Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of conducting retail and Internet business including making and delivering a custom article of footwear. The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, a preferred spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, heel counter, spring element, and sole can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Accordingly, the present invention also teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear.

Abstract: The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, a preferred spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, spring element, and sole can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Moreover, the present invention teaches a method of making a customized article of footwear, and also a way of doing retail and Internet business.

Abstract: The present invention teaches articles of apparel and protective equipment including light-cure materials having a permanent memory capability. Accordingly, the present invention can be used to make shin guards, knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, rib guards, shoulder pads, elbow pads, biceps pads, forearm pads, gloves, neck guards, face guards, chin straps, wrist guards, helmets, prosthetic devices, body armor, splints and casts.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an article of footwear having a non-clogging for use on natural grass and also artificial turf surfaces. A preferred sole can include protrusions comprising a hydrophobic material having a wettability index equal to or greater than 90 degrees. The sole can include protrusions having a width at the tip in the range between 2–4 mm, a height in the range between 3–6 mm, and the closest portion of adjacent protrusions can be spaced at least 3 mm apart. In particular, the closest portion of adjacent protrusions can be spaced in the range between 3–6 mm. An alternate sole can include protrusions and traction members comprising a hydrophobic material. The present invention also teaches novel detachable cleats for use with an article of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a conformable device (20) including a light cure material (37) for customizing a portion of an article of footwear (53) in order to enhance conformance or fit, support, comfort, and cushioning, in partial or complete combination. In particular, a custom conformable device (20) consisting of an insole, or portion thereof, can serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features and characteristics of an individual wearer. Further, the present invention teaches a method of making a conformable device (20) including the use of a light table (120) that can be part a point of purchase display (206), or alternately, the floor (222) of a retail store (220).

Abstract: The present invention teaches an apparatus and method for removably securing an article of footwear suitable for walking, running, or bicycling to a wheeled skate. Further, the present invention also teaches a brake device for use with a wheeled skate. In addition, the present invention teaches a wheeled skate that can be propelled with the use of linear or side stroke skating techniques. Moreover, the present invention teaches a quad wheeled skate having advantageous structure and function for recreational skating and aerobic exercise.

Abstract: The present invention teaches novel articles of apparel and protective equipment including light-cure materials having a permanent memory capability. Accordingly, the present invention can be used to make shin-guards, knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, rib guards, shoulder pads, elbow pads, biceps pads, forearm pads, gloves, neck guards, face guards, chin straps, wrist guards, helmets and prosthetic devices.

Abstract: The present application teaches a device and method for adjusting the width, girth, and foot shape of an article of footwear. Lasting boards having different configurations and alternate positions for selectively affixing various portions of an upper can be used to adjust and customize the fit of an article of footwear for an individual wearer. The lasting board can also comprise a spring element which can provide improved cushioning, stability, running economy, and a long service life. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, the spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, lasting board and/or spring element, and sole including possible midsole and outsole portions can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of conducting retail and Internet business including making and delivering a custom article of footwear. The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, a preferred spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, heel counter, spring element, and sole can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Accordingly, the present invention also teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear.

Abstract: The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, a preferred spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, spring element, and sole can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Moreover, the present invention teaches a method of making a customized article of footwear, and also a way of doing retail and Internet business.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a runner or blade for an ice skate having a novel configuration and structure, such as a blade having greater width at the edge at both the anterior end and posterior end relative to the middle, or alternately, a blade having greater width at the edge at the anterior end relative to the middle and posterior end. Further, a runner or blade for an ice skate can include a thermoplastic material, fiber fillers, metal fillers, and a hydrophobic material. In addition, the present invention teaches a hinged blade for a hockey skate.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a conformable device (20) including a light cure material (37) for customizing a portion of an article of footwear (53) in order to enhance conformance or fit, support, comfort, and cushioning, in partial or complete combination. In particular, a custom conformable device (20) consisting of an insole, or portion thereof, can serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features and characteristics of an individual wearer. Further, the present invention teaches a method of making a conformable device (20) including the use of a light table (120) that can be part a point of purchase display (206), or alternately, the floor (222) of a retail store (220).

Abstract: The present invention teaches novel articles of apparel and protective equipment including light-cure materials having a permanent memory capability. Accordingly, the present invention can be used to make shin-guards, knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, rib guards, shoulder pads, elbow pads, biceps pads, forearm pads, gloves, neck guards, face guards, chin straps, wrist guards, helmets and prosthetic devices.

Abstract: The present invention teaches novel articles of apparel and protective equipment including light-cure materials having a permanent memory capability. Accordingly, the present invention can be used to make shin-guards, knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, rib guards, shoulder pads, elbow pads, biceps pads, forearm pads, gloves, neck guards, face guards, chin straps, wrist guards, helmets and prosthetic devices.

Abstract: The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element which can provide improved cushioning, stability, running economy, and a long service life. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, the spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, spring element, and outsole portions can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Further, the relative configuration and functional relationship as between the forefoot midfoot areas of the article of footwear can be readily modified and adjusted. Accordingly, the article of footwear can be customized by a wearer or specially configured for a select target population in order to optimize desired performance criteria.