Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises an insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). A reinforcing member (31) is preferably joined to the outsole upper surface (18) for torsional stability. The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: An insole construction for shoe comprising an insole layer having a forward portion, an instep portion having upwardly flared walls defining a flexible support for the wearer's instep, and a heel portion having upwardly flared peripheral walls defining a heel cup and having an enlarged opening through which a segment of the heel portion projects, and an insert positioned below and secured to the insole layer.

Abstract: A ski boot system includes a rigid outer boot having contoured support surfaces for supporting and suspending any one of a plurality of varying sized pliable inner sport shoes. The inner sport shoe is provided with rigid engagement surfaces formed to complement the support surfaces of the outer boot. In this manner, a relatively inelastic and rigid connection is provided to positively secure the shoes within the boot.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sport shoe that is adaptable for multiple competitive events. Specifically, the sport shoe is useful for both cycling and running without compromising either competition. The shoe uses clipless pedals which, heretofore, have only been useful with a cleat that is permanently attached to the cyclist's shoes. The shoes can be quickly mounted to the clipless pedal and the wearer can thus compete in running and cycling events without changing footwear. The shoe of the invention has a composite sole with an outer sole, an intermediate sole and a cushioning layer therebetween. The composite sole has a plurality of apertures which are positioned on a preselected array and which receive a plurality of detent members, preferably in the form of upright posts which are permanently affixed to a pedal of a cycle. The upright posts have detent members which snap into the composite sole, thereby firmly securing the shoe to the pedal of a bicycle without any clips or attachment cleats.

Abstract: An insole for high heel footwear is designed to provide comfort and support cushioning and significantly reduce shock and vibration through the skeletal system. The insole is comprised of a relatively thin layer of open cell, flexible, resilient foam of low compression set, a heel bucket which extends into the heel of the shoe or an implant which is posiitoned at the heel and a metatarsal insert. The heel bucket or implant, and the metatarsal insert are formed from a shock absorbing, viscoelastic polyurethane elastomer to moderate the accleration of heel and metatarsal strike generated shock waves.

Abstract: Ski boot with a device for transmitting flexion forces of the boot upper to the shell base, comprising a slide (8) movable in a transverse groove (7) at the lower forward edge of the cuff (5). The slide is adjustable through the intermediary of a push element (10) which causes displacement of a lock (12) in a rotational movement about an axis (30) perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the push element.

Abstract: A show sole is provided with one or more chambers therein. A piston-like cleat plate is fitted for vertical movement in each chamber. Cleats are fitted to the cleat plates, and openings are provided in the chamber bottom for permitting the cleats to pass therethrough when extended. The cleat plates are spring-biased to a retracted position. A source of fluid pressure such as a squeeze bulb type air pump is connected for supplying fluid pressure to the chambers to cause the cleat plates to move downwardly to extend the cleats from the sole bottom, to provide gripping traction. An inflatable member can be provided above the cleat plate in each chamber. A pair of soles may be connected via supply lines to a remote pump positionable at a convenient location on the wearer's person.

Abstract: A segmented slip designed to be placed over the bottom of the spiked shoe and support the wearer so that the spikes do not contract the ground. The slip has two generally rigid segments, one at the heel and another at the sole connected by a stretch mid-segment. The rigid segments are cross braced construction, allowing spikes between braces and maximum lateral and vertical support, covered by a slip membrane. Different sizes and spike patterns at the heel and sole are accommodated by the stretchable midsection. The slip is attached to the toe and heel of the shoe by flexible caps. The slip is thick enough to allow support under load without allowing spikes/protrusions to penetrate membrane. The slip is made form elastomeric material for comfort and flexibility to adapt to various sizes. The caps also allow easy removablilty.

Abstract: A golf shoe having an instep support rigidly connected to the sole between the instep and the toe of the golf shoe, the instep support extending over the edge of the sole adjacent the shoe, and a heel restraint extending upwardly from the sole, both the instep support and the heel restraint extending upwardly on the lateral outside of the golf shoe to restrain outward rolling of the foot during a backswing and to promote a firm side to hit against during the power stroke.

Abstract: Ski boot comprised of a rigid shell at least partially surmounted by an upper (4) and at least one padding element (9) inside the boot intended to block the skier's foot. The boot comprises a blocking device (12) having a block (16, 16') extending from each side of the zone of the Achilles tendon into the hollow of the malleoli located above the protuberance of the calcaneum, and the block is attached to a block holder (14) provided with a height adjustment device (17, 17'), arranged along the median vertical axis of the back of the upper.

Abstract: A firefighter's boot of this invention is of a configuration and has dimensions which provide a boot which is significantly lighter in weight than a conventional boot of a firefighter which is constructed of the same material. Thus, stress upon a firefighter is significantly less than when a conventional boot is worn by the firefighter. A firefighter's boot of this invention is adapted to be worn in conjunction with firefighter's trousers which cover the legs of the firefighter. A firefighter's boot of this invention is relatively short in height and has a dimension to provide protection which, under certain conditions, may not be provided by the trousers. The firefighter's boots and trousers are adapted to be stored as a unit. The firefighter's boot of this invention is of sufficient height to extend above firefighter's trousers which are compressed around the boots for storing the boots and trousers as a unit.

Abstract: The skiing boot (1) comprises a shell (2) and a leg part (3), which is pivotally moveable relative to the shell. The lower end portion (5) facing the toe of the boot is formed with a groove (7) for accommodating elements (6) having rubberlike elasticity. When the lower end portion (5) of the leg part has run up on or engaged the shell, the element (6) having rubberlike elasticity will be compressed as the pivotal movement toward the forward lean position is continued.

Abstract: An inside boot sole, comprising separate support zones distributed under the surface of the foot, at least two support zones (3, 4) having different mechanical characteristics and each extending at most from the heel (5) to the front end (6) of the sole on both sides of the dividing line (10) located near the median longitudinal axis (7) of the sole.

Abstract: A thong sandal having a sole fastened to the foot of a wearer by means of an instep strap and a toe tab connected to the sole and latched in the instep strap. The sole and instep strap are made from a flat sheet of material which is flexible and provides a comfortable support when walking of a size and shape to fit under the wearer's foot. The instep strap is partially cut away from the sole around the hee but remains attached to the sole on opposite sides of the instep. It is adapted to fold upward and forward and to latch on the toe tab. The toe tab is formed of a durable material which does not break during normal wear and has a protuberance at its free end distal its attachment to the sole for use as a display surface or it latches to the sole at the toe end such that the sandle folds substantially flat or both. The display surface can be customized to the customer's specifications and the protuberance is advantangeously attached to the stem of the toe tab on what is otherwise a stock sandal.

Abstract: There is provided a ski boot formed of plastic material and having a sole and a shaft consisting of a front shaft part having a shell and a rear shaft part articulated on the shell at the heel. The front shaft part is provided with zones of weakness in the arch and shin areas which increase the flexibility of the front shaft part in the longitudinal direction of the boot. Stiffening elements are provided in the zones of weakness extending transversely to the boot axis and having a variable effect on the flexibility of the front shaft part of the boot. The zones of weakness are formed by wave-like elevations and depressions on the front shaft part, the elevations projecting against the outer side of the boot so as to defined hollow spaces sealed against the front side of the boot and accommodating therein the stiffening elements.

Abstract: The footwear structure comprises a shell, including a sole portion and having a quarter connected thereto. The sole portion incorporates an electrical resistance heating circuit, electrically connected to terminals and at least one rechargeable storage battery unit. The structure further comprises a housing, positioned at a rear portion of the quarter, protruding rearwardly, and being adapted for removably receiving the rechargeable storage battery unit, and a circuitry unit for selectively electrically connecting the battery unit to the electrical resistance heating circuit.

Abstract: A disposable filter cartridge comprising a housing substantially including a bottom and an upright side wall, the underside or bottom having one or more holes, said filter cartridges being provided at its top and at least a part of its bottom with filter material or a filter film. At least the filter material for the top is connected to the side wall or a flange-shaped extension thereof by means of a sealed joint. The filter material destined for the underside or bottom of the housing is cup-shaped and is received in the housing of the filter cartridge so as to be immovable.

Abstract: A sole for athletic shoes, particularly soccer shoes, made of a lightweight plastic construction having a reinforcement web provided between the ball region and the heel for the attachment of gripping elements is improved so that a greater resistance to twisting, at least in the midfoot section, is achieved without the weight of the sole being increased. This is achieved in that the reinforcement web is positioned to running diagonally from a lateral side of the ball region over sole to the medial side of the heel. Additionally, a diagonal web may be provided running from a medial side of the ball region to the small toe region.

Abstract: Papermaker's felt employing compressible knit yarn in a woven base to provide a durable resiliency so as to provide vibration dampening and delay the occurrence of crushing during papermaking.

Abstract: A boot or shoe has a gaiter, the lower end of which is permanently affixed by a waterproof join to the boot or shoe's outer surface, circumscribing the said boot or shoe above the sole. The gaiter has an opening extending down from the top, and a fastener, which when closed helps to keep the gaiter in an upright position on the wearer's leg. A gusset is disposed inwardly of the opening and forms a tubular shape when the fastener is closed. A pull cord or other closure at the top of the gaiter is operable to constrict the gaiter's upper periphery around the wearer's leg. This closure inhibits the flow of water into the boot or shoe. When not required, the gaiter folds down around the ankle of the wearer's leg.