US 12,349,763 B2
Multi-texture micro-mechanical actuation system for in situ friction control during human gait
Arpith Siddaiah, Reno, NV (US); and Pradeep L. Menezes, Reno, NV (US)
Assigned to Nevada Research & Innovation Corporation, Reno, NV (US)
Appl. No. 17/917,879
Filed by Nevada Research & Innovation Corporation, Reno, NV (US)
PCT Filed Apr. 5, 2021, PCT No. PCT/US2021/025738
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Oct. 7, 2022,
PCT Pub. No. WO2021/207057, PCT Pub. Date Oct. 14, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/007,284, filed on Apr. 8, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0119317 A1, Apr. 20, 2023
Int. Cl. A43B 13/26 (2006.01); A43C 15/16 (2006.01)
CPC A43B 13/26 (2013.01) [A43C 15/16 (2013.01); A43C 15/161 (2013.01); A43C 15/162 (2013.01)] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An actuation system, comprising:
a gear assembly having a plurality of gears;
a plurality of friction members, each friction member being coupled to a respective gear of the gear assembly and having a series of textured outer surfaces;
an outsole for an article of footwear having an inner portion, an outer surface, and a plurality of openings extending from the inner portion to the outer surface, each opening being configured to receive one or more of the friction members such that at least one textured outer surface of each friction member is exposed on the outer surface of the outsole; and
an actuator configured to rotate one or more gears of the gear assembly such that each friction member rotates relative to the outsole,
wherein the series of textured outer surfaces comprises two or more textured outer surfaces and rotation of a respective one of the plurality of friction members by the actuator causes one of the two or more textured outer surfaces to be exposed on the outer surface of the outsole.