A43C11/14

Adjustable and dual-suspension boot levers
11278079 · 2022-03-22 · ·

Adjustable and/or dual-suspension boot levers for hardshell boots, having upper parts and lower parts that rotate relative to one another, are disclosed. Adjustable boot levers disclosed herein are adjustable along a continuum or at one of a plurality of preset positions on a lever to provide a forward-lean angle customizable to a user's preferences. Dual-suspension boot levers provide fore-aft dampening and are also customizable by selection of appropriate elastic materials and properties for use in the forward-lean and backward-lean suspension devices. In some embodiments, adjustability and dual-suspension are combined in a boot lever design.

Upper for Article of Footwear

An upper for an article of footwear includes a fixed closure disposed on one of a medial side and a lateral side of the upper, a plurality of parallel first strands each extending from a first end attached to the other one of the medial side and the lateral side of the upper to a second end attached the other one of the medial side and the lateral side and including a first intermediate portion formed between the first end and the second end, and a plurality of parallel second strands each extending from a third end attached to the one of the medial side and the lateral side of the upper to a fourth end selectively attachable to the fixed closure. The second strands are looped around the first intermediate portion of respective ones of the first strands.

SPORT SANDAL
20220061452 · 2022-03-03 ·

The present disclosure describes a sport sandal having a sole and a securement mechanism coupled to the sole. The securement mechanism has a brace, which couples a plurality of toe posts to a plurality of lateral supports. The securement mechanism also has a heel leash coupled to the plurality of lateral supports. Sport sandals according to the present disclosure provide a user with improved forefront control, improved lateral side traction on the user's toes, improved comfort, and a reduction forward pressure on the user's toes.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WEARABLE DEVICES THAT DETERMINE BALANCE INDICES
20220072374 · 2022-03-10 ·

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for balance index determination. For example, a wearable apparatus may have at least one gyroscope configured to measure angular velocity about a first axis; at least one inertial measurement device (IMU) configured to measure deviation along a second axis and a third axis; at least one memory storing instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to: receive angular velocity measurements over a period of time from the at least one gyroscope; receive deviations from the second axis and from the third axis over the period of time from the at least one IMU; weight the deviations based on directions associated with the deviations; and generate a composite balance index based on the angular velocity measurements, the weighted deviations from the second axis, and the weighted deviations from the third axis.

Interlocking Modular Footwear System
20220061455 · 2022-03-03 ·

The present invention consist of a securely fitted sock/stocking/bootie permanently attached to an insole and fitted with strategically located “attachment” devices that when engaged with counterparts, located within the footwear, “lock” into place—providing a secure and stable assembly that prevents (and/or controls) the foot from slipping, sliding, rising, rotating or otherwise moving within, and relative too, the footwear. Additional features and “attachment ” devices allow for the incorporation of other components such as orthopedic devices and wraps, protective shields, electronics, reflectors(safety features) and decorative elements.

Compact motorized tensioning device for footwear

A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a spool system that can be engaged or disengaged from a driveshaft through the use of a cam device. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensile element.

Ski boot and strap combination providing enhanced lateral performance
11147338 · 2021-10-19 ·

A combination of a ski boot and a strap where the strap extends from an attachment point on the lateral side of a hard outer shell of the boot and in use is tightened to hold the inner boot liner in relatively fixed proximity to the lateral side of the outer boot shell during skiing. The strap can extend around the inner boot liner, or be at least partially incorporated as a part of the inner boot liner. In either case, the strap is adjustable between the tightened position, and an open position.

CLOSURE DEVICES INCLUDING INCREMENTAL RELEASE MECHANISMS AND METHODS THEREFOR

According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, a knob operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the housing, and a stop mechanism. The device is configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a first direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool within the housing that incrementally tensions a tension member and thereby tightens the article. The device is also configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a second direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool that incrementally loosens the tension member's tension. The stop mechanism is configured to prevent rotation of the spool in the second direction when the tension member's tension achieves or falls below a tension threshold.

Article having a knitted component with a strap

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an article formed of a knitted component. The article may be an upper for an article of footwear. The knitted component may have a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion of the knitted component at least partially forms a foot-receiving portion of the upper, where the second portion of the knitted component at least partially forms a strap of the upper, where the strap includes a first edge and a second edge secured to the first portion of the knitted component, and where the strap includes a third edge that extends from the first edge to the second edge.

Article having a knitted component with a strap

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an article formed of a knitted component. The article may be an upper for an article of footwear. The knitted component may have a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion of the knitted component at least partially forms a foot-receiving portion of the upper, where the second portion of the knitted component at least partially forms a strap of the upper, where the strap includes a first edge and a second edge secured to the first portion of the knitted component, and where the strap includes a third edge that extends from the first edge to the second edge.