Lace adjuster assembly including a feedback assembly for use in visualizing and measuring athletic performance - Patent Application 20070122999

Abstract

A lace adjuster system for selectively adjusting shoelaces (12) of a user's shoes (10A, 10B) includes a first lace adjuster assembly (13) for use with a first shoe (10A) and a second lace adjuster assembly (13) for use with a second shoe (10B). Each lace adjuster assembly (13) includes (i) a lace adjuster (14) and (ii) a feedback assembly (15) mechanically coupled to the lace adjuster (14), the feedback assembly (15) selectively measuring statistical data of the user during athletic performance, the feedback assembly (15) including a sensor assembly (216) and a controller (360), the sensor assembly (216) sensing performance characteristics of the user during athletic performance, the controller (360) receiving the performance characteristics and generating statistical data points based at least in part on the performance characteristics. The statistical data points can be combined to generate combined statistical data points with increased accuracy.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lace adjuster system adapted to selectively adjust a first lace of a first shoe of a user and selectively adjust a second lace of a second shoe of the user. [Background technology]

[0002] Many athletes, whether professional or amateur, serious or casual, are highly interested in visualizing, quantifying, and / or improving their athletic performance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is therefore desirable to provide a device that allows such athletes to effectively visualize and / or evaluate various aspects of their athletic performance through the generation of performance metrics and statistical data that can then be used to view a unique perspective of their athletic performance and / or as a means to improve their athletic performance over time.

[0004] Additionally, shoe laces often need to be adjusted, tightened, and untied (or loosened). Furthermore, it is desirable for shoe wearers to prevent shoe laces from becoming a potential tripping hazard. This may be particularly true for athletes during athletic performance, as issues with shoe laces that are untied, too tight, or too loose, and / or present a tripping hazard can lead to suboptimal performance and / or injury. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to a lace adjuster system adapted to selectively adjust a first lace of a first shoe of a user and selectively adjust a second lace of a second shoe of the user. In various embodiments, the lace adjuster system includes a first lace adjuster assembly and a second lace adjuster assembly. The first lace adjuster assembly includes: (i) a first lace adjuster adapted to selectively adjust a first shoelace of a first shoe of a user; and (ii) a first feedback assembly mechanically coupled to the first lace adjuster, the first feedback assembly configured to selectively measure statistical data of the user during athletic performance; the first feedback assembly includes a first sensor assembly and a first controller, the first sensor assembly including a first performance sensor, the first performance sensor mechanically coupled to the first lace adjuster and configured to sense a first performance characteristic of the user during athletic performance; the first controller electrically coupled to the first performance sensor and including a first processor, the first controller receiving the first performance characteristic from the first performance sensor and generating a first statistical data point based at least in part on the first performance characteristic. The second lace adjuster assembly includes: (i) a second lace adjuster adapted to selectively adjust a second shoelace of a second shoe of a user; and (ii) a second feedback assembly mechanically coupled to the second lace adjuster, the second feedback assembly configured to selectively measure statistical data of the user during athletic performance; the second feedback assembly includes a second sensor assembly and a second controller, the second sensor assembly including a second performance sensor, the second performance sensor mechanically coupled to the second lace adjuster and configured to sense a second performance characteristic of the user during athletic performance; the second controller electrically coupled to the second performance sensor and including a second processor, the second controller receiving the second performance characteristic from the second performance sensor and generating second statistical data points based at least in part on the second performance characteristic.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first controller is the same as the second controller.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the first controller and the second controller are each in a remote device.

[0008] In many embodiments, the first statistical data point and the second statistical data point are combined by one of the first controller and the second controller to generate a combined statistical data point with enhanced accuracy compared to the first statistical data point and the second statistical data point.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the first feedback assembly further includes a first storage device that stores the combined statistical data points.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first storage device is mechanically coupled to the lace adjuster, and the first sensor assembly further includes a first transmitter for transmitting the combined statistical data points from the first storage device to a remote device.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the first transmitter transmits the combined statistical data points from the first storage device to the remote device over a wireless connection, while in other embodiments, the first transmitter transmits the combined statistical data points from the first storage device to the remote device over a wired connection.

[0012] In various embodiments, the first storage device is located in a remote device.

[0013] In many embodiments, the first performance sensor senses one or more of the user's horizontal, vertical, and angular movement during an athletic performance.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first performance sensor is one of a two-axis accelerometer, a three-axis accelerometer, and a three-axis gyrometer.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the first performance sensor includes a first magnetometer that measures the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field at a location in space relative to the user's position during an athletic performance.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second performance sensor senses one or more of horizontal, vertical, and angular movement of the user during athletic performance.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the second performance sensor is one of a two-axis accelerometer, a three-axis accelerometer, and a three-axis gyrometer.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second performance sensor includes a second magnetometer that measures the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field at a location in space relative to the user's position during an athletic performance.

[0019] In many embodiments, the first feedback assembly further includes a first image capture assembly that captures a first image of the user during an athletic performance.

[0020] In various embodiments, the second feedback assembly further includes a second image capture assembly that captures a second image of the user during athletic performance.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the first image capture assembly includes a first optical assembly and a first capture system, the first optical assembly focusing light onto the first capture system so that the first capture system can capture a first image of the user.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first image of the user is one of a still image and a video image.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the first sensor assembly further includes a first location sensor for providing precise location information of the user, the location information from the first location sensor being wirelessly transmitted to a remote device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second sensor assembly further includes a second location sensor for providing precise location information of the user, the location information from the second location sensor being wirelessly transmitted to a remote device.

[0025] In many embodiments, the first lace adjuster includes: (i) a body assembly having a first body member and a second body member coupled to the first body member, the body assembly defining a cavity; and (ii) a lace end retainer connected to the body assembly and configured to selectively retain at least a portion of the lace, the lace adjuster being selectively movable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, wherein when the lace adjuster is in the unlocked configuration, the lace is adjustable relative to the lace adjuster, and when the lace adjuster is in the locked configuration, the lace is elastically held by the lace adjuster and prevented from adjusting relative to the lace adjuster, and the first performance sensor is disposed within the cavity.

[0026] The present invention further relates to a lace adjuster system adapted to selectively adjust a first lace of a first shoe of a user, the lace adjuster system including a first lace adjuster assembly including: (i) a first lace adjuster adapted to selectively adjust a first lace of a first shoe of the user; and (ii) a first feedback assembly mechanically coupled to the first lace adjuster, the first feedback assembly configured to selectively measure statistical data of the user during an athletic performance, the first feedback assembly including a first sensor assembly and a first controller, the first sensor assembly including a first performance sensor, the first performance sensor mechanically coupled to the first lace adjuster and configured to sense a first performance characteristic of the user during the athletic performance, the first controller electrically coupled to the first performance sensor and including a first processor, the first controller receiving the first performance characteristic from the first performance sensor and generating a first statistical data point based at least in part on the first performance characteristic.

[0027] This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or comprehensive treatment of the present subject matter. For further details, see the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part of it and the drawings, each of which should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of the present specification is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[0028] The novel construction of this invention, and the invention itself, both as to its structure and operation, will best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which like numerals refer to like parts, and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pair of shoes, each shoe including a shoe body and shoe laces, and an embodiment of a lace adjuster assembly having a configuration of the present invention that can be selectively coupled to each lace of the shoes, the lace adjuster assembly including a lace adjuster and a feedback assembly including a sensor assembly and an image capture assembly, the feedback assembly being mechanically coupled to the lace adjuster. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the lace adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 1, with the lace adjuster shown in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of a portion of a shoelace and the lace adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A, with the lace adjuster shown in a locked configuration. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A, with the strap adjuster again shown in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A, with the strap adjuster again shown in a locked configuration. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2B is a top view of the strap adjuster shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F is a cutaway view of the strap adjuster assembly taken at line FF of FIG. 2E, with the strap adjuster shown in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the lace adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A, with the lace adjuster shown in a locked configuration. [Figure 2H] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2I] FIG. 2B is another front perspective view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2J] FIG. 2B is yet another front perspective view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2K] FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2L] FIG. 2B is another rear perspective view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2M] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2N] FIG. 2B is another bottom view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2O] FIG. 2B is a side view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2P] FIG. 2B is a front view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2Q] FIG. 2B is another side view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2R] FIG. 2B is a rear view of the strap adjuster assembly shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of a sensor assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of an image capture assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a simplified top view of a playground available to users of the lacing adjuster.

[0030] While embodiments of the present invention are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example and drawings and are described in detail herein. It is understood, however, that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pair of shoes (i.e., a first shoe 10A and a second shoe 10B), each shoe 10A, 10B including a shoe body 11 and a shoelace 12 coupled to the shoe body 11, and an embodiment of a lace adjuster assembly 13 having a configuration of the present invention that can be selectively coupled to each of the shoelaces 12 of the shoes 10A, 10B. In various embodiments, the lace adjuster assembly 13 includes a lace adjuster 14 and a feedback assembly 15, which includes one or more sensor assemblies 216 (e.g., more clearly shown in FIG. 2F ) and an image capture assembly 17 (also referred to herein simply as an “image assembly”) mechanically coupled to the lace adjuster 14. Alternatively, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the lace adjuster assembly 13 and / or the feedback assembly 15 may be designed without the sensor assembly 216 and / or the image assembly 17.

[0032] The shoes 10A, 10B, including the shoe body 11 and the shoelaces 12, can have any suitable design, shape, and / or size to meet the specific needs and requirements of a user. As shown in FIG. 1, the shoes 10A, 10B can be athletic shoes that can be used by a user for running, walking, various athletic performances, or other selected activities. Alternatively, the shoes 10A, 10B can be other types of shoes. As shown in FIG. 1, the shoelaces 12 include a first lace end 18 having a first end tip 18A and an opposite second lace end 19 having a second end tip 19A.

[0033] Generally, feedback assembly 15 is uniquely configured to provide statistical data (via sensor assembly 216) and images (via imaging assembly 17) to an athlete (sometimes referred to generally herein as a “user”) using lace adjuster assembly 13 and / or feedback assembly 15. In certain implementations, a separate lace adjuster assembly 13, and therefore a separate feedback assembly 15, is available to the user for each of shoes 10A, 10B. More specifically, in such implementations, a user may have and utilize (i) a first lace adjuster assembly 13 coupled to a first lace 12 of a first shoe 10A and including a first lace adjuster 14 and a first feedback assembly 15 mechanically coupled to the first lace adjuster 14, and (ii) a second lace adjuster assembly 13 coupled to a second lace 12 of a second shoe 10B and including a second lace adjuster 14 and a second feedback assembly 15 mechanically coupled to the second lace adjuster 14. In such implementations, the first lace adjuster assembly 13 and the second lace adjuster assembly 13 may be collectively referred to as a "lace adjuster system," and the first feedback assembly 15 and the second feedback assembly 15 are collectively referred to as a "feedback system."

[0034] It will be appreciated that in such an embodiment including two separate lace adjuster assemblies 13 and two separate feedback assemblies 15, the first shoe 10A and the second shoe 10B may be substantially identical except that one shoe is the right shoe and the other shoe is the corresponding left shoe.

[0035] It will further be understood that the individual lace adjuster assemblies 13 and / or individual feedback assemblies 15 are typically identical to one another but are simply attached to different shoes 10A, 10B, such as a first (right) shoe 10A and a second (left) shoe 10B. Alternatively, the lace adjuster assemblies 13 and / or feedback assemblies 15 for each shoe 10A, 10B can differ from one another in any desired manner.

[0036] As described herein, it will be appreciated that the sensor assembly 216 can provide different, enhanced, and more accurate statistical data to a user if the user has a separate lace adjuster assembly 13 coupled to the laces 12 of each of the two shoes 10A, 10B, and therefore a separate sensor assembly 216. The image assembly 17 can also provide additional, potentially unique images to a user if the user has a separate lace adjuster assembly 13 coupled to the laces 12 of each of the two shoes 10A, 10B.

[0037] In various embodiments, the sensor assembly 216 can be uniquely designed to provide an athlete using the sensor assembly 216 in conjunction with the lace adjuster 14 with sensed performance characteristics from which generated statistical data can be obtained that allows the athlete to effectively evaluate various aspects of athletic performance and / or evaluate biomechanical behavior for injury prevention. In different embodiments, the sensor assembly 216 can include one or more performance sensors 216P (illustrated in FIG. 2F ) to provide sensed performance characteristics that can be used to derive statistical data regarding the athlete's generally horizontal movement, the athlete's generally vertical movement, the athlete's angular and / or rotational movement, and / or the athlete's expenditure of energy, strength, and force during performance of an athletic activity. For example, in certain embodiments, sensor assembly 216 and / or performance sensor 216P may provide an athlete with sensed performance characteristics that can be used to derive statistical data regarding the number of steps, total distance traveled, distance traveled per step (e.g., stride length), stride duration, ground contact (foot strike) duration and pattern, foot acceleration and foot angle during a stride (gait tracking including foot strike angle), movement speed, horizontal bursts (e.g., rapid acceleration from average speed), number of jumps, jump height, jump duration, vertical bursts (e.g., take-off speed or acceleration of a jump), number of accelerations (associated with horizontal and / or vertical bursts), the athlete's angular, twisting, or rotational movement (and / or the rate of such movement), energy expended during athletic performance (e.g., in kcal), and / or force expended during athletic performance (e.g., in psi, kpi, or other force measurements). In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 216 and / or performance sensor 216P may also provide the athlete with sensed performance characteristics that can be used to derive mean, minimum, and maximum values ​​of significant statistical data points generated during the performance of an athletic activity.In many embodiments, sensor assembly 216 and / or performance sensor 216P may further provide the athlete with sensed performance characteristics that can be used to derive other desired statistical data. It is understood that the terms "athletic performance" and "athletic activity" are used interchangeably herein.

[0038] In certain implementations, such as when a user has a separate feedback assembly 15 attached to each shoe 10A, 10B, the feedback assembly 15 can better achieve "true" gait tracking (compared to extrapolating using only one foot). Therefore, using a separate feedback assembly 15 for each foot can significantly improve accuracy associated with the various statistical data points described above. Using a separate feedback assembly 15 for each shoe 10A, 10B can also improve tracking of gait imbalances, which are linked to proper biomechanical assessment. For example, due to injury and / or fatigue, an athlete may use one foot differently, leading to joint / muscle stress. Using a separate feedback assembly 15 for each shoe 10A, 10B allows for enhanced tracking of such imbalances with much greater accuracy.

[0039] In various implementations, the statistical data provided using the sensor assembly 216 can then be utilized by the athlete to evaluate various performance criteria. The performance criteria evaluated through athletic performance can then be used by the athlete to adjust their training program and schedule with the goal of ultimately improving athletic performance through concepts such as biomechanics, injury prevention, etc.

[0040] In certain embodiments or applications, the sensor assembly 216 may further include Bluetooth and / or GPS capabilities. For example, in such embodiments, the sensor assembly 216 may further include one or more location sensors 216L (shown in FIG. 2F ), such as a GPS sensor, to provide accurate and detailed location information available to an individual wearing the strap adjuster 14.

[0041] In some applications, the location sensor 216L can be utilized for navigation purposes so that an individual wearing the leash adjuster 14 always knows where they are and where they need to be to reach any desired destination. In such applications, the location sensor 216L can be utilized to prevent the wearer of the leash adjuster 14 from getting lost and / or to enable the wearer to follow a predetermined path, such as during adventure races and / or when exploring the wilderness.

[0042] In other applications, the location sensor 216L can provide a sense of security to someone, such as a parent or guardian, who is responsible for the care and / or monitoring of an individual wearing the leash adjuster 14. In such applications, location information from the location sensor 216L can be wirelessly transmitted to a remote receiver, allowing the parent or guardian to have accurate and detailed location information of the person wearing the leash adjuster at all times. Using such applications, the parent or guardian can help prevent the wearer from getting lost and / or discourage the wearer from going to undesirable or inappropriate locations.

[0043] It will be appreciated that in various embodiments, any information from the sensor assembly 216, including information from either the performance sensors 216P and / or the location sensors 216L, can be downloaded to a remote device 220 (shown in FIG. 2F) via a connector port 221 (shown in FIG. 2I), such as a USB port, or other suitable connection. As shown, the connector port 221 can be formed within and / or coupled to the adjuster body 22 of the lace adjuster 14. The connector port 221 is also electrically coupled to the sensor assembly 216 and / or the imaging assembly 17 of the feedback assembly 15. This ability to download desired performance characteristics from the sensor assembly 216 to the remote device 220 allows a user to view any relevant data generated during an athletic activity from either the performance sensors 216P and / or the location sensors 216L of the sensor assembly 216. For example, a user can download information generated using the location sensors 216L to the remote device 220 so that the user can accurately identify a particular route or path to be followed, for example, while walking, biking, etc.

[0044] Imaging assembly 17, for example, in conjunction with lacing device 14, may be uniquely designed and / or positioned to provide an athlete using imaging assembly 17 with a unique perspective from which the athlete can visualize and / or evaluate various aspects of their athletic performance. For example, in various embodiments, depending on the particular position and orientation of imaging assembly 17 in use, an athlete may be able to effectively capture, review, and analyze images (e.g., still images and / or video images) of themselves that show unique perspectives and angles of their athletic performance. Such a design may allow an athlete to gain unique insight into their athletic performance that cannot be obtained from remote placement of an imaging assembly.

[0045] For example, imaging assembly 17 can provide low-resolution or high-resolution images or video (and sound). The images or video can be transmitted via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB port in certain non-exclusive embodiments. In some embodiments, images or video can be transmitted for television broadcast during a performance or game. Imaging assembly 17 can be controlled by buttons on lace adjuster 14 or can be controlled remotely. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , imaging assembly 17 is mechanically coupled to and / or integrally fixed within lace adjuster 14. The images, video, and sound can be of the person wearing imaging assembly 17 and their surrounding environment.

[0046] In certain embodiments, imaging assembly 17 can be pointed in a generally upward or outward direction from shoe 10A, 10B to capture desired images or video. In some embodiments, the direction of where imaging assembly 17 is pointed can be controlled and / or adjusted by the user and / or remotely controlled by another individual. Alternatively, imaging assembly 17 can be pointed in another direction.

[0047] Additionally, it should be understood that, similar to sensor assembly 216, any information from imaging assembly 17 can also be downloaded to remote device 220 via connector port 221 or other suitable connection. Using such a design, a user can conveniently view any images from an athletic activity after the activity is completed.

[0048] In certain implementations, any data and information collected via feedback assembly 15, i.e., any data and information from sensor assembly 216 and / or imaging assembly 17, may be connected to a module for use in a team-based manner. More specifically, such data and information collected via feedback assembly 15 may be compiled together for multiple users or athletes as part of a team evaluation or analysis within such a module. In such implementations, users may be able to view live team-based data, which may be used for high-performance training and team sports.

[0049] In other implementations, any data and information collected via feedback assembly 15, i.e., any data and information from sensor assembly 216 and / or imaging assembly 17, may be integrated within a video game. For example, a user's movements during an athletic performance may be utilized and / or demonstrated through corresponding movements of a video game character during playback of the video game.

[0050] In various embodiments, the lace adjuster 14 can have any suitable design to allow a user to quickly and easily adjust, tighten, or loosen the laces 12 of the shoes 10A, 10B.

[0051] 1 , lace adjuster 14 can include an adjuster body 22 configured to be selectively coupled to lace 12 of shoe 10A, 10B and a lace end retainer 23 coupled to adjuster body 22. In certain embodiments, adjuster body 22 includes a first body member 24 and a second body member 25 that are movable between an unlocked configuration in which lace adjuster 14 can operatively receive first lace end 18 and / or second lace end 19 of lace 12 and a locked configuration in which lace adjuster 14 retains first lace end 18 and / or second lace end 19, securing lace adjuster 14 in place and / or inhibiting movement relative to lace 12. Alternatively, lace adjuster 14 can include more or fewer components than those specifically shown in FIG. 1 .

[0052] In many embodiments, lace adjuster 14 is configured to be selectively coupled to lace 12 when it is desired to quickly and easily adjust, tighten, and / or loosen lace 12 relative to shoe body 11. In some embodiments, lace end retainer 23 is configured to selectively receive and securely retain first lace end 18, e.g., at or near first end tip 18A, and / or second lace end 19, e.g., at or near second end tip 19A, to prevent lace 12 from becoming a potential tripping hazard for the user or wearer of shoe 10A, 10B. In certain embodiments, lace end retainer 23 is configured to receive and securely retain first lace end 18 and / or second lace end 19 between lace end retainer 23 and adjuster body 22. More specifically, in such embodiments, string end retainer 23 is configured to inhibit movement of first string end 18 and / or second string end 19 relative to string end retainer 23 and adjuster body 22 when held by string end retainer 23 through a force generated by applying contact pressure to surface 22A of adjuster body 22. In other words, in such embodiments, first string end 18 and / or second string end 19 are inhibited from movement relative to string end retainer 23 and adjuster body 22 when held by string end retainer 23 by effectively sandwiching first string end 18 and / or second string end 19 between string end retainer 23 and surface 22A of adjuster body 22.

[0053] As described herein, lace end retainer 23 may be coupled to adjuster body 22 in any suitable manner. For example, in one embodiment, lace end retainer 23 is fixedly coupled to adjuster body 22. Alternatively, in another embodiment, lace end retainer 23 is removably coupled to adjuster body 22.

[0054] In some embodiments, the lace end retainer 23 can be configured such that when the lace end retainer 23 is coupled to the adjuster body 22, the lace end retainer 23 extends partially around the adjuster body 22. Alternatively, the lace end retainer 23 can be configured such that when the lace end retainer 23 is coupled to the adjuster body 22, the lace end retainer 23 extends completely around the adjuster body 22.

[0055] Lace end retainer 23 may have any suitable design for effectively receiving and retaining first lace end 18 and / or second lace end 19 between lace end retainer 23 and adjuster body 22. In a particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , lace end retainer 23 may include retainer body 23A and retainer opening 23B extending through retainer body 23A.

[0056] It will be appreciated that the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 can be retained between the lace end retainer 23 and the adjuster body 22 in any suitable manner and can be oriented in any suitable direction. In some such embodiments, the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 can extend through the retainer opening 23B because the lace adjuster 14 is initially coupled to the lace 12. In one embodiment, the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 can extend back through the retainer opening 23B before being retained between the lace end retainer 23 and the adjuster body 22. Alternatively, in another such embodiment, the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 can be positioned to extend completely below the retainer body 23A (i.e., not back through the retainer opening 23B) before being retained between the lace end retainer 23 and the adjuster body 22. Additionally or alternatively, in yet another such embodiment, first lace end 18 and / or second lace end 19 can extend and be retained between lace end retainer 23 and adjuster body 22 before lace ends 18, 19 extend generally outwardly through retainer opening 23B. It is understood that in any such embodiment, lace ends 18, 19 can extend between lace end retainer 23 and adjuster body 22 near or toward the top of lace adjuster 14, near or toward the bottom of lace adjuster 14, or near or toward both the top and bottom of lace adjuster 14.

[0057] Alternatively, in other such embodiments, the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 can be positioned such that the lace adjuster 14 is first coupled to the lace 12 such that the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 do not extend through the retainer opening 23B. In such alternative embodiments, the first string end 18 and / or the second string end 19 can extend through the retainer opening 23B before being retained between the string end retainer 23 and the adjuster body 22, or the first string end 18 and / or the second string end 19 can be positioned to extend completely below the retainer body 23A (without passing through the retainer opening 23B) while being retained between the string end retainer 23 and the adjuster body 22, or the first string end 18 and / or the second string end 19 can extend between the retainer body 23A and the adjuster body 22 before extending outward through the retainer opening 23B.

[0058] Further alternatively, the lace end retainer 23 can be designed without the retainer opening 23B, and the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 can be positioned to extend at least partially, if not completely, under the retainer body 23A while being retained between the lace end retainer 23 and the adjuster body 22.

[0059] 2A is a front perspective view of lace adjuster assembly 13 shown in FIG. 1, which includes lace adjuster 14 and feedback assembly 15, which includes one or more of sensor assembly 216 (e.g., shown more clearly in FIG. 2F ) and imaging assembly 17 mechanically coupled to lace adjuster 14. In some embodiments, lace adjuster assembly 13 and / or lace adjuster 14 are lightweight and water resistant, making them comfortable for the user and usable in a variety of environments.

[0060] As mentioned above, the design of lace adjuster 14 can be modified to allow a user to quickly and easily adjust, tighten, or loosen lace 12 (shown in FIG. 1) of shoe 10A, 10B (shown in FIG. 1). In various embodiments, lace adjuster 14 can be further configured to inhibit lace 12 from becoming a potential tripping hazard for the user or wearer of shoe 10A, 10B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, lace adjuster 14 includes adjuster body 22 including first body member 24 and second body member 25, and lace end retainer 23 coupled to adjuster body 22.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the adjuster body 22, such as the first body member 24 and the second body member 25, is movable between an unlocked configuration in which the lace adjuster 14 can effectively receive the first lace end 18 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and / or the second lace end 19 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the lace 12, and a locked configuration in which the lace adjuster 14 retains the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19, securing the lace adjuster 14 in place and / or inhibiting movement relative to the lace 12. For example, in certain embodiments, the adjuster body 22 can be configured such that the second body member 25 moves relative to the first body member 24 in a plunger-like manner when the adjuster body 22 is moved between the unlocked and locked configurations. FIG. 2A shows the lace adjuster 14 in the unlocked configuration.

[0062] It will be understood that when the lace adjuster 14 is coupled to the lace 12, the lace 12 is adjustable relative to the adjuster body 22 when the adjuster body 22 is in the unlocked configuration, and the lace 12 is inhibited from being adjusted relative to the adjuster body 22 when the adjuster body 22 is in the locked configuration.

[0063] 2B is a front perspective view of a portion of lace 12 (such as a portion of first lace end 18 and second lace end 19) and lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2B, lace adjuster 14 is in a locked configuration. More specifically, second body member 25 has been moved relative to first body member 24 such that first lace end 18 and second lace end 19 of lace 12 can be effectively held by adjuster body 22 such that movement of lace 12 is inhibited relative to adjuster body 22.

[0064] FIG. 2C is a rear perspective view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A, where the lace adjuster 14 is again shown in an unlocked configuration, and FIG. 2D is a rear perspective view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A, where the lace adjuster 14 is again shown in a locked configuration.

[0065] 2A-2D taken together, first body member 24 includes one or more front openings 227 (e.g., two are shown in FIG. 2A) and one or more rear openings 228 (e.g., two are shown in FIG. 2C), and second body member 25 includes a second opening 229 (e.g., two are more clearly shown in FIG. 2B).

[0066] When the lace adjuster 14 is in the process of coupling to the shoelace 12, the adjuster body 22 and / or body members 24, 25 are positioned in an unlocked configuration. As shown in Figures 2A and 2C, in the unlocked configuration, the front opening 227 (shown in Figure 2A) and the back opening 228 (shown in Figure 2C) of the first body member 24 are substantially aligned and concentric with the second opening (shown in Figure 2B) of the second body member 25. Using such a design, the first lace end 18 can be positioned to extend through one of the front openings 227 of the first body member 24, through one of the second openings 229 of the second body member 25, and through one of the back openings 228 of the first body member 24. Similarly, the second string end 19 may also be arranged to extend through one of the front openings 227 of the first body member 24, through one of the second openings 229 of the second body member 25, and through one of the back openings 228 of the first body member 24.

[0067] 2B and 2D, in the locked configuration, second body member 25 extends slightly away from first body member 24, and front opening 227 (shown in FIG. 2A) and rear opening 228 (shown in FIG. 2C) of first body member 24 are not substantially aligned or concentric with second opening 229 (shown in FIG. 2B) of second body member 25. Thus, in the locked configuration, first lace end 18 (shown in FIG. 2B) and second lace end 19 (shown in FIG. 2B) of lace 12 (shown in FIG. 2B) may be effectively retained within lace adjuster 14, such that first lace end 18 and second lace end 19 of lace 12 are inhibited from moving relative to adjuster body 22.

[0068] As shown in this embodiment, it will be understood that as the adjuster body 22 is moved between the locked and unlocked configurations, the second body member 25 fits partially within and moves up and down in a plunger-like manner relative to the first body member 24 (such as when the string adjuster 14 is oriented vertically). In other words, in one such embodiment, the first body member 24 is open along its top to the top 224U (shown in FIG. 2B ) of the first body member 24 and is designed to receive at least a portion of the second body member 25 within such open top 224U, allowing the second body member 25 to move up and down relative to and / or at least partially within the first body member 24 through a range of movement, such that the first and second body members 24, 25, and / or the adjuster body 22 as a whole, can move between the locked and unlocked configurations.

[0069] It should be understood that the shapes of the front opening 227, the back opening 228, and the second opening 229 may be varied as needed. For example, in some embodiments, the front opening 227, the back opening 228, and / or the second opening 229 may include one or more teeth 230 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2F ) that can be utilized to more effectively retain the lace 12 when the lace adjuster 14 is in the locked configuration. Alternatively, the front opening 227, the back opening 228, and / or the second opening 229 may have another suitable design.

[0070] As described above, the lace end holder 23 is coupled to the adjuster body 22. In some embodiments, the lace end holder 23 is specifically configured to inhibit movement of the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 relative to the lace end holder 23 and the adjuster body 22 when held therein by a force generated by applying contact pressure of the lace end holder 23 against the surface 22A of the adjuster body 22, thereby inhibiting the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 from becoming a potential tripping hazard.

[0071] Lace end retainer 23 can have any suitable design and can be coupled to adjuster body 22 in any suitable manner. For example, in certain embodiments, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, lace end retainer 23 can include retainer body 23A and retainer opening 23B extending through retainer body 23A. As shown in the figures, lace end retainer 23 can be positioned such that retainer opening 23B substantially aligns with front opening 227 and rear opening 228 formed in first body member 24 of adjuster body 22 (and also substantially aligns with second opening 229 in second body member 25 when adjuster body 22 is in the unlocked configuration). In such a design, when the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 of the shoelace 12 are positioned to extend through the front opening 227, the second opening 229, and the rear opening 228, the lace end 18, 19 can simply extend through the retainer opening 23B as well. Furthermore, if it is desired to effectively retain the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 with the lace end retainer 23, the first lace end 18 and / or the second lace end 19 can be positioned back through the retainer opening 23B before being sandwiched or otherwise retained between the retainer body 23A and the surface 22A of the adjustment device body 22.

[0072] As shown in this embodiment, the lace end retainer 23 can further include at least one first coupling member 223C, such as a coupling opening, extending through the retainer body 23A, each configured to engage with a second coupling member 231, such as a coupling protrusion, of the adjuster body 22 extending in a direction away from the adjuster body 22. In one embodiment, when the lace end retainer 23 is coupled to the adjuster body 22, the lace end retainer 23 can be configured to extend partially around the adjuster body 22. In such an embodiment, the retainer body 23A can include two first coupling members 223C (e.g., two coupling openings), each disposed around another second coupling member 231 that extends or protrudes away from the adjuster body 22. Alternatively, in another such embodiment, when the string end retainer 23 is coupled to the adjuster body 22, the string end retainer 23 can be configured to extend completely around the adjuster body 22. In such an alternative embodiment, the retainer body 23A can include two first coupling members 223C (e.g., two coupling openings), each of which is disposed around a single second coupling member 231 that extends or protrudes away from the adjuster body 22. Still alternatively, in yet another such embodiment, the string end retainer 23 can be configured to extend completely around the adjuster body 22 with a generally loop-type design, such that no coupling openings are required in the retainer body 23A and no coupling members extend or protrude away from the adjuster body 22. Still alternatively, the string end retainer 23 can be coupled to the adjuster body 22 in another suitable manner.

[0073] The string end retainer 23 can be formed from any suitable material. For example, in some embodiments, the string end retainer 23 is formed from an elastic material, such as rubber, or another suitable stretchable or elastic material. In such embodiments, the string end retainer 23 can be at least slightly stretched when coupled to the adjuster body 22. This design allows the string end retainer 23 to better apply force to the surface 22A of the adjuster body 22 based on the elasticity of the string end retainer 23 and the contact pressure between the string end retainer 23 and the surface 22A of the adjuster body 22. Therefore, the string end retainer 23 can better sandwich the first string end 18 and / or the second string end 19 between the string end retainer 23 and the surface 22A of the adjuster body 22. Alternatively, the string end retainer 23 can be formed from another suitable material.

[0074] 2C and 2D, as shown, the lace adjuster 14 can further include a motion limiter 232, which is coupled to the adjuster body 22 and cantilevers therefrom. Notably, in this embodiment, the motion limiter 232 includes a first limiter end 232A that is secured to the first body member 24 and a second limiter end 232B that is spaced apart from and / or not directly secured to the first body member 24. Using the design shown in the figures, the motion limiter 232 is designed similarly to a spring-type clip, which is configured to extend under at least a portion of the lace 12 (shown in FIG. 2B) such that at least a portion of the motion limiter 232 is positioned substantially directly between the lace 12 and the shoe body 11 (shown in FIG. 1) of the shoe 10A, 10B (shown in FIG. 1). Thus, the lace adjuster 14 is coupled to the lace 12 and is prevented from bouncing around and is more firmly held in place when the user is engaged in various types of activities.

[0075] Figure 2E is a top view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in Figure 2A, Figure 2F is a cutaway view of the lace adjuster 14 taken at line FF in Figure 2E, where the lace adjuster 14 is shown in an unlocked configuration, and Figure 2G is an equivalent cross-sectional view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in Figure 2A, where the lace adjuster 14 is shown in a locked configuration. As shown, Figures 2E-2G illustrate certain additional features or components that may be included in certain embodiments of the lace adjuster 14.

[0076] 2F and 2G, for example, illustrate certain additional aspects of movement of the string adjuster 14, such as the relative movement of the first body member 24 and the second body member 25 of the adjuster body 22 between the unlocked and locked configurations. More specifically, as illustrated, the first body member 24 and the second body member 25 are resiliently coupled to one another with one or more elastic members 233 (only one is shown in this example). In particular, the elastic members 233 are connected to and extend between the first body member 24 and the second body member 25, allowing the adjuster body 22 to resiliently move between the unlocked and locked configurations. It will be understood that the elastic members 233 can be connected to each of the first body member 24 and the second body member 25 in any suitable manner. For example, in one non-exclusive embodiment, first body member 24 and second body member 25 may each include a member receiving portion (not shown) adapted to receive and hold a portion of elastic member 233 to secure elastic member 233 to first body member 24 and second body member 25, respectively. Alternatively, elastic member 233 may be connected to first body member 24 and / or second body member 25 in another suitable manner.

[0077] The design of the elastic member 233 can be varied depending on the requirements of the lace adjuster 14. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 2F and 2G, the elastic member 233 is a spring. In one embodiment, the elastic member 233 is a stiff spring that can hold the first body member 22 and the second body member 25 substantially straight relative to each other to facilitate movement of the body members 24, 25 between the locked and unlocked configurations. Alternatively, the elastic member 233 can be a piece of another elastic material.

[0078] In this embodiment, the elastic member 233 biases the second body member 25 upward and / or away from the first body member 24, thereby biasing and / or biasing the adjuster body 22 toward the locked configuration. Alternatively, the elastic member 233 can be designed to bias the second body member 25 into the first body member 24, thereby biasing and / or biasing the adjuster body 22 toward the unlocked configuration. In such alternative embodiments, the string adjuster 14 further requires a locking mechanism (not shown) to maintain the first body member 24 and the second body member 25 in the locked configuration. In these alternative embodiments, the elastic member 233 is stretched or compressed as the first body member 24 and the second body member 25 are moved between the locked and unlocked configurations. Further alternatively, in one embodiment, the lace adjuster 14 can further include a stop (not shown) that inhibits and / or stops relative movement between the body members 24, 25, such that the body members 24, 25 are inhibited from moving beyond a desired position of the body members 24, 25 when in the locked and unlocked configurations. In such an embodiment, it is understood that the stop can be positioned differently depending on which direction the elastic member is biased.

[0079] In certain embodiments, the lace adjuster 14 can further include a guide system (not shown) that guides relative movement between the first body member 24 and the second body member 25 as the adjuster body 22 moves between the unlocked and locked configurations. In such embodiments, the guide system can have a suitable design that allows controlled relative movement between the first body member 24 and the second body member 25 as the adjuster body 22 moves between the unlocked and locked configurations. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the lace adjuster 14 can be designed without a specific guide system. In some such alternative embodiments, the relative movement between the body members 24, 25 can be guided using a stiff spring as the elastic member 233, as described above.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 2F and 2G, the string adjuster 14 can further include a feedback assembly 15, including a sensor assembly 216 and / or an imaging assembly 17, mechanically coupled to the adjuster body 22 and / or another portion of the string adjuster 14. Notably, in this embodiment, the feedback assembly 15 is disposed within a body cavity 234 formed substantially within the adjuster body 22. In some embodiments, the body cavity 234 can be provided in the form of a sealed and / or water-resistant chamber that can be utilized to provide greater protection for the feedback assembly 15 from the surrounding environment. Alternatively, the feedback assembly 15 can be mechanically coupled to another portion of the string adjuster 14 and / or the adjuster body 22. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the string adjuster 14 can include an adjuster cover plate 238 (shown in FIG. 2J) coupled to the adjuster body 22, and at least a portion of the feedback assembly 15 can be mechanically coupled to the adjuster cover plate 238.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the body cavity 234 can be at least partially formed within and / or adjacent to the first body member 24. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the body cavity 234 can be at least partially formed between the first body member 24 and the second body member 25 of the adjuster body 22. Further alternatively, the feedback assembly 15 can be disposed on, coupled to, and / or incorporated into the string adjuster 14 in another suitable manner.

[0082] In some embodiments, adjuster body 22 can further include a separator 235, such as a separation wall, that can be used to isolate body cavity 234, in which feedback assembly 15 is held, from open top 224U (shown in FIG. 2B) of first body member 24, within which second body member 25 moves as adjuster body 22 moves between the unlocked and locked configurations. With such a design, feedback assembly 15 can be better protected from the surrounding environment.

[0083] As described herein, the feedback assembly 15 may be used by a user to provide statistical data and / or images of the user, such as during athletic performance, to effectively evaluate various aspects of athletic performance.

[0084] In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 216 can be uniquely designed to incorporate one or more performance sensors 216P configured to sense various performance characteristics of a user during athletic performance. The sensed performance characteristics can then be utilized, for example, in conjunction with the lace adjuster 14, to provide the athlete or user using the sensor assembly 216 with statistical data and / or performance measurables that allow the athlete to effectively evaluate various aspects of their athletic performance. For example, in certain embodiments, the one or more performance sensors 216P can include one or more two-axis accelerometers, three-axis accelerometers, three-axis gyrometers (or gyroscopes), and / or another type of rate sensor, and / or three-axis magnetometer. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more performance sensors 216P can include additional suitable sensor types. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sensor assembly 216 can also include a real-time clock 216R to enable more accurate time tracking.

[0085] In different embodiments, as described above, the sensor assembly 216 may include one or more performance sensors 216P to provide sensed performance characteristics that can be used to derive statistical data regarding the athlete's generally horizontal movement, the athlete's generally vertical movement, the athlete's angular and / or rotational movement, and / or the expenditure of energy, strength, and force by the athlete during performance of an athletic activity. For example, in certain embodiments, sensor assembly 216 and / or performance sensor 216P may provide an athlete with sensed performance characteristics that can be used to derive statistical data regarding the number of steps, total distance traveled, distance traveled per step (e.g., stride length), stride duration, ground contact duration and pattern, foot acceleration and foot angle during a stride (gait tracking), movement speed, horizontal bursts (e.g., sudden accelerations from an average rate of speed), number of jumps, jump height, jump duration, vertical bursts (e.g., take-off speed or acceleration of a jump), number of accelerations (associated with horizontal and / or vertical bursts), the athlete's angular, twisting, or rotational motion (and / or rate of such motion), energy expended during athletic performance (e.g., in kcal), and / or force expended during athletic performance (e.g., in psi, kpi, or other force measurements). In some embodiments, sensor assembly 216 and / or performance sensor 216P may also provide the athlete with sensed performance characteristics that can be used to derive averages, minimums, and maximums of any of the significant statistical data points generated during the performance of an athletic activity. In many embodiments, sensor assembly 216 and / or performance sensor 216P may further provide the athlete with sensed performance characteristics that can be used to derive other desired statistical data. In some embodiments, the statistical data provided by sensor assembly 216 may then be utilized by the athlete to adjust their training program and schedule with the goal of ultimately improving their athletic performance.Additionally, athletes can further compare statistical data collected during different and / or subsequent athletic performances to better assess changes in performance measurables.

[0086] It is understood that any and all performance characteristics measured and / or sensed by one or more performance sensors 216P can be combined in any suitable manner to enable the generation of various statistics and / or performance measurables for an athlete during performance of an athletic activity or event. It is further understood that, in order to more effectively evaluate various statistics from athletic performance, an athlete may wish to provide certain input information, such as the athlete's height and weight. In one embodiment, the athlete can manually enter information such as height and weight into sensor assembly 216 via a remote device 220 (illustrated as a box, not to scale), such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, computer, and / or other suitable computing device. Alternatively, information such as the athlete's height and weight can be provided to sensor assembly 216 in another suitable manner. This information can be further utilized to ascertain the effect of people's height and weight on performance data. It is also understood that any statistics related to energy expended and / or force expended may require information such as the athlete's weight in order to accurately generate such statistics.

[0087] In certain embodiments or applications, the sensor assembly 216 can additionally and / or alternatively include one or more location sensors 216L, such as a GPS sensor, to provide accurate and detailed location information usable by an individual wearing the leash adjuster 14. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative applications, the location sensor 216L can be utilized for navigation purposes and / or to track the user's movements. Using such applications, an individual wearing the leash adjuster 14 always knows where they are and where they need to go to reach a desired destination. In such applications, the location sensor 216L can be utilized to prevent the wearer of the leash adjuster 14 from getting lost and / or to enable the wearer to follow a predetermined path, such as during an adventure race or when exploring the wilderness. Additionally, the location sensor 216L can provide a sense of security to someone, such as a parent or guardian, responsible for the care and / or monitoring of an individual wearing the leash adjuster 14. In such applications, location information from the location sensor 216L can be wirelessly transmitted to the remote device 220 so that the user and / or parent or guardian has accurate and detailed location information of the person wearing the lacing adjuster at all times. The location sensor 216L can also be used to track the user's movements. For example, the route run or biked can be recorded and stored for future analysis. Other information, such as time and altitude, can also be recorded and stored for future analysis.

[0088] Additionally, as described herein below, in some applications, the location sensor 216L may be used in conjunction with additional location sensors, such as a GPS sensor, or a beacon located remotely from the lacing adjuster 14, for example, located on or near a playing field or court, to provide more detailed and accurate location information to the user.

[0089] The imaging assembly 17, such as a digital camera in some embodiments, can be configured and / or arranged to provide a user with a unique perspective from which the user can visualize and / or evaluate various aspects of their athletic performance. For example, in different embodiments, depending on the particular position and orientation of the imaging assembly 17 during use, the user can effectively capture, review, and analyze images (e.g., still and / or video images) of themselves that show unique perspectives and angles of their athletic performance. For example, the imaging assembly 17 can provide low-resolution or high-resolution images or video (and sound). The images or video can be transmitted via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB port. In certain embodiments, the images or video can be transmitted for television broadcast during a performance or game. The imaging assembly 17 can be controlled by buttons on the lacing device 14 or can be controlled remotely.

[0090] In certain embodiments, imaging assembly 17 can be oriented generally upward or outward from shoe 10A, 10B (as illustrated in FIG. 1) to capture desired images or video. Such a design may allow a user to glean unique insights into athletic performance that cannot be obtained by simply remotely placing an image capture assembly. Alternatively, imaging assembly 17 can be oriented in another direction. In certain embodiments, the direction of where imaging assembly 17 is oriented can be controlled and / or adjusted by the user and / or controlled remotely by another individual.

[0091] In some embodiments, adjuster body 22 can include an imaging aperture 236 (shown in FIG. 2A) through which imaging assembly 17 can capture an image of the user during use.

[0092] It will be appreciated that by using a motion limiter 232 (shown in FIG. 2C ) that inhibits the strap adjuster 14 from bouncing during use, the feedback assembly 15 can provide more detailed, accurate, and clearer sensed information from the sensor assembly 216 and images from the imaging assembly 17.

[0093] It is further understood that information from feedback assembly 15, such as sensor assembly 216 and / or imaging assembly 17, can be downloaded or transmitted to remote device 220 in any suitable manner. For example, in certain embodiments, information from feedback assembly 15, such as sensor assembly 216 and / or imaging assembly 17, can be downloaded or transmitted to remote device 220 via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or another suitable connection. It is further understood that such information from feedback assembly 15 can be downloaded or transmitted to remote device 220 via a wireless or wired connection. Certain specific embodiments of feedback assembly 15, including sensor assembly 216 and / or imaging assembly 17, and remote device 220 are described in more detail herein below in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4 .

[0094] In some embodiments, a power supply 215E (shown as a phantom box) may be included to provide the necessary power to both the sensor assembly 216 and the imaging assembly 17 of the feedback assembly 15, or each of the sensor assembly 216 and the imaging assembly 17 of the feedback assembly 15 may include a separate power supply.

[0095] The power supply 215E may have a suitable design for providing the necessary power for both the sensor assembly 216 and the imaging assembly 17 of the feedback assembly 15. For example, in some embodiments, the power supply 215E may include one or more batteries. In certain examples, the one or more batteries may be selectively recharged via a connector port 221 (shown in FIG. 2I ). Additionally or alternatively, the connector port 221 may be used for other suitable purposes. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the connector port 221 may also be utilized for transmitting information from the strap adjuster 14 to the remote device 220. Further alternatively, in some embodiments, the power supply 215E may be recharged remotely.

[0096] FIG. 2H is a front perspective view of the strap adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A.

[0097] Figure 2I is another front perspective view of the strap adjuster 14 shown in Figure 2A. As shown in Figure 2I, the strap adjuster 14 includes a port cover 237 coupled to the adjuster body 22 that can be selectively opened to expose a connector port 221 that can be used to charge the power source 215E (e.g., shown in Figure 2F) and / or to transmit information from the feedback assembly 15 (e.g., shown in Figure 2F) to a remote device 220 (e.g., shown in Figure 2F), such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, computer, and / or other suitable computing device.

[0098] FIG. 2J is another front perspective view of the string adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A. As shown, FIG. 2J illustrates one or more additional configurations of the string adjuster 14, such as the selective coupling of an adjuster cover plate 238 to the first body member 24 to form part of the adjuster body 22. In some embodiments, the adjuster cover plate 238 can include a design (not shown) to give the string adjuster 14 a more interesting appearance. In various embodiments, the adjuster cover plate 238 can be interchangeable with other alternative adjuster cover plates, such that the string adjuster 14 can have any desired design included in the adjuster cover plate 238.

[0099] It will be appreciated that adjuster cover plate 238 can be selectively attached to and detached from first body member 24 and / or adjuster body 22 in any suitable manner. For example, in certain embodiments, adjuster cover plate 238 can include a first mounting member 239 configured to selectively engage a second mounting member 240 coupled to and / or included in another portion of first body member 24 or adjuster body 22. In one such embodiment, first mounting member 239 can include a hook-shaped element configured to engage a channel-shaped element of second mounting member 240. Alternatively, first mounting member 239 can include a channel-shaped member configured to be engaged by a hook-shaped member of second mounting member 240. Further alternatively, first mounting member 239 and / or second mounting member 240 can have another suitable design.

[0100] In various embodiments, adjuster cover plate 238 can include two first mounting members 239 and first body member 24 (or other portion of adjuster body 22) can include two second mounting members 240, such that adjuster cover plate 238 can be selectively attached to first body member 24 and / or adjuster body 22 at two spaced apart locations, such as on opposite sides of adjuster body 22. It will be further understood that adjuster cover plate 238 can be attached to adjuster body 22, such as first body member 24, at multiple locations on both sides of adjuster body 22. For example, in one such alternative embodiment, adjuster cover plate 238 can be attached to first body member 24 at one location on one side of adjuster body 22, and adjuster cover plate 238 can be attached to first body member 24 at two spaced apart locations on the other side of adjuster body 22.

[0101] Further alternatively, the adjuster cover plate 238 can be hinged to the adjuster body 22 on one side of the adjuster cover plate 238. Using such a design, the adjuster cover plate 238 can move relative to the adjuster body 22, similar to the opening of a door, to provide access to the feedback assembly 15 (shown in FIG. 2F ), which in certain embodiments is substantially disposed within a body cavity 234 (shown in FIG. 2F ), which may be defined between the first body member 24 and the adjuster cover plate 238. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the feedback assembly 15 can be coupled to the adjuster cover plate 238 or disposed on and / or substantially adjacent to the adjuster cover plate 238.

[0102] Additionally, in certain embodiments, the string adjuster 14 can further include a light assembly (not shown) including one or more lights (not shown), such as LED lights, that can be mounted on and / or positioned substantially adjacent to the adjuster cover plate 238 or another component of the string adjuster 14. Notably, in some such embodiments, the lights can be coupled to the adjuster cover plate 238 and / or positioned so that the lights can shine and / or extend through one or more light openings (not shown) in the adjuster cover plate 238. Such lights can also be positioned to effectively and dramatically draw attention to the design of the adjuster cover plate 238 and / or to provide desirable illumination to a person using the string adjuster 14 in less favorable lighting conditions, such as at night. Additionally and / or alternatively, the light assembly and / or lights can be positioned in different areas of the string adjuster 14.

[0103] 2K-2R show certain additional views of the lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A, thereby providing different advantages of various configurations and components of the lace adjuster 14. In particular, FIG. 2K is a rear perspective view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2L is another rear perspective view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2M is a bottom view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2N is another bottom view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2O is a side view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2P is a front view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2Q is another side view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2R is a rear view of the lace adjuster 14 shown in FIG. 2A.

[0104] Figure 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of a sensor assembly 316. Figure 3 further includes a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of a remote device 320 that can be utilized in conjunction with and / or as part of the sensor assembly 316. This sensor assembly 316 can be used with each of the lace adjuster assemblies 13 shown in Figure 1.

[0105] The design of the sensor assembly 316 may be varied. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the sensor assembly 316 may include an assembly body 350, one or more performance sensors 316P (four of which are shown as fictitious boxes in Figure 3), one or more location sensors 316L (shown as fictitious boxes), a real-time clock 352 (shown as a fictitious box), a storage device 354 (shown as a fictitious box), a transmitter 356 (shown as a fictitious box), a receiver 358 (shown as a fictitious box), a controller 360 (shown as a fictitious box), and a power supply 362 (shown as a fictitious box). As shown, in this embodiment, each of the one or more performance sensors 316P, one or more location sensors 316L, real-time clock 352, storage device 354, transmitter 356, receiver 358, controller 360, and power supply 362 can be coupled to and / or substantially disposed within assembly body 350. The design of each of these components can be modified to suit the design requirements of sensor assembly 316. Alternatively, sensor assembly 316 can have another suitable design that can include more or fewer components than those specifically shown in FIG. 3 . Further alternatively, one or more of the components can be provided remotely from assembly body 350.

[0106] As shown, in one embodiment, assembly body 350 can provide a housing for one or more performance sensors 316P, one or more location sensors 316L, a real-time clock 352, a storage device 354, a transmitter 356, a receiver 358, a controller 360, and a power supply 362. The design of assembly body 350 can vary. For example, in one embodiment, assembly body 350 is generally rectangular box-shaped. Alternatively, assembly body 350 can have another suitable shape.

[0107] As described above, the sensor assembly 316 can provide the athlete with various statistical data and / or performance measurables that allow the athlete to effectively evaluate various aspects of their athletic performance. To effectively provide such statistical data and / or performance measurables, the sensor assembly 316 requires one or more performance sensors 316P and one or more location sensors 316L that include specific functionality to sense appropriate performance variables. For example, in certain embodiments, the one or more performance sensors 316P can include one or more two-axis accelerometers, three-axis accelerometers, three-axis gyrometers (or gyroscopes), and / or another type of rate sensor, and / or three-axis magnetometer. In some embodiments, the one or more performance sensors 316P can include additional appropriate sensor types.

[0108] As described herein, one or more performance sensors 316P can be effectively utilized to sense various performance characteristics, which can then be used to derive and / or generate usable statistics and / or performance measurables for the athlete. For example, a two-axis accelerometer can be utilized to measure and / or sense an athlete's acceleration during performance along two axes. More specifically, one two-axis accelerometer can be utilized to measure and / or sense an athlete's acceleration along a horizontal axis (e.g., the X-axis and the Y-axis), and another two-axis accelerometer can be utilized to measure and / or sense an athlete's acceleration along one horizontal axis (e.g., either the X-axis or the Y-axis) and a vertical axis (e.g., the Z-axis). A three-axis accelerometer can be utilized to measure and / or sense an athlete's acceleration along all three axes (e.g., along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis). It should be appreciated that by comparing the performance characteristics measured and / or sensed by the three-axis accelerometer with the performance characteristics measured and / or sensed by each of the two-axis accelerometers (e.g., by subtracting the two-axis data from the three-axis data), accurate acceleration data along each individual axis can be determined to effectively separate the athlete's vertical and horizontal acceleration.

[0109] A three-axis gyrometer (or gyroscope) or other type of rate sensor can be utilized to measure and / or sense postural information of an athlete in three dimensions (e.g., about the X, Y, and Z axes) as a means of ultimately providing usable data regarding the athlete's angular motion (such as twists and rotations) during the performance of an athletic activity or event.

[0110] A three-axis magnetometer can be utilized to sense and / or track the Earth's magnetic field and, therefore, measure the strength (e.g., magnitude) and direction of the magnetic field at a point in space in relation to various movements of an athlete.

[0111] Using foot acceleration measurements, the sensor assembly 316 can estimate the position of the foot in space relative to the ground. The sensor assembly 316 can extract metrics necessary for coaches to track performance, such as stride duration, stride length, ground contact (foot strike) duration, and foot angle (including foot strike angle at all times throughout the stride). For example, a sprinter may focus on minimizing ground time and increasing stride duration and / or stride length. Continuously recording these metrics during a session / game allows an athlete to visualize how fatigue, equipment, terrain, etc. affect performance.

[0112] Another simple example is the static vertical jump, which is a good test and / or standard for many sports. While a sensor assembly cannot necessarily measure height directly, it can detect the takeoff and landing, and therefore measure the duration of the jump, which is directly related to height. Athletes can then be tested and / or tracked for their jump performance over time.

[0113] Thus, at the most basic level, the sensor assembly 316 and / or performance sensor 316P can be utilized to track acceleration and rotation in three dimensions. This allows the sensor assembly 316 to track the trajectory of the foot through space, including the foot's posture and / or the foot's tilt relative to the ground (so-called pitch, roll, and yaw angles). In some embodiments, in addition to measuring step count and cadence, the sensor assembly 316 can also simply detect whether a user is walking, running, jumping, or turning and record the sequence of such events (e.g., for use in tracking game play in various sports). As discussed above, when applied to human foot movement, the sensor assembly 316 can also measure foot strike patterns, stride duration (when running), contact duration (when running), static jump height, and the like. In theory, more sport-specific metrics are also feasible.

[0114] It will be understood that any and all performance characteristics measured and / or sensed by one or more performance sensors 316P can be combined in any suitable manner to enable the generation of various statistics and / or performance measurables for an athlete during performance of an athletic activity or event.

[0115] Importantly, as noted above, the use of separate sensor assemblies 316 coupled to each shoe 10A, 10B (as illustrated in FIG. 1 ) or each foot of a user can further enhance the accuracy and range of statistical data that can be derived from performance characteristics sensed by the performance sensors 316P. For example, using two separate devices (one per foot) allows for “true” gait tracking (versus extrapolating using only one foot). Using two devices also allows a user to more accurately track potential gait imbalances, which are linked to biomechanics and / or injury prevention. For example, injury and / or fatigue may cause an athlete to use one foot differently, leading to more joint / muscle stress. Therefore, using two separate devices allows a user to more accurately track such imbalances.

[0116] It is further understood that to more effectively evaluate various statistical data from athletic performance, the athlete may wish to provide certain input information, such as the athlete's height and weight. In one embodiment, the athlete may manually enter information such as height and weight into sensor assembly 316 and / or controller 360, such as via communication with a remote device 320, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, computer, and / or other suitable computing device. Alternatively, information such as the athlete's height and weight may be provided to sensor assembly 316 and / or controller 360 in another suitable manner. This information can be further utilized to ascertain the effect of people's height and weight on performance data. It is also understood that any statistical data related to energy expended and / or force expended may require information such as the athlete's weight in order to accurately generate such statistical data.

[0117] Additionally, the athlete may provide further information such as recent food and / or fluid intake, recent sleep status, and the nature and intensity of recent exercise to help identify when the athlete can perform optimally.

[0118] In certain embodiments or applications, the sensor assembly 316 can additionally and / or alternatively include one or more location sensors 316L, such as a GPS sensor, to provide accurate and detailed location information usable by an individual wearing the leash adjuster 14 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ). For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative applications, the location sensor 316L can be utilized for navigation purposes and / or to track the user's movements. Using such applications, an individual wearing the leash adjuster 14 always knows where they are and where they need to go to reach a desired destination. In such applications, the location sensor 316L can be utilized to prevent the wearer of the leash adjuster 14 from getting lost and / or to enable the wearer to follow a predetermined path, such as during an adventure race or when exploring the wilderness. Additionally, as also described above, the location sensor 316L can provide a sense of security to someone, such as a parent or guardian, responsible for the care and / or monitoring of an individual wearing the leash adjuster 14. In such applications, location information from location sensor 316L can be wirelessly transmitted to remote device 320 so that the user and / or parent or guardian can always have accurate and detailed location information of the person wearing the leash adjuster.

[0119] In many embodiments, the location sensor 316L can be used to track the movements of a user, for example, routes run or biked can be recorded and stored for future analysis.

[0120] Other information, such as time and altitude, can also be recorded and stored for future analysis. The real-time clock 352 allows for much more accurate tracking of all time usage than comparable systems that do not include a real-time clock. In other words, the real-time clock 352 allows for more accurate time tracking than systems without a real-time clock, which are prone to drift. The real-time clock 352 also avoids the need to rely on timing mechanisms that may be present in the remote device 320.

[0121] Data sensed by one or more performance sensors 316P and one or more location sensors 316L, as well as data input by the athlete, such as via remote device 320 (or otherwise), may be stored and / or maintained in a storage device 354 of the sensor assembly 316. The storage device 354 may have any suitable design that allows for the storage and / or maintenance of information.

[0122] The transmitter 356 can be utilized to transmit information and data stored in the storage device 354 (or data from the sensors 316P, 316L) to the controller 360 and / or the remote device 320 (e.g., a remote smartphone, a computer, etc.). The transmitter 356 can have any suitable design that allows for efficient transmission of information and data from the storage device 354 to the controller 360 and / or the remote device 320. Alternatively, the information and data stored in the storage device 354 can be transmitted to the controller 360 without the need for a separate transmitter 356. For example, the data can be transmitted to a computer or other processor via a detachable cord.

[0123] Receiver 358 may be utilized to receive any information and data that may be transmitted by remote device 320, such as a user's height and weight. Receiver 358 may have any suitable design to enable effective reception of information and data from remote device 320, which may then be transmitted and stored in storage device 354.

[0124] The controller 360 is electrically coupled to the one or more performance sensors 316P and / or the one or more location sensors 316L, e.g., via the storage device 354 and / or the transmitter 356. Performance characteristics measured and / or sensed by the one or more performance sensors 316P and / or the one or more location sensors 316L may then be transmitted and received by the controller 360 and transmitted and received by the remote device 320 for conversion into usable statistical data (e.g., into one or more usable statistical data points). In one embodiment, one or more wires (not shown) may be utilized to transmit the performance characteristics from the one or more performance sensors 316P and / or the one or more location sensors 316L to the controller 360 and / or the remote device 320, e.g., via the storage device 354 and / or the transmitter 356. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the one or more performance sensors 316P and / or the one or more location sensors 316L may be wirelessly coupled to the controller 360 and / or the remote device 320 to transmit such performance characteristics.

[0125] As previously described, the controller 360 can be utilized to process and / or convert performance characteristics measured and / or sensed by the sensors 316P, 316L into usable statistical data for the athlete. Such statistical data can further incorporate data input by the athlete via the remote device 320 (or otherwise) and / or such statistical data can be provided independently of data input by the athlete. The controller 360 can include one or more circuits and / or processors. In many embodiments, the controller 360 can include one or more program algorithms that can be effectively utilized to convert information from the sensors 316P, 316L into desired usable statistical data. In many embodiments, the remote device 320 can include a lace adjuster application 380 that can include one or more program algorithms that can be effectively utilized to convert information from the sensors 316P, 316L into desired usable statistical data. The program algorithms can be modified depending on the particular statistical data desired.

[0126] As described above, the sensor assembly 316 can be used to generate various types of usable statistical data to measure an athlete's performance. For example, the sensor assembly 316 can be used to generate statistical data related to the athlete's generally horizontal movement, such as the number of steps, total distance traveled, distance traveled per step (or stride length), stride duration, ground contact duration and pattern, foot acceleration and foot angle during a stride (gait tracking), movement speed, and / or horizontal burst (e.g., a sudden acceleration from an average rate of speed). Stride length can obviously vary depending on the nature of a particular activity. For example, shorter strides are taken when tiring or running uphill, and longer strides are taken when feeling refreshed or running downhill. By averaging such information and comparing it to the nature of the course being run, a user can use this information to estimate the time it will take to complete a run. With the addition of a real-time clock 352, this data can be further analyzed to generate statistical data on horizontal running speed.

[0127] In certain embodiments, statistical data regarding horizontal burst can be generated by comparing performance characteristics measured and / or sensed by a two-axis accelerometer (measuring acceleration along the X-axis or Y-axis, as well as the Z-axis) with performance characteristics measured and / or sensed by a three-axis accelerometer (measuring acceleration along each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis). By subtracting the two-axis data from the three-axis data, off-axis acceleration data can be determined. By separating the acceleration data along the X-axis and Y-axis, horizontal burst can be effectively determined. As discussed above, a horizontal burst can be defined as a sudden acceleration from an average rate of velocity (whether the athlete is already moving or stationary). Such a burst can be further defined from any directional vector, i.e., north, south, east, west, and anything in between. The burst algorithm requires averaging the force expended or acceleration rate over time.

[0128] In a substantially similar manner, performance characteristics from one or more sensors 316P, 316L can be utilized to generate statistical data regarding the athlete's generally vertical movement, such as the number of jumps (after the characteristics of what constitutes a jump have been effectively established), jump height, jump duration, and / or vertical burst (such as the takeoff speed or acceleration of a jump). For example, to effectively determine what may constitute a jump and jump height, information from a two-axis accelerometer (e.g., along the X and Y axes) can be compared to a three-axis accelerometer so that off-axis movement (or movement that is not the actual movement of the feet when calculating height) can be removed from the analysis.

[0129] The statistical data for the athlete's generally horizontal movement and the athlete's generally vertical movement can be combined to generate additional desired statistical data, such as overall acceleration numbers (horizontal and vertical). The acceleration numbers can be defined from zero momentum to constant velocity or constant g ranges for different monitors. Sudden increases in velocity in any direction can then be effectively quantified. Such information may be more valuable in certain sports that rely more heavily on constant acceleration, such as ice hockey or basketball.

[0130] A three-dimensional gyrometer or other rate sensor can be utilized to analyze the angular, twisting, or rotational motion of an athlete. Such analysis may require quantifying how much angular motion or rotation from true position is quantified as twisting and / or rotation.

[0131] The performance characteristics measured and / or sensed by one or more sensors 316P, 316L may be further utilized to generate statistical data related to energy expended during athletic performance (e.g., in kcal) and / or force expended during athletic performance (e.g., psi, kpi, other force measurement units). It should be understood that any statistical data related to energy expended and / or force expended may require information such as the athlete's weight in order to accurately generate such statistical data.

[0132] The power supply 362 provides the necessary power to the one or more performance sensors 316P, the one or more location sensors 316L, the real-time clock 352, the storage device 354, the transmitter 356, the receiver 358, and / or the controller 360 to enable all of these components to perform their desired functions. In one embodiment, the power supply 362 may include one or more batteries (not shown), such as rechargeable batteries and / or disposable batteries, that are used to provide such necessary power. Alternatively, the power supply 362 may have another suitable design.

[0133] The remote device 320 may have any suitable design for interacting with and transmitting data and information to and receiving data and information from the sensor assembly 316 coupled to the lace adjuster 14. For example, the remote device 320 may be a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a computer, and / or other suitable computing device. As shown in FIG. 3 , the remote device 320 may include one or more of a device body 364, a connector port 366 formed within the device body 364, an input mechanism 368, a transmitter 370 (illustrated as a fictitious box), a receiver 372 (illustrated as a fictitious box), a storage device 374 (illustrated as a fictitious box), a display screen 376, a controller 378 (illustrated as a fictitious box), a lace adjuster application 380 (illustrated as a fictitious box), and a power source 382. Alternatively, the remote device 320 may have another suitable design that may include more or fewer components than those specifically shown in FIG. 3 .

[0134] As shown, in one embodiment, device body 364 can provide a housing for input mechanism 368, transmitter 370, receiver 372, storage device 374, display screen 376, controller 378, lace adjuster application 380, and power supply 382. The design of device body 364 can vary and / or device body 364 can have any suitable shape.

[0135] In certain embodiments, the device body 364 may include a connector port 366, such as a USB port or other suitable connection, which allows a user to simply and directly connect the lace adjuster 14 to a remote device 320 to quickly and easily download any and all data generated using the sensor assembly 316. Such a design allows the user to view any and all such data at a later time convenient to the user.

[0136] Input mechanism 368 provides a means by which a user can input any desired information into feedback assembly 15 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and / or sensor assembly 216 to assist in deriving desired statistical data. For example, in certain implementations, input mechanism 368 can be utilized by a user to input information such as the user's height and weight, which can then be used to derive statistical data related to energy expended and force expended during athletic performance. Additionally or alternatively, input mechanism 368 can be utilized by a user to input additional information.

[0137] The transmitter 370 may be utilized to transmit any desired information and data from the remote device 320 to the receiver 358 of the sensor assembly 316. For example, the transmitter 370 may be utilized to transmit any derived statistical data, as well as any data and information entered from the remote device 320 to the sensor assembly 316 via the input mechanism 368. The transmitter 370 may have any suitable design to enable effective transmission of information and data from the remote device 320 to the sensor assembly 316.

[0138] The receiver 372 is configured to receive any data and information, such as any performance characteristics sensed by the one or more performance sensors 316P and / or the one or more location sensors 316L, transmitted from the sensor assembly 316 to the remote device 320. The receiver 372 may have any suitable design for the purpose of receiving data and information from the sensor assembly 316.

[0139] Storage device 374 is utilized to store any data and information derived and / or utilized within sensor assembly 316. For example, storage device 374 may be utilized to store any data and information transmitted from sensor assembly 316 to remote device 320. In some embodiments, storage device 374 may further be utilized to store any statistical data derived from the data and information transmitted from sensor assembly 316 to remote device 320. In certain embodiments, storage device 374 may also be used to store any data and information input by a user via input mechanism 368.

[0140] Display screen 376 is a video screen of any suitable size and shape and is utilized to display any and all data and information sensed, input, and / or generated within sensor assembly 316. More specifically, display screen 376 may be utilized to display any performance characteristics measured and / or sensed by one or more performance sensors 316P and / or one or more location sensors 316L, data or information input by the athlete via input mechanism 368 (or otherwise), and any statistical data points that may be generated from the data sensed and input by controller 378.

[0141] The controller 378 is electrically coupled to the one or more performance sensors 316P and / or the one or more location sensors 316L, for example, via a storage device 374 and / or a receiver 372 incorporated in the remote device 320 and a storage device 354 and / or a transmitter 356 incorporated within the assembly body 350 of the sensor assembly 316. In certain embodiments, performance characteristics measured and / or sensed by the one or more performance sensors 316P and / or the one or more location sensors 316L are then transmitted to and received by the controller 378 and converted into usable statistical data, such as one or more usable statistical data points. The controller 378 may include one or more processors or circuits for providing such functionality.

[0142] 3, in one embodiment, lace adjuster application 380 may be incorporated into controller 378 to allow a user to easily and consistently use feedback assembly 15 integrated into lace adjuster assembly 13 (and / or the feedback system if the user couples a separate lace adjuster assembly 13 to each shoe 10A, 10B). Controller 378 and / or lace adjuster application 380 may include algorithms specifically configured to enable the derivation of any and all desired statistical data based on data and information received within controller 378 and accessible by lace adjuster application 380.

[0143] In some embodiments, the lace adjuster application 380 may be enabled to allow any desired data and information to be uploaded to a website for analysis, comparison, storage, or other suitable purposes.

[0144] In certain embodiments, the remote device 320 has Bluetooth capabilities and a social media aspect that allows customers to communicate and compare their statistics with one or more professional athletes. It should be understood that this comparison of statistics can integrate many different sports.

[0145] Power source 382 can provide the necessary power to remote device 320 to enable desired functionality. More specifically, power source 382 can provide the necessary power to each of input mechanism 368, transmitter 370, receiver 372, storage device 374, display screen 376, controller 378, and lace adjuster application 380 to enable desired functionality. In one embodiment, power source 382 can include one or more batteries, such as rechargeable batteries and / or disposable batteries, that can be used to provide such necessary power. Alternatively, power source 382 can have another suitable design.

[0146] Figure 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of an imaging assembly 417. Figure 4 further includes a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of a remote device 420 that can be utilized in conjunction with and / or as part of the imaging assembly 417. As shown in Figure 4, the remote device 420 can be substantially the same as or actually the same remote device 320 utilized in conjunction with and / or as part of the sensor assembly 316 shown in Figure 3. This imaging assembly 417 can be used with each of the lace adjuster assemblies 13 shown in Figure 1.

[0147] The design of the imaging assembly 417 may be modified. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the imaging assembly 417 may be a digital camera including an assembly body 484, an optical assembly 486, a capture system 488 (illustrated as a fictitious box), a storage device 490 (illustrated as a fictitious box), a transmitter 492 (illustrated as a fictitious box), a controller 494 (illustrated as a fictitious box), and a power supply 496 (illustrated as a fictitious box). The design of these components may be modified to suit the design requirements and type of imaging assembly 417. Alternatively, the imaging assembly 417 may be designed without one or more of these components.

[0148] In certain alternative embodiments, the image assembly 417 can be designed to capture still images of the athlete during an athletic performance, and / or the image assembly 417 can be designed to capture video image sequences of the athlete during an athletic performance. In some embodiments, the image assembly 417 can be manually activated by the athlete or other user of the image assembly 417, and / or the image assembly 417 can be designed to automatically activate based on the occurrence of a particular movement or event.

[0149] As shown in this embodiment, each of the optical assembly 486, capture system 488, storage device 490, transmitter 492, controller 494, and power supply 496 may be coupled to and / or substantially disposed within the assembly body 484. Alternatively, one or more of the components may be provided remotely from the assembly body 484.

[0150] The assembly body 484 is rigid and may support and / or provide housing for at least some of the other components of the imaging assembly 417, such as the optical assembly 486, the capture system 488, the storage device 490, the transmitter 492, the controller 494, and the power supply 496. In one embodiment, the assembly body 484 comprises a generally rectangular hollow body that forms a cavity for receiving and retaining such components of the imaging assembly 417. Alternatively, the assembly body 484 may have another suitable shape.

[0151] The optical assembly 486 can include a single lens or a combination of lenses that work in combination to focus light onto the capture system 488. Because the imaging assembly 417 is coupled to the leash adjuster 14 (shown in FIG. 1 ), the optical assembly 486 can be positioned and oriented so that the lenses focus light onto the capture system 488 from any desired direction. For example, in one embodiment, the optical assembly 486 can be positioned and oriented so that the lenses focus light onto the capture system 488 from a generally vertical direction, such as when pointed in a generally upward direction from the leash adjuster 14. Additionally and / or alternatively, the optical assembly 486 can be positioned and oriented so that the lenses focus light onto the capture system 488 from a generally horizontal direction and / or at any desired angle between the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0152] In one embodiment, imaging assembly 417 includes an autofocus assembly (not shown), which includes one or more lens movers that move one or more lenses of optical assembly 486 back and forth until capture system 488 receives the sharpest possible image of a primary subject, such as an athlete.

[0153] The capture system 488 captures still images and / or video sequence information of the athlete during an athletic performance. The design of the capture system 488 may vary depending on the type of image assembly 417. In the case of a digital type camera, the capture system 488 may include an image sensor (not shown) and a filter assembly (not shown).

[0154] Still images and / or video sequences captured by capture system 488 may be saved and / or maintained in storage device 490 of image assembly 417. Storage device 490 may have any suitable design capable of storing such still images and / or video sequences.

[0155] The transmitter 492 may be utilized to transmit still images and / or video sequences stored in the storage device 490 to the controller 494 and / or to a remote device 420, such as a television, a smartphone, a computer, or the like. The transmitter 492 may have any suitable design to effectively transmit the still images and / or video sequences from the storage device 490 to the controller 494 and / or the remote device 420. Alternatively, the still images and / or video sequences stored in the storage device 490 may be transmitted to the controller 494 without the need for a separate transmitter 492.

[0156] Controller 494 is electrically connected to and controls the operation of the electrical components of imaging assembly 417. Controller 494 may include one or more processors and circuits, and controller 494 may be programmed to perform one or more functions described herein. For example, controller 494 may be utilized to perform various processing steps on still images and / or video sequences of the athlete captured by capture system 488.

[0157] As shown, the controller 494 can be located within the assembly body 484. In some embodiments, the controller 494 and / or a separate second controller 478 can be located remotely from the imaging assembly 417, such as in a remote device 420.

[0158] The power supply 496 can provide the necessary power to the optical assembly 486, the capture system 488, the storage device 490, the transmitter 492, and / or the controller 494 to enable all of these components to perform their desired functions. In one embodiment, the power supply 496 can include one or more batteries, such as rechargeable batteries and / or disposable batteries, that can be used to provide such necessary power. Alternatively, the power supply 496 can have another suitable design.

[0159] It should be understood that in embodiments of the lace adjuster assembly 13 (shown in FIG. 1 ) that include both an imaging assembly 417 and a sensor assembly 316, the transmitter 492, controller 494, and / or power supply 496 may be common to each of the imaging assembly 417 and the sensor assembly 316. Alternatively, in such embodiments, the imaging assembly 417 and the sensor assembly 316 may include and utilize separate transmitters, controllers, and / or power supplies.

[0160] In one embodiment of the lace adjuster assembly 13 that includes both the imaging assembly 417 and the sensor assembly 316, the various components of the imaging assembly 417 and the sensor assembly 316 may be coupled to and / or disposed substantially within a common assembly body.

[0161] 4 and described above, the imaging assembly 417 can be wirelessly coupled to the remote device 420. For example, in certain embodiments, the transmitter 492 of the imaging assembly 417 can be designed to wirelessly transmit still images and video sequences of the athlete to the remote device 420 via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other suitable wireless technology.

[0162] The design of the remote device 420 may vary. As noted above, the remote device 420 may be substantially identical or actually the same remote device 320 as utilized in conjunction with and / or as part of the sensor assembly 316 shown in FIG. 3. In particular, as shown, the remote device 420 may again include one or more of a device body 464, a connector port 466 formed within the device body 464, an input mechanism 468, a transmitter 470 (illustrated as a fictitious box), a receiver 472 (illustrated as a fictitious box), a storage device 474 (illustrated as a fictitious box), a display screen 476, a controller 478 (illustrated as a fictitious box), a lace adjuster application 480 (illustrated as a fictitious box), and a power source 482. Each of the depicted components has essentially the same design and function as described in detail hereinabove in connection with FIG. 3.

[0163] However, the use and application of the various components may be slightly modified for purposes of interacting with imaging assembly 417 as desired. For example, the data and information transmitted from imaging assembly 417 to remote device 420 may be slightly different than the data and information transmitted between sensor assembly 316 and remote device 320. More specifically, imaging assembly 417 may be configured to capture any desired images, such as still images and / or video images, which may then be transmitted to remote device 420. Such images may then be stored on storage device 474 and / or displayed on display screen 476 as desired.

[0164] FIG. 5 is a simplified top view of a user-accessible area 598 of lace adjuster assembly 13 (shown in FIG. 1). As mentioned above, in some embodiments, lace adjuster assembly 13 can include feedback assembly 15 (shown in FIG. 1), which can include location sensor 216L (shown in FIG. 2F), such as a GPS sensor in sensor assembly 216 (shown in FIG. 2F), to provide location and / or tracking information to the user. It is understood that to obtain the most detailed and accurate location and tracking information, it is desirable to include two or more additional sensors 599, such as two, three, or four sensors positioned near area 598 but spaced apart from one another. In such an arrangement, the overall system can better determine and track the actual, precise location of lace adjuster assembly 13. It is further understood that if a user wears a separate lace adjuster assembly 13 for each shoe 10A, 10B (shown in FIG. 1), the location and tracking information provided by the feedback system can be even more detailed and accurate.

[0165] The type of area 598 can vary. For example, area 598 can be a playing field, such as a football or soccer field, a court, such as a tennis or basketball court, or another type of area 598.

[0166] In this design, a user of the leash adjuster assembly 13 can participate in an event within the area 598 and one or more additional sensors 599 can be used to improve the location information of the leash adjuster assembly 13 .

[0167] 5, region 598 can include two additional sensors 599. For example, as described above, location sensor 216L of lace adjuster assembly 13 and / or sensor assembly 216 can include a GPS sensor. Each additional sensor 599 can also include a GPS sensor (or GPS beacon) to determine a precise location relative to region 598 and relative to location sensor 216L of lace adjuster assembly 13. GPS information from these additional sensor(s) 599 can be relayed to lace adjuster assembly 13 and / or remote device 220 (shown in FIG. 2F) to improve measurement information for lace adjuster assembly 13. As a non-exclusive example, lace adjuster assembly 13 can be electrically connected to the additional sensors 599 via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0168] In some embodiments, additional sensors 599 can be used to monitor the relative position of the lace adjuster assembly 13 over time. For example, the additional sensors 599 can include one or more systems that monitor the relative position of the lace adjuster assembly 13 over time, or can generate signals that can be used by the lace adjuster assembly 13 to monitor its position.

[0169] In certain embodiments, the additional sensors 599 can generate GPS signals that can be utilized by the lacing adjuster assembly 13 to provide more accurate and detailed location and tracking information to a user of the lacing adjuster assembly 13. It will be appreciated that the additional sensors 599 can be positioned in any suitable manner relative to the area 598, such as on and / or near the area 598, to provide such information to the user. As shown, the additional sensors 599 are typically provided in fixed positions relative to the area 598. Thus, during use, each of the additional sensors 599 can provide accurate location and / or tracking information. The additional sensors 599 can also be electronically linked to each other and / or can communicate with each other, such as via a wireless or wired connection.

[0170] With this design, each of the additional sensor(s) 599 can communicate, in an appropriate manner, such as wirelessly, with the sensor assembly 216 and / or the location sensor 216L, such as a GPS sensor, in the feedback assembly 15 as the user moves on or around the area 598. Based on the communication between the sensor assembly 216 of the lace adjuster assembly 13 on the lace 12 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the user's shoe 10A, 10B and / or the additional sensor(s) 599 in the feedback assembly 15 and the location sensor 216L, the user's exact location and / or tracking information can be known whenever the user is using the area 598. In this manner, the user can obtain desired information regarding statistics, such as during athletic performance, to effectively evaluate various aspects of their athletic performance.

[0171] Although many different embodiments of the lace adjuster assembly 13, lace adjuster 14, and feedback assembly 15 are shown and described herein, it is understood that one or more features of any one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, provided that such combinations meet the intent of the present invention.

[0172] While many exemplary aspects and embodiments of lace adjuster assembly 12, lace adjuster 14, and feedback assembly 15 have been shown and disclosed hereinabove, those skilled in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof. Accordingly, lace adjuster assembly 12, lace adjuster 14, and feedback assembly 15 are intended to be construed as including all such modifications, permutations, additions, and sub-combinations that fall within the true spirit and scope thereof, and no limitations to the details of construction or design shown herein are intended.

Claims

1. 1. A lace adjuster system adapted to selectively adjust a first lace of a first shoe of a user and to selectively adjust a second lace of a second shoe of the user, the lace adjuster system comprising a first lace adjuster assembly and a second lace adjuster assembly; the first lace adjuster assembly includes: (i) a first lace adjuster adapted to selectively adjust the first shoelace of the first shoe of the user; and (ii) a first feedback assembly mechanically coupled to the first lace adjuster; the second lace adjuster assembly includes: (i) a second lace adjuster adapted to selectively adjust the second shoe lace of the second shoe of the user; and (ii) a second feedback assembly mechanically coupled to the second lace adjuster; The first feedback assembly includes: configured to selectively measure statistics of the user during athletic performance; the first feedback assembly includes a first sensor assembly and a first controller; the first sensor assembly includes a first performance sensor; the first performance sensor is mechanically coupled to the first lace adjuster and senses a first performance characteristic of the user during the athletic performance; the first controller is electrically coupled to the first performance sensor and includes a first processor; the first controller receives the first performance characteristic from the first performance sensor and generates a first statistical data point based at least in part on the first performance characteristic; The second feedback assembly includes: configured to selectively measure statistics of the user during the athletic performance; the second feedback assembly includes a second sensor assembly and a second controller; the second sensor assembly includes a second performance sensor; the second performance sensor is mechanically coupled to the second lace adjuster and senses a second performance characteristic of the user during the athletic performance; the second controller is electrically coupled to the second performance sensor and includes a second processor; The second controller receives the second performance characteristic from the second performance sensor and generates a second statistical data point based at least in part on the second performance characteristic.

2. The lace adjuster system of claim 1 , wherein the first controller is the same as the second controller.

3. The lace adjuster system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first controller and the second controller are each located in a remote device.

4. 2. The lace adjuster system of claim 1, wherein the first statistical data point and the second statistical data point are combined by one of the first controller and the second controller to generate a combined statistical data point of enhanced accuracy compared to the first statistical data point and the second statistical data point.

5. The lace adjuster system of claim 4 , wherein the first feedback assembly further comprises a first storage device that stores the combined statistical data points.

6. 6. The lace adjuster system of claim 5, wherein the first storage device is mechanically coupled to the first lace adjuster, and the first sensor assembly further includes a first transmitter for transmitting the combined statistical data points from the first storage device to a remote device.

7. The lace adjuster system of claim 6 , wherein the first transmitter transmits the combined statistical data points from the first storage device to the remote device via a wireless connection.

8. The lace adjuster system of claim 6 , wherein the first transmitter transmits the combined statistical data points from the first storage device to the remote device via a wired connection.

9. The lace adjuster system of claim 5 , wherein the first storage device is located in a remote device.

10. The lace adjuster system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first performance sensor senses one or more of horizontal, vertical, and angular movement of the user during the athletic performance.

11. 11. The lace adjuster system of claim 10, wherein the first performance sensor is one of a two-axis accelerometer, a three-axis accelerometer, and a three-axis gyrometer.

12. 11. The lace adjuster system of claim 10, wherein the first performance sensor includes a first magnetometer that measures a magnitude and direction of a magnetic field at a location in space relative to the user's position during the athletic performance.

13. The lace adjuster system of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second performance sensor senses the one or more of horizontal, vertical, and angular movement of the user during the athletic performance.

14. 14. The lace adjuster system of claim 13, wherein the second performance sensor is one of a two-axis accelerometer, a three-axis accelerometer, and a three-axis gyrometer.

15. 14. The lace adjuster system of claim 13, wherein the second performance sensor includes a second magnetometer that measures a magnitude and direction of a magnetic field at a location in space relative to the user's position during the athletic performance.

16. The lace adjuster system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first feedback assembly further comprises a first image capture assembly that captures a first image of the user during the athletic performance.

17. 17. The lace adjuster system of claim 16, wherein the first image capture assembly includes a first optical assembly and a first capture system, the first optical assembly focusing light onto the first capture system such that the first capture system can capture the first image of the user.

18. 18. The lace adjuster system of claim 17, wherein the first image of the user is one of a still image and a video image.

19. 17. The lace adjuster system of claim 16, wherein the second feedback assembly further comprises a second image capture assembly that captures a second image of the user during the athletic performance.

20. 20. The lace adjuster system of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first sensor assembly further includes a first location sensor for providing precise location information of the user, and the location information from the first location sensor is wirelessly transmitted to a remote device.

21. 21. The lace adjuster system of claim 20, wherein the second sensor assembly further includes a second location sensor for providing precise location information of the user, the location information from the second location sensor being wirelessly transmitted to a remote device.

22. the first lace adjuster includes a body assembly and a lace end retainer; (i) the body assembly includes a first body member and a second body member coupled to the first body member and defining a cavity; (ii) the lace end retainer is connected to the body assembly and configured to selectively retain at least a portion of the lace; the lace adjuster is selectively movable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, and when the lace adjuster is in the unlocked configuration, the lace is adjustable relative to the lace adjuster, and when the lace adjuster is in the locked configuration, the lace is elastically held by the lace adjuster and prevented from being adjusted relative to the lace adjuster; The lace adjuster system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the first performance sensor is disposed within the cavity.

23. 1. A lace adjuster system adapted to selectively adjust a first shoe lace of a first shoe of a user, the lace adjuster system comprising: (i) a first lace adjuster adapted to selectively adjust the first shoe lace of the first shoe of the user; (ii) a first feedback assembly mechanically coupled to the first strap adjuster; a first strap adjuster assembly including: the first feedback assembly is configured to selectively measure statistics of the user during athletic performance; the first feedback assembly includes a first sensor assembly and a first controller; the first sensor assembly includes a first performance sensor; the first performance sensor is mechanically coupled to the first lace adjuster and senses a first performance characteristic of the user during the athletic performance; the first controller is electrically coupled to the first performance sensor; the first controller includes a first processor; The first controller receives the first performance characteristic from the first performance sensor and generates a first statistical data point based at least in part on the first performance characteristic.

24. 24. The lace adjuster system of claim 23, wherein the first sensor assembly further includes a second performance sensor that senses a second performance characteristic of the user during the athletic performance, and the first controller receives the second performance characteristic from the second performance sensor and generates the first statistical data point based at least in part on the first performance characteristic and the second performance characteristic.

25. 24. The lace adjuster system of claim 23, wherein the first sensor assembly further includes a second performance sensor that senses a second performance characteristic of the user during the athletic performance, and the first controller receives the second performance characteristic from the second performance sensor and generates second statistical data points based at least in part on the second performance characteristic.

26. The lace adjuster system of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the first performance sensor senses one or more of horizontal, vertical, and angular movement of the user during the athletic performance.

27. 27. The lace adjuster system of claim 26, wherein the first performance sensor is one of a two-axis accelerometer, a three-axis accelerometer, and a three-axis gyrometer.

28. 27. The lace adjuster system of claim 26, wherein the first performance sensor includes a first magnetometer that measures a magnitude and direction of a magnetic field at a location in space relative to the user's position during the athletic performance.

29. The lace adjuster system of any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the first feedback assembly further comprises a first image capture assembly that captures a first image of the user during the athletic performance.

30. 30. The lace adjuster system of claim 29, wherein the first image capture assembly includes a first optical assembly and a first capture system, the first optical assembly focusing light onto the first capture system such that the first capture system can capture the first image of the user.

31. 31. The lace adjuster system of claim 30, wherein the first image of the user is one of a still image and a video image.

32. 32. The lace adjuster system of any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the first sensor assembly further includes a first location sensor for providing precise location information of the user, and the location information from the first location sensor is wirelessly transmitted to a remote device.

33. the first lace adjuster includes a body assembly and a lace end retainer; (i) the body assembly includes a first body member and a second body member coupled to the first body member and defining a cavity; (ii) the lace end retainer is connected to the body assembly and configured to selectively retain at least a portion of the lace; the lace adjuster is selectively movable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, and when the lace adjuster is in the unlocked configuration, the lace is adjustable relative to the lace adjuster, and when the lace adjuster is in the locked configuration, the lace is elastically held by the lace adjuster and prevented from being adjusted relative to the lace adjuster; The lace adjuster system of any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein the first performance sensor is disposed within the cavity.

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