Footwear or orthotic sole with microprocessor control of a structural or support element with magnetorheological fluid
OwnerFrampton E. Ellisinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.
Claims20
A footwear or orthotic device, comprising:
- a footwear or orthotic sole;
- and
- an insert or sole section including at least one structural or support element, the structural or support element containing at least a magnetorheological fluid;
- and
- an electronic control system including a microprocessor that controls the magnetorheological fluid;
- and
- wherein the electronic control system includes an electromagnetic field-creating circuit.
A footwear or orthotic device, comprising:
- a footwear or orthotic sole;
- and
- an insert or sole section including at least one structural or support element having an upper surface and a lower surface, and at least a portion of the upper surface and at least a portion of the lower surface are curved concavely relative to an intended wearer's foot location, as viewed in a frontal plane cross-section when the footwear or orthotic sole is upright and in an unloaded condition, the structural or support element containing at least a magnetorheological fluid;
- and
- an electronic control system including a microprocessor that controls the magnetorheological fluid;
- and
- the electronic control system includes an electromagnetic field-creating circuit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.