Patent Application
20240415226
This disclosure relates to articles of footwear, such as slides, that include one or more therapeutic assemblies, and more particularly to articles of footwear that provide targeted vibration and/or targeted light therapy to areas of a user's foot.
Athletes and other individuals sometimes desire to use massage and therapeutic devices to warm up their muscles before working out and/or to recover after working out. Generic massage and therapeutic devices may not be ideal for a particular body part or muscle. Moreover, it can be time consuming to use a massage and therapeutic device for multiple body parts or muscles.
An article of footwear for warm-up, active recovery, and treatment of pain is provided according to some embodiments. The article of footwear may include a sole and a light therapy system coupled to the sole. In some embodiments, the light therapy system includes a plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the article of footwear includes a battery to power the light therapy system and control circuity configured to control the light therapy system.
In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a transparent layer disposed above the sole. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs is disposed between the transparent layer and the sole. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a layer disposed above the sole. In some embodiments, the layer defines holes. In some embodiments, the article of footwear includes a transparent cover disposed in each hole. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of LEDs is aligned with one of the transparent covers. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDS is arranged in a plurality of rows.
In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a mounting layer disposed above the sole and a plurality of vibrating motors coupled to the mounting layer. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to power the plurality of vibrating motors and the control circuitry is configured to control the plurality of vibrating motors. In some embodiments, the mounting layer includes pockets. In some embodiments, each pocket is configured to receive a motor and each of the plurality of motors is disposed in one of the pockets. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs is disposed between the mounting layer and the sole. In some embodiments, the mounting layer defines a plurality of holes. In some embodiments, each hole is aligned with one of the plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, a bottom surface of the mounting layer defines a cavity configured to receive the plurality of LEDs.
In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a bracket disposed above the sole. In some embodiments, the bracket is configured to support the plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the bracket includes a longitudinal section and a plurality of transverse sections. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to be recharged with a wireless charging device.
An article of footwear for warm-up and active recovery is provided according to some embodiments. The article of footwear may include a sole, a vibration system coupled to the sole, a light therapy system coupled to the sole, a battery to power the vibration system and the light therapy system, and control circuity to control the vibration system and the light therapy system. In some embodiments, the vibration system includes a plurality of motors. In some embodiments, the light therapy system includes a plurality of LEDs.
In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a mounting layer disposed above the sole. In some embodiments, the mounting layer has pockets, and each pocket can receive a motor. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of motors is disposed in one of the pockets and is configured to vibrate. In some embodiments, the mounting layer defines a plurality of holes. In some embodiments, each hole is aligned with one of the plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs is disposed between the mounting layer and the sole. In some embodiments, a bottom surface of the mounting layer defines a cavity configured to receive the plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the battery and the control circuitry are part of a control assembly and are disposed in a protective housing. In some embodiments, a bottom surface of the mounting layer defines a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the control assembly.
In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a bracket disposed above the sole and configured to support the plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the bracket includes a longitudinal section and a plurality of transverse sections. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a plurality of transparent covers. In some embodiments, each transparent cover is disposed within one of the plurality of holes of the mounting layer. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs is disposed between the bracket and the plurality of transparent covers. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to be recharged with a wireless charging device. In some embodiments, the article of footwear is a slide. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors includes a first motor disposed in a forefoot region of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors includes a second motor disposed in a midfoot region of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors includes a third motor disposed between the midfoot region and a rearfoot region of the article of footwear.
An article of footwear is provided according to some embodiments. The article of footwear may include a sole, a mounting layer coupled with the sole, a plurality of motors, a protective housing coupled to the mounting layer that contains a battery and control circuitry, and a switch coupled to the control circuitry and configured to turn the motors on and off. In some embodiments, the mounting layer has pockets with each pocket being configured to receive a motor. In some embodiments, each motor is disposed in one of the pockets and is configured to vibrate. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to power the motors and the control circuitry is configured to control the motors.
In some embodiments, the article of footwear is a slide. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes one or more cables coupling the control circuitry and the plurality of motors. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors are eccentric rotating mass vibrating motors. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors includes five motors. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors includes at least one motor disposed in a forefoot region of the sole, at least two motors disposed in a midfoot region of the sole, and at least two motors disposed in a rearfoot region of the sole.
In some embodiments, the pockets are disposed on a bottom of the mounting layer. In some embodiments, the pockets include five pockets. In some embodiments, the mounting layer is silicone. In some embodiments, the switch includes a button. In some embodiments, the button is disposed on an interior of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the button is disposed such that a user's foot can operate the switch while wearing the article of footwear.
In some embodiments, the switch is configured to transition between operating modes of the motors. In some embodiments, the operating modes includes different speeds of vibration. In some embodiments, the operating modes include different patterns of vibration. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a charging port configured to receive a charger to charge the battery. In some embodiments, the protective housing is disposed in a foot arch section of the sole. In some embodiments, the battery is rechargeable. In some embodiments, the one or more cables includes three sets of cables. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a strap coupled to the sole. In some embodiments, the strap extends from a lateral side of the sole to a medial side of the sole such that an area between the strap and the sole is configured to receive a wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the article of footwear is injection molded.
In some embodiments, a top surface of the sole comprises cavities. In some embodiments, the cavities include a cavity for each of the plurality of motors. In some embodiments, the cavities include a cavity for the protective housing.
An article of footwear for warm-up and active recovery is provided according to some embodiments. The article of footwear may include a sole and a vibration system coupled to the sole. In some embodiments, the vibration system includes a plurality of vibrating motors, a battery, control circuitry, and a switch. In some embodiments, the vibration system includes three vibration zones.
In some embodiments, the three vibration zones include a front vibration zone having at least one vibrating motor of the plurality of vibrating motors disposed in a forefoot region of the sole. In some embodiments, the three vibration zones include a middle vibration zone having at least two vibrating motors of the plurality of vibrating motors disposed in a midfoot region of the sole. In some embodiments, the three vibration zones include a back vibration zone having at least two vibrating motors of the plurality of vibrating motors disposed in a rearfoot region of the sole. In some embodiments, the plurality of vibrating motors is at least partially embedded within the sole. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a mounting layer coupled to the sole. In some embodiments, the mounting layer includes a plurality of pockets. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of vibrating motors is disposed in one of the plurality of pockets.
A slide is provided according to some embodiments. The slide may include a sole, a strap coupled to the sole that extends from a lateral side of the sole to a medial side of the sole such that an area between the strap and the sole is configured to receive a wearer's foot, and a vibration system that is coupled to the sole. In some embodiments, the vibration system includes a plurality of vibrating motors, a battery, control circuitry, and a switch.
The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS if any are included.
Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended and/or included DRAWINGS.
Detailed aspects and applications of the disclosure are described below in the following drawings and detailed description of the technology. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts.
In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed technologies may be applied. The full scope of the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the examples that are described below.
The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a step” includes reference to one or more of such steps.
The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.
When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable. The term “plurality,” as used herein, means more than one.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises,” mean “including but not limited to,” and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are included herein. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limits, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention. The specific examples below will enable the disclosure to be better understood. However, they are given merely by way of guidance and do not imply any limitation.
The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific materials, devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed inventions.
More specifically, this disclosure, its aspects and embodiments, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.
The present disclosure relates to articles of footwear, such as slides, that include one or more therapeutic assemblies, and more particularly to articles of footwear that provide targeted vibration and/or targeted light therapy to areas of a user's foot. Athletes and other individuals sometimes desire to use massage and therapeutic devices to warm up their muscles before working out and/or to recover after working out. Generic massage and therapeutic devices may not be ideal for a particular body part or muscle. Moreover, it can be time consuming to use a massage and therapeutic device for multiple body parts or muscles. A massage and therapeutic device that is directed specifically to providing vibration therapy and/or light therapy to a user's foot is desirable, especially one that is incorporated into an article of footwear, such as slides.
In some embodiments, an article of footwear comprises one or more therapeutic assemblies. The one or more therapeutic assemblies may include a vibration assembly, a light therapy assembly, or both. The article of footwear may have any of the features described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/508,249, filed Jun. 14, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present disclosure. For example, the vibration assembly may include any of the features described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/508,249, filed Jun. 14, 2023. In some embodiments, the one or more therapeutic assemblies may share components (e.g., power source, control system, etc.).
In some embodiments, an article of footwear comprises a sole and a vibration assembly coupled to the sole. The vibration assembly may include one or more vibrating devices (e.g., vibrating motors), a battery, and control circuitry. The motors may be disposed in locations that facilitate targeted vibration to key areas of the foot, such as soft tissue structures, fascia, muscles, and regions of nerve innervation. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a mounting layer for the motors, the battery, and/or the control circuitry. The mounting layer may be coupled with the sole. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a switch. The switch may be configured to turn the vibrating motors on and off and/or to transition between different operating modes. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a slide.
In some embodiments, an article of footwear comprises a sole and a light therapy assembly coupled to the sole. The light therapy assembly may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a battery, and control circuitry. The LEDs may be disposed in locations that facilitate targeted light therapy to key areas of the foot, such as soft tissue structures, fascia, muscles, and regions of nerve innervation. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a mounting layer (such as an insole and/or other supporting structure) for the LEDs, the battery, and/or the control circuitry. The mounting layer may be coupled with the sole. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises an insole configured to allow light from the LEDs to reach a wearer's foot (e.g., a transparent insole, an insole with holes aligned with the LEDs). In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a switch. The switch may be configured to turn the LEDs on and off and/or to transition between different operating modes. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a slide.
In some embodiments, an article of footwear comprises both a vibration assembly (such as the one described above) and a light therapy assembly (such as the one described above). In some embodiments, the battery and the control circuitry may be used to control both therapeutic assemblies. In addition, the switch may be used to transition between various operating modes for both the vibration assembly and the light therapy assembly. In some embodiments, multiple switches may be used (e.g., one for each therapeutic assembly). Slides with vibration and/or light therapy and a built-in battery provide a portable, lightweight, and comfortable massage and therapeutic device that can provide targeted therapy to a wearer's feet. Such slides can be used for warm-up prior to working out and for active recovery after working out. Such slides can also be used for treatment of pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness.
In some embodiments, the sole is shaped to provide massage, myofascial release, and/or a rolling benefit to the wearer. In addition, the sole's shape, material, or density may provide energy absorption, cushioning, and/or pressure distribution that leads to a more comfortable article of footwear (e.g., resulting in less stress on a wearer's joints). Thus, the sole's shape, material, or density may contribute to the therapeutic nature of the article of footwear (e.g., therapeutic effects related to pain, stiffness, and recovery).
Embodiments of articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies are described below. Features that are discussed with respect to any embodiments below may also be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not expressly discussed with respect to other embodiments.
An article of footwear 100 according to some embodiments is shown, for example, in
In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 comprises a vibration assembly. As shown, for example, in
In some embodiments, motors 130 are vibrating motors. For example, the motors 130 may be eccentric rotating mass (ERM) vibrating motors. Other types of vibrating motors may also be used. The vibration of the motors 130 provides massage therapy to targeted areas of the wearer's foot. Local vibration has been shown to have both prophylactic and reactive benefits related to circulation, recovery, and pain. Furthermore, it has been associated with being able to help different medical conditions related to both circulatory and neurological disease states. The vibration devices 130 can include vibration frequencies of between 0-300 Hz and vibration amplitudes of between 0.5-12 mm.
In some embodiments, motors 130 are waterproof. In some embodiments, motors 130 are lightweight. For example, each motor 130 may be less than 10 grams. In some embodiments, each motor 130 may be less than 5 grams. Each motor 130 may be about 2 grams. In some embodiments, motors 130 may be designed to have minimum noise. In some embodiments, motors 130 may be pill-shaped motors. For example, motors 130 may have a diameter between 5 and 10 mm (e.g., 7 mm) and a length between 20 and 300 mm (e.g., 24.5 mm). In some embodiments, motors 130 with bigger dimensions may be used. Larger motors 130 may be beneficial in providing a stronger vibration. In some embodiments, motors 130 are coin-shaped instead of pill-shaped. Other shapes of motors 130 may also be used.
The number and placement of motors 130 may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 may include one to ten motors 130. For example, article of footwear 100 may include two, four, six, or eight motors. In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 includes more than ten motors 130. Motors 130 may be positioned under or adjacent to various key areas of the foot, such as soft tissue structures, fascia, muscles, and regions of nerve innervation. Target areas of the foot may include one or more of plantar fascia, lateral plantar fascia, flexor digitorum brevis tendons, flexor hallucis longus tendon, adductor hallucis, lumbricales, flexor hallucis brevis, flexor digiti minimi brevis, plantar interossei, flexor digitorum brevis, abductor hallucis, abductor digiti minimi, plantar aponeurosis, quadratus plantae, flexor digitorum longus tendons, deep peroneal nerve, superficial peroneal nerve, tibial nerve, sural nerve, medial plantar nerve, lateral plantar nerve, medial calcaneal nerve, saphenous nerve, or other structures.
As one example,
Motors 130 may include a motor 130 disposed in the forefoot region 102, as shown in
Motors 130 may include two motors 130 disposed in the midfoot region 104, as shown in
Motors 130 may include two motors 130 disposed in the rearfoot region 106, as shown in
As already noted above, article of footwear 100 may have a different number of motors 130 and may use different locations for motors 130 other than those discussed above and shown in
In some embodiments, motors 130 are coupled to mounting layer 112, as shown, for example, in
Mounting layer 112 may be rigid enough to be durable but flexible to minimize noise of motors 130. Various thicknesses of mounting layer 112 may be used (e.g., depending on the material of mounting layer 112). Mounting layer 112 may be thin enough such that the vibration of motors 130 is felt by a wearer (so that the massage therapy is effective), while being thick enough to provide a reliable mounting structure for motors 130. In some embodiments, mounting layer 112 is made of silicone. Other materials may also be used for mounting layer 112 (e.g., rubber, foam, etc.). In some embodiments, mounting layer 112 provides a soft material to be in contact with the wearer's foot (e.g., silicone, rubber, foam, etc.). In some embodiments, mounting layer 112 may be a plastic structure to support motors 130 with a soft material covering a top of mounting layer 112 to provide a soft surface to be in contact with the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, mounting layer 112 is coupled to sole 110. The connection of mounting layer 112 to sole 110 may be any flexible, reliable, and waterproof connection. In some embodiments, mounting layer 112 is coupled to sole 110 using contact cement. In some embodiments, mounting layer 112 is glued to sole 110. In some embodiments, mounting layer 112 is stitched to sole 110. In some embodiments, mounting layer 112 is an additional layer that is added to sole 110. For example, sole 110 may provide a hollow center surrounded by external surfaces forming sole 110, and mounting layer 112 may be attached to sole 110 in the hollow center. In some embodiments, mounting layer 112 may be covered either from a top or bottom to enclose mounting layer 112 within sole 110.
In some embodiments, a top surface of mounting layer 112 forms a top surface of sole 110 on which a wearer's foot may rest. In some embodiments, a different material is disposed above mounting layer 112 to form a top surface of sole 110. In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 does not include a mounting layer 112. For example, the components of the vibration assembly (e.g., motors 130 and components of control assembly 140, etc.) may be embedded within a material of sole 110 without using a mounting layer 112.
Control assembly 140 is configured to power and control motors 130 to provide massage therapy. In some embodiments, control assembly 140 may be disposed in an arch region 108 of article of footwear 100 (i.e., a region that corresponds to an arch of the wearer's foot when article of footwear 100 is worn), as shown in
In some embodiments, control circuitry 170 is configured to control operation of motors 130. For example, control circuitry 170 may control the voltage provided to motors 130 to turn the motors on and off and/or to transition between different operating modes (vibration speeds, vibration patterns (e.g., vibration frequencies, intensities, or durations) vibration zones, etc.). In some embodiments, control circuitry 170 may also control the charging of battery 160. In some embodiments, control circuitry 170 may comprise a printed circuit board. Control circuitry 170 may be contained within protective housing 150.
In some embodiments, a charging port 172 is coupled to control circuitry 170. Charging port 172 may be configured to receive a charger to charge battery 160. In some embodiments, charging port 172 is a USB-C port. Other types of ports may also be used for charging port 172. Charging port 172 may be accessible from an exterior of article of footwear 100. For example, charging port 172 may be disposed on an exterior wall of medial side 103 of sole 110, such as at arch region 108 (see
In some embodiments, a switch 174 is coupled to control circuitry 170. Switch 174 is configured to turn motors 130 on and off. For example, a wearer may use switch 174 to turn motors 130 on and off. In some embodiments, switch 174 is also configured to transition between operating modes of motors 130. The operating modes may be different speeds of vibration, different patterns of vibration, or both. In some embodiments, the operating modes may include three different speeds. As one example, a first operation of the switch 174 may turn motors 130 on at a high speed, a second operation of switch 174 may change the motors to a medium speed, a third operation of switch 174 may change the motors to a low speed, and a fourth operation of switch 174 may turn the motors off. In addition, the operating modes may include different vibration zones. As one example, a user may first operate switch 174 to turn all motors 130 on, then to turn only a front vibration zone on (with the others off), then to turn only a middle vibration zone on (with the others off), then to turn only a back vibration zone on (with the others off), and then to turn all motors 130 off. Any other operating modes may also be used with the switch 174 allowing for a user to transition between any such operating modes. In some embodiments, multiple switches 174 may be included.
In some embodiments, switch 174 may be a button 174 (e.g., a button that is pushed to operate). In some embodiments, button 174 is disposed on an interior of article of footwear. For example, button 174 may be disposed such that a user's foot can operate button 174 while wearing article of footwear 100. Switch 174 may be located at medial side 103 in arch region 108 (see
In some embodiments, battery 160 is configured to power motors 130. In some embodiments, battery 160 is a rechargeable battery. For example, battery 160 may be a lithium-ion battery, such as a lithium-polymer battery. In some embodiments, battery 160 is configured to operate on a single charge for a run time of between one and six hours (e.g., two hours).
In some embodiments, protective housing 150 contains battery 160 and control circuitry 170. In some embodiments, protective housing 150 also contains charging port 172 and switch 174. Protective housing 150 may be made of plastic, such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, or some other plastic material. Any other waterproof material may also be used. In some embodiments, protective housing 150 comprises a lower section 152 and an upper section 154. Lower section 152 and upper section 154 may be joined together such that protective housing 150 is waterproof. For example, lower section 152 and upper section 154 may be joined using ultrasonic welding. In some embodiments, protective housing 150 may comprise connection points for cabling 180 to allow cabling 180 to electrically couple to control circuitry 170 inside protective housing 150.
In some embodiments, cabling 180 comprises one or more cables that couple the motors 130 to control circuitry 170 (and thus battery 160). In some embodiments, cabling 180 is waterproof. Cabling 180 may be connected to motors 130 and to control circuity 170 by being soldered.
Cabling 180 may include three sets of cables, as shown, for example, in
Sole 110 may provide the main structure for article of footwear 100. In some embodiments, the shape of sole 110 contributes to article of footwear 100 being a therapeutic device. For example, sole 110 may be shaped to provide massage to a wearer's foot while article of footwear 100 is being worn. Sole 110 may be shaped to facilitate myofascial release while a wearer is walking in article of footwear 100. For example, sole 110 may provide a rolling benefit. In some embodiments, a shape of an external surface of mounting layer 112 (e.g., the surface facing the wearer's foot) may be shaped to provide massage, myofascial release, and/or rolling benefits. The shape of the external surface of mounting layer 112 may also be shaped to provide support for different areas of a wearer's foot.
In some embodiments, sole 110 is configured to provide energy absorption, cushioning, and pressure distribution that increases the comfort for the wearer while using article of footwear 100. For example, a shape, material, and/or density of sole 110 may be selected that lead to better energy absorption, cushioning, and pressure distribution, thus leading to a more comfortable experience. In some embodiments, for example, sole 110 may provide additional support under the wearer's foot arch.
In some embodiments, sole 110 may be made of polyurethane or ethyl-vinyl acetate. In some embodiments, sole 110 may be made of a foam material. Strap 120 may be made of the same material as sole 110. Sole 110 may be made using a variety of manufacturing methods. In some embodiments, sole 110 is injection molded. In some embodiments, strap 120 and sole 110 are molded with a single injection. In some embodiments, strap 120 is manufactured separately from sole 110 and then the two may be joined together. In some embodiments, sole 110 and/or strap 120 are 3D printed. In some embodiments, sole 110 (or the external-facing side of mounting layer 112) may include a conductive material that is electrically grounded (e.g., by a wired connection to ground in control circuitry 170) to provide a grounding or earthing effect to the wearer of the article of footwear 100 when the wearer's foot is in contact with the conductive material. In some embodiments, the grounding effect provided by the conductive material may provide therapeutic benefits to the wearer, such as reducing inflammation and pain and promoting wound healing. In some embodiments, the conductive material may be located in any region of article of footwear 100, such as forefoot region 102, a midfoot region 104, and/or a rearfoot region 106.
In some embodiments, sole 110 may be configured to accommodate components of the vibration system. For example, sole 110 may comprise a surface 116 (as shown in
In some embodiments, surface 116 defines protective housing cavity 118. Protective housing cavity 118 may be disposed in arch region 108 of sole 110. Protective housing cavity 118 is configured to receive protective housing 150. In some embodiments, surface 116 defines a cavity 119 configured to receive charging port 172 and switch 174. Cavity 119 may be disposed in arch region 108 of sole 110. For example, cavity 119 may be disposed adjacent to protective housing cavity 118.
Many additional implementations are possible. For example, although
In some embodiments, an article of footwear may include a light therapy assembly in addition to or instead of a vibration assembly. For example, an article of footwear 300 according to some embodiments is shown in
Article of footwear 300 may have a forefoot region 302, a midfoot region 304, and a rearfoot region 306. Article of footwear 300 may have a lateral side 301 and a medial side 303. In some embodiments, article of footwear 300 comprises a sole 310. Article of footwear 300 may be a slide, as shown in
In some embodiments, article of footwear 300 comprises a vibration assembly, which may have the features discussed above with respect to article of footwear 100, and a light therapy assembly.
Referring again to
In some embodiments, article of footwear 300 comprises one or more vibration devices 330 (e.g., motors 330). Motors 330 are disposed below top layer 311 (e.g., within a mounting layer as discussed above). In some embodiments, motors 330 are visible through transparent top layer 311, as shown in
The number and placement of motors 330 may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, article of footwear comprises three motors 330. Motors 330 may include a first motor 330 in forefoot region 302 (which is shown just in front of forward strap 320 in
In some embodiments, article of footwear 300 comprises one or more light therapy devices 350 (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 350). In some embodiments, article of footwear comprises between two and thirty LEDs 350, between ten and twenty LEDs 350, or between twelve and sixteen LEDs 350 (e.g., 14 LEDs 350). Different amounts of LEDs 350 (e.g., more than 30) may be used in some embodiments. The number and placement of LEDs 350 may vary in different embodiments.
LEDs 350 may provide light therapy to help heal, increase circulation, stimulate metabolic processes, regenerate muscles, tendons, bones, joints, and other tissue, thus contributing to recovery after exercise and the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions associated with pain and inflammation. Red LEDs with visible red light in the spectrum of 620-700 nm and infrared LEDs producing near infrared (NIR) of wavelengths 700-2500 nm can be used to provide specific therapeutic fluence (dose in J/cm2). The therapeutic fluence is the product of a power density and treatment time that is both safe and effective in producing the physiological and neurological responses that produce the therapeutic benefit. In some embodiments, the power density of visible red light will be <300 mW/cm2 with the power density of NIR <750 mW/cm2. In some embodiments, the fluence provided to the tissues will range between 20-1000 J/cm2 depending on purpose of use and intended outcomes. Visible red light can be used for therapeutic benefits and as visual feedback to the user (e.g., wearer of the article of footwear 300) to show that the device is working and producing light. LEDs 350 may be disposed in an array across article of footwear 300. In some embodiments, LEDs 350 are arranged in a number of rows (e.g., one to six rows, two to four rows, six to ten rows, etc.), with each row having two to eight LEDs 350 (e.g., three to four LEDs). Each row of LEDs 350 may span across the width of article of footwear 300. In some embodiments, LEDs 350 of each row are spaced equally apart from each other.
In some embodiments, LEDs 350 are arranged in four rows. The foremost row (e.g., the row disposed in or closest to forefoot region 302) may be disposed below forward strap 320 (similar to what is shown in
In some embodiments, a second row disposed adjacent to the foremost row comprises four LEDs 350, as shown in
In some embodiments, a third row disposed adjacent to the second row comprises three LEDs 350, as shown in
In some embodiments, a fourth (or rearmost) row disposed adjacent to the third row comprises three LEDs 350, as shown in
Other arrangements of LEDs 350 may also be used. LEDs may be positioned to provide targeted light therapy to certain portions of the wearer's foot (similar to the vibration targets discussed above).
In addition to or alternatively to the LEDs 350, in some embodiments, article of footwear 300 may incorporate one or more materials for energy sources, such as graphene, carbon fiber, ceramics, or the like, to generate far infrared radiation (FIR) through heating for similar therapeutic benefits as discussed above. In some embodiments, materials such as graphene, carbon fiber, and/or ceramics may provide additional structural support to bear the weight of the wearer of the article of footwear 300. In some embodiments, the support structure 455 may include one or more FIR-generating materials and/or heating elements for therapeutic purposes. Heat may provide a thermal-based therapeutic benefit to help with pain, joint stiffness and tension, reducing muscle spasms and muscle tone and improving blood flow. The aforementioned benefits fall under the umbrella of recovery from physical activity and the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions associated with pain and inflammation. Thermotherapy applied between the temperatures of 37 and 43 degrees Celsius can elicit the desired therapeutic effects while still being safe to users as they fall below the 44 degrees Celsius, which is the generally accepted maximum temperature before the user starts to experience adverse effects and pain.
Materials producing far infrared radiation (FIR) in article of footwear 300 may provide therapeutic benefits to the user, including but not limited to reduced chronic muscle and joint pain and fatigue, wound healing, enhanced peripheral blood flow, and muscle tissue oxygenation. FIR is a band (50 to 1000 μm) in the infrared (IR) spectrum of electromagnetic radiation; the therapeutic fluence of FIR depends on the treatment duration as well as the two possible form factors of the device. The first being an electronically operated device which elicits greater FIR power densities in the tens of mW/cm2 range by heating up a piece of graphene or ceramic material. The second form factor, utilizing textiles infused with germanium or similar materials, relies on energy produced by the body. This second form factor generates much lower power densities, being in the 0.1-5 mW/cm2 range.
In some embodiments, as shown, for example in
In some embodiments, a switch 374 is coupled to control assembly 340 and configured to turn motors 330 and LEDs 350 on and off. In some embodiments, switch 374 is disposed on an exterior wall of medial side 303 of sole 310. Similar to switch 174, switch 374 may be used to transition between operating modes in addition to turning therapeutic assemblies on and off. The operating modes may include any combination of characteristics (e.g., light therapy only, vibration therapy only, turning on all or a subset of motors 330, turning on all or a subset of LEDs 350, switching between different intensities, speeds, or patterns of vibration for motors 330, switching between different intensities of LEDs 350, a combination of the foregoing, etc.). In some embodiments, multiple switches 374 may be included. Switch 374 may have other characteristics of switch 174 described above. For example, switch 374 may be a button 374 (e.g., a button that is pushed to operate).
Additional details of the inner arrangement of article of footwear 300 (e.g., motors 330 and LEDs 350) are illustrated with reference to
The thickness of sole 310 may be different in various embodiments. A greater thickness of sole 310 may strengthen sole 310, particularly when a wearer is standing or putting weight on article of footwear 300. In some embodiments, a greater thickness helps facilitate vibration of motors 330, even when a wearer is standing. In some embodiments. as shown, for example, in
Referring again to
Referring again to
In some embodiments, bracket 355 may provide a base on which LED 350 may rest. In some embodiments, LEDs 350 rest on sole 310 and bracket 355 is disposed to surround LEDs 350 (e.g., around the sides of LEDs). In either of these situations, bracket 355 may extend around portions of LED 350, for example, to guide light from LED 350 up through hole 313 of mounting layer 312. In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in
Bracket 355 may be coupled to mounting layer 312, sole 310, or both (e.g., with an adhesive). In some embodiments, bracket 355 is simply placed in location (e.g., in holes 313 of mounting layer 312 and/or above sole 310) without a direct coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, bracket 355 is made of a plastic material, such as polycarbonate. In some embodiments, bracket 355 is white to reduce the amount of light from LED 350 that is absorbed. Using a white bracket 355 may help improve the light therapy by increasing the intensity of LED light reaching a wearer.
In some embodiments, control assembly 340 is disposed between mounting layer 312 and sole 310. Sole 310 and/or mounting layer 312 may include cavities or depressions to make space for control assembly 340. Control assembly 340 may be coupled to mounting layer 312, sole 310, or both. In some embodiments, control assembly 340 is simply placed in location (e.g., between mounting layer 312 sole 310) without a direct coupling mechanism.
In some embodiments, rather than a transparent top layer 311 (e.g., made of silicone) and a separate mounting layer 312 (e.g., made of EVA), article of footwear 300 may include a single part made of polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)) and a transparent polycarbonate. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, single part 380 may be additionally made of a second material 382 that is transparent (e.g., transparent polycarbonate). Second material 382 may be disposed in locations within layer 381 as transparent covers 383 to fill holes in layer 381 that align with LEDs 350 (see
An article of footwear 400 according to some embodiments is shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
Additional details of sole 410 are shown, for example, in
Additional details of mounting layer 412 are shown, for example, in
Additional details relating to the light therapy assembly is shown, for example, in
In some embodiments, support structure 455 comprises structure (e.g., bracket 455) to contain LEDs. In some embodiments, bracket 455 comprises a longitudinal section 456 that extends longitudinally along a side of article of footwear 400. For example, longitudinal section 456 may extend from a rearfoot portion of article of footwear 400 to a forefoot portion of article of footwear 400. Branching from longitudinal section 456 is a series of transverse sections 457 extending transversely across article of footwear 400. Each transverse section 457 may be associated with a row of LEDs. Thus, the number of transverse sections 457 may be equal to the number of rows of LEDs in article of footwear 400. In some embodiments, a control assembly section 458 also extends transversely from longitudinal section 456 to control assembly 440. An electrical connection from control assembly 440 to LEDs may be contained within bracket 455. In some embodiments, an electrical connection from control assembly 440 to motors of article of footwear 400 may also be contained within bracket 455. For example, the cabling extending from pockets 414 may extend into bracket 455. In some embodiments, bracket 455 is U-shaped to be disposed below and to the sides of LEDs when article of footwear 400 is worn.
In some embodiments, a control assembly section 468 also extends transversely from longitudinal section 466 to control assembly 440. LED support 465 may provide an electrical connection from control assembly 440 to LEDs 450. In some embodiments, LED support 465 may also provide a portion of an electrical connection from control assembly 440 to motors 430 of article of footwear 400. For example, cabling of motors 430 may electrically connect to LED support 465.
The cross-section view shown in
In some embodiments, a wireless charging module 472 (as shown in
Variations to article of footwear 400 are also possible. For example, instead of having a single LED support 465 with a longitudinal section 466, each transverse section 467 may be its own LED support, as shown, for example, in
Further implementations are within the CLAIMS. It will be understood that implementations of articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies include but are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation of various articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, it should be understood that, while the drawings and accompanying text show and describe particular implementations of articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies, any such implementation may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies.
The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the specific articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies shown herein. For example, it is specifically contemplated that the components included in particular articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations that can readily be formed into shaped objects and that are consistent with the intended operation of the articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies. For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination therefore, and/or other like materials; elastomers and/or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, fluoropolymers, polyacetal, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polysulfone, and/or the like, thermosets (such as epoxy, phenolic resin, polyimide, polyurethane, and/or the like), and/or other like materials; plastics and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, and/or other like materials; and/or any combination of the foregoing.
Furthermore, articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies may be manufactured separately and then assembled together, or any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, may involve 3-D printing, extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled or removably coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material(s) forming the components.
In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other implementations disclosed or undisclosed. The presently disclosed articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 63/508,249, filed Jun. 14, 2023, titled “Articles of Footwear having a Vibration Assembly,” the entirety of the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63508249 | Jun 2023 | US |
