Abstract: An auxiliary sole includes a ball portion, a heel portion, scent dispensing means, and attachment means for releasably attaching the heel portion to the ball portion. The ball portion and the heel portion include a base having a plurality of projections depending from the base. The scent dispenser may be made of an absorbent material impregnated with the scent of an animal that is positioned within a recess formed in one of the projections of the ball portion or the heel portion. The base of the ball portion has an elongate opening and the base of the heel portion has a pair of opposed end tabs that are received within the opening of the base of the ball portion. The base of the ball portion and the base of the heel portion may be provided with hook and loop fasteners to releasably attach the heel portion to the base portion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a camp shoe that is similar in most aspects to a typical shoe. However, to make it easy to pack and tote in a knapsack, for example, this shoe has construction features that permit it to be folded flat to conform with sole of the shoe and, therefore, be easily tucked in and toted in luggage where spare space is typically at a premium. The construction features include a rigid heel counter; a heel support flexibly attached to said heel counter; a pair of upper ankle supports flexibly attached to said heel support; and a pair of lower ankle supports flexibly attached to said upper ankle supports and said heel counter.

Abstract: A metatarsal protector for footwear consists of a body molded from resilient plastics material, thus facilitating walking and kneeling, the material being sufficiently flexible that it can be molded flat and bent to the required saddle shape when it is incorporated into the footwear close against the upper inner surface. The range of hardness required for the material is comparatively narrow, so that it is sufficiently flexible, but can still meet certification requirements, and as measured by a Durometer A test is between 35 and 50 Shore. The protector comprises a plurality of integral ridged projections protruding from one surface, forming between themselves a corresponding plurality of open-mouthed recesses, each of which is surrounded by a single projection (e.g. giving a circular recess) or by a plurality thereof intersecting one another (e.g. giving rectangular or triangular recesses). When an impact force is applied to the metatarsal region the resilient material deforms and absorbs the force.

Abstract: A shoe with optionally a high upper such as a moutaineering boot or a sports shoe, comprises an upper and a tongue connected with said upper and having a foot-inside edge, a foot-outside edge and an edge close to a shin, said edge close to the shin connecting the foot-inside edge and the foot-outside edge. The tongue extends over a forefoot-instep portion of the shoe to at least an ankle-flexure portion of the shoe. For adapting to an instep-ankle-flexure contour of a foot it is approximatively formed in a saddle shape. In the ankle-flexure portion of the shoe the tongue comprises at least one, compared to adjacent tongue portions, flexurally softer, preferably flat flexing zone. The flexing zone reduces the tendency of the tongue to slip towards the side after wearing the shoe for some time, which prevents pressure sores or skin abrasions. This increases the wearing comfort of the shoe.

Abstract: A device that aids in the aeration of a lawn is provided that attaches to the bottom of ones shoes and provides for core aeration while performing other yard care tasks. A metal plate which is adjustable for various size shoes is provided with attachment straps for attachment to conventional outdoor footwear. Steel tubes approximately 2 inches long will protrude from the bottom of the plates, and are spring biased against the bottom plate such that the soil core is ejected during the natural stride of the wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises an upper connected to a sole that is formed of an odorless, nonabsorbent material such that there is no detectable material odor upon contact with a ground surface. In addition, the transfer of scent, such as human scent, at least through the sole from the interior chamber to ground is at least substantially reduced or prevented. In a preferred embodiment, the upper is also constructed of an odorless, nonabsorbent material. According to a further embodiment of the invention, an odorless footwear system comprises an overshoe and a liner adapted for insertion into the overshoe. Both the overshoe and liner may be constructed of odorless, nonabsorbent materials. Preferably, the liner is arranged to completely cover a shoe or boot installed in the liner. Accordingly, scent that may emanate from a person through the shoe or boot, and odor from the shoe or boot material itself are at least substantially enclosed in the liner.

Abstract: A boot or shoe for protecting the wearer from injury from a chain saw, is provided. The invention comprises a boot or shoe, extending to or above the ankle of the wearer; and a flexible, lightweight, chain saw protective liner disposed within the boot or shoe. The liner comprises a plurality of layers of chain saw protective material, which preferably includes polyester and polypropylene fibers. The liner is attached to the inside of the boot or shoe only at the top ankle portion and bottom sole portion of the liner, so that the liner hangs relatively loosely inside the boot or shoe and easily breaks away when struck by a moving chain saw. A removable bootie which is similar to the liner is also included.

Abstract: An overshoe is comprised of a plate with a plurality of straps attached to its edges. A cushion is removably attached to a bottom of the plate with hook-and-loop fasteners. The cushion is preferably comprised of loose absorbent fibers attached all across the bottom surface of a fabric substrate. A soft boot preferably made of a thick absorbent fabric is arranged for wrapping around the plate and the cushion. A conventional shoe is preferably worn on the foot prior to wearing the overshoe. To use, the cushion is attached to the bottom of the plate, which is strapped onto the shoe. The cushion is preferably much wider than the shoe, so that it projects substantially beyond the sides of the shoe. The boot is worn over the shoe, the plate, and the cushion. A small amount of cleaning fluid is applied to a floor, which is cleaned by moving the overshoe across it with a skating motion. Heavy pressure is automatically exerted on the overshoe by the user's weight for effective cleaning.

Abstract: A snowboard boot binding mechanism includes a base member having a recessed channel. A first plate is slidably attached to the base member. A first pair of engagement rods are fixedly attached to the first plate. Each of the first pair of engagement rods has a head disposed at an axial end of the rod for selectively engaging and locking a first bar attached to a first side of the snowboard boot. A second plate is fixedly attached to the base member. A second pair of engagement rods are fixedly attached to the second plate. Each of the second pair of engagement rods have a head disposed at an axial end of the rod for engaging and locking a second bar attached to a second side of the snowboard boot which is disposed opposite to the first side.

Abstract: A machine washable cleaning slipper (10) comprised of an elastic structure (14) for securing the cleaning slipper (10), an upper covering structure (12) of machine washable material to protect the wearers foot from water, a cleaning component (15) made of absorbent machine washable materials fastened to the bottom of upper structure (12) with machine washable stitching (17), and upper absorbent panels (16) fastened to the sides and front top of upper structure (12) to provide cleaning abilities for floor boards and corners while protecting the wearer's foot and toes from water.

Abstract: A floor wiper construction 10 for cleaning a floor surface and including a slipper member 20 having a sole portion 22 provided with compressible cleaning material 31 and a plurality of friction members 40 which will project through the compressible clearing material 31 when the user places their weight on the slipper member 20 to prevent the user's foot from sliding on the floor surface.

Abstract: Footwear (210) that is readily adjustable to maintain the wearer in an upright, substantially vertical position, enabling the wearer to negotiate a steep roof without slipping or falling. The footwear (210) entails a pair of shoe boards (224) that attach to the wearer's shoes or feet. Each shoe board (224) is supported on a base (212) whose shape provides a large surface area that, when in contact with the roof under the weight of the wearer, securely grips the roof surface, even for roof pitches of 12/12. In addition, the shape of each base (212) is tailored to enable a pair of the footwear (210) to nest together, allowing the wearer to place his or her feet close together when desired. In a preferred embodiment, each base (212) is equipped with concave surface regions (228B, 232B) that receive convex portions (228A, 232A) of its mating shoe board (224) in a manner that provides an uncomplicated method of adjusting the pitch of the footwear (210) and securing the shoe board (224) to the base (212).

Abstract: An item of footwear which functions as a foot protector for dancers is disclosed. The inventive protector comprises a pad. The pad has its periphery at least partially surrounded by an elastic member. A plurality of other elastic members secure to the pad to the underside of a dancer's foot, in particular the ball of the dancer's foot. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, that portion of the periphery of the pad which is likely to be position over that portion of the ball of the foot on which the dancer rotates and/or slides is left without elastic in order to minimize discomfort which would be caused by the presence of a piece of elastic material.

Abstract: A shoe having a replaceable sole pad for use by roofers is provided wherein the shoe has a thin lower flexible portion with a sheet or layer of hook fasteners of the hook-and-loop type fastener system disposed on a bottom surface thereof, and having a band secured thereto extending around a periphery of the shoe, and wherein a replaceable sole pad is provided having a sheet or layer of the corresponding loop elements provided on an upper surface thereof. The sole pad is constructed of a high density, closed-cell foam that provides greatly improved traction on roofing surfaces, thereby improving worker safety and productivity or efficiency, and provides adequate durability to make the shoe with the replaceable soles cost justifiable, when factoring in the improved productivity. The sole pad is installed and removed from the shoe in the conventional manner in which two object are fastened and unfastened by the use of hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: By interposing between the roller-carrying frame of an in-line roller skate and a rigid plate positioned inside the shoe an insert of elastomeric material having lugs projecting upwards and passing through the sole of the shoe, vibrations and bumps caused by the running of the rollers on the ground are intercepted and damped.

Abstract: A method and device for painting without the use of hands or arms is described in which a foot pad painting device has a generally planar paint pad secured to an attachment plate which in turn is connected to the painter's foot by an attachment mechanism. In use, the painter applies a stencil to a paint surface, attaches the foot pad painting device described and distributes paint on the paint surface by moving the foot paint pad across the stencil and the exposed paint surface.

Abstract: A shoe having a replaceable sole pad for use by roofers is provided wherein the shoe has a thin lower flexible portion with a sheet or layer of hook fasteners of the hook-and-loop type fastener system disposed on a bottom surface thereof, and wherein a replaceable sole pad is provided having a sheet or layer of the corresponding loop elements provided on an upper surface thereof. The sole pad is constructed of a high density, closed-cell foam that provides greatly improved traction on roofing surfaces, thereby improving worker safety and productivity or efficiency, and provides adequate durability to make the shoe with the replaceable soles cost justifiable, when factoring in the improved productivity. The sole pad is installed and removed from the shoe in the conventional manner in which two object are fastened and unfastened by the use of hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: Camouflage clothing items include various clothing items having two different camouflage patterns thereon, a first pattern designed to blend with a proximal frame of reference, and a second pattern designed to blend with a background frame of reference. The proximal frame of reference is a vertically oriented object such as a tree having a diameter substantially in the range of six to eighteen inches. The first camouflage pattern extends vertically from a top to bottom end of the clothing items, and substantially across the width of the clothing item a distance substantially equal to the diameter of the proximal frame of reference object. Typical clothing items which utilize the dual camouflage patterns include a cap, shirt, pants, and boots.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device for parachutists is disclosed. A conventional rshoe may be modified by riveting or otherwise fastening hook and loop material to the bottom of the overshoe. An impact absorbing sole having a top surface including hook and loop material may be quickly attached to and detached from the modified overshoe. It is also contemplated to provide fastening straps in lieu of or in addition to the hook and loop fastener. The fastening straps may encircle the forefoot area and/or the heel and ankle. The sole may have three layers of solid material or the middle layer may include apertures, which correspond to the heel and ball areas of the foot, for receiving cushioning inserts. The layers may be made of a high density open cell urethane foam, a microcellular ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polyethylene foam, a viscoelastic plasticized polyurethane polymer, or a viscoelastic urethane rubber polymer. The layers may be laminated together using any conventional adhesive.

Abstract: The shoe protector and floor aid is a slip on device having a sole with a toe guard and a heel guard. The toe guard has a tongue attached by a flexible joint. The tongue is then attached by straps to a right side guard and a left side guard which guards are attached to wings on the sole. The shoe protector is slipped over the users regular shoe and attached by retainer straps and buckles. The shoe protector is made of non-marring material to prevent damage to surfaces when used in construction and installing flooring. The material protects the wearers normal shoes when working and when kicking carpeting to position it for installation.

Abstract: New application of biomechanical principles of elastic stretch and braking force are combined in an athletic shoe. The new design implements the concepts by placing the heel significantly lower than the ball of the foot and toes. Tests show that an inner sole reverse slope of about 31/2.degree. provides an optimum significant improvement in jumping in particular. The reverse slope is substantially flat from the center of pressure beneath the heel to the five centers of pressure beneath the ball of the foot. The flat slope provides more assurance that the weight of the user will be applied to the shoe through the centers of pressure in preference to locations under the arch. The invention is applicable to "explosive" movement sports such as basketball, track and field, volleyball, tennis and soccer. Preferably the shoes are constructed with formed or curved heels to retain the feet properly positioned in the shoes by preventing the feet from sliding too far back within the shoes.

Abstract: A tap dance shoe and method for attaching a tap to a dance shoe includes securing a single T-nut in a fiber board and then installing the combined T-nut and fiber board assembly on the sole of the shoe. The shoe may have a preformed hole for receiving the T-nut. The fiber board is attached to the sole by nailing, for example. The fiber board has a fixture formed thereon for positioning a tap relative to the sole of the shoe. The tap has a hole for aligning with the T-nut and also an engaging member for accommodating the fixture formed on the fiber board. Once the fiber board is secured to the sole, the tap is located on the fiber board by mating the fixture with the engaging member of the tap. The tap is secured to the shoe and fiber board by inserting a single screw into the single T-nut and tightening. An adhesive resin and a spring can be applied to a threaded portion of the screw to securely hold the tap on the sole of the shoe.

Abstract: A system for allowing a shoe wearer to lean forwardly beyond his center of gravity by virtue of wearing a specially designed pair of shoes which will engage with a hitch member movably projectable through a stage surface. The shoes have a specially designed heel slot which can be detachably engaged with the hitch member by simply sliding the shoe wearer's foot forward, thereby engaging with the hitch member.

Abstract: A concrete worker's below-the-knee boot is provided with a pocket and a flap to prevent concrete-covered tools from contacting the worker's leg skin and to keep the tools handy. The pocket is open at the top and bottom to permit easy insertion of a tool and to allow concrete on the tool to drain off. The flap can be folded out above the boot where the tool is longer than the boot.

Abstract: A unit for mounting a tree-climbing spike to the lower leg and foot of the user comprises a comfortable, padded shell which wraps around the lower leg, ankle and foot of the user, with the lower portion of the unit being open at the front and heel, with only a stirrup to support the arch of the foot so that the user may use the unit while wearing boots, tennis shoes, or whatever else he happens to be wearing. The semi-flexible portion of the shell wraps around the lower leg and is secured by quick-release friction buckles, and on the inside wall of the shell is a spike mount which releasably mounts one of a set of spikes of different spur lengths to accommodate different tree types.

Abstract: Ballet shoe (2) comprising a sole (3, 6) to which is fixed a flexible upper (4) stiffened in a front part up to a substantially flat end (7) by a vamp (5) covered by said upper and adapted to surround the front part of the foot of a dancer, characterized in that said front part of said upper has on its upper surface a peak line (10) formed by points (M) of maximum height of transverse cross-sections of said front part of said upper which is offset to one side of a longitudinal plane (P) of the shoe, diverging from this plane in the direction away from the end (7) of the shoe, this front part of said upper being joined transversely on the other side of said longitudinal plane to an area forming a flat (13) widening in the direction away from said end, whereby said shoe is specifically intended for a respective foot of a dancer, the peak line being adapted to run along the top of the big toe of the foot in question.

Abstract: A football kicking shoe is provided having a sole with the toe portion extending angularly downward with respect to the substantially flat instep and heel portion of the sole. The sole is sufficiently flexible so that when worn by a punter the sole will lie flat against the ground due to the pressure of the weight of the wearer and when the foot is raised, the toe portion of the sole will extend downwardly so as to present the upper surface of the shoe for contact with the football. The heel portion of the upper of the shoe has a convave cutout so as to permit the toes to be depressed without muscular effort on the part of the wearer of the shoe.

Abstract: A hunter's shoe for concealing the presence of a hunter by absorbing airborne noises caused by the contact of the shoes with ground objects such as fallen branches, twigs and leaves. In the first aspect of the invention, a detachable sound absorber is combined with a conventional hunter's shoe. The sound absorber is comprised of a heel absorber, a sole absorber joined to the heel absorber, a flexible heel pad joined to the lower surface of the heel absorber and extending around the perimeter of the heel absorber, a flexible sole pad joined to the lower surface of the sole absorber and extending around the perimeter of the sole absorber; an ankle strap attached to the heel absorber and a toe strap attached to the sole absorber. The heel and sound absorber is comprised of rigid housings joined together by a flexible member and filled with a sound absorbing material. In the second aspect of the invention, a sound absorber is made integral with a hunter's shoe.

Abstract: A shoe employing negative toe rocker is disclosed which enhances athletic performance in sports which are foot-muscle intensive. The negative toe rocker in the shoe is induced by a structurally resilient inner sole preformed to place the sole of the shoe in a preloaded condition arcuately downward from the heel to the toe. An upper having staggered instep lacing and cutouts containing elastic web to evenly distribute and maintain the closure tension of the shoe, and heel engaging pads located on the inner surface of the medial and lateral portions of the heel of the upper constrain the foot of the wearer in the shoe. The downwardly preloaded sole provides mechanical advantage to the wearer in sports requiring significant muscle strength in the foot. Conversion of kinetic energy into potential energy by flattening of the preloaded sole and structural rigidity of the sole in static conditions transferring load from foot muscles to the stronger calf muscles enhances athletic performance.

Abstract: Footwear with an improved arch support including an exposed gripping surface through a window in the outer sole is presented. The arch support includes a heel flange and brace which stabilizes the support between the inner and outer soles and the serrated gripping surface provides the wearer with needed traction for activities such as climbing ladders, horseback riding or the like.

Abstract: A knee support apparatus for use as a flotation raft for utilizing a flotation raft with each foot for permitting ease of support of an individual upon a surface, such as concrete to be finished. Each raft includes a knee engaging loop, and a rearwardly oriented foot receiving socket. A modification of the invention includes padding for enhancing comfort of the individual upon an uncured concrete surface.

Abstract: A device for the operation of adjustment, fastening or the like elements of ski shoes and ski bindings comprises a small plate (5) adapted to be used as a screw driver, and which has been attached to a strap (3), belt or the like for the locking or holding together of the upper end of the ski shoe upper, for instance the collar (2).

Abstract: A dance shoe having a toe end and a heel end. The dance shoe has an outer sole which is constructed of a flexible material and an outer covering which is constructed of a flexible material connected to the outer sole with the outer covering cooperating with the outer sole to substantially encompass a foot space with a foot opening being formed through a portion of the outer covering. The foot opening and the foot space each are sized and adapted so that an individual may dispose his foot through the foot opening and into the foot space with the outer covering substantially covering the upper portion of an individual's foot when the individual's foot is disposed in the foot space. A relatively rigid toe support is disposed in the foot space generally near the toe end of the dance shoe. The toe support substantially encompasses and defines a toe space with a toe opening being formed through one end of a toe support.

Abstract: A ballet dancer's shoe that reduces noise occurring when a ballet dancer bangs a toe portion of the shoe against the floor. The shoe comprises a shank and a shoe upper comprising a plurality of fabric layers. A foam pad is located between two of the layers of the upper. The pad extends down in front of the toe portion and underneath the front of the shank, and also wraps along the sides of the toe portion. The foam pad absorbs impact when the padded front end or padded bottom beneath the front of the shank of the ballet shoe are banged against the floor to reduce noise normally generated.

Abstract: A reversible hiking shoe heel-and-toe lift attachment is capable of being deployed on the heel of a hiking shoe for assisting a hiker in ascending a steep grade and on the toe of the hiking shoe for assisting the hiker in descending the steep grade. The lift attachment includes a support platform, a flexible confinement wall, and a flexible elastic strap. The support platform is inclined or wedge-shaped in a section taken through the platform along a longitudinal vertical plane extending between front and rear ends of the platform. The wedge-shaped or inclined platform is greater in height at the rear end than at the front end. The confinement wall is attached to and extends along and above the periphery of the support platform at the opposite sides and rear edges thereof for confining either the heel or toe of a hiking shoe when either the heel or toe is placed upon the support platform.

Abstract: A multi-functional personnel restraint, particularly suited for use by workers in a substantially zero gravity environment comprises a stationary track defined by two rails which are spring biased to a minimum spacing position. The rails respectively carry a pair of parallel, opposed grooves on their inner surfaces. The grooves are engagable by cleats attached to the bottoms of the shoes of the person requiring restraint. The cleats are engagable with the grooves by a pivotal movement in a vertical plane, thus substantially balancing vertical forces imparted on the shoe or shoes during the groove insertion movement.

Abstract: A ballet slipper and method of manufacturing the same is disclosed. The slipper has an integral shank and toe box molded from a flexible thermoplastic polymeric material which can be adjusted by the dancer to conform to her foot. The toe box has a platform at its forward end which is connected by a curved radius to the shank. A layer of resilient polymeric material lines the interior of the upper portion of the toe box and extends backwardly from the edges of the toe box. A layer of shock absorbing material covers at least a portion of the upper and lower surfaces of the shank, and the platform and curved radius of the toe box. A wicking outer covering fits over the integral shank and toe box and has an elasticized throat and a panel formed from a durable non-slip material to cover the platform and curved radius of the toe box.

Abstract: An improved dielectric overshoe is disclosed in which upper portions are formed of a first rubber composition having good dielectric characteristics and lower portions and a sole are formed of a second rubber composition that has good dielectric characteristic, but has slightly better wear characteristics than the first rubber composition. The shoe has a high arch to provide room for the mounting of a climbing cleat. Buckles seal the tongue of the shoe, with an uppermost one of the buckles being spaced from an opening for receiving a wearer's foot by a distance great enough to provide room for mounting of a strap to secure a climbing cleat to the overshoe. A reinforcement lip is placed around the entire opening, and in combination with the buckles and the tongue provides a nearly water-tight seal between the overshoe and the wearer's ankle preventing seepage of any water into the overshoe opening.

Abstract: Footwear for use by hunters. The footwear includes a rubber overshoe to be worn over a boot worn by the hunter with the sole of the boot being covered by the overshoe whereby the boot will not come in contact with the ground as the hunter walks. A scent dispenser is provided which is attached to the overshoe for dispensing scent on the ground as the hunter walks. The scent dispenser is isolated from the boot so that the overshoe and dispenser may be removed from the boot and the boot worn without emitting scent. The rubber overshoe isolates the boot from the ground so that if the boot is contaminated by human scents, it will not be emitted to the ground.

Abstract: A formal marching shoe suitable for use in "corps style" marching maneuvers having a heel-free outer soleunit with a substantially planar ground engaging bottom surface, the shoe upper having a close encircling foot enclosure adapted for closing in a conventional manner by laces and the outer soleunit of the shoe extending upwardly in a curving, arcuate course from the rear heel-receiving end of the shoe to joinder with the outer surface of the rear of the shoe upper.

Abstract: System for securing a foot or inner shoe (4) in a ski-boot or climbing boot, with tension elements (11) which extend from the instep to a hinged rear part (2) of the boot (1), in which the tension element or elements (11) are located in a fixable manner in the heel or Achilles' tendon region inside the hinged rear part (2) and pass over a deflection point (12) in the heel or angle region. Connected to the tension element or elements (11) is a clamping element (17) located between the deflection point in the heel or ankle region, which is linked with a clamping device (15) on the outer side of the boot. It is preferable that the tension element or elements (11) are placed in a crosswise manner in the region of the instep, whereby preferably the crossover point can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the shoe (arrow 20).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water proof snow boot and the method of manufacturing the same. A water-proof plastic intermediate member is disposed between the outer leather covering and the inner lining of the boot to prevent water or moisture from coming into the boot through tiny pores of the leather covering by permeation, thereby causing discomfort of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A ballet slipper and method of manufacturing the same is disclosed. The slipper has an integral shank and toe box molded from a flexible thermoplastic polymeric material which can be adjusted by the dancer to conform to her foot. The toe box has a platform at its forward end which is connected by a curved radius to the shank. A layer of resilient polymeric material lines the interior of the upper portion of the toe box and extends backwardly from the edges of the toe box. A layer of shock absorbing material covers the upper and lower surfaces of the shank, and the platform and curved radius of the toe box. An outer covering fits over the integral shank and toe box and has an elasticized throat and a panel formed from a durable non-slip material to cover the platform and curved radius toe box.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises an upper, a flexible metal midsole and an outsole. Between the flexible metal midsole and the outsole is located an internal arch-reinforcement member or "digging-plate".The "digging-plate" may be made of a rigid plastics material, suitably a fibre-reinforced plastics material.

Abstract: A ground-working tool for attachment to the foot of the wearer includes a base plate for attachment against the underside of a wearer's shoe and a pair of ground-working hoe blades rigidly supported beneath the base plate. The hoe blades are generally flat in shape and are arranged in a common plane with one of the hoe blades being positioned beneath a forward portion of a base plate and the other hoe blade being positioned beneath a rearward portion of a base plate. Further, each hoe blade defines a forwardly-directed cutting edge and a reawardly-directed cutting edge which are parallel to one another and which extend transversely of the the base plate. When the tool is moved by the wearer's foot in a fore-and-aft scuffing action, soil loosened by the cutting edges is permitted to pass across the blades through the space defined between each blade and the base plate.

Abstract: The climbing shoe is covered with thin, flexible, high-friction rubberlike material on the outside of the shoe from the area of contact of the ball of the foot forward to the toe all the way up to the midline of the shoe. This comprises an engagement surface so that the shoe can be turned and the toe inserted into a crevice with the engagement surface against one wall of the crevice to enhance traction and protect the shoe upper.

Abstract: A shoe is provided in which spherical steel balls are rotatively mounted in the sole so as to allow the wearer to roll in any desired direction. A tool is also provided for removing the spheres as required.

Abstract: A roofing cleat apparatus (10) for releasable attachment to workshoes (100) wherein the apparatus (10) comprises a reinforced heel unit (11), a reinforced sole/toe unit (12), an intermediate connecting unit (13), and releasable securing means (14); wherein said heel unit (11) and said toe/sole unit (12) are provided with a plurality of outwardly and downwardly projecting spike or cleat elements (22') for engaging uphill or downhill angled roof surfaces.

Abstract: A clogging tapping device for attachment on the heel and sole of shoes to hammer out a lively rhythm while square dancing is provided including a base plate member with a sharp turned-up periphery edge and a plurality of holes through the base plate which allows nails to be hammered through to fix the plate to the shoe, a rounded tapping plate member generally a toe sole shape or a heel shape with an attachment device of at least two rivets to loosely attach the tapping plate to allow it to cant and move to strike the base plate and a plurality of holes through the tapping plate, one each aligned over the holes in the base plate but in this case, the hole being of a size to allow the head of the nail to be force fitted through each hole, where the rivets are rounded and set in depressions of the tapping plate to avoid scarring the floors.

Abstract: A ballet slipper has a wedge shaped heel the front end of which is beneath the metatarsal arch and the rear surface of which is just behind the heel bone.