Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices may include an authentication or activation system for providing power or otherwise determining the connection of a sensor in the article of footwear.

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface includes a recess defining a first opening in the peripheral surface. The sole structure for an article of footwear also includes an insert disposed within the recess and including a first material having a first gloss unit value and a second material disposed on an outer surface of the first material and having a second gloss unit value. The second material is at least partially disposed within the first opening.

The present invention relates to a hybrid material comprising a matrix of polyurethane and foamed particles of thermoplastic polyurethane comprised therein and also a process for producing such hybrid materials and the use of these hybrid materials as bicycle saddles, upholstery and shoe soles.

The Improved Sock is made of yarns knitted to include a foot portion and a calf portion, with graduated compression on an individual's foot from the foot to the calf. The yarns can include wool and alpaca fibers. A substantial proportion of wool and/or alpaca are on the inside of the sock so as to be in direct contact with the skin and wound. The Improved Sock provides absorption and wicking of inflammatory mediators, bacteria and biofilm and necrotic exudate from the foot and leg. The Improved Sock has AgNP shapes electrostatically bonded to the yarn. At least 30% of the mass of the AgNP shapes attached to the fibers have a shape selected from the group including truncated triangular plates (a triangle with the corners rounded off), triangular prisms, and/or discs. The Improved Sock functions as a unique wound dressing with the sock in direct contact with the wound.

The Improved Sock is made of yarns knitted to include a foot portion and a calf portion, with graduated compression on an individual's foot from the foot to the calf. The yarns can include wool and alpaca fibers. A substantial proportion of wool and/or alpaca are on the inside of the sock so as to be in direct contact with the skin and wound. The Improved Sock provides absorption and wicking of inflammatory mediators, bacteria and biofilm and necrotic exudate from the foot and leg. The Improved Sock has AgNP shapes electrostatically bonded to the yarn. At least 30% of the mass of the AgNP shapes attached to the fibers have a shape selected from the group including truncated triangular plates (a triangle with the corners rounded off), triangular prisms, and/or discs. The Improved Sock functions as a unique wound dressing with the sock in direct contact with the wound.

A smart module for a smart shoe includes a second cover, a first cover, an antenna, a circuit board, and a power supply unit. The second cover cooperates with the first cover to form a housing for receiving the antenna, the circuit board, and the power supply unit. The antenna and the power supply unit are electrically connected to the circuit board. The power supply unit supplies power to the circuit board and the antenna. The first cover includes at least one positioning member. The antenna includes at least one positioning hole. The circuit board includes at least one positioning hole. The positioning holes in the antenna and the circuit board align with and receive the positioning member of the first cover to ensure that the antenna and the circuit board are mounted at appropriate locations in the first cover. Therefore, the smart module facilitates easy assembly.

A smart module for a smart shoe includes a second cover, a first cover, an antenna, a circuit board, and a power supply unit. The second cover cooperates with the first cover to form a housing for receiving the antenna, the circuit board, and the power supply unit. The antenna and the power supply unit are electrically connected to the circuit board. The power supply unit supplies power to the circuit board and the antenna. The first cover includes at least one positioning member. The antenna includes at least one positioning hole. The circuit board includes at least one positioning hole. The positioning holes in the antenna and the circuit board align with and receive the positioning member of the first cover to ensure that the antenna and the circuit board are mounted at appropriate locations in the first cover. Therefore, the smart module facilitates easy assembly.

An apparatus and method are described for removably coupled footwear. The disclosed embodiments describe amongst other things, for example, a pair of shoes whereby the soles or top surfaces of each shoe may be connected and disconnected easily.

A method of printing a three-dimensional structure onto a base having irregularities on the surface is disclosed. A sensing device determines the depth of the irregularity on the surface. A computing system receives an image file including a predetermined thickness of a layer to be printed onto the base. The predetermined thickness is adjusted based on the depth of the irregularity. A printing device prints a layer onto the base having the adjusted predetermined thickness print on the irregularity to make the surface substantially smooth.

A method of printing a three-dimensional structure onto a base having irregularities on the surface is disclosed. A sensing device determines the depth of the irregularity on the surface. A computing system receives an image file including a predetermined thickness of a layer to be printed onto the base. The predetermined thickness is adjusted based on the depth of the irregularity. A printing device prints a layer onto the base having the adjusted predetermined thickness print on the irregularity to make the surface substantially smooth.