Footwear having sensor system
A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or compression sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.
1. A sensor system comprising:
an insert member configured to be inserted into a foot-receiving chamber of an article of footwear, the insert member comprising a first layer and a second layer positioned in a layered configuration; and
a first sensor connected to the insert member and positioned between the first and second layers, wherein the first sensor is configured to detect pressure on the insert member,
wherein the insert member includes a first channel extending from the first sensor to a first vent in the insert member, and wherein the first channel permits air to flow between the first and second layers from the first sensor to an exterior of the insert member, through the first vent.
2. The sensor system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a first selectively permeable closure covering the first vent, the first closure permitting inward and outward flow of air, while resisting inward flow of moisture and particles.
3. The sensor system of claim 2 , wherein the first closure comprises a fluoroplastic porous membrane.
4. The sensor system of claim 3 , wherein the first closure is a porous membrane comprising PTFE fibers and having an adhesive on one side.
5. The sensor system of claim 2 , further comprising:
a second sensor connected to the insert member and positioned between the first and second layers, wherein the second sensor is configured to detect pressure on the insert member, wherein the insert member includes a second channel extending from the second sensor to a second vent in the insert member, and wherein the second channel permits air to flow between the first and second layers from the second sensor to an exterior of the insert member, through the second vent.
6. The sensor system of claim 5 , further comprising:
a second selectively permeable closure covering the second vent, the second closure permitting inward and outward flow of air, while resisting inward flow of moisture and particles.
7. The sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the first and second closures also permit outward flow of moisture.
8. The sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the first vent comprises a first opening in a bottom side of the second layer opposite the first layer, and the second vent comprises a second opening in the bottom side of the second layer, such that the first and second openings permit downward flow of air and moisture.
9. The sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the first and second closures each comprise a fluoroplastic porous membrane.
10. The sensor system of claim 9 , wherein the first and second closures are porous membranes comprising PTFE fibers and having an adhesive on one side.
11. The sensor system of claim 2 , wherein the first vent comprises an opening in a bottom side of the second layer opposite the first layer, such that the opening permits downward flow of air and moisture.
12. The sensor system of claim 2 , wherein the first closure also permits outward flow of moisture.
13. The sensor system of claim 1 , wherein the first vent comprises an opening between the first and second layers at a peripheral edge of the insert member, such that the opening permits outward flow of air and moisture.
14. The sensor system of claim 1 , wherein the first vent comprises an opening in a bottom side of the second layer opposite the first layer, such that the opening permits downward flow of air and moisture.
15. An article of footwear comprising:
a sole structure configured to support a foot of a user, the sole structure comprising a compressible sole member;
an insert member comprising a first layer and a second layer positioned in a layered configuration, the insert member being supported by the sole structure with a bottom surface of the second layer in confronting relation to the sole member;
a plurality of sensors connected to the insert member and positioned between the first and second layers, wherein the sensors are configured to detect pressure on the insert member;
a vent in the insert member, and wherein the vent is configured to permit air to flow from between the first and second layers, through the vent, to an exterior of the insert member; and
a cavity within the sole member positioned adjacent the vent and configured to permit the air exiting the vent to pass away from the insert member.
16. The article of footwear of claim 15 , wherein the vent comprises an opening in the bottom surface of the second layer opposite the first layer, such that the opening permits downward flow of air into the cavity.
17. The article of footwear of claim 15 , wherein the cavity extends laterally from the vent to a distal end located outside a peripheral boundary of the insert member.
18. The article of footwear of claim 17 , wherein the cavity extends to a peripheral boundary of the sole member.