Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear componentry for alleviating the discomfort caused by wearing high-heeled footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a forearm-encircling sleeve for attenuating impact-induced shock and for ameliorating the effect of that shock on the elbow joint. The device made in accordance with the present invention provides energy-attenuating viscoelastic means that are positioned distally of the elbow joint and of the common tendon origins of the medial and lateral epicondyle heads of the humerus for attenuating impact-induced shock The energy-attenuating viscoelastic means are placed in force-receiving relationship with the forearm musculature responsible for extension and flexion of the wrist and, preferably, also that responsible for the extension and flexion of the fingers and the pronation and supination of the forearm. Means may be provided for applying a counterforce to these energy-attenuating viscoelastic means.

Abstract: Low density polyurethane foams having improved resistance to degradation of properties of compression set and flexibility when exposed to elevated temperatures and pressures are made by reacting a polyisocyanate of about 2.3 to 2.7 functionality at an isocyanate index of about 1.0 with a blend of polyols, catalysts, blowing agents and the like in which the polyols are a mixture of a polyether polyol having a molecular weight of at least 5,000 and a polymer polyol, and the catalysts are a mixture of a major portion of an amine catalyst and a minor portion of a metal catalyst. The foams made by this invention are particularly well suited for use as components of sport shoes that are asembled by vulcanization.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of shock attenuating, low rebound polyurethanes in which polyols are reacted with polyisocyanates having a functionality of at least 2.3 at an isocyanate index of from about 65 to about 90.

Abstract: An insole for high heel footwear is designed to provide comfort and support cushioning and significantly reduce shock and vibration through the skeletal system. The insole is comprised of a relatively thin layer of open cell, flexible, resilient foam of low compression set, a heel bucket which extends into the heel of the shoe or an implant which is posiitoned at the heel and a metatarsal insert. The heel bucket or implant, and the metatarsal insert are formed from a shock absorbing, viscoelastic polyurethane elastomer to moderate the accleration of heel and metatarsal strike generated shock waves.