Ergonomic systems and methods providing intelligent adaptive surfaces
AssigneeProMDX Technology, Inc.
InventorsRichard F. Bailey, Sr., Ronald A. Fisher, Steven M. Hoffberg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims24
A performance footwear article, comprising:
- (a) a sole, adapted for supporting the footwear on a ground surface;
- (b) a mechanism for independently and simultaneously selectively controlling a dynamic compliance separate from a damping of the sole, such that a rebound of the footwear is separately controlled from an impact energy absorption of the footwear;
- and
- (c) an upper, for retaining the sole against the foot of the wearer.
A performance footwear article, comprising:
- (a) a sole, adapted for transmitting forces between a foot of a wearer and a ground surface;
- (b) a system for simultaneously modulating a perceived compliance of said sole with a variable tensioner and an energy dissipative damping of the sole with an electromechanical energy converter, such that a dynamic rebound of the footwear is separately controlled from an impact energy dissipation of the footwear;
- and
- (c) an upper, for retaining the sole against the foot of the wearer.
A method for controlling an article of footwear, comprising:
- independently and simultaneously controlling a dynamic compliance separate from a damping of a footwear sole, such that a rebound of the footwear is separately controlled from an impact energy absorption of the footwear;
- and
- automatically adapting the control over compliance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.