Shoe with sensors, controller and active-response elements and method for use thereof
US7310895B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63B2220/836
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include at least one sensor, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure under the ball of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response elements may be a sole adjuster, a lace adjuster, and/or an upper adjuster. Methods of determining the golfer's type of movement are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.