Patent Description:
Conventional articles of footwear generally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a covering for the foot and securely positions the foot relative to the sole structure. The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and is configured so as to be positioned between the foot and the ground when a wearer is standing, walking, or running.

Conventional footwear is often designed with the goal of optimizing a shoe for a particular condition or set of conditions. For example, sports such as tennis and basketball require substantial side-to-side movements. Shoes designed for wear while playing such sports often include substantial reinforcement and/or support in regions that experience more force during sideways movements. As another example, running shoes are often designed for forward movement by a wearer in a straight line. Difficulties can arise when a shoe must be worn during changing conditions, or during multiple different types of movements.

<CIT> discloses an ER fluid valve including a housing and a plurality of parallel flow passages through the housing each defined by spaced electrodes at least one of which is controllable independently of other flow passages electrodes. A controller is configured to selectively establish electrical fields for all of the independently controllable electrodes to close all of the flow passages to ER fluid flowing through the housing. By removing the fields from all of the independently controllable electrodes, all the flow passages are open to the ER fluid flowing through the housing. By establishing fields for select independently controllable electrodes to close their associated flow passages and by leaving other flow passages open, restricted flow of the ER fluid through the housing is accomplished to vary the flow rate through the housing.

This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

Independent claim <NUM> defines an article according to the invention, with particular embodiments including optional features being defined in dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>. Independent claim <NUM> defines a method according to the invention, with particular embodiments including optional features being defined in dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

Additional embodiments are described herein.

Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

In various types of activities, it may be advantageous to change the shape of a shoe or shoe portion while a wearer of that shoe is running or otherwise participating in the activity. In many running competitions, for example, athletes race around a track having curved portions, also known as "bends. " In some cases, particularly shorter events such as <NUM> meter or <NUM> meter races, athletes may be running at sprint paces on a track bend. Running on a flat curve at a fast pace is biomechanically inefficient, however, and may require awkward body movements. To counteract such effects, bends of some running tracks are banked. This banking allows more efficient body movement and typically results in faster running times. Tests have shown that similar advantages can be achieved by altering the shape of a shoe. In particular, running on a flat track bend in a shoe having a footbed that is inclined relative to the ground can mimic the benefits of running on a banked bend in a shoe having a non-inclined footbed. However, an inclined footbed is a disadvantage on straight portions of a running track. Footwear that can provide an inclined footbed when running on a bend and reduce or eliminate the incline when running on a straight track section would offer a significant advantage.

In footwear according to some embodiments, electrorheological (ER) fluid is used to change the shape of one or more shoe portions. ER fluids typically comprise a non-conducting oil or other fluid in which very small particles are suspended. In some types of ER fluid, the particles may be have diameters of <NUM> microns or less and may be formed from polystyrene or another polymer having a dipolar molecule. When an electric field is imposed across the ER fluid, the viscosity of the fluid increases as the strength of that field increases. As described in more detail below, this effect can be used to control transfer of fluid and modify the shape of a footwear component. Although track shoe embodiments are initially described, other embodiments include footwear intended for other sports or activities.

To assist and clarify subsequent description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless context indicates otherwise, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims). "Shoe" and "article of footwear" are used interchangeably to refer to an article intended for wear on a human foot. A shoe may or may not enclose the entire foot of a wearer. For example, a shoe could include a sandal-like upper that exposes large portions of a wearing foot. The "interior" of a shoe refers to space that is occupied by a wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. An interior side, surface, face, or other aspect of a shoe component refers to a side, surface, face or other aspect of that component that is (or will be) oriented toward the shoe interior in a completed shoe. An exterior side, surface, face or other aspect of a component refers to a side, surface, face or other aspect of that component that is (or will be) oriented away from the shoe interior in the completed shoe. In some cases, the interior side, surface, face or other aspect of a component may have other elements between that interior side, surface, face or other aspect and the interior in the completed shoe. Similarly, an exterior side, surface, face or other aspect of a component may have other elements between that exterior side, surface, face or other aspect and the space external to the completed shoe.

Shoe elements can be described based on regions and/or anatomical structures of a human foot wearing that shoe, and by assuming that the interior of the shoe generally conforms to and is otherwise properly sized for the wearing foot. A forefoot region of a foot includes the heads and bodies of the metatarsals, as well as the phalanges. A forefoot element of a shoe is an element having one or more portions located under, over, to the lateral and/or medial side of, and/or in front of a wearer's forefoot (or portion thereof) when the shoe is worn. A midfoot region of a foot includes the cuboid, navicular, and cuneiforms, as well as the bases of the metatarsals. A midfoot element of a shoe is an element having one or more portions located under, over, and/or to the lateral and/or medial side of a wearer's midfoot (or portion thereof) when the shoe is worn. A heel region of a foot includes the talus and the calcaneus. A heel element of a shoe is an element having one or more portions located under, to the lateral and/or medial side of, and/or behind a wearer's heel (or portion thereof) when the shoe is worn. The forefoot region may overlap with the midfoot region, as may the midfoot and heel regions.

Unless indicated otherwise, a longitudinal axis refers to a horizontal heel-toe axis along the center of the foot that is roughly parallel to a line along the second metatarsal and second phalanges. A transverse axis refers to a horizontal axis across the foot that is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. A longitudinal direction is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis. A transverse direction is generally parallel to a transverse axis.

<FIG> is a medial side view of a track shoe <NUM> according to some embodiments. The lateral side of shoe <NUM> has a similar configuration and appearance, but is configured to correspond to a lateral side of a wearer foot. Shoe <NUM> is configured for wear on a right foot and is part of a pair that includes a shoe (not shown) that is a mirror image of shoe <NUM> and is configured for wear on a left foot.

Shoe <NUM> includes an upper <NUM> attached to a sole structure <NUM>. Upper <NUM> may be formed from any of various types or materials and have any of a variety of different constructions. In some embodiments, for example, upper <NUM> may be knitted as a single unit and may not include a bootie of other type of liner. In some embodiments, upper <NUM> may be slip lasted by stitching bottom edges of upper <NUM> to enclose a foot-receiving interior space. In other embodiments, upper <NUM> may be lasted with a strobel or in some other manner. A battery assembly <NUM> is located in a rear heel region of upper <NUM> and includes a battery that provides electrical power to a controller. The controller is not visible in in <FIG>, but is described below in connection with other drawing figures.

Sole structure <NUM> includes a footbed <NUM>, an outsole <NUM>, and an incline adjuster <NUM>. Incline adjuster <NUM> is situated between outsole <NUM> and footbed <NUM> in a forefoot region. As explained in more detail below, incline adjuster <NUM> includes a medial side fluid chamber that supports a medial forefoot portion of footbed <NUM>, as well as a lateral side fluid chamber that supports a lateral forefoot portion of footbed <NUM>. ER fluid may be transferred between those chambers through a connecting transfer channel that is in fluid communication with the interiors of both chambers. That fluid transfer may raise the height of one chamber relative to the other chamber, resulting in an incline in a portion of footbed <NUM> located over the chambers. When further flow of ER fluid through the channel is interrupted, the incline is maintained until ER fluid flow is allowed to resume.

Outsole <NUM> forms the ground-contacting portion of sole structure <NUM>. In the embodiment of shoe <NUM>, outsole <NUM> includes a forward outsole section <NUM> and a rear outsole section <NUM>. The relationship of forward outsole section <NUM> and rear outsole section <NUM> can be seen by comparing <FIG>, a bottom view of sole structure <NUM>, and <FIG>, a bottom view of sole structure <NUM> with forefoot outsole section <NUM> and incline adjuster <NUM> removed. <FIG> is a bottom view of forefoot outsole section <NUM> removed from sole structure <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, forward outsole section <NUM> extends through forefoot and central midfoot regions of sole structure <NUM> and tapers to a narrowed end <NUM>. End <NUM> is attached to rear outsole section <NUM> at a joint <NUM> located in the heel region. Rear outsole section <NUM> extends over side midfoot regions and over the heel region and is attached to footbed <NUM>. Forward outsole section <NUM> is also coupled to footbed <NUM> by a fulcrum element and by the above-mentioned fluid chambers of incline adjuster <NUM>. Forefoot outsole section <NUM> pivots about a longitudinal axis L1 passing through joint <NUM> and through the forefoot fulcrum element. In particular, and as explained below, forefoot outsole section <NUM> rotates about axis L1 as a forefoot portion of footbed <NUM> inclines relative to forefoot outsole section <NUM>.

Outsole <NUM> may be formed of a polymer or polymer composite and may include rubber and/or other abrasion-resistant material on ground-contacting surfaces. Traction elements <NUM> may be molded into or otherwise formed in the bottom of outsole <NUM>. Forefoot outsole section <NUM> may also include receptacles to hold one or more removable spike elements <NUM>. In other embodiments, outsole <NUM> may have a different configuration.

Footbed <NUM> includes a midsole <NUM>. In the embodiment of shoe <NUM>, midsole <NUM> has a size and a shape approximately corresponding to a human foot outline, is a single piece that extends the full length and width of footbed <NUM>, and includes a contoured top surface <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The contour of top surface <NUM> is configured to generally correspond to the shape of the plantar region of a human foot and to provide arch support. Midsole <NUM> may be formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and/or one or more other closed cell polymer foam materials. Midsole <NUM> may also have pockets <NUM> and <NUM> formed therein to house a controller and other electronic components, as described below. Upwardly extending medial and lateral sides of rear outsole section <NUM> may also provide additional medial and lateral side support to a wearer foot. In other embodiments, a footbed may have a different configuration, e.g., a midsole may cover less than all of a footbed or may be entirely absent, and/or a footbed may include other components.

<FIG> is a partially exploded medial perspective view of sole structure <NUM>. Bottom support plate <NUM> is located in a plantar region of shoe <NUM>. In the embodiment of shoe <NUM>, bottom support plate <NUM> is attached to a top surface <NUM> of forward outsole section <NUM>. Bottom support plate <NUM>, which may be formed from a relatively stiff polymer or polymer composite, helps to stiffen the forefoot region of forward outsole section <NUM> and provide a stable base for incline adjuster <NUM>. A medial force-sensing resistor (FSR) <NUM> and a lateral FSR <NUM> are attached to a top surface <NUM> of bottom support plate <NUM>. As explained below, FSRs <NUM> and <NUM> provide outputs that help determine pressures within chambers of incline adjuster <NUM>.

Fulcrum element <NUM> is attached to top surface <NUM> of lower support plate <NUM>. Fulcrum element <NUM> is positioned between FSRs <NUM> and <NUM> in a front portion of bottom support plate <NUM>. Fulcrum element <NUM> may be formed from polyurethane, silicon rubber, EVA, or from one or more other materials that are generally incompressible under loads that result when a wearer of shoe <NUM> runs. Fulcrum element <NUM> provides resistance to transverse and longitudinal forces applied to the incline adjuster <NUM>.

Incline adjuster <NUM> is attached to top surface <NUM> of lower support plate <NUM>. A medial fluid chamber <NUM> of incline adjuster <NUM> is positioned over medial FSR <NUM>. A lateral fluid chamber <NUM> of incline adjuster <NUM> is positioned over lateral FSR <NUM>. Incline adjuster <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM> through which fulcrum element <NUM> extends. At least a portion of fulcrum element <NUM> is positioned between chambers <NUM> and <NUM>. Additional details of incline adjuster <NUM> are discussed in connection with subsequent drawing figures. A top support plate <NUM> is also located in a plantar region of shoe <NUM> and is positioned over incline adjuster <NUM>. In the embodiment of shoe <NUM>, top support plate <NUM> is generally aligned with bottom support plate <NUM>. Top support plate <NUM>, which may also be formed from a relatively stiff polymer or polymer composite, provides a stable and relatively non-deformable region against which incline adjuster <NUM> may push, and which supports the forefoot region of footbed <NUM>.

A forefoot region portion of the midsole <NUM> underside is attached to the top surface <NUM> of top support plate <NUM>. Portions of the midsole <NUM> underside in the heel and side midfoot regions are attached to a top surface <NUM> of rear outsole section <NUM>. End <NUM> of forward outsole section <NUM> is attached to rear outsole section <NUM> behind the rear-most location <NUM> of the front edge of section <NUM> so as to form joint <NUM>. In some embodiments, end <NUM> may be a tab that slides into a slot formed in section <NUM> at or near location <NUM>, and/or may be wedged between top surface <NUM> and the underside of midsole <NUM>.

Also shown in <FIG> are a DC-to-high-voltage-DC converter <NUM> and a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> of a controller <NUM>. Converter <NUM> converts a low voltage DC electrical signal into a high voltage (e.g., 5000V) DC signal that is applied to electrodes within incline adjuster <NUM>. PCB <NUM> includes one or more processors, memory and other components and is configured to control incline adjuster <NUM> through converter <NUM>. PCB <NUM> also receives inputs from FSRs <NUM> and <NUM> and receives electrical power from battery unit <NUM>. PCB <NUM> and converter <NUM> may be attached to the top surface of forward outsole section <NUM> in a midfoot region <NUM>, and may also rest within pockets <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, in the underside midsole <NUM>. Wires 23a and 24a electrically connect converter <NUM> to incline adjuster <NUM>. A terminal 23b on a first end of wire 23a is inserted into a connection passage <NUM> on the rear edge of incline adjuster <NUM> and attached to a portion of a conductive trace projecting into an access passage <NUM>, as described in more detail below. A terminal 24b on a first end of wire 24a is inserted into an access passage <NUM> on the rear edge of incline adjuster <NUM> and attached to a portion of a separate conductive trace projecting into passage <NUM>, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, terminals 23b and 24b may simply be portions of conductors of wires 23a and 23b that have been exposed by removing insulating jacket material. In other embodiments, separate terminal structures may be added. Second ends of wires 23a and 24a are connected to appropriate terminals of converter <NUM>. Additional sets of wires, not shown, connect converter <NUM> and PCB <NUM> and connect PCB <NUM> to battery assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged top view of incline adjuster <NUM> and attached wires 23a and 24a. <FIG> is a rear edge view of incline adjuster <NUM> from the location indicated in <FIG>. Medial fluid chamber <NUM> is in fluid communication with lateral fluid chamber <NUM> through a fluid transfer channel <NUM>. An ER fluid fills chambers <NUM> and <NUM> and transfer channel <NUM>. One example of an ER fluid that may be used in some embodiments is sold under the name "RheOil <NUM>" by Fludicon GmbH, Landwehrstrasse <NUM>, <NUM> Darmstadt, Deutschland (Germany). In the present example, it is assumed that the top of incline adjuster <NUM> is formed by an opaque layer, and thus transfer channel <NUM> is indicated in <FIG> with broken lines.

Access passages <NUM> and <NUM> are similarly indicated in <FIG> with broken lines. Terminals 23b and 24b have been inserted into passages <NUM> and <NUM> and welded in place, as described in more detail below. As a result of that welding, a rear portion of incline adjuster <NUM> around passages <NUM> and <NUM> has been flattened to form a crimp <NUM>. Within crimp <NUM>, layer <NUM> has melted and sealed around the outer edges of wires 23a and 23b. In at least some embodiments, wires 23a and 24a are attached to incline adjuster <NUM> prior to filling with ER fluid.

Transfer channel <NUM> has a serpentine shape so as to provide increased surface area for electrodes within channel <NUM> to create an electrical field in fluid within channel <NUM>. For example, and as seen in <FIG>, channel <NUM> includes three <NUM>° curved sections joining other sections of channel <NUM> that cover the space between chambers <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, transfer channel <NUM> may have a maximum height h (<FIG>) of <NUM> millimeter (mm), an average width (w) of <NUM>, and a minimum length along the flow direction of at least <NUM>.

In some embodiments, height of the transfer channel may practically be limited to a range of at least <NUM> to not more than <NUM>. An incline adjuster constructed of pliable material may be able to bend with the shoe during use. Bending across the transfer channel locally decreases the height at the point of bending. If sufficient allowance is not made, the corresponding increase in electric field strength may exceed the maximum dielectric strength of the ER fluid, causing the electric field to collapse. In the extreme, electrodes could become so close so as to actually touch, with the same resultant electric field collapse.

The viscosity of ER fluid increases with the applied electric field strength. The effect is non-linear and the optimum field strength is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> kilovolts per millimeter (kV/mm). The high-voltage dc-dc converter used to boost the <NUM> to <NUM> V of the battery may be limited by physical size and safety considerations to less than <NUM> W or a maximum output voltage of less than or equal to <NUM> kV. To keep the electric field strength within the desired range, the height of the transfer channel may therefore be limited in some embodiments to a maximum of about <NUM> (<NUM> kV/<NUM> kV/mm).

The width of the transfer channel may be practically limited to a range of at least <NUM> to not more than <NUM>. As explained below, an incline adjuster may be constructed of <NUM> or more layers of thermal plastic urethane film. The layers of film may be bonded together with heat and pressure. During this bonding process, temperatures in portions of the materials may exceed the glass transition temperature when melting so as to bond melted materials of adjoining layers. The pressure during bonding inter-mixes the melted material, but may also extrude a portion of the melted material into the transfer channel preformed within the middle spacer layer of the incline adjuster. The channel may thus be partially filled by this material. At channel widths less than <NUM>, the proportion of the material extruded may be a large percentage of the channel width, thereby restricting flow of the ER fluid.

The maximum width of the channel may be limited by the physical space between the two chambers of the incline adjuster. If the channel is wide, the material within the middle layer may become thin and unsupported during construction, and walls of the channel may be easily dislodged. The equivalent series resistance of ER fluid will also decrease as channel width increases, which increases the power consumption. For a shoe size range down to M5. <NUM> (US) the practical width may be limited to less than <NUM>.

The desired length of the transfer channel may be a function of the maximum pressure difference between chambers of the incline adjuster when in use. The longer the channel, the greater the pressure difference that can be withstood. Optimum channel length may be application dependent and construction dependent and therefore may vary among different embodiments. A detriment of a long transfer channel is a greater restriction to fluid flow when the electric field is removed. In some embodiments, practical limits of channel length are in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

Incline adjuster <NUM> includes a medial side fill tab <NUM> and a lateral side fill tab <NUM>. Tabs <NUM> and <NUM> respectively include fill channels <NUM> and <NUM>. After certain components of incline adjuster <NUM> have been assembled and bonded, and as described below in further detail, ER fluid may be injected into chambers <NUM> and <NUM> and into transfer channel <NUM> through channel <NUM> and/or through channel <NUM>. Crimps <NUM> and <NUM> may subsequently be formed to close and seal channels <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some embodiments, an incline adjuster may have a polymeric housing. As seen in <FIG>, the polymeric housing of incline adjuster <NUM> may include a bottom layer <NUM>, a middle/spacer layer <NUM>, and a top layer <NUM>. Bottom layer <NUM> forms the bottoms of chambers <NUM> and <NUM>, the bottom of transfer channel <NUM>, the bottoms of access passages <NUM> and <NUM>, and the bottoms of fill channels <NUM> and <NUM>. Middle/spacer layer <NUM> includes open spaces that form the side walls of chambers <NUM> and <NUM>, the side walls of transfer channel <NUM>, the side walls of fill channels <NUM> and <NUM>, and the side walls of passages <NUM> and <NUM>. Top layer <NUM> includes two pockets. A medial side pocket <NUM> forms the top and upper sidewalls of medial chamber <NUM>. A lateral side pocket <NUM> forms the top and upper sidewalls of lateral chamber <NUM>. Other portions of top layer <NUM> form the top of transfer channel <NUM>, the tops of fill channels <NUM> and <NUM>, and the tops of passages <NUM> and <NUM>. A bottom surface of middle layer <NUM> may be welded or otherwise bonded to a portion of the top surface of bottom layer <NUM>. A top surface of middle layer <NUM> may be welded or otherwise bonded to a portion of the bottom surface of top layer <NUM>.

The construction of incline adjuster <NUM> is further understood by reference to <FIG>. <FIG> is a top view of bottom layer <NUM>. Bottom layer <NUM> includes a flat panel <NUM> having a top surface <NUM>. Except for an opening <NUM> that is part of fulcrum aperture <NUM>, panel <NUM> is a continuous sheet. Layer <NUM> further includes a continuous conductive trace <NUM> formed on top surface <NUM>. Trace <NUM> includes a bottom electrode <NUM> and an extension <NUM>. Electrode <NUM> is positioned to extend over the portion of layer <NUM> that forms the bottom of transfer channel <NUM>. As seen in more detail below, electrode <NUM> follows the path of and coincides with channel <NUM>. Extension <NUM> branches away from the path of channel <NUM> and towards the rear edge of bottom layer <NUM>. As explained in more detail below, extension <NUM> provides a location to electrically connect terminal 23b (<FIG>) to electrode <NUM>. In some embodiments, conductive trace <NUM> is a span of conductive ink that has been printed onto surface <NUM>. The conductive ink used to form conductive trace <NUM> may be, e.g., an ink that comprises silver microparticles in a polymer matrix that includes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and that bonds with TPU of panel <NUM> to form a flexible conductive layer. One example of such an ink is PE872 stretchable conductor available from E. DuPont De Nemours and Company.

In some embodiments, panel <NUM> is formed from two separate inner and outer sheets of polymeric material that have been laminated together. The outer sheet may be a <NUM> sheet of TPU having a Shore A durometer value of <NUM>. An example of such a material includes a sheet formed from TPU resin having part number A92P4637 and available from Huntsman Corporation. In some embodiments, the outer sheet in panel <NUM> may be a <NUM> sheet of polyester-based TPU having a Shore A durometer value of <NUM>. The inner sheet in panel <NUM> may be a <NUM> thick <NUM>-layer polyurethane/polyurethane sheet in which one of the sheet layers is of higher durometer than the other of those two layers. Examples of such <NUM>-layer of polyurethane/polyurethane sheets are commercially available from Bemis Associates Inc.

In some embodiments, layer <NUM> may be fabricated in the following manner. Prior to forming panel <NUM>, conductive trace <NUM> is screen printed or otherwise applied to the higher durometer face of the inner sheet. The lower durometer face of the inner sheet may then be placed into contact with an inner face of the outer sheet. The inner and outer sheets may then be laminated together by applying heat and pressure. Bottom layer <NUM> is then cut from the laminated sheets so that conductive trace <NUM> is in the proper location relative to outer edges and relative to opening <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of middle layer <NUM> showing top surface <NUM> of middle layer <NUM>. Middle layer <NUM> includes numerous open spaces that extend from top surface <NUM> to the bottom surface of middle layer <NUM>. An open space <NUM> is isolated from other open spaces in layer <NUM> and is part of fulcrum aperture <NUM>. Open space <NUM> forms side walls of medial fluid chamber <NUM>. Open space <NUM> forms side walls of lateral fluid chamber <NUM>. Open space <NUM> is connected to open spaces <NUM> and <NUM> and forms side walls of channel <NUM>. Open spaces <NUM> and <NUM> are respectively connected to open spaces <NUM> and <NUM> and respectively form side walls of fill channels <NUM> and <NUM>. Open spaces <NUM> and <NUM>, which are isolated from each other and from other open spaces in layer <NUM>, respectively form sides walls of access passages <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, middle layer <NUM> is cut from a single sheet of TPU that is harder than TPU used in layers <NUM> and <NUM>. In some such embodiments, the TPU used for layer <NUM> is <NUM> thick and has a Shore A durometer value of <NUM>. An example of such a material includes a sheet formed from TPU resin having part number A85P44304 and available from Huntsman Corporation. Other examples of material that can be used for layer <NUM> include <NUM> thick TPU having a Shore D durometer value of <NUM> (e.g., a sheet formed from TPU resin having part number D7101 and available from Argotec, LLC) and <NUM> thick TPU having a Shore A durometer value of <NUM> (e.g., a sheet formed from aromatic polyether-based TPU resin having part number ST-<NUM>-<NUM> and available from Argotec, LLC).

<FIG> is a top view of top layer <NUM> showing top surface <NUM> of top layer <NUM>. In <FIG>, pockets <NUM> and <NUM> are convex structures. Medial pocket <NUM> is molded or otherwise formed into the sheet of top layer <NUM> on the medial side and forms the top and upper sidewalls of medial fluid chamber <NUM>. Lateral pocket <NUM> is molded or otherwise formed into the sheet of top layer <NUM> on the lateral side and forms the top and upper sidewalls of lateral fluid chamber <NUM>. Layer <NUM> may be formed from a relatively soft and flexible TPU that allows pockets <NUM> and <NUM> to easily collapse and expand so as to allow tops of chambers <NUM> and <NUM> to change height as ER fluid moves into and out of chambers <NUM> and <NUM>. In at least some embodiments, and as explained below, top layer <NUM> may formed from a <NUM>-sheet lamination similar to that used for bottom layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a bottom view of top layer <NUM>. Top layer <NUM> includes a panel <NUM> having a bottom surface <NUM>. In <FIG>, pockets <NUM> and <NUM> are concave structures. Layer <NUM> further includes a continuous conductive trace <NUM> formed on bottom surface <NUM>. Trace <NUM> includes a top electrode <NUM> and an extension <NUM>. Electrode <NUM> extends over the portion of layer <NUM> that forms the top of transfer channel <NUM>. As seen in more detail below, electrode <NUM> follows the path of and coincides with channel <NUM>. Extension <NUM> branches away from the path of channel <NUM> and towards the rear edge of top layer <NUM>. As explained in more detail below, extension <NUM> provides a location for terminal 24b to electrically connect to electrode <NUM>. In some embodiments, conductive trace <NUM> is a span of conductive ink that has been printed onto surface <NUM>. The conductive ink used to form conductive trace <NUM> may be the same type of ink used to form conductive trace <NUM>. <FIG>, a partial area cross-sectional view taken from the location indicated in <FIG>, shows additional details of top electrode <NUM> and of pocket <NUM>. Pocket <NUM> and other portions of top electrode may be similar. Except for an opening <NUM> that is part of fulcrum aperture <NUM>, panel <NUM> is shown in <FIG> as a continuous sheet. In other embodiments, there may be additional openings or gaps in panel <NUM> (e.g., between portions of trace <NUM>).

Panel <NUM> may comprise laminated inner and outer sheets of the same materials used to create panel <NUM>. In some embodiments, layer <NUM> may be fabricated in the following manner. Prior to forming panel <NUM>, conductive trace <NUM> is screen printed or otherwise applied to the higher durometer face of the inner sheet. The lower durometer face of the inner sheet may then be placed into contact with an inner face of the outer sheet. The two sheets may then be laminated together by applying heat and pressure. The laminated sheets are then thermoformed using a mold having cavities corresponding to the shapes of pockets <NUM> and <NUM>. Care is taken during the thermoforming process to avoid damaging trace <NUM> and to properly position trace <NUM> relative to pockets <NUM> and <NUM>. Layer <NUM> is then cut from the laminated and thermoformed sheets so that conductive trace <NUM> is in the proper location relative to outer edges and relative to opening <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a first assembly operation when fabricating incline adjuster <NUM>. As part of the first assembly operation, a first patch <NUM> is placed over a portion of conductive trace <NUM>. In particular, patch <NUM> spans the width of electrode <NUM> in the region where branch <NUM> joins electrode <NUM>, as well as the portion of branch <NUM> adjacent to electrode <NUM>. In some embodiments, and as shown in<FIG>, patch <NUM> is wider than branch <NUM>. Patch <NUM> may be, e.g., a thin strip of TPU. In some embodiments the <NUM> inner sheet material used for panels <NUM> and <NUM> may also be used for patch <NUM>, with the higher durometer side of the material placed toward trace <NUM>. After placement of patch <NUM>, middle layer <NUM> is placed onto bottom layer <NUM> so that a bottom surface <NUM> of middle layer <NUM> is in contact with top surface <NUM> of panel <NUM>, and so that patch <NUM> is interposed between top surface <NUM> and bottom surface <NUM>, as well as between portions of trace <NUM> and bottom surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, alignment holes (not shown) may be formed in layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to assist in positioning during the operation of <FIG> and in subsequent assembly operations.

<FIG> shows a second assembly operation when fabricating incline adjuster <NUM>. The left side of <FIG> shows layers <NUM> and <NUM> and patch <NUM> after the assembly operation of <FIG>. Edges of patch <NUM> covered by middle layer <NUM> are indicated with broken lines. Electrode <NUM> extends over the portion of the layer <NUM> top surface that forms a bottom of channel <NUM>. A portion of extension <NUM> extends over the portion of the layer <NUM> top surface that forms a bottom of access passage <NUM>.

In the second assembly operation of <FIG>, a second patch <NUM> is placed over a portion of conductive trace <NUM>. In particular, patch <NUM> spans the width of electrode <NUM> in the region where branch <NUM> joins electrode <NUM>, as well as the portion of branch <NUM> adjacent to electrode <NUM>. In some embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, patch <NUM> is wider than branch <NUM>. Patch <NUM> may also be, e.g., a thin strip of TPU. In some embodiments, patch <NUM> is cut from the same material used for patch <NUM> and is positioned with the higher durometer face toward trace <NUM>. After placement of patch <NUM>, assembled layers <NUM> and <NUM> (with interposed patch <NUM>) are placed onto top layer <NUM> so that the bottom surface <NUM> of panel <NUM> is in contact with top surface <NUM> of middle layer <NUM>, and so that patch <NUM> is interposed between top surface <NUM> and bottom surface <NUM>, as well as between portions of trace <NUM> and top surface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> after the assembly operation of <FIG>. The positions of channel <NUM>, channels <NUM> and <NUM>, and passages <NUM> and <NUM> are indicated with broken lines. Although not visible in <FIG>, electrode <NUM> extends over the portion of the layer <NUM> bottom surface that forms a top of channel <NUM>. A portion of extension <NUM> extends over the portion of the layer <NUM> bottom surface that forms a top of access passage <NUM>.

Layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and patches <NUM> and <NUM> may be bonded after assembly by RF (radio frequency) welding. In some embodiments, a multi-step RF welding operation is performed. <FIG> are top views of two sides of an RF welding tool used in the first welding operation in some embodiments. <FIG> shows a side 401a that contacts the exposed bottom surface of bottom layer <NUM>. Side 401a includes a wall 403a that extends outward from a planar base 405a. <FIG> shows a side 401b that contacts the exposed top surface <NUM> of top layer <NUM>. Side 401b includes a wall 403b that extends outward from a planar base 405b. Wall 403b has a height above base 405b that is greater than the heights of pockets <NUM> and <NUM>. As can be appreciated by comparing <FIG> with <FIG>, walls 403a and 403b include portions that correspond to the portions of middle layer <NUM> that define the shape of channel <NUM>. Walls 403a and 403b further include portions that correspond to portions of middle layer <NUM> defining the sides of chambers <NUM> and <NUM>, portions that correspond to portions of middle layer <NUM> defining passages <NUM> and <NUM>, portions that correspond to portions of middle layer <NUM> defining the region between passages <NUM> and <NUM> and channel <NUM>, and portions that correspond to portions of middle layer <NUM> defining the sides of channels <NUM> and <NUM>.

Sides 401a and 401b may be attached to opposing sides of a fixture that is configured to press sides 401a and 401b together while RF frequency electrical power is applied to sides 401a and 401b. During the first RF welding operation, the assembly of <FIG> is placed between sides 401a and 401b, with side 401a contacting the bottom surface of layer <NUM> and side 401b contacting the top surface of layer <NUM>, and with edges of walls 403a and 403b aligned with their corresponding portions of middle layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, sides 401a and 401b are pressed together against the assembly (during application of electrical power) so as to compress regions of the assembly between the tops of walls 403a and 403b to a thickness at the end of the first RF welding operation that is <NUM>% of the thickness prior to the first RF welding operation.

Subsequently, the assembly of <FIG> is subjected to a second RF welding operation. <FIG> are top views of two sides of an RF welding tool used in the second welding operation in some embodiments. <FIG> shows a side 402a that contacts the exposed bottom surface of bottom layer <NUM>. Side 402a includes a wall 404a that extends outward from a planar base 406a. <FIG> shows a side 402b that contacts the exposed top surface <NUM> of top layer <NUM>. Side 402b includes a wall 404b that extends outward from a planar base 406b. Wall 404b has a height above base 406b that is greater than the heights of pockets <NUM> and <NUM>. As can be appreciated by comparing <FIG> with <FIG>, walls 404a and 404b include portions that correspond to the portions of middle layer <NUM> that define the edges of chambers <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the second RF welding operation, the assembly of <FIG> is placed between sides 402a and 402b, with side 402a contacting the bottom surface of layer <NUM> and side 402b contacting the top surface of layer <NUM>, and with edges of walls 404a and 404b aligned with their corresponding portions of middle layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, sides 402a and 402b are pressed together against the assembly (during application of electrical power) so as to compress regions of the assembly between the tops of walls 404a and 404b to a thickness at the end of the second RF welding operation that is <NUM>% of the thickness at the start of the second RF welding operation.

In some embodiments, an intermediate RF welding operation may be performed between the first and second welding operations. In some such embodiments, tubes are inserted into the rear ends of channels <NUM> and <NUM>. Those tubes are then sealed in place by applying sides of an RF welding tool around the rear ends of tabs <NUM> and <NUM>. Those tubes and the portions of tabs <NUM> and <NUM> welded to those tubes may then be cut away after incline adjuster <NUM> is filled with ER fluid.

As previously indicated, incline adjuster <NUM> is configured for installation in a right shoe of a pair. An incline adjuster configured for installation in a left shoe of that pair may be a mirror image of incline adjuster <NUM>. Accordingly, sides of RF welding tools used to fabricate that left shoe incline adjuster may be mirror images of the tool sides shown in <FIG>.

Additional details of the regions of incline adjuster that include patches <NUM> and <NUM> can be found in the US provisional patent application titled "Electrorheological Fluid Structure Having Strain Relief Element and Method of Fabrication" and having attorney docket no. <NUM>, which application was filed on the same date as the present application. Various details of those regions are also described below in connection with <FIG>.

At the conclusion of the RF welding operations to bond layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and interposed patches <NUM> and <NUM>, terminals 23b and 24b may be attached to portions of extensions <NUM> and <NUM> exposed in access passages <NUM> and <NUM>. <FIG> is a block diagram showing steps in a method to attach wires 23a and 24a according to some embodiments. In step <NUM>, annular welding operations are performed in the rear regions of passages <NUM> and <NUM>. <FIG> is a partially schematic diagram showing the annular welding operation of step <NUM> in connection with passage <NUM>. A similar operation would be performed with regard to passage <NUM>. <FIG> is an area cross-sectional view of the rear edge of layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> after bonding, as well as of elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of an annular RF welding tool. Element <NUM> of that tool is a round mandrel. Elements <NUM> and <NUM> are plates having grooves <NUM> and <NUM> formed therein. Element <NUM> is inserted into passage <NUM>. Plates <NUM> and <NUM> are then respectively pressed against the bottom surface of layer <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of layer <NUM> while electrical power is applied to elements <NUM>-<NUM>. That power is applied to element <NUM> at one polarity and to elements <NUM> and <NUM> at the opposite polarity. At the conclusion of step <NUM>, the rear portions of passages <NUM> and <NUM> are narrowed and rounded so as to better conform to wires 23a and 24a. In some embodiments, step <NUM> may be omitted.

In step <NUM>, a conductive epoxy resin and a hardener are mixed. The mixture is then injected into passages <NUM> and <NUM> so as to contact portions of extensions <NUM> and <NUM> respectively exposed within passages <NUM> and <NUM>. In step <NUM>, terminal 23b of wire 23a is inserted into passage <NUM> and into the epoxy mixture within passage <NUM>. Also in step <NUM>, terminal 24b of wire 24a is inserted into passage <NUM> and into the epoxy mixture within passage <NUM>. In step <NUM>, the epoxy mixture in passages <NUM> and <NUM> is allowed to harden. Optionally, wires 23a and 23b may be temporarily taped down to hold them in position until the epoxy has hardened.

In step <NUM>, another RF welding operation is performed. In the welding operation of step <NUM>, a first plate of an RF welding tool is pressed against the bottom surface of layer <NUM>, along the rear edge of layer <NUM>, around the rear portions of passages <NUM> and <NUM>. A second plate of that RF welding tool is pressed against top surface <NUM> of layer <NUM>, along the rear edge of layer <NUM>, around the rear portions of passages <NUM> and <NUM>. The plates of the tool used in step <NUM> may have a shape generally corresponding to crimp <NUM>. While those plates are pressing against layers <NUM> and <NUM>, electrical current is applied. Portions of layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> located between the plates melt and flow to form crimp <NUM>. Portions of the insulating jackets of wires 23a and 24a located between the plates also melt and bond to melted portions of layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, thereby sealing one or more of those layers around wires 23a and 24a.

After attachment of wires 23a and 24a, incline adjuster <NUM> may be filled with ER fluid through fill channel <NUM> and/or through fill channel <NUM>. After filling, channels <NUM> and <NUM> are closed and sealed by applying an RF tool to tops and bottoms of tabs <NUM> and <NUM> so as to form crimps <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, filling of incline adjuster <NUM> may be performed using operations described in the US provisional patent application titled "Method of Filling Electrorheological Fluid Structure" and having attorney docket no. <NUM>, which application was filed on the same date as the present application.

<FIG> are partially schematic area cross-sectional views, taken from the locations indicated in <FIG>, showing portions of incline adjuster <NUM> after completing the operations of <FIG>. The laminated constructions of layers <NUM> and <NUM> are visible in <FIG>. Panel <NUM> of layer <NUM> includes an inner sheet <NUM> bonded to an outer sheet <NUM>. Panel <NUM> of layer <NUM> similarly includes an inner sheet <NUM> bonded to an outer sheet <NUM>. As indicated above, sheets <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed from the same material in some embodiments, as may sheets <NUM> and <NUM>.

Details of wires 23a and 24a are also visible in <FIG>. As seen in <FIG>, wire 23a includes a conductor 23c covered by an insulating jacket 23d. Terminal 23b is an exposed portion of conductor 23c. As seen in <FIG>, wire 24a includes a conductor 24c covered by an insulating jacket 24d. Terminal 24b is an exposed portion of conductor 24c.

As seen in <FIG>, a hardened mass <NUM> of conductive epoxy bonds terminal 23b to a portion of extension <NUM>. Conductor 23c is thereby placed into electrical communication with conductive trace <NUM>, including bottom electrode <NUM> (not visible in <FIG>). Although <FIG> shows a gap in passage <NUM>, in some embodiments a hardened conductive epoxy mass may completely fill passage <NUM>. A bonding region of insulating jacket 23d located within passage <NUM> is welded to a bonding region of layer <NUM> forming the walls of passage <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, an area-cross sectional view taken from the location indicated in <FIG>, middle layer <NUM> completely surrounds jacket 23d.

The attachment of wire 24a has a similar structure, as seen in <FIG>. a hardened mass <NUM> of conductive epoxy bonds terminal 24b to a portion of extension <NUM>, thereby placing conductor 24c into electrical communication with conductive trace <NUM>, including top electrode <NUM> (not visible in <FIG>). Similar to <FIG> shows a gap in passage <NUM>. In some embodiments a hardened conductive epoxy mass may completely fill passage <NUM>. A bonding region of insulating jacket 24d located within passage <NUM> is welded to a bonding region of layer <NUM> forming the walls of passage <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, an area-cross sectional view taken from the location indicated in <FIG>, middle layer <NUM> completely surrounds jacket 24d.

In some embodiments, an attached wire may have a position different from that shown in <FIG> are partially schematic area cross-sectional views, taken from locations similar to that indicated in <FIG> for <FIG>, of attached wires according to additional embodiments. In some embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, jacket 23d of wire 23a may contact upper layer <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or lower layer <NUM> (<FIG>). In some embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, that contact may be more extensive. Upper layer <NUM> and/or lower layer <NUM> may partially conform to jacket 23d. In the embodiments of <FIG>, jacket 23d may be bonded to upper layer <NUM> and/or lower layer <NUM> where contacted, as well as to middle layer <NUM>. Although <FIG> only show wire 23a, wire 24b may also have an attachment configuration such as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments in which the wire attachment has a configuration such as that shown in one of <FIG>, one or both sides the welding tool used to perform step <NUM> (<FIG>) may be modified conform to and help form an external contour of layer <NUM> or layer <NUM> such as is shown in <FIG>.

For convenience, the portion of a wire insulating jacket (e.g., the portion of jacket 23d or of jacket 24d bonded to layers <NUM>, or to layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>) that is bonded to a polymeric housing (e.g., the housing of incline adjuster <NUM>) through RF welding may be referred to as a "jacket bonding region. " Similarly, the portion of a polymeric housing (e.g., the portion of layer <NUM>, or of layers <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM>, bonded to jacket 23d or to jacket 24d) may be referred to as a "housing bonding region. " To improve bonding between a wire and a housing and to better seal that housing, at least the jacket bonding region of a wire's insulation and at least the housing bonding region of a polymeric housing may be formed from a common type of polymer. As used herein, a "type" of polymer refers to a group of polymers that are chemically very similar. Individual polymers within a type may vary somewhat, e.g., by having different durometer values. In some embodiments, at least the jacket bonding region of a wire's insulation and at least the housing bonding region of a polymeric housing may be formed from a common type of thermoplastic elastomer. Types of thermoplastic elastomers include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic styrene, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamide, thermoplastic polyolefins, and thermoplastic vulcanizates. In some embodiments, at least the jacket bonding region of a wire's insulation and at least the housing bonding region of a polymeric housing may be formed from a TPU. For example, jacket 23d and jacket 24d could be extruded TPU. The TPU of a jacket bonding region may differ (e.g., in durometer value) from the TPU(s) in a housing bonding region.

Although the housing bonding region of a polymeric housing may be made of the same material used in other portions of a housing (e.g., as in the case of middle layer <NUM> according to some embodiments), this need not be the case. As but one example, a housing or component thereof could be formed from one type of polymer in a housing bonding region and of another type of polymer in a separate region.

<FIG> are partially schematic area cross-sectional views, taken from the locations indicated in <FIG>, showing incline adjuster <NUM> after assembly. As indicated above, various regions of incline adjuster <NUM> may be compressed during RF welding portions of the assembly process. No attempt is made to accurately depict the compressed cross-sectional profile in <FIG>.

As seen in <FIG>, ER fluid <NUM> fills transfer channel <NUM>. Electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> are located at the top and bottom, respectively, of channel <NUM>. Although <FIG> shows edges of electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> located near edges of opening <NUM>, in some embodiments electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed wider so as to extend further under and over layer <NUM> throughout some or all of the length of transfer channel <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG>, extension <NUM> is connected to bottom electrode <NUM> and extends from transfer channel <NUM> to access passage <NUM>. In particular, extension <NUM> is located between bottom surface <NUM> of layer <NUM> and top surface <NUM> of panel <NUM>. As indicated above, layer <NUM> tends to extrude into transfer channel <NUM> during RF welding operations. This extrusion may tend to tear portions of trace <NUM> at the interface between layer <NUM> and layer <NUM> near edges of opening <NUM>. In many portions of electrode <NUM>, such tearing is not a problem. At the junction of electrode <NUM> and extension <NUM>, however, such tearing may result in a loss of the electrical connection between electrode <NUM> and the portion of extension <NUM> to which terminal 23b is connected. Patch <NUM> is placed between layers <NUM> and <NUM> to prevent such tearing. As seen in <FIG>, patch <NUM> spans channel <NUM> in the region of the connection between electrode <NUM> and extension <NUM>. When layer <NUM> extrudes into channel <NUM> during RF welding, patch <NUM> provides strain relief. In particular, patch <NUM> absorbs the shear stress and prevents transfer of all of that shear stress to the region of trace <NUM> forming the connection between electrode <NUM> and extension <NUM>. Similarly, by extending along the length of extension <NUM> between channel <NUM> and passage <NUM> and into passage <NUM>, patch <NUM> prevents tearing of extension <NUM> at the interface between layers <NUM> and <NUM> in passage <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG>, extension <NUM> is connected to top electrode <NUM> and extends from transfer channel <NUM> to access passage <NUM>. In particular, extension <NUM> is located between bottom surface <NUM> of panel <NUM> and top surface <NUM> of layer <NUM>. Patch <NUM> spans channel <NUM> in the region of the connection between electrode <NUM> and extension <NUM>. Patch <NUM> further extends along the length of extension <NUM>, between channel <NUM> and passage <NUM>, and into passage <NUM>. Similar to patch <NUM>, patch <NUM> provides strain relief and prevents tearing of trace <NUM> in the region of trace <NUM> forming the connection between electrode <NUM> and extension <NUM> or in the region of extension <NUM> at the interface between layers <NUM> and <NUM> in passage <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing electrical system components of shoe <NUM>. Individual lines to or from blocks in <FIG> represent signal (e.g., data and/or power) flow paths and are not necessarily intended to represent individual conductors. Battery pack <NUM> includes a rechargeable lithium ion battery <NUM>, a battery connector <NUM>, and a lithium ion battery protection IC (integrated circuit) <NUM>. Protection IC <NUM> detects abnormal charging and discharging conditions, controls charging of battery <NUM>, and performs other conventional battery protection circuit operations. Battery pack <NUM> also includes a USB (universal serial bus) port <NUM> for communication with controller <NUM> and for charging battery <NUM>. A power path control unit <NUM> controls whether power is supplied to controller <NUM> from USB port <NUM> or from battery <NUM>. A Reset button <NUM> activates or deactivates controller <NUM> and battery pack <NUM>. An LED (light emitting diode) <NUM> indicates whether the controller is ON and the state of the electrical field. The above-described individual elements of battery pack <NUM> may be conventional and commercially available components that are combined and used in the novel and inventive ways described herein.

Controller <NUM> includes the components housed on PCB <NUM>, as well as converter <NUM>. In other embodiments, the components of PCB <NUM> and converter <NUM> may be included on a single PCB, or may be packaged in some other manner. Controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) <NUM>, and a low energy wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a BLUETOOTH communication module). Memory <NUM> stores instructions that may be executed by processor <NUM> and may store other data. Processor <NUM> executes instructions stored by memory <NUM> and/or stored in processor <NUM>, which execution results in controller <NUM> performing operations such as are described herein and in <CIT>. As used herein, instructions may include hard-coded instructions and/or programmable instructions.

IMU <NUM> may include a gyroscope and an accelerometer and/or a magnetometer. Data output by IMU <NUM> may be used by processor <NUM> to detect changes in orientation and motion of shoe <NUM>, and thus of a foot wearing shoe <NUM>. As explained in more detail below, processor <NUM> may use such information to determine when an incline of a portion of shoe <NUM> should change. Wireless communication module <NUM> may include an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) and be used to communicate programming and other instructions to processor <NUM>, as well as to download data that may be stored by memory <NUM> or processor <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> includes a low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO) <NUM> and a boost regulator/converter <NUM>. LDO <NUM> receives power from battery pack <NUM> and outputs a constant voltage to processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, wireless communication module <NUM>, and IMU <NUM>. Boost regulator/converter <NUM> boosts a voltage from battery pack <NUM> to a level (e.g., <NUM> volts) that provides an acceptable input voltage to converter <NUM>. Converter <NUM> then increases that voltage to a much higher level (e.g., <NUM> volts) and supplies that high voltage across electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> of incline adjuster <NUM>. Boost regulator/converter <NUM> and converter <NUM> are enabled and disabled by signals from processor <NUM>. Controller <NUM> further receives signals from medial FSR <NUM> and from lateral FSR <NUM>. Based on those signals from FSRs <NUM> and <NUM>, processor <NUM> determines whether forces from a wearer foot on medial fluid chamber <NUM> and on lateral fluid chamber <NUM> are creating a pressure within chamber <NUM> that is higher than a pressure within chamber <NUM>, or vice versa.

The above-described individual elements of controller <NUM> may be conventional and commercially available components that are combined and used in the novel and inventive ways described herein. Moreover, controller <NUM> is physically configured, by instructions stored in memory <NUM> and/or processor <NUM>, to perform the herein described novel and inventive operations in connection with controlling transfer of fluid between chambers <NUM> and <NUM> so as to adjust the incline of the forefoot portion of the shoe <NUM> footbed <NUM>.

<FIG> are partially schematic area cross-sectional diagrams showing operation of incline adjuster <NUM>, according to some embodiments, when going from a minimum incline condition to a maximum incline condition. In the minimum incline condition, an incline angle α of the top plate relative to the bottom plate has a value of αmin representing a minimum amount of incline sole structure <NUM> is configured to provide in the forefoot region. In some embodiments, αmin = <NUM>°. In the maximum incline condition, the incline angle α has a value of αmax representing a maximum amount of incline sole structure <NUM> is configured to provide. In some embodiments, αmax is at least <NUM>°. In some embodiments, αmax = <NUM>°. In some embodiments, αmax may be greater than <NUM>°.

In <FIG>, bottom plate <NUM>, incline adjuster <NUM>, top plate <NUM>, FSR <NUM>, FSR <NUM>, and fulcrum element <NUM> are represented, but other elements are omitted for simplicity. <FIG> is a top view of incline adjuster <NUM> (in a minimum incline condition) and bottom plate <NUM> showing the approximate locations of the sectioning lines corresponding to the views of <FIG>. Top plate <NUM> is omitted from <FIG>, but the peripheral edge of top plate <NUM> would generally coincide with that of bottom plate <NUM> if top plate <NUM> were included In <FIG>. Although fulcrum element <NUM> would not appear in an area cross-section according to the section lines of <FIG>, the general position of fulcrum element <NUM> relative to the medial and lateral sides of other elements in <FIG> is indicated with broken lines.

Also indicated in <FIG> are a lateral side stop <NUM> and a medial side stop <NUM>. Medial side stop <NUM> supports the medial side of top plate <NUM> when incline adjuster <NUM> and top plate <NUM> are in the maximum incline condition. Lateral side stop <NUM> supports the lateral side of top plate <NUM> when incline adjuster <NUM> and top plate <NUM> are in the minimum incline condition. Lateral side stop <NUM> prevents top plate <NUM> from tilting toward the lateral side. Because runners proceed around a track in a counterclockwise direction during a race, a wearer of shoe <NUM> will be turning to his or her left when running on curved portions of a track. In such a usage scenario, there would be no need to incline the footbed of a right shoe sole structure toward the lateral side. In other embodiments, however, a sole structure may be tiltable to either medial or lateral side.

In some embodiments, a left shoe from a pair that includes shoe <NUM> may be configured in a slightly different manner from what is shown in <FIG>. For example, a medial side stop may be at a height similar to that of lateral side stop <NUM> of shoe <NUM>, and a lateral side stop may be at a height similar to that of medial side stop <NUM> of shoe <NUM>. In such embodiments, the top plate of the left shoe moves between a minimum incline condition and maximum incline condition in which the top plate is inclined to the lateral side.

The locations of lateral side stop <NUM> and of medial side stop <NUM> are represented schematically in <FIG>, and are not shown in previous drawing figures. In some embodiments, lateral side stop <NUM> may be formed as a rim on the lateral side or edge of bottom plate <NUM>. Similarly, medial side stop <NUM> my be formed as a rim on the medial side or edge of bottom plate <NUM>.

<FIG> shows incline adjuster <NUM> when top plate <NUM> is in a minimum incline condition. Shoe <NUM> may be configured to place top plate <NUM> into the minimum incline condition when a wearer of shoe <NUM> is standing or is in starting blocks about to begin a race, or when the wearer is running a straight portion of a track. In <FIG>, controller <NUM> is maintaining the voltage across electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> at one or more flow-inhibiting voltage levels (V = Vfi). In particular, the voltage across electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> is high enough to generate an electrical field having a strength sufficient to increase the viscosity of ER fluid <NUM> in transfer channel <NUM> to a viscosity level that prevents flow out of or into chambers <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, a flow-inhibiting voltage level Vfi is a voltage sufficient to create a field strength between electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> of between <NUM> kV/mm and <NUM> kV/mm. In <FIG>, light stippling is used to indicate ER fluid <NUM> having a viscosity that is at a normal viscosity level, i.e., unaffected by an electrical field. Dense stippling is used to indicate ER fluid <NUM> in which the viscosity has been raised to a level that blocks flow through channel <NUM>. Because ER fluid <NUM> cannot flow through channel <NUM> under the conditions shown in <FIG>, the incline angle α of top plate <NUM> does not change if the wearer of shoe <NUM> shifts weight between medial and lateral sides of shoe <NUM>.

<FIG> shows incline adjuster <NUM> soon after controller <NUM> has determined that top plate <NUM> should be placed into the maximum incline condition, i.e., inclined to α = αmax. In some embodiments, controller <NUM> makes such a determination based on a number of steps taken by the shoe <NUM> wearer. Upon determining that top plate <NUM> should be inclined to αmax, controller <NUM> determines if the foot wearing shoe <NUM> is in a portion of the wearer gait cycle in which shoe <NUM> is in contact with the ground. Controller <NUM> also determines if a difference ΔPM-L between the pressure PM of ER fluid <NUM> in medial side chamber <NUM> and the pressure PL of ER fluid <NUM> in lateral side chamber <NUM> is positive, i.e., if PM - PL is greater than zero. If shoe <NUM> is in contact with the ground and ΔPM-L is positive, controller <NUM> reduces the voltage across electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> to a flow-enabling voltage level Vfe. In particular, the voltage across electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> is reduced to a level that is low enough to reduce the strength of the electrical field in transfer channel <NUM> so that the viscosity of ER fluid <NUM> in transfer channel <NUM> is at a normal viscosity level.

Upon reducing the voltage across electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> to a Vfe level, the viscosity of ER fluid <NUM> in channel <NUM> drops. ER fluid <NUM> then begins flowing out of chamber <NUM> and into chamber <NUM>. This allows the medial side of top plate <NUM> to begin moving toward bottom plate <NUM>, and the lateral side of top plate <NUM> to begin moving away from bottom plate <NUM>. As a result, the incline angle α begins to increase from αmin.

In some embodiments, controller <NUM> determines if shoe <NUM> is in a step portion of the gait cycle and in contact with the ground based on data from IMU <NUM>. In particular, IMU <NUM> may include a three-axis accelerometer and a three-axis gyroscope. Using data from the accelerometer and gyroscope, and based on known biomechanics of a runner foot, e.g., rotations and accelerations in various directions during different portions of a gait cycle, controller <NUM> can determine whether the right foot of the shoe <NUM> wearer is stepping on the ground. Controller <NUM> may determine if ΔPM-L is positive based on the signals from FSR <NUM> and FSR <NUM>. Each of those signals corresponds to magnitude of a force from a wearer foot pressing down on the FSR. Based on the magnitudes of those forces and on the known dimensions of chambers <NUM> and <NUM>, controller <NUM> can correlate the values of signals from FSR <NUM> and FSR <NUM> to a magnitude and a sign of ΔPM-L.

<FIG> shows incline adjuster <NUM> very soon after the time associated with <FIG>. In <FIG>, top plate <NUM> has reach the maximum incline condition. In particular, the incline angle α of top plate <NUM> has reached αmax. Medial stop <NUM> prevents incline angle α from exceeding αmax. <FIG> shows incline adjuster <NUM> very soon after the time associated with <FIG>. In <FIG>, controller <NUM> has raised the voltage across electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> to a flow-inhibiting voltage level Vfi. This prevents further flow through transfer channel <NUM> and holds top plate <NUM> in the maximum incline condition. During a normal gait cycle, downward force of a right foot on a shoe is initially higher on the lateral side as the forefoot rolls to the medial side. If flow through channel <NUM> were not prevented, the initial downward force on the lateral side of the wearer right foot would decrease incline angle α.

In some embodiments, a shoe may include an incline adjuster and other components that are configured to incline a different portion of a shoe footbed. As but one example, a basketball shoe may include an incline adjuster similar to incline adjuster <NUM>, but having one chamber positioned in a medial midfoot or heel region, and another chamber positioned in a lateral midfoot or heel region, and with shapes of the chambers modified to match those positions. A controller of such a shoe could be configured to perform operations similar to those described above upon determining that a wearer's body position corresponds to a need to incline the midfoot and/or heel, and upon determining that such inclination is no longer needed. When cutting to the left, for example, a right shoe having a midfoot and heel region inclined medially could provide additional support and stability. A controller could be configured to determine that a cutting motion is occurring based on position and/or movement of the wearer's torso, and/or based on a sudden increase in pressure on a medial side of the shoe, and/or based on sensors located within an upper that indicate the heel region has tilted relative to the forefoot region.

A controller need not be located within a sole structure. In some embodiments, for example, some or all components of a controller could be located with the housing of a battery assembly such as battery assembly <NUM> and/or in another housing positioned on a footwear upper.

As can be appreciated from the above, incline adjuster <NUM> is a structure holding an ER fluid. Other embodiments include other structures that hold or that are configured to hold ER fluid and that have features similar to those described in connection with incline adjuster <NUM>, but that may differ from incline adjuster <NUM> in one or more respects. Such structures, referred to herein as ER fluid structures for convenience, may be used in foot wear or in other applications.

In some embodiments, an ER fluid structure may include chambers having sizes and/or shapes different from those shown in above. Similarly, a transfer channel may have other sizes and/or shapes.

In some embodiments, an ER fluid structure may only have a single chamber, with one end of a transfer channel left open. That open transfer channel may subsequently be connected to another structure having an ER fluid reservoir or chamber, to a pump configured to transfer ER fluid from a separate reservoir or chamber, or to some other component.

Claim 1:
An article (<NUM>) comprising:
a polymeric housing having a fluid transfer channel (<NUM>) defined therein, wherein
the housing comprises a first polymeric layer (<NUM>) having a surface (<NUM>) forming a side of the channel,
the housing comprises a second polymeric layer (<NUM>) having a first surface (<NUM>), at least a portion of the second layer first surface being bonded to the surface (<NUM>) of the first polymeric layer (<NUM>), and
walls of the channel are defined in the second layer;
a first conductive trace (<NUM>) at least partially coinciding with the fluid transfer channel, the first conductive trace forming at least a portion of the first layer surface (<NUM>); and
the polymeric housing further comprising a first access passage (<NUM>) containing a first wire (23a) having a first conductor (23c) surrounded by a first insulating jacket (23d), wherein the first conductor is in electrical communication with the first conductive trace, wherein a jacket bonding region of the first insulating jacket (23d) located within the first access passage (<NUM>) is welded to a corresponding housing bonding region of the housing, and wherein the jacket bonding region and the housing bonding region are formed from a common type of polymer;
wherein the first conductive trace (<NUM>) comprises a first electrode (<NUM>) that follows a path of the fluid transfer channel and a first extension (<NUM>) that branches away from the path of the fluid transfer channel (<NUM>) through the first access passage (<NUM>) and passes across the second layer first surface, and wherein the first conductor (23c) is attached to a portion of the first extension branching from the fluid transfer channel (<NUM>).