Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a shell (10) and preferably also a leg piece (20), and features, at least at some portions thereof that do not include the sole (15), a composite structure formed of two layers (30, 40; 30A, 40A) that are made of preferably synthetic materials having different mechanical properties. At least the interfacing surface (34, 34A) of the layer (30) made of mechanically stronger materials is provided with protruding elements (36) that remain inseparably adhering to the interfacing surface (42, 42A) of the other layer (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a lasted footwear for enclosing a human foot having a heel, an ankle and medial and lateral sides. The footwear comprises an outer shell for receiving the foot and an inner lining mounted in the outer shell. The inner lining is less rigid than the outer shell and has an inner surface adapted to contact the foot in use and an outer surface being affixed to the outer shell. The outer shell is made of a multi-layer composite sheet that is thermoformed for defining a foot-receiving cavity having a three-dimensional geometry that conforms to the foot. The multi-layer composite sheet has a first layer of thermoformable foam having a core and first and second opposite surfaces and a second layer of fibers. One of the first and second opposite surfaces of the layer of thermoformable foam has a skin formed by exposing the surface to temperatures between 200° F. and 300° F. The invention also relates to a method of making a lasted skate boot comprising such an outer shell.

Abstract: Inner boot, particularly for a sports shoe such as a ski boot, an in-line roller skate or an ice skate, comprising a front portion, that covers the toes and part of the forefoot of the user, and a rear portion, that extends at the region of the plantar's arch up to the heel; the front portion is connected to the rear portion by way of one or more interconnection bellows having, in a rest position, its maximum elongation.

Abstract: A displacement apparatus is provide for skating footwear such as in-line roller skates. The displacement apparatus has extension triggers, each of which is connected to respective rod members that releasably retain the rollers in a retracted position, and a retraction trigger connected to a slidable rod member that releasably retains the rollers in an extended position. Manual operation of the extension triggers and retraction trigger allows extension or retraction of the in line rollers as required. When retracted, the rollers are conveniently housed within a cavity in the underside of the shoe to thereby allow normal walking.

Abstract: Skate boot apparatuses, a skate, and a method are provided. A base including an upper face configured to receive a wearer's foot and a lower face configured to structurally support a skate mechanism is provided. An integral upper support is provided, the integral upper support extending upwardly from the base to a point above an ankle of the wearer, the integral support having a varying rigidity decreasing from a high rigidity near the base to a low rigidity near the point above the ankle of the wearer.

Abstract: The item of footwear (10) is provided with a roller (50) to enable the item of footwear to roll over a surface when the rolling means is in a first active position. The item of footwear (10) has a slide yoke (34) for retracting the roller (50) to a second latent position, thereby disabling the roller and preventing the item of footwear from rolling over a surface (see FIG. 2).

Abstract: A skateboard shoe having a sole with four sole pads; each sole pad having differing durometer values: a lateral pad and a toe pad comprised of a low durometer value (Shore A) material, a medial pad comprised of a moderate durometer value (Shore A) material, and a heel pad comprised of a hard durometer value (Shore A) material.

Abstract: An improved hinge system for pivotally coupling a skate lower portion to a skate upper cuff. The multi-hinge design incorporates a four link chain mechanism that greatly increases the number of design options for a hinged boot. The pivot axis defined by the four link chain can be designed to shift through a path of travel that generally coincides with the path of travel of the anatomical pivot axis defined by the user's foot and leg. The upper cuff and boot lower portion account for two of the four links of the four link mechanism. The other two links are either rigid bars with pin connections on both the upper cuff and the lower portion, or roller links with a pin connection to the upper and a slot like sliding surface on the lower portion. A slider link can be substituted for the roller and a slide surface can be substituted for the slot.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: A body for a skate boot includes a sole portion, a toe portion extending from a front end of the sole portion, two upper portions extending from two sides of the sole portion, and a heel portion extending from a rear end of the sole portion. The sole portion, toe portion, upper portions and heel portion are made of fiber laminations constructed by multiple layers of fiber fabrics and epoxy resin by means of hot-pressing in a die. At least one thermoplastic substratum is provided in the fiber laminations at the upper portions and heel portion, and has two sewn portions respectively formed at two distal ends at the upper portions and extending out from the fiber laminations inside the thermoplastic substratum. Thus, the body is light-weight, has good shock resistance, and can cover the user's foot well.

Abstract: A grind rail apparatus coupleable to an underside of a footwear for grinding is provided. The grind rail apparatus includes a body having an upper side and a lower side, the upper side of the body coupled to the underside of the footwear. The grind rail apparatus also includes a plurality of rails extending from the lower side of the body.

Abstract: A skating boot adapted to fit around the foot of the user and allowing adequate forward and backward motion of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The boot is equipped with an inside joint and an outside joint connecting the upper portion and the lower portion together. Front and rear elastic covers complete the shape of the boot and are attached to both the upper portion and the lower portion. The joints comprise and inside and an outside concave sliding disks adapted to slidingly engage with corresponding retainers incorporated within the upper and lower portions. The position of the joints is preferably offset with the inside joint located higher and closer to the front of the boot than the outside joint to accommodate the anatomical structure of the human ankle. The boot has a smooth shape and encases the foot such that all skating maneuvers can be completed with ease while providing adequate ankle support and foot protection.

Abstract: The moisture transfer system includes a waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner having an inner fabric layer selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, encapsulation technology, waterproof films and an outer fabric layer. The moisture transfer system in incorporated into in-line skate as either a removable liner for a shell boot or a liner for a softboot.

Abstract: A snowboard boot strap anchor is described. The strap anchor includes a raised portion having at least three mounting locations, and a thin base portion associated with the raised portion for attachment to an upper portion of the snowboard boot. Also described is a snowboard boot strap mounting system. The system includes a first strap anchor having a raised portion containing at least three mounting locations, the strap anchor including a base portion for attachment to the snowboard boot upper, an ankle strap arrangement having a first distal end for attachment to the first strap anchor, and a fastener device for connecting the first distal end of the ankle strap arrangement to the first strap anchor by mating with a selected mounting location.

Abstract: A skateboard shoe having a sole with four sole pads; each sole pad having differing durometer values: a lateral pad and a toe pad comprised of a low durometer value (Shore A) material, a medial pad comprised of a moderate durometer value (Shore A) material, and a heel pad comprised of a hard durometer value (Shore A) material.

Abstract: The multifunctional shoes for walking and skating with single roller mainly include a pulley assembly and the shoe body. The pulley assembly consists of a bracket, a roller, a shaft, pushing rods, springs, pushing rod assembly and fastening bolts. The shaft passes through the center of the roller fixing the roller in the slots of the bracket. The pushing rods and the springs are provided on the top of the bracket with the pushing rod assembly provided in the bracket. The pulley assembly is secured to the shoe by fastening bolts. The pushing rod assembly includes a pushing rod head, a rear connecting plate, springs, connecting bolts of the pushing rods, pushing rods, a front connecting plate and fastening bolts with the pushing rods connecting bolts and pushing rods welded to the front connecting plate while the springs seated on the connecting bolts of the pushing rods. The roller can be extended and retrieved in the direction perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: A footbed for sport footwear made of a shell, which defines the general shape of the footwear. The footbed has a sole portion and a padding wall for partially separating the sides and back of a wearer's foot from the shell. The padding wall partially cups the wearer's heel and extending from the back of the wearer's foot along each side of the heel, along each side of the midfoot and along each side of the forefoot. The footbed is adapted for determining the size of the footwear in terms of width. The footbed may further comprise a toe wall portion for determining the size of the footwear in terms of length.

Abstract: The retractable foot gear 10 includes a sole 12 and a retractable wheel, ball, blade, or similar low friction element 16 which normally projects from a recess formed into the shoe's sole 12. The low friction element 16 retracts into a recess 14 when a predetermined amount of force is exerted on the low friction element 16. The low friction element 16 is additionally biased so as to automatically return to an extended position when the predetermined force is relieved. The retractable foot gear 10 assists persons with difficulty in walking, standing, or maneuvering. Moreover, the protruding low friction element enables one to slide one foot along a walking surface while minimizing the tendency of one to slip and fall.

Abstract: Devices and systems for providing dynamic foot support to a user are described. A device includes a heel support shelf, a foot support shelf, and a dampening device that allows relative motion of the heel support shelf with respect to the foot support shelf. When a wearer has on footwear that includes such a device, his or her foot is bent and flexed within the footwear during natural walking motion, thereby promoting blood flow, preventing stress, increasing comfort and reducing pain.

Abstract: A lasted skate boot for ice skates or in-line roller skates, the lasted skate boot comprising an upper having an outer shell molded of synthetic material and an inner lining mounted inside the outer shell. The outer shell comprises a heel counter, an ankle portion, medial and lateral quarters and reinforcing elements provided on the heel counter, ankle portion, medial quarter or lateral quarter. Each of the reinforcing elements comprises a ridge formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell and a groove registering with the ridge, the groove being formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell. The outer shell may also comprise an ankle portion having an upper part and a lower part that projects outwardly with relation to the upper part, the lower part merging with the heel counter. The lower and upper parts of the ankle portion follow the rear profile of the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: An in-line skate having a sports shoe connected to a frame supporting a plurality of in-line wheels. The sports shoe has a sole, and an upper made of soft material, and rigid protection strips. The protections strips are arranged above the lateral edge of the sole: at the lateral metatarsus region of the foot of the user; at the lateral heel region of the user's foot; and at the anklebone region of the user's foot.

Abstract: A snowboard boot includes a sole, an upper and a coupling member coupled to the sole. The sole has a longitudinal axis and a support projection extending downwardly from the sole. The upper includes a foot section fixedly coupled to the sole and an upwardly extending leg section. The support projection is arranged and configured to secure the coupling member against forward and rearward longitudinal movement. Preferably, the sole includes an outer sole and a mid sole constructed of a more rigid material than the outer sole. Preferably, a front coupling member is fixedly coupled to a toe section of the mid sole and a rear coupling member is fixedly coupled to a heel section of the mid sole. Preferably, the heel section has the support projection to secure the rear coupling member against forward and rearward longitudinal movement.

Abstract: Skate shields have a resiliently flexible protective shell with an upper portion curved so as to cover a medial side of the boot from near the toe to the instep and at least from the sole plate on the inner (medial) side of the boot over the boot to the outer (lateral) side of the boot. The protective shells are asymmetrically shaped, their continuity being broken in a location away from the medial side. The lower, inner medial edge of the upper shell is curved to contact and follow the medial side edge of the sole plate while a tongue extends transversely under the sole plate to hook the shield along the sole plate medial edge. The front end rests on the reinforced toe of the skate.

Abstract: A skate is disclosed comprising a skate boot including an outsole and an upper for enclosing and supporting a human foot. The outsole comprises a resilient component insert for reducing shocks and vibrations transferred from the skating surface to the human foot.

Abstract: A boot for a ski or an in-line roller skate has a flexible upper and a sole allowing the foot to flex during walking. Its sole has a rigid part in the rear region of the boot, over about one half of the length of the sole, this rigid part being designed so as to form an interface between the heel and a binding of the ski or in-line roller skate. The interface may be standard, that is to say independent of the boot size.

Abstract: A skate boot for receiving a human foot, the skate boot comprising a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion comprising an opening facing rearwardly and upwardly of the skate boot for allowing insertion of the foot in the internal cavity.

Abstract: A heel for a shoe includes a first relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is walking while wearing a shoe having the heel and a second relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is dancing and wearing a shoe having the heel. A pair of shoes can have one or two such heels. Preferably, there is a lower-friction portion on the second relatively flat surface. The second relatively flat surface allows one to relatively easily spin while dancing, as compared to dancing with shoes having normal heels.

Abstract: A skate boot having a sole and an upper, the upper having a medial quarter and a lateral quarter and defining a first pair of parallel fastening rows around the front edge of each quarter, at least in the vamp area of the boot. The median axis of the rows extends between the third and the fourth metatarsal bones of the foot.

Abstract: A footbed for sport footwear made of a shell, which defines the general shape of the footwear. The footbed has a sole portion and a padding wall for partially separating the sides and back of a wearer's foot from the shell. The padding wall partially cups the wearer's heel and extending from the back of the wearer's foot along each side of the heel, along each side of the midfoot and along each side of the forefoot. The footbed is adapted for determining the size of the footwear in terms of width. The footbed may further comprise a toe wall portion for determining the size of the footwear in terms of length.

Abstract: The sports boot has, on the one hand a first part (1) in a first material and a second part (17) superposed on said first part and in a second material, and, on the other hand, reinforcement means (10, 11, 12, 13). The reinforcement means are at least partly formed by at least one frame (13) in synthetic material reinforced with mineral or synthetic fibers and positioned at least partially between said parts.

Abstract: A therapeutic shoe for shifting the weight exerted on the foot of a wearer or for elevating the foot from the ground as required has a sole and an upper portion configured to retain the foot of the wearer in contact with the sole. A recessed track, formed in the lower surface of the sole, extends parallel to the length of the sole and along a major portion of its length. At least one support block is provided for attachment to the lower surface of the sole at any of a plurality of positions along the entirety of the recessed track. Also provided is a heel protection configuration and sole thickness adjustment platform.

Abstract: The present invention is a lace locking system that eliminates the inconveniences of a conventional lacing system. The design reroutes laces behind the ankle to a “T pull” handle that incorporates a “lace lock” that allows length adjustment to the laces. When the “T-pull” handle is pulled upon, the laces cinch and the handle is then placed into its rest. This provides the user with a “memory lace system” so the laces do not have to be adjusted and tied every time a shoe or skate is placed onto a foot.

Abstract: Skate boot apparatuses, a skate, and a method are provided. A base including an upper face configured to receive a wearer's foot and a lower face configured to structurally support a skate mechanism is provided. An integral upper support is provided, the integral upper support extending upwardly from the base to a point above an ankle of the wearer, the integral support having a varying rigidity decreasing from a high rigidity near the base to a low rigidity near the point above the ankle of the wearer.

Abstract: Articulated structure for the reinforcement of footwear articles, comprising a first rigid part (110), which comprises a sole (111) and an uprising portion (112) for the heel of the user, and a second and a third part (120, 130), arranged on opposite sides of said first part (110) with respect to the longitudinal center-line plane. Each one of these parts is separately joined to said uprising portion (112) of the first part (110) so as to obtain independent forward movements (FA, FB) and rearward movements (FC, FD) of a limited extent thereof. USE: Sports footwear, work-shoes and the like. ADVANTAGES: improved movement freedom of the foot, while maintaining the desired side support function unaltered; improved manufacturability of the footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to an outsole (1) for sports shoes (2) comprising nock-type elements arranged in the front sole area (3) and heel area (4), said nock-type elements extending in a conically tapered manner fro the base (6) thereof to the contact surface (7). The aim of the invention is to improve said outsole, in order to enable improved contact of the feet when they are placed on the ground, even when the ground is moderately hard. This is achieved by reducing the height (hred) of at least one nock-type element (5′) in the sole edge area (12) of the heel area (4) in relation to the average height (hnorm) of the other nock-type elements (5″) in said area.

Abstract: A skate boot for ice skate or in-line roller skate comprising an upper having portions thereof made of compressed foam material. In a preferred embodiment, the skate boot is constructed with two preformed quarter panels made of compressed foam material having wherein the inner surface of each panel is shaped to substantially conform to the anatomical shape of a corresponding side of the human foot. Such a construction provides a skate boot, which is comfortable, long lasting, and exhibits flexibility and support. Such a construction also provides added flexibility to the skate designers to vary the dynamic properties of the skate and also the ornamental features of the skate. A method of making such a skate boot is also disclosed.

Abstract: A snowboard boot strap anchor is described. The strap anchor includes a raised portion having at least three mounting locations, and a thin base portion associated with the raised portion for attachment to an upper portion of the snowboard boot. Also described is a snowboard boot strap mounting system. The system includes a first strap anchor having a raised portion containing at least three mounting locations, the strap anchor including a base portion for attachment to the snowboard boot upper, an ankle strap arrangement having a first distal end for attachment to the first strap anchor, and a fastener device for connecting the first distal end of the ankle strap arrangement to the first strap anchor by mating with a selected mounting location.

Abstract: A footwear outer sole comprising a body having an end and a bottom surface, and a revolver provided at the end of the sole body and protruding slightly from its bottom surface. The revolver comprises a lower member supported for rotation relative to the sole body about a substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: A footbed for sport footwear made of a shell, which defines the general shape of the footwear. The footbed has a sole portion and a padding wall for partially separating the sides and back of a wearer's foot from the shell. The padding wall partially cups the wearer's heel and extending from the back of the wearer's foot along each side of the heel, along each side of the midfoot and along each side of the forefoot. The footbed is adapted for determining the size of the footwear in terms of width. The footbed may further comprise a toe wall portion for determining the size of the footwear in terms of length.

Abstract: In a sports footwear that comprises also a rigid reinforcement structure (200), a shoe (100) of soft, flexiable material comprises two superimposed sub-assemblies (110, 150). The upper sub-assembly (150) slides, jointly with a leg-portion (120) that is a part of the lower sub-assembly (110), with respect to an upper (111) which is also a part of the said lower sub-assembly. USE: skates with in-line rollers, boots for cross-country skiing, snowboard and the like. Advantages: improved flexibility of the user's ankle. Improved manufacturability.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention contemplated herein describe a contoured skate boot having contour seams formed therein for introducing preferential biases in the boot material. By strategically creating notches in the boot upper material and subsequently rejoining the edges of each notch, the boot upper may be biased to conform to the complex contours of a skater's foot and ankle. Moreover, by introducing boot contours such that the boot is able to closer approximate the natural contours of a skater's foot, fewer stiffeners and less padding is required to result in a comfortable fit while providing increased control of the boot. Additionally, by reducing the quantity of stiffeners and volume of padding, a lighter boot is provided, thus resulting in a more efficient energy transfer from the skater through the skate.

Abstract: A sport shoe has a sole portion and an upper portion fixedly coupled to the sole portion. The upper portion has an inner side section, a center foot section and an outer side section. The first strap member has a first attachment portion coupled to one of the inner and outer side sections and a first pad connecting portion. The pad member has a first end portion, a center portion and a second end portion with the first pad connecting portion of the first strap member being fixedly coupled to the pad member by a fastening member. The adjustable strap buckle fixedly coupled to the first pad connecting portion of the first strap member by the fastening member. The second strap member has a second attachment portion coupled to the other of the inner and outer side sections and a second pad connecting portion that is adjustably coupled to the first strap member by the adjustable strap buckle.

Abstract: A snowboard boot has a sole portion and an upper portion. The sole portion includes a mid sole having a base portion with a front catch coupled to a toe section of the base portion. The first and second rear catches are located at first and second lateral sides of a heel section of the base portion, and first and second strap attachment members extending from the heel section of the base portion. The upper portion includes a foot section fixedly coupled to the sole portion and a leg section extending upwardly from the foot section. The first and second strap attachment members are integrally formed with the base portion of said mid sole as a one-piece, unitary member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding element for a shoe sole. The sliding element includes an upper sliding surface and a lower sliding surface, wherein the lower sliding surface is arranged below the upper sliding surface so as to be slideable in at least two directions. The upper sliding surface can form a lower side of an upper sliding plate and the lower sliding surface can form an upper side of a lower sliding plate. A relative sliding movement between the upper sliding surface and the lower sliding surface distributes the deceleration of the shoe sole over a greater time period and allows the foot to feel as if it is wearing a conventional shoe that contacts a surface with reduced friction, for example, a soft forest ground. As a result, the force acting on the wearer and the momentum transfer on his or her muscles and bones are reduced.

Abstract: A lasted skate boot for ice skates or in-line roller skates, the lasted skate boot comprising an upper having an outer shell molded of synthetic material and an inner lining mounted inside the outer shell. The outer shell comprises a heel counter, an ankle portion, medial and lateral quarters and reinforcing elements provided on the heel counter, ankle portion, medial quarter or lateral quarter. Each of the reinforcing elements comprises a ridge formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell and a groove registering with the ridge, the groove being formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell. The outer shell may also comprise an ankle portion having an upper part and a lower part that projects outwardly with relation to the upper part, the lower part merging with the heel counter. The lower and upper parts of the ankle portion follow the rear profile of the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: There is provided a shoe with a roller device suitable for use in walking as an ordinary shoe and for use in skating as an in-line roller skate, and comprising a body including a body part to receive the foot of a user and an sole integrally formed with the bottom of the body part and having a receiving groove in the vertical direction, a roller device including a housing placed inside the sole, a stopper provided in the housing to movably reciprocate back and forth, a first wheel assembly movably fixed to the front of the housing and fixed to maintain the state for use in the ordinary shoe or for use in the in-line skate by the stopper, and a second wheel assembly provided on the back of the housing, movably fixed in the direction confronting with the moving direction of the first wheel assembly, and fixed to maintain the state for use in the ordinary shoe or for use in the in-line skate by the stopper, and a switch provided on the side of the sole of the body with engaged with the stopper to control the mov

Abstract: A sports shoe, particularly for skates, constituted by a rigid sole and by a separate soft upper, which surrounds at least part of the heel, the rigid sole being associated or formed monolithically with a frame that surrounds the foot at least laterally for containing a soft innerboot.

Abstract: A skate boot featuring an exterior toe protector and a method of manufacture. The skate boot is provided with a toe cover adapted to be pulled and stretched over a last allowing the skate boot to be formed in a similar fashion as a skate boot featuring an interior toe protector. The toe protector has a pair of lateral extensions which overlap the frontal edges of the lateral supporting portions of the skate boot and a pair of cutout areas to surround the same lateral supporting portions of the skate boot.

Abstract: A sport boot that allows for a reduced resistance plantar extension coupled with a controlled, resistive plantar flexion motion. The preferred embodiments provide a one-piece boot made of a flexible material, such as leather. A triangular portion of the boot material, from a point just posterior to the ankle opening to a larger area anterior of the ankle on both sides of the boot, is cut out. One or more piston assemblies are attached to the boot material on both sides of the cut away portion of the boot. The piston assemblies provide resistance to compression during flexion of the boot but offer no resistance to extension during plantar extension.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system includes a binding and a boot configured to be releasably coupled together. The snowboard binding includes a base member, a rear binding arrangement, and a front binding arrangement. The snowboard boot includes an upper portion, a sole portion, at least one rear catch and a front catch. The sole portion has a toe section, a mid section and a heel section. The rear catch is located at the heel section of the sole portion. The front catch is coupled to the toe section and has a pair of leg portions extending downwardly from the toe section of the sole portion, and a tongue portion extending laterally between the leg portions. The toe section has a pair of front catch guide surfaces located forwardly and laterally of the front catch to guide the front catch toward the front binding arrangement.