Footwear having sensor system

• US 9,089,182 B2
• Filed: 02/17/2012
• Issued: 07/28/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Inventors: Schrock, Allan M., Owings, Andrew A., Amos, Michael S., Dean, Anthony C.
• Primary Examiner(s): BAYS, MARIE D
• Application Number:
  US13/399,778
• Publication Number:
  US 20120291563A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,257 Days
• Field of Search: 36/1, 361/14, 361/36, 361/37, 361/38
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 13/38 Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 17/006 multilayered
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/00 Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/34 with electrical or electronic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0252 Load cells
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0266 Optical strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/046 in a matrix array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/103 Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes A61B5/08 takes precedence; measuring aids for tailors A41H1/00; measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry A61C19/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1036 Measuring load distribution, e.g. podologic studies
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1038 Measuring plantar pressure during gait
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/11 Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb for measuring pulse A61B5/02 ;A61B5/1038 takes precedence; motion detection to correct for motion artifacts in physiological signals A61B5/721
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6807 Footwear
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/00 Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/00 Training appliances or apparatus for special sports training of parachutists B64D23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1012 involving biosensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat, limb activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1031 using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• CPC Class Codes: F04C 2270/041 Controlled or regulated
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 22/006 Pedometers
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 1/26 : Auxiliary measures taken, or devices used, in connection with the measurement of force, e.g. for preventing influence of transverse components of force, for preventing overload
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0334 : Foot operated pointing devices

Abstract

An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user'"'"'s foot on the sensor. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. The electrodes and the force sensitive resistive material may have multi-lobed shapes. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may have slits therethrough, and may have a defined peripheral shape.

Claims

1. An insert for use with an article of footwear adapted to engage a foot, the article of footwear having a sole structure and an upper portion connected to the sole structure, the insert comprising:

an insert member adapted to be placed in contact with the sole structure of the article of footwear, the insert member comprising a central portion adapted to be engaged by a metatarsal portion of the foot, a first phalange portion extending from a front edge of the central portion and adapted to be engaged by a first phalange of the foot, and a heel portion extending from a rear edge of the central portion and adapted to be engaged by a heel of the foot,

wherein the central portion has a length measured from the front edge to the rear edge and a width measured perpendicular to the length, and wherein the first phalange portion extends from the front edge of the central portion in an elongated manner and has a width that is narrower than the width of the central portion and a length that is greater than the width of the first phalange portion, and

wherein the heel portion extends from the rear edge of the central portion in an elongated manner and has a width that is narrower than the width of the central portion and a length that is greater than the width of the heel portion; and

a sensor system comprising a plurality of force sensors connected to the insert member and a port configured for communication with an electronic device, wherein at least one of the force sensors is positioned on the central portion, at least one of the force sensors is positioned on the first phalange portion, and at least one of the force sensors is positioned on the heel portion, and wherein the port is positioned on the central portion.

2. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert member has a peripheral edge defining a periphery of the insert member, and wherein the peripheral edge comprises a front medial edge extending from a medial side of the central portion to a medial side of the first phalange portion and a front lateral edge extending from a lateral side of the central portion to a lateral side of the first phalange portion, and wherein the front medial edge has an outwardly-curved shape and the front lateral edge has an inwardly-curved shape.

3. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert member has a peripheral edge defining a periphery of the insert member, and wherein the peripheral edge comprises a rear medial edge extending from a medial side of the central portion to a medial side of the heel portion and a rear lateral edge extending from a lateral side of the central portion to a lateral side of the heel portion, and wherein the rear medial edge and the rear lateral edge each have at least one inwardly-curved edge.

4. The insert of claim 1, wherein the sensor system comprises at least four sensors, including a first phalange sensor positioned on the first phalange portion of the insert member, a first metatarsal sensor and a fifth metatarsal sensor positioned on the central portion of the insert member, and a heel sensor positioned on the heel portion of the insert member.

5. The insert of claim 1, wherein the sensor system further comprises a plurality of leads extending from the port to each of the plurality of force sensors.

6. The insert of claim 1, wherein the plurality of force sensors are force sensitive resistor sensors comprising two electrodes and a force sensitive resistive material positioned between the electrodes.

7. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert member comprises a flexible polymer webbing.

8. The insert of claim 1, wherein the plurality of force sensors each comprise a pair of electrodes in contact with a force-sensitive resistive material, and the sensor system further comprises a plurality of leads extending from the force sensors to the port, and wherein the insert member comprises a first layer having the electrodes and leads located thereon and a second layer having the force sensitive resistive material thereon.

9. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert member has a peripheral edge defining a periphery of the insert member, and wherein the peripheral edge comprises a front medial edge extending from a medial side of the central portion to a medial side of the first phalange portion and a front lateral edge extending from a lateral side of the central portion to a lateral side of the first phalange portion, and wherein the front lateral edge has a concave portion where the front lateral edge meets the first phalange portion.

10. An insert for use with an article of footwear adapted to engage a foot, the article of footwear having a sole structure and an upper portion connected to the sole structure, the insert comprising:

a flexible polymer insert member adapted to be placed in contact with the sole structure of the article of footwear, the insert member having a thickness that is small in comparison to a length and a width of the insert member; and

a sensor system comprising a plurality of force sensors connected to the insert member and a port configured for communication with an electronic device,

wherein the insert member has a plurality of slits extending completely through the thickness of the insert member, the slits positioned proximate at least one of the force sensors of the sensor system.

11. The insert of claim 10, wherein the insert member has a peripheral edge defining a periphery of the insert member, and at least one of the slits extends from the peripheral edge inwardly into the insert member.

12. The insert of claim 10, wherein the insert member has a peripheral edge defining a periphery of the insert member, and at least one of the slits is positioned completely within the insert member and does not contact the peripheral edge.

13. The insert of claim 10, wherein at least one of the sensors has an internal gap, and one of the slits extends into the internal gap.

14. The insert of claim 10, wherein two or more of the slits are positioned proximate each of the sensors.

15. The insert of claim 10, wherein the plurality of force sensors each comprise a pair of electrodes in contact with a force-sensitive resistive material, and the sensor system further comprises a plurality of leads extending from the force sensors to the port, and wherein the insert member comprises a first layer having the electrodes and leads located thereon and a second layer having the force sensitive resistive material thereon.

16. An insert for use with an article of footwear adapted to engage a foot, the article of footwear having a sole structure and an upper portion connected to the sole structure, the insert comprising:

an insert member adapted to be placed in contact with the sole structure of the article of footwear; and

a sensor system comprising a plurality of force sensors connected to the insert member and a port configured for communication with an electronic device, wherein at least one of the force sensors comprises;

a patch of force-sensitive resistive material;

a first electrode having a first lead connected to the port; and

a second electrode having a second lead connected to the port,

wherein the patch of force-sensitive resistive material has a multi-lobed structure comprising a first lobe and a second lobe separated by a gap, wherein the first electrode is in contact with the first lobe and the second lobe, and the second electrode is in contact with the first lobe and the second lobe.

17. The insert of claim 16, wherein the multi-lobed structure of the patch of force-sensitive resistive material further comprises a third lobe separated from the first lobe by a second gap, wherein the first electrode is in contact with the first, second, and third lobes, and the second electrode is in contact with the first, second, and third lobes.

18. The insert of claim 17, wherein the patch of force-sensitive resistive material further comprises a bridge member spanning the gap and connecting the first lobe and the second lobe and a second bridge member spanning the second gap and connecting the first lobe and the third lobe.

19. The insert of claim 18, wherein the second lobe and the bridge member are positioned on one side of the first lobe and the third lobe and the second bridge member are positioned on an opposite side of the first lobe.

20. The insert of claim 16, wherein the patch of force-sensitive resistive material further comprises a bridge member spanning the gap and connecting the first lobe and the second lobe.

21. The insert of claim 16, wherein the force-sensitive resistive material is a conductive carbon-based material.

22. The insert of claim 16, wherein the first and second electrodes each have a plurality of fingers in contact with the first lobe and a plurality of fingers in contact with the second lobe.

23. The insert of claim 22, wherein the first and second electrodes each have an enlarged space between the fingers that is superimposed over the elongated gap between the first and second lobes, such that no fingers of the first and second electrodes are positioned within the elongated gap.

24. The insert of claim 16, wherein the insert member has a slit extending completely through a thickness of the insert member, wherein the slit extends into the gap.

25. The insert of claim 16, wherein the insert member comprises a first layer having the first and second electrodes and the first and second leads located thereon and a second layer having the patch of force sensitive resistive material thereon.

26. An insert for use with an article of footwear adapted to engage a foot, the article of footwear having a sole structure and an upper portion connected to the sole structure, the insert comprising:

an insert member adapted to be placed in contact with the sole structure of the article of footwear;

a graphic layer comprising a sheet of material connected to a surface of the insert member in a layered configuration, the sheet of material having a graphic design thereon; and

a sensor system comprising a plurality of force sensors connected to the insert member and a port configured for communication with an electronic device.

27. The insert of claim 26, wherein the graphic design comprises a depiction of the plurality of force sensors.

28. The insert of claim 26, wherein each of the force sensors comprises two electrodes in communication with a force sensitive material, and wherein the insert member comprises a first layer having the electrodes of each force sensor located thereon and a second layer having the force sensitive material of each force sensor located thereon, with the graphic layer connected to one of the first layer and the second layer.

29. An insert for use with an article of footwear adapted to engage a foot, the article of footwear having a sole structure and an upper portion connected to the sole structure, the insert comprising:

an insert member adapted to be placed in contact with the sole structure of the article of footwear; and

a sensor system comprising a plurality of force sensors connected to the insert member and a port configured for communication with an electronic device, wherein at least one of the force sensors comprises;

a patch of force-sensitive resistive material;

a first electrode having a first lead connected to the port; and

a second electrode having a second lead connected to the port, wherein the first and second electrodes form a peripheral boundary,

wherein the first electrode has a plurality of first fingers extending toward the second electrode and the second electrode has a plurality of second fingers extending toward the first electrode, the first and second fingers in contact with the patch of force-sensitive resistive material, such that the first fingers and the second fingers intermesh with each other, and the first fingers are spaced from the second fingers by an average spacing of 0.25 mm to 1.5 mm, and

wherein a ratio of a surface area of the first and second electrodes combined to a surface area of the force-sensitive resistive material within the peripheral boundary is between 3;

1 and 1;

3.

30. The insert of claim 29, wherein first fingers and the second fingers intermesh with each other in an alternating arrangement.

31. The insert of claim 29, wherein the ratio is about 1:

1.

32. The insert of claim 29, wherein the average spacing is about 0.5 mm.

33. The insert of claim 29, wherein the ratio is about 1:

1 and the average spacing is about 0.5 mm.

34. An insert for use with an article of footwear adapted to engage a foot, the article of footwear having a sole structure and an upper portion connected to the sole structure, the insert comprising:

a flexible polymer insert member adapted to be placed in contact with the sole structure of the article of footwear, the insert member comprising a central portion adapted to be engaged by a metatarsal portion of the foot, a first phalange portion extending from a front edge of the central portion and adapted to be engaged by a first phalange of the foot, and a heel portion extending from a rear edge of the central portion and adapted to be engaged by a heel of the foot, wherein the first phalange portion and the heel portion are narrowed in the medial-lateral direction with respect to the central portion;

a sensor system comprising first, second, third, and fourth force sensors connected to the insert member and a port configured for communication with an electronic device, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth force sensors comprises;

a patch of force-sensitive resistive material;

a first electrode having a first lead connected to the port; and

a second electrode having a second lead connected to the port,

wherein the patch of force-sensitive resistive material has a multi-lobed structure comprising a first lobe and a second lobe separated by a gap and a bridge member spanning the gap and connecting the first lobe and the second lobe, wherein the first electrode is in contact with the first lobe and the second lobe, and the second electrode is in contact with the first lobe and the second lobe,

wherein the first force sensor is positioned on the first phalange portion of the insert member, the second and third force sensors are positioned on the central portion of the insert member, and the fourth force sensor is positioned on the heel portion of the insert member, and

wherein the insert member has a plurality of slits extending completely through the thickness of the insert member, the slits positioned proximate at least one of first, second, third, and fourth force sensors of the sensor system.