Derivative works — US Patent 11633006

Defensive Disclosure and Inventive Concepts

This document details novel and non-obvious variations, extensions, and applications of the core technologies described in U.S. Patent No. 11,633,006. The purpose of this disclosure is to place these concepts into the public domain, thereby establishing them as prior art for patent examination purposes. The following disclosures are intended to be enabling for a Person Having Ordinary Skill in the Art (PHOSITA).

Derivatives of Independent Claim 1

Claim 1 describes a rapid-entry shoe featuring an elastic element extending from the sole to the topline and a rigid, "closed cup" stabilizer with a flared top.

1. Material & Component Substitution

Derivative 1.1: Magnetorheological (MR) Custom-Fit Stabilizer

Enabling Description: The stabilizer's rigid structure is replaced by a semi-flexible, hollow shell constructed from a non-magnetic polymer like PEEK (Polyether ether ketone). This shell is filled with a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. The foam liner is integrated with a network of fine-gauge copper coils connected to a piezoelectric generator embedded in the shoe's outsole. During foot entry, the MR fluid is in a liquid state, allowing the stabilizer shell to flex. Once the foot is in place, the kinetic energy from the user's first few steps generates a current via the piezoelectric element, which energizes the coils. The resulting magnetic field instantly increases the viscosity of the MR fluid, causing the stabilizer to become rigid and conform precisely to the user's heel. This creates an active, adaptive fit that is firm during wear but flexible for entry/exit.

Mermaid Diagram:

graph TD
    A[Piezo Generator in Outsole] --Kinetic Energy--> B(Power Management IC)
    B --Regulated Current--> C{Coil Network in Liner}
    C --Magnetic Field--> D[MR Fluid in Stabilizer Shell]
    D --Viscosity Increase--> E(Rigid, Conforming Heel)
    D --No Field--> F(Flexible Heel for Entry)

Derivative 1.2: Pneumatically-Actuated Elastic Element

Enabling Description: The passive elastic element is replaced with a series of interconnected, low-profile pneumatic bladders made of durable Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), integrated into the shoe's side portion. These bladders are connected via micro-tubing to a miniature, low-power diaphragm pump and release valve located within the sole. A pressure sensor in the heel detects the initial insertion of the foot, triggering the valve to release air, which allows the bladders to collapse and the foot opening to enlarge. Upon full insertion of the foot, the sensor signals the pump to inflate the bladders to a pre-set pressure (e.g., 2-5 psi), securing the foot. This allows for a wider opening than passive elastic and an adjustable level of midfoot support.

Mermaid Diagram:

sequenceDiagram
    participant User
    participant HeelSensor
    participant Microcontroller
    participant Valve
    participant Pump
    participant AirBladders

    User->>HeelSensor: Inserts Foot
    HeelSensor->>Microcontroller: Pressure Detected
    Microcontroller->>Valve: Open Valve
    Valve-->>AirBladders: Deflate
    User->>HeelSensor: Foot Fully Seated
    HeelSensor->>Microcontroller: Full Pressure Signal
    Microcontroller->>Pump: Activate Pump
    Pump->>AirBladders: Inflate to Set Pressure

2. Operational Parameter Expansion

Derivative 2.1: High-G Flight Boot Application

Enabling Description: An adaptation for aviators in high-performance aircraft. The stabilizer is constructed from a carbon fiber/Aramid (e.g., Kevlar®) composite to withstand extreme forces. The elastic element is a high-tension, fire-retardant elastomer. Integrated within the sole and stabilizer are liquid-filled capillaries connected to the aircraft's G-suit pressure system. As G-forces increase, the system automatically pressurizes the capillaries, causing the entire shoe structure—including the stabilizer and areas around the elastic element—to become progressively more rigid. This provides enhanced ankle support to prevent G-induced pooling of blood in the lower extremities and ensures the boot does not deform or loosen during high-G maneuvers, while still allowing for rapid, hands-free donning and doffing on the ground.

Mermaid Diagram:

stateDiagram-v2
    state "Ground (1G)" as S1
    state "High-G (5-9G)" as S2

    [*] --> S1: Pre-flight
    S1 --> S2: Onset of High-G / Pressure from G-suit
    S2 --> S1: Return to 1G / Pressure Release

    S1: Stabilizer: Nominally Rigid<br>Capillaries: Unpressurized<br>Fit: Snug
    S2: Stabilizer: Hyper-Rigid<br>Capillaries: Pressurized<br>Fit: Compression

3. Cross-Domain Application

Derivative 3.1: Medical - Articulated Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO)

Enabling Description: The invention is applied to an AFO for patients with drop foot or ankle instability. The "sole portion" is a custom-molded orthotic footplate. The "stabilizer" is a rigid polypropylene upright that cups the heel and extends vertically along the calf. The "elastic element" is a hinged, elasticated strap system on the lateral side, allowing the AFO to be opened widely. The "flare portion" at the top of the stabilizer acts as a guide for the user's leg. This design allows a patient with limited hand strength or mobility to don and doff their own brace without assistance, a significant improvement over complex Velcro strap systems.

Mermaid Diagram:

graph LR
    subgraph AFO [Ankle-Foot Orthosis]
        A(Polypropylene Stabilizer) --extends up calf--> B(Flare Guide)
        A --forms--> C(Heel Cup)
        C --connects to--> D(Orthotic Footplate)
        A --connected by--> E(Elasticated Hinge)
        E --allows opening--> F(Side Portion)
    end
    G[User's Leg] -->|Slides Down| B
    F -->|Expands| G

Derivative 3.2: Industrial Safety - Self-Securing Equipment Holster

Enabling Description: A tool holster for a duty belt. The "stabilizer" is a Kydex or molded carbon fiber shell shaped to the tool (e.g., a power drill, scanner). The "elastic element" is a high-retention elastic band or a spring-loaded gate on the side. The "flare portion" is a flared opening at the top of the holster. The user can insert the tool with one hand; the flared opening guides it into place, and the elastic gate expands and then snaps shut, securing the tool. This provides Level II retention without requiring the user to manually operate a thumb break or strap.

Mermaid Diagram:

graph TD
    subgraph Holster
        A[Flared Opening] --> B{Holster Body};
        B --contains--> C(Tool);
        D[Spring-Loaded Gate] --secures--> C;
        B --attached to--> E[Belt Mount];
    end

    Tool_In --Pushes against--> D;
    D --Opens--> Allows_Entry;
    Tool_In --> B;
    D --Spring Action--> Closes;

Derivative 3.3: Sporting Goods - Quick-Release Bicycle Cleat Cover

Enabling Description: A walkable cover for recessed SPD-style bicycle cleats. The "stabilizer" is a rigid polymer frame that surrounds the cleat area on the sole of the cycling shoe. The "elastic element" is a stretchable rubber membrane that forms the body of the cover. To install, the user simply steps down onto the cover. The flared edges of the stabilizer guide the shoe, and the elastic membrane stretches over the sole, snapping securely into the recess around the cleat. Removal is hands-free by hooking a tab on the cover with the opposite shoe and pulling away. This allows cyclists to quickly transition from cycling to walking without fumbling with covers.

Mermaid Diagram:

flowchart LR
    subgraph Shoe
        A(Cycling Shoe Sole) --> B(Recessed Cleat);
    end
    subgraph Cleat Cover
        C(Rigid Frame) --surrounds--> D(Elastic Membrane);
    end
    A --Applies Force--> C;
    D --Stretches over A--> E{Cover Secured};
    E --Release Tab Pulled--> D;
    D --Contracts--> F{Cover Removed};

Derivatives of Independent Claim 4

Claim 4 describes a rapid-entry shoe with a stabilizer forming an "arch structure" with a "window" containing an "expansion zone."

4. Integration with Emerging Tech

Derivative 4.1: AI-Modulated Variable Stiffness Arch

Enabling Description: The "expansion zone" within the stabilizer's window is an Electroactive Polymer (EAP) actuator. An integrated System-on-Chip (SoC) runs a lightweight neural network. Multiple pressure sensors in the insole provide real-time data on foot position, weight distribution, and activity type (e.g., walking, running, standing still). The AI model processes this data and dynamically adjusts the voltage applied to the EAP. This allows the expansion zone to change its stiffness: it becomes very soft for easy foot entry, provides firm, responsive support during athletic movements, and can offer gentle, compliant support when the user is stationary. The user's gait data and the AI's adjustments are logged to a private blockchain, creating an immutable record for performance analysis or medical history.

Mermaid Diagram:

graph TD
    subgraph ShoeSystem
        A[Insole Pressure Sensors] --> B(Microcontroller with AI);
        B --> C[EAP Driver Circuit];
        C --> D(EAP Expansion Zone);
        B --> E(Bluetooth LE);
    end
    subgraph External
        F(User's Foot) --interacts with--> A;
        E --> G(Smartphone App);
        B --> H(Private Blockchain);
    end
    A --Gait Data--> B;
    B --Control Signal--> C;
    C --Voltage--> D;
    B --Log Data--> H;


---
#### **5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode**

**Derivative 5.1: Fail-Safe Mechanical Latch Expansion Zone**

*   **Enabling Description:** The "expansion zone" is not elastic but is a hinged, rigid gate connected to a bi-stable latching mechanism. As the foot enters, it pushes the gate rearward, which travels past a mechanical detent and clicks into an "open" position, creating maximum space. Once the foot is in and the heel settles, a small, user-actuated lever (or a secondary pressure plate in the heel) releases the latch, causing a pre-loaded torsion spring to snap the gate forward into a "closed" position, locking the heel. This system is designed for a "fail-safe" state; if the spring or latch mechanism fails, the gate remains in the open position, and the shoe can still be worn loosely or secured by a backup lace threaded through the window. This prioritizes guaranteed operation over a soft, elastic feel.
*   **Mermaid Diagram:**
    ```mermaid
    stateDiagram-v2
        [*] --> Unlatched
        Unlatched: Gate is closed.
        Latched_Open: Gate is open for foot entry.

        Unlatched --> Latched_Open: Heel pressure overcomes latch detent.
        Latched_Open --> Unlatched: User actuates release lever.
        Latched_Open --> Failsafe_Mode: Mechanical failure of spring/latch.
        Unlatched --> Failsafe_Mode: Mechanical failure of spring/latch.

        state Failsafe_Mode {
            direction LR
            [*] --> Open_State
            Open_State: Gate remains open. User can add manual lace.
        }
    ```

---
### **Combination Prior Art with Open-Source Standards**

**1. Combination with WebXR for Custom Orthotics:**
*   **Enabling Description:** A web-based application utilizing the open WebXR standard allows a user to perform a 3D scan of their foot using a standard smartphone. This application uses an open-source point-cloud processing library (e.g., PCL.js) to generate a high-fidelity 3D model. The application then algorithmically generates a customized CAD model for the stabilizer arch and window structure of Claim 4, conforming it to the user's specific heel and ankle geometry. The output is a standard STL file, ready for 3D printing on any consumer-grade printer using open-source slicer software like Ultimaker Cura. This makes the concept of a parametrically-designed, user-printable, custom-fit version of the patented invention obvious.

**2. Combination with an Open-Source RTOS for Haptic Feedback:**
*   **Enabling Description:** The stabilizer arch of Claim 4 is built to house a small microcontroller running an open-source Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) such as Zephyr or FreeRTOS. The "expansion zone" is fitted with a piezoelectric film sensor and a small linear resonant actuator (LRA). When the user's foot is properly seated, the piezoelectric sensor registers a specific pressure signature. The RTOS, executing a simple open-source algorithm, triggers the LRA to produce a short haptic buzz, confirming to the user that the shoe is securely on without them needing to look or feel manually. The code for this haptic feedback loop, along with hardware schematics for integrating common LRA modules, is published on a public code repository, making the addition of this sensory feedback feature obvious.

**3. Combination with Open-Source BLE Protocols for 'Find My Shoe' Functionality:**
*   **Enabling Description:** A low-power System on a Chip (SoC) like the nRF52 series, which supports open Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocols, is integrated directly into the rigid material of the stabilizer during the molding process. The device is programmed with open-source firmware to continuously broadcast a BLE advertising packet, similar to beacon standards like iBeacon or Eddystone. A user can use any generic open-source BLE scanner app on their smartphone to detect the shoe's signal strength, allowing them to locate a misplaced shoe within a room. This combines the shoe's structure with universally accessible, open wireless standards, rendering the addition of a simple location-finding feature obvious.