Abstract:
A boot (10) has an internal forced air circulation system and an inflatable lining (64). The boot can also be used to circulate air through protective clothing and can have a footwarmer mechanism. In one embodiment, the footwarmer mechanism includes an electrical resistance heater (394), an electrical generator (64), a mechanical transducer (60) to translate vertical movements of the wearer's heel into unidirectional rotational movement of a flywheel (123), and a gear box (62) mechanically coupling the flywheel to the electrical generator. Optional features include a rechargeable storage battery (65) and a radio transmitter (67) for generating a signal useful for locating the wearer. In another embodiment (326, 328) the footwarmer mechanism can be a pair of sole plates which are in sliding frictional engagement and generate frictional heat.
Abstract:
An inner sole for shoes with elements located at a distance from one another, having an acupuncture action (13...23) especially made of metal, such as copper or similar. The inner sole (10) is provided at least in partial areas with slits, cut-outs (11), holes (12) or markings in which the acupuncture-effective elements (13...23) can be individually inserted or to which these elements can be individually secured.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a shoe (2a, 2b) with interchangeable heels comprising: (a) a shoe upper (26) and/or tapes; (b) a sole (10); (c) a heel structure comprising: (c1) a first heel (4a), and (c2) a second heel (4b) which has a smaller height with respect to the first heel (4a), wherein the first heel (4a) is fixed with one end by means of a first hinge (6), reversibly inclinable towards the sole (10) in direction of the tips of the feet, in the heel area (8) of the shoe (2a, 2b) on the sole (10) such that with said first hinge (6) the first heel (4a) and the sole (10) can form in the open position between each other a "V". The second heel (4b) is fixed with one end by means of a second hinge (14), reversibly inclinable towards the first heel (4a), on the other end, the tip, of the first heel, such that with the second hinge (14) the first (4a) and the second heel (4b) form in the open position between each other a "V". The second heel (4b) is situated between said sole (10) and said first heel (4a), wherein said first heel (4a) comprises an aperture (20) adapted to receive the second heel (4b) at least partially when the first heel (4a) is supported on said sole (10), preferably in a recess (24) that for this purpose is foreseen in said sole (10). The invention further concerns a relative process for interchanging heels (4a, 4b) of a shoe (2a, 2b).
Abstract:
A force or pressure sensing device comprises one or more magnets (12, 406) resiliently held spaced from one or more magnetic sensors (14) such that pressure on the device displaces the magnets (12, 406) relative to the magnetic field sensors (14). The device may be incorporated into an insole (100, 110, 400) of a shoe, or integrated into a shoe, or integrated into a seat, cushion, mattress or saddle. The device includes one or more magnetic focussing elements (18) on the opposite side of the magnetic field sensor (14) from the magnets (12, 406) to focus and condition the magnetic field passing through the sensor (10, 14). The magnetic focussing elements (18) may be permanent magnets (406) or magnetic materials having a high magnetic permeability such as mu-metals. Additional magnetic focussing elements (18) may be placed adjacent to the magnets (12, 406). Plural magnetic field sensors (14) can be arranged in a symmetrical arrangement in a plane below the one or more magnets (12, 406) so that shear forces applied to the device causes lateral relative displacement of the magnet (406) and magnetic field sensors (14) changing the magnetic field sensed by the magnetic field sensors (14). The device can also include a motion detector such as an accelerometer which may be integral with the magnetic field sensor (14).
Abstract:
Footwear with magnetic closures are disclosed. Footwear include a shell with a heel section and a front section defining a lateral slit and a medial slit between the heel section and the front section. Footwear have a lateral magnetic closure associated with the lateral slit and a medial magnetic closure associated with the medial slit. The heel section is configured to support a user's heel when the lateral magnetic closure and the medial magnetic closure are closed. Further, the heel section is configured to flex rearward to expose a rear foot passage when the lateral magnetic closure and medial magnetic closure are open.
Abstract:
An insert for footwear comprising an insole provided with one or more first portions, at each of which at least one wire, made of electrically conductive material, passes through the thickness of the insole, and with one or more second portions, at each of which there is arranged a magnet positioned in a corresponding housing produced in the thickness of said insole.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
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.