Derek S Weber

US Patent:

8141277, Mar 27, 2012

Filed:

Jun 26, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/492172

Inventors:

Douglas K. Robinson - Mansfield MA, US
John J. Erickson - Brockton MA, US
Gordon B. Taylor - Berlin MA, US
Steven E. Beard - Berlin MA, US
Derek S. Weber - Clifton Park NY, US
Jared Moisan - Irvine CA, US

Assignee:

Acushnet Company - Fairhaven MA

International Classification:

A43B 5/00

US Classification:

36137, 36 501, 36 25 R, 73172, 73179

Abstract:

Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include a plurality of sensors, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response element is a lateral adjuster having an upper bracket located in the laces area and a lower bracket affixed to the side of the sole, brackets supporting a plurality of electrostrictive polymer bands.