Abstract: An article of footwear, expecially adapted as a ski boot or hiking boot, has a toe portion and a heel portion respectively having a first and second sole portion that are pivotally rotatable with respect to one another over a fairly large angular range about a hinge between a first position wherein the first and second sole portions are substantially parallel and a second flexed position. The hinged fixedly interconnects the toe and heel portions in a manner preventing relative torsional rotation, and a downward limit stop prevents hyperextension of the foot. An upward limit stop may be included to prevent hyperflexion of the foot. The toe and heel portions may be independent pieces; and a masking panel extends therebetween beneath the foot. Likewise, an upper baffle may extend across the top of the foot between the toe and heel portions. Extension linkage my be employed as part of the hinge.

Abstract: A ski boot has a lower part and an upper articulated on the lower part at two opposite points which coincide with the joint of the foot. The rear part of the upper has a rounded cutaway portion which permits ample backward tilting. This cutaway portion is preferably covered by an articulated stirrup-shaped shroud connected to the upper by a rigid linking member.

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 skate boot is described which includes an overlapping tension strap extending from the medial side of the outer sole to the medial lacing band, and the lacing passes through eyelets provided in the tension strap. The lacing bands are arranged such that in the bottom portion thereof below the tarsis, they are symmetrical to a line drawn approximately over the highest ridge of the dorsal of the foot, that is, at the first or second metatarsal and above the tarsis they are symmetrical with the axis of the anterior tibial tendon so that the lacing is evenly distributed on either side of the highest ridge of the foot in these areas. A liner is provided in the rear part of the boot such as to provide lateral support. The liner is relatively stiff but is provided with cutouts allowing the boot to flex in the dorsal-plantar flexion direction.

Abstract: Shoe construction is set forth effecting ventilation of the sole portion of the shoe. Air external to the shoe is provided access interiorly thereof by means of a conduit directing such air to a sole portion including a plurality of flexible vane elements formed with openings therein. Normal weight distribution about the weight supportive sole portion of the shoe effects a pumping action by means of the vane elements to enable air to circulate therethrough and ultimately to a user's foot through a porous cushioning layer overlying said sole.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for wedging the heel of the foot of a skier in a ski boot. A rear portion of the upper of a ski boot is provided with a support element which includes at least one wedge which is adapted to selectively cooperate with a portion of the element. At least one opening or recess is provided along one surface of the support element; the recess is adapted to receive the wedge, and a plate covers at least a part of the recess. The wedge is generally U-shaped and has arms of different thicknesses with a spacing such that each of the arms is adapted to be positioned on a different side of the plate.

Abstract: A footwear includes a ventilating and massaging insole having a plurality of upper beads protruding upwardly to touch a wearer's foot and a plurality of lower beads protruding downwardly to ride on a footwear sole so that upon a dpression of a wearer's foot on the insole, an air flow will be pumped through holes each hole formed between each upper bead and each lower bead for ventilating the wearer's foot and for massaging the same.

Abstract: Rigid shell ski boot (1) comprising a quick-tightening, quick-release foot-retaining system operable by means of a lever (9) that is angularly pivotable about an axis of articulation (15) into two extreme positions that correspond to tightening and release, respectively. The lever (9) controls an assembly composed of a threaded sleeve (6) and a nut (7) joined to an element (8) for support of a skier's foot through a movable cam (10) that forms part of the lever (9). The relative position of the cam (10), which is a function of the angular position of the lever (9), determines the position of the sleeve-nut (6, 7) assembly and either grips or release the foot.

Abstract: Shoes with two sets of elastic nails on the sole are provided. When one wants to walk on snowy ground or ice, a key may be used to allow the two sets of nails to project from the sole to prevent sliding. If he wants to walk on the ground without snow or in a room, the key may be turned off and then the nail sets retract into the sole. This result is achieved by means of a structure which comprises a box with the shape similar to the sole. The box is installed between the insole and the sole. The box includes the body, a switching device, a moving board, two nail sets and a sole cover. When the switching device is turned, the moving board moves straight. The thicker part of the moving board to be inserted into the upper part of the nail set forces the nail set to project from the hole on the sole to constitute a pair of sliding-proof shoes. On the contrary, when the switching device is reversed, the nail set retracts into the sole so that a pair of common shoes results.

Abstract: The ski boot comprises a shell constituted by a rigid sole connected to an upper accommodating an inner shoe. One or more longitudinal slots are provided at the shell, arranged preferably laterally with respect to the upper, and a device for the securing and adjustment of one or more traction elements embracing the upper is furthermore associable. A covering element, having characteristics of waterproofing, thermal insulation and elastic deformability, is furthermore externally associable with the shell.

Abstract: A device for guiding and retaining a system designed to tighten and/or close two mutually movable parts of a ski boot. The device consists of a recessed key (12) that may be inserted into an opening (13) provided in a part of the boot, the recessed portion of the key forming a channel within which at least one traction cable (9) may slip freely, the cable (9) being sandwiched between the outer surface (5'") of the boot part and the solid bottom (20) of the key.

Abstract: A system for securing a foot or inner shoe (4) in the toe or instep region of a shell (3), in particular a ski-boot (1) with a hinged rear part (2), comprises plate-shaped parts (6) which overlap the instep or inner shoe (4) and can be adjusted in relation to the shell (3). Two plate-shaped parts (6) are connected in an articulated manner to the outside of the sole on both sides of the longitudinal central plane of the boot (1) and overlap one another in the instep region. Preferably, the plate-shaped parts (6) are overlapped at least partially by tension elements (11), in particular clampable cables or strips, whereby preferably a clamping element (17) of a clamping device engages with the tension elements (11).

Abstract: There is disclosed an inner shoe for a boot such as a ski boot which includes a foot warmer mechanism having a heat engine which includes a compressor, evaporator and condenser coils and interconnecting conduits for circulating a working refrigeration fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the cycle of the heat engine can be reversed, thereby cooling the inner shoe. The mechanism also includes an entirely sealed, remote latch to lock the heat engine out of operation. The inner shoe can have an air system that includes an air bag which surrounds its instep area and communicates to a sealed chamber between the soles of the shoe. The air bag can be pressured to maintain a sense of tightness or security to the ski boot. The air system also augments heat transfer within the boot.

Abstract: The boot is composed of a lower shell (1), on which an upper (2) is articulated about a pivot axis (5) coinciding at least approximately with the joint of the foot. The shell (1) has on the outside, at the rear, a rounded portion (12), the radius of curvature of which is centered on the pivot axis (5), to allow the upper (2) to tilt to the rear. Means, such as ribs (17), are provided inside the part (11) of the shell in order to limit the space intended for receiving the skier's heel.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a recessed area adapted to receive an associated fluid container for cooking soup and similar food products. Means for heating the recessed area as well as insulating means therearound minimizes heat loss and effectively heats the fluid container. Means for mixing the soup held in the container preferably includes an air pump and a flow passage disposed between the base and the container. Means for sensing the temperature in the fluid container is coupled with a control means for monitoring the soup temperature and, in response, controlling the heating means. Various timing means provide an automated cooking cycle which reduces the soup temperature to a lower temperature after cooking for a preselected time period, and actuates an indicating means for either automatic or manual shutoff.

Abstract: An improved cleated cycling shoe is disclosed. The cleated cycling shoe of the present invention is intended to improve performance and eliminate the problems associated with traditional cycling shoes when used with quick release binding systems. The shoe may also be used with traditional toe strap/cleat binding systems. The shoe comprises an upper, a rigid outsole plate fixed to the upper, and two support straps fixed at one end to the upper, having their free end drawn around the upper through a loop integrally formed on the outsole plate and back across the upper where they are fastened by means such as a hook and loop fastener. The support straps further reduce play of the foot within the shoe, provide additional support for the foot, and prevent the upper from being pulled apart from outsole plate due to extreme upstroke forces.

Abstract: An athletic shoe adapted to maintain a foot housed therein in a relatively cool and dry state despite heat and moisture developed within the shoe interior in the course of activity. The shoe upper is provided with a metallized coating to reflect incident solar radiation. The shoe includes a ground-engaging outer sole, an inner sole and a contoured compressible inner liner which engages the plantar area of the foot. Interposed between the inner and outer soles is a thin insulating insert acting as a thermal barrier minimizing the conduction of ground heat to the shoe interior. Embedded in the inner sole is an array of tubes each extending along a diagonal axis and terminating at its leading end in an air scoop that projects from the outer side of the inner sole to intercept relatively cool ambient air.

Abstract: Sport shoe having a central cut of material in the vamp section, from the vicinity of the toe to the top of the vamp which has a series of strips that remain connected to each other in a standard section of elastic material connected to these by means of a sewing, while being able to separate from each other when required to do so upon putting on or taking off the shoe.

Abstract: A sport boot, intended especially for cross country skiing, essentially flexible, has a front area (16) of the shaft (9) which is continuous and completely closed, with respect to which slits (19, 21) are offset, allowing the opening and closing of the shaft (9) so that the boot can be put on and taken off. On the inside of the boot (1) is attached, along a lateral area (33) of the sole, an end (32) of a strap (31) which bypasses the foot at the level of the metatarsals, then issues from the boot through a slit (40) placed in an area (27) located between the front area (16) of the shaft (9) and the slits (19, 21) to bypass the ankle joint between the lower level of the lower attachment of the Achilles tendon to the calcaneum and the lower level of the malleoli, overlapping the slits until it cooperates with means (41) for the tightening of the strap (31). The strap (31) ensures both placement of the foot flush against the sole (2) inside the boot, and closing of the shaft (9) with clamping of the ankle joint.

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.