Abstract: A snowboard boot includes a sole region, an upper outer layer extending from the sole region to an instep region, and a foot support disposed inside the upper outer layer. The foot support includes a right foot support and a left foot support. The right foot support is disposed inside the upper outer layer of the boot on a right side thereof and extends from the sole region toward the instep region. The right foot support includes a right foot tightening structure disposed in close proximity to the instep region. The left foot support is disposed inside the upper outer layer of the boot on a left side thereof and extends from the sole region toward the instep region. The left foot support includes a left foot tightening structure disposed in close proximity to the instep region. If desired, an insulating layer may be disposed between the upper outer layer and the right and left foot supports.

Abstract: An in-line skate is disclosed having a frame with a plurality of wheels and a boot coupled to the frame. The boot has a cuff and lower shell connected by a resilient connecting member that permits flexing along substantially the entire length of the member. The connecting member can be made of spring steel or a variety of synthetic materials.

Abstract: A pedicure sandal system that includes a sandal assembly having a number of user positionable toe separation cushion assemblies securable to the sole of the sandal assembly for keeping the user's toes separated and a toe cover assembly for shielding the toes having a number of airflow apertures formed therethrough that is securable to the sandal assembly and shaped to cover the user's toes while providing sufficient clearance to prevent contact between the freshly manicured toe nails and the toe cover assembly.

Abstract: A combined elbow and foot protector comprising strapping members (22, 24) for strapping of the protector to the body of the user, and a sole (10) attached to a flexible base (8). The sole (10) comprises at least two rigid sections (12, 14, 16) connected to each other by a flexible joining member (20) adapted to allow the sole to be easily bent until a front section (12) and a heel section (16) form a substantial angle with each other. The protector can be used either as a shoe strapped to the foot of the user, or as an elbow or knee protector strapped to the arm or leg of the user.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composite material is formed from a fabric, preferably woven, impregnated and preferably covered with a thermoplastic material (e.g. acrylic) constituting a monomer solvent and polymer mixture preferably in an approximately 2:1 ratio. The monomer changes the polymer viscosity to wet the fabric. The mixture contains small amounts of an initiator (e.g. benzoyl peroxide) for promoting the monomer polymerization and an inhibitor (e.g. hydroquinone) for preventing premature curing. Plastic sheets on the thermoplastic composite material inhibit the curing. An activator (e.g. tertiary amine) preferably applied to the material surface initiates the material curing at ambient temperatures when the plastic sheets are removed. To reproduce an article from a three-dimensional mold, the mold is disposed on a platform. After removing the plastic sheets, the thermoplastic composite material is disposed on the mold. A shroud (e.g.

Abstract: Polymer structures having a laminated surface and enhanced physical properties that can be used for packaging, athletic gear (e.g., padding, water sport equipment), gaskets, and protective garments are described. The structures include a core of a relatively high density material and one or more layers laminated to the surfaces of the core material of relatively low density polymer foam. The structures can be stiff or flexible. The foam layers improve the softness of the surfaces of the core material.

Abstract: A snowboard boot for freestyle riding includes, as usual, a soft boot-shaped inside portion and a boot-shaped outside portion that is provided with a soft shaft. To transmit the force for backside turns with legs bent to the side, a rigid insert is provided between the inside portion and the outside portion that extends about the heel area. At the height of the ankle a rigid back portion embracing the calf is pivoted on the insert about an axis extending approximately in the longitudinal center plane of the boot.

Abstract: Footwear assembly for the practice of a sport, especially an in-line roller skate boot, of the type including two elements of which one, internal, is relatively flexible and forms a removable liner or boot, and the other, external, is relatively rigid and includes a shell, provided with a longitudinally opening at its upper portion to allow for the introduction of the liner or boot in the shell.

Abstract: Disclosed are footwear products incorporating the use of natural materials therein, and more particularly, disclosed are insoles, liners, and footwear incorporating loofah material. The loofah material is arranged so as to provide direct contact with a user foot in order to avail to the user foot the loofah therapeutic benefits of skin massaging, exfoliation of the skin, increased blood flow and ventilation, and the wearability benefits of a non-slip surface and evacuation of foreign objects from direct contact from a user foot. The insoles are at least partially formed of loofah material and can be provided in a flat or contoured form. As another embodiment, the loofah insole is provided as part of a loofah sandal arrangement which incorporates sandal straps and sandals fasteners for attachment to a user foot in a sandal arrangement.

Abstract: A sports boot of the type that includes a rigid frame constituted by at least one heel reinforcement and a rigid collar for the retention of the lower part of the leg journalled on the heel reinforcement about a substantially transverse axis, the pivoting of the collar about the transverse axis being unimpeded at least forwardly when the sport is practiced. The transverse inclination device is associated to at least one portion of the collar, and an elastic return mechanism is associated to the transverse inclination device for a return into the neutral position.

Abstract: A footwear attachment device for releasable mounting on primary footwear, e.g., a boot or shoe, to provide enhanced traction. The primary footwear has an upper including a toe portion and a heel portion, a sole including a fore-foot portion and a heel portion. The attachment device comprising an integral member having a mounting ring and plural stretchable connecting webs, extending between respective portions of the ring. The attachment device also includes a forefoot pad assembly and a heel pad assembly. Each pad assembly includes a generally planar base pad and a generally planar a cover pad. Each base pad includes a recess for receipt of a respective one of the connecting webs. Each cover pad is arranged to be secured over an associated base pad with the connecting web interposed therebetween and stretchable in the recess. Each base pad includes a ground engaging surface. Each cover pad includes an inner surface.

Abstract: A snowboarding shoe comprising an upper portion and a sole having a central portion. The central portion includes a housing and components for interacting with a binding located on a snowboard. An adaptation piece is removably secured to the housing. The adaptation piece is configured to receive the components for interacting with the binding.

Abstract: An adjustable fit in-line skate having a rigid frame carrying a plurality of skate wheels is provided. A boot is secured to the frame with the boot having a toe portion and a heel portion. The heel portion has a sole plate which is carried over the length of the frame. The toe portion receives the sole plate and is slidably attached to the heel portion.

Abstract: An outsole associated with the bottom surface of a boot upper including a base member, front and rear raised regions and a member for attaching the blade chassis to the base member. The base member includes an outer surface, a ball region and a heel region, as well as, a first and a second rigid layer. The second rigid layer overlies a portion of the first rigid layer. The first and second rigid layers extend into the front raised region and the rear raised region.

Abstract: In-line roller skate equipped with an energization device including a boot whose sole is associated with an upper plate of a frame on a lower portion of which the skating wheels are arranged.

Abstract: Sport footwear assembly, especially an in-line roller skate boot, of the type including two elements, of which one, internal, is a boot, and the other, external, is a boot support coming from the skate. According to the invention, these distinct elements have closure and linkage mechanisms constituted by a single lace which carries out the simultaneous tightening of the two elements, in order to ensure their tightening on the foot.

Abstract: A boot and binding allows step-in attachment to a snowboard while supporting the ankle of the user and allowing desired flexibility. The sole includes binding-receiving elements for attaching the boot to the binding on the snowboard. The sole also has toe and heel ends. The sole is formed with a heel counter at the heel end. Tread projects from the sole for traction when the boot is not attached to the snowboard. The strut extends upwardly from the heel counter of the base. The strut extends upwardly from the heel counter of the base. The strut provides aft support to the wearer. The upper is fixedly attached to the sole and is arranged and configured to receive the foot and ankle of the user. The upper has a rearward side adjacent the strut. The upper is more flexible than the strut and the highback. The binding disclosed includes a plate for attachment to the snowboard, a first coupling member to secure the forward end of the boot, and a second coupling member to secure the rearward end of the boot.

Abstract: A custom-made shoe of a sandal-type having a sole, an orthotic unit prescribed specially for the foot of the wearer adhered to the sole a vamp unit secured forwardly to the sole, and a counter secured to and projecting upwardly from the rear periphery of the sole.

Abstract: A boot having a flexible upper for snowboarding. The boot includes a flexible upper portion and a rigid reinforcing frame, wherein the rigid reinforcing frame includes a lower reinforcement portion surrounding the heel at least; a dorsal reinforcement portion surrounding the rear area of the lower part of the leg; both parts are connected via a narrow connecting portion that includes, on the lateral side, a stiffening arrangement that stiffens the connecting portion only during lateral tilting of the dorsal reinforcement portion on the lateral side of the boot. Because of the aforementioned construction, the boot retains its qualities of comfort and, at the same time, ensures the transmission of the essential forces by virtue of a frame that provides flexibility on the medial side of the boot and support on the lateral side of the boot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole, especially for a sport bdot, adapted to sports that require a foot movement or to gliding sports. The sole, especially an external sole, is constituted by a front part and a rear part. The rear part covers at least the base of the heel zone and is rigid and substantially non-flexible. Preferably, the rear part extends substantially up to the so-called metatarsophalangeal bending zone. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a sole, especially a sole such as described hereinabove. In addition, it relates to a boot having a sole such as described hereinabove.

Abstract: A detachable toe strap and ankle strap mounting arrangement for a simple shoe, the arrangement includes at least one pairs of locating members, each locating member having a plug hole and a serrated constraint tongue in the plug hole, at least one pair of mounting strips detachably connected to the locating members, each mounting strip having a transverse insertion slot at the top, and at least one downwardly extended, serrated plug strip at the bottom for plugging into the plug hole on one locating member for engagement with the corresponding serrated constraint tongue, and at least one strap fastened to the at least one pair of mounting strips for securing at least one part of the user's foot to the sole of the shoe, each strap having two ends respectively inserted through the insertion slots on one pair of mounting strips and fixedly secured thereto by stitches, and a pin kept in a hole thereon, the pin being used for insertion into the plug hole on one locating member to disengage the respective serrated

Abstract: A resilient sandal wedge usable with a sandal formed from a sole and a vamp such as retaining straps and the like and the sandal formed therewith, the wedge having a wedge-shaped body portion, a substantially flat bottom portion, a recess defining the junction of the body and bottom portions, and a plurality of recesses extending from the bottom portion lower surface through the bottom portion and partially through the body portion to provide a cushioning resiliency to the wedge when the sandal user applies pressure on the wedge while walking or running.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole having a bottom walking surface and a depressed top surface surrounded by an upstanding peripheral sidewall having a upper peripheral edge, an upper attached to the outsole, and a replaceable inner sole. The upstanding peripheral sidewall and depressed top surface of the outsole together define a cavity lying generally below the upper peripheral edge. The upper and outsole together define a volume disposed over the cavity and generally above the upper peripheral edge, the volume sized comfortably accommodate a wearer's foot. The replaceable inner sole has a body sized and shaped to fit snugly within the cavity portion, generally removed from encroachment of the volume, while supporting a wearer's foot within the volume.

Abstract: An improved soft style snowboard boot which is internally reinforced by a multi-piece boot support assembly that includes a rigid molded plastic shank portion, a semi-rigid molded heel cup portion, and a molded or die-cut plastic highback portion. The shank portion is designed to resist flex, and provide ergonomic support for the foot, and further includes molded-in features which permit positive mechanical fastening of conventional step-in binding attachment structure, to the outsole of the boot. A pair of length adjustable tensioning strap members are connected between the shank and highback portions and when tightened the straps induce a desired forward lean in the highback portion. The straps may be tightened independently of each other to provide a desired side bias, left or right, to the highback portion. In one embodiment, the straps are contained within the outer boot portion. In another embodiment, the straps are routed exteriorly of the outer boot portion for more convenient forward lean adjustment.

Abstract: A boot of the type that includes a low upper equipped with a rigid heel reinforcement and a rigid collar journalled on the reinforcement of the upper, in the area of the upper end thereof, the collar being equipped internally with a lining. The lining has an extension, extending downwardly within the upper up to the level of the base thereof. Advantageously, the extension is detachably connected to the upper and it is at least partially elastic.

Abstract: A skating/walking support which includes a base, a first roller assembly, a first securing mechanism and a second securing mechanism. The base includes a support surface, a ground contact surface, and a first pivot element. The first roller assembly is pivotally connected to the first pivot element and is moveable relative to the base between first and second positions to effect a skating state and a walking state of the support, respectively. The first securing mechanism releasably secures the first roller assembly in the first position and the second securing mechanism releasably secures the first roller assembly in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boot especially adapted to sports that require movement of the foot, or to gliding sports, including an upper provided with a rear stiffener surrounding the heel and an external sole. According to the invention, the stiffener is rigid and substantially non-flexible, and extends along at least one side of the boot, up to the so-called metatarsophalangeal bending zone. According to a second aspect of the invention, the stiffener is rigid and substantially non-flexible, and surrounds the heel and essentially the rear portion of the base of the foot, in the manner of a shell. This construction also allows for a better transmission of the forces, while maintaining a flexibility of the boot in the metatarsophalangeal zone, due to the reinforcement of the rear portion of the boot. These constructions permit a better control of the ski through the heel retention and, at the same time, a general gain of energy by eliminating the parasitic deformations of the sole and of the boot.

Abstract: A clog type shoe which includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole. The upper includes an opening through which a foot is placed. A drawstring tunnel is formed to encircle the opening and a drawstring is threaded through the drawstring tunnel. The drawstring can be tightened so that the opening of the upper is secured to a wearer's foot. Such footwear may also include a locking unit for locking a desired tension on the drawstring. A padded flap may also be attached to an underside of a forefoot portion of the opening and the upper may also include a lip portion formed at a heel of the sole.

Abstract: The multi-state support provides the use of pressurized fluid to cause expansion of an expandable volume positioned above a roller assembly which, in turn, places the support in either a rolling or non-rolling state. In a first embodiment, the roller assembly is fixed relative to a support surface. Expansion of the volume results in contact between a wall of the expandable volume and the rollers of the roller assembly. This contact prevents rotation of the rollers and defines the non-rolling state. In a second embodiment, the roller assembly is moveable relative to the support surface. Expansion of the volume results in the contact between a wall of the expandable volume and the roller support without interfering with the ability of the rollers to rotate relative to the roller support. Expansion of the volume causes the extension of the rollers of the roller assembly from within the sole. The extension of the rollers from the sole defines the rolling state.

Abstract: The sports footwear described comprises a first and a second footwear element (4, 5) such as an outer upper portion and an inner shoe, one of the elements having, on the corresponding surface facing the other element, at least one localized projection (22-27) which can be housed substantially with shape coupling in a recess (12-17) localized in a corresponding position in the other element so that the elements are connected to one another by the coupling of each projection in the corresponding recess.

Abstract: The pedicure sandal combination footwear is disclosed which provides a toe divider that is releasably secured to a sandal so as to maintain the toes in a predetermined position. The sandal includes a bridge strap that opens to allow the vertical placement of a foot onto the base member by use of the hook & pile attachment thereby allowing an individual to first position the toe divider onto the foot before placement of the foot onto the sandal. Once the foot is properly positioned the bridge straps may be wrapped around the foot so as to secure the foot in a fixed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear having simplified assembly, which comprises a sole, which is made of plastics and has edges that are at least locally raised, and an upper, which is also made of plastics and has tabs with an enlarged head that are suitable to enter holes provided in the edges of the upper and to anchor themselves so that they withstand transversely the traction applied by the upper.

Abstract: A boot for sporting activities, having on one side a plurality of aeration through holes forming engagement elements for an appendix of a tractive element (6) fixed to a lever (5) mounted on the other side of the vamp.

Abstract: A sole core formed in the shape of a strip is disposed longitudinally along a central portion of the sole and functions as an axis of rotation with torsional flexibility. More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, a sole for a snowboard boot includes a middle sole core member extending with the sole along a longitudinal center core line (T), wherein a left edge the middle sole core member is spaced apart from a left lateral edge of the sole, and wherein a right edge of the middle sole core member is spaced apart from a right lateral edge of the sole. If desired, the center core line (T) may be inclined relative to the longitudinal centerline of the boot. Separate or connected left and right sole core members may be formed on the left and right sides of the middle sole core member, respectively.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate including a soft, pliable, and comfortable shoe body having structural foot support components positioned in selected strategic areas such as the ball, heel and ankle areas. The shoe body may be made of a material that allows air circulation for coolness. In one embodiment, the structural components are made of semi-rigid plastic which may be heat moldable to conform to the user's foot. The sole of the shoe may also include heat moldable materials so that it can be anatomically formed to the user's foot. The shoe is mounted on a frame that supports a plurality of in-line roller wheels and includes structure for easily removing and replacing the wheels. The shoe-frame connection may be laterally and longitudinally adjustable. A speed control or brake, which applies a frictional force downwardly onto some or all of the in-line roller wheels, is mounted on the frame. Canting adjustment is provided to allow the ankle support to be canted laterally or longitudinally.

Abstract: A sole for a snowboard boot is made of a nylon reinforced fiberglass material. The snowboard boot includes an intermediate layer made of a resin material. between the sole and an upper portion of the shoe. The upper portion of the shoe is made of a leather-like material. A first adhesive adhers the upper to the intermediate layer. A second adhesive adheres the intermediate layer to the sole. The first and second adhesives have differing properties and advantages. For instance, the first adhesive 65 provides good adhesive properties between leather material and resin materials. The second adhesive 70 provides good adhesive properties between nylon reinforced fiberglass materials and resin based materials.

Abstract: A shoe cover (10) characterized by being removable and replaceable without requiring the use of the wearer's hands. The shoe cover (10) generally includes a sole (16) having a heel portion (18) and a toe portion (20), one or more members (30) for elastically pulling the toe portion (20) toward the heel portion (18), and a tab (32) projecting from the shoe cover (10) near the heel portion (18). As such, prior to donning, the shoe cover (10) is biased to have a slightly arcuate shape in the region of the sole (16) between the toe and heel portions (20, 18). When putting on the shoe cover (10), the intended wearer steps on the tab (32) near the heel portion (18) so as to immobilize the cover (10), and then inserts the toe of the other foot into the toe portion (20) of the shoe cover (10) to the extent that the shoe cover (10) is generally straightened, overcoming the tension generated by the elastic member (30).

Abstract: An adjustable shoe for an in-line skate is able to adjust its length to provide s snug fit with a user's foot and able to adjust its width to provide a snug fit with a user's ankle.

Abstract: An in-line skate construction includes a soft shoe element that replaces a conventional molded boot type having a foot enclosure. The shoe element is fixed in position using a pair of screws which penetrate the sole of the shoe element, a foot frame element and a chassis element to engage corresponding nuts, thereby enabling the shoe element to be manually attached to the chassis element and removed for washing, replacement, and separate wearing by the user. The heads of the screws are recessed in shaped washers positioned within the shoe element so as to avoid projections under the foot and heel of the wearer. The shoe element is of standard height and is independent of an ankle cuff, so that it may be open at the upper portion thereof for improved air circulation.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate boot obtained from an external sole and adapted to be affixed to the upper plate of a frame on which the wheels are arranged, and from which sole an upper covering the foot extends in the direction the skater's ankle, wherein the upper is composed of a first portion made of a relatively rigid material coming from the sole to form a shell base provided at its upper portion with a longitudinal opening extending from a raised zone that forms a rear stiffener up to the vicinity of an opposing end tip, and of a second portion constituting a vamp made of a relatively flexible attached material fixed on the circumference of the longitudinal opening of the shell base to cover a forefoot and contribute to obtain, together with the shell, the boot upper.

Abstract: A non-slip sandal for attaching over a shoe or boot to provide traction on slippery surfaces is described. The sandal has a soleplate, upstanding sidewalls circumscribing the periphery of the soleplate, and straps attached to the sidewalls for securing the sandal over the shoe or boot. The sandal may be equipped with replaceable studs protruding from the bottom surface of the sandal for resisting slippage on the surface underneath the sandal. The replaceable studs have threaded shafts that are received by threaded nuts, which are molded into the bottom surface of the soleplate. Alternatively, the sandal may be equipped with a replaceable layer of a synthetic foam material on the bottom of the soleplate.

Abstract: A footwear includes an upper portion connected to a sole and a highback connected to the upper portion. An adjusting mechanism is operably associated with the highback. The adjusting mechanism includes at least one flexible member connectively associated with the highback and a locking member operably associated with the flexible member. The adjusting mechanism is operable to lock the footwear in one or more substantially rigid positions and can be used to set a forward leaning position of the footwear.

Abstract: A back support for a snowboard boot includes a heel portion and an upper portion. The heel portion includes a left heel side portion, a right heel side portion, and a heel curved portion that curves as it connects the left heel side portion and the right heel side portion. The upper portion is coupled to the heel portion above the heel portion, and a rear portion of an upper end of the upper portion is formed as a flexible portion. The rear portion of the upper end of the upper portion may be rendered flexible by its shape and/or combination of materials.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate and shoe combination includes a shoe having a sole with at least one recess therein opening downward to the bottom face. The bottom face of the sole is generally flat and free of protrusions to permit walking when the wheel support frame is not engaged. A wheel support frame has at least two in-line wheels rotatably secured to a base of the frame. The recess forms a longitudinal track running from a region of the sole adjacent a toe end of the sole towards and opening out of a heel end of the sole and continuing, curving upwards along the back of the shoe. A wheel support frame assembly has wheels residing rotatably, each within a separate wheel housing, with each wheel housing being linked, preferably by a flexible wire. An upper portion of each wheel housing is shaped to conform to the track so as to be able to ride along said track while being supportingly retained therein.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shoe, particularly for skates, entails the positioning of a soft innerboot on an adapted last and the subsequent dry assembly of a rigid shell made of plastics to the innerboot. An overlap injection-molding or pouring of thermoplastic or thermosetting material is then performed on at least part of the edge of the shell so as to affect the innerboot and the frame, in order to achieve a skate that simultaneously provides comfort for the user's foot and optimum transmission of forces at the underlying supporting frame for the wheels that are associated below the shell.

Abstract: A boot is disclosed for use with a snowboard having binding means for attachment to the boot. The boot includes a base, a highback, and an upper. The base includes a binding receiving plate for attaching the boot to the binding means on the snowboard. The base also has toe and heel ends. The base is formed with a toecap at the toe end and as a heel counter at the heel end. Tread projects from the bottom of the base for traction when the boot is not attached to the snowboard. The highback extends upwardly from the heel counter of the base. The highback provides aft support to the user. The upper is fixedly attached to the base and is arranged and configured to receive the foot and ankle of the user. The upper has a rearward side adjacent the highback. The upper is more flexible than the base and the highback. A base strap is connected to opposing sides of the base and extends across a portion of the upper.

Abstract: A structure of massaging slipper, especially a structure of massaging slipper wherein a movable massaging ball is mounted for doing massage when it is worn on a foot, the massaging slipper is comprised of a slipper, an elastic gasket and a massaging ball, wherein the slipper is provided on its top surface with a round hole which receives therein by insertion a plunger on which the elastic gasket is placed, the massaging ball is placed on the elastic gasket and the plunger and is embedded in the round hole not to drop; the massaging ball is located exactly to be opposite to the middle of the sole of a foot, so that the foot of a person wearing the slipper can be massaged; the massaging ball can alternatively be taken to massage muscles of the body of the person, hence the slipper can have multiple functions, and thus is more practical.

Abstract: An item of footwear including: a sole having a foot resting part, a tread, and at least one through hole which forms an expanded seat at the tread; an upper; and engagement elements connected to the upper. The engagement elements each have an upper end which is connected to the upper and a lower free end arranged distally from the upper which is shaped so as to pass through and elastically deform a respective through hole to eventually grip in a respective expanded seat for connecting the engagement element to the sole without use of any other coupling device. The upper end of each engagement element is substantially flat and has one side which is substantially non-removably attached to a lateral side portion of the upper by any of stitching, gluing and welding techniques.

Abstract: A sandal having first and second strap tabs extending from a strap fixed to the sole of a sandal; the first strap tab is positioned between a big toe and an adjacent toe and the second strap tab is positioned between a little toe and an adjacent toe when a user's foot is inserted between the strap and the sole. The sandal embodying the invention fits well to the user's foot and can be worn while participating in sport activities such as running, walking over rough terrain with ease and comfort.

Abstract: Roller mounted shoe including at least one front roller (3a, 3b) and at least one rear roller (4a, 4b). The front (3a, 3b) and rear (4a, 4b) rollers are movable between a first ground-engaging position and a second raised position. The front (3a, 3b) and rear (4a, 4b) rollers are connected to one another by means of a flexible link (11) extending through the sole (2), so as to simultaneously displace the front (3a, 3b) and rear (4a, 4b) rollers using pull members connected to the flexible link (11).