U.S. patent application number 16/378549 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-08 for article having a microbial sensor system.
The applicant listed for this patent is PUMA SE. Invention is credited to Matthias Hartmann, Charles Johnson.
Application Number | 20200315286 16/378549 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004016700 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200315286 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Charles ; et
al. |
October 8, 2020 |
ARTICLE HAVING A MICROBIAL SENSOR SYSTEM
Abstract
An article of footwear is provided that includes an insole
member. The insole member includes a base layer, an intermediate
layer having a plurality of cavities, and a microbial layer having
a plurality of microbial mediums with one or more microorganisms
therein. Further, the cavities receive the microbial mediums of the
microbial layer.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Charles; (Nurnberg,
DE) ; Hartmann; Matthias; (Forchheim, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PUMA SE |
Herzogenaurach |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004016700 |
Appl. No.: |
16/378549 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0005 20130101;
A43B 17/006 20130101; A43B 17/14 20130101; A43B 7/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/00 20060101
A43B007/00; A43B 17/00 20060101 A43B017/00; A43B 17/14 20060101
A43B017/14; A43B 3/00 20060101 A43B003/00 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear having an insole member, the insole
member comprising: a base layer; an intermediate layer including a
plurality of cavities; and a microbial layer including a plurality
of microbial mediums having one or more microorganisms therein,
wherein the cavities receive the microbial mediums of the microbial
layer.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the microorganisms
alters a biochemical property of the microbial medium when
subjected to a stimulus.
3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the biochemical
property is a pH value.
4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the intermediate
layer further includes a plurality of pH sensors capable of
measuring the pH value of the microbial medium.
5. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the biochemical
property is an electrical conductivity or electrical
resistance.
6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the intermediate
layer further includes an electrical conductivity meter.
7. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the stimulus is
heat.
8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the base layer
include one or more microcontrollers.
9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the microcontrollers
are connected to the intermediate layer and receive data from the
intermediate layer.
10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the
microcontrollers are capable of transmitting the data to a remote
device.
11. An article of footwear having an insole member, the insole
member comprising: a base layer including a plurality of
microcontrollers; and an upper layer including a plurality of
cavities and a plurality of microbial encapsulations within the
cavities, wherein the microbial encapsulations include one or more
microorganisms.
12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the microorganisms
secretes a chemical when subjected to a stimulus.
13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the chemical is an
organic acid.
14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the organic acid
alters a biochemical state of the microbial encapsulation.
15. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the upper layer
includes a circuit layer capable of measuring a value associated
with the microbial encapsulation.
16. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the measured value
is a pH value.
17. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the measured value
is an electrical conductivity of the microbial encapsulation.
18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the circuit layer
is electrically connected to the microcontrollers.
19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the
microcontrollers are capable of transmitting data associated with
the measured value to a remote device.
20. An article of footwear including an insole member, the insole
member comprising: a base component having a top layer, a bottom
layer, and an interior void; an intermediate component having at
least one cell; and a microbial component having a plurality of
microorganisms within a medium, wherein the microbial layer is
positioned with the at least one cell of the intermediate
component; wherein the microorganisms are capable of biological
activity when subjected to a stimulus; and wherein the mediums are
sealed encapsulations.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable
REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to an article, such
as an article of footwear, that includes a sensor system. In
particular aspects, the present disclosure relates to an article
with a microbial insole sensor system with a bioactive portion.
2. Description of the Background
[0005] Many conventional articles, including articles of footwear
and shoes, may have a sensor system incorporated therein. Sensor
systems may help collect a variety of data, including performance
data, e.g., a speed or velocity, and/or data associated with the
user, e.g., a heart rate of the user. Some sensor systems may
include one or more sensors used to collect data, electronic
components capable of collecting and storing the collected data, as
well as electronic components capable of sending or transmitting
the collected data to a remote device, e.g., a processor or
computer.
[0006] However, many sensor systems may be difficult to incorporate
in articles, such as articles of footwear or articles of clothing.
Further, many sensory systems include complex wiring and expensive
electronic components. Additionally, the complex wiring and
electronic components are usually integrated within the article of
footwear and typically are within the sole structure. As such, once
incorporated into a particular article, these sensor systems may be
specific to that single article and may not be incorporated into
other articles. For example, a sensor system integrated into an
article of footwear typically cannot be detached from the article
of footwear and subsequently integrated into a second, separate
article of footwear.
[0007] A need therefore exists for an easy to use sensor system
that may be incorporated into an article, such as an article of
footwear, which provides real-time feedback to a user. Further, a
need also exists for a sensor system for an article, such as an
article of footwear, which may be easily incorporated in a
plurality of articles during its use.
SUMMARY
[0008] An article of footwear, as described herein, may have
various configurations. The article of footwear may have an upper,
a sole structure connected to the upper, and an insole member.
[0009] In one aspect, the insole member of the article of footwear
may include a base layer, an intermediate layer having a plurality
of cavities, and a microbial layer having a plurality of microbial
mediums with one or more microorganisms therein. Further, the
cavities receive the microbial mediums of the microbial layer.
[0010] In related embodiments, the microorganism may alter a
biochemical property of the microbial medium when subjected to a
stimulus. In some embodiments, the biochemical property is a pH
value and, in such embodiments, the intermediate layer may further
include a plurality of pH sensors capable of measuring the pH value
of the microbial mediums. In other embodiments, the biochemical
property is an electrical conductivity or electrical resistance
and, in such embodiments, the intermediate layer may include an
electrical conductivity meter. Further, the stimulus may be heat.
The base layer may also include one or more microcontrollers, which
may be connected to the intermediate layer and may receive data
from the intermediate layer. The microcontrollers may also be
capable of transmitting the data to a remote device.
[0011] In another aspect, the insole member may include a base
layer having a plurality of microcontrollers, and an upper layer
having a plurality of cavities and a plurality of microbial
encapsulations within the cavities. The microbial encapsulations
include one or more microorganisms.
[0012] In related embodiments, the microorganisms may secrete a
chemical when subjected to a stimulus and, in particular
embodiments, the chemical may be an organic acid and the organic
acid may alter a biochemical state of the microbial encapsulation.
The upper may also include a circuit layer capable of measuring a
value associated with the microbial encapsulation. In one
embodiment, the measured value is a pH value and, in another
embodiment, the measured value is an electrical conductivity of the
microbial encapsulation. In further embodiments, the circuit layer
is electrically connected to the microcontrollers and the
microcontrollers may be capable of transmitting data associated
with the measured value to a remote device.
[0013] In another aspect, the insole member includes a base
component having a top layer, a bottom layer, and an interior void,
an intermediate component having at least one cell, and a microbial
component having a plurality of microorganisms within a medium. The
microbial component is positioned within the at least one cell of
the intermediate component, the microorganisms are capable of
biological activity when subjected to a stimulus, and the mediums
are sealed encapsulations.
[0014] Other aspects of the article of footwear and the insole
member, including features and advantages thereof, will become
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of
the figures and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such
aspects of the article of footwear and the insole member are
intended to be included in the detailed description and this
summary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear
having an insole member, a sole structure, and an upper;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a lateral side elevational view of the article of
footwear of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3A is a top plan view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 1, with an upper removed and a user's skeletal foot structure
overlaid thereon;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5A is a top plan view of the insole member of the
article of footwear of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the insole member of FIG. 5A,
with a user's skeletal foot structure overlaid thereon;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a lateral side elevational view of the article of
footwear of FIG. 1, with an upper and sole structure removed;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
article of footwear of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the insole member of FIG. 5A,
the insole member including a microbial layer, a circuit layer, and
a base layer;
[0025] FIG. 9A is a top plan view of the microbial layer of the
insole member of FIG. 8, according to a first aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 9B is a top plan view of the microbial layer of the
insole member of FIG. 8, according to a second aspect of the
present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the circuit layer of the
insole member of FIG. 8;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
circuit layer of the insole member of FIG. 8;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the base layer of the insole
member of FIG. 8;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of internal components of the
base layer of FIG. 12;
[0031] FIG. 14A is a side view of a user wearing an article of
footwear having the insole member of FIG. 8, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 14B is a side view of a user of FIG. 14A, after the
microbial layer of the insole member has altered in state;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an article of footwear that
includes a sole structure, an upper, and an insole member,
according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 15;
[0035] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the use of a device for
obtaining information from the insole member of a pair of articles;
and
[0036] FIG. 18 schematically illustrates an embodiment of screen
images of articles of footwear having the insole members of FIG.
8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose
various embodiments or configurations of a sensor system having a
biological component that may be used or incorporated into an
article, such as an insole of an article of footwear.
[0038] In certain embodiments, concepts of the sensory system may
be incorporated into an insole for an article of footwear,
including articles of footwear that are considered athletic
articles of footwear or sports shoes, such as running shoes, tennis
shoes, basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf
shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski or snowboard boots, soccer
shoes or cleats, walking shoes, track cleats, or any athletic
article of footwear utilizing an upper. The concepts associated
with embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to a
wide range of other footwear and footwear styles, such as
non-athletic articles of footwear, including dress shoes, sandals,
loafers, slippers, or heels.
[0039] In other embodiments, as will be further discussed herein,
concepts or aspects of the sensory system may be applied to or
incorporated into other articles, such as articles of clothing,
accessories, athletic equipment, or any article that a sensor
system of the present disclosure may be desired. Accordingly,
concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of
products.
[0040] The term "about," as used herein, refers to variation in the
numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical
measuring and manufacturing procedures used for articles of
footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include
embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in
these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source,
or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or
mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the
disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range
of values .+-.5% of the numeric value that the term precedes.
[0041] The terms "weight percent," "wt-%," "percent by weight," "%
by weight," and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the
concentration of a substance or component as the weight of that
substance or component divided by the total weight, for example, of
the composition or of a particular component of the composition,
and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as used herein,
"percent," "%," and the like may be synonymous with "weight
percent" and "wt-%."
[0042] The terms "degrade," "degradable," and "degradation," as
used herein, may refer to a material, composition, medium,
component of or portion of an article, such as an article of
footwear for example, that is capable of being decomposed
chemically or biologically following activation by a given
stimulus, stimuli, or exposure to an active agent that promotes
decomposition at a rate more rapid than if the material,
composition, medium, component of or portion of the article of
footwear were left to decompose without the stimulus, stimuli, or
active agent.
[0043] The terms "biodegrade," "biodegradable," and
"biodegradation," as used herein, may refer to a material,
composition, medium, component of or portion of an article, such as
an article of footwear for example, that is capable of being
decomposed biologically following activation by a given biological
stimulus, stimuli, or exposure to a biologically active agent that
promotes decomposition at a rate more rapid than if the material,
composition, medium, component of or portion of the article of
footwear were left to decompose without the biologically active
agent.
[0044] Degradation or biodegradation may be identified based on an
alteration in the properties of the polymer or material such as
reduction in molecular weight, loss of mechanical strength, loss of
surface properties, the breakdown of the material into fragments, a
change in the color of the material, a change in the weight of the
material, a change in flexibility of the material, a change in
toughness of the material, or release of one or more small
molecules from the polymer or material including, but not limited
to, CO.sub.2, CH.sub.4, and H.sub.2O.
[0045] The terms "bioactive" and/or "biologically active" as used
herein, may refer to a material, composition, medium, component of
or a portion of an article, such as an article of footwear for
example, that is capable of biological activity, a biological
effect, a biochemical activity, or biochemical alteration. For
example, bioactivity may be identified based on the alteration of a
chemical, biological, or biochemical nature or state (e.g., a
change in pH, a change in conductance, a change in molecular
weight, a change in chemical structure) of a material, a
composition, medium, or component of or a portion of an article,
such as an article of footwear. In further aspects, the terms
"bioactive" and/or "biologically active," as used herein, may refer
to a material, composition, medium, or component of or a portion of
an article, that includes a biological component, such as a microbe
or microorganism, that alters the biological, chemical, or
biochemical state of the material, composition, medium, or
component of or portion of the article. For example, in some
embodiments, a "bioactive" and/or biologically active" material,
composition, or medium may refer to a material, composition, or
medium having a microorganism that produces or alters organic
matter within the material, composition, or medium. A non-limiting
example may include a material, composition, or medium having a
microorganism or enzyme that produces an organic acid and, thereby,
changes a pH value within the material, composition, or medium.
[0046] FIGS. 1-6 depict an exemplary embodiment of an article of
footwear 100 that may include an insole 102 having a sensor system,
according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this embodiment,
the article of footwear 100 includes a sole structure 104 and an
upper 106, which may be attached to the sole structure 104 and
together may define an interior cavity 108 into which a foot may be
inserted.
[0047] In order to provide points of reference, the article of
footwear 100 and the insole 102 may be defined by a forefoot region
110, a midfoot region 112, and a heel region 114 (see FIGS. 2, 3A,
3B, 5A, 5B, and 6). Looking to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B the
forefoot region 110 may generally correspond with portions of the
article of footwear 100 or the insole 102 that encase or support
portions of a foot 116 that include the toes or phalanges 118, the
ball of the foot 120, and joints 122 that connect the metatarsals
124 of the foot 116 with the toes or phalanges 118. The midfoot
region 112 is proximate to the forefoot region 110 and adjoins the
forefoot region 110. The midfoot region 112 generally corresponds
with portions of the article of footwear 100 or insole 102 that
encase or support the arch of a foot 126, along with the bridge 128
of the foot 116. The heel region 114 is proximate to the midfoot
region 112 and adjoins the midfoot region 112. The heel region 114
generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 100
or insole 102 that encase or support rear portions of the foot 116,
including the heel or calcaneus bone 130, the ankle 132, and/or the
Achilles tendon (not shown).
[0048] Looking back to FIGS. 1-6, the article of footwear 100 and
the insole 102 also includes a medial side 150 and a lateral side
152. In particular, the lateral side 152 corresponds to an outside
portion of the article of footwear 100 or an outside portion of the
insole 102, and the medial side 150 corresponds to an inside
portion of the article of footwear 100 or an inside portion of the
insole 102. As such, a left article of footwear and a right article
of footwear have opposing lateral and medial sides, such that the
medial sides 150 are closest to one another when a user is wearing
the articles of footwear 100 or insoles 102, while the lateral
sides 152 are defined as the sides that are farthest from one
another while being worn. As will be discussed in greater detail
below, the medial side 150 and the lateral side 152 adjoin one
another along a longitudinal central plane or axis 154 of the
article of footwear 100 or the insole 102. Further, the
longitudinal central plane or axis 154 may demarcate a central
intermediate axis between the medial side 150 and the lateral side
152 of the article of footwear 100 or the insole 102. Put
differently, the longitudinal plane or axis 154 may extend between
a rear, distal end 156 of the article of footwear 100 or the insole
102, and a front, distal end 158 of the article of footwear 100 or
the insole 102, and may continuously define a middle of the sole
structure 104, the upper 106, as well as the insole 102 (see FIGS.
3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B), of the article of footwear 100, i.e., the
longitudinal plane or axis 354 is a straight axis extending through
the rear, distal end 156 of the heel region 114 and to the front,
distal end 158 of the forefoot region 110.
[0049] Certain aspects of the disclosure may refer to portions or
elements that are coextensive with one or more of the forefoot
region 110, the midfoot region 112, the heel region 114, the medial
side 150, and/or the lateral side 152. Further, the insole 102, the
sole structure 104, and the upper 106 may be characterized as
having portions within the forefoot region 110, the midfoot region
112, the heel region 114, and on the medial side 150 and the
lateral side 152. Therefore, the insole 102, the sole structure
104, or the upper 106, and/or individual portions of the insole
102, the sole structure 104, or the upper 106, may include portions
thereof that are disposed within the forefoot region 110, the
midfoot region 112, the heel region 114, and on the medial side 150
and the lateral side 152.
[0050] Unless otherwise specified herein, and specifically
referring to the top plan views of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B, the
forefoot region 110, the midfoot region 112, the heel region 114,
the medial side 150, and the lateral side 152 are intended to
define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear 100 or the
insole 102. To that end, although the forefoot region 110, midfoot
region 112, heel region 114, medial side 150, and lateral side 152
have been generally defined above, it should be understood that the
forefoot region 110, the midfoot region 112, the heel region 110,
the medial side 150, and the lateral side 152 may also characterize
exact sections of the article of footwear 100 or the insole 102, in
particular embodiments. As such, particular reference to the
forefoot region 110, the midfoot region 112, the heel region 114,
the medial side 150, and/or the lateral side 152 may be defined in
both general terms to provide reference to particular portions of
the article of footwear and exact terms to provide discrete
boundaries across an article of footwear or insole, such as the
article of footwear 100 or the insole 102.
[0051] For example, it should be understood that numerous
modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view
of the foregoing description and the insole 102, and individual
components thereof, may be incorporated into numerous articles of
footwear and numerous insoles. Accordingly, aspects of the article
of footwear 100 and the insole, and components thereof, may be
described with reference to general areas or portions of the
article of footwear 100 or the insole 102, with an understanding
the boundaries of the forefoot region 110, the midfoot region 112,
the heel region 114, the medial side 150, and/or the lateral side
152 as described herein may vary between articles of footwear.
[0052] However, aspects of the article of footwear 100 or the
insole 102, and individual components thereof, may be described
with reference to exact areas or portions of the article of
footwear 100 or the insole 102, and the scope of the appended
claims herein may incorporate the limitations associated with these
boundaries of the forefoot region 110, the midfoot region 112, the
heel region 114, the medial side 150, and/or the lateral side 152
discussed herein.
[0053] In light of the above, and with continued reference to the
top plan views of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B, the forefoot region
110, the midfoot region 112, the heel region 114, the medial side
150, and the lateral side 152 are shown in greater detail. The
forefoot region 110 extends from a toe end or front distal end 158
to a widest portion 200 of a front end of the article of footwear
100 or from a toe end or front distal end 158 to a widest portion
200 of a forefoot region 110 of the insole 102. In particular
aspects, the forefoot region 110 may extend from a toe end or front
distal end 158 to a widest portion of an insole 102, a sole
structure 104, and/or an upper 106 of the article of footwear 100.
The widest portion 200 may be defined or measured along a line 202
that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal, central
axis 154 that extends from a front distal end 158 of the forefoot
region 110 to a rear distal end 156 of the heel region 114 of the
article of footwear 100 or the insole 102, which is opposite the
front distal end 158 of the forefoot region 110. The widest portion
200 of the article of footwear 100 or the widest portion 200 of the
insole 102, may also be generally defined by the portion of the
article of footwear 100 that encases or supports the portion of the
foot 116 at which point a proximal phalanx, or proximal phalange
118, connects to the metatarsal 124 of the foot 116.
[0054] The midfoot region 112 extends from the widest portion 200
to a thinnest portion 204 of the article of footwear 100 or the
insole 102. The thinnest portion 204 of the article of footwear 100
is defined as the thinnest portion of the insole 102, the sole
structure 104, and/or the upper 106 of the article of footwear 100,
measured across a line 206 that is perpendicular with respect to
the longitudinal, central axis 154. The heel region 114 of the
article of footwear 100 extends from the thinnest portion 204 of
the insole 102, the sole structure 104, and/or the upper 106 of the
article of footwear 100 and to the rear distal end 156 of the
article of footwear 100 (or the insole 102).
[0055] Still referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B, the medial side
150 begins at the rear distal end 156 and bows outward along an
inner side of the article of footwear 100 (or the insole 102) along
the heel region 114 toward the midfoot region 112. The medial side
150 reaches a widest heel portion 250 at which point the medial
side 150 bows inward, toward the central, longitudinal axis 154.
The medial side 150 extends from the widest heel portion 250 and
towards the thinnest portion 204, at which point the medial side
150 enters into the midfoot region 112 (i.e., upon crossing the
line 206). From the thinnest portion 204, the medial side 150 bows
outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis 154 and toward
the widest portion 200, at which point the medial side 150 extends
into the forefoot region 110 (i.e., upon crossing the line 202).
Once at the widest portion 200, the medial side 150 bows inward
toward the front distal end 158, where the medial side 150 meets
the longitudinal, central axis 154 and thereby ceases.
[0056] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B, the lateral
side 152 also begins at the rear distal end 156 of the heel region
114 and bows outward along an outer side of the article of footwear
100 along the heel region 114 toward the midfoot region 112. The
lateral side 152 reaches the widest heel portion 250, at which
point the lateral side 152 bows inward, toward the longitudinal,
central axis 154. The lateral side 152 extends from the widest heel
portion 250 and toward the thinnest portion 204, at which point the
lateral side 152 enters into the midfoot region 112 (i.e., upon
crossing the line 206). From the thinnest portion 204, the lateral
side 152 bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis 154
toward the widest portion 200, at which point the lateral side 152
extends into the forefoot region 110 (i.e., upon crossing the line
202). Once at the widest portion 200, the lateral side 152 bows
inward toward the front distal end 158, where the lateral side 152
meets the longitudinal, central axis 154 and thereby ceases.
[0057] Referring back to FIGS. 1-6, the sole structure 104 is
connected or secured to the upper 106 and extends between a foot of
a user and the ground when the article of footwear 100 is worn by
the user. The sole structure 104 may include one or more
components, which may include an outsole, a midsole, a heel, a
vamp, and/or an insole. For example, in some embodiments, a sole
structure may include an outsole that provides structural integrity
to the sole structure, along with providing traction for a user, a
midsole that provides a cushioning system, and an insole that
provides support for an arch of a user.
[0058] Still referencing FIGS. 1-6, the sole structure 104 of the
present embodiment may be characterized by an outsole region 280, a
midsole region 282, and an insole region 284 (see FIG. 4). The
outsole region 280, the midsole region 282, and the insole region
284, and/or any components thereof, may include portions within the
forefoot region 110, the midfoot region 112, and/or the heel region
114. Further, the outsole region 280, the midsole region 282, and
the insole region 284, and/or any components thereof, may include
portions on the lateral side 152 and/or the medial side 150. The
outsole region 280, the midsole region 282, and the insole region
284 are not intended to define precise or exact areas of the sole
structure 104. Rather, the outsole region 280, the midsole region
282, and the insole region 284 are generally defined herein to aid
in discussion of the sole structure 104 and components thereof In
other instances, the outsole region 280 may be defined as a portion
of the sole structure 104 that at least partially contacts an
exterior surface (e.g., the ground), when the article of footwear
100 is worn, the insole region 284 may be defined as a portion of
the sole structure 104 that at least partially contacts a user's
foot or a portion of the sole structure 104 that at least partially
contacts and houses an insole, such as the insole 102, when the
article of footwear 100 is worn, and the midsole region 282 may be
defined as at least a portion of the sole structure 104 that
extends between and connects the outsole region 280 with the insole
region 284.
[0059] The upper 106, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, extends upwardly from
the sole structure 104 and defines the interior cavity 108 that
receives and secures a foot of a user. The upper 106 may be defined
by a foot region 300 and an ankle region 302, as shown in FIG. 2.
In general, the foot region 300 extends upwardly from the sole
structure 104 and through the forefoot region 110, the midfoot
region 112, and the heel region 114. The ankle region 302 is
primarily located in the heel region 114; however, in some
embodiments, the ankle region 302 may partially extend into the
midfoot region 112.
[0060] The article of footwear 100 may also have a tightening
system 320 (see FIG. 7, for example, which depicts another aspect
of the article of footwear) that includes a lace 322 and a
plurality of apertures 324. Optionally, the article of footwear 100
may also include a plurality of bands or lacing straps (not shown).
For example, lacing straps may extend from the apertures 324 and
the lace 322 may extend through loops or eyelets of the lacing
straps. Further, in some embodiments, the lacing straps may be
elastic bands. The tightening system 320 may allow a user to modify
dimensions of the upper 106, e.g., to tighten or loosen portions of
the upper 106, around a foot as desired by the wearer. The
tightening system 320 may also include a band (not shown) that runs
along a center of the upper 106 and includes one or more loops
through which the lace 322 may be guided. In other embodiments, the
tightening system 320 may be a hook-and-loop fastening system, such
as Velcro.RTM.. For example, in some embodiments, the tightening
system 320 may include one or more hook-and-loop fastening straps.
In further embodiments, the tightening system 320 may be another
laceless fastening system known in the art.
[0061] In this particular embodiment, the upper 106 also includes
an interior surface 340 and an exterior surface 342. The interior
surface 340 faces inward and generally defines the interior space
108, and the exterior surface 342 of the upper 106 faces outward
and generally defines an outer perimeter of the upper 106. The
upper 106 also includes an opening 344 that is at least partially
located in the heel region 114 of the article of footwear 100, that
provides access to the interior cavity 108, and the insole 102, and
through which a foot may be inserted and removed. In some
embodiments, the upper 106 may also include an instep area 346 that
extends from the opening 344 in the heel region 114 over an area
corresponding to an instep of a foot to an area adjacent the
forefoot region 110.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 8, the insole 102 may include a
plurality of layers, including a base layer 400, an intermediate
layer 402 having one or more apertures or cavities 404, and a
microbial layer 406 having one or more microbial mediums or
encapsulations of microorganisms 408. More particularly, the base
layer 400 is a bottom layer of the insole 102 and, when the insole
102 is positioned within an article of footwear (e.g., the article
of footwear 100), a bottom surface 410 of the base layer 400
contacts and is seated on a top surface of an insole portion (e.g.,
the insole portion 284) of a sole structure (e.g., the sole
structure 104). The base layer 400 may also include a top layer 412
and, as will be further discussed herein, components may be
positioned between the bottom surface 410 and the top layer 412 and
within an interior of the base layer 400.
[0063] Optionally, the insole 102 may also include a top layer (not
shown) positioned over the microbial layer 406, which may provide a
barrier between the microbial layer 406 and a user's foot during
use. In these embodiments, the top layer may be a breathable fabric
substrate, such as a polyester or polyester textile or mesh
material, an elastane and/or stretch polyester, a nylon-based
textile material, a cotton-based textile to provide a soft fabric
or a natural aesthetic, a polyurethane or a polyurethane leather, a
rubber, an open cell foam, a closed cell foam, polyethylene, and/or
combinations thereof.
[0064] Using this configuration, the microbial sensor system of the
present disclosure may be incorporated within an insole, such as
the insole 102, that is separate, discrete, or removable from the
article of footwear 100 during normal operational use thereof. For
instance, a user may simply remove the insole 102 from the article
of footwear by applying a lifting force thereto. Providing an
insole with such configuration also allows the insole 102, and the
microbial sensor thereof, to be removed from the article of
footwear 100 and positioned within a second, separate article. For
instance, a user may wish to utilize the insole 102 in a first
article of footwear while exercising (e.g., a sports shoe) and
utilize the insole 102 in a second article of footwear during
normal day-to-day activities (e.g., a dress shoe). As will become
more apparent from the discussion herein, the configuration of the
insole 102 may provide such variability and may allow the insole
102 to be easily incorporated in a variety of articles.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 9A, the microbial layer 406 may have one or
more microbial mediums or encapsulations of microorganisms 408.
More particularly, the microbial medium 408 may include one or more
biologically active agents capable of altering a physical,
chemical, or biological state of the microbial medium 408.
[0066] In some aspects, as will be further discussed herein, the
microbial medium 408 may be in the form of a gel, a hydrogel, a
liquid, a cream, an oil, a foam, a paste, a powder, or a film. In
certain aspects, the microbial medium 408 is integrated in gelatin
within the cavities 404 of the intermediate layer 402. In further
aspects, the microbial medium 408 is an encapsulated medium that
includes one or more microorganisms (e.g., a bacteria, a fungi, a
microalgae, etc.), as well as nutrients that may be metabolized by
the microorganisms. In such embodiments, the microorganisms of the
microbial medium 408 may be sealed or contained within the
microbial medium 408. And, upon activation, the microorganisms of
the microbial layer 408 may be released or activated and, as a
result thereof, may alter the physical, chemical, or biological
state of the microbial medium 408. For example, a stimulus or
stimuli may cause the activation or the release of the
microorganisms within the microbial medium 408 and, in particular
embodiments, the stimulus or stimuli may be an amount of pressure,
a level or humidity, an amount of heat, and/or an amount of
perspiration.
[0067] The microbial medium 408 may also include one or more
nutrients, as noted above, to maintain survival of the
microorganisms therein and, more particularly, to maintain survival
of the microorganisms until a stimulus or stimuli is applied to the
microbial medium 408. In some embodiments, the microbial medium 408
may also contain a stimulus or stimuli therein (e.g., an amount of
water therein) that provides activation or the release of the
microorganisms from the microbial medium 408 without a further
stimulus or stimuli.
[0068] In some aspects, biologically active agents or
microorganisms used in the insole 102 and, more particularly, the
microbial layer 406 may be, but are not limited to, microorganisms
such as a bacteria, an actinobacteria, a proteobacteria, a
bacteroidetes, a fungi, a yeast, an algae, or a protozoa.
[0069] In some embodiments, biologically active agents that may be
used in the microbial mediums 408 within the insole 102 are
recombinant microorganisms genetically engineered to express one or
more metabolic enzymes, genes, and/or proteins from a
microorganism. In such embodiments, the biologically active agents
within the microbial mediums 408 are recombinant microorganisms
genetically engineered to express one or more metabolic enzymes,
genes, and/or proteins that speed up or catalyze a reaction within
the microbial medium 408. For example, the microbial medium 408 may
include a plurality of reactants (or a plurality of inactive
starting materials) and a recombinant microorganism genetically
engineered to express one or more metabolic enzymes capable of
causing a reaction between the reactants that are within the
microbial medium 408, i.e., by lowering an activation energy of the
reaction.
[0070] In some embodiments, the biologically active agent may be a
microorganism genetically engineered to express poly(ethylene
terephthalate) hydrolase (Genbank accession number GAP38373.1),
mono(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalic acid hydrolase (Genbank accession
number GAP38911.1), terephthalic acid-1,2-dioxygenase,
1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dicarboxylate dehydrogenase,
PCA 3,4-dioxygenase, or combinations thereof, from Ideonella
sakaiensis. Metabolic enzymes or other genes of interest for use in
genetically engineering a recombinant microorganism for use as a
biologically active agent may include, but are not limited to,
esterases, lipases, proteases, PHA depolymerases, cutinases,
monooxygenases, dioxygenases, hydrolases, dehydrogenases,
carrinoid-dependent enzymes, and an alginate-producing gene to
enhance biofilm formation (e.g., algC).
[0071] In further embodiments, the biologically active agents used
in the microbial medium 408 may be a microorganism engineered to
excrete an organic acid as a metabolite by means of microbial
metabolism by the microorganism. In these embodiments, the
biologically active agents of the microbial medium 408 may consume
organic compounds within the microbial medium 408, when activated
or motivated by a stimulus or stimuli, and resultantly secrete,
produce, or output a product or chemical, e.g., an organic acid.
For example, the biologically active agent may be a microorganism
that secretes or releases an organic acid, such as lactate,
acetate, H.sub.2SO.sub.4, when subjected to an amount of pressure,
an amount of heat, an amount of perspiration, a mineral, a salt, or
another form of stimulus or stimuli.
[0072] The microbial medium 408, and the biologically active agents
described herein, may be delivered to an article in any medium
suitable for survival and growth of the biologically active agents
therein.
[0073] For example, the microbial medium 408 may be in any form
including, but not limited to, a gel, a hydrogel, a liquid, a
cream, an oil, a foam, a paste, a powder, or a film. Components of
the microbial medium 408 may include, but are not limited to, agar,
agarose, peptone, polypeptone, glucose, yeast extract, malt
extract, polyethylene glycol, salts (e.g., sodium hydrogen
carbonate (NaHCO.sub.3), ammonium sulfate
((NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4), calcium carbonate (CaCO.sub.3),
magnesium sulfate (MgSO.sub.4), and sodium chloride (NaCl)),
buffers (e.g., phosphate buffer, Tris buffer, sodium acetate
buffer, and citrate buffer), vitamins (e.g., thiamine, niacin,
aminobenzoic acid, pyridoxal-HCl, panthothenate, biotin, and
vitamin B12), trace elements, water, solvents (e.g., methanol and
ethanol), or combinations thereof.
[0074] The pH of the microbial medium 408 may be adjusted to
support the growth and survival of the biologically active agent
therein. For example, the pH may be, but is not limited to, 2.0,
2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5,
9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, or 11.0. The microbial medium 408 may also
include a low-crystallinity or low-density polymer such as, but not
limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), low-crystallinity PET
film, low molecular weight polycaprolactine film, p-nitrophenyl
butyrate, and p-nitrophenyl palmitate. In some embodiments, the
microbial medium 408 includes a low-crystallinity (e.g., 1.9%) PET
film to support the survival and growth of the microorganism
selected as the biologically active agent.
[0075] One or more additives may also be added to the microbial
medium 408 to tune the activity or biological activity of the
microorganisms within the microbial medium 408. Additives may
include, but are not limited to, benzophenone, polyhydroxyalkanoate
(PHA) polyesters, or another type of additive.
[0076] Optionally, the microbial medium 408 containing the
biologically active microorganism may be embedded within or on the
microbial layer 406 as part of a nano-filler within the insole 102,
for example. In further embodiments, the microbial medium 408
containing the biologically active microorganism may be contained
within one of more cavities within an article (e.g., the cavities
404).
[0077] A stimulus or stimuli may be used to prompt, accelerate, or
decelerate the bioactivity of the microorganisms within the
microbial medium 408. For example, the stimulus or stimuli used to
prompt or accelerate bioactivity of the microorganisms may include,
but is not limited to, variations in temperature (such as increases
or decreases in heat), a level of sweat or perspiration, a
pressure, light, a humidity level, a change in pH, exposure to a
liquid (e.g., water, salt water, an acidic solution, a basic
solution), exposure to a gas (e.g., CO.sub.2, NH.sub.3, O.sub.2),
or a solvent.
[0078] In particular embodiments, the stimulus or stimuli may
prompt, accelerate, or decelerate the bioactivity of the
microorganisms within the microbial medium 408 after a single
exposure by one or more stimulants or stimuli, or the bioactivity
of the microorganisms within the microbial medium 408 may be tuned
to respond after repeated exposure to the stimulus, stimuli, or a
group of stimuli. In one aspect, the stimulus or stimuli may be a
body temperature and/or sweat of the user. In a further aspect, the
stimulus or stimuli may be a specific value or component associated
with a body temperature and/or sweat of a user. For example, sweat
or perspiration from an individual may include a plurality of
chemicals or minerals, including, but not limited to, lactic acid,
urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron,
chromium, nickel, and/or lead. And, in some embodiments, the
aforementioned chemicals or minerals may be a stimulus or stimuli
that activates the microorganisms within the microbial medium 408
and, resultantly, alters the physical, chemical, biological, or
biochemical state of the microbial medium 408.
[0079] In some particular embodiments, a bioactivity of the
microorganisms within the microbial medium 408 is activated at a
temperature between about 30.degree. C. and about 80.degree. C.
(e.g., 30.degree. C., 35.degree. C., 40.degree. C., 45.degree. C.,
50.degree. C., 55.degree. C., 60.degree. C., 65.degree. C.,
70.degree. C., 75.degree. C., or 80.degree. C.) In some
embodiments, a bioactivity of the microorganisms within the
microbial medium 408 may be activated at a humidity between about
20% relative humidity and about 100% relative humidity (e.g., 20%,
25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,
90%, 95%, or 100%). In some embodiments, the microorganisms within
the microbial medium 408 are less active or less bioactive, or
completely inactivated, at temperatures below 30.degree. C., below
25.degree. C., below 20.degree. C., below 15.degree. C., below
10.degree. C., below 5.degree. C. or below 0.degree. C. In some
embodiments, the microorganisms within the microbial medium 408 is
less active or less bioactive, or completely inactivated, at a
humidity below 20%, below 15%, below 10%, below 5%, or below
2%.
[0080] In particular aspects, the microorganism to be chosen as a
biologically active agent for the microbial medium 408 may be
selected based on the parameter to be measured by the insole 102.
For example, in particular embodiments, the insole 102 may measure
a body temperature of a foot of a user and, as such, the
microorganism within the microbial medium 408 may be a
microorganism that is stimulated by heat or variations in
temperature. As such, microbial mediums 408 containing the
microorganism and that are proximate areas of the insole 102 with
heightened body temperatures will have heightened levels of
bioactivity therewithin, and microbial mediums 408 containing the
microorganism and that are proximate areas of the insole 102 with
low body temperatures will have low levels of bioactivity
therewithin.
[0081] As another example, the insole 102 may measure an amount of
pressure positioned along regions thereof In such embodiments, the
microorganisms within the microbial mediums 408 may be stimulated
by a pressure or variations in pressure. Therefore, microbial
mediums 408 containing the microorganism and proximate areas of the
insole 102 with high levels of pressure placed thereon will have
heightened levels of bioactivity therewithin, and microbial mediums
408 containing the microorganism and proximate areas of the insole
102 with low levels of pressure placed thereon will have lower
levels of bioactivity therewithin. For example, in the cause a user
pronates, the user may place higher levels of pressure on the
medial side of the insole 102 and, as a result, the microbial
mediums 408 on a medial side of the insole 102 will be more
bioactive than microbial mediums 408 on a lateral side of the
insole 102.
[0082] It should be understood that the timing and duration of the
bioactivity of the microbial medium 408 may be tuned or controlled
based on a variety of factors. For example, the particular
materials used within the microbial medium 408, including the
particular microorganism, the particular reactive components,
and/or the particular nutrients may be chosen to provide an article
having a particular degree or particular speed of bioactivity. In
further embodiments, an article (and the timing and duration of the
bioactivity thereof) may be tuned or controlled based on the
particular use of the article and/or the particular use of an
article that may include the article having the bioactivity
component. For instance, an article of footwear may include an
insole 102 having the microbial medium 408 that is tuned to be
bioactive or tuned to physically, chemically, or biologically alter
the microbial medium 408 during a predetermined time of use (e.g.,
while traveling about 150 kilometers, while traveling about 300
kilometers, while traveling about 400 kilometers, while traveling
about 500 kilometers, while traveling about 600 kilometers, while
traveling about 700 kilometers, while traveling about 800
kilometers, while traveling about 900 kilometers, or while
traveling about 1000 kilometers). In one aspect, an insole for an
article of footwear utilized for low mileage or small distances,
such as a racing flat, may be tuned to be bioactive for a
predetermined distance of between about 150 kilometers and about
500 kilometers of usage. In another aspect, an insole for an
article of footwear utilized for high mileage or longer distances,
such as a training shoe, may be tuned to be bioactive for a
predetermined distance of between about 500 kilometers and about
800 kilometers of usage. As such, and as will be further discussed
herein, the insole or portion of an article incorporating the
microbial medium 408 may provide an indication as to the length or
distance of use.
[0083] With reference to FIG. 9B, the insole 102 may also include a
microbial layer 406 having a plurality of microbial mediums having
a variety of microorganisms. For example, in the embodiment shown
in FIG. 9B, the insole 102 includes a first microbial medium 414, a
second microbial medium 416, a third microbial medium 418, and a
fourth microbial medium 420. In these particular embodiments, the
microbial mediums 414, 416, 418, 420 may each individually include
a microorganism therein that alters the physical, chemical, or
biological state of the microbial medium 414, 416, 418, 420 when
motivated by a stimulus or stimuli. Further, in this embodiment,
the microbial medium 414, the microbial medium 416, the microbial
medium 418, and the microbial medium 420 may each individually
include a microorganism specific for their respective microbial
medium. For instance, the microbial medium 414 may include a first
microorganism that becomes bioactive or biologically active after
being stimulated by a first stimulus, and the microbial medium 416
may include a second microorganism that is different than the first
microorganism that becomes bioactive or biologically active after
being stimulated by a second stimulus that is different from the
first stimulus. As such, the microbial mediums 414, 416, 418, 420,
may sense or measure a variety of variables.
[0084] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, the insole 102 may also
include an intermediate layer or circuit layer 402. The circuit
layer 402 may include a network of walls 422 that define a
plurality of openings, apertures, or cavities 404 into which the
microbial mediums (e.g., the microbial medium 408) of the microbial
layer 406 may be positioned. More particularly, the circuit layer
402 is a network of electrical circuits capable of measuring a
biological or biochemical change within the microbial mediums
(e.g., the microbial medium 408) of the microbial layer 406. In one
embodiment, the circuit layer 402 may be a network of electrical
circuits capable of measuring a conductivity value through the
microbial mediums (e.g., the microbial medium 408) within the
cavities 404 of the circuit layer 402. For example, the circuit
layer 402 may include a plurality of electrodes that measure a
resistance of the microbial mediums (e.g., the microbial medium
408) across a fixed distance of a cavity 404. In further
embodiments, the circuit layer 402 may include an electrical
conductivity meter used to measure the electrical conductivity of
the microbial medium 408.
[0085] In further embodiments, the circuit layer 402 may be a
network of electrical circuits capable of measuring a pH value of
the microbial mediums (e.g., the microbial medium 408) within the
cavities 404 of the circuit layer 402. For example, the circuit
layer 402 may include a plurality of pH sensors integrated therein
that individually measure a pH value of each microbial medium.
[0086] In other embodiments, the circuit layer 402 is any network
of electrical circuits capable of measuring any physical, chemical,
biological, or biochemical change within the microbial mediums
(e.g., the microbial medium 408) once a stimulus or stimuli has
been applied thereto and, as such, may collect data in connection
to the amount of the stimulus or stimuli that has been applied to
the microbial mediums of the microbial layer 406.
[0087] For example, as discussed herein, the biologically active
agents used in the microbial layer 406 may be a microorganism
engineered to excrete an organic acid as a metabolite by means of
microbial metabolism by the microorganism. In these embodiments,
the biologically active agents of the microbial medium 408 may
consume organic compounds within the microbial medium 408, when
activated or motivated by a stimulus or stimuli, and may
resultantly excrete, produce, or output a product or chemical,
e.g., an organic acid, such as lactate, acetate, or
H.sub.2SO.sub.4. The release or output of a chemical (e.g., an
organic acid) by the microorganisms within the microbial layer 406
may resultantly alter the physical, chemical, biological, or
biochemical state of the microbial medium (e.g., the microbial
medium 408) within the cavities 404 of the circuit layer 402, and
this physical, chemical, biological, or biochemical change may then
be measured by the network of electrical circuits of the circuit
layer 402. Using this configuration, the circuit layer 402 may
measure the physical, chemical, biological, or biochemical state of
the microbial mediums of the microbial layer 406 and, as will be
further discussed herein, use the measurements to compute the
amount of stimulus or stimuli applied to regions of the insole
102.
[0088] The circuit layer 402 may have a variety of configurations,
which may be dependent on the microorganism of the microbial layer
406 and/or the physical, chemical, biological, or biochemical
change measured by the circuit layer. FIG. 11 depicts another
circuit layer 440, according to a second aspect of the present
disclosure. Similar to the circuit layer 402, the circuit layer 440
includes a network of walls 442 that form or define a plurality of
apertures or cavities 444; however, in this embodiment, the network
of walls 442 are in a uniform honeycomb configuration.
[0089] FIG. 12 illustrates the base layer 400, which may include a
top layer 412. As previously discussed herein, components may be
positioned within an interior of the base layer 400, and such
components may be positioned between the bottom surface 410 and the
top layer 412. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the base layer 400
may include one or more microcontrollers 450 having electrical
connections 452 therebetween. Further, the microcontrollers 450 may
be connected to the network of electrical circuits of the circuit
layer 402 and may receive data (e.g., electrical conductivity or pH
values) from the circuit layer 402. The base layer 400 may also
include a battery 454, which may be connected to the
microcontrollers 450 by an electrical connection 456, and a
microprocessor or transmitter 458, which may also be connected to
the battery 454 and the microcontrollers 450 using electrical
connections 460, 462, respectively.
[0090] Using this configuration, the microcontrollers 450 may be
connected to and may receive data from the network of electrical
circuits of the circuit layer 402, and the microprocessor or
transmitter 458 may store and/or digitalize the data for
transmission. For example, the microprocessor or transmitter 458
may digitalize and broadcast signals to a first remote device 464
having a wireless connection 466 with the microprocessor or
transmitter 458, and/or to a second remote device 468 having a
wireless connection 470 with the microprocessor or transmitter 458.
The first remote device 464 and the second remote device 468 may
also have a wireless connection 472 therebetween.
[0091] Although the base layer 400 includes a microprocessor or
transmitter 458 in this embodiment, in other embodiments, the
microcontrollers 450 of the insole 102 may digitalize signals, and
may communicate directly or transmit data directly to the remote
devices 464, 468. For instance, as further shown in FIG. 13, the
microcontrollers 450 may have a wireless connection 474 with the
second remote device 468.
[0092] As previously discussed herein, a stimulus or stimuli may be
used to prompt, accelerate, or decelerate the bioactivity of the
microorganisms within the microbial medium 408 of the insole 102.
For example, in some aspects, the stimulus or stimuli used to
prompt or accelerate bioactivity of the microorganisms may include,
but is not limited to, variations in temperature (such as increases
or decreases in heat), a level of sweat or perspiration, a
pressure, light, a humidity level, a change in pH, exposure to a
liquid (e.g., water, salt water, an acidic solution, a basic
solution), exposure to a gas (e.g., CO.sub.2, NH.sub.3, O.sub.2),
or a solvent. In one aspect, the stimulus or stimuli may be body
heat and/or sweat from the user.
[0093] FIG. 14A is an illustrative example of a user 500 wearing
the article of footwear 100 that includes the insole 102 with a
microbial layer 406 having the microbial medium 408, and FIG. 14B
depicts the user 500 wearing the article of footwear 100 after one
or more of the microbial mediums 408 of the insole 102 has altered
in state, as a result of a stimulus or stimuli. More particularly,
as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a plurality of microbial mediums 408
have transitioned to a bioactive, biologically active, or
biochemically altered microbial medium 504 as a result of a
stimulus or stimuli.
[0094] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an article of footwear 520 that
includes a sole structure 522, an upper 524, and an insole member
526, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
Similar to the insole member 102, the insole 526 may include a
microbial layer having a plurality of microbial mediums 408 with
one or more microorganisms. Further, the microorganisms of the
present embodiment may alter the physical, chemical, biological, or
biochemical nature or state of the microbial medium 408 once
subjected to a stimulus or stimuli, as previously discussed
herein.
[0095] With particular reference to FIG. 15, the sole structure 522
of the article of footwear 520 may be transparent,
semi-transparent, or translucent. Further, the base layer 528 of
the insole 526 may also be transparent, semi-transparent, or
translucent. As such, the microbial medium 408 may be visible
through the sole structure 522 and the base layer 528 of the
article of footwear 520 (see FIG. 16). Additionally, in some
embodiments, the bioactive, biologically active, or biochemically
altered microbial medium 504 may have an appearance different than
a microbial medium that is not bioactive or biochemically
altered.
[0096] Using this configuration, a bottom of the sole structure 522
may be imaged or scanned and optically analyzed. For example, FIG.
17 depicts a device 530 having surfaces 532 onto which a user
wearing the articles of footwear 520 may stand. The device 530 may
then take images or scans of the sole structure 522 and, more
particularly, images or scans of the microbial medium 408 of the
insole 526. The images or scans may then be analyzed and the
physical, chemical, biological, or biochemical state of the
microbial mediums 408 may be determined.
[0097] For example, FIG. 18 schematically illustrates an embodiment
of screen images of the insole members 526 having the bioactive,
biologically active, or biochemically altered microbial mediums
504.
[0098] Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to
include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in
connection with different embodiments. Further, the present
disclosure is not limited to articles of footwear of the type
specifically shown. Still further, aspects of the articles of
footwear of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified
to work with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic
equipment.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0099] Numerous modifications to the present invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing
description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as
illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling
those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach
the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all
modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims
are reserved.
* * * * *