Abstract: A shoe construction having an energy return system together with features providing cushioning and stability. The energy return system includes a rigid frame having annular walls in the forefoot and heel areas of the midsole. An outersole defines an opening that is co-extensive with the open area in the midsole. A transparent plastic window is positioned in this opening for magnifying the net from below.

Abstract: A structure for enhancing the stability of a midsole including a plurality of strands which extend from a position on top of the midsole to a location secured to the bottom of the midsole. The strands are preferably secured to an energy return system which is positioned on the top of the midsole. The initial strike imparted on the lateral side of the midsole compresses both the midsole and the strands. The strands, which separate during the initial strike from the midsole and assume an arcuate shape, enhance the shock absorbing properties of the shoe. As the foot rotates, the heel exerts pressure on the energy return system, and the strands are then pulled inwardly thereby restricting the outward movement of the midsole. The foot is further unlikely to assume a substantially pronated position due to the tension in the strands along the medial portion of structure in combination with the shock absorption upon initial strike.

Abstract: A structure for enhancing the stability of a midsole including a plurality of strands which extend from a position on top of the midsole to a location secured to the bottom of the midsole. The strands are preferably secured to an energy return system which is positioned on the top of the midsole. The initial strike imparted on the lateral side of the midsole compresses both the midsole and the strands. The strands, which separate during the initial strike from the midsole and assume an arcuate shape, enhance the shock absorbing properties of the shoe. As the foot rotates, the heel exerts pressure on the energy return system, and the strands are then pulled inwardly thereby restricting the outward movement of the midsole. The foot is further unlikely to assume a substantially pronated position due to the tension in the strands along the medial portion of structure in combination with the shock absorption upon initial strike.

Abstract: A stabilizing system providing motion control and cushioning. The stabilizing system is locating in the heel assembly and has at least one grid assembly extending laterally over at least a portion of the shoe construction from the medial to the lateral side in the heel region, and a cushioning wedge supporting the grid assembly. The cushioning wedge is thicker along the lateral portion than the medial portion and has greater compressibility than the other components in vertical alignment therewith whereby the medial portion is less compressible than the lateral portion thereby mitigating the likelihood of overpronation.

Abstract: A shoe construction having an energy return system together with features providing cushioning 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.The energy return system also includes a rigid frame having annular walls in the heel area. A net of fibers is secured under tension in the area defined by the heel annular walls. The open areas can have inserted within them a variety of inserts to view the components of the energy return system from outside the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a brake having a slot formed in a support for receiving an adjusting screw which slidably secures the support to the skate. The head of the adjusting screw engages the surface of the support on one side of the slot to firmly secure the brake to the skate at the selected height above the riding surface.

Abstract: A shoe construction having an energy return system together with features providing cushioning and stability. The energy return system includes a rigid frame having annular walls in the forefoot and heel areas of the midsole. An outersole defines an opening that is co-extensive with the open area in the midsole. A transparent plastic window is positioned in this opening for viewing the net from below.

Abstract: An adjustable roller skate having means to independently lock the front wheels against rearward movement and the rear wheels against any movement, means to selectively lengthen the roller skates to a variety of sizes, and means to securely lock a foot or leg strap in selected positions against accidental release.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a brake having a slot formed in a support for receiving an adjusting screw which slidably secures the support to the skate. The head of the adjusting screw engages the surface of the support on one side of the slot to firmly secure the brake to the skate at the selected height above the riding surface.

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: An insole construction for shoe comprising an insole layer having a forward portion, an instep portion having upwardly flared walls defining a flexible support for the wearer's instep, and a heel portion having upwardly flared peripheral walls defining a heel cup and having an enlarged opening through which a segment of the heel portion projects, and an insert positioned below and secured to the insole layer.

Abstract: A shoe having an improved sole construction in which traction devices or cleats having a substantially triangular cross-section extend downwardly from the shoe. At least some of the devices are beveled so that the lowermost side of the triangular device serves as a gripping edge that is parallel to the surface of the sole. A plurality of these beveled cleats are disposed at the perimeter of the sole, the gripping edges being parallel to the perimeter. At least some of these perimeter cleats extend outwardly beyond the perimeter of the sole and are integrally attached to both the sole and the lateral surface of the shoe so that the respective gripping edges lie parallel to, but slightly outside the shoe perimeter. The traction devices on the frontal portion of the sole within the shoe perimeter are preferably beveled cleats pointing substantially in the forward direction with their gripping edges at the back of the cleat.

Abstract: An athletic shoe intended for use on a synthetic turf is constructed of a resilient plastic with a sole that has a plurality of cleats uniformly spaced in both the toe area and the heel area of the sole. A plurality of elongated cleats extend about the periphery of the sole except in the toe area. A flange integral with the base of the sole extends away from the side opposite the elongated cleats. The flange is used to secure the sole to the upper.

Abstract: An athletic shoe intended for use on a synthetic turf is constructed of a resilient plastic and has a sole that is constructed with a plurality of cleats uniformly spaced in both the ball area and heel area of the sole. The sole is also lined with spaced peripheral cleats that are shorter in height than the other cleats and include two elongated cleats at the front and back, respectively, of the sole.