Abstract: A backpack has a divider panel having four sides, with a first side pivotally attached to a main bag. A divider pan& zipper attaches the second, third and fourth sides of the divider panel to the main bag. The divider panel is movable, by unzipping the divider panel zipper, from a first position wherein the divider panel is substantially horizontal and divides the main bag into upper and lower compartments, to a second position wherein the divider panel is more vertical and the main bag is not divided into upper and lower compartments. An odor absorber is removably contained within a pouch in the divider panel. The pouch may be formed of mesh layers attached together at their perimeter.

Abstract: A footwear and footwear construction method that creates the footwear upper sleeve (shoe upper) using at least two overlapping, layered panels of fabric oriented 90 degrees with respect to each other. A lacing system creates a support cage for the foot, which is independent from the footwear upper. The lacing support cage can be asymmetrical in several respects to accommodate the physically asymmetrical shape of the foot. The lacing system includes fingers independent from the footwear upper. The fingers then end in lace eyelets.

Abstract: A shoe has a quick-tighten lacing system with a shoelace partially wound around lacing control elements in a pair of rows between an ankle opening and a toe. The lacing system has one or two locking elements for enabling a quick tightening of the shoelace.

Abstract: A midsole insert for use with a shoe is provided. The midsole insert includes a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion, and a plurality of grid systems located on the midsole insert, where each grid system includes a plurality of openings cut into the midsole insert forming a lattice pattern. The plurality of grids may be located on at least one of the heel portion, the midfoot portion, and the forefoot portion, constructed to provide energy return features. The midsole may further be constructed and arranged to attach directly to an upper during a manufacturing step, to secure the shape of the upper on a last. By attaching directly to the upper, the midsole insert eliminates the need for a stroble board, which is typically used to secure the upper to the last. By eliminating the stroble board, the present invention places the midsole insert and the energy return grid system closer to the foot, which maximizes reaction time and performance.

Abstract: A midsole insert for use with a shoe is provided. The midsole insert includes a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion, and a plurality of grid systems located on the midsole insert, where each grid system includes a plurality of openings cut into the midsole insert forming a lattice pattern. The plurality of grids may be located on at least one of the heel portion, the midfoot portion, and the forefoot portion, constructed to provide energy return features. The midsole may further be constructed and arranged to attach directly to an upper during a manufacturing step, to secure the shape of the upper on a last. By attaching directly to the upper, the midsole insert eliminates the need for a stroble board, which is typically used to secure the upper to the last. By eliminating the stroble board, the present invention places the midsole insert and the energy return grid system closer to the foot, which maximizes reaction time and performance.

Abstract: A shoe construction employs straps formed of plastic material whereby separate areas of the shoe straps have different characteristics of elasticity, flexibility and rigidity. The construction of the strap provides areas connected to the shoe with greater elasticity and flexibility characteristics and a lesser rigidity characteristic than a second area of the strap that has greater rigidity characteristics and is connected to closure members of the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a shoe sole containing a cushioning fluid filled bladder and a clip holding the bladder in a set position in the shoe sole and providing enhanced lateral and medial stability to the sole.