Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed. The article comprises an insole (3) and a sole element (9) secured to the lower surface (11) of the insole (3). The sole element (9) is formed from a material capable of absorbing impact energy. The article is constructed so that the sole element (9) extends through an opening (15) in the insole (3) and projects to or above the upper surface (7) of the insole (3) and forms a load transfer region for transferring load between a foot of a wearer of the footwear and the sole element (9).

Abstract: Footwear, in particular sports footwear, which includes a vamp associated with a substantially flat foot-supporting lower part or sole unit. This latter includes at least one portion formed of woven composite material having a part positioned in correspondence with the metatarsal region of the user's foot and a part positioned corresponding with the arch region of the user's foot, wherein the part of the portion present in the metatarsal region is flexible and enables the sole unit to flex during the use of the footwear and wherein part of the portion present in the plantar arch region is rigid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole, especially for a sport bdot, adapted to sports that require a foot movement or to gliding sports. The sole, especially an external sole, is constituted by a front part and a rear part. The rear part covers at least the base of the heel zone and is rigid and substantially non-flexible. Preferably, the rear part extends substantially up to the so-called metatarsophalangeal bending zone. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a sole, especially a sole such as described hereinabove. In addition, it relates to a boot having a sole such as described hereinabove.

Abstract: An item of footwear such as a shoe comprises an outer sole which may include an intermediate mid sole, an upper having an insole with a cavity between the outer sole or mid sole. The cavity receives injected into it cushioning resilient foam material which may extend into a heal portion of or to the outer sole of a multi-layer sole and heel unit. In the method of manufacture and after the assembly of the shoe with the empty cavity, the resilient material is subsequently injected into the cavity e.g. through a small bore in the outer sole or elsewhere. Vent hole enable air to escape from the cavity to ensure full and intimate filling of the cavity with the foam material. The upper may be retained on a last during injection to maintain a desired profile of the insole. Quantity and/or pressure of the injected material may be varied for obtaining different degrees of cushioning.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: A complex-contoured tensile bladder and method of making same in which a bladder comprises an envelope formed from two outer barrier layers surrounding a tensile element formed of two inner sheets. The inner sheets are attached to one another along selected first attachment portions and include die cuts at certain locations. Each of the outer barrier layers are attached to the inner sheet nearest it at selected second attachment portions which are incoincident with the selected first attachment portions. The outer layers are sealed around the periphery to form the envelope and the bladder is inflated with a gas so that the inner sheets form a tensile member which extends between the selected second portions, and the selected first portions form hinges disposed between the outer layers. When loaded the tensile member compresses at the hinges which readily allow for compression while not interfering with the cushioning properties of the gas.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: A method for making a conformable device including a light cure material for use in functional relation with an article of footwear in order to enhance conformance or fit, support, comfort, and cushioning. The present invention can serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features and characteristics of an individual wearer and finds application within numerous types of articles footwear (44).

Abstract: A shoe sole consists of an upper sole part (1) consisting of wood, and of a running sole (7) found underneath this. The upper sole part (1) is divided in the ball region so that several narrow strips (3) are formed running crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the sole, and the strips are joined together as well as with the front and back sole parts (4, 5) by flexible intermediate pieces (6). In one form of embodiment, a reinforcing layer (8) is rigidly joined on the surface, at least in the region of strips (3) on the under side of upper sole part (1). This reinforcing layer (8) appropriately consists of at least a layer of a wood veneer, which is glued onto the under side of upper sole part (1).

Abstract: A method for forming a pattern on a shoe sole includes preparing a film having a pattern attaching and transferring to an EVA material. The EVA material is then molded so as to allow infiltrating of the pattern in the EVA material and so as to form a shoe sole. The pattern is solidly formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shoe sole and will not be easily worn out. The shoe sole includes a cavity formed in the bottom portion for receiving an insert. The insert may be made of waste or recycled EVA materials.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite sole to an upper of a shoe includes molding a blank midsole to an upper of a shoe while protecting the material of the upper from the heat involved in molding the midsole to the upper, and subsequently adhering an outsole having a desired traction surface to the blank midsole. The method requires less heat and less time than prior art vulcanization processes that form entire soles to footwear uppers, and also requires less equipment than prior art processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spun-laced fabric having improved water absorbency containing a blend of certain hydrophilic cellulosic and pack resistant fibers with a hydrophobic fiber material layer attached to one side of the blend. The fabric may be used as an absorbent layer in a multilayer or laminated structure.

Abstract: A shoe sole assembly is made by drying and cutting a fiber gourd into a cylindrical configuration. The cylindrical gourd fiber is then expanded and pressed into a sheet of gourd fiber. The sheet of gourd fiber may then be cut into a number of shoe soles. An insole layer may further be secured to each shoe sole to form the shoe sole assembly.

Abstract: A process of molding multi-durometer footwear soles which includes forming elongated components from compression moldable compounds, each component having a different hardness (Shore A). The components are configured and dimensioned such that the softer component will be positioned on top of and within the configuration of the bottom, harder component. The assembled components are placed in a compression mold and covulcanized together.

Abstract: Process for producing shoe soles of injected plastics material, which soles have an empty chamber visible through a transparent material, which process comprises the following steps:a) injection, into a hollow region comprised between a mobile die and a first removable plate, of a multipart tread sole, with at least one of said sole parts being made from a transparent material;b) injection, into a region comprised between said first removable matrix and a second, removable matrix, of a shaped body comprising a perimetrical wall 13 and a top wall 14;c) removal of said first matrix and injection, into the hollow region comprised between said tread sole and said shaped body, of a layer 17 made of a material suitable for bonding the shoe sole and said shaped body to each other;d) removal of said second matrix and injection, into the hollow region comprised between the vamp, the tread sole and the external side of said shaped body, of a material which constitutes the intersole;e) possible either partial or total f

Abstract: A method of making EVA shoe midsole includes a compound containing in percentage by weight the substancessuch as 100% of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) into which 5-40% of filling agent, 1-10% of foaming agent, 0.5-3% of bridging agent, 0.5-5% of finishing aid, 0.1-1% of foaming aid and coloring agent are added. Such compound is made into particles to be injected into the primary mold in which the preliminary blank of midsole is formed. The preliminary blank is made to foam to take shape of a molded blank under heat and pressure so as to ensure that the size of the molded blank corresponds to that of the midsole intended to be made. The molded blank is then treated in the secondary mold under heat and pressure and is subsequently cooled to take form of the midsole intended to be manufactured.

Abstract: A gritted outsole suitable for intervulcanization with a rubber boot has a layer of inorganic grit particles secured to its outer face. The grit particles are chemically bonded to the rubber of the outsole by an adhesive having both polar and non-polar components. The adhesive may comprise a pair of successive primer coatings on the grit particles. The first primer coating is made of a polar organic polymer which has a high affinity for the grit particle. The second primer overcoats the first primer and serves to intervulcanize the first primer with the rubber of the outsole. An intervulcanized gritted outsole according to the invention provides improved traction and has greater durability than conventional gritted outsoles.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an air-pervious insole being uneasily deformable is provided. The method includes (1) preparing from a foaming material an elastic base piece having through holes, (2) cutting from the base piece a layer of the foamed material to present a rough surface, (3) adhering a cloth layer on the rough surface, then (4) baking to soften the base piece, then (5) molding in a cooling mold, and finally cutting the cooled and molded piece to obtain an air-pervious insole.

Abstract: A sheet material comprising a cushioning layer formed of resilient, cushioning material, and a non-absorbent, thermally non-conductive top layer of thermoplastic material formed with apertures which is embedded into the cushioning layer so that the cushioning material extends at least partially into the apertures in the top layer. The coefficient of friction of the top layer of the sheet material can be varied to alter the degree of slip-resistance of the sheet material depending upon the requirements of a particular application. The cushioning material forming the cushioning layer may be moisture-absorbent to help channel away moisture from the top layer, and, in one embodiment, is affixed to a second cushioning layer to form a three-layer sheet material.

Abstract: Lactones and lactams are utilized in the preparation of urethane modified prepolymers based on diphenylmethane diisocyanate, uretonimine-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate. The prepolymers are then employed to prepare microcellular foams suitable for shoe soles and cast polyurethane products.

Abstract: A method for casting in situ an insole on a foot comprising the steps of preparing a mold defining an open top recess, providing a casting material in the recess, placing the foot inside the recess at a predetermined angle and position relative to the mold, engaging the casting material by the plantar surface of the foot, permitting the casting material to conform to the shape of the plantar surface of the foot, and permitting the casting material to harden.

Abstract: An inner or inner sole for a shoe in the shape of an insert sole or of a foot support consists of a substructure from a compact or cellular structure shaped, elastic material. On the upper side a plurality of lugs arranged in rows for massaging the soles of the feet is provided. These rows of lugs interpenetrate or cross at an angle of approximately 120.degree. and exhibit an angle of approximately 60.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the sole. A covering 2 of soft leather is glued onto the rounded heads of the lugs. By means of a plurality of perforations 4 of small diameter a continuous air exchange is possible.

Abstract: According to the process of the invention one starts with a block of wood of approximately parallelepipedal shape from which, by means of operations of milling and turning, there are obtained opposed surfaces on which there are subsequently milled parallel channels extending through almost one-half of the thickness of the block. Into the channels there is introduced resilient rubber so as then to obtain a pair of perfectly symmetrical insoles, by making a longitudinal cut along the plane corresponding to one-half the thickness of the block. The insoles being made perfectly resilient by transverse layers of rubber which furthermore have anti-slip properties.

Abstract: A midsole for an athletic shoe made by a process comprising, forming a plastic board using a composition containing polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polyester fiber, acrylic fiber, nylon fiber and cotton fiber, overlaying at least one layer of woven fabric on said plastic board, and punching needle holes at intervals in the full area of the superposed board and fabric layer, whereby the fibers in the board and the fabric layer are interlinked binding the board and the fabric layer, and vents are formed in the bonded board and the fabric layer.

Abstract: An insole for shoes, with which, after having made a connection, preferably by sewing, between the insole and the shoe upper, a body of polyurethane forming the running sole and/or the foot bed is applied to the bottom side of the insole by foaming operation, consists of a fleece substantially formed of synthetic fibres and having arranged therein a reinforcing insert approximately extending in parallel relation to the upper side of the insole. At least the upper portion of the fleece, which is adjacent the upper side of the insole on which rests the foot, is impregnated with a dispersion or emulsion containing at least 1 percent by weight of hollow microspheres, the thin shell of which consists of a vinylidene chloride copolymer and the hollow core of which contains a gas.

Abstract: A process and configuration for constructing the lower part of a spikeless type athletic shoe having molded studs on its undersurface to improve its wear-resistance is disclosed wherein portions of the sole and heel are premolded of an extra-durable material, such as high carbon content rubber, and then disposed partly cured in the shoe master mold at selected locations for molding and curing with the remainder of the sole and heel to produce a lower construction of conventional rubber molded with underface portions of extra-durability at the selected areas of greatest wear.

Abstract: A method of making a sole construction for a shoe is disclosed, the sole construction being of the type having at least two independently prefabricated wooden parts which are interconnected at an area beneath the ball of the foot of a wearer by at least one flexible polyurethane intermediate part. The method includes steps of placing the wooden parts in a mold, introducing a polyurethane foaming material into the remaining free space in the mold, allowing the polyurethane foaming material to foam with the mold closed to form the intermediate parts in interconnected relation with the wooden parts, removing the wooden and intermediate parts from the mold and thereafter working the side surfaces of the sole construction and the surfaces thereof facing the foot sole by grinding or milling.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a shoe sole which prevents the build up of static electricity to the degree that a shock occurs when a shoe is worn while walking across a floor covering such as a carpet. Electrically conductive elements in the shoe sole are unnecessary. Alteration of the carpet is unnecessary. A build up of static electric charge between the shoe sole and the floor covering is prevented when the sole has a bottom portion made from substantially the same material as the surface of the floor covering.Shoe (1) having sole (2) is used for walking across floor covering (4). The bottom portion (3) of sole (2) is made from substantially the same material as floor covering surface (5). The bottom portion (3) may be a coating which may be brushed or sprayed on. Bottom portion (3) may also be a film material which adheres to the remainder of sole (2) by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing insoles from flexible, porous and stickable sheet plastic material by sheering the sheet to form a peripheral cut of the insole and an internal cut in the heel area to form an open area surrounded by a land area. The insole is then placed in a mold die and plastic is injected to fill in the open area and surround the land area to conform to a predetermined contour. The insole is stabilized in the die by a plurality of rods positioned within the die.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a moldable foot wedge which when suitably treated as by heat, becomes deformable so that the person for whom the wedge is to be customed fit is allowed to stand on the wedge thereby deforming same to conform identically to the contour of the person's foot, thereby filling voids. An area below the rear heel on one side thereof is defined as a plug which is not subjected to the heat treatment so that a beneficial cant of inclination can be provided to the wedge by not allowing this cold plug to be heat treated and thereby deformed. A method associated with the article is similarily disclosed.

Abstract: A shoe sole construction and method of making same comprising forward and rearward sole parts of wood having a flexible intermediate part of foamed polyurethane connecting said wood parts. Said polyurethane intermediate part is located adjacent the ball of the wearer's foot and has a laterally extending insert embedded therein, the ends of which are adapted to receive fastening means for securing the shoe upper at that location. During manufacture of the sole, the wooden parts are placed in a mold and then the polyurethane is introduced so as to form the intermediate part which upon curing, chemically bonds to the wooden parts.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing non-yellowing polyurethane shoe soles which comprises coating a non-yellowing polyurethane composition on the inner surface of a mould for shaping soles, subsequently casting a foamable polyurethane composition into the mould, and curing the compositions, whereby a non-yellowing polyurethane outer layer and a foamed polyurethane sole base are formed and integrally united together to give the shoe sole; and non-yellowing shoe soles thus obtained.

Abstract: A sandal for wearing on the foot is provided having a plurality of elongated, wooden slats having their ends shaped to form the bottom of a sandal or shoe. The slats are held together by a flexible piece of material glued to one side thereof and a flexible sandal or shoe upper portion may be attached to the top of the flexible material holding the slats together to form a sandal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a segmented clog sole comprising the steps of forming a thick unit sole having a plurality of transverse slots on the mid sole side running across the width of but not through said unit sole, applying an adhesively attached mid and outer sole to the unit sole and then extending or cutting said slots completely through the outer sole and unit sole up to but not through said mid sole.

Abstract: A hollow insole provided with non-communicating compartments which are filled with liquid to form individual foot-supporting cushions. Included in the invention is a method of making the insole.