Abstract: A training shoe for soccer includes a pressure-responsive sensor mounted with respect to a soccer shoe at a selected location, for example at the instep or along the laces at the top of the shoe. When a soccer ball is kicked at the selected location, the sensor provides an electrical signal to a microprocessor, causing selection logic in the microprocessor to choose one of several control words. The selected control word is provided to a voice playback circuit to select one of several digital data sets, each set corresponding to a different sound. The playback circuit provides an analog electrical control signal to a speaker, thereby generating a selected sound corresponding to the selected digital data set. System components can be mounted permanently to a shoe, or to a cover or strap arrangement releasably mounted to the shoe.

Abstract: A footwear product is provided for therapeutically treating the skin of the wearer's feet. The footwear includes a three layer sole including a lower layer of polyester foam, a middle layer of polypropylene foam and an upper layer of a thin film of polyethylene. The upper is constructed of the same material as that of the sole with the thin film of polyethylene lacing the inside of the slipper. The upper and the sole are connected to each other either by sewing or by heat welding.

Abstract: The invention discloses a locator unit contained within footwear providing a method for GPS position determination and transmission of said location determination data to a central monitoring station which disseminates the data through the use of proprietary software, wireless communications, land based wire systems and the Internet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for covering and storing footwear. The method and apparatus provide a first unitary piece attached to a second unitary piece to generally form a cavity within the attached pieces. An opening and closing mechanism is placed over the cavity and attached an upper peripheral edge of the first unitary piece. An article of footwear may be inserted into the cavity via the mechanism in an open position. The article may be further secured within the cavity by closing the mechanism. Additionally attached tab portions or hoops provide convenient carrying accessories or storage mounts.

Abstract: A wilderness stealth device is, in the preferred embodiment, an attachment to a hunting boot or hiking boot which has a sole plate for contact with the bottom of the boot. Attached to the bottom of the sole plate is at least one hoof-like structure for supporting the boot of the user. When walking in a wilderness area the sounds made by a user wearing the wilderness stealth device resemble the sounds of walking animals indigenous to the wilderness area as compared to the sounds made by using only ordinary hunting boots or hiking boots.

Abstract: A tamper resistant institutional shoe and method includes a clear outsole to discourage concealment of contraband in an institutional setting, such as prisons or correctional facilities. The institutional shoe can include an upper shoe and an outsole joined together to form a cavity to receive a user's foot. The outsole can be light transparent in at least a translucent manner. In addition, a colored insert advantageously can be fixedly disposed in the cavity on an upper surface of the outsole. The colored insert can be visible through the outsole so that tampering with the outsole or attempts to conceal contraband can be viewed through the outsole. The colored insert can include a light color to better reflect light through the outsole. A plurality of layers of different material can be disposed in the cavity over the upper surface of the outsole. The plurality of layers is adhered to adjacent layers to resist tampering.

Abstract: An article of decorative footwear for adorning onto an exposed foot. The decorative footwear is secured onto the foot of the wearer through a strap that passes between any two adjoining toes of the wearer and along a portion of the bottom of the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A therapeutic foot covering provides an outer portion for engaging a foot. The outer portion may be tightened about the foot. An interior lining of the outer portion lies in contact with the foot when the foot is resting within the apparatus. An absorbent lining is positioned between the outer portion and the interior lining and contains a salve that is able to move through the interior lining to the foot. The article may cover the entire foot or only a portion of it.

Abstract: A shoe link for maintaining opposite sides of an upper portion of a shoe having opposite openings therethrough in a chosen spaced relationship comprises: a first lateral member having opposite end portions each of which is adapted to extend through and be held in one of the opposite openings in the top portion of the shoe and having an arched central portion which extends over a foot in the shoe. A method of using the shoe link to facilitate convenient insertion and removal comprising the steps of: removing the shoelace extending between and through openings in opposite sides of the upper portions of the shoe; providing a shoe link having a first lateral member having opposite ends each of which is adapted to extend through and be held in one of the opposite openings in the top portion of the shoe and having an arched central portion which extends over a foot in the shoe; and, securing the opposite ends of the shoe link between and through the openings in the opposite sides of the upper portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outsole defining a reference plane, a stand projecting from the outsole and having an inclined upper surface that is inclined relative to the reference plane, a power generator mounted on the outsole and including a rotor, and a driving unit including a weight that has a pivot end mounted pivotally on the inclined upper surface, and a free end opposite to the pivot end. The weight is connected to the rotor, and is swingable by virtue of gravity as a result of swinging of the inclined upper surface of the stand so as to drive the rotor.

Abstract: A back leaning shoe shape has a shoe mold of increased height and waistline that is formed on the basis of practical applications to prevent the phalanx from directly rubbing against the shoe surface. The shoe mold leans backward by an predetermined angle between 5 to 25 degrees and has a height of at least 5 inches. The back leaning shoe shape is used for special applications to prevent hurting muscles or bones of wearer when it is worn for a long period.

Abstract: An insole includes a layer of thermal-color agent coated on a top surface thereof and the color of the layer is subjected to change when the temperature of the foot is applied thereto. By this way, the real size of the foot can be obtained for a period of time.

Abstract: A method for creating one or more footwear soles that will print out with each step on a malleable surface (such as sand) or an imprintable surface (such as a sidewalk) a pattern (which may include therein an image, text, and their combination), wherein the pattern to be printed is personalized to each sole's individual owner according to the owner's specification of the pattern.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe upper sized for receiving a range of foot sizes from a minimum foot size to a maximum foot size. A growth indicator is connected with the shoe upper and includes an indicator for indicating when the foot of a wearer is equal to or greater than the maximum size of the range of foot sizes.

Abstract: An overshoe structure comprises an overshoe, a container for holding the overshoe, and a fastening device for fastening detachably the container to a regular shoe. The overshoe can be pulled out of the container such that the overshoe is worn over the regular shoe. The container may be made integrally with the regular shoe.

Abstract: An outsole and nameplate arrangement includes an outsole, the outsole having a backwardly extended sliding slot in the heel thereof, a nameplate moved in and out of the sliding slot of the outsole, and an elastic rubber band wound round two locating pins inside the sliding slot of the outsole and fastened to a rear hook of the nameplate and adapted to hold the nameplate in the sliding slot of the outsole.

Abstract: The golf shoes of the invention comprise a level-measuring device comprising a transparent square fixed box installed inside the heel of the golf shoes, a ball having a round shape and made of opaque material wherein the ball rolls freely inside of the fixed box according to the movement of the shoes; first and second infrared emitting diodes which emit infrared light signals inside the fixed box where ball rolls; front, back, right, and left photosensors, which each output a signal after perceiving infrared light signal from the diodes; a microprocessor, which outputs a signal indicating the state of the golf shoes according to the signal outputted from the photosensors; a display device which shows the current state of shoes according to the signal for state of shoes outputted from microprocessor; a battery which supplies power to the first and second infrared emitting diodes and microprocessor; and an on-off switch.

Abstract: The invention provides a slipper in combination with a hand puppet. The slipper comprises a sole and an associated upper attached to the sole and forming therewith a foot pocket having an inlet opening for reception of a persons foot. Decoration is provided on the upper representing a puppet character such as a head. Either a set of finger slots or a pocket is provided in the sole so that a person, by inserting their fingers into the slots or by insertion of their hand into the pocket, can manipulate the puppet character in the manner of a glove puppet.

Abstract: A deodorizer for masking foot and shoe odors through controlled release of fragrance and which utilizes releasable interlocking surfaces for retaining the deodorizer in contact with the shoe is claimed.

Abstract: The virtual intelligence shoe with a podiatric analysis system provided with a portable pair of shoe-like body types thereof, into two of which a miniature electronic module and an enclosed sensor mat are permanently embedded in the shoe-like with a mechanical air package enclosing the electronic module to serve as a shock absorption. A miniature electronic module comprises a transmitting circuit with pressure resistance, shoe temperature and warning buzzer for full memory capacity, which receives the variable pressure and temperature voltage signals, convert them into resistance (ohm) and Celsius, respectively. The electrical signals can be emitted in an infrared light signal.

Abstract: A novelty shoe embodying a caricature of the head of an animal includes a sole and an upper which cooperate to form a foot-receiving compartment therebetween. The sole and the upper are configured such that a mouth of the caricature defines an entry for the foot-receiving compartment. A first portion of the upper is attached to the sole and forms a lower jaw of the caricature. A second portion of the upper extends from the toe and forms an upper jaw of the caricature. The upper second portion articulates relative to the entry of the foot-receiving compartment between open and closed positions and fasteners are provided for releasably securing the upper second portion in the closed position. The shoe may be displayed on a support in the form of a headless animal, wherein the shoe is positionable on the support such that the addition of the shoe creates the appearance of a completed animal.

Abstract: A boot leg opening cover attachment for attachment to a pair of boots to cover the upper leg openings of the boots to prevent precipitation and debris from entering the boots. The boot leg opening cover attachment includes a pair of cover members each having upper and lower faces and a lower perimeter edge. Each of the cover members is designed for position over a boot leg opening of an associated boot to cover the respective boot leg opening. A clip connects the lower perimeter side edges of the cover members together. The clip is designed for attachment to adjacent portions of the boots to attach the cover members to the boots.

Abstract: A laser insole having one or many vertical cavity surface emitting lasers embedded therein may be worn by a patient and applied to an area of the foot. The device supplies the patient with a preprogrammed laser therapy regimen. A physician programs the device and inserts the device in a patient's shoe. The device is small enough to allow the patient's normal activities. The laser therapy regimen promotes healing of a wound on the foot. Alternatively, the device may adapted as a flexible device applied to the skin, or implanted into the body, or provided in a catheter that is inserted into a body region.

Abstract: A foot warmer which has a shape to fit into a boot and an insulating foam adjacent the top of the warmer. Below the insulating foam is a heat retaining material that can be heated in a microwave.

Abstract: A tie for use in pairing together two objects. The tie comprises a head having an elongated channel extending therethrough, a locking tang within the head, and a strap having a length of approximately 63.3 cm. The strap comprises a first end integrally formed onto the head and a second end. A projection is formed on the strap between the first end and the second end. The portion of the strap from the projection to the first end is in the form of an elongated, flexible filament having a length of approximately 59.5 cm. The elongated filament is narrow in thickness, narrow in width and has a generally uniform, rectangularly-shaped cross-section. In one embodiment, the portion of the strap from the projection to the second end is formed in a ladder structure having a plurality of rungs. The rungs of the strap are sequentially engaged by the locking tang when the strap is inserted into and through the elongated channel to form a closed loop.

Abstract: A main body portion of a shoe includes a base having a heel and a sole, and an upper on the base. A lower sole is positioned below the base sole and is movable front to rear and back relative to the base sole. A transducer is provided in the seal and is connected to the lower sole. The transducer pushes the lower sole forwardly in response to heel pressure being imposed by the heel of the wearer on the heel of the shoe. After a forward shoe is set down on the ground, with its heel up and its lower sole contacting the ground, the main body portion of the shoe, with the wearer's foot inside of it, slides forward and adds length to the step.

Abstract: A footwear with integral bubble generator comprising a bubble generator installed below a shoe insole. When the footwear wearer puts weight on the insole, the insole presses against the bubble generator, and bubbles are emitted from a bubble generator reservoir through a nozzle. The bubble generator comprises a fill aperture sealed with a removable fill aperture cover. Bubble solution may be poured into (or out of) the bubble generator reservoir through the fill aperture. The bubble generator may optionally comprise a one-way air valve and/or a one-way nozzle valve. The one-way air valve closes during a compression step, thus forcing bubble solution fluid to exit through the nozzle, and allows air to enter the bubble generator reservoir during an expansion step. The nozzle valve prevents air from entering the bubble generator reservoir during the expansion step.

Abstract: A pair of shoes fastener for releasably coupling at least one pair of shoes together. The pair of shoes fastener includes a male portion and a female portion that are releasably coupleable together. The male portion has a neck member outwardly extending from the front face thereof and a bulbous end portion extending from the neck member. The female portion has an aperture extending through its top and bottom faces and a pair of axial breaks providing an opening through the front face of the female portion into the aperture. The aperture and the axial breaks define a groove of the female portion. The end and neck members of the male portion are slidably insertable in the groove of the female portion. The male portion is coupled to an inner side of a shoe. The female portion is coupled to an inner side of another shoe.

Abstract: A body portion of a decorative shoe accessory is located beneath the flaps of the shoe and is releasably attached to the shoe by frictional engagement associated with the overlying configuration of the flaps relative to the body of the accessory. The accessory includes a three-dimensional object releasably attached thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides a shoe having a built-in wear-indicator device capable of signalling (a) extent of shoe wear, (b) biomechanical compatibility with the user, (c) loss of the ability to cushion and absorb shock, and (d) a need for shoe replacement. The built-in wear-indicator device is positioned within the midsole and/or outsole and must be made of a material that is less compactible than the surrounding bulk midsole material that functions conventionally to cushion and absorb shock. With prolonged wear the midsole material loses its ability to absorb shock and compacts in the vertical dimension. In contrast, the wear-indicator device, being less compactible than the midsole, continues to protrude into the outsole in response to downward forces exerted on the indicator device. The degree of extension of the wear-indicator device into the outsole is an indicator of loss of ability to cushion and absorb shock and, consequently, of a need for shoe replacement.

Abstract: A shoe tassel retainer device for use with a shoe having a flap overlying at least a part of the arch of the shoe, and at least one tassel proximate the flap. A first loop member includes a detachable attachment for adjustably fitting the first loop member over the arch of said shoe and retaining the flap. A second loop member has a portion extending from one end attached to the first loop member to its other end attached to the first loop member. One or both of the elastic loop members may be elastic. The one end of the second loop may be permanently attached to the first loop member and the other end of the second loop may be detachably attached to said the loop member, whereby the portion of the second loop member is adapted to detachably retain the tassel.

Abstract: A magnetic gripper provides a support for releasable attachment to a ferromagnetic surface. A magnet adheres the gripper to the ferromagnetic surface. A frame is rotatably attached to the magnet where the frame defines cam surfaces to raise and lower the magnet from the ferromagnetic surface. An ear extends from the magnet to engage the ferromagnetic surface at a location spaced from the cam surfaces so that an end of the magnet near the ear can be first disengaged from the ferromagnetic surface, causing an air gap between the magnet and the ferromagnetic surface. The remainder of the magnet is sequentially disengaged from the surface as the cam surface is rotated. A foot support may be rotatably mounted to the frame so that a user can stand on the gripper to perform maintenance and repairs on the structure defined by the ferromagnetic surface.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes identical first and second fabric layers, and a yarn interconnecting the two layers. Both the layers of the fabric have their surfaces napped.

Abstract: A footwear accessory for use with a shoe includes a stocking-like structure having a lower foot portion and an upper ankle portion wherein the lower foot portion is made of a porous hosiery material and the upper ankle portion is made of a material which simulates a boot leg. According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper ankle portion is made of a stretchable material, may have a glossy or non-glossy appearance, may be a solid color or a print, may be provided with different textures and may include a functional closure device such as a zipper or a number of buttons or clasps. The dimensions of the upper and lower portions of the footwear accessory according to the invention are preferably chosen so that the lower foot portion is completely concealed by a shoe. The dimensions of the upper ankle portion may vary to cover any length of leg desired. One presently preferred embodiment has an upper ankle portion which terminates slightly below the knee.

Abstract: A boot holster is provided as may be used by a police officer or military personnel for carrying a concealed weapon. The holster includes a rear strap loop which receives a flexible strap fixed along the top portion of the boot. A pistol strap is permanently affixed to the holster along the rear thereof and is releasably affixed to the front of the holster whereby the pistol can be easily removed as needed.

Abstract: A tie for use in pairing together two objects. The tie comprises a head having an elongated channel extending therethrough, a locking tang within the head, and a strap extending from the head. The strap is approximately 30 cm in length and is formed in a ladder structure having a plurality of rungs. The rungs of the strap are sequentially engaged by the locking tang when the strap is inserted into and through the elongated channel to form a closed loop. As the strap is further inserted through the elongated channel, the size of the closed loop is decreased. The tie further includes a projection formed on a rung of the strap and located approximately 26 cm from the head. The projection protrudes upward from the rung approximately 1 mm and serves as a stop to limit the minimum size of the closed loop which can be formed when the strap is inserted into the head.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device for parachutists is disclosed. A conventional rshoe may be modified by riveting or otherwise fastening hook and loop material to the bottom of the overshoe. An impact absorbing sole having a top surface including hook and loop material may be quickly attached to and detached from the modified overshoe. It is also contemplated to provide fastening straps in lieu of or in addition to the hook and loop fastener. The fastening straps may encircle the forefoot area and/or the heel and ankle. The sole may have three layers of solid material or the middle layer may include apertures, which correspond to the heel and ball areas of the foot, for receiving cushioning inserts. The layers may be made of a high density open cell urethane foam, a microcellular ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polyethylene foam, a viscoelastic plasticized polyurethane polymer, or a viscoelastic urethane rubber polymer. The layers may be laminated together using any conventional adhesive.

Abstract: A jumping assist system to be mounted in conjunction with each lower leg and foot of a human which will cause the imparting of additional energy during the jumping movement which will result in the individual being able to jump higher, especially in a succession of jumps, as well as having greater endurance in jumping. When the lower leg moves forwardly into the jump-ready position, a pulling force is applied from the lower leg to a tension brace which extends substantially parallel to the back of the leg to under the heel of the foot causing a forward rotational force at the ankle joint. This force will assist the individual in the jumping action. There is also a separate strap connection over the dorsum of the foot which extends along the bottom of the foot and under the heel, anchoring in the achilles area. This dorsum strap further assists in achieving an increased level of upward support and some rotational force that assists the individual in the jumping motion.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for attaching decorative articles to shoelace tips. The adapter is small and inconspicuous with an outer cylindrical shape only about one inch in length and one quarter of an inch in outer diameter. The adapter has at one end a fitting for releasable securement to a decorative article, such as a light stick. At its opposite end the adapter is hollow and defines therewithin a plurality of coaxial sockets of decreasing diameter proceeding from the shoelace attachment end toward the decorative article receiving end. Each of the sockets preferably has a plurality of radially inwardly directed ribs that aids in frictionally engaging the stiffened tip of a shoelace within a socket of corresponding size. The adapter may be attached to the stiffened plastic tips of shoelaces to fasten decorative articles, such as light sticks to the shoes of a wearer.

Abstract: A shoe to be worn by diabetic persons, or persons afflicted with various types of foot maladies, where excess pressure exerted upon a portion of the foot tends to give rise to ulceration. The shoe body is fabricated to have relieved areas in the inner surface that contacts the foot at locations where the excess pressure is thought to possibly occur. Mounted within each relieved area is a force sensing resistor unit that is connected to a switching circuit. When the switching circuit senses a pressure against the force sensing resistor of a value corresponding to a set threshold, the switching circuit causes the energization of an alarm unit to warn the wearer of the existence of this threshold pressure. At this point in time, the wearer can remove the shoe to prevent the damage to the foot. Provision can be made to adjust the critical threshold pressure at which the alarm is given.

Abstract: A friction reducing shoe device for easing tightening and untightening of the shoe laces. The friction reducing device is positioned atop a tongue portion of a shoe between two opposing edges of an upper cover of a shoe atop. The device and includes a friction reducing channel formed for and receiving the portion of the shoe lace contacting an upper surface of the tongue portion which extends between the two edges. This channel separates the contact portions of the lace from frictional contact with the tongue upper surface to reduce friction therebetween during tightening and untightening of the lace.

Abstract: A shoe or other product adapted to emit light, sound, or other energy or radiation is disclosed. Embodiments of the shoes may contain switches depressed only when subjected to the momentum of or pressure from a moveable object such as a rotating ball. The ball and switches may additionally be encapsulated in a housing with a window visible outside the shoe, permitting wearers and others to view the switching being performed.

Abstract: A sneaker with built in atomizer for improved traction having a sole, an upper, a tongue and laces; an atomizer located in the upper tongue of the sneaker with built in atomizer for improved traction, the atomizer being formed in a hemispherical configuration with a valve and aperture centrally located on the upper surface thereof, the atomizer adapted to urge air therefrom upon depression and to allow the refilling thereof with air upon release of the atomizer, the atomizer including a first line coupling the interior of the atomizer with the input port of the reservoir whereby pressure within the atomizer is increased upon the depression of the atomizer; and a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the bottom of the sole of the sneaker with built in atomizer for improved traction and a second line extending from the nozzle through the output to a lower region of the interior of the reservoir whereby when the atomizer increases the pressure within the reservoir, the fluid therein will move through the outp

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 pair of golf shoes for aiding a golfer in establishing an optimal stance and improving the golfer's aim during driving and iron shots is disclosed. The golf shoes comprise an upper portion and a sole portion. The upper portion includes visual alignment guide lines thereon for aiding a golfer in establishing relative positioning of the golfer's feet with respect to each other, the golf ball and the target.

Abstract: This invention permits a wearer of this footwear to measure the number and the force of steps that have been taken by the user during a predetermined interval. The wearer can subsequently transfer the step information into a computer for further analysis. In a particular embodiment, the information transfer is accomplished using an inductively coupled data link between the footwear and the computer.

Abstract: Laces are secured through a shoe by a plurality of guides and indentations along the ankle portion of the shoe to tighten and take up slack of a shoelace which includes mating material attached to the ends and which is secured to a shoe by mating surfaces formed of interlocking bristle-like material, such as a hook and loop arrangement.

Abstract: A boot for recreational exercise which is equipped with a pneumatic ball spring. The ball is configured as a first semi-ovoid segment and a second smaller semi-ovoid segment which intersect at a minimum dimension. This minimum dimension receives an inwardly directed ledge which is captured by the fully inflated ball to secure the ball to its retainer. The retainer is in turn, secured to the bottom of the boot platform by adjustable dovetail members to permit the ball to be adjusted under the center of gravity of the wearer. The platform has a clamshell attaching member which secures a portion of the boot's weight to the calf of the wearer. The clamshell mechanism limits rotation about the ankle to .+-.15.degree. and restricts rotation of the foot about the axis of the leg and foot to reduce the potential of injury to the wearer.

Abstract: A shoe preserver having a wicking portion and an absorbing portion retained within a flexible porous covering. The preserver is sized to substantially fill the volume defined by the interior of the shoe. A pair of preservers is interconnected by a flexible strap attached to the forward portion of the preserver such that upon insertion into the shoe, the shoe and preserver may be carried by the strap.