An exercise system includes an exercise device and a wearable article. The exercise device includes a frame and a user contact point connected to the frame. The wearable article is configured to be worn on a user's body. The wearable article includes a magnetic connector that, when positioned proximate to the user contact point, applies a magnetic attraction force to the user contact point.

Systems and methods are provided for controlling pedal feedback to an operator and vehicle control. One embodiment of a vehicle system includes a pedal having an engagement device configured to generate a pulling force on an operator device. The vehicle system also includes a controller configured to control the engagement device to generate the pulling force on the operator device. Embodiments also provide for electromagnetic and permanent magnet engagement devices, and control of engagement devices to engage an operator with a vehicle pedal. Embodiments also provide for multiple wearable configurations of operator devices for engaging with vehicle pedals. Processes are provided for activating and deactivating engagement devices in response to vehicle driving conditions.

A fit of a shoe is adjusted using a shoe insert assembly. A shoe insert assembly includes a shoe insole and a shoe insert having a fastener element configured for connection to the shoe insole. The shoe insole with the shoe insert connected thereto by the fastener element are receivable into a shoe. The shoe insert can be attached to the shoe insole in multiple manners, including adhesively, using a hook and loop fastener, and using a coupling strip.

Described are shoes for ball sports including an upper having an outer surface. An actuator is configured to change at least one surface property of a portion of the outer surface of the upper, and a sensor is configured to be sensitive to movements of the shoe. A processing unit is connected to the actuator and the sensor and configured to process sensor data retrieved from the sensor and to cause the actuator to change the at least one surface property of the portion of the outer surface of the upper if a predetermined event is detected in the sensor data.

A foldable shoe includes a first sole section located under the ball of a wearer's foot including a first outsole portion and a first footbed. The foldable shoe further includes a second sole section located under the heel of a wearer's foot, the second sole section including a second outsole portion and a second footbed. An upper section extends from the first sole section, and a hinge is connected to the first sole section and the second sole section and is configured to fold the foldable shoe from a first position, to be worn, to a second position, for storage. A first magnetic material disposed in the first sole section and a second magnetic material disposed in the second sole section creates a magnetic connection to retain the foldable shoe in first position or second position.

A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.

Design for footwear in the form of a slide that is designed to be made up of several parts or components. All or a subset of these are manufactured by one or more manufacturers and provided to another party for assembly in a location that is “local” to a point of sale. The assembly of the separate or modular parts or components produces a slide that is suitable for sale to and for wear by the purchaser or end user. One or more of the parts or components provided to the assembling party is in the form of a blank that can be modified to provide local customization while other embodiments will have that customized part or component manufactured locally for later assembly. Further, the new design for slides includes one or more features that allow the end user or wearer to adjust the size and fit of each slide.

A shock absorbing system for force attenuation, impact modification or reduction, employs an envelope having a chamber containing a first working fluid, the envelope deformable in response to the impulse to attenuate impact force. A plurality of resilient supplemental absorber elements dispersed within the chamber. The plurality of resilient supplemental absorber elements are deformable in response to the force to assist in attenuating impact force and provide additional resilient restoring force to return the envelope to a pre-impact shape. In alternative implementations, a unitary cell for energy dissipation employs an envelope having a chamber containing a first working fluid and an inner element contained within the chamber and having an inner chamber containing a second working fluid.

A system for carrying or using a device includes the device and at least one attachment apparatus. The device may include at least one attachment element. The attachment apparatus may include a length of material and at least one attachment point arranged on an end of the length of material. The at least one attachment point may include at least one magnetic feature configured to attach and detach the device and the length of material. The material can include but is not limited to cloth, metallic (magnetic and non-magnetic), fibrous material, and so forth.

An article of footwear including an adaptive support system includes a plurality of support members. Each support member includes an outer chamber and an inner chamber, the inner chamber being filled with a magnetorheological fluid. An electromagnet is disposed adjacent to the inner chamber and can be used to vary the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid.