Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article of footwear and method for making the same, where the article of footwear has a minimal number of upper pieces. The method of the present invention is directed to a process for manufacturing an article of footwear having a single or multiple layer upper. Each layer of the upper according to the present invention is constructed of a one-piece upper material. At least the outer layer of the upper is molded utilizing an embossing tool according to the present invention, such that the desired appearance of the upper is embossed on the outer layer. Additionally, the improved shoe manufacturing process of the present invention may further comprise the step of decorating at least the outer layer of the upper, by screen printing, sublimation, large format ink jet printing, cold and hot peel transfers, fabric dyeing and/or multi-layered digital printing, allowing for multiple or different colorways to be created using a single base color upper material.

Abstract: An athletic performance and entertainment device for use on footwear, for example, children shoes. More particularly, an entertainment device which can be attached to the tongue-area of a shoe for providing feedback to a user based on the user's performance during a selected physical activity. The user selects which activity he or she wishes to perform and presses the appropriate function button on the device. The wearer then performs the selected physical activity and the wearer's performance level is indicated by LEDs disposed on the device. A speaker may also be disposed on the device to provide audible feedback to the user. The device keeps track of improvements in performance by promoting the wearer through various award levels as performance increases, until all award levels have been mastered.

Abstract: A supportive, lightweight athletic shoe construction is described which includes an inflatable upper and a sole. The upper includes a foot conforming support member, an inflatable exoskeleton and an overlay which inhibits outward bulging of the exoskeleton. The sole includes a rigid carrier element, a forefoot unit and a heel unit. The forefoot unit includes a plurality of components which are arranged to work with the biomechanics of the foot. The athletic shoe is structurally minimalistic and functionally efficient.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method for gauging a mold cavity to be used in the injection molding of a foam product, such as a sole of an article of footwear. The method comprises the steps of selecting a durometer for the product, determining a thickness expansion ratio based on the durometer selecting a thickness value, selecting a material based on the thickness value and thickness expansion ratio, dividing a model of the final product into a plurality of sections, determining a length/width expansion ratio for each section, gauging a mold model for each section based on the expansion ratio for each section, and constructing a composite mold model using the guaged sections.

Abstract: A variable training resistance device for an in-line skate. The skate includes a boot and a plurality of wheels disposed on a chassis. A resistance assembly, including a cam and bearing assembly or a rack and pinion assembly, is disposed between two of the wheels on the chassis. The cam and bearing assembly includes a plurality of cam carrier blocks disposed along either side of the chassis, wherein one of the cam carrier blocks has a first cam axle fixedly disposed thereon. A cam lever having a second cam axle is rotatably mounted on the chassis, and a plurality of cams are rotatably disposed on the first and second cam axles. Bearings are rotatably disposed between the cams and can be adjusted vertically to contact and provide resistance to the wheels of the in-line skate. The resistance assembly also includes a microadjust assembly to vary the position of the bearings with respect to the wheels of the skate.