Abstract: A medical cast protective structure apparatus and methods are used to protect against unsanitary contamination of a medical cast. A medical cast has a hardened exterior layer and a plush interior layer. A water-resistant fabric cover has a substantially cylindrical shape and is positioned over at least a portion of an exterior of the medical cast and a terminating end of the medical cast. An annular pocket is formed in a first end of the fabric cover, wherein the first end of the fabric cover is positioned abutting the plush interior layer of the medical cast. A biasable clip is positioned within the annular pocket, wherein the biasable clip is movable between collapsed and expanded states, wherein in the expanded state, the annular pocket with biasable clip therein contacts the plush interior layer of the medical cast and is retained in a substantially stationary position relative to the medical cast.

Abstract: A tongue of an article of footwear is split into two pieces having an upper and lower section. The lower section is built into/a part of the footwear as it is fixedly attached to a vamp and/or throat of the footwear such as of a sneaker. The upper end is removably attachable to the footwear along a straight line (line of demarcation) between the upper and lower pieces. This straight line extends generally horizontally. The upper end of the lower region of the tongue and the lower end of the upper region of the tongue have fastening mechanisms designed/configured to removably attach the upper and lower regions to each other along a horizontal axis.

Abstract: Spats comprise: a body, one end and the other end of which are attached to or detached from each other; an elastic line extending from the one end to the other end inside of the lower side of the body; and one or more hooks connected to the elastic line and exposed to the outside.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure and the upper collectively define an interior cavity therebetween. The sole structure further includes a reinforcing element spanning from the sole structure to the upper within the interior cavity.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, shoes having elastic tongue-securing straps.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a convertible footwear apparatus can be worn as a shoe or converted to a boot by attaching or removing an upper section from the shoe. The apparatus is configured to allow someone wearing the shoe component to attach or remove the upper section with a single continuous operation and without having to remove the shoe component from the wearer's foot. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a zipper. In another embodiment of the invention, the shoe component includes a heel.

Abstract: A method for producing a footwear item having a shoe provided with an external upper. The invention concerns a method for producing a footwear item having a shoe (1) provided with an external upper (9), the method involving forming a shoe (1) with an intermediate portion (2) that delimits a housing (3) for receiving the foot of a user, a sleeve (5) mounted over the intermediate portion and a peripheral skirt (10) extending from the junction area between the intermediate portion and the sleeve, surrounding the base (8) of the sleeve, the method involving the following successive steps in order to provide the shoe with the upper: retracting the sleeve (5) into the receiving housing (3) until the sleeve is disposed under at least a portion of the skirt (10); associating a lower portion (9a) of the upper (9) with the skirt; deploying the sleeve over the intermediate portion (2) in order for it to extend into the upper.

Abstract: A removable decorative cover for a shoe includes a pair of longitudinal side panels adapted to cover opposed side walls of an elevated heel shoe, each side panel respectively having a heel portion extending to a toe portion; a lateral upper toe panel connecting the toe portions of each of the side panels, the lateral upper toe panel adapted to cover an upper wall of the elevated shoe approximate the toe portion of the shoe; a lateral front band connecting to connecting the toe portions of each of the side panels, the lateral front band adapted to extend around the front of the toe portion of the shoe, the lateral front band and lateral upper toe panel providing an open-toe opening therebetween; a closure mechanism carried on the heel portion of each of the longitudinal side panels and adapted to allow each of the heel portions to be engaged and releasably connected by the closure mechanisms along a vertical back wall of the shoe; and a lateral lower panel connecting each of the side panels between the heel po

Abstract: A skate boot comprising an outer shell including medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot. Each of the medial and lateral side portions has an upper edge. The skate boot also comprises a lace member mounted to either of the upper edges of the medial and lateral side portions. The lace member has at least one opening for receiving an insert. The lace member has a first flexion mode when no insert is received in the at least one opening and a second flexion mode when the insert is received in the at least one opening. The second flexion mode is different from the first flexion mode.

Abstract: A skate boot comprising an outer shell with a heel portion for receiving the heel of the foot; an ankle portion for receiving the ankle, the ankle portion comprising a rear portion for facing at least partially the lower part of the Achilles tendon; and medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot respectively. The skate boot also comprises a tendon guard extending upwardly from the ankle portion of the outer shell for facing at least partially the upper part of the Achilles tendon, the tendon guard comprising a recess for receiving an insert. The tendon guard has a first flexion mode when no insert is received in the recess and a second flexion mode when the insert is received in the recess. The second flexion mode is different from the first flexion mode.

Abstract: Selectively decorative clothing articles are provided with one or more anchor points for removably coupling decorative elements thereto. Anchor points include a throughhole and may be reinforced with a grommet. A fastener may be inserted into and supported within the throughhole and/or grommet. The fastener may be two pieces threadably engaged and providing a receiving aperture configured to receive a coupling member such as a jeweler's clip.

Abstract: An asymmetrical footwear assembly comprising a first article of footwear and a second article of footwear, said first and second articles of footwear being adapted to be worn on a user's right and left feet, respectively, wherein a configuration of the first article of footwear is asymmetrical with respect to a configuration of said second article of footwear so that the first and second articles of footwear are not mirror images of one another, and wherein, when the first and second articles of footwear are adjacent to one another, the configurations of the first article of footwear and of the second article of footwear create a visual effect of continuity between the configurations of the first and second articles of footwear and form a predetermined design.

Abstract: A two-piece convertible boot. The boot may include a shoe portion for enclosing a wearer's foot and extending substantially up to the wearer's ankle, the shoe portion comprising a sole, an insole, a heel and an upper. The shoe portion can further include an opening for inserting the wearer's foot, and a top end extending downward from the opening. The boot may further include a calf portion for enclosing a portion of the wearer's calf, the calf portion having a top opening disposed at a top end of the calf portion, and a bottom opening disposed at the bottom end of the calf portion, wherein the bottom end of the calf portion can overlap the top end of the shoe portion so as to form a friction fit between the bottom end of the calf portion and the top end of the shoe portion.

Abstract: A tube of material comprising a decorative portion with an inner layer having an attachment member(s) inserted therein. The attachment member(s) is connected to the rim of a boot through user interaction with the boot. Various jewelry items have connection member(s) attached to the inner layer. Each of the connection member(s) is attached to another connection member and or to a decorative jewelry item. A tube comprising a decorative portion; an inner layer sewn at its border to the decorative portion; and a sock sewn to a top side of the sewn border so that it folds inwards into the sock. A connection member(s) is attached to the inner layer. Each of the connection member(s) is further attached to another connection member and or to a decorative jewelry item. The connection member(s) is from the group of: a spring activated jeweler's lock, a keychain ring and a strip of material.

Abstract: A system is provided which prevents boot tops from slouching or sagging. The system includes a wrap-around garter for the leg, having on its outer surface a hook-and-loop fastener surface. Self-adhesive strips having the mating hook-and-loop surface are attached to the inside of the boot, near the top of the shaft. The garter is fastened to the leg at the appropriate height, the boot is pulled on, and the hook-and-loop surfaces on the strips are pressed against the hook-and-loop surface of the garter. The garter then holds the boot shaft to the leg, preventing the boot from sagging.

Abstract: A dual zipper boot construction provides an enhanced comfort-fit for a user and a ready adaptation of the boot to a variety different calf shapes without stressing the boot stitching. A first full-length zipper allows the users to easily slide the boot on while a second mid-length zipper is in an open condition thereby providing additional space. Securing the first full-length zipper secures the boot in position. After the boot is secured in position, the user zips the second mid-length zipper to an optimal comfort-fit position on their calf. Optional elastomeric bridges between the zipper edges of the mid-length zipper allow the boot to accommodate partially zipped uses without disclosing the user's calf and while providing an enhanced style appearance.

Abstract: An outsole with a configuration of protrusions that allows attachment of a gaiter. The protrusions may be similar to conventional lugs and perform ordinary lug functions or they may be highly specialized protrusions dedicated to attachment of a gaiter. Attachment is accomplished by jamming an expanded end of a gaiter cord amongst specialized surfaces on protrusions. Typically a gaiter cord first passes between protrusions typically on either the outboard side of footwear, or at the heel. Thereafter, the gaiter cord passes through a narrow slot and then enters a space wide enough for the expanded end. Tensioning of the gaiter cord further jams the expanded end of the cord in the outsole; thereby attaching the gaiter to the outsole.

Abstract: A two-piece convertible boot. The boot may include a shoe portion for enclosing a wearer's foot and extending substantially up to the wearer's ankle, the shoe portion comprising a sole, an insole, a heel and an upper. The shoe portion can further include an opening for inserting the wearer's foot, and a top end extending downward from the opening. The boot may further include a calf portion for enclosing a portion of the wearer's calf, the calf portion having a top opening disposed at a top end of the calf portion, and a bottom opening disposed at the bottom end of the calf portion, wherein the bottom end of the calf portion can overlap the top end of the shoe portion so as to form a friction fit between the bottom end of the calf portion and the top end of the shoe portion.

Abstract: Footwear with interchangeable components on the ankle area and tongue is herein disclosed, wherein both the replacement tongue and the upper area of the footwear comprise different materials, colors, or styles. The removal and replacement functionality is accomplished with a plurality of snap fasteners. To remove the upper portion of the footwear, the laces would be removed from the eyelets, an upper portion and tongue interchanged, and the laces replaced. It is also envisioned that the upper portion and tongue could be removed completely and shorter laces installed to transform the footwear into a pair of shoes as well.

Abstract: The invention discloses a kind of movable addition or removable product, a leg cover, on top of any human feet, low top shoes, or open top shoes to protect against the dust, insects, harm from falling, and to provide warmth around the covered area, and to give ankle support via the ankle-laced area (with the product) and the bottom closure or attachment beneath the arch of a foot or the arc of the bottom of a shoe. The leg cover comprises: an upper portion, which extends from the instep and covers at least the ankle; and a stirrup bottom, which is footless and can be applied to a shoe by a bottom-securing strap beneath the outsole of said shoe or applied to a foot by said bottom-securing strap beneath the arch of said foot. The bottom-securing strap is removably and easily applied to a foot or the outsole of a shoe.

Abstract: Protective footwear for responders such as firefighters, civil defense, and defense workers is described. Different aspects include a boot with a flange for forming a vapor/liquid tight seal with trousers, methods of making the boot and methods of using the boot.

Abstract: Footwear assemblies that include a sole assembly and an upper portion secured to the sole assembly. The upper portion includes a tightening structure that extends up a portion of the height of the footwear assembly, and an extension of snakebite material positioned above the tightening arrangement. The extension of snakebite material is typically loose fit around the user's lower leg. The tightening arrangement provides adjustable tightening of the footwear assembly about the user's foot and lower leg at locations below the extension of snakebite material. The footwear assembly can include snakebite resistant material that covers substantially all of the surface area of the upper portion. Additional support, waterproofing, insulating and padding layers or materials can be used throughout the footwear assembly.

Abstract: A boot for reducing injury from a close range explosion includes a sole unit, an upper, and a shin guard. The sole unit includes at least an outer sole, a shank sheet composite, a shank filler and an insole. At least the shank sheet composite includes a plurality of layers having a pyramid shape and is formed of a strong composite fiber. The upper is attached to the sole unit and is formed of a laminated canvas. The shin guard is connectable to the upper and protects an ankle and leg of a user. The shin guard is formed of a strong composite fiber.

Abstract: Systems and methods associated with an insert for expanding an article of clothing, including an article of footwear, are described. Articles of clothing incorporating such inserts are also described. The insert includes a body portion defining a first edge, a second edge, and a perimeter. Fasteners are disposed along the first and second edges. The fasteners couple to fastening structures of the article of clothing, and the perimeter of the body increases a size or circumference of the article of the clothing. The material for the insert, fasteners, fastening structures, or portions thereof can be selected to be decorative or to match, complement, correspond to, or coordinate with articles of clothing and/or accessories.

Abstract: In one embodiment a gaitor interface may be used to connect a gaitor to many different types of footwear. The gaitor interface provides a removable attachment between the gaitor and the shoe. One part of the gaitor interface comprises a track that can be mounted along the exterior of the shoe. The track includes a pair of elongated arms that define an interior flex track. Another part of the gaitor interface comprises a connector for attaching to the track. The connector has a bead portion that can be slid into the flex track. The interlock between the bead portion and the flex track provides a releasably secure connection between the gaitor and the shoe. In another embodiment, a convertible shoe having a removable shoe collar is provided. The removable collar may be reversible and may have different linings or covering for the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A shoe and boot protecting assembly includes a foot portion with a top wall. A front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall are each integrally attached to and extend downwardly from the top wall. An ankle portion includes a forward wall that has a lower edge, and upper edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The lower edge is integrally attached a back edge of the top wall. A first lateral wall is attached to the first lateral edge and is orientated parallel with the first side wall. A second lateral wall is attached to the second lateral edge and is orientated parallel with the second side wall. Each of a plurality of couplers is attached to the ankle and foot portions. The couplers are adapted for releasably securing the foot and ankle portions on a foot covering.

Abstract: This invention pertains to enclosed footwear in combination with a leg covering or body covering that is storable within a compartment that is integral with an exterior of the enclosed footwear. The leg covering can be either a gaiter or a pants leg portion, and the body covering can be either a sack portion or a suit portion. The leg covering or body covering can be of a material that is protective against biological attacks, chemical attacks, nuclear radiation and snake bites. The leg covering or body covering can also be flame resistant, thermally protective and cut proof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoelace cover for use with an athletic shoe for covering the shoelaces to prevent the loosening or untying of a tied shoelace bow. The present invention is particularly applicable to wrestling shoes wherein the physical contact between wrestlers often causes the wrestling shoes to become untied. The shoelace cover generally includes a length of material with ends that can be interconnected to form an adjustable cuff for extending about one's ankle. A front portion includes apertures for shoelaces to extend through the cover. Preferably, the shoelaces extend from the shoe to pass through the apertures of the cover and then back to the shoe to secure the cover to the shoe. The front portion includes a pocket on a back side. The shoelaces can be tied into a shoelace bow, tucked into the pocket, and the ends of the cuff can be secured about one's ankle to retain the shoelace within the pocket under the cover.

Abstract: A boot of the type having an upper equipped with a lacing zone, a tongue located under the lacing zone and a gaiter fixed to the upper edge of the upper. The gaiter is made of an extensible material, and it is fixed along the upper edge of the tongue of the upper. Advantageously, the tongue is equipped at its upper end with an extensible pocket for storing the lacing system.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper with a gaiter which has a top end, a bottom end, and two opposite lateral sides interconnecting the top and bottom ends. The gaiter further includes, adjacent to the lateral sides thereof, fasteners to engage one another so as to place the gaiter in a closed position. A zipper has a first zipper strap attached to an inner surface of the gaiter between the lateral sides and between the top and bottom ends of the gaiter and spaced from the bottom end of the gaiter. A second zipper strap to complement with the first zipper strap is attached to the upper adjacent to the top end of the upper. The zipper is therefore concealed within the gaiter and is prevented from contacting external debris, mud, sand or the like.

Abstract: This invention pertains to enclosed footwear in combination with a leg covering or body covering that is storable within a compartment that is integral with an exterior of the enclosed footwear. The leg covering can be either a gaiter or a pants leg portion, and the body covering can be either a sack portion or a suit portion.

Abstract: A legging that is esthetically pleasing, amenable to ornamentation, and capable of providing warmth and comfort. It is comprised of a lower portion which engages the periphery of the foot or shoe at the bottom edge of the legging and may have means of securing the legging to the bottom of the foot or shoe, and an upper portion that adjustably engages the lower leg along its length using closures such as hook and pile fasteners. The upper portion folds over to engage the leg more securely and prevent slippage. It is designed to be easy to put on the legs and feet of a child and permit its use while walking or standing, or in an infant car seat or stroller.

Abstract: A gaiter having on its outside surface an air vent system which allows a user to vent the gaiter in order to permit air to pass through the side of the gaiter, and having on an opposite outside surface a coated fabric protective surface which has a coated fabric surface top seam which is slanted in a downward direction from the back of the gaiter to the front.

Abstract: An outerwear for a fisherman or hunter is formed of two leg portions and a hip-waist portion extending upward from the leg portions to the waist. The leg portions are made of a foam material having waterproof, nonbreathable, and thermal effects. The hip-waist portion is made of a waterproof and breathable material.