Ergonomic systems and methods providing intelligent adaptive surfaces and temperature control
First Claim
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1. An article of footwear, comprising:
- a control system;
an adjustable element effecting continuously controllable damping of footwear forces;
a driver coupled to the adjustable element for adjusting the adjustable element in response to the control system; and
a tensile elongated element, whose tension varies with foot applied pressure.
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Abstract
Ergonomic systems which provide medical therapy, comfort and enhanced function are provided. Surfaces are provided with adjustable contour, transient force damping and temperature. The technologies are applied to footwear, seating surfaces an cryotherapy devices. The cooling and cryotherapy system employ an evaporator in close proximity to skin, and therefore employ methods to reduce risk of frostbite. Advanced control and power supply options are disclosed.
210 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An article of footwear, comprising:
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a control system; an adjustable element effecting continuously controllable damping of footwear forces; a driver coupled to the adjustable element for adjusting the adjustable element in response to the control system; and a tensile elongated element, whose tension varies with foot applied pressure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for tuning an article of footwear, comprising the steps of:
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providing a tensile elongated element within the article of footwear, whose tension varies with foot-applied pressure; determining a desired state of the article of footwear; and continuously controlling damping of footwear forces by altering an adjustable element to achieve the desired state. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. An article of footwear, comprising:
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a tensile element, whose tension varies with foot-applied pressure on a sole of said article of footwear; an actively driven adjustable element effecting continuously controllable damping of footwear forces by adjusting an operating point of the tensile element; and a control system, comprising a microprocessor and an electrical power source, responsive to at least a sensor input representing a footwear performance parameter and a user interface input receiving a volitional input, to adjust the adjustable element to modify an operating point of the tensile element, to control at least a dynamic gait energy recovery characteristic of the footwear.
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Specification