Abstract: An ice skate boot includes a blade in thermal communication with heat transfer plates that extend into the interior of the boot. The heat transfer plates pass heat from the foot of the skater, through the blade to the blade, thereby warming the blade and cooling the skater's foot. A thermally conductive sock and body suit provide additional heat to the blade and cooling of the skater when in use. A warming mat keeps the blade warm when the skater is off the ice.

Abstract: Therapeutic footwear includes upper and lower portions formed of resilient material sized and shaped to fit beneath and above a foot of a user. The upper portion is hingedly attached to the lower portion. A removable pouch is formed of flexible, permeable material and sized and shaped to fit beneath the foot above the lower portion. The pouch contains at least one of aromatherapy and thermal reservoir materials. A cavity is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and is sized and shaped to receive the removable pouch. Stitching through the removable pouch at least partially divides the compartment into at least two subspaces to control movement of the contents. When the removable pouch is heated or cooled and placed in the cavity, the footwear will heat or cool while providing aromatherapy benefits. The footwear includes an outer sole formed of resilient material and suitable for outdoor use.

Abstract: An aromatherapy footwear includes a lower portion and an upper portion formed of resilient material sized and shaped to fit beneath and above a foot of a user. The upper portion is hingedly attached to the lower portion. An aromatherapy pouch is formed of flexible, aroma-permeable material and sized and shaped to fit beneath the foot above the lower portion. The pouch contains aromatherapy and thermal reservoir materials. A cavity is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and is sized and shaped to receive the aromatherapy pouch. Stitching through the aromatherapy pouch at least partially divides the compartment into at least two subspaces to control movement of the contents. When the aromatherapy pouch is heated or cooled and placed in the cavity the footwear will heat or cool while providing aromatherapy benefits. The footwear includes an outer sole formed of resilient material and suitable for outdoor use.

Abstract: A footwear including a body; a base structure; and one or more electrical energy generators disposed in the base structure for generating electrical energy upon application of an impact to the base structure. The footwear is used to produce electrical energy by impacting a base structure of the footwear; and vibrating a mass-spring unit in the base structure to generate an electrical energy.

Abstract: Articles that provide foot pain-relief for wearers of shoes and methods are disclosed. Foot pain relief by cooling or heating of footwear is provided by footwear comprising a length of tubing coupled to and along at least a portion of the shoe insole and an aperture for the release of gas from a compressed gas cylinder into the tubing. The shoe is recharged as needed to provide continuous cooling or heating of a foot.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention a foot warming device that is light weight comprising a lower foot portion and an tipper leg portion. The upper leg portion is comprised of flaps that open in the front to allow easy entry of the foot and leg and has hook and loop type connectors manufactured under the trademark Velcro to adjustably fasten to wrap the flaps around the foot and leg to enclose them within the foot warmer. Inserted between an outer covering and the insulating inner lining of the lower foot portion and the upper leg portion are electrically conductive heating elements wherein the resistance of the heating elements is designed so that when the foot warmer is connected to a source of low voltage power such as 120 V it provides sufficient heat to warm the inner insulating limiting to sufficient temperatures for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: An electrically heatable in sole may include at least one sole base body and one covering layer, at least one heating electrode, at least one rechargeable battery that is electrically connected to the heating electrode, and a control circuit for controlling the heating process and the charging of the battery. Heating electrodes, rechargeable batteries and a control circuit are arranged in the base body of the sole and/or between the base body and the covering layer. The control circuit includes a remote control device for starting and stopping the heating process, and a protection circuit for disconnecting the rechargeable batteries in the event of an error.

Abstract: A heating apparatus comprising a textile based heating element, a power source and related components. The heating apparatus can be designed, retrofitted or manufactured into articles of clothing or equipment such as gloves, vests, jackets, shirts, pants, socks, insoles, mitts, handwarmers, seats and other common articles. A textile based heating element comprises one or more conductive wires stitched into a fabric carrier. Various conductive wire configurations can desirably adjust the resistance of the textile based heating element thereof. Methods of manufacture and use are disclosed in conjunction with the heating apparatus.

Abstract: An aromatherapy footwear includes a lower portion and an upper portion formed of resilient material sized and shaped to fit beneath and above a foot of a user. The upper portion is hingedly attached to the lower portion. An aromatherapy pouch is formed of flexible, aroma-permeable material and sized and shaped to fit beneath the foot above the lower portion. The pouch contains aromatherapy and thermal reservoir materials. A cavity is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and is sized and shaped to receive the aromatherapy pouch. Stitching through the aromatherapy pouch at least partially divides the compartment into at least two subspaces to control movement of the contents. When the aromatherapy pouch is heated or cooled and placed in the cavity the footwear will heat or cool while providing aromatherapy benefits. The footwear includes an outer sole formed of resilient material and suitable for outdoor use.

Abstract: A ventilated shoe includes an outsole; an insole including projections; and a space defined by the insole and the outsole and including resilient pillars in the instep and interconnected the insole and the outsole, a battery compartment, second compartments, motor-driven vibrating devices located in the second compartments, an exposed first switch, a heating element, an exposed second switch, and a circuit board with the first and second switches provided on its edge. Turning on the first switch will activate the vibrating devices to vibrate the projections to perform a first operation to massage the sole. Turning on the second switch will activate the heating element to perform a second operation to warm the foot.

Abstract: A waterproof sock according to the present invention includes a sole portion constructed of a waterproof material and an upper portion constructed of an air-permeable material. The sole portion extends about a toe region for protecting a wearer's toes from wetness or from being inadvertently scraped. The waterproof sock includes a pocket situated atop a front region of the upper portion and is configured to receive and retain heat packs. Alternately, pockets may be situated on opposed sides of the upper portion for warming both sides of a wearer's foot. Accordingly, the waterproof sock enables a wearer to keep his feet warm and dry and in a cold and wet environment such as a ski lodge.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to apparatuses and methods for cooling and/or heating feet. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a medium transfer apparatus is inserted into and/or coupled to a shoe. The apparatus has an inlet that can be detachably coupled to a medium injection apparatus, such as a conventional spray can, that injects compressed air or some other cooling medium through the medium transfer apparatus into an interior region of the shoe. Thus, by injecting the cooling medium into the shoe, a user is able to cool his foot without removing his foot from the shoe. In one embodiment, the cooling medium is directed to an insole of the shoe such that the insole is significantly cooled by the cooling medium being injected into the shoe. The cooled insole continues to draw heat from the user's foot and the user continues to feel a cooling sensation long after the cooling medium injection has ended.

Abstract: A ventilated shore includes an outsole; an insole including projections; and a space defined by the insole and the outsole and including resilient pillars in the instep and interconnected the insole and the outsole, a battery compartment, second compartments, motor-driven vibrating devices located in the second compartments, an exposed first switch, a heating element, an exposed second switch, and a circuit board with the first and second switches provided on its edge. Turning on the first switch will activate the vibrating devices to vibrate the projections to perform a first operation to massage the sole. Turning on the second switch will activate the heating element to perform a second operation to warm the foot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a boot for applying medicine to a foot for a variety of conditions. Wearing the boot allows one to perform job and domestic duties while treating a foot. The present invention has a sole beneath an upper with a waterproof interior. The sole has a generally foot shape in a variety of sizes. Additionally, the sole incorporates heating discs and appurtenant wiring. The wiring exits the sole and runs to a switch and a box containing batteries. To use the boot, a person places fluids, or water, and medicine into the boot. The person then inserts a foot into the boot and turns on the heating discs which then heat the sole and the fluids to a comfortable temperature.

Abstract: The therapeutic slipper is a footwear article for slidably receiving a foot, the slipper having a sole, a vamp panel joined to the sole, a toe panel disposed over the vamp panel, a front toe pocket, a quarter panel joined to the sole and at least one rear pocket. The vamp portion is disposed over the toes and covers a lower instep of the foot; the quarter panel covers the sides of the foot, the heel, and the ankle region. The slipper may be used alone or in conjunction with a removably attachable instep panel, having an instep pocket. When the slipper is used with the instep panel, the entire foot is covered and the entire ankle encircled. The front toe pocket, the rear pocket and the instep pocket are designed to receive therapeutic devices that will disseminate a particular effect over different regions of the foot and help relieve foot pain.

Abstract: Article of footwear includes a sole, an insole overlying the sole, the insole having in a surface thereof a groove having an inlet and outlet in an edge of the insole, the groove winding substantially throughout the length and width of the insole upper surface. A tube is disposed in the groove and extends throughout the length of the groove and has an inlet portion extending from the groove inlet at the edge of the insole and an outlet portion extending from the groove outlet. An upper fixed to the sole has apertures through which extend the tube inlet and outlet portions.

Abstract: Article of footwear includes a sole, an insole overlying the sole, the insole having in a surface thereof a groove having an inlet and outlet in an edge of the insole, the groove winding substantially throughout the length and width of the insole upper surface. A tube is disposed in the groove and extends throughout the length of the groove and has an inlet portion extending from the groove inlet at the edge of the insole and an outlet portion extending from the groove outlet. An upper fixed to the sole has apertures through which extend the tube inlet and outlet portions.

Abstract: The thermal foot cover is an article of footwear to be worn when the wearer's foot is subjected to cold temperatures. The thermal foot cover has an upper cover portion attached to a bottom panel to define a cavity for insertion of a wearer's shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot. The upper cover portion and the bottom panel are made from a material comprising an outer covering, a radiant barrier and a inner covering where the radiant barrier is sandwiched between the outer cover and the inner cover. The radiant barrier is the insulation system of the thermal foot cover, which reflects the wearer's body heat back inside the footwear and keeps the wearer's feet warm. The thermal foot cover is flexible, lightweight and readily washable due to the use of the radiant barrier as the insulation system.

Abstract: A warming device for use in cold environments has a flexible pocket with at least one triangular side gusset for receiving a shoe or boot. The warming device has a receiver for receiving a heat generating packet or fuel stick heating device. The warming device may be firmly attached to a shoe or boot by constricting laces, cords or straps so that the gusset is pleated into loose folds along the side of the boot or shoe with heat generating packet or fuel stick heating device pressed substantially flat against the wearer's instep. The sole of the warming device may be modified to provide an anti-slip surface, for example, by installing studs in the sole. The sole of the warming device may be modified to adapt to specialized shoes or boots, such as ice skates.

Abstract: Articles and products for preventing or minimizing temperature increase of a person or object (see the figure). The articles include a base material, and at least one temperature-stabilizing material integral with and dispersed throughout the base material. The temperature-stabilizing materials can be phase change materials and have phase change temperatures. Products can contain a plurality of articles and each article can have a phase change temperature the same as or different than those of other articles in the product. Products include footwear, protective apparel and the like.

Abstract: A warming device for use in cold environments has a flexible pocket with at least one triangular side gusset for receiving a shoe or boot. The warming device has a receiver for receiving a heat generating packet or fuel stick heating device. The warming device may be firmly attached to a shoe or boot by constricting laces, cords or straps so that the gusset is pleated into loose folds along the side of the boot or shoe with heat generating packet or fuel stick heating device pressed substantially flat against the wearer's instep. The sole of the warming device may be modified to provide an anti-slip surface, for example, by installing studs in the sole. The sole of the warming device may be modified to adapt to specialized shoes or boots, such as ice skates.

Abstract: A heated shoe for generating heat by using hydrocarbon reaction with oxygen is disclosed. The heated shoe is capable to keep warm for long periods, giving out heat by itself, having a simple structure and low costs for parts. The heated shoe includes a shoe body defining a vent hole and a temperature control valve formed on the sole thereof. The sole defines a recess in which a partition defining a through hole is fixed. The partition divides the recess into two areas, one for receiving a fuel vessel of volatile fuel and the other for receiving an activated thermal conductor. Gas volatilized from the fuel penetrates through the through hole of the partition to contact the activated thermal conductor. The volatilized gas reacts with oxygen contained in air entering from the vent hole and generates heat with the catalysis caused by catalyst of the activated thermal conductor. The generated heat is transferred through a thermal pad to the whole shoe.

Abstract: The thermal foot cover is an article of footwear to be worn when the wearer's foot is subjected to cold temperatures. The thermal foot cover has an upper cover portion attached to a bottom panel to define a cavity for insertion of a wearer's shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot. The upper cover portion and the bottom panel are made from a material comprising an outer covering, a radiant barrier and a inner covering where the radiant barrier is sandwiched between the outer cover and the inner cover. The radiant barrier is the insulation system of the thermal foot cover, which reflects the wearer's body heat back inside the footwear and keeps the wearer's feet warm. The thermal foot cover is flexible, lightweight and readily washable due to the use of the radiant barrier as the insulation system.

Abstract: A heated booty for heating or cooling the foot of a wearer of the booty includes a booty having a foot portion and an ankle portion. The booty includes an outer layer separated from an inner layer such that a chamber is defined between the inner and outer layers. A gel pack is positioned in the chamber. A plurality of heating elements is positioned in and extends through the gel pack. A control for selectively turning the heating elements on or off is electrically coupled to the heating elements and is mounted on the booty.

Abstract: A removable insole for footwear is disclosed which is used for heating the wearer's feet. The insole includes a recessed area for containing a heat source. The improved insole comprises an upper layer, a padding layer, a lower layer, and a cover plate. The cover plate covers the recessed area, thereby forming a cavity for containing a heat source, and extends to the tip of the toe portion. The lower layer has a plurality of recessed channels formed therein which communicate with the recessed area to facilitate the flow of air to and from the heat source. The cover layer is attached to the lower layer in only a few discrete places to facilitate the flow of air to and from the heat source. The insole and/or cover plate have at least one cutout on the periphery of one of the sides in the area of the recessed area which allows for easy insertion and removal of the heat source.

Abstract: A heater device, usable in particular for inner shoes of sports footwear, comprising a conducting fabric of a known type, which is embedded in the inner shoe advantageously substantially at the forefoot region. The fabric is connected, at its opposite ends, to two or more conductors, which are associated with the inner shoe and are connected, at their opposite ends, to connections to an external source.

Abstract: Heated insoles are presented in the form of separate packages that will combine into a kit to make a heated insole for footwear. One package contains a heating assembly made of a heating element, a flexible power cable ending in an electrical connector, and (optionally) a power pack that contains a rechargeable battery, a rheostat, and a mating electrical connector. The other package contains a flexible, cushioned insole having a sealable opening and guide channel on the bottom. Once a suitable sized insole is selected, the heating element is inserted into a sealable opening in the insole that is dimensioned to receive the heating element and sealed therein. This kit and manner of construction allows retailers to stock fewer heating elements than insole sizes so as to reduce inventory costs.

Abstract: A therapeutic slipper for retaining heat or cold, and that is comfortable and permits normal and comfortable walking, comprises a sole, and an upper portion disposed in overlying relation above the sole. The upper portion has compartments comprising an outer layer of material and an inner layer of material, and containing a granular temperature retentive material. Preferably, the sole is void of granular temperature retentive material. Alternatively, a pouch contains temperature-retentive granular material and is disposed within a corresponding compartment of the upper portion. A method of fabricating a therapeutic slipper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bracket that supports an electrical component, such as a battery pack, comprising a main plate that includes opposing first and second surfaces, a mounting portion, and a retaining portion. A mounting extends from the mounting portion of the main plate and supports the electrical component. A first support leg extends from the main plate with a first slot being defined between the retaining portion and the first support leg.

Abstract: A bi-modal thermal insole heat pump and shock cushioner which can selectively be reversibly deployed in a shoe to act, with regard to its heat-pump capabilities, either as a heat-deliverer or as a heat-remover with respect to the underside of a user's foot.

Abstract: A heating sole includes an upper pad formed with a plurality of ventilation holes and configured to be fitted in any shoe, a heating sheet having an upper and a lower layer and a filament fitted between the upper and lower layers so that the filament is completely enclosed by the upper and lower layers thereby insulating the filament from outside, the filament being connected with a temperature sensor, the heating sheet being formed with a plurality of ventilation holes aligned with the ventilation holes of the upper pad, the temperature sensor being connected with an electrical cord provided with an electrical connector at an outer end thereof, the electrical connector being adapted to engage with a battery box in which there is a rechargeable battery, a lower pad integrally made of foam rubber and formed with a raised edge at a rear portion thereof, the raised edge having a notch for passage of the electrical cord, the lower pad being formed with a plurality of ventilation holes aligned with the ventilation

Abstract: A shoe ventilation apparatus for effectively keeping the user's feet cool, dry and free from perspiration and odor.

Abstract: A removable insole for footwear is disclosed which is used for heating the wearer's feet. The insole includes a recessed area for containing a heat source. The improved insole comprises an upper layer, a padding layer, a lower layer, and a cover plate. The cover plate covers the recessed area, thereby forming a cavity for containing a heat source, and extends to the tip of the toe portion. The lower layer has a plurality of recessed channels formed therein which communicate with the recessed area to facilitate the flow of air to and from the heat source. The cover layer is attached to the lower layer in only a few discrete places to facilitate the flow of air to and from the heat source. The insole and/or cover plate have at least one cutout on the periphery of one of the sides in the area of the recessed area which allows for easy insertion and removal of the heat source.

Abstract: A body warmer for use in footwear is disclosed which is prevented from slipping in footwear and is capable of warming a desired portion accurately, and which includes an exothermic composition capable of generating heat in the presence of air, an air-permeable bag accommodating the composition, and an air-tight bag sealingly enveloping the air-permeable bag, the air-permeable bag being formed with a non-slip layer in at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: A hydroelectirc generator assembly for use in footwear includes a pair of fluid filled sacs contained in the sole of the footwear. The sacs are connected by conduits whereby, when the footwear is used for walking, fluid is transferred between the sacs, via the conduits. A turbine positioned between the conduits is rotated by the moving fluid thereby resulting in the generation of electricity.

Abstract: A skate with improved comfort, comprising a frame for supporting two or more wheels, with which a shoe is associated. The shoe has openings which are connected to the outside or to a vapor-permeable surface, and an innerboot, or upper, which comprises a phase-change material that releases or absorbs heat in preset temperature ranges.

Abstract: The thermal foot cover is an article of footwear to be worn when the wearer's foot is subjected to cold temperatures. The thermal foot cover has an upper cover portion attached to a bottom panel to define a cavity for insertion of a wearer's shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot. The upper cover portion and the bottom panel are made from a material comprising an outer covering, a radiant barrier and a inner covering where the radiant barrier is sandwiched between the outer cover and the inner cover. The radiant barrier is the insulation system of the thermal foot cover, which reflects the wearer's body heat back inside the footwear and keeps the wearer's feet warm. The thermal foot cover is flexible, lightweight and readily washable due to the use of the radiant barrier as the insulation system.