A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.

Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system.

A command communication facility is described. The command communication facility includes a sensor unit for detecting a movement of an operator; a fixing unit for securing the sensor unit to the operator; an evaluation unit for evaluating the detected movement of the operator and for identifying a command based upon the detected movement; and a command communication unit for transmitting a control command to a medical facility that is to be operated based upon the identified command. A command communication system is also described. An operating system is also described. A command communication method is also described.

Presenting a new approach to architect footwear as a communication and energy-transporting platform for personalized smart living. This is done by integrating the most advanced technologies today, along with some known technologies still under development, to provide solutions to power on demand for all personal and wearable devices. The systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed in this invention make our personal and wearable devices smarter, thereby providing higher practical functions and more efficiency to our everyday lives.

Presenting a new approach to architect footwear as a communication and energy-transporting platform for personalized smart living. This is done by integrating the most advanced technologies today, along with some known technologies still under development, to provide solutions to power on demand for all personal and wearable devices. The systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed in this invention make our personal and wearable devices smarter, thereby providing higher practical functions and more efficiency to our everyday lives.

An article with a color change portion and a method of changing color. The article includes at least one color change portion capable of changing colors. The color change portion includes composite material including a photonic lattice. The color change portion can change colors according to one or more performance parameters. The article can be connected to a computer and the color change portion can be controlled using the computer.

An article of footwear may include a motorized tensioning system. The tensioning system may include a tensile member and a motorized tightening device configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. The tensioning system may further include a power source configured to supply power to the motorized tightening device. The tensile member, the motorized tightening device, and the power source may be configured to be removably attached to the article of footwear.

A wearable system, such as a footwear system, can employ a generator. The generator can be an electro-mechanical generator with a portion that spins to create an electricity. The portion that spins can be spun in such a manner that it does not stop, but instead a next spin beings before a previous spin completes. This can repeat until the generator reaches a terminal velocity.

A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive or magnetic sensor configured to sense changes in a body's proximity to the sensor in footwear. Characteristics of the sensed proximity can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot or about the footwear.

Disclosed is a shoe upper with an illuminating logo. The upper includes a main body, a logo part, and a lighting unit, in which the logo part for illumination may be formed integrally with the upper, providing the upper with an illumination feature. In this way, the upper with an illuminating logo can be manufactured with a reduced amount of time, leading to an improved manufacturing efficiency. In addition, the logo part is much less likely to come off and there is no need for an adhesive or bonding, creating an aesthetically attractive appearance from outside.