Abstract: A composite outsole for a shoe includes a leather sole piece, an inner sole bonded to the outsole and a back plate interleaved between the inner sole and the outsole and at least partially embedded within the outsole in a region substantially coextensive with the ball support area of the sole. Multiple pockets are formed in the tread surface of the outsole and are spaced apart substantially within the ball support region. Each pocket is filled by a stud which is integrally formed with the back plate. Each stud is characterized by a large diameter portion having an external wear surface disposed substantially flush with the external tread surface of the leather outsole, and a small diameter portion which links the large diameter portion with the back plate.

Abstract: A decorative name belt includes laminated layers of belt material between which is disposed an elongated support member having opposed flanges with spaced apart slots formed therein for receiving decorative indicia members such as monogram letters or the like for assembling a personalized name or monogram belt. The outer belt lamina or layer is provided with a recess along the major extent of the support member which permits insertion of and removal of premolded indicia or letter members into the cooperating slots in the support member so that a selected name or monogram combination may be provided on the belt. Each of the letters includes opposed support projections or bosses on one side and a key member or members integrally formed with the letter member on the opposite side for supporting the respective letter members at spaced apart intervals in the recess. The keys are integrally formed with the respective letter members and are connected thereto by a flexible hinge portion.

Abstract: Apparatus supports each of several dies for concurrent application of equal displacement of all such dies relative to the to-be-embossed leather strip surface. The apparatus applies sufficient force to all of several dies, each of which provide different resistances to leather penetration to develop equal displacement of each of such dies into the leather and thereby provide embossed structure of uniform characteristic by all of said dies to produce a particular ornamental and decorative effect. The dies may be readily and rapidly replaced for a variety of names to different leather strips.