PATENTED GPS SHOES

It came about in 2002 during the Elizabeth Smart case. GTX Corp CEO Patrick Bertagna wanted to create a way to locate missing children easily and conveniently through footwear. Since then, the idea has evolved into a broader array of Personal Location Services technology that may be licensed to consumer brands. The applications are to locate children, the elderly, high valued assets, pets, etc. and protected with over a dozen patents and patents pending. A miniaturized GPS chip and cellular device is embedded in the shoe. The shoe then continuously tracks the location and movement history of its wearer, relaying the information to a monitoring center through cellular networks. Authorized parties are able to instantly log-on, or receive alerts, via a secure internet portal and pinpoint the current location of the targeted user on an interactive map. GTX Corp is projecting the cost will be around $200 to $300. The company is anticipating availability for purchase in the spring of 2010 through the Aetrex e-commerce site and a select group of assisted living facilities. The product is robust and protected inside a cavity made of a polycarbonate material placed in the mid sole of the shoe. It should last the normal duration of a shoe which we estimate to be anywhere from one to three years. GTX Corp is working with other footwear companies that specialize in children and athletic markets to develop new products. The company just attended WSA (The World Shoes and Accessories Tradeshow) discussing market opportunities with prominent brands.