Abstract: An outsole construction for a shoe which provides all midsole and outsole functions with a single homogeneous moldable material thorough geometry alone is disclosed. The invention employs cut-out geometry for engineering various characteristics into an outsole of a uniform, monolithic material. Such characteristics are obtained by removing material or reinforcing the material so that it functions as if it had different densities. The invention is based on the principle of minimum sufficient thickness in order to maintain the foot as close to the ground as possible.

Abstract: Rubber articles subjected to ozone while under dynamic flexing conditions are protected using a novel triazine class of materials, specifically tris-(N-alkyl-p-phenylenediamino)-1,3,5-triazines. Belts, hose, air springs, roofing membranes, etc. are preferred articles of the invention.

Abstract: In a pair of golf shoes for a right-handed golfer, the invention being equally adaptable for shoes of a left-handed golfer, the shoes having a sole including toe, heel and intermediate metatarsal portions and inner and outer edges; the shoe edges being substantially linear; the left shoe having an outer linear edge from the heel portion to the metatarsal portion and an inner linear edge from the metatarsal portion to the toe portion and including at least part of the area of the ball of the golfer's left foot; the linear edges of the left shoe being parallel for promoting a proper weight transfer and body-swing motion to the golfer during a golf swing.

Abstract: A walking shoe is provided between its outer and inner soles, and substantially hidden by the ramp at the instep and toe, with a reverse wedge, i.e., one which increases in thickness in the forward direction. The reverse wedge terminates forwards of the shoe heel. The reverse wedge and the sole of which it forms a part remain flexible. The objective is the provision of a shoe which enhances the amount of exercise provided to the wearer's foot and leg muscles while walking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe sole or insole with circulation of an incorporated fluid, in which the upper surface of the shoe sole forms a chamber which is crushable under the pressure of the foot, said chamber being subdivided by slanting transverse blades having their edge independent of the deformable sheet closing said chamber and forming the lower surface of the shoe sole, this chamber communicating at the front and rear ends of the shoe sole with a chamber formed on the upper surface and closed in a tight manner by a thin sheet, both chambers being filled with a fluid, said thin sheets being welded at their periphery to the surface of a said peripheral edge.

Abstract: A system for better determining the fit of shoes, particularly children's shoes, is described wherein transparent areas are provided in the shoe bottom along with fitting indices to enable comparison of the outline of a foot in the shoe to the fitting indices. The shoe may also be provided with optional audio-visual warning means to signal when the shoe is about to be outgrown.

Abstract: An athletic shoe, particularly a tennis shoe, with wear-resistant parts provided in the area of the outsole to increase the wear resistance of the sole material. The wear resistance of the outsole, particularly in the toe area or in other peripheral areas of the outsole, is significantly increased and yet a sufficient braking effect is maintained by the material of the outsole or of the edge of the outsole. This is achieved by molding parts made of one of such materials as an oxide ceramic, metal carbide, metal nitride or hard metal into the outsole in an upwardly directed edge (3) of toe area (4) of outsole (2) or by subsequently inserting them into the outsole in such a way that the outer surface of the parts ends approximately flush with an outer side of the edge surface of outsole.

Abstract: A shoe of California construction having an upper with a sock liner, an outsole, and a midsole between the sock liner and the outsole. The midsole comprises a molded polyurethane element having a lower surface of a contour complementary to the contour of the upper surface of the outsole and having an upper surface of a contour complementary to the shape of the bottom of a wearer's foot. A fiberboard backing sheet is bonded to the lower surface of the midsole. A leather wrap extends between the upper and the outsole and surrounds the side wall, the midsole, following the contoured shape of the midsole side wall.

Abstract: A primary pivot pad (28) is positioned on the sole (12) of a shoe (10) below the ball region of the user's foot. A secondary pivot pad (30) is positioned on the sole (12) forwardly of the primary pivot pad (28). A second secondary pivot pad (20, 20') is positioned on the sole (12) both rearwardly and laterally inwardly from the primary pivot pad (28). The secondary pivot pad (20) may be positioned primarily rearwardly and somewhat laterally (FIG. 2) or may be positioned primarily laterally and only slightly rearwardly (FIG. 13). Each pivot pad presents a downwardly directed pivot surface having a pivot center. The primary pivot pad (28) extends into each secondary pivot pad (20, 20', 30) and truncates each secondary pivot pad (20, 20', 30).

Abstract: A shoe construction is disclosed including a flexible forefoot portion having no rigid parts and which cushions the metatarsal head area of the foot when in use. A resilient memory pad, preferably of foam material, is positioned in an aperture formed in the metatarsal head support area in the bottom of the forepart of a force lasted shoe upper under a thin cover sewn around the aperture edges. The memory pad engages the top surface of an outsole. The memory pad and cover are compressible by the foot to the thickness of the upper bottom so that no protrusion or discomfort results when the foot is bearing weight. The outside bottom includes a molded pad, preferably of thermoplastic rubber, below and aligned with the memory pad for improved traction, gripping, wear resistance and cushioning. Various rear part constructions may be used including cement lasted assemblies.

Abstract: A sole arrangement for footwear or the like comprises an insole and an outsole. On the side of the outsole which faces the bearing surface, the insole is provided with a support system comprising a plurality of webs and channels and which is substantially arranged in the metatarsal region. The tread surface of the outsole which faces the ground has two web-like profile parts and a flat support part and is subdivided into individual support regions which are separated from one another substantially by a recess oriented in the longitudinal direction of the tread surface and are provided with channels and webs arranged approximately at right angles to a longitudinal axis of the sole arrangement.

Abstract: A walking sole for sports shoes, particularly golf shoes, having, on at least one of its lateral edges, a series of substantially transverse grooves, filled with a material having a degree of elasticity superior to that of the material making up the sole. The grooves are provided in the front portion of at least one of the lateral edges (1a,1b) which extends the length of the frontal area of the sole (1) which provides support for the front part of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, and they mark the boundaries of at least one flexible tongue (7) transversally around an axis of flexion (X) joining the internal ends of the grooves (3). (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A sole or plantar surface for footwear which may be incorporated in a walking appliance or attachment for conventional ski boots, and wherein the footwear has been deliberately configured to retain a foot in a substantially rigid and inflexible manner which interferes with a normal walking gait. The surface configuration facilitates walking by including at least one roll point area spaced rearwardly from the forward end. The one roll point area lies in a plane angularly disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of the plantar surface and in a direction towards the medial surface of the footwear.

Abstract: A shoe containing a plurality of pairs of ribs provided between the mid-sole and the outer sole. All of the ribs are provided with at least one bowed or convex surface running the length of the rib. When weight is placed upon the sole, each of the ribs initially begins to deflect until adjacent ribs abut one another at which the ribs begin to compress. An elastic bridging element is provided between each of the ribs provided in a single pair of ribs. Additionally, tubes or plug inserts are provided between at least one pair of ribs or between adjacent rib pairs.

Abstract: A shoe containing a plurality of pairs of ribs provided between the mid-sole and the outer sole. All of the ribs are provided with at least one bowed or convex surface running the length of the rib. At least one compression bridging element is placed between adjacent pairs of ribs to prevent one rib of a pair of ribs from contacting a second rib of an adjacent rib pair.

Abstract: The ski boot shall allow an as convenient as possible walking on the ground surface and also a stable standing on the ground surface. To this end the heel and the sole of the boot are provided individually with a roll off area. When the ski boot rolls off on the ground surface, the two roll off areas combine. To this end the center of the radius on the roll off area of the heel is located in the area of the ankle. The center of the radius of the roll off area located at the sole of the shoe lies in the center of the knee joint. When walking with this boot, a rising and downwards movement of the ankle is avoided. Accordingly, the ski boot comprises a stable standing area which stabilizes the body when it stands. During the walking, the position of the center of gravity of the weight of the body is altered automatically such that the standing area cannot form a standing plane. Conclusively, the rolling off movement during walking is a smooth movement.

Abstract: A pair of golf shoes is provided in which each shoe includes a sole and heel having an increased thickness along the outer edge thereof. The sole has a maximum thickness adjacent the ball of the foot and tapers to a uniform thickness at the toe, at the instep and along a centerline. The heel maximum thickness tapers to a uniform thickness along a centerline. The shoes cause a golfer to automatically assume the proper stance and weight distribution when addressing the ball, and to automatically shift the weight from the rear foot to the front foot during a swing.

Abstract: The diversifiable compliance sole structure comprises a sole portion, formed from a thermoplastic material and bonded to a sole element, formed by foaming. The structure has a bottom surface having a plurality of seats, adapted for removably accommodating reinforcing elements proximately to a peripheral region of a heel portion.

Abstract: A midsole (18) is formed from a first, interior member (26) and a second, exterior member (28) molded around the top and sides of the first member (26). The first and second members (26) and (28) are formed of cushionable material and the second member (28) has a higher hardness and resiliency than the first member (26).

Abstract: This invention relates to phosphoresent, polymer-containing compositions suitable for use in footwear and to phosphorescent shoes, shoe soles, and other molded or extruded shoe parts made from such compositions.One aspect of this invention is directed to a polymeric composition comprising:(a) between about 25 and 75% by weight of an elastomeric polymer;(b) between about 20 and 50% by weight of a processing oil;(c) between about 0.005 and 0.5% by weight of at least one stabilizer; and(d) between about 3 and 30% by weight of a phosphorescent pigment. This invention relates to phosphoresent, polymer-containing compositions suitable for use in footwear and to phosphorescent shoes, shoe soles, and other molded or extruded shoe parts made from such compositions.

Abstract: In an article of footwear for use with a foot wherein the article has an upper portion and a sole. The sole has a forefoot and a rearfoot portion with the sole forefoot portion having a medial aspect and a lateral aspect. The sole forefoot portion is of varying thickness across the width thereof such that the sole slopes at an angle upwardly from the medial aspect to the lateral aspect to provide an inclined surface of greater thickness at the lateral aspect than at said medial aspect. This compensates the forefoot in its naturally everted angulation in those individuals who are recognized to have a forefoot valgus foot type and maintains the normal alignment, position, motion and function of the entire foot during use of said article of footwear.

Abstract: Improved footwear for physical exercise, such as running or jogging, in which a segment of the shoe extending beneath the third, fourth and fifth metatarsal-phalangeal joints on the lateral side of the shoe is comprised of a crepe or spongy rubber material, which is substantially more flexible than the material which comprises the remainder of the solepiece. This configuration reduces the resistance of the solepieces to the flexure of the foot along the third, fourth and fifth metatarsal-phalangeal joints, thereby reducing the stress on the corresponding foot muscles and allowing the stronger foot muscles which operate the first and second metatarsal-phalangeal joints on the medial side of the foot to do most of the work in flexing the foot during the running motion. As a result, the weaker muscles in the lateral side of the foot are not overly stressed and the direction of motion of the foot at the toe lift-off is substantially in the desired direction of running.

Abstract: A shoe containing a plurality of pairs of ribs provided between the mid-sole and the outer sole. All of the ribs are provided with at least one bowed or convex surface running the length of the rib. When weight is placed upon the sole, each of the ribs initially begins to deflect until adjacent ribs abut one another at which point the ribs begin to compress. Additionally, an elastic bridging element is provided between each of the ribs provided in a single pair of ribs.

Abstract: A sole element (1) for a shoe, intended primarily for use when playing darts, includes a heel part which is thinner than the sole part. A raised bar (5) of generally arcuate shape is provided in that area of the sole part which underlies the base of the wearer's toes. The outer edge (3,4) of the sole element is preferably chamferred outwardly from its uppermost surface along each side of the sole element so that the floor contacting surface has a greater area than the upper surface. The chamfer angle is greater at the front of the sole element, generally forward of the raised bar (5), than at the rear.

Abstract: A pair of shoes for the sport of curling, according to the invention, has a first one of the shoes developed as a sliding shoe with a sole or a sole surface having a sliding area comprised of at least supporting areas of a material with a low coefficient of friction with respect to ice, and the other shoe formed as a run-up and drag shoe having a sole or a sole surface with at least tread areas of a material that has a high coefficient of friction with respect to ice, at least relative to that of the first shoe, and at least an outer surface of the toe cap of the upper being formed of a material that has a low coefficient of friction with respect to ice.

Abstract: In an article of footwear for use with a foot wherein the article has an upper portion and a sole. The sole has a forefoot and a rearfoot portion with the sole forefoot portion having a medial aspect and a lateral aspect. The sole forefoot portion is of varying thickness across the width thereof such that the sole slopes at an angle upwardly from the lateral aspect to the medial aspect to provide an inclined surface of greater thickness at the medial aspect than at said lateral aspect. This compensates the forefoot in its naturally inverted angulation and maintains the normal alignment, position, motion and function of the entire foot during use of said article of footwear.

Abstract: An anti-skidding sole made of rubber or similar material, for boot or shoe. This sole has a lower surface provided with at least one integral, rib-like member projecting downwardly therefrom. This rib-like member is in the shape of a spiral and has an overall bottom surface which is substantially flat. Due to the spiral shape of this rib-like member, the air, water and/or oil boxed up under the sole may escape therefrom without forming an air or liquid cushion, and thus may allow the sole to positively contact the ground where the rib-like member provides anti-skid edges in every direction.

Abstract: An improved sole for use with footwear is disclosed. The sole includes at least one layer of material which is adapted to be attached to an upper of the footwear. A distal flex groove is formed in the sole and is coextensive with a medial metatarsal-phalanges line which extends between the first and second metatarsal-phalanges joints. A proximal flex groove is also formed in the sole and extends substantially parallel to a lateral metatarsal-phalanges line which extends along the second through fifth metatarsal-phalanges joints. The proximal and distal grooves join on another at the medial edge of the sole adjacent the first metatarsal-phalanges joint.

Abstract: There are provided improved integral skin microcellular polyether polyurethane elastomer products, e.g., shoe soles, which are characterized by outstanding low temperature dynamic flex and green strength at demold, at specific gravities as low as about 0.4 gm/cc. These elastomer products are desirably prepared from a two-component system, e.g., the reaction of Component A containing improved quasi-prepolymers, with Component B comprising a compatible liquid mixture containing poly(oxyethyleneoxypropylene)polyol, difunctional chain extender, halogenated blowing agent and other ingredients, as needed, over a relatively wide isocyanate index range without the drawback of any significant loss in the elastomer properties due to index fluctuation within said range.Improved integral skin microcellular polyether elastomers of low densities, e.g., 0.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a sole bottom which is contoured in the region of first foot strike along the lateral border to provide an arcuate landing surface which curves upwardly toward the lateral side edge of the sole and away from the ground surface and which is radiused about an axis coinciding with an effective, average subtalar axis. The sole may additionally be contoured along the rear heel portion in the region of first foot strike for straight heel strikers to provide another arcuate landing surface which curves upwardly toward the rear edge of the sole and which is radiused about a transverse axis coinciding with an average ankle axis. The sole bottom is formed with separate sets of gripping ribs which are oriented in such a manner that traction is enhanced for a range of toe out angles in the toe off range, is maximized for an average toe out angle along the lateral border and is maximized for a zero toe out angle in the rear heel region.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for track and field use, especially a running shoe, is formed in such a way that a flexible running sole is provided only in the area of its running surface and, thus, largely does not exist in the area of the longitudinal arch of the foot, and from the arch area to the heel, the running sole is rendered resistant to distortion by a reinforcement plate. Additionally, in the area of the longitudinal arch of the foot, the running sole has a supporting wall directed diagonally upward toward the inside of the foot that is fitted to the arch of the foot. Thus, a shoe for track and field use is obtained that is extremely light in weight, has high resistance to distortion and supports the foot well.

Abstract: A shoe containing a plurality of pairs of transverse ribs provided between the mid-sole and the outer sole. All of the ribs are provided with at least one bowed or convex surface running the length of the rib. When weight is placed upon the sole, each of the ribs initially begins to deflect and then the ribs are compressed. The ribs begin to become compressed when one of each pair of the ribs would intrude upon an adjacent rib of a second pair of ribs.

Abstract: This invention pertains to soles for boots and shoes. More particularly, it pertains to a sole that is useful for mountain climbing boots, hiking boots, walking shoes, and work shoes.

Abstract: A polymeric composition having good hardness, stiffness and tear strength and good resistance to flex cracking, solvent attack and abrasion comprises a radial monoalkenyl arene-conjugated diene block copolymers, a linear low density polyethylene, hydrocarbon extending oil, polystyrene resin and a filler.

Abstract: An outsole (10) for incorporation in a shoe or the like includes a generally shoe-shaped member of rubber-like material lower portion (14) contiguous with the lower surface of having an upper surface and a ground contacting bottom surface (19), the bottom surface (19) having a pair of depressed regions (21), (25) therein positioned for alignment with the heel and the ball of the foot, the bottom surface (19) surrounding the depressions (21), (25) and extending therebetween for supporting the foot about the ball and heel and in the shank region, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the depressions (21, 25) are generally oval-shaped and concave, and generally triangular indentations (32) are formed in the bottom surface 19 on either side of the shank region (23), the ground contacting bottom surface (19) thereby presenting the general appearance of a figure eight.

Abstract: A shock absorbent shoe sole (10) including an upper sole (14) and a bottom sole (12) attached to the bottom of the upper sole, the bottom sole including one or more inverted cups (22, and 24) disposed therein; each cup is located directly beneath and pointed convexly toward a natural contact point (60, 62, 64) of the human foot (54) for absorbing and dispersing shock generated at the natural contact point during a foot step.

Abstract: An improved sole for footwear comprising an insole unit having an axially extending surface and a peripheral rib projecting downwardly from the surface for stitching the insole to the upper of the footwear, a midsole attached to the insole, the insole and midsole defining the top and bottom surfaces of a cavity, the cavity being bounded about its periphery by the rib, and an outsole attached to the midsole, the improvement comprising an orthotic element mounted in the cavity, the orthotic element comprising an axially extending flexible support layer.

Abstract: A shoe sole for application to the underside of a shoe includes a sole element having substantially convex upper and lower surfaces. The sole element may have a toe portion at one end thereof and the thickness of the sole element adjacent to the toe portion may increase toward the one end.

Abstract: An outer sole for an athletic shoe is disclosed. The outer sole includes a base formed of a relatively thin resilient material and having a heel section, an arch section, a forefoot section, a toe section, an upper major surface and a lower major surface. A plurality of discrete traction elements extend downward from the lower major surface of the base at spaced transverse and longitudinal locations, and include a plurality of discrete heel and arch traction elements located about longitudinally spaced locations in the perimeter of base in the heel and arch sections respectively. A rear shock attenuating area extends generally along the central longitudinal portion of the heel and arch sections. The rear shock attenuating area is substantially devoid of traction elements so that the relatively thin resilient material of the base in the rear shock attenuating area depresses downwardly during foot strike to attenuate the force of foot strike.

Abstract: This invention covers a shoe sole composition compounded from polyvinyl chloride and organic cellulosic flock, and the shoe sole product produced therefrom.

Abstract: Unit soles having a smooth, dull appearance are molded from a polymeric composition comprising a mixture of linear ABA and radial (AB)--BA monoalkenyl arene/conjugated diene block copolymers, a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, vulcanized vegetable oil, hydrocarbon rubber extending oil and filler.

Abstract: This invention covers a shoe sole composition compounded from polyvinyl chloride and organic cellulosic flock, and the shoe sole product produced therefrom.

Abstract: A sports shoe has an extension to the sole of the shoe projecting rearwardly at the heel end, which extension is springily resilient or can be supported by resilient means on the shoe. A stiffener, for example, a metal plate can be provided to enable the resilience of the extension to be controlled. Also a separate interchangeable spring member can be provided to control the resilience of the projection.

Abstract: Synthesis of integral skin microcellular polyurethane elatomers by reacting hydroxyl-terminated aliphatic polyesters with symmetrical diisocyanates, prepolymers of these isocyanates such as derived from p,p'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and an aliphatic glycol and mixtures thereof, these are polymerized in the presence of an organic blowing agent, and one or more plasticizers such as of the formulae ##STR1## further enhancement of the results is brought about by the presence of catalysts and cell regulating agents, such as dimethylpolysiloxanes; the obtained elastomers are useful, such as for shoe soles and in the manufacture of other products, e.g., vibration dampening devices, floatation devices, gaskets and the like.

Abstract: A sole body for footwear including a longitudinally extending body having an upturned fore part extending rearwardly from the front end of the sole body which terminates in a front groove extending transversely of and in the bottom thereof. A central rocker portion is formed on the bottom of the sole body substantially midway between the front end and the rear end of the sole body and connecting with said front groove with a heel formed on the rear part of the sole body. The heel includes a compressible insert intermediate the upper and lower surfaces of the heel portion. The rocker portion is arcuate convexly outwardly of the sole body on an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sole body and extending outwardly beyond a plane connecting the outermost surface of said fore part portion and said heel whereby a roll action of the sole body is provided between the initial contact of the compressible heel and the fore part in the gait of the user.

Abstract: An improved athletic shoe in which the solepiece has a wedge to facilitate supporting the runner's foot when contacting the ground; the toe box section being provided with pleats to allow expansion for toe movement when the foot flexes; the solepiece is provided with a flexure break segment of reduced thickness following the phalangal-metatarsal joint line of action of the human foot to permit differential flexure of the solepiece in a manner following such lines of action; and the heel part of the solepiece is rounded for optimizing initial and following ground foot contact.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed for enabling a sufferer or potential sufferer of postural low back pain to lean backwards. An integral portion of a ground - engaging sole of the article is a projection which extends backwards at least one inch behind the coronal plane containing the posterior aspect of the heel of the wearer.

Abstract: A substantially flexible unitary wedge-shaped unit sole for high heeled shoes is disclosed contoured with compound curves in the side bottom surfaces thereof to enhance the comfort and stability of the wearer while at rest, and further to enhance the stride during walking. In addition, the sole is constructed to provide the stable feed of a solid wedge while being substantially hollow to reduce the weight thereof, and to provide a deliberately placed flexibility during walking.

Abstract: The specification describes a shoe, particularly of the moccasin type, having a sole body which is shaped, as viewed from above, substantially to conform to the shape of the foot so that it has a so-called "natural" shape. The sole of the shoe is lasted so that the upper surface has zero arching and located under the front portion and under the heel portion are downwardly extending projections, the two projections extending downwardly the same height from the upper surface so that, in use, the upper surface is parallel to the ground on which the shoe is placed.

Abstract: An article of footwear wherein a rubber-like shoe base portion is joined to a shoe upper and vulcanized in conjunction therewith so as to form an integrally bonded construction while concurrently being molded so as to define at least the bottom surface pattern of the shoe sole, and with a foxing and, if required, a toe bumper portion adapted to be subsequently manually fastened to the circumference of the shoe sole in accordance with the desired aesthetic characteristics of the sport shoe.