Patent Description:
Typical athletic shoes have two major components, an upper that provides the enclosure for receiving the foot, and a sole secured to the upper. The upper is generally adjustable using laces or other fastening means to secure the shoe properly to the foot, and the sole has the primary contact with the playing surface. The primary functions of the upper are to provide protection, stability and support to the wearer's foot tailored to the particular activity the wearer is engaged in, while maintaining an appropriate level of comfort.

<CIT> discloses a tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel.

The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The tensioning system may be used with various sensors to determine how the motorized tensioning device should be controlled.

<CIT> discloses an article of footwear comprising a shoe having a sole and a rod equipped with at least one flexible part, said footwear comprising a tightening system designed to facilitate the tightening and loosening of said flexible part on a foot introduced into the shoe, characterized in that the clamping system comprises a source of electrical energy, motorized drive means powered by the source of electrical energy, and clamping means connected to the drive means and said flexible portion so as to allow clamping or loosening of said flexible portion on the foot.

The invention is defined in the attached independent claim to which reference should now be made. Further, optional features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto. This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of the present embodiments, and is not intended to identify essential features or key elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed embodiments. The proper scope of the embodiments is defined by the claims.

Generally, the embodiments of the articles of footwear with a dynamic support system disclosed herein have regions or portions of the footwear whose flexibility, level of support, stiffness and/or impact resistance can be controlled by activating the dynamic support system in response to input from one or more sensors. As described below, the sensors may be placed in various positions of the article of footwear, depending upon the specific sports or recreational activity the article of footwear is intended for, or could be placed on wrist bands, headbands, shorts, shirts or other articles of apparel worn by a user. For example, the article of footwear may be a walking shoe, tennis shoe, a running shoe, a training shoe, a soccer shoe, a football shoe, a basketball shoe, an all-purpose recreational sneaker, a volleyball shoe or a hiking boot.

In one aspect, the dynamic support system in the article of footwear has at least one sensor in communication with a microprocessor. The sensor is embedded in either the sole or the upper of the article of footwear. It also has an array of tiles embedded in the upper with at least one cable laced through the array of tiles and wound around a reel. It has a reversible motor attached to the reel such that the reversible motor can rotate the reel in a first direction to pull in the cable to compress the array of tiles and in a second direction opposite to the first direction to loosen the array of tiles. The microprocessor is in communication with the reversible motor and can activate the reversible motor to rotate the reel in the first direction or in a the second direction according to an algorithm that receives input(s) from the sensor(s) and, in response to the input(s), determines whether to rotate the reel in the first direction to pull in the cable to compress the array of tiles or to rotate the reel in the second direction to loosen the array of tiles.

In another aspect, the dynamic support system includes an array of tiles embedded in a fabric portion of the upper and a microprocessor. It also has stress sensors such as pressure sensor(s) in the sole reporting to the microprocessor and/or tension sensor(s) in the upper reporting to the microprocessor. It has cables laced through the array of tiles and mechanically connected to a reel attached to a reversible motor. When the microprocessor receives input from a sensor, it can control the reversible motor to rotate the reel to compress the array of tiles according to input(s) received from that sensor.

In another aspect, the dynamic support system uses microprocessors and sensors embedded in both a left article of footwear and a right article of footwear. The sensors in both the left article of footwear and the right article of footwear communicate with both the microprocessor in the left article of footwear and the microprocessor in the right article of footwear. Each article of footwear also has a reversible motor in communication with its microprocessor. Each reversible motor can rotate an attached reel. Each article of footwear has an array of tiles in its upper that is mechanically connected to the its reel by a cable system The microprocessors are configured to receive inputs from both the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and to respond to these inputs by activating their respective motors to compress the arrays of tiles.

In another aspect, a dynamic support system for an article of footwear has at least one sensor located in the article of footwear and at least one other sensor located in an article (other than the article of footwear) that is worn by a wearer of the article of footwear. A microprocessor in the article of footwear is in communication with both sensors over a personal area wireless network. When the microprocessor receives an input from a sensor located in the article of footwear and another input from a sensor located in the article worn by the wearer of the article of footwear, it responds to these inputs by determining whether to activate a motor to compress an array of tiles in a fabric portion of the article of footwear.

In another aspect, an article of footwear has a plurality of diamond-shaped tiles arranged in an array of rows and columns. It has a first set of cables laced diagonally through the diamond-shaped tiles from one vertex to an opposite vertex of the diamond shaped tiles in one of (a) alternate rows of the array of rows and columns and (b) alternate columns in the array of rows and columns. The first set of cables is mechanically connected to a first reel attached to a first reversible motor. It has a stress sensor in one of the upper and the sole that is in communication with a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to control the first reversible motor to compress the tiles when it receives an input from the sensor indicating that a detected stress level is above a predetermined stress level.

The following U. patent applications disclose sensor systems for use in articles of footwear: U. Patent Applications Pub. <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

Generally, this application discloses articles of footwear bearing a dynamic support system. The dynamic support system adjusts the level of support and flexibility of various portions of the article of footwear dynamically, so as to provide additional support, stability and protection when the dynamic support system determines that such additional support, protection and stability is needed, and to maintain a flexible configuration when such additional support, protection or stability is not needed. The dynamic support system may react in response to an actual event, such as a player stressing a particular region of the article of footwear, or may be activated in anticipation of a stress in a particular region of the article of footwear.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a generic article of footwear <NUM> with an example of a dynamic support system. The article of footwear <NUM> includes a sole <NUM>, which provides the primary ground-contacting surface, and an upper <NUM>, which receives and encloses the wearer's foot and thus provides support, stability and protection to the wearer's foot. Upper <NUM> has a side heel portion <NUM>, a rear heel portion <NUM>, an instep or midfoot portion <NUM>, a forefoot portion <NUM> and a toe portion <NUM>. Upper <NUM> has an ankle opening <NUM> for receiving the wearer's foot, and laces <NUM> laced through eyelets <NUM> to tighten upper <NUM> around the wearer's foot.

An example of an embodiment of a dynamic support system is shown as an array <NUM> of tiles <NUM>. The array <NUM> of tiles <NUM> is shown on the lateral side of the article of footwear, between the eyelets <NUM> and the sole <NUM> of the article of footwear. The dynamic support system includes additional components, such as cables and one or more harnesses, reels, motors, sensors, microprocessors and programs. These are described below in reference to certain of the figures below.

In some embodiments, array <NUM> of tiles <NUM> may be covered by an outer layer of fabric <NUM>, as shown in the blow-up of a cross-section of the upper in <FIG> also shows that an inner layer of fabric <NUM> may also be used. Outer layer <NUM> may be used to protect array <NUM> from sand, dirt, debris, water or other materials that might interfere with the operation of array <NUM>. Inner layer <NUM> may be used to provide a more comfortable surface for contacting the inner side of the upper to the wearer's foot.

Upper <NUM> may be generally fabricated from materials such as fabric, leather, woven or knitted materials, mesh, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other suitable materials, or from combinations of these materials. In some embodiments, upper <NUM> may also have reinforcing strips or panels in certain portions of the upper, such as around the ankle opening, at the eyelets or in the front of the toe region. For convenience, the upper material and layers of the upper material are referred to generically in this specification as a "fabric," but the term should be understood to encompass any material that may be used to fabricate the upper or any portion of the upper.

As the wearer of the article of footwear engages in athletic or recreational activities, the wearer may put stress on his or her forefoot, instep, ankle, heel, or on the medial or lateral sides of the footwear, for example. During those instants when a part of the wearer's foot is under stress, increased support may be beneficial in a corresponding portion of the footwear. At the same time, the flexibility of other portions of the footwear may be maintained. When the foot is no longer under significant stress, for example when the wearer is sitting, standing or walking, the dynamic support system may relax back to its initial unstressed condition.

Various kinds of stress sensors may be used with a dynamic support system. For example, in some embodiments, the dynamic support system may use piezoelectric sensors as pressure sensors in the sole of the article of footwear. In some embodiments it may also use strain gauge sensors to measure the tension in the fabric of the upper. It may also use proximity sensors to detect an impending impact, or accelerometers to detect certain motions by the person wearing the articles of footwear.

For purposes of illustration, <FIG> depicts a dynamic support system disposed on a particular portion of upper <NUM> on the side of the midfoot region. However, in other embodiments, the location of the dynamic support system can vary. With reference to the portions of an article of footwear identified in <FIG>, as an example a basketball player may prefer to have dynamic support at the side of the heel portion <NUM> and towards the rear of midfoot portion <NUM>. As another example, a soccer player may prefer to have dynamic support around the toe region <NUM> and impact protection on the medial side of the forefoot <NUM>. A runner may prefer to have increased support around the ankle during certain portions of his or her stride. A person undergoing training with a variety of exercise equipment and weights may prefer to have a shoe that reacts differently when he or she is engaged in weightlifting compared to when he or she is exercising on a rowing machine or running on a treadmill.

As discussed in further detail below, the dynamic support system uses an array of tiles embedded in or on the material of upper <NUM>. The tiles are connected by a series of cables to one or more reels or spools that may be rotated by one or more reversible motors positioned in, for example, the back of the heel <NUM>, the sole <NUM> or on the sides of the footwear. The motors are controlled by one or more microprocessors placed, for example, in the sole <NUM> or in the back of the heel <NUM>, as described below. The microprocessor is in wired or wireless communication with sensors positioned, for example, in the sole or in the upper, or even elsewhere on or around the wearer's body, as described below. In some embodiments, the tiles and the cables may be held in place between an outer layer of fabric and an inner layer of fabric.

<FIG> is an example of a dynamic support system, shown in isolation from an article of footwear. <FIG> shows an array <NUM> of diamond-shaped tiles <NUM> connected in columns and rows by vertical cables <NUM> and horizontal cables <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cables are laced through alternating columns and rows. Vertical cables <NUM> and horizontal cables <NUM> cross in the middle <NUM> of tiles <NUM> (as discussed below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>). In this embodiment, every other row and every other column of tiles <NUM> is not connected to either vertical cables <NUM> or horizontal cables <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Vertical cables <NUM> may be connected to endpoints <NUM> at, for example, the bottom vertex of the top row of tiles <NUM>. Horizontal cables <NUM> may be connected, for example, to endpoints <NUM> at the left-hand column of tiles <NUM>.

Horizontal cables <NUM> are gathered in a harness <NUM>, which is attached to horizontal end cable <NUM>. End cable <NUM> winds around reel <NUM>. Reel <NUM> can be rotated in one direction by reversible motor <NUM> to pull row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM> and row of tiles <NUM> to compress the array of tiles. Reel <NUM> can be rotated in the opposite direction by reversible motor <NUM> to relax the tension on harness <NUM> and on horizontal cables <NUM> and allow the tiles to move back to their initial positions.

In the same way, vertical cables <NUM> are gathered in a harness <NUM>, which is attached to vertical end cable <NUM>. End cable <NUM> winds around reel <NUM>. Reel <NUM> can be rotated in one direction by reversible motor <NUM> to pull row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM> and row of tiles <NUM> to compress the array of tiles. Reel <NUM> can be rotated in the opposite direction by reversible motor <NUM> to relax the tension on harness <NUM> and on vertical cables <NUM> and allow the tiles to move back to their initial positions.

As described below with reference to succeeding figures, when vertical cables <NUM> are pulled from the bottom, top row <NUM> of tiles is pulled down so that it abuts the next row <NUM> of tiles. As vertical cables <NUM> are pulled down further, row <NUM> of tiles abut row <NUM> of tiles. As vertical cables <NUM> are pulled down even further, row <NUM> of tiles abuts row <NUM> of tiles, then row <NUM> is pulled down so that it abuts row <NUM> of tiles. Row <NUM> of tiles may be fixed so that row <NUM> may be pulled against row <NUM> without further movement. In this manner, array of tiles <NUM> may be compressed vertically, thus providing increased stiffness, stability, support and impact protection.

In the same way, when horizontal cables <NUM> are pulled to the right, leftmost column of tiles <NUM> is pulled against column <NUM> of tiles, which is pulled against column <NUM> of tiles, which is pulled against column <NUM> of tiles, which is pulled against column <NUM> of tiles. Column <NUM> of tiles may be fixed so that column <NUM> may be pulled against column <NUM> without further movement. In this manner, array of tiles <NUM> may be compressed horizontally, thus providing increased stiffness, stability, support and impact protection.

In some embodiments, to provide maximum stability, both vertical cables <NUM> and horizontal cables <NUM> may be pulled by their respective reversible motors <NUM> and <NUM> to compress tiles <NUM> both horizontally and vertically.

Although the tiles are shown in <FIG> and in other figures in this specification as being diamond-shaped, triangular or rectangular, other shapes of tiles such as hexagonal, oval, circular may also be used. In some cases, the tiles may have irregular shapes. Moreover, although the tiles are shown in the figures as having generally uniform sizes, the tiles do not need to be of uniform size and may indeed have different sizes according to the specific application.

<FIG> is an illustration showing how vertical cable <NUM> and horizontal cable <NUM> may cross in the middle of a tile <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, vertical cable <NUM> traverses tile <NUM> through a passageway <NUM> extending diagonally from one corner <NUM> of tile <NUM> to its opposite corner <NUM>. In some embodiments, horizontal cable <NUM> traverses tile <NUM> through a passageway <NUM> extending diagonally from corner <NUM> to its opposite corner <NUM>. In the orientation shown, passageway <NUM> is displaced in the direction normal to the surface of the tile from passageway <NUM>, such that passageway <NUM> crosses over passageway <NUM> in the middle of tile <NUM>, but does not actually intersect passageway <NUM>. <FIG> also shows that tile <NUM> is held between fabric <NUM> on one side of tile <NUM> and fabric <NUM> on the other side of tile <NUM>.

It should be understood that in other embodiments, alternative arrangements of associating cables and tiles could be used. For example, in some alternative embodiments, one or more cables could pass between a tile and a fabric, rather than passing through channels in the tile. <FIG> is an alternative embodiment showing vertical cable <NUM> traversing tile <NUM> through passageway <NUM> and horizontal cable <NUM> traversing under tile <NUM>, between tile <NUM> and fabric <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing an array of tiles similar to the array of <FIG> as it may be applied the side of the instep region of an article of footwear. For clarity, the array of tiles and the cables are not shown in phantom in <FIG> or in many of the succeeding figures, although they would typically be covered by an outer fabric. Such an outer fabric should be considered to be present in most embodiments disclosed herein, although it is not absolutely necessary. Also, for the same reason, the cable harnesses, reels and motors shown in <FIG> are not shown in <FIG> or several of the succeeding figures, but such cable harnesses, reels and motors would also be used in the other embodiments described in this specification.

<FIG> illustrates the array of tiles in its initial relaxed state, positioned on the side of an upper <NUM> of an article of footwear, in a region bridging the side of the heel portion <NUM> and the rear of midfoot portion <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the array of tiles after motor <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) has been activated to pull horizontal cables <NUM> laterally towards the heel end of the upper, and compress the array of tiles laterally. As described above, each of horizontal cables <NUM> is attached to the leftmost tile in row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM> and row of tiles <NUM>. When motor <NUM> is activated, it pulls on endpoints <NUM> and thus pulls the tiles in row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM> and row of tiles <NUM> to the right. Column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM> and column of tiles <NUM> thus move to the right and are pressed against column of tiles <NUM>, which is fixed. This movement of column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM> and column of tiles <NUM> thus serves to compress the array, as shown in <FIG>. The compressed array provides additional support, stability and protection compared to the array in its initial state.

In this example, the motor and reel may be located at the back of the heel of upper <NUM>. Cables <NUM> are attached to a harness such as harness <NUM> shown in <FIG>. These cables may be routed between fabric layers (such as fabric layer <NUM> and fabric layer <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) to be attached to end cables such as end cable <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The cables may be further wound around a reel such as reel <NUM> shown in <FIG> by a reversible motor such as reversible motor <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The array of tiles shown in <FIG> may also be compressed vertically, as shown in <FIG> again illustrates the array of tiles in its initial relaxed state, and <FIG> illustrates the array of tiles after motor <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) has been activated to pull vertical cables <NUM> down towards the sole <NUM>, and compress the array of tiles vertically. As described above, each of vertical cables <NUM> is attached to the topmost tile in column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM> and column of tiles <NUM>. When motor <NUM> is activated, it pulls endpoints <NUM> down and thus pulls down the tiles in row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM> and row of tiles <NUM> against the row of tiles <NUM> (which are fixed) to compress the array as shown in <FIG>. The compressed array provides additional support, stability and protection compared to the array in its initial state.

In this example, motor <NUM> and reel <NUM> may be located in the sole. Cables <NUM> and harness <NUM> may be routed between fabric layers <NUM> and <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>; not shown in <FIG>) to be attached to end cable <NUM> and wound around reel <NUM> by reversible motor <NUM>.

The array of <FIG> may also be compressed both horizontally and vertically, as shown in <FIG>. When both motor <NUM> and motor <NUM> are activated, reel <NUM> pulls on endpoints <NUM> and thus pulls the tiles in row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM> and row of tiles <NUM> to the right to compress the array horizontally as shown in <FIG>, while reel <NUM> pulls downwards on endpoints <NUM> and thus pulls the tiles in column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM> and column of tiles <NUM> downwards to compress the array as shown in <FIG>. This dual action provides maximum support and stability by compressing the tiles such that they form a solid array of tiles with no or minimal gaps between the tiles. The tiles in row <NUM> are constrained to move horizontally, but not vertically, and the tiles in column <NUM> are constrained to move vertically but not horizontally, except for the corner tile. This tile, which is the end tile for row <NUM> and for column <NUM>, is fixed so that it does not move in either direction.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the dynamic support system with cables extending only in the vertical direction. This dynamic support system <NUM> only uses vertical cables <NUM> inserted through alternate columns of tiles <NUM>. The vertical cables are attached at one end to endpoints <NUM> and at the opposite end to a harness system, reel and motor (as shown in <FIG>; not shown in <FIG>) similar to the harness system, reel and motor shown in <FIG>. Thus vertical cables <NUM> are only inserted through tiles <NUM> that have a passageway <NUM>, in column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM> and column of tiles <NUM>. Tiles <NUM> are not directly connected to vertical cables <NUM>. The tiles in bottom row of triangular tiles <NUM> are fixed, such that the tiles above that row may be pulled against the tiles in row <NUM>. Tiles <NUM> may or may not include a passageway, although such tiles would not have a cable traversing that passageway.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, cables <NUM> are gathered in harness <NUM> to join end cable <NUM>. End cable <NUM> is wound around reel <NUM>. Reel <NUM> may be rotated in either direction by reversible motor <NUM> to compress or loosen the array of tiles.

As shown in <FIG>, tiles <NUM> have a cable <NUM> traversing a tile from corner <NUM> to corner <NUM> through passageway <NUM>. In some embodiments, tiles <NUM> may be sandwiched between fabric layer <NUM> and fabric layer <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example of how tiles <NUM> can be compressed to provide additional support and stability in the forefoot <NUM> of an article of footwear. <FIG> shows the dynamic support system of <FIG> in its relaxed state. Tiles <NUM> are arranged in an array across forefoot <NUM>, with cables <NUM> extending laterally across forefoot <NUM> from endpoints <NUM> towards a harness system, a reel and a motor such as the harness system, reel and motor shown in <FIG>. In this example, the reel and motor may be placed in the sole <NUM> of the forefoot <NUM>. Tiles <NUM> in column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM> and column of tiles <NUM> have cables <NUM> passing through passageways <NUM> in tiles <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, tiles <NUM> are not attached to cables <NUM>, and therefore can only move when they are pushed by tiles <NUM> that are attached to cables <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the dynamic support system of <FIG> in its compressed state. Motor <NUM> and reel <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) have been activated, pulling cables <NUM> laterally from endpoints <NUM> and pushing column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM> and column of tiles <NUM> laterally across forefoot <NUM>. As the tiles <NUM> in column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM>, column of tiles <NUM> and column of tiles <NUM> are pulled laterally across forefoot <NUM> so that they abut the triangular tiles in the bottom row (which are fixed), they push unattached tiles <NUM> laterally across forefoot <NUM> until the tiles in the array abut each other, as shown in <FIG>. This results in a compact compressed array of tiles <NUM> that provides stability, support and protection at the forefoot <NUM> of the article of footwear.

<FIG> illustrates a dynamic support system with cables extending horizontally. In this embodiment, array <NUM> has cables <NUM> extending horizontally through passageways <NUM> in tiles <NUM>. Tiles <NUM> are unattached. Row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM> and row of tiles <NUM> can be pulled laterally from endpoints <NUM>, pushing unattached tiles <NUM> along, to produce a compressed array. Cables <NUM> are gathered to form harness <NUM>, and are attached to end cable <NUM>. End cable <NUM> is wound around reel <NUM>. Reel <NUM> can be rotated in either direction by reversible motor <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example of how the array <NUM> of tiles <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be applied to the forefoot <NUM> of an article of footwear. Row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM> and row of tiles <NUM> may be pulled longitudinally from their endpoints <NUM> by cables <NUM> by a harness, reel and motor system (not shown in <FIG>) contained in forefoot <NUM>. When tiles <NUM> in row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM>, row of tiles <NUM> and row of tiles <NUM> are pulled in so as to fully close the gaps between the tiles, the dynamic support system provides a maximum of protection, stability and support to forefoot portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example dynamic support system, as it would be applied to the ankle opening of an upper. In this embodiment, the system has one row <NUM> of, for example, rectangular or square tiles, with a pair of cables <NUM> traversing the tiles <NUM> through their sides. In <FIG>, the system is in its relaxed and flexible state, with the tiles <NUM> separated from each other. Cables <NUM> are attached to an end cable <NUM>, which is wound around a reel <NUM>, which can be rotated in either direction by a reversible motor <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the array <NUM> deployed around the ankle opening <NUM> of an upper <NUM>. Array <NUM> is shown in phantom in <FIG> as it is covered by the outer layer <NUM> of the fabric of upper <NUM>. Note that, for clarity, the tiles are not shown in phantom in most of the figures in this specification. In most cases, the arrays of tiles are held between an outer layer and an inner layer. Typically, the outer layer protects the array of tiles from dirt, debris, moisture and other materials that might degrade the dynamic support system, and the inner layer provides a comfortable feel for the wearer's foot.

<FIG> shows array <NUM> in its compressed state as the heel of the shoe is bent upwards during a run or a jump. Tiles <NUM> have all been pulled together by reversible motor <NUM> pulling on end cable <NUM> and cables <NUM> to provide additional stability and support around the ankle and heel region of upper <NUM>.

<FIG> also shows another array <NUM> of tiles <NUM> in the fabric on the side <NUM> of the upper. Again, this array is shown in phantom, because it is held between an outer layer <NUM> and an inner layer <NUM>, as shown in the blow-up of a cross-section of the fabric shown in <FIG>.

The preceding paragraphs and the figures described in those paragraphs describe the mechanical part of the dynamic support system, including the arrays of tiles, the cables, harnesses, the reels and the motors. The following paragraphs and figures describe the sensors which are used to detect certain actions and events and the algorithms used to control the motors which in turn control the configurations of the arrays of tiles.

In different embodiments, the locations of one or more sensors may vary. The sensors may be placed in various positions in the sole or in the upper, or may be worn by the wearer on his or her garments or on wrist bands, head bands, ankle wraps or knee pads, for example. The sensors may respond to pressure, tension, or acceleration.

<FIG> is an example of the placement of pressure sensors in the midsole or outsole of the sole <NUM> of an article of footwear. The pressure sensors may be, for example, piezoelectric sensors or other sensors that detect pressure and provide an output signal representative of that pressure. In the example shown in <FIG>, pressure sensor <NUM> is located under the wearer's big toe; pressure sensor <NUM> is located on the lateral side of the forefoot towards the front of forefoot <NUM> and pressure sensor <NUM> is located on the lateral side of the forefoot towards the rear of the forefoot; pressure sensor <NUM> is located on the medial side of the forefoot opposite to pressure sensor <NUM>; and pressure sensor <NUM> is located in the heel <NUM> of sole <NUM>. Each of the pressure sensors is in electrical communication via electrical wires with microprocessor <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, pressure sensor <NUM>, pressure sensor <NUM>, pressure sensor <NUM> and pressure sensor <NUM> are in wired communication with microprocessor <NUM> through the midfoot region <NUM> of sole <NUM> via wires <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> is in wired communication with microprocessor <NUM> via electrical wires <NUM> through the midfoot region <NUM> of sole <NUM>. In this example, microprocessor <NUM> is located in the midsole under the instep. The microprocessor could alternatively be located in other parts of the footwear such as elsewhere in the midsole or in the upper, in the outsole or at the back of the heel, for example. Also, instead of using wired communications, the sensors may communicate wirelessly with the microprocessor using a personal-area network based upon, for example, ANTA+ technology.

Microprocessor <NUM> and the motors it controls may be powered by a single battery, such as battery <NUM> shown in <FIG>. However, in another embodiment, the article of footwear may have a separate battery for the microprocessor and another battery for all the motors. In still another embodiment, the article of footwear or may have a separate battery for the microprocessor and separate batteries for each of the motors or separate batteries for various combinations of motors.

When microprocessor <NUM> determines that pressure sensor <NUM> has detected a pressure exerted by the big toe against the sole that exceeds a predetermined threshold for pressure sensor <NUM>, it may then activate a motor (such as motor <NUM> shown in <FIG>) to compress the tiles in the toe region or in the forefoot region in order to fully support the wearer's foot as the wearer leaps or accelerates forward. Similarly, when microprocessor <NUM> determines that one or more of pressure sensor <NUM>, pressure sensor <NUM>, pressure sensor <NUM> and pressure sensor <NUM> has detected a pressure exerted against the sole that exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold for that specific sensor, it may activate motors to compress tiles in the region of the upper that are associated with that pressure sensor. An example of an algorithm that could be used with the sensor configuration shown in <FIG> is provided in <FIG>, which is described below.

<FIG> is a schematic representation showing how sensors may be distributed in different locations of an upper <NUM> of an article of footwear. Thus sensor <NUM> may be located in the back of the heel region <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> may be located in the lateral side of the heel region <NUM>, with a complementary sensor (not shown) on the medial side of the heel region. Sensor <NUM> may be located in the lateral side of the midfoot region <NUM> near the sole, with a complementary sensor (not shown) in the medial side of the midfoot region near the sole. Sensor <NUM> may be located towards the top of the midfoot region <NUM>, just below the laces on the lateral side, with a complementary sensor (not shown) in the medial side of the midfoot region just below the laces. Sensor <NUM> may be located towards the front of the forefoot region <NUM> near the sole, with a complementary sensor on the medial side of the forefoot region <NUM> near the sole. Sensor <NUM> may be located just in front of the shoe lace opening to detect, for example, the forefoot bending as the wearer pushes off from the toe region <NUM>. Each of these sensors may be, for example, a strain gauge that measures the level of tension in the fabric of the upper.

Some embodiments may include various other kinds of sensors that detect, for example, contact (or impending contact with), an object such as a ball or another object. As an example, the embodiment of <FIG> may include a sensor <NUM> at a front of toe region <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> may be, for example, an optical, infrared or acoustical proximity sensor. In some cases, it may be designed to detect impending impacts. For example, sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect impacts with a soccer ball, with a bench or other object on the sidelines of a playing field, or with an immovable object such as the wall of a squash court.

Microprocessor <NUM> is shown in <FIG> as located on the lateral side of the midfoot region of the upper, near battery <NUM>. In some embodiments, the upper may have two microprocessors and two batteries, one set on the lateral side as show in <FIG>, and one set on the medial side (not shown). Some embodiments may also have a third microprocessor and a third battery located, for example, in the back of the heel of the upper. In other embodiments, the microprocessors may be located elsewhere on the upper or in the sole. In the example shown in <FIG>, the microprocessor(s) are in electrical communication with the sensors via electrical wires, which are not shown in <FIG>. The microprocessors may continuously or sequentially monitor the stress levels reported by the sensors.

Battery <NUM> may be used to provide power to each of the motors that activate the cables that pull the tiles together. Alternatively, separate batteries may be used for the microprocessor and for the motors. For example, each microprocessor could have its own battery and each motor could have its own battery.

<FIG> is a schematic representation of an example of an athlete wearing sensors in various parts of his body. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the athlete has a sensor <NUM> on his headband, a sensor <NUM> on his left wrist, a sensor <NUM> on his right wrist, a sensor <NUM> on a knee pad on his left knee, a sensor <NUM> on a knee pad on his right knee, a sensor <NUM> on a wrap around his left ankle and a sensor <NUM> on a wrap around his right ankle. These sensors may be, for example, accelerometers that can detect motion and/or direction. Each of these sensors includes a battery, and wirelessly communicates with microprocessor <NUM> via antenna <NUM> and microprocessor <NUM> via antenna <NUM> in the athlete's shoes. The sensors may communicate with microprocessor <NUM> over a personal-area network (PAN) using, for example, the ANT + wireless technology. In the example shown in <FIG>, microprocessor <NUM> is powered by battery <NUM>, and microprocessor <NUM> is powered by battery <NUM>.

In addition, these sensors may communicate with microprocessors (not shown) that control other systems or devices in the articles worn by the athlete. For example, the sensors may be used to activate dynamic support systems (not shown) that are associated with a knee pad, head band, wrist band, or ankle wrap, in addition to communicating with microprocessors in the footwear. Thus, for example, sensor <NUM> may detect information used to tighten a dynamic support system (not shown) within the associated knee pad.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of the sole <NUM> and sole <NUM> of a pair of footwear, as viewed from the bottom. Left sole <NUM> has sensor <NUM> in the big toe region, sensor <NUM> on the lateral side of the forefoot region and sensor <NUM> in the heel region. Right sole <NUM> has sensor <NUM> in the big toe region, sensor <NUM> on the lateral side of the forefoot region and sensor <NUM> in the heel region. Left sole <NUM> also has microprocessor <NUM> in its midfoot region. Right sole <NUM> has microprocessor <NUM> in its midfoot region. Each of these sensors may be, for example, a piezoelectric sensor.

Microprocessor <NUM> is powered by battery <NUM>. It has an associated antenna <NUM>. Microprocessor <NUM> is powered by battery <NUM>. It has an associated antenna <NUM>. Microprocessor <NUM> and microprocessor <NUM> can communicate with each other wirelessly using, for example, ANT+ wireless technology, via antenna <NUM> and antenna <NUM>. In this example, sensor <NUM>, sensor <NUM> and sensor <NUM> are in electrical communication with microprocessor <NUM> via electrical wires <NUM> and sensor <NUM>, and sensor <NUM> and sensor <NUM> are in electrical communication with microprocessor <NUM> via electrical wires <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate exemplary processes for controlling a dynamic support system. These processes may be utilized with articles that include two or more independently controlled arrays of tiles for providing support over multiple regions an article. An example of one such article is the article depicted in <FIG>, which includes an array <NUM> for dynamic support of the heel and array <NUM> for dynamic support on the side of the article. Thus, these processes provide exemplary processes for providing targeted dynamic support according to information received from one or more sensors distributed across the article.

<FIG> is an example of an algorithm that may be used by the footwear shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the following steps may be accomplished by a microprocessor associated with a dynamic support system. However, in other embodiments, some steps may be accomplished by other systems or devices. Moreover, in other embodiments, some of the following steps could be optional.

Once the microprocessor has been activated by turning it on or by inserting a battery, the wearer may set the sensors to zero by standing flat-footed on the playing surface for a predetermined time, for example three to five seconds. This is shown as step <NUM> in the algorithm of <FIG>. In step <NUM>, the microprocessor may select a sensor. In situations where an article includes multiple sensors for detecting pressures or forces over multiple different regions of the article, the microprocessor may select one of the sensors to check according to some predetermined sequence or as determined by other parameters.

In this example, the selected sensor could be sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and the region associated with the selected sensor could be the toe region of the upper. Other sensors may be associated with other regions of the upper, such as the forefoot region of the upper, the lateral side of the forefoot region of the upper, the medial side of the forefoot region of the upper, the lateral side of the midfoot region of the upper, the medial side of the midfoot region of the upper, the lateral side of the heel region of the upper, the medial side of the heel region of the upper, the region around the laces or the region around the ankle opening of the upper, or any other region of the upper that could benefit from dynamic control of its supportive characteristics.

Next, in step <NUM>, the microprocessor determines if the pressure recorded by the sensor is above a predetermined level. In some cases, the predetermined level of pressure may be pre-programmed into the microprocessor, while in other cases the predetermined level could be determined by previously sensed information.

If the reported pressure is above the predetermined level (e.g., above the threshold pressure), in step <NUM> the microprocessor activates the motor controlling the tiles in a region associated with the selected sensor to compress the tiles in that region.

If the pressure on the selected sensor was not above the predetermined level in step <NUM>, the microprocessor proceeds to step <NUM> to select a new sensor. At this point, the microprocessor returns to step <NUM> to determine whether the pressure reading at the new sensor is above a predetermined level. Thus, it may be seen that the microprocessor can cycle through checking different sensors to determine if dynamic support (in the form of compressing an array of tiles) should be provided at a region associated with the sensor. Likewise, after step <NUM>, during which compression of tiles is applied at a specific region of the article, the microprocessor may proceed to step <NUM> to select a new sensor and repeat the process.

Thus, this exemplary process depicts a situation where a single microprocessor cycles through checks of various sensors in the article to determine if one or more regions should be supported via compression of tiles. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments two or more microprocessors can be configured to simultaneously check on the status of at least two different sensors, rather that utilizing a single microprocessor to check the status of each sensor in sequence.

<FIG> illustrates another exemplary process that may be used for controlling a dynamic support system that may also be used with the embodiment of <FIG>. Once the microprocessor has been activated by turning it on or by inserting a battery, the wearer may set the sensors to zero by standing flat-footed on the playing surface for a predetermined time, for example three to five seconds. This is shown as step <NUM> in the algorithm of <FIG>.

In step <NUM>, the microprocessor determines the pressure at a first sensor and simultaneously determines the pressure at a second sensor that is different from the first sensor. As an example, the first sensor could be associated with the lateral side of the article while the second sensor could be associated with the medial side of the article. Next, in step <NUM>, the microprocessor determines if there is a pressure differential between the first sensor and the second sensor. In particular, the microprocessor may determine if the differential is above a predetermined level. If so, the microprocessor proceeds to step <NUM>. Otherwise, the microprocessor may proceed back to step <NUM> to determine the pressures at the two sensors again, or possibly at a different pair of sensors.

At step <NUM>, the microprocessor determines if the pressure at the first sensor is greater than the pressure at the second sensor. If so, the microprocessor proceeds to step <NUM> to compress tiles in the region associated with the first sensor. Otherwise, the microprocessor proceeds to step <NUM> to compress tiles in the region associated with the second sensor. Thus, if at step <NUM> the microprocessor determines that the pressure detected at the lateral side of the foot (detected by the first sensor) is greater than the pressure detected at the medial side of the foot (detected by the second sensor), then the microprocessor controls the array of tiles on the lateral side of the foot to compress. Such an action may increase support on the lateral side of the foot as the user applies makes cutting moves in the lateral direction.

Although not shown in the exemplary processes, some embodiments could include steps of determining if all the sensors of an article report negative pressures, which would indicate pressures below the zero levels set at the beginning of operation (e.g., in step <NUM> of <FIG>). Depending on the sport or other activity the footwear is intended for, this might indicate that the footwear is completely off the ground. In that case, the microprocessor -- possibly after a predetermined delay - could compress the tiles in a specific region in anticipation of a hard landing on that particular foot. A delay from when the microprocessor first determined that the footwear is off the ground to when it activates compression could be tailored to the specific wearer of the shoe and to his or her particular style.

Microprocessor <NUM> may execute several algorithms such as the algorithms shown in <FIG> and <FIG> simultaneously. Different algorithms may be used to control the characteristics of the upper in different regions of the upper, for example, or the same algorithm could be used with different sets of sensors to control different regions of the upper.

<FIG> is an example of an algorithm that may be used with the tension sensors in the upper shown in <FIG> as well as the pressure sensors on the sole shown in <FIG>. In this example, the tiles in a given region of the upper are only compressed if both a tension sensor in the upper and a pressure sensor in the sole associated with that tension sensor report stress levels above predetermined levels. Thus at step <NUM>, the sensors are zeroed-out after the shoelaces have been tied by, for example, standing on the playing surface for a period of three to five seconds. Next, in step <NUM>, the microprocessor selects a tension sensor from among the tension sensors in the upper, such as sensor <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, sensor <NUM> and sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In step <NUM>, the microprocessor determines if the tension on the selected tension sensor is above a predetermined level for that sensor. If it is not above the predetermined level for that sensor, the microprocessor goes on to step <NUM>, where it selects a new tension sensor in the upper.

If the tension on the selected tension sensor is above the predetermined level for that sensor, the microprocessor goes on to step <NUM>, where it checks whether the pressure reported by a sensor in the sole that is associated with the selected tension sensor is above a predetermined level for that pressure sensor. For example, if the selected tension sensor is sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG> on the lateral side of the forefoot, the pressure sensor in the sole may be sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG> on the lateral side of the sole. If the pressure reported by the pressure sensor in the sole is above a predetermined level for that sensor, then in step <NUM> the microprocessor activates a motor to compress tiles in a region associated with the tension sensor in the upper. For example, if the selected tension sensor was sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>, then the region associated with the selected tension sensor may be the lateral forefoot region of the upper.

If the pressure in the associated pressure sensor is not above the predetermined level for that sensor, then the microprocessor goes on to step <NUM>, where it can select a new tension sensor, and continue with the algorithm.

An algorithm such as the one shown in <FIG> could be used, for example, for a runner running over a mountain trail, who would only need the increased support when both a tension sensor in the upper and a pressure sensor in the sole report high stress levels. These might indicate, for example, that the runner may need increased support because she is stepping on the side of a rock. In that case, tiles in the upper would need to be compressed to provide additional support.

In some embodiments, for certain tension sensors in the upper, the algorithm may not need to check with an associated pressure sensor in the sole. For those tension sensors, their associated region in the upper may be compressed without checking whether the pressure reported by an associated pressure sensor is above a predetermined level. Those tension sensors would then report to an algorithm that would only include steps such as step <NUM>, step <NUM>, step <NUM>, step <NUM> and step <NUM> in <FIG> - step <NUM> would be omitted.

<FIG> is an example of an algorithm that may be used with the system shown in <FIG>. This algorithm allows a runner, for example, to maintain flexibility in the upper when he or she is running lightly, but then have increased support when he or she is running hard or running downhill, for example. In step <NUM>, the microprocessor determines whether a motion sensor such as motion sensor <NUM> on the right wrist band in <FIG> indicates that the wearer's right arm is swinging upwards, which could indicate that the runner is running hard and is pushing off or will be pushing off his or her left foot. If the answer is yes, in step <NUM> the microprocessor in the left shoe activates to compress tiles on the lateral side of the footwear. If the answer is no, the microprocessor in step <NUM> determines whether the sensor on the left wrist band indicates that the left arm is swinging upwards, which could indicate that the runner is running hard and is pushing off or will be pushing off his or her right foot. If the answer is yes, the microprocessor in the right shoe activates a motor to compress tiles in the right shoe. If the answer is no, or after executing step <NUM> and/or step <NUM>, the microprocessor returns to step <NUM> in step <NUM>.

Thus the algorithm of <FIG> may anticipate increased stress in the forefoot of a runner whose arm starts the upward swing before the full pressure is exerted on the sole of the forefoot when the runner is pushing off to extend his or her stride. Because the stress in the footwear is anticipated, the tiles can be compressed in time to provide optimal support at the optimal time.

<FIG> is an example of an algorithm that could be used with the two-sole embodiment shown in <FIG>. This embodiment uses two microprocessors, one in the left sole and one in the right sole working together to execute the algorithm. The algorithm depends on wireless communication between, for example microprocessors such as microprocessor <NUM> in sole <NUM> and microprocessor <NUM> in sole <NUM> to provide optimum stability to the footwear when needed. In this embodiment, pressure detected by sensors in, for example, the left sole is used to predict stresses that will occur after a time interval in the right upper, and thus to compress tiles in the appropriate region of the right upper. For example, if a sensor such as sensor <NUM> in the right sole detects increased pressure on the right sole (indicating that the wearer is pushing off on his or her right foot), it is likely that after a time interval the left foot will experience increased pressure (as the wearer lands on his or her left foot). The dynamic support system anticipates this result, and prepares for the result by increasing the support in the left foot after a time delay. The time delay may be adjustable for the individual user.

Thus in step <NUM>, the sensors in both soles are zeroed-out with the athlete or recreational wearer standing on the playing surface or on the ground. In step <NUM>, if a microprocessor such as microprocessor <NUM> in the right sole determines that the pressure detected by a sensor such as sensor <NUM> in <FIG> in the right sole is above a predetermined threshold, then it wirelessly provides this information to a microprocessor such as microprocessor <NUM> in the left sole. After a predetermined time interval, the microprocessor in the left sole then activates a motor to compress tiles in a portion of the left upper. If in step <NUM>, the microprocessor in the right sole determines that the pressure on a sensor in the right sole is not above the predetermined level or after step <NUM>, the microprocessor passes control to the microprocessor in the left sole. In step <NUM>, the microprocessor in the left sole determines if the pressure on a corresponding sensor in the left sole is above a predetermined level. If this pressure is above the predetermined level, then after a predetermined delay, the microprocessor in the right sole activates a motor to compress tiles in a portion of the right upper. After step <NUM> or after step <NUM>, in step <NUM> the algorithm returns to step <NUM> and starts over.

As noted above, the delays in compressing regions in the left or right uppers may be adjustable to suit the activity engaged in or to suit the characteristics of the wearer. For example, one runner may need only a short time delay because that runner may take many relatively short strides while a second runner may need a longer delay because the second runner may take longer strides. In some embodiments, the algorithm may be self-adjusting - the time delay between the pressure detected in the left sole and the impact of the right sole may be measured and used to optimize the time delay in steps <NUM> and <NUM> during subsequent strides.

<FIG> illustrate various embodiments as they might be used in specific athletic or recreational activities. For example. <FIG> illustrates an article of footwear that could be used for playing basketball. In <FIG>, article of footwear <NUM> is in its relaxed state. Article of footwear <NUM> has an array of tiles <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM> of footwear <NUM>. Cables <NUM>, shown in phantom in <FIG>, connect tiles <NUM> in array <NUM> to reels and motors in the sole. Because article of footwear <NUM> is in its relaxed state, tiles <NUM> are spaced apart from each other and cables <NUM> are extended.

<FIG> shows the basketball shoe of <FIG> in use by a basketball player. The player is pressing down on the lateral side of her left foot, because she is about to move sharply to the left. Cables <NUM> in basketball shoe <NUM> are being tightened to compress array of tiles <NUM> and thus provide increased support and stability to the basketball shoe. For clarity, the array of tiles <NUM> is shown without any fabric covering in <FIG>. Typically, however, the arrays and rows of tiles in the embodiments described herein may be held between an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer.

The blow-up in <FIG> shows a close-up view of the array of tiles <NUM> after the array has been fully compressed. Because the basketball player is leaning to the left, and pressing down hard on the lateral side of her shoe, the array <NUM> of tiles has been fully compressed, as shown in the blow-up.

<FIG> illustrates an article of footwear that may be used by a person who engages in a variety of different cross-training exercises during one session, such as weight-lifting, working on a rowing machine and running on a treadmill. Such a person may need footwear capable of reacting differently during different activities. Footwear <NUM> has a row of tiles <NUM> towards the top of the ankle opening <NUM> with a cable <NUM> laced through the tiles. It also has a second row of tiles <NUM> below the first row of tiles, with a cable <NUM> laced through the tiles. Footwear <NUM> also has an array of tiles <NUM> in the forefoot <NUM> of footwear <NUM>, with cables <NUM> laced through the tiles.

<FIG> illustrates the article of footwear of <FIG> as it is used by a person lifting weights. During this activity, the weightlifter's feet press forward against the toes and the weightlifter needs increased stability around the ankles. Sensors in the sole measure the increased pressure under the toe or forefoot regions and report the level of pressure to a microprocessor in the sole. The microprocessor then activates a motor which acts to compress array of tiles <NUM> in forefoot <NUM> of footwear <NUM>. Sensors in the upper measure the increased tension in the upper around the ankle opening an below the ankle, and report the level of tension to a microprocessor in the upper, for example a microprocessor located at the back of the heel. The microprocessor then activates one or more motors to compress the tiles in row <NUM> and row <NUM>, and thus provide increased stability in the region of the upper below ankle opening <NUM> of footwear <NUM>.

The blow-up in <FIG> shows a close-up of the array <NUM> of tiles. The array is fully compressed in the blow-up because the weightlifter is pressing down on his toes and forefoot as he presses the barbell upwards.

<FIG> illustrates another article of footwear that may be used as a running, jogging or walking shoe. Such a shoe should be comfortable yet provide increased stability when such stability is needed. The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> shows a row of tiles <NUM> below the ankle opening <NUM> of upper <NUM> of article of footwear <NUM>. A motor and reel (not shown) can be used to pull cable <NUM> back towards the heel and compress row of tiles <NUM> to provide increased support around the ankle (for example when running over an uneven terrain). The motor and reel could be located in the back of heel <NUM> of upper <NUM>. <FIG> also shows an array of tiles <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> of upper <NUM>. A motor and reel (not shown) could be used to pull cables <NUM> down towards sole <NUM> and compress the array of tiles <NUM>. The motor and reel for array <NUM> could be located, for example, in the toe region of sole <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the article of footwear of <FIG> as used by a runner. As the runner lands on her left foot, a sensor (not shown) in the sole reports an intermediate level of pressure, and the array of tiles <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> of upper <NUM> of left shoe <NUM> partially compresses to prevent the runner's foot from sliding within the shoe. The blow-up in <FIG> shows a close-up of the partially-compressed array of tiles <NUM>. Because the runner is running on an even track, the sensors below the ankle opening do not detect tension above a threshold level, and therefore the row of tiles <NUM> remains in its uncompressed state. Because right shoe <NUM> is in the air, the row of tiles <NUM> and the array of tiles <NUM> in right shoe <NUM> are also in their uncompressed state.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a hiking boot <NUM>. It has an array <NUM> of tiles on the lateral side of the upper <NUM> of boot <NUM>, as well as a complementary array of tiles on the medial side of boot <NUM> (not shown). Cables <NUM> can be used with a motor and reel to compress array of tiles <NUM>, as in the examples shown in <FIG>. The motor and reel may be located, for example, in sole <NUM> of boot <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration of the hiking boot of <FIG> in use. The hiker's left foot is on a downward slanting surface of a small boulder. In response to increased tension in the region of upper <NUM> between eyelets <NUM> and heel <NUM>, array <NUM> has been compressed. In contrast, array <NUM> in right boot <NUM> is not compressed, as shown in the blow-up in <FIG>, because the sensor in the upper of right boot <NUM> has not detected a level of tension above a predetermined threshold level.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an array of tiles as the array fits between the fabric layers of an article of footwear. This example shows the forward part of a shoe such as a soccer shoe. This figure shows part of the array <NUM> of tiles in phantom, behind an outer layer <NUM> (shown in the blow-up). For illustrative purposes, the remainder of the array is exposed in this figure, to more clearly show the array, although in the actual embodiment the outer layer fully covers array <NUM> and tiles <NUM>. This diagram shows an array <NUM> of tiles <NUM> positioned on the medial side of the forefoot region <NUM> of the shoe. The blow-up is a cross-section showing that the array of tiles is held between an outer layer <NUM> of fabric and an inner layer <NUM> of fabric. In this example, outer layer <NUM> may be made from a durable, impact-resistant material, and inner layer <NUM> may be made from a material that provides a comfortable feel to the wearer's foot as the foot slides into the shoe.

Accordingly, as discussed above, the various embodiments shown in this disclosure may be used in various recreational and sporting endeavors in order to providing stability and support when needed, but also allow flexibility and comfort when such support is not otherwise needed. As described above, the reel and cable system provides support in specific regions of the upper when the upper is under stress, but returns to a more flexible state when support is not needed.

Claim 1:
A dynamic support system for an article of footwear (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
at least one first sensor (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) located in a first article of footwear;
at least one second sensor (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) located in an article configured to be worn by a wearer of the first article of footwear, wherein the article worn by the wearer is different than the first article of footwear;
characterized by a microprocessor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the first article of footwear in communication with the at least one first sensor located in the first article of footwear and with the at least one second sensor located in the article configured to be worn by the wearer of the article of footwear;
wherein the microprocessor receives a first input from the at least one first sensor located in the first article of footwear and a second input from the at least one second sensor located in the article worn by the wearer of the first article of footwear over a personal-area network and responds to at least one of the first input and the second input by determining whether to activate a motor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to compress an array (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of tiles in a fabric portion of the first article of footwear;
wherein the array of tiles comprises columns and rows of tiles and wherein at least two cables are laced diagonally through the tiles and mechanically connected to a reel (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) attached to the motor, the motor being configured to rotate the reel and compress the array of tiles upon activation by the microprocessor.