Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe with a sole portion and a footbed that slide, pivot or translate relative to each other to provide both an open configuration (for ease of donning or doffing by a foot) and a closed configuration (for securement of a foot).

Abstract: Each of a first footwear and a second footwear may comprise a toe loop and a first strap. The first strap may be affixed to: a lateral heel portion with a first rotatable connector; and a medial heel portion with a second rotatable connector. The first strap of the first footwear and second footwear may be rotated about: the first rotatable connector, and the second rotatable connector. A ground side of the first footwear may be placed next to a ground side of the second footwear. The first footwear and the second footwear may be folded such that the second footwear is facing outward. A second strap of the second footwear may be rotated about the third rotatable connector and connected to a first fastener on the opposite side of the folded second footwear.

Abstract: Devices and methods related to drying absorbent articles with water reactive materials are generally described.

Abstract: A footgear barrier and a foot covering incorporating a footgear barrier. The footgear barrier is sized and shaped to be placed around a user's ankle and over the footgear, such as an athletic shoe, to block the gaps between the user's ankle and the footwear and reduce the amount of debris that may pass through the gaps. The footgear barrier may be incorporated within a foot cover such as a sock, such that the barrier is secured within an upper portion of the sock.

Abstract: A size adjustable footwear includes an upper, an insole, a midsole, an outer sole, and a size adjustment mechanism. The midsole includes a heel plate and a toe plate. The upper is perimetrically connected around the midsole. The insole is adjacently connected atop the midsole and internally positioned within the upper. The outer sole is perimetrically connected around the midsole as the midsole is positioned in between the insole and the outer sole. The heel plate and the toe plate are slidably engaged to the size adjustment mechanism. The size adjustment mechanism is operatively integrated in between the heel plate and the toe plate, wherein the size adjustment mechanism elastically expands and contracts the upper, the midsole, and the outer sole.

Abstract: In example aspects, materials are repurposed for footwear manufacturing. That is, in some instances, materials in the footwear manufacturing supply chain are potentially subject to disposal. However, aspects of this disclosure sustainably repurpose those materials (that might otherwise be disposed of) to be used in footwear articles. In some aspects, the repurposed materials may be obscured with a concealing layer.

Abstract: A boot storage attachment system includes a boot; a storage attachment, having a body forming an inner cavity; and a strap attached to the body and having a closure; the strap and closure are to secure the storage attachment to a side of the boot with the body being secured within an interior of the boot or on an exterior of the boot.

Abstract: A smart shoes system for calculating energy expenditure based on a stance speed which indicates the ratio of the length of smart shoes to the time which is from the moment the smart shoes touch the ground to the moment the shoes come off the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is a training shoe that teaches children how to distinguish their right foot from their wrong foot and also how to tie their shoe.

Abstract: A footwear assembly has releasably attachable sock and oversock arranged to cover the user's toes and heels. A user puts the sock on a first foot, puts the sock-covered toes into a water-resistant oversock's toe cap, stretches the oversock sole along its length by pressing a second foot down on a protrusion extending outward from the heel of the oversock sole, and releases the stretched sole to bring the oversock heel toward the sock-covered heel. An attachment fastener has a single sock attachment site, located on the rear of the sock at a heel rear portion, and a single oversock attachment site, located on a rear section of the oversock. The sock releasably attaches to the oversock at only the single sock attachment site; and the oversock releasably attaches to the sock at only the single oversock attachment site.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to shoe accoutrements and methods of making and using the same. A shoe accoutrement assembly for attaching to a shoe may be provided, the shoe attachment assembly comprising: (a) a spine positioned adjacent a back surface of the shoe, the spine extending vertically along the back surface of the shoe; (b) at least one securement device attached onto the spine, the at least one securement device for securing the shoe accoutrement assembly to the shoe; and (c) at least one accoutrement that includes a mount portion and an embellishment, and the mount portion attached onto the spine, and the embellishment being a decoration of the accoutrement.

Abstract: A shoe may include an upper portion constructed from a continuous textile (e.g., a knit textile) that includes an elastic region and a structural region. The elastic region may be positioned about a perimeter of an opening into a cavity configured to receive a wearer's foot, and the elastic region may be configured to secure the shoe to a wearer's foot. The elastic region may have a first elasticity that is greater than a second elasticity of the structural region. In an unworn configuration, the elastic region may cause a tread surface of a sole of the shoe to have a continuous curvature. In a worn configuration, substantially all of an intermediate section of the tread surface may contact a surface on which the shoe is placed. The elastic region may improve the performance of the shoe, including the comfort and durability.

Abstract: A sole structure may include a damping pad. The damping pad may include a chamber, a foam element located within the chamber, an electrorheological fluid located within the chamber and at least partially permeating the foam element, and a set of electrodes positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the electrorheological fluid.

Abstract: A user enters into a subscription to receive footwear having one or more specified performance characteristics. As the user finishes wearing one set of footwear, the user can obtain a replacement set of footwear that also will have one or more specified performance characteristics. The performance characteristics may be consistent for each set of footwear provided according to the subscription. Alternately, the footwear performance characteristics may vary over the life of the subscription. Thus, the footwear provider may periodically obtain biometric information describing the user's athletic activities or performance. The footwear provider then can tailor the performance characteristics of footwear provided under the subscription to match the user's athletic activities or performance.

Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.

Abstract: A disposable, tubular leggings garment that is pulled over a user's legs to simultaneously keep human scent from coming into contact with nature while also allowing for the dispersal of cover and attractant scents at a height that is familiar to animals. The invention conveys the ability to barricade human scent inside the garment while optionally distributing interdigital deer scent at the bottom of the foot where it actually exists on a deer; tarsal gland scent at the knee level; estrous scent at the hind-end level; or local food source scents below knee level. This is all provided in one disposable package with sufficient guidance so that even a novice hunter can immediately understand and use the garment, system and associated methods. This invention essentially converts human encroachment into a deer's habitat into a friendlier or even attractive occurrence and keeps hunting areas more game-rich through the season.

Abstract: An adornment assembly for an article having a base assembly made up of at least one layer, each with a thickness between oppositely facing surfaces. One of the oppositely facing surfaces faces an article surface to which the adornment assembly is secured. The at least one layer defines at least a first receptacle. The adornment assembly further has a plurality of discrete components each with a thickness between oppositely facing surfaces. At least first and second of the discrete components are placed in the at least first receptacle so that one of the oppositely facing surfaces on each of the first and second discrete components is exposed for viewing with the adornment assembly secured to an article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoe capable of maximizing sensing sensitivity. The shoe comprises: an outsole including a forefoot area, a midfoot area, and a rear foot area; an upper structure coupled to the outsole; and a sensing system embedded in the outsole, wherein the sensing system includes a first sensor corresponding to the forefoot area or the midfoot area and a second sensor corresponding to the rear foot area, and the second sensor is embedded deeper than the first sensor into the outsole from the top surface thereof.

Abstract: A device for baby walking and balancing assistance provides the baby's faster learning of the baby walking, balancing and motor coordination. The device for baby walking and balancing assistance includes the left and right portions each comprising the baseplate and shoe or supporting strips to receive the baby's feet.

Abstract: A football shoe or boot including a sole (12), an upper (14) and a tongue (16), wherein the upper includes a flap (22) that overlies the tongue and at its lateral edges (33) is separated from side portions (15) of the upper by respective slits (25) open at their rear ends (26) and closed at their forward ends (27). The flap has an upper surface (23) that includes a ball control region (30). In one aspect the ball control region extends rearwardly from a foremost extremity located rearwardly of the forward ends of said slits. In another aspect, the slits are provided with lacing (60) whereby, when the shoe or boot is being worn, the relative positions of said lateral edges and the opposed side portions of the upper may be controlled.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an insole sandal and a shoe without a tongue. The insole sandal has a first surface configured to interface with a foot of a wearer; and a second surface configured to interface with a ground surface, and a bottom of an interior of a shoe. The insole sandal further has a strap configured to hold the insole to the foot of the wearer when the insole sandal is worn as a sandal. The first surface and the second surface are on opposite sides of one another. The insole sandal is configured to fit within the interior of the shoe. The shoe is configured to receive the insole sandal in its interior. The bottom of the insole sandal and an inner sole of the shoe may have complementary protrusions and depressions.

Abstract: A system for protecting the toes comprises a pair of shoes with certain adaptations so that a removable portable element with a casing can be fitted thereto and removed therefrom easily and quickly, by means of three lower tabs—two side tabs and one front tab—which fit to the sole of the shoe, and two straps—an inner strap and an outer strap—which fasten to the shoe. The characteristics the shoe and removable element mean that when the removable element is fitted, it does not extend beyond the limits of the footprint, and therefore comfort and aesthetics are not compromised when the shoes are worn. The system also has the flexibility of being able to have a wide range of standardized designs per model and size, which can then be interchanged with each other in order to increase the design options for the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing injury or damage from an explosive device are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a housing and at least one inflator coupled to the housing. The apparatus also includes a shield coupled to the housing. The shield has a plurality of channels coupled to the at least one inflator. The shield also has a compact position and an expanded position. The plurality of channels are configured to receive a fluid from the at least one inflator and thereby at least partially advance the shield from the compact position to the expanded position.

Abstract: A medical shoe having an overmolding layer with a non-uniform density is provided. The medical shoe may include a midsole configured to support a foot, and a frame surrounding the midsole. The midsole may include a foot receiving portion forming a substantially planar surface for supporting the foot and a frame receiving portion opposite the foot receiving portion. The frame may include an overmolding layer extending from a side of the frame opposite the midsole so as to form a ground contacting surface. The overmolding layer may have a non-uniform density. The sole assembly may be secured to the frame by a self-locking fit between the sole assembly and the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, kits and methods for an enhanced pointe shoe for ballet. In some embodiments, an enhanced pointe shoe includes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and sensors that may activate the LEDs based on the ballet performers movements. For example, the sensor may be a pressure sensor that activates the LEDs when a ballet dancer stands en pointe. In other embodiments, a kit that includes a power source, LEDs, one or more sensors, a toggle switch and connecting wires may be used to enhance a pointe shoe. In yet other embodiments, a ballet pointe shoe cover, which for example, may be made from spandex, and that includes the power source, LEDs and sensors may be used to enhance a pointe shoe for ballet performances.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for designing custom footwear are disclosed. An apparatus for designing custom footwear may include a data collection system, a data processing system, and a manufacturing system, where the manufacturing system includes an additive manufacturing device. A method for designing custom footwear may comprise receiving user-specific data, generating a user model, identifying issues in the user model, determining corrective features, generating a custom footwear model, and manufacturing the custom footwear.

Abstract: A sensory networking device is provided that enables a sensory effect to be implemented across a sensory network. The sensory networking device includes a processor, a sensory output unit, a motion sensor and a transceiver that permits the device to detect a trigger movement and transmit a trigger signal that causes a sensory effect to be implemented on neighboring sensory networking devices and to re-transmit the trigger signal in order to propagate a sensory effect across a sensory network.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the movements or other activities of patient. Aspects include a monitoring device with one or more sensors such as a pressure or motion sensors that may be positioned on or near a patient. Alerts may be generated by the monitoring device if the sensor readings fall outside predetermined limits set in a patient profile specific to a particular patient. Sensor readings and/or alerts may be sent by the monitoring device to the central server which may notify nearby caregivers that a patient needs assistance. The server may be configured to analyze sensor readings and alert information to refine patient profiles to reduce or eliminate false alarms.

Abstract: A shoe heel cup device including a ground contacting base portion and a resilient shoe heel engagement portion forming a unitary member, the resilient shoe heel engagement portion being a cup containing, but not limited to, at least live flexible equispaced projecting ribs within the inner surface together defining a bore for receiving a shoe heel therein, the entry of which is smaller in diameter to the base. The invention has been described in language more or less specific to the device features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole and an upper positioned above the outsole and including an opening having opposed edges thereof. A plurality of eyelets extends along the opposed edges of the opening, and a tongue extends from the upper into the opening. A plurality of rows of loops is found on an upper surface of the tongue, with each row containing a plurality of loops, and each row being positioned between a pair of opposed eyelets.

Abstract: A wearable step-counting shoe includes a shoe body and a pedometer. The shoe body includes a shoe sole having opposite inner and outer sides, and a groove surface defining amounting groove. The pedometer is removably disposed in the mounting groove and includes a pedometer body having opposite first and second faces and configured to detect and record the number of steps taken by a user, and a screen disposed on the second face and configured to display the detected number of steps. An engaging unit is provided to fix the pedometer on the shoe body, and includes a first engaging portion provided on the groove surface, and a second engaging portion provided on the pedometer and releasably engageable with the first engaging portion.

Abstract: A device for correcting foot alignment is provided. The device includes a base configured to receive at least a portion of a person's foot and an elongate alignment member extending from the lateral side of the base. The elongate alignment member comprises a bracket and a stopper extending outwardly from the bracket. The alignment member prevents the person's foot from rotating outwardly when the person is wearing the device.

Abstract: An ice boot spa system that is lightweight and portable to allow leg and ankle cooling in a mineral bath and optionally means to secure a foot to the spa and to provide proper foot support. It enables a portable means for cryotherapy that is self-contained and that can be used, in some embodiments, without an external power source or refrigeration means.

Abstract: A top covering for a boot includes an anchor having two ends with a length between, the two ends each having an attachment member, the anchor adapted to secure to a front side of the boot. The top covering also includes a pouch having a pocket and two ends with a length between, the two ends each having an attachment member that cooperate with the attachment members on the two ends of the anchor for securing the pouch around the boot, and a fastener for alternately opening and closing the pocket. The top covering further includes a cover adapted to prevent objects from entering the boot and having a tightening member for tightening the cover around the top of the boot when in use, the cover capable of being stored in the pouch when not in use so that it does not impede the wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus for putting on flippers retaining means of a user's foot inside a shoe of a flipper, and in which apparatus the retaining means are mechanically connected and pivoted to removable mounting means of the shoe of the flipper, the removable mounting means being removably associable to a portion of the base of the shoe.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method contemplating an indicia marked on a package to identify a particular construction of color-mismatched footwear contained in the package. The indicia includes a brand identifying the footwear as being color-mismatched, a style identifying a characteristic construction of the footwear, and a generation level identifying an arrangement of the colors for the color-mismatched footwear.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to footwear including a modular lacing engine for automated lace tightening. In an example, a modular footwear apparatus includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a lacing engine for automated lace tightening. The upper portion can include a lace to adjust fit of the upper portion against a foot, the lace adjustable between a first position and a second position based at least in part on manipulation of an effective length of the lace. The lower portion can include a mid-sole and an out-sole, and the lower portion can be coupled to the upper portion at the mid-sole. The lacing engine can include a top-loading lace spool to engage a loop of the lace to enable manipulation of the effective length of the lace through rotation of the lace spool, the lacing engine received within a cavity in the lower portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include a sole and a stability element. The sole may have a receiving channel extending from a sole bottom surface toward a sole top surface. The receiving channel may have a first groove at an outer perimeter of the receiving channel and a second groove at an inner perimeter of the receiving channel. The stability element may have a first tongue protruding from an outer perimeter of a body of the stability element and a second tongue protruding from an inner perimeter of the body of the stability element. In an exemplary aspect, the first groove of the receiving channel is configured to receive the first tongue of the stability element, and the second groove of the receiving channel is configured to receive the second tongue of the stability element as the stability element is maintained, at least in part, within the receiving channel.

Abstract: A massaging shoe; switchable on and off, powered by battery or other power supply and using various possible means to provide massaging including; vibration, roller balls, bearing balls and various other methods. One example would include a hard bottom core or sole made of rubber or other material in order to allow motors to be securely attached; then a gel layer that will encase the various different massaging units; there will then be an additional layer above that formed of a ‘comfortable to the user’ fabric or other material, which will allow movement from below to affect the wearer's feet.

Abstract: a light-monitoring apparatus includes a power source, a light detector, a computer processor coupled with the power source and in communication with the light detector and configured to receive and record light exposure detected by the light detector, an output device coupled with the computer processor, and a computer-readable medium coupled with the computer processor and storing instruction code for summing the recorded light exposure from the computer processor over time and communicating a signal to the output device to generate and communicate a signal indicating that a cumulative threshold light exposure for achieving a health benefit has been reached. The apparatus can accordingly be used by an individual to monitor cumulative light exposure from both natural and artificial sources, e.g., in the treatment of seasonal or non-seasonal depression.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a conversion kit for a shoe, changing the configuration from lace to strap configuration, wherein the kit contains a strap with hook and loop material attached to the shoe through a shoe lace aperture, a loop piece attached to the shoe through a shoe lace aperture where the strap passes through the loop piece and is pulled taught to secure the shoe to the wearers' foot.

Abstract: A sole structure may include a damping pad. The damping pad may include a chamber, a foam element located within the chamber, particles located within the chamber and at least partially filling cavities in the foam element, and a set of electrodes positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the particles.

Abstract: A shoe body comprises an outsole, a midsole, a vamp, a first girdle and a second girdle. A lower edge of the vamp extends from a periphery to a bottom surface of the midsole, and is connected between the midsole and the outsole. The first girdle has a bottom end formed with two fork pieces so that end portions of the fork pieces are fixed to a side edge of the midsole, and a top end going from one side of an arch portion of a foot bottom to a location above an instep. The second girdle has a bottom end fixed to the other side edge of the midsole, and a top end of the second girdle passing through the two fork pieces of the first girdle and then going from the other side of the arch portion of the foot bottom to a location above the instep.

Abstract: An ice-skate instructional kit is provided and comprises at least one pair of slip-on covers and stickers having directional words, directional symbols, gender identifying words and exchangeable decorations thereon. The top surface of the slip-on cover is adapted to cover the toecap of an ice-skate and is preferably formed of a flexible plastic material that is writeable, erasable and is adapted to receive a plurality of stickers. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the slip-on cover is secured in place by placing a first confronting flap atop a second confronting flap and further securing the flaps in place by adhesive members attached thereon. In a second embodiment of the invention, small securing clips and large securing clips can be used to hold the slip-on covers in place.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved shoe glove for reversible interchangeable placement upon a footwear item. Most preferably the shoe glove mechanically attaches to a pre-selected modified footwear item in a reversible and interchangeable manner. The shoe glove preferably completely covers the upper portion and sole of the footwear item. The shoe glove most preferably includes a (i) flexible shoe glove cover (ii) composite shoe glove sole and (iii) linear continuous stitched thread within a continuous stitching channel of the composite shoe glove sole. Most preferably the shoe glove attaching devices for attachment to a modified footwear item are hook and loop fastener material segments that reversibly attach a footwear item to the shoe glove. The improved shoe glove is sufficiently flexible that a single shoe glove can interchangeably and reversibly fit a range of footwear item sizes.

Abstract: A waterproof footwear pocket which protects various small items from exposure to water while being secured in a pocket on a shoe. The waterproof footwear pocket generally includes footwear having a water-proof pocket positioned along an outer surface thereof. The pocket includes a main body having an opening leading to an internal cavity. A closure member is provided to selectively open or close the opening so that an object may be positioned therein. The closure member may include a sealant to further prevent water incursion. A flap is provided which may be selectively lowered over the main body of the pocket to cover the opening. Using the present invention, an object such as a key fob may be safely protected from water damage by being placed within the pocket when activities such as water sports which carry a high risk of water exposure are being performed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a sensor for measuring shear forces applied to the sensor, and further a statically responsive sensor for measuring shear forces. The present invention further includes a method of designing athletic wear, such as footwear or clothing, using these sensors. The present invention further relates to a method of using such athletic wear, whereby the sensor(s) detect physical factors encountered by an athlete wearing the athletic wear, and whereby those physical factors detected are used to improve the performance of the athletic wear and or the athlete.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a marking system is disclosed. The marking system is configured to help locate one or more portions of a foot during training of an athlete. The marking system includes markings disposed on an upper of an article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe system incorporates an open toe design having a receptacle in a heel that receives various heel designs and a toe spring for attaching various toes to give the shoe different appearances. The attachable toe configures the shoe to a closed-toe style.

Abstract: A protective cover for an article of footwear can include a first portion covering the top and sides of the footwear and a second portion covering the back of the footwear. The first portion can include locations to receive at least part of a connecting mechanism, and the second portion of the cover can be connected to the first portion of the cover by the connecting mechanism.