The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture (and a method for forming such an article) having at least a portion prepared using high coefficient friction material as an interface for human contact using, but not limited to, polymeric materials. The articles may be incorporated into any product or any portion of a product where non-slip properties are required during human contact and usage. Preferably, a thermoplastic material such as thermoplastic urethane with very durable but soft properties is accurately texturized to achieve optimum frictional properties for a given application. The textures are carefully calculated for the desired friction characteristics. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles made with the interface that are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, environmental benefits and functional advantages.

The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture (and a method for forming such an article) having at least a portion prepared using high coefficient friction material as an interface for human contact using, but not limited to, polymeric materials. The articles may be incorporated into any product or any portion of a product where non-slip properties are required during human contact and usage. Preferably, a thermoplastic material such as thermoplastic urethane with very durable but soft properties is accurately texturized to achieve optimum frictional properties for a given application. The textures are carefully calculated for the desired friction characteristics. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles made with the interface that are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, environmental benefits and functional advantages.

A plurality of orthotic systems are provided. One bi-layer system is constructed from a single sheet of fabric that is molded into two layers. One tri-layer system includes a base layer; a mid-layer, and an upper layer. The upper layer is joined to the mid-layer and the mid-layer is joined to the base layer. The coupling of the base layer, the mid-layer and the upper layer create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section and a front spring section in which the upper layer is suspended over the mid-layer and the heel portion is suspended on the proximal heel end of the base layer.

A plurality of orthotic systems are provided. One bi-layer system is constructed from a single sheet of fabric that is molded into two layers. One tri-layer system includes a base layer; a mid-layer, and an upper layer. The upper layer is joined to the mid-layer and the mid-layer is joined to the base layer. The coupling of the base layer, the mid-layer and the upper layer create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section and a front spring section in which the upper layer is suspended over the mid-layer and the heel portion is suspended on the proximal heel end of the base layer.

A plurality of orthotic systems are provided. One bi-layer system is constructed from a single sheet of fabric that is molded into two layers. One tri-layer system includes a base layer; a mid-layer; and an upper layer. The upper layer is joined to the mid-layer and the mid-layer is joined to the base layer. The coupling of the base layer, the mid-layer and the upper layer create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section and a front spring section in which the upper layer is suspended over the mid-layer and the heel portion is suspended on the proximal heel end of the base layer.

A plurality of orthotic systems are provided. One bi-layer system is constructed from a single sheet of fabric that is molded into two layers. One tri-layer system includes a base layer; a mid-layer; and an upper layer. The upper layer is joined to the mid-layer and the mid-layer is joined to the base layer. The coupling of the base layer, the mid-layer and the upper layer create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section and a front spring section in which the upper layer is suspended over the mid-layer and the heel portion is suspended on the proximal heel end of the base layer.

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.

Systems and methods are disclosed including a tri-layer orthotic system having a heel portion and a forefoot portion to support respective heel and forefoot portions of a foot through at least a portion of a gait cycle. The tri-layer orthotic system can include an upper layer suspended over a mid-layer and a base layer to create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section, and a front spring section. A distal toe portion of the mid-layer can form the forefoot portion of the tri-layer orthotic system and a heel upper layer portion of the upper layer can form the heel portion of tri-layer orthotic system.

Systems and methods are disclosed including a tri-layer orthotic system having a heel portion and a forefoot portion to support respective heel and forefoot portions of a foot through at least a portion of a gait cycle. The tri-layer orthotic system can include an upper layer suspended over a mid-layer and a base layer to create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section, and a front spring section. A distal toe portion of the mid-layer can form the forefoot portion of the tri-layer orthotic system and a heel upper layer portion of the upper layer can form the heel portion of tri-layer orthotic system.

In at least some embodiments, an orthotic footbed assembly includes a three-dimensional footbed that closely approximates a size and configuration of a particular foot and at least one orthotic feature additively coupled to the three-dimensional footbed. In at least some other embodiments, a method of making the orthotic footbed assembly includes direct printing of orthotic features onto a 3-D footbed. Another method includes indirect printing of orthotic features and applying these features onto to a 3-D footbed. And yet another method includes direct printing of orthotic features onto a 2-D blank footbed and then conducting a three-dimensional forming operation to make the orthotic footbed assembly.