular or generally elliptically-shaped cross-section.
While they may be, the arcuate ends of the expansion element 330
are not necessarily semi-circular in shape. The radius of the
arcuate ends may be selected so as to suit a particular
application, e.g., to provide a predetermined amount of flex, etc.
Moreover, the sizes of these ends may be varied, e.g., to control
the amount of longitudinal expansion of the expansion element 330
when under a compressive vertical load, etc. In general, the larger
the radius or size of the end portions, greater longitudinal
expansion is possible under vertical compression loading. The
expansion element 330 may be constructed so as to have a solid
outer wall, and optionally, if desired, a compressible core of foam
or other resilient material. The size, shape, and materials used in
the expansion element 330 may be freely selected, e.g., to suit a
particular application. As more specific examples, the expansion
element 330 may be constructed from plastic or polymeric materials,
such as thermoplastic materials like DESMOPAN.RTM. (a thermoplastic
polyurethane material available from Bayer AG of Leverkusen,
Germany), PEBAX.RTM. (a polyether-block co-polyamide polymer
available from Atofina Corp. of Puteaux, France), etc. In at least
some examples, the expansion element 330 or at least its outer wall
may be made as a unitary, one-piece member, e.g., by injection
molding or by other suitable or desired methods, including
conventional methods known in the art.
[0062] If desired, the transmission element 326 may extend through
the expansion element 330 and connect to stop member 332. The stop
member 332 may be used to prevent movement of the expansion element
330 in a direction away from the limiter 328. Alternatively, if
desired, the functions of the stop member 332 may be performed by a
rear wall of the cavity 310 or other portion of the sole structure,
and the stop member 332 may be omitted, without departing from this
invention. A wide variety of other structural modifications also
may be provided within the sole structure without departing from
this invention.
[0063] The general operation of the adjustable element 318 is
described with respect to an application where the monitoring
and/or control system is used to modify the impact-attenuation
characteristics of an article of footwear 350 in response to a
measured parameter, for example, in response to measured
compression of the midsole member 302. The expansion element 330
compresses when acted on by a vertical force (e.g., a step, landing
a jump, etc). In response to the 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 can experience. When the horizontal
movement is limited, the vertical movement will be limited as well,
thereby enabling control over the firmness or feel of the midsole
member by controlling the location of limiter 328. Therefore, by
controlling the position of limiter 328, the overall impact
attenuation characteristics of the article of footwear 350 may be
controlled.
[0064] The monitoring and/or control system may be used to actively
and/or automatically control the amount of midsole member 302
compression a user creates when stepping down in the article of
footwear 350, landing a jump, etc. As an example, when a user
wearing an article of footwear 350 like that illustrated in FIGS.
3A through 3C engages a contact surface during a stride or other
activity, vertical force is applied to the expansion element 330
via the sole member 300 and the user's foot. This force causes the
expansion element 330 to expand during ground contact until the
expansion element 330 contacts the limiter 328, thereby controlling
the amount of compression experienced in the sole member 300.
[0065] During compression, the sensing device 320 included as part
of the monitoring and/or control system in this example system
measures field strength of the magnet 322. In this illustrated
example structure, the sensing device 320 is provided proximate the
bottom of the midsole member 302 and the magnet 322 is disposed
proximate the top of the midsole member 302 with the expansion
element 330 therebetween. The magnetic field strength detected by
the sensing device 320 changes as the magnet 322 moves closer to
the sensing device 320, e.g., as the midsole member 302 is
compressed, for example, during a step, when landing a jump, etc.
The amount of change or other variations in the sensed magnetic
field may correspond to the force of the step (e.g.,
proportionally, etc.). A microprocessor 334 included as part of the
monitoring and/or control system may be programmed and adapted such
that this magnetic field strength can be converted to a distance
(e.g., a midsole member 302 compression distance). The change in
distance (and thus the change in measured magnetic field strength)
indicates the extent to which the midsole member 302 has
compressed. The microprocessor 334 of the monitoring and/or control
system then may output a signal to the actuation system 314 based
on the change in distance or compression measurement, to thereby
automatically, and in real time, change the impact-attenuation
characteristics of the article of footwear 350 (e.g., to modify the
hardness or compressibility of the midsole member 302 based on the
signal received from the monitoring and/or control system). Changes
to the impact-attenuation characteristics may be made on the fly,
if desired, between steps, automatically, while the event or
performance continues (e.g., high measured midsole compression
levels or forces may induce a "hardening" of the midsole and/or low
measured midsole compression levels or forces may induce a
"softening" of the midsole).
[0066] Of course, other structures for changing the hardness or
compressibility of the midsole member 302 may be used without
departing from the invention. More specific examples include air or
fluid filled bladders (e.g., where changes in pressure or volume
change hardness or compressibility), piston type systems, hydraulic
type systems, pneumatic type systems, etc. The impact attenuation
characteristics of the article of footwear also may be changed at
any location in the article of footwear without departing from the
invention, such as at one or more of the medial, lateral, or
mid-portions of the foot, at the frontfoot, arch, midfoot, or
rearfoot portions, etc.
[0067] Detection of compression of the midsole member 302 also may
be used in systems and methods in accordance with at least some
examples of this invention as a step count indicator, thereby
allowing the monitoring and/or control system to also provide
pedometer based and/or other speed and/or distance information.
This data may be stored in memory 336, displayed on the article of
footwear, and/or otherwise provided to a user, e.g., via a wired or
wireless connection (a general transmission/receiver device 338 is
illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B). Any type of speed and/or distance
type information may be provided and/or any type of data
transmission system may be used without departing from this
invention, including, for example, using algorithms and/or systems
of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,724,265, 5,955,667,
6,018,705, 6,052,654, 6,876,947 and 6,882,955, which patents each
are entirely incorporated herein by reference.
[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of output that may be
generated by a sensing device (e.g., sensor 320) and its use for
both impact attenuation control and providing pedometer based speed
and/or distance information. As shown in FIG. 4 and described
above, a sensing device 320 (e.g., a Hall sensor or other magnetic
sensor) may generate an output indicating a measured magnetic field
strength of magnet 322. Due to midsole compression (e.g., during a
step, landing a jump, etc.), the magnitude of the measured magnetic
field strength may change over time (e.g., through the course of a
step, etc.). If the measured peak magnetic field strength during a
step cycle falls below a predetermined lower threshold 380, the
impact attenuation characteristics of the article of footwear 350
may be considered as too stiff (e.g., the midsole does not provide
adequate compression), and the position of the limiter 328 may be
moved to enable more expansion of the expandable element 330. On
the other hand, if the measured peak magnetic field strength during
a step cycle falls above a predetermined upper threshold 382, the
impact attenuation characteristics of the article of footwear 350
may be considered as too giving (e.g., the midsole provides too
much compression), and the position of the limiter 328 may be moved
to enable less expansion of the expandable element 330. In this
manner, output from the sensing device 320 may be used to
automatically control impact attenuation characteristics of an
article of footwear.
[0069] This same sensor data, however, also may be used to provide
"step count" information (e.g., each user step may be sensed due to
compression of the midsole member). For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 4, each time the sensed magnetic field strength exceeds a
certain threshold 384, systems and methods according to at least
some examples of this invention may consider that the user has
taken a step. Using this step count data, along with data
indicating the user's step length (e.g., data previously entered by
the user, previously measured, measured on a metered track, derived
from averages for specific user heights, etc.), elapsed time data,
and the like, systems and methods according to this example of the
invention may measure and/or display to the user (or others)
pedometer based speed and/or distance information (e.g.,
distance=step count.times.step length; speed=distance/elapsed time;
etc.).
[0070] As described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 3C,
if desired, systems and methods in accordance with at least some
example aspects of this invention may operate in conjunction with
one or more peripheral devices, e.g., devices that provide
information to users, devices that receive user entered input
(e.g., step length data, etc.) devices that receive input from
other sources (e.g., GPS data, map data, etc.) etc. In the various
illustrated examples discussed above, the monitoring and/or control
system and/or the speed and distance measuring system may
communicate with the peripheral device via a remote or wireless
connection. Any desired type of connection, communication system,
and/or communication protocol may be used without departing from
this invention.
[0071] It is not necessary, however, for the user inputs, external
inputs or information sources, and/or display devices to be remote
from and/or wirelessly in communication with the monitoring and/or
control system and/or the speed and distance measuring system. For
example, if desired, wired connections, electrode pins or
connections, and the like may be used as opposed to wireless
connections. Additionally, if desired, the user inputs, external
inputs or other information, sources (e.g., GPS tracking systems,
map information, etc.) and/or display devices may be provided on
and/or as part of the article of footwear (or other foot-receiving
device) or separate from the associated article of footwear (or
other foot-receiving device). As one more specific example, as
illustrated in FIG. 5, an article of footwear 400 that includes a
monitoring and/or control system and/or a speed and/or distance
measuring system (generally indicated as expansion element 330 in
FIG. 5) also may include user input devices 402(a) and 402(b)
(e.g., in the form of buttons, etc.) that allow the user to input
information requesting increased or decreased midsole member
compressibility, respectively. As more specific examples, if
desired, input buttons 402(a) and 402(b) may be used to change
and/or control the position of limiter 328 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B),
to thereby change the potential compressibility of the midsole
member 302. Of course, user input for other purposes may be
provided without departing from the invention (e.g., to provide
other footwear control information, to control information provided
as output, to request certain output information, to input typical
stride length data or other information used in pedometer systems,
etc.).
[0072] In addition to user input devices, articles of footwear 400
also may include one or more display devices 404 that provide
various types of information to the user, such as midsole
compressibility setting information, speed and/or distance
information, and/or any other desired information. For example, the
display device 404 may be an LED, LCD, or other display devices
like those typically used for electronic devices, such as watches,
cellular telephones, PDAs, MP3 or other portable audio devices, and
the like. Also, the various display device(s) 404 and/or input
systems 402(a) and 402(b) individually may be mounted on any part
of the footwear structure 400 without departing from the invention,
such as on the upper member, on the sole member, on more than one
portion of the footwear structure 400, etc.
[0073] Characteristics of an article of footwear other than the
amount of impact attenuation provided may be controlled without
departing from this invention. FIG. 6 illustrates an example sole
structure 500 that includes devices that alter a user's gait, e.g.,
to help in correcting (e.g., reducing or eliminating) pronation or
supination in a user's gait, to help the user step or land more
correctly, or for other purposes. As shown, the sole member 500 of
an article of footwear may include one or more sensing devices
502(a) and 502(b) that sense the manner in which the user's foot
(or the article of footwear) strikes the contact surface. The
sensing device(s) (e.g., 502(a) and 502(b) in this example) may be
positioned so as to sense when a user pronates and/or supinates in
his/her gait. The sensing device(s) 502(a) and 502(b) may provide
their signals to a microprocessor or other portion of a monitoring
and/or control system 504, which can determine, for example, the
relative timing and/or force associated with the footstrike on each
side of the foot. The microprocessor or other portion of the
monitoring and/or control system 504 may be provided on-board the
article of footwear (e.g., in the midsole, as shown in FIGS. 3A
through 3C) or remote from it, such as in a peripheral device for
receiving user input and/or displaying information for the user. If
the footstrike is sensed substantially more or substantially
earlier on one side of the foot as compared to the other (e.g.,
when more than a predetermined degree of pronation or supination is
detected), elements 506(a) and/or 506(b) provided as part of the
article of footwear may be controlled (e.g., by the same
microprocessor or other portion of the monitoring and/or control
system 504 described above or a different microprocessor or system)
so as to change the user's gait or footstrike characteristics to
reduce or eliminate the pronation or supination. As more specific
examples, the controlled elements 506(a) and 506(b) may constitute
air or fluid-filled bladders that expand or contract depending on
the applied pressure, air or fluid-filled bladders that become
softer or harder depending on the applied pressure, expansion
elements of the type described above in connection with FIGS. 3A
through 3C, pistons, hydraulic elements, pneumatic elements, etc.
Of course, any way of detecting the pronation and/or supination
tendency and/or modifying the article of footwear or the sole
member 500 to reduce or eliminate the pronation and/or supination
tendency and/or otherwise change the user's gait or footstrike
characteristics may be used without departing from the invention.
Also, as described above, these changes can be made automatically,
in between steps, as the user continues using the article of
footwear.
[0074] The control element(s) 506(a) and/or 506(b) to change the
characteristics of a person's gait or footstrike characteristics
may be changed for any reason and/or in response to any sensed
characteristics without departing from the invention. Additionally,
the fluid-filled bladders, pistons, hydraulic elements, pneumatic
elements, or other controlled elements may be provided at any
location in the article of footwear without departing from the
invention, such as at one or more of the medial, lateral, or
mid-portions of the foot, at the frontfoot, arch, midfoot, or
rearfoot portions, etc.
[0075] Because the sensing devices 502(a) and 502(b) of this
example sole structure 500 are capable of detecting the surface
contact by the foot (e.g., each step), the same signals for
detecting a pronation, supination, or other gait tendency also may
be used for providing speed and/or distance measurement
information, e.g., conventional pedometer type speed and/or
distance information, without departing from this invention.
Accordingly, in the same manner described above in connection with
FIGS. 3A through 4, the microprocessor and/or other control system
504 (or another microprocessor or system) in sole member 500 also
may be used to provide speed and/or distance information to the
user, e.g., via a remote peripheral device, via a display on board
the article of footwear, etc., based on output generated by one or
more of the sensing devices 502(a) and/or 502(b).
[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of an article of footwear
600 in which a characteristic thereof may be automatically
controlled. In this example footwear structure 600, the degree of
traction provided by the article of footwear 600 may be controlled,
e.g., automatically and on the fly, optionally, between individual
steps, for example, based on the amount of slip detected during a
user's step. As a more specific example, as illustrated in FIG. 7,
an article of footwear 600 may be equipped with one or more sensing
devices 602, such as an accelerometer and/or other devices, that is
positioned so as to be capable of sensing when a user's foot slides
or slips in making a step. When a slip or slide is detected (e.g.,
more than a predetermined amount of slip or slide, as determined by
an algorithm provided in a microprocessor and/or other portion of
the control system 604), the microprocessor and/or other portion of
the control system 604 (or another microprocessor or system) may be
programmed and adapted to change one or more characteristics of the
article of footwear 600 in an effort to provide better traction.
More specifically, in accordance with at least some examples of
this invention, the microprocessor and/or other portion of the
control system 604 (or another microprocessor or system) may be
programmed and adapted to change the traction characteristics of at
least some portion of the footwear outsole member 606 so as to
provide better traction. As one more specific example, the traction
providing characteristics of the footwear outsole member 606 may be
changed, e.g., by heating the material of the outsole member 606
using one or more heating elements 608 included in or adjacent to
the outsole member 606. Heating elements 608 of this type may be
used to soften the material of the outsole member 606 somewhat,
thereby providing better traction on floors or other surfaces.
[0077] Of course, other ways of modifying the traction
characteristics of an article of footwear may be used without
departing from this invention. For example, when slides or slips
are detected, a microprocessor or other portion of the control
system may be used to automatically lengthen spikes or cleats
included in the article of footwear (e.g., by rotating out
additional spike or cleat length, by pushing out more spike or
cleat length via pneumatic, hydraulic or pressure cylinders, etc.).
As another potential example, a microprocessor or other portion of
the control system may be used to automatically expose additional
spikes or cleats included with the article of footwear when a
predetermined degree of slipping and/or sliding is detected. Still
other ways of modifying the traction characteristics may be
provided without departing from this invention.
[0078] Because the sensing device 602 of this example footwear
structure 600 may be capable of detecting surface contact by the
foot (e.g., detecting each step due to the change in direction
detectable by an accelerometer or other detector, etc.), the same
signals for detecting a slip or slide also may be used for
providing speed and/or distance measurement information, e.g.,
conventional pedometer type speed and/or distance information,
without departing from this invention. Accordingly, in the same
manner described above in connection with FIGS. 3A through 4, the
microprocessor and/or other portions of the control system 604 (or
another microprocessor or system) in the article of footwear 600
also may be used to provide speed and/or distance information to
the user, e.g., via a remote peripheral device, via a display on
board the article of footwear, etc., based on output generated by
the sensing device 602.
[0079] Another example of a controllable article of footwear 700 is
shown in FIG. 8. In this example footwear structure 700, a degree
of flexibility of the article of footwear 700 is controlled,
optionally automatically and on the fly (e.g., in real time,
between steps or interactions with the ground surface, etc.), based
on output from one or more sensing devices (a single sensing device
702 is shown in FIG. 8). As an example, the sensing device(s) 702
may sense a degree of flex in the article of footwear 700 as the
user steps down and send this information to a microprocessor or
control system 704. If the amount of flex exceeds an upper
threshold or falls below a lower threshold, the degree of
flexibility of the article of footwear may be changed, e.g., based
on signals provided by the microprocessor or other portion of the
control system 704. As another example, if desired, sensors may be
located to sense the degree of pressure applied by the user's foot
to various portions of the sole member (e.g., at the insole, in the
heel and toe areas, etc.) to sense when the user is attempting to
flex the shoe's arch (e.g., for dancing and/or aerobic shoes), and
the flexibility of the article of footwear 700 then may be changed
to allow more or less flex in the arch, depending on the pressure
applied by the user's foot and/or the locations where the pressure
is applied.
[0080] Any way of changing the degree of flexibility of an article
of footwear may be used and the degree of flexibility may be
changed at any location in the article of footwear without
departing from this invention. FIG. 8 generally illustrates an
example in which the degree of flexibility in an arch support
portion of an article of footwear 700 is changed, e.g., by changing
a thickness of a support plate system 706 included in the arch area
(in this general illustrated example, the thickness of the plate
system 706 is changed by moving one plate 706(a) with respect to
the other 706(b) to thereby increase or decrease the overall
thickness of the plate system 706 in the arch area). Alternatively,
as another example, if desired, additional plate elements may be
moved from one area of the article of footwear 700 to another area
to provide additional plate support material or to decrease the
amount of plate support material in a given area, to thereby
increase or decrease flexibility in that area. As still additional
examples, heating and/or cooling elements also may be provided with
the article of footwear 700, mechanical devices may be fixed,
loosened, moved, etc., and the like, to change the degree of
flexibility of a support material without departing from this
invention. Other ways of changing the flexibility may be provided
without departing from the invention.
[0081] Because the sensing device(s) 702 of this example footwear
structure 700 may be capable of detecting surface contact by the
foot (e.g., each step due to the detected flex amount, etc.), the
same signals for detecting the degree of flex also may be used for
providing speed and/or distance measurement information, e.g.,
conventional pedometer type speed and/or distance information,
without departing from this invention. Accordingly, in the same
manner described above in connection with FIGS. 3A through 4, the
microprocessor and/or other portion of the control system 704 (or
another microprocessor or system) in the article of footwear 700
also may be used to provide speed and/or distance information to
the user, e.g., via a remote peripheral device, via a display on
board the article of footwear, etc., based on output generated by
the sensing device(s) 702.
[0082] FIG. 9 illustrates still another example of a controllable
article of footwear 800. In this example footwear structure 800,
aspects of the manner in which the article of footwear 800 fits or
engages a user's foot are controlled, optionally automatically and
on the fly (e.g., in real time, between steps or interactions with
the contact surface, etc.). One or more fit aspects of the article
of footwear may be controlled based on output from one or more
sensing devices (a single sensing device 802 is shown in FIG. 9).
As an example, the sensing device(s) 802 may sense the amount of
pressure applied by a user's foot when contacting the ground or
other surface during a step, jump, etc., e.g., as a measure of the
effort being put forth by the user. This data may be sent to a
microprocessor or other portion of the control system 804. If the
contact pressure exceeds an upper threshold or falls below a lower
threshold, the tightness of the laces or other securing system 806
of the article of footwear may be changed, e.g., based on signals
produced by the microprocessor or other portion of the control
system 804.
[0083] Any way of changing the tightness of the securing system or
other fit characteristic for an article of footwear may be used
without departing from this invention. FIG. 9 generally illustrates
an example in which the degree of tightness of a securing system is
changed by changing a length of a strap member 806 used as the
securing system (the strap member 806 in this example securing
system wraps around the user's foot multiple times--across the
upper member, through the sole member etc.). The length of this
strap member 806 may be changed, for example, by using the
microprocessor or other portion of the control system 804 to wrap
or unwrap some of the strap member 806 from a supply device 808
(e.g., a roller, etc.). As another example, if desired, the
microprocessor or other portion of the control system 804 may be
used to move more of the strap member 806 through a clamp or buckle
member 810 (e.g., by rotating a portion of the clamp 810 that
engages the strap 806, etc.). As still additional examples, if
desired, the microprocessor or other portion of the control system
804 may be used to move securing system laces into or out of a lace
clamp or holding member, change a length of a fitting strap or
cable that fits around a periphery of a wearer's foot, and/or
otherwise change an aspect of the manner in which the article of
footwear engages or fits a user's foot. The securing system and/or
other fit element that is controlled may be located at any place in
the article of footwear and/or engage the user's foot or portions
of the article of footwear at any desired location and in any
desired manner without departing from this invention. Systems of
this type may be used to automatically customize the footwear size
to a user, at any given time of use, irrespective of the other
equipment being worn by the user (e.g., no socks, thin socks, thick
socks, multiple pairs of socks, etc.). As described above, user
input also may be received by such fit adjusting systems to enable
at least some user control over the type of fit at a given time
(e.g., tight fit for play, loose fit at other times, tight fit for
running or sprinting v. looser fit for walking or jogging,
etc.).
[0084] Because the sensing device(s) 802 of this example footwear
structure 800 may be capable of detecting surface contact by the
foot (e.g., each step due to the detected pressure sensing, etc.),
the same signals for controlling the tightness or fit
characteristic(s) also may be used for providing speed and/or
distance measurement information, e.g., conventional pedometer type
speed and/or distance information, without departing from this
invention. Accordingly, in the same manner described above in
connection with FIGS. 3A through 4, the microprocessor and/or other
portions of the control system 804 (or another microprocessor or
system) in the article of footwear 800 also may be used to provide
speed and/or distance information to the user, e.g., via a remote
peripheral device, via a display on board the article of footwear,
etc., based on output generated by the sensing device(s) 802.
[0085] As described above, user input may be received, e.g., in a
peripheral device that is remotely located from the article of
footwear and/or removably mounted to the article of footwear (or
other portions of the user's body or clothing). This device may be
used, at least in part, to remotely control the desired
characteristic(s) of the article of footwear (e.g., to enable the
user to set impact attenuation characteristics at discrete levels
or intervals, to enable the user to vary the set performance
characteristic(s) and/or their thresholds, to enable the user to
override the automatically set characteristic(s), etc.).
[0086] This user input device may adjust the settings in both
articles of footwear simultaneously, and/or if desired, individual
control over the articles of footwear may be provided. If desired,
the overall system may control stiffness or impact attenuation in
the plantar/dorsi directions of the user's foot as well as in the
medial/lateral directions, or in combinations or subcombinations of
these various directions. Additionally, if desired, impact
attenuation or other characteristics may be controlled in the upper
member and/or in any portion of the sole member without departing
from this invention. Also, pedometer based speed and/or distance
information may be derived from step counts generated by one
article of footwear or by two.
[0087] As still additional potential examples or alternatives, if
desired, the peripheral device may display GPS information, map
information, or other location or route based information (e.g.,
generated based on GPS and/or pedometer based speed and/or distance
information). If desired, in such systems, one or more
characteristic(s) of the article of footwear may be controlled
based on, for example: the user's location along a route; detected
changes in terrain, altitude, etc; reaching various predetermined
landmarks; reaching various threshold distances or altitudes; and
the like. As still additional examples, various landmarks (such as
mile markers along a route, signs, other transmission devices, or
the like) may be used to transmit information to a control system
(optionally carried by the user and/or within the article of
footwear) that may be used for changing one or more characteristics
of an article of footwear in accordance with at least some examples
of this invention. A wide variety of control elements and
triggering events may be used to automatically control one or more
characteristic(s) of an article of footwear without departing from
this invention.
[0088] Systems of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,825,
which patent is entirely incorporated herein by reference, also may
be used for providing control in accordance with at least some
examples of this invention.
[0089] Various examples of the invention described above relate to
use of control systems in accordance with examples of the invention
to adjust various characteristics of an article of footwear (or
other foot-receiving device) in real time, e.g., on the fly,
automatically, as the article of footwear (or other foot-receiving
device) is being used (e.g., in between individual steps), etc.
While one advantageous aspect in accordance with some examples of
this invention, the invention is not limited to use in these
situations. For example, systems and methods according to at least
some examples of the invention may be used to adjust
characteristics of an article of footwear (or other foot-receiving
device) over time and/or under different use conditions, e.g., to
accommodate for changes in the footwear structure caused by wear,
damage, aging, temperature, humidity, moisture, etc. As a more
specific example, aspects of the present invention may be used to
adapt the impact attenuation characteristics of an article of
footwear due to changes in the foam material of the midsole member
that may occur over time (e.g., due to foam breakdown, damage,
wetness, aging, etc.), so that the article of footwear provides a
more consistent feel throughout its life and/or under a wide
variety of use conditions. As another example, aspects of the
invention may be used to adjust the traction characteristics of an
article of footwear due to wear on the outsole, cleats, or spike
members that may occur over time (e.g., to provide additional cleat
or spike length as the ends of the cleats or spikes wear away, to
heat the outsole member more often or frequently as the outsole
member's traction elements wear away, etc.).
[0090] Various manners of operating control systems in accordance
with examples of this invention are described above and will be
evident to those skilled in the art based on the descriptions
above. As a more specific example, one or more features relating to
contact between an article of footwear and a contact surface or a
user's foot may be sensed as the article of footwear is used (e.g.,
as the user steps down), such as one or more of the various
features described above in connection with FIGS. 1-9 (e.g.,
contact pressure, midsole compression, degree of flex, degree of
slip or slide, etc.). The sensed information may be fed to a
control system, which in turn may send signals to another device
e.g., to change a configuration of the article of footwear to
thereby control a characteristic of the article of footwear when
appropriate (e.g., when the sensed parameters fall within a
predetermined range, when they fall above or below threshold
values, depending on a predetermined algorithm, etc.). Optionally,
user input may be provided and used, at least in part, to set one
or more of the characteristics and/or parameters associated with
setting the characteristic(s). The changed characteristic(s) may
include, for example: changing impact attenuation characteristics,
changing traction characteristics, changing flexibility
characteristics, changing fit characteristics, changing securing
system tightness characteristics, etc. These changes to the
characteristics may occur at any time, such as in real time, on the
fly, between steps or jumps, etc., while use of the article of
footwear continues. Many different changes to the characteristics
may occur during continuing use of the article of footwear without
departing from the invention. The sensed information, or optionally
information from another sensor or detector, also may be used in
determining user speed or distance information (e.g., pedometer
type speed and/or distance information) and providing this
information to the user.
[0091] Various different methods of providing footwear systems
including control features also may be provided without departing
from the invention, as is evident from the description above. Such
methods may include engaging a sensing device with an article of
footwear, e.g., with the upper member and/or sole member,
integrally formed as part of the article of footwear, embedded or
housed in the sole member, etc. This engaging may occur during
footwear manufacture or assembly, at retail or use locations (e.g.,
via a slot or mounting element provided in the article of footwear
for receiving the sensing and/or control devices, etc.). The
sensing device, as noted above, may be positioned and adapted to
sense at least one characteristic of contact between the article of
footwear and a contact surface or a user's foot when the article of
footwear is in use. A control system may be provided (e.g.,
separate from or commonly housed or supported with the sensing
device) to receive output from the sensing device and to control a
characteristic of the article of footwear, as described above
(e.g., to alter some aspect of the article of footwear's
configuration), based on the received output. The control device
may be located in or on the article of footwear, partially in or on
the article of footwear, or remote from the article of footwear
without departing from this invention. Aspects of providing
footwear systems in accordance with examples of the invention
further may include providing a distance monitoring system,
optionally at least partially engaged with the article of footwear,
for detecting or storing data indicating speed and/or distance
information associated with use of the article of footwear.
Optionally, the distance monitoring system may use the same sensing
device and optionally the same signals provided by the sensing
device as those used for footwear characteristic control.
CONCLUSION
[0092] Of course, many modifications to the specifically described
structures, systems, and methods may take place without departing
from this invention. For example, while the invention has been
described with respect to specific examples including presently
preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that there are numerous variations,
combinations, and permutations of the above described systems and
methods. Moreover, various specific structural features included in
the examples merely represent examples of structural features that
may be included in some examples of structures according to the
invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various
specific structural features may be omitted and/or modified in a
footwear or other foot-receiving device product without departing
from the invention. Moreover, with respect to the methods, many
variations in the method steps may take place, the steps may be
changed in order, various steps or features may be added or
omitted, etc., without departing from the invention. Thus, the
reader should understand that the spirit and scope of the invention
should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended
claims.
* * * * *