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Footwear having sensor system

  • US 8,676,541 B2
  • Filed: 06/12/2009
  • Issued: 03/18/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system comprising:

  • an article of footwear comprising an upper member at least partially defining a foot-receiving chamber and a sole structure engaged with the upper member;

    a sensor system comprising a flexible insert member engaging the sole structure, wherein the flexible insert member comprises a first layer and a second layer connected to each other in a superimposed manner, wherein the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer are each made from sheets of a same flexible polymer material and each have a thickness of 0.05 min to 0.2 mm, a plurality of sensors connected to the insert member, an electronic module contained within the sole structure, and a port connected to the sensors by leads extending from the port to the sensors, wherein the electronic module is in communication with the port and is configured for communication with the sensors through the port, wherein each sensor is configured for detecting a force exerted by a foot on the sensor by a resistance of the sensor changing in response to the force, and wherein the plurality of sensors are positioned in a plurality of locations spaced from the electronic module, the plurality of locations comprising at least a first location in a heel portion of the and a second location in a forefoot portion of the insert,wherein each of the sensors comprises two electrodes located between the first and second layers and a carbon material located between the first and second layer positioned in contact with the two electrodes, and wherein the leads are positioned between the first and second layers and extend across the insert member from the port to the sensors, and wherein the electrodes, the carbon material, and the leads are printed on confronting surfaces of the first and second layers; and

    a remote external device configured for communication with the electronic module,wherein the electronic module is configured to receive resistance data from the sensors through the port, the resistance data indicating the resistance of each sensor, and to transmit the resistance data to the external device, and the external device is configured for further processing the resistance data.

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