Means to track the cumulative compressions imparted to a shoe

摘要

A device, inserted in a running shoe is used to track the accumulation of destructive compression cycles within the shoe and to indicate this information to the user through a series of integrated indicators. The device has an advantage of being able to be placed in any shoe without compromising the construction or performance of the shoe. An additional advantage of the invention is the improved accuracy of the information by improving both the stability and longevity of the sensor system and the ability to distinguish destructive, partially destructive and nondestructive compressions. Another advantage of the invention is the reduction of the cost of construction while achieving a lifetime in excess of the shoe. Yet another advantage of the invention is the user interface, which is contained completely within the device allowing the user to view the information within the shoe.

主权项

1. A device for indicating shoe wear for use with a running shoe, comprising:
a flexible electrical substrate with two electrically interconnected areas, a first of the electrically interconnected areas that is highly compressible and a second electrically interconnected area; a upper enclosing layer; and a lower enclosing layer;wherein the first highly compressible area is compressible predominantly in a direction perpendicular to its surface and comprises an electromechanical switch to convert a compression of the highly compressible area, caused from use of the device, into an electrical pulse and wherein the highly compressible area returns to its original shape between compressive uses; andwherein the second area receives the electrical pulse from the first area and comprises:
a processing unit executing a pulse analysis method to analyze characteristics of the electrical pulse and augment a cumulative destructive value accordingly, and executing a comparative indication method which compares the cumulative destructive value to a shoe wear reference value and determines an indication of the shoe wear, and a visual indicator to display the indication of shoe wear.