Abstract: A shoe is provided with an ankle support member to reduce the risk of ankle injury. The ankle support member is a stiff resilient piece of bendable sheet material including a base portion, and a plurality of lateral and medial strips which are inclined upwardly and rearwardly. The base portion has a U-shaped horizontal cross section which extends into and is bonded to the shoe sole. Some lateral strips are connected to medial strips to form inverted support loops behind the wearer's heel. Other lateral and medial strips have free upper ends which are curved toward each other in a transverse direction, and their stiffness deters lateral movement of the ankle to reduce a risk of ankle injury.

Abstract: A new athletic shoe is disclosed suitable for packing in small suitbags or luggage for travel. A moveable or a detachable heel portion of the upper of the shoe allows the remainder of the upper to be collapsed to form a thinner shoe. Further, flexible soles may be used with inserts for providing rigidity, thereby allowing the toe of the shoe to be flexed back to the heal of the shoe allowing for a shorter, more compact structure for storage.

Abstract: A shoe having an integral pull-on shoe horn comprising a counterpocket extending beneath and bonded at the heel portion of the insole, extending up the rear and both sides of the heel to receive the heel of a foot, and extending up beyond the peripheral rim of the shoe in the form of an elongated rear pull tab portion foldable from an upward position to a retained lower position down over the rear for fastening.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric and a process for making a nonwoven fabric consisting essentially of:(a) forming a carded web of staple fibers selected from the group consisting of polypropylene fibers, cellulose acetate fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic fibers, and combinations of two or more thereof, having a denier in the range of from about 11/2 denier to about 10 denier;(b) crosslapping said carded web to for a suitable batt;(c) needling said batt with a needle punch density of from about 500 to about 2000 needle punches/square inch to form a fabric having a first smooth fabric surface and a second fabric surface opposite to said first surface;(d) fusing said second surface in a manner which provides a light fusion of the staple fibers making up said second surface;thereby providing a nonwoven fabric weighing in the range of from about 6 ounces/square yard to about 10 ounces/square yard with a thickness of from about 65 millimeters to about 90 millimeters.

Abstract: A shoe construction having an energy return system together with features providing cushinoning and stability. The energy return system includes a rigid frame having a torsional rigidity bar in the midfoot area integrally connecting annular walls in the forefoot and heel areas of the midsole. A net of monofilaments or fibers is secured under tension in the areas defined by the annular walls with the net positioned over an open area in the midsole. A cantilevered system of support pads is positioned in the arch area to support the medial side of the midfoot.

Abstract: A heel cup of molded rubber or noncompressible resilient, flexible plastic, has a relatively thin sole extending from a heel towards the arch of a user when fitted beneath the user's heel. The rear portion of the sole and opposite side portions thereof are curved upwardly forming a thickened arcuate reinforced heel support configured to the user's heel. A horseshoe shaped rim integral with the sole and the heel support projects below the bottom surface of the sole. A plurality of laterally and longitudinally closely spaced pegs integral with the sole project outwardly of the bottom surface at right angles and are of decreasing vertical height from the integral rim to the front portion of the sole. The pegs have a vertical height in excess of that of the rim in the area of the rim. The pegs affect a first wave-like action of gentle pressure and massage to the soft tissue of the heel from the back to the front of the heel during ambulation of the user.

Abstract: A sports shoe is disclosed which is provided with a heel counter comprising a heel side wall part shaped with a curve along an under heel part of shoe, and a lower surface part formed integrally with the inner wall surface of the heel side wall part as projected inside the curve, the lower surface part being provided with a plurality of recesses or through holes defined with a plurality of wall members protruding in a direction intersecting the surface of the lower surface part, the heel counter being formed of a hard elastic material, and the heel counter being nipped between the upper of shoe and the sole of shoe.

Abstract: A golf shoe having an instep support rigidly connected to the sole between the instep and the toe of the golf shoe, the instep support extending over the edge of the sole adjacent the shoe, and a heel restraint extending upwardly from the sole, both the instep support and the heel restraint extending upwardly on the lateral outside of the golf shoe to restrain outward rolling of the foot during a backswing and to promote a firm side to hit against during the power stroke.

Abstract: A sports shoe, provided with a heel counter comprising a heel side wall part having a curved shape, a folded wall part integrally formed along the edge of the heel side wall part as projected inside the curve, and a stationary plate part integrally formed on the side of the heel side wall part opposite to the edge, the heel side lateral wall having one of the lateral wall parts thereof formed as extended farther forward than the other lateral wall part of the heel side wall part on the arch side of foot and the folded wall part being nipped between the upper of the sports shoe and the sole thereof.

Abstract: Footwear having a heel counter comprised of a stiff resilient material, especially an athletic shoe for medium and long distance running, is improved so that a better pressure distribution is assured on the outersole, and also on a possibly existing middle sole, in the area of the heel counter. This is achieved by the fact that the surface area which is enclosed by the sidewalls of the heel counter is provided with a pressure distribution membrane which is connected to a thicker reinforced lower arcuate edge of the sidewalls of the counter, and the pressure distribution membrane is suitably contoured to facilitate the improved distribution of heel pressure to the midsole and outer sole. Downward arching of the distribution membrane under heel pressure applied by the foot of a wearer causes an upper edge area of the sidewalls to be drawn inwardly to hold the heel with greater force.

Abstract: A shoe is provided with a reversible heel counter so the shoe can be selectively used as either a slipper or a regular shoe. An inclined slit is placed in each of the quarters, running from the upper edge toward the lower corner of the quarters adjacent the edge that will be joined to the other quarter. The slit is restitched with a zigzag stitch to form a butt joint which acts like a hinge. The quarters are then joined. A generally parabolic shaped heel counter is fastened over the joint, at the upper edge of the quarters, with the tip of the heel counter depending towards the bottom of the quarters where the insole attaches. The hinge line in each of the quarters adjacent the heel allow the heel counter to be selectively positioned down against an insole of a shoe to be used as a heel seat to form a slipper. When the heel counter is positioned upright in a heel counter position, a regular shoe is provided.

Abstract: A footwear stabilizer for athletic shoes comprising a sole, an upper attached to the sole and having an opening, and a tongue to complete the opening. Exterior stabilizer means comprising a collar compliant about the ankle and stiff vertically, and a pair of stiffening elements attached to and pivoted about pivot points on opposite sides of the foot below the malleoli, each element extending upwards to join the collar. The collar is tightened about the ankle and joined in front by the shoelaces which pass through eyelets or grommets and also through registered eyelets of the upper and grommets of the collar. The shoe also has a stiff support and a support plate protecting the heel and achilles tendon.

Abstract: A walking shoe having a uniquely shaped platform along the rear peripheral edge of the insole, which is constructed of a rigid backpart material and flexible forepart material. By combining it with a construction of a specially molded outflange counter and using a sturdy stitched lasting construction fastening securely the outward flange of the counter with the specially lasted molded leather upper together with the outward extension of the specially shaped insole platform, a stable support system is formed to control the lateral and longitudinal orientation of the foot when walking.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a midsole subassembly formed of a lower layer and an upper layer, the lower layer having a rear higher density portion terminating short of the front end and integrally bonded with a lower density toe off pad portion into which the toes can sink during toe off. The upper layer extends beneath the heel and forwardly, terminating short of the toe area. This upper layer and the toe off pad have cooperative transverse grooves which are located relative to each other and to vertical flex grooves in the medial and lateral sides of the shoe upper, to enable the shoe to flex in a smooth curve with the foot. This upper layer has overlapping, laterally tapered wedge portions of different density and an integral, upstanding heel stabilizing cup, one portion from each wedge. The outsole has portions of different densities, the heel and ball portions of greater density for wear durability.

Abstract: In an athletic shoe, an external counter and cushion assembly includes a substantially rigid external counter extending medially to approximately the front flex line, and a rearfoot cushion member is mounted within the rigid counter. This assembly mounts externally to the heel and counter region of a lasted upper. The floor of the cushion member also extends forwardly toward the front-flex region of the shoe and is preferably wedge-shaped to serve as a heel-lift layer. The cushion walls are generally coextensive with the counter walls, insulating the upper from the rigid counter in this region. The external counter construction includes a base flange which mounts atop the midsole periphery on a plane substantially below the bottom surface of the foot.

Abstract: A sports shoe having a heel counter with a heel reinforcement wall shaped to include an inner surface which is in conformity with an outer surface of a heel portion of an upper of the sports shoe. An attaching portion is formed to project inwards from a lower end portion of the heel reinforcement wall. A flange portion formed to project outwards from the lower end portion of the heel reinforcement wall is provided in such a manner that the inner surface of the heel reinforcement wall is adhered to the outer surface of the heel portion of the upper. The attaching portion thereof is interposed between and adhered to an inwardly bent portion of the upper portion and a shoe sole. The flange portion thereof is adhered to an upper surface of an outer peripheral edge portion of the shoe sole. In this manner, the heel portion is prevented from rolling during running and the heel counter is prevented from peeling off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe with a supple sole, notably a sports-shoe which comprises, incorporated in at least the portion of the uppers (18) corresponding to the calcaneum and the astragalus which are enclosed therein, a molded shell (9) extending at least underneath the heel up to the level of the plantar arch, and which is rigidly connected via its lower portion (13) to the thick molded sole (20) made of a supple material, preferably by anchoring structure such as studs (21).

Abstract: The specification discloses a shoe counter having a first leather counter portion (12) hingedly connected to a second leather counter portion (14) by a hinge (20). Hinge (20) is formed of synthetic plastic and is stitched to counter portions (12) and (14) in order to conform to the shape of the wearer's heel while providing support and flexibility.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for runners, joggers, and the like includes a backtab at the upper heel/counter portion of the shoe which extends somewhat along both the lateral and medial sides of the shoe. The backtab is characterized as a cushioning member and it includes a cut-out or notch to accommodate the Achilles tendon of the foot to reduce or substantially eliminate stress and pressure on the Achilles tendon which may result in aggravation or injury to the tendon.

Abstract: A laced athletic shoe includes an external, cup-form counter having eyelets defined in its forwardly extending surfaces adapted to receive the ends of shoelaces extending from the laced portion of the shoe. The cup-form counter extends about the heel portion of the shoe upper along the rear and sides of the upper and also below the wearer's heel above the sole. When the laces are drawn tightly, the counter cupping the wearer's heel through the upper is drawn toward the laced portion to snug the shoe about the wearer's foot to restrict undesired movement of the foot within the shoe. The external cup-form counter with side eyelets is also claimed separately.

Abstract: Footwear includes a high modulus moderator located between the wearer's foot and cushioning material above the foot in which the moderator is a relatively thin, lightweight material having a modulus of elasticity of at least about 250,000 psi. The heel moderator includes medial and lateral legs positioned to be located under the calcaneus of the foot with the cushioning located beneath the moderator such that a cushioning medium is located below the calcaneus. The moderator, which deflects without permanent deformation and includes portions extending upwardly, operates to absorb, redistribute and sore the energy of localized loads. A moderator may also be located under the forefoot, as described.

Abstract: An insert for the heel portion of a shoe in the form of a generally U-shaped, stiff but flexible plastic sheet member for conforming with and engaging the inner surface of the quarter portion of the shoe upper and extending from the heel seat to the upper edge of the quarter or vamp in those constructions in which the vamp extends partially above the heel quarter. The sheet member includes double faced adhesive strips to secure the insert securely in position within the shoe to prevent relative movement between the insert and shoe when the shoe is worn during normal activities such as walking. The sheet member includes a reversely curved top edge which extends outwardly and downwardly and overlies and receives the upper edge of the quarter portion or vamp depending upon the type of shoe construction.

Abstract: A mid-sole comprises a sole body of resilient foam material and a horseshoe-shaped rigid synthetic resin plate placed on the upper surface of the heel section of the sole body along the periphery thereof. At least one leg extends downwardly from the underside of the plate adjacent the inside portion of the heel section over its thickness to prevent the inner portion from inclining inwardly when a load is imposed on the inner portion of the heel section.

Abstract: A stabilization device for controlling the degree of roll of a running shoe which includes at least upper and lower laminar sole elements including an upper plate superposed on and substantially conforming to the top surface of the upper sole element, a lower plate spaced from said and interposed between the upper and lower sole elements and a side wall extending between and connected to the upper and lower plates and substantially conforming to the side of the upper sole element.

Abstract: A heel-counter stabilizer is provided for attachment to an athletic shoe having a heel member of resilient material. The stabilizer is adhesively bonded to the exterior of the shoe in a manner which provides both vertical and longitudinal support and bracing between the shoe counter and heel member. The stabilizer is particularly effective to counteract counter "run-over" and heel wear caused by either pronation or supination. It also helps to prevent compression and blowout of the midsole and heel wedge.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is provided with means for increasing lateral stability of the heel area to increase ankle stability and reduce the possibility of ankle fatigue due to misalignment of the ankle joint and the possibility of promotion or supination injury. The heel peripheral area of a midsole or heel lift portion is made of a harder material than the heel central area, and extensions of the outsole are provided at the sides of the heel portion to interconnect the outsole and a heel counter member to stabilize the heel counter, without inhibiting heel cushioning, and may be glued to a covering of the heel counter, and to the peripheral edges of the midsole and heel lift portions.

Abstract: An athletic shoe (10) having an upper (12) and a sole (14) is disclosed. The sole (14) includes an intermediate sole layer (16) of a resilient cushioning material. A bead (46) is disposed about the perimeter of the shoe in the heel spring section to enhance the heel stability.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cushion pad for sport shoes and the like and a method for manufacturing such a pad and the combination of such a pad with a sport shoe and the like. The pad of the present invention is fabricated from a flat web of closed pore foam of cross-linked ethylene vinyl acetate-low density polyethylene copolymer. The pad is formed between two opposing molds to present a shape having a cup-like depression adapted and constructed to accept essentially the heel portion of a human being. The so-formed pad is then cut out of the remainder of the formed web in a manner whereby the pad provides support from just in back of the first metatarsal joint to the sides and back of the calcaneus. It has been found that the resultant pad made within the purivew of the invention requires only a few sizes to fit most of the feet of possible users.

Abstract: A shell for an orthotic is formed monolithically and includes a heel post, a navicular flange and a metatarsal raise. The shell can be made from a semi-rigid material, such as molded rubber, and encapsulated by a suitable covering so as to form a universal orthotic.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having an upper with a counter forming a heel cup carried above a sole having an outsole, midsole and heel wedge. A support band is formed integral about the upper rim of the midsole and is secured about the sidewalls of the heel cup for supporting and stabilizing the heel cup relative to the sole when the shoe contacts the running surface.

Abstract: There are provided thermoplastic or through the action of solvent shapable, shoe stiffening and likewise non-slip inner material for the heel region in the form of continuous sheets or blanks consisting of an embedded fiber structure which is loaded or filled with at least one synthetic resin acting as a stiffening agent at normal temperature up to about 60.degree. C. in an amount of 0.1 to 0.9 kg per square meter fiber structure in the course of which the loading in a given case can contain fillers, dyestuffs, pigments, plasticizers, propellants, stabilizers, processing aids and/or extenders in the customary amounts.

Abstract: A shoe incorporating dynamic Orthotic means which adapt to the foot in a prescribed manner, controlling heel "strike" and weight bearing loads, establishing a cup-shape to "catch" the heel and foot to stabilize it, balancing and maintaining the sub-talar joint in a neutral attitude and the mid-tarsal joint locked, enabling the foot and ankle to maintain optimum integrity as an efficient support and propulsion system, and resisting the symptomatic tendency for the sub-talar joint and foot to overcompensate and overstress the anatomy.

Abstract: A control device for footwear, such as an athletic shoe, including a body having a base with relatively flat upper and lower surfaces and a wall extending upwardly around a heel portion to extend along both a medial and lateral portion to an end. The body is formed of plastic to be yieldable, but relatively sturdy for support of the foot in a neutral plane and control roll of the foot during a running cycle.

Abstract: Footwear, such as a running shoe, comprising a sole and an upper, the sole having heel, arch and forefoot sections, and medial and lateral sides. The sole is so formed that when it is unstressed and disposed on a generally flat horizontal surface the upper foot-supporting surfaces of the heel and arch sections are inclined generally downwardly from the medial to the lateral side of the sole. The arch section at the medial side of the sole is constructed for supporting the bottom of the arch of the foot at a predetermined elevation in relation to the heel and forward part of the foot. The arch section is compressible at its medial side no more than a predetermined distance on impact of the shoe during running.

Abstract: A removable shoe to be worn over a cast that extends over the foot of a person, which shoe provides protection to the cast and by use of a heel wedge preferably inserted in the shoe, and with an area below the main face of the wedge to accommodate the bottom of the cast, provides an improved walking action for the user.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is described having an external heel counter member made of a resilient material, such as rubber or other elastomer for greater stability and comfort. The external heel counter is bonded to the outer surface of both sides of the heel portion of the shoe upper and extends around the heel. A multi-layered shoe sole is provided including a heel wedge layer or other raised heel portion for raising the heel of the foot above the bottom surface of the toes. The shoe sole also employs a midsole layer which extends the entire length of the shoe. In one embodiment the bottom edge of the external heel counter member surrounds the rear portion of the midsole layer and is bonded to the top of the heel wedge layer. In another embodiment the bottom edge of the heel counter member is turned under the heel and is bonded between the shoe upper and the midsole layer.

Abstract: An orthotic stabilizer for an athletic shoe comprising a semirigid body formed to fit around and under the wearer's heel above the midsole forming a concave pocket for receiving the heel and extending from the heel along approximately two-thirds of the length of the foot. Immediately beneath the calcaneous region is an opening in the stabilizer approximately the size of the calcaneous lower extremity filled with a padding material. The stabilizer serves to cushion the calcaneous during running and expedite subtalar joint stabilization to allow the foot to accommodate to the running surface as heel contact is made.

Abstract: A foot cushioning device having a body defining a cup-like recess to receive at least the heel or os calcis portion of the foot which is insertable in ordinary footwear. The exterior of the body carries shock absorbing projections extending from at least the rear of the heel portion to the underside of the foot. The projections deform and deflect to protect the foot by absorbing shock forces on the weight bearing portions of the foot. The cushioning device of the present invention may also be adapted to extend substantially along the entire plantar surface of the foot and may be integrally incorporated as a part of footwear.

Abstract: A one-piece heel cushion formed of homogeneous elastomeric material adapted to conform to the insole of a wearer's shoe to relieve the pain of a heel spur. The cushion tapers toward its forward end and has an elongate cavity in the lower surface thereof extending directly under the heel bone, and a slight concavity in the upper surface located over the cavity. The cavity is approximately one-third the height of the cushion at it's rear end resulting in a bridging section over the cavity which flexes under the weight of a person's heel while the portions of the cushion surrounding the cavity bear the major portion of the wearer's weight.

Abstract: A device for use in footwear to correct and prevent problems associated with the human foot. The device includes upstanding side and rear walls which are integrally joined with a lower wedge to form a heel cup that closely fits with and supports the heel bone with respect to vertical. An upper planar surface of the wedge inclines at a predetermined lateral angle for controlling contact position and movement of the heel bone during locomotion. A support anchor projects forwardly from the wedge and terminates in a pointed distal end which is located toward the medial side of the foot.