WO2010091258A1

WO2010091258A1 - Athletic shoe

Info

Publication number: WO2010091258A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/023328
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy P. Mccabe; Donna Zogby Mccabe; Farshid Tafazzoli
Original assignee: Fight Technologies, Llc
Priority date: 2009-02-05
Filing date: 2010-02-05
Publication date: 2010-08-12

Abstract

A monitoring system can include a shoe and a computing device remote from the shoe, where the shoe has a sole, a shoe upper, one or more sensors connected to the shoe upper, and a controller. The sensors can determine an activity parameter associated with the shoe and communicate the activity parameter to the controller. The controller can transmit a parameter signal representative of the activity parameter to the computing device.

Description

ATHLETIC SHOE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to a shoe designed for use in athletic activities such as kickboxing and other martial arts.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Martial arts, kickboxing and other activities involve kicking, punching and other movements of the feet and/or hands. The speed of such movement, as well as the power with which the foot and/or hand is moved can directly impact the individual's success in the particular activity.

[0003] Athletes practicing boxing, karate, kick-boxing, and other strike-related techniques can utilize a number of striking apparatus for receiving impacts that typically comprise a padded member which in many cases simulates the density, shape, and/or weight of an opponent. One form of these sparring devices has conventionally been constructed as a bag having a cylindrical shape which contains a material, such as sawdust, sand, or other impact absorbing material. The cylindrical shape allows the bag to be struck from any side and these striking bags are generally supported either vertically from a ceiling, a ceiling and floor, a wall, or supported on a stand. Other sparring devices have been manufactured having a torso shape. While such striking bags allow an individual to practice a particular strike such as a kick, punch or other movement, the individual does not know the quality of the strike.

[0004] Therefore, what is needed is a shoe which is adapted for kicking activities, which provides feedback to the user related to the kicking activities. There is also a need that such shoes still provide adequate foot and ankle support to the wearer and be durable enough for everyday use. There is also a need that such a shoe permit the wearer as much flexibility as possible in the movement of the foot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shoe can comprise a sole; a shoe upper; one or more sensors connected to the shoe upper; and a controller, wherein the sensors determine an activity parameter associated with the shoe and communicate the activity parameter to the controller, and wherein the controller transmits a parameter signal representative of the activity parameter to a remote computing device. [0006] According to another exemplary embodiment, a monitoring system can include a shoe; and a computing device remote from the shoe, wherein the shoe comprises a sole, a shoe upper, one or more sensors connected to the shoe upper, and a controller, wherein the sensors determine an activity parameter associated with the shoe and communicate the activity parameter to the controller, and wherein the controller transmits a parameter signal representative of the activity parameter to the computing device.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of monitoring a user's activity can include sensing an activity parameter associated with footwear of the user, wherein the activity parameter is at least one of a location of the footwear, a force applied to the footwear, and a speed associated with the footwear; and transmitting a parameter signal representative of the activity parameter to a remote computing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe according to an exemplary embodiment with a flap shown in an open position.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 1 with the flap in a closed position.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe in Fig. 1.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a feedback system that can utilize the shoe of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention is directed to an athletic shoe, such as, but not limited to, a kicking boot, that provides feedback to the wearer of the shoe while preferably maintaining stability and protection to the ankles and foot of the wearer. The shoe can be used for any activity which requires protection of the foot and ankles, such as athletic events.

The arrangements of shoes described herein disclose training or sparring shoes for sports such as a boxing or kickboxing, but this is a mere example of one of many possible applications for the invention and other activities, such as soccer, are contemplated for using the shoe.

[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a shoe according to one exemplary embodiment is shown and generally represented by reference numeral 60. The shoe 60 can include one or more sensors 10. The particular number and configuration of the sensors 10 can vary. For instance, a first plurality of sensors 10 (e.g., four sensors) can be arranged along a flap 74 of the shoe 60 while a second plurality of sensors (e.g., eight sensors) can be arranged along the side of the shoe including the in-step of the shoe. In one embodiment, the sensors can be embedded in or otherwise connected to the material that forms the flap 74 and sidewalls of the shoe 60. The present disclosure contemplates the sensors 10 being positioned on other portions of the shoe 60, including along the shoe laces.

[0015] In another embodiment, the sensors 10 can be of varying types. For instance, one or more of the sensors 10 can be movement sensors that can be used for tracking a speed, acceleration and/or position of the sensor during kicking or other movement of the shoe 60. In another embodiment, one or more of the sensors 10 can be pressure sensors that determine a force of impact, such as when the flap 74 or in-step of the shoe 60 comes in contact with another structure, such as a sparring device or sparring partner. In one embodiment, the sensors 10 can be removably connected to the shoe 60. For instance, an opening or groove can be provided in the flap 74 or sidewall of the shoe 60 so that the sensors can be positioned therein and operably coupled to other monitoring electronics in the shoe 60 as will be described again later. The removability of the sensors 10 in such an embodiment allows for replacing of any damaged sensors, as well as reconfiguring the monitoring of the activity, such as by replacing pressure sensors with more sensitive pressure sensors that can detect lower impact kicking. The particular type of sensor can be chosen based on the type of parameter to be sensed, such as a piezo-electric device for sensing pressure, acceleration, strain, force and so forth.

[0016] In another embodiment, the sensors 10, whether removable or affixed to the shoe 60, can be provided with structure for protecting the sensors against damage. For example, air or fluid bladders or other cushioning material can be positioned with respect to one or more of the sensors 10 to reduce or eliminate damage during kicking of a sparring device. The particular type of material or protection device, as well as the configuration of the device can vary and can be dependent on a number of factors, such as the type of the sensor and/or the position of the sensor with respect to the shoe 60. For instance, speed and/or positioning sensors can be embedded in the shoe 60 and surrounded or substantially surrounded by a bladder or other cushioning material, including closed-cell foam material. As another example, pressure sensors can be left partially exposed or can be positioned in proximity to a surface of the shoe 64 so that the sensor can detect the force of impact but can be otherwise protected from damage.

[0017] In one embodiment, the sensors 10 can be connected to a controller 20 via a coupling or wiring 15. The particular type of wiring and/or its configuration can vary depending on a number of factors including the number of sensors and the configuration of those sensors 10. For example, the sensors 10 can be interconnected such as in a mesh-type network so as to allow for communication between each of the sensors and the controller 20.

[0018] The controller 20 can be positioned in the heel of the shoe 60, although other positions are also contemplated. In one embodiment, the controller 20 can be embedded in the heel of the shoe 60 and the heel can be removable to provide access to the controller 20. For example, the heel can be removed to expose the controller for charging of a battery of the controller and/or for downloading stored data. In one embodiment, the heel can be removable and insertable into a station for charging of the controller 20 and/or retrieval of data from the controller. However, the present disclosure also contemplates the heel of the shoe 60 being non-removable.

[0019] In one embodiment, the controller 20 can receive signals from the sensors 10 that are representative of sensed conditions or other data. For example, the controller 20 can include a memory device that receives the sensed data or other information and stores it for retrieval by the user through use of an output, such as USB port 25. In another embodiment, the controller 20 can include a wireless transmitter for wirelessly providing the sensed information to a remote computing device (e.g., a PDA or desktop computer) as will be described again later. The exemplary embodiment shows the USB port 25 accessible from outside of the shoe 60, although the present disclosure contemplates other positioning of the USB port such as being accessible from inside of the shoe.

[0020] In one embodiment, the controller 20 can include a wireless receiver (such as a wireless transceiver for both transmitting and receiving information). The controller receiver can be provided with information associated with the monitoring of the shoe 60. For example, the controller 20 can be provided with information for adjusting of the sensors and/or adjusting of the sensed information. For instance, the sensors 10 can be adjustable pressure sensors where the sensitivity can be modified based upon biometric data associated with the user of the shoe 60, such as the user's height, weight and so forth. By adjusting the sensors 10 via information received by the controller receiver, a more accurate monitoring of the activity can be accomplished. In another embodiment, the controller 20 can receive information via the USB port 25, including user information for adjustment of the sensors 10 or adjustment of the sensed data.

[0021] In one embodiment, the controller 20 can include a processor for analyzing raw data received from the sensors 10 and translating the data into a desired format, such as data that can be displayed by a monitor. In another embodiment, the port 25 or another port can be provided for recharging the controller 20 and/or the sensors 10. For instance, a single port can be provided that is operably connected to the controller 20 for recharging a battery of the controller and/or the sensors 10, as well as receiving and/or transmitting data between the controller and a remote device.

[0022] In one embodiment, one or more of the sensors 10 can be self-contained devices. For example, the sensors 10 can have their own power supply (e.g., a lithium or ni-cad battery) rather than relying upon another power source, such as a battery of the controller 20. In another embodiment, one or more of the sensors 10 can have wireless transmitters and/or transceivers for communicating with a remote device. For instance, the self-contained sensors 10 of such an embodiment, can monitor the activity, including force of impact, speed of kick and/or location of sensor, and can transmit the monitored data to a remote device (e.g., a PDA, desktop computer, IPOD, and so forth) so that the user can review the data for feedback as to his or her activities.

[0023] In one embodiment, the sensors 10 and/or the controller 20 can be connected to a removable sock or insole. For example, the removable sock or insole can be utilized in various types of shoes, such as kickboxing shoes, running shoes, soccer shoes, and so forth. In another embodiment, the removable sock or insole can have removable sensors 10 so that the monitoring can be adjusted, such as adding pressure sensors when the activity is kickboxing and adding location sensors when the activity is sprinting. In one embodiment, the removable sock or insole can be charged and/or coupled to a remote computing device for data transfer when the sock or insole is removed from the shoe 60. [0024] Referring additionally to FIG. 4, a system 400 is shown that can be utilized with the shoe 60. The system 400 can include a computing device 450 and a monitor 475. The computing device can be placed in communication with the shoe 60 via a cable 410, although wireless communication can also be used. In one embodiment, data stored by the controller 20 can be transferred to the computing device 450 and displayed by the monitor 475. The type of data can vary and can be based on the type of sensors being utilized. For instance, the data can include speed of a kick, number of kicks, force of impact of the kick, duration of shoe on the sparring device during impact, calorie count for workout, duration of workout, and/or path of kick. As an example, location sensors, pressure sensors and speed sensors can be utilized for providing data to the computing device 450 so that the path of the shoe 60 can be tracked and displayed, a force of impact of the kick can be measured and the speed of the kick can be displayed. The user can then review this information to improve or otherwise modify his activities. In one embodiment, the sensors 10 can retrieve data to show a percentage of flexibility of the user and also depict progression of the extension of the kick. In another embodiment, the location sensors coupled to the shoe 60 can be utilized in combination with devices remote from the shoe to determine the shoe location and thus the path of the kick, such as through various techniques including triangulation, strength of signal, and so forth.

[0025] In one embodiment, the computing device can compare the data to predicted data based on biometrics associated with the user, such as height, weight, age, gender and so forth. The biometrics can be input into the computing device 450 and/or the controller 20 of the shoe 60. In another embodiment, the path of the shoe 60 during the kick can be shown on the display 475 while showing a desired path so that the user can evaluate his or her kick. In another embodiment, goals can be determined based upon the monitored activity, such as a desired force of impact or desired speed of kick. Other information associated with the monitored activity can also be displayed, such as a forecast of the intensity of the workout, a prediction of damage to an opponent, and so forth. While the exemplary embodiment shows a desktop computer 450, the present disclosure contemplates the use of various types of computing devices, including PDA's and so forth.

[0026] The shoe 60 can also provide direct feedback to a user during the activity. For example, the sensors 10 can emit light, such as through use of an LED or other light source, when a goal is achieved. For instance, the sensors 10 can emit light at the time of impact. In another example, the sensors 10 can emit the light at the time of impact when a particular speed, force and/or location is achieved. In one embodiment, the criteria for emitting the light can be adjusted in order to create a goal for the user. In another embodiment, the sensors 10 can emit light only when the proper strike zone is utilized, such as the in-step of the shoe 60. In one embodiment, only selected sensors 10 emit light upon impact. For instance, only those sensors 10 that make contact with the sparring device emit the light so that the user can determine which part of his or her shoe 60 has struck the sparring device.

[0027] In one embodiment, the sensors 10 can vibrate, such as upon a desired impact, including speed, force and/or location. In another embodiment, the shoe 60 can be utilized as part of an entertainment system, such as track and field games or any other physically involved electronic game for computer or TV, including kickboxing or other activity involving movement of the feet. In such an embodiment, the sensors 10 can include location sensors so that the position of the shoe can be determined, such as for displaying a representation of the user and his or her position on the display device 475 in real-time or near real-time.

[0028] In another embodiment, the shoe 60 can have portions that are transparent to show the various components that are positioned in the flap or soles of the shoes. In one embodiment, the sensors 10 can light up on the toe box area and/or on the in-step on impact.

[0029] The present disclosure also contemplates the use of shoe 60 for various other types of activities. For instance, the sensors 10 can be used for GPS and Navigation for hiking, including tracking location and speed of a hiker.

[0030] The present disclosure also contemplates the shoe 60 being various types of footwear. For example, the sensors 10 can be used on a kicking sandal and any open toe kicking shoe or anything which is placed on the foot for kicking or even running.

[0031] In another embodiment, the sensors 10 can glow in the dark in spots where they are placed. In one embodiment, music can be hardwired into or otherwise communicated to the sensors 10 to speed up the intensity of workout. For instance, the controller 20 can utilize data from the sensors to play music either locally or remotely, such as at the computing device 450 via a wireless signal. Changes to the workout, including force of impact or speed, can then be utilized for adjusting the music. In another embodiment, the controller 20 can emit music based on the workout as monitored by the sensors 10. [0032] In one embodiment, the shoe 60 can weighted with sensor and kicking technology. In another embodiment, the shoe 60 can be programmed based on users preferences, such as bag work, sparring, Kata, cycling and so forth. Various data can be tracked using the sensors 10, such as tracking miles, calories, body weight and so forth. For example, during long rides which burn up thousands of calories, the sensors 10 can vibrate when body needs refueling.

[0033] In another embodiment, shoe 60 can be used for monitoring the location of children. In one embodiment, the sensors 10 can be utilized for determining jumping. The present disclosure also contemplates the shoes being utilized for sensing data associated with movement of the wearer that may not involve kicking. For instance, during BMX biking the velocity, distance and height of jumps can be monitored.

[0034] In another embodiment, the sensors 10 and controller 20 can be utilized with roller skates, roller blades, ice skates, skis or other foot wear and the particular activity can be monitored as described above.

[0035] The shoe 60 can be formed of materials which are lightweight yet still strong and durable. The shoe 60 can include a sole 64 adjoined to a shoe upper 62. In the illustrated arrangement, the sole 64 can be a split sole including a forefoot sole 64a and rearfoot sole 64b. However, a single sole or other numbers of soles is also contemplated by the present disclosure. The shoe upper 62 can be made from any conventional material or combination of materials such as leather, synthetic leather, and/or plastic. In one embodiment, a separate shin pad (not shown) may be attachable to the shoe 60. In another embodiment, an upper edge 66 of the shoe upper 62 can form a collar into which a foot can be inserted.

[0036] In the various arrangements, the shoe upper 62 can extend at least to just below the ankle of the wearer; however, the invention is not limited in that regard. For example, the shoe upper 62 can extend significantly beyond the ankle of the wearer to cover all or a portion of the shin, or not extend to the ankle of the wearer. However, in various arrangements, it is not necessary that the shoe upper 62 be symmetric about the foot, ankle or lower leg, rather the shoe upper 62 may only be extended to those areas of the foot, ankle, or lower leg needing protection. Such arrangements can result in a lighter, more flexible shoe. For example, the shoe upper can include a single, generally triangular, rounded, ankle padding structure 75 extending from the collar on the inner side the shoe upper 60, designed to provide protection for the medial malleolus portion of the ankle of the wearer on the inner side of the shoe 60. In such embodiments, no corresponding ankle padding structure to protect the lateral malleous portion of the ankle of the wearer is necessary.

[0037] In one embodiment, a portion of the edge of the forefoot sole 64a and the rearfoot sole 64b can be chamfered to provide a continuous arcuate edge at the point where the forefoot sole 64a and the rearfoot sole 64b are joined to the shoe upper 62. The shoe 60 can have chamfered edges at the front toe and rear heel portions of the shoe 60. The forefoot sole 64a and the rearfoot sole 64b can be attached to the shoe upper 62 by any means known in the art, such as gluing, stitching, or heat sealing. The shoe upper 62 can be formed using a Strobel construction, and the forefoot sole 64a and the rearfoot sole 64b can then be attached to the shoe upper 62. The Strobel construction involves stitching the shoe upper 62 to a flexible sole liner. In the Strobel construction, an insole board or other reinforcing material is absent from the shoe upper 62. The forefoot sole 64a and the rearfoot sole 64b may then be attached to the flexible lining and the shoe upper 62 by cementing, gluing, bonding or any other suitable means. This allows the sole to be flexible, which is desirable in the martial arts. Further, the shoe upper 62 can fit within a lip formed by the forefoot sole 64a and the rearfoot sole 64b so that there is a reduced chance for the upper to tear away from the sole in use. The forefoot sole 64a and the rearfoot sole 64b can be formed of low density foam made of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) resin with a durometer between 0.20 and 0.23. The sole can thus have resiliency to the touch, and can absorb some of the force of an impact.

[0038] In the various arrangements, the shoe upper 62 can include padding material 68 disposed therein. For example, the padding material 68 can be any suitable material, for example, foam rubber, cotton, open-cell foam or closed-cell foam. The padding material 68 can have a high degree of resiliency and excellent shock absorption properties. In some arrangements, the padding material 68 can be a closed-cell Minicel^® product manufactured by the Voltek Division of the Sekisui America Corporation.

[0039] In the various arrangements, the padding material 68 can be located throughout the shoe upper 62 or only in certain areas of the shoe upper 62. Furthermore, the padding material 68 can have an increased thickness or density on those points of the shoe upper 62 which cover portions of the foot that are more likely to be injured during athletic activities involving kicking, such as kickboxing and martial arts. Therefore, the padding material 68 may have an increased thickness or density at the portion of the shoe upper 62 that covers the forward dorsal region of the foot, the top of the foot, the posterior aspect of the heel, the left and right forward lateral aspects of the foot, and/or the ankle portion. For example, because there is a natural tendency to kick with the inner side of the foot, more padding or thicker padding may be placed on the inner side of the shoe.

[0040] In the various arrangements, the shoe 60 can also include a padded tongue 72 and an outer protective flap 74. Both the padded tongue 72 and outer protective flap 74 can include padding material 68. The padded tongue 72 and the outer protective flap 74 can have padding material 68. In some arrangements, the padded tongue 72 can have a greater amount of padding material 68 than the outer protective flap 74. In other arrangements, the outer protective flap 74 may have only a minimal thickness of foam padding, such as 0.125 inch. In other arrangements, the padded tongue 72 could be padded with closed-cell foam, and the outer protective flap could be padded with either closed-cell or open-cell foam. In other arrangements, either the padded tongue 72 or the outer protective flap 74, or both, can extend above the upper edges 66 of shoe upper 62. Extending the padded tongue 72 or the outer protective flap 74 above the shoe upper 62 can advantageously provide protective padding for the lower leg of the wearer. A lace 88 can be inserted through loops of the shoe 60 while

[0041] The present disclosure contemplates various structures and techniques being used to provide a hinge along flexible joint including decreasing the thickness of continuous padding material 68 along the flexible joint region. The amount of the decreased thickness of the padding material 68 along the region of flexible joint can be chosen based upon various factors, including the amount of mobility that the flexible joint is to allow. The use of such a joint may be advantageous to provide a more secure and comfortable fit, especially in embodiments where the padded tongue 72 is extended to cover at least a portion of the lower leg.

[0042] In one embodiment, the padded tongue 72 can be attached to the shoe upper 62 and can extend over substantially past the top of the foot to the ankle of a wearer. The shoe upper 62 can include oppositely disposed free edges 78 to a vamp throat in the upper 62. The free edges 78 can be positioned between the padded tongue 72 and the outer protective flap 74, and extend over the padded tongue 72. The outer protective flap 74 can extend widthwise across the shoe. The outer protective flap 74 can be attached to the shoe upper 62 at the medial side of the shoe. That is, on the left shoe, the outer protective flap 74 can be attached to the shoe upper 62 at the right side of the shoe, and on the right shoe, the outer protective flap 74 can be attached to the shoe upper 62 at the left side of the shoe 60.

[0043] In other arrangements, the outer protective flap 74 can extend lengthwise across the shoe 60. In such arrangements, the outer protective flap 74 can be attached to the shoe upper 62 at the bottom of the vamp throat of the shoe 60.

[0044] The shoe 60 can also includes an engagement structure to secure the outer protective flap 74 to the shoe upper 62. The engagement structure can be formed of synthetic material portions 80 and 82 which adhere when pressed together, for example, the engagement structure may be formed by a hook and loop type fastener such as Velcro^®. The material portions can be affixed to the back surface 74b of outer protective flap 74 and at least one of an area proximate to one of the opposing edges 78 of the shoe upper 62. The fastening material portion 80 can be attached to the shoe upper 62 proximate to one of the opposing edges 78 so as to be in general alignment with fastening material portion 82 when the outer protective flap 74 is pulled widthwise across the shoe. The fastening material portions 80 and 82 can be attached by any suitable method, such as stitching or adhesives, and can be arranged in any suitable configuration. Any suitable method, or combination of methods, can be used to secure the outer protective flap 74 to prevent movement of the outer protective flap 74 relative to the shoe upper 62 while the shoe 60 is being worn by the wearer.

[0045] In addition to the monitoring capability of the shoe 60, the various arrangements described provide advantages to the wearer when the wearer is engaged in activities which involve kicking, as the shoe 60 can have a limited number of protruding exterior features or sharp edges that could possibly injure an opponent. The padded tongue portion 72 provides protection to the top of the wearer's foot when this area is impacted, such as by kicking a bag or an opponent. The outer padded tongue portion 74 advantageously protects an opponent from impact with fastening structure, such as a knotted lace 81. The ankle padding structure 75 advantageous protects both the opponent and the wearer. The wearer's ankle is protected from harm caused by impacts during normal kicks and the opponent is protected from harm caused by the bone of the wearer's ankle, particularly the medial malleolus.

[0046] The invention, including the steps of the methodologies described above, can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can be realized in a centralized fashion in one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein.

[0047] The invention, including the steps of the methodologies described above, can be embedded in a computer program product. The computer program product can comprise a computer-readable storage medium in which is embedded a computer program comprising computer-executable code for directing a computing device or computer-based system to perform the various procedures, processes and methods described herein. Computer program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0049] It should be understood that the examples and arrangements described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be obvious to persons skilled in the art, and that such modifications or changes are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application. Moreover, the invention can take other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A shoe, comprising: a sole; a shoe upper; one or more sensors connected to the shoe upper; and a controller, wherein the sensors determine an activity parameter associated with the shoe and communicate the activity parameter to the controller, and wherein the controller transmits a parameter signal representative of the activity parameter to a remote computing device.

2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a pressure sensor, and wherein the activity parameter is a force of impact associated with the shoe.

3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a transmitter for wirelessly communicating the signal to the remote computing device.

4. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a transceiver for communicating the signal to the remote computing device and for receiving an input signal.

5. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the controller adjusts at least a portion of the sensors based on the input signal.

6. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the activity parameter comprises a speed associated with the shoe.

7. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the activity parameter comprises a location associated with the shoe.

8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the sensors comprise pressure sensors and speed sensors.

9. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising a heel, wherein the heel is removable from the shoe and has the controller operably connected thereto

10. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising an input port in communication with the controller.

11. The shoe of claim 10, wherein the input port provides for transfer of data and charging of a power supply of the controller.

12. The shoe of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the one or more sensors emit light.

13. A monitoring system, comprising: a shoe; and a computing device remote from the shoe, wherein the shoe comprises a sole, a shoe upper, one or more sensors connected to the shoe upper, and a controller, wherein the sensors determine an activity parameter associated with the shoe and communicate the activity parameter to the controller, and wherein the controller transmits a parameter signal representative of the activity parameter to the computing device.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a pressure sensor, and wherein the activity parameter is a force of impact associated with the shoe.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller comprises a transmitter for wirelessly communicating the signal to the computing device.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller comprises a transceiver for communicating the signal to the computing device and for receiving an input signal.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the activity parameter comprises a speed associated with the shoe and a location associated with the shoe.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the computing device displays at least one of a speed associated with the shoe and a location associated with the shoe.

19. A method of monitoring a user's activity, the method comprising: sensing an activity parameter associated with footwear of the user, wherein the activity parameter is at least one of a location of the footwear, a force applied to the footwear, and a speed associated with the footwear; and transmitting a parameter signal representative of the activity parameter to a remote computing device.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising embedding one or more sensors in at least one of a flap and an in-step of the footwear to sense the activity parameter.