Abstract: A fastening system to secure a gaiter to a shoe is provided. The fastening system includes a shoe having a pair of studs integrally formed at the rear end thereof and a gaiter having at least three apertures on the rear end thereof. A belt is also included with an aperture formed at a center portion and having one end secured to a fastener disposed at one side of the gaiter, the other end of the belt being inserted through an aperture of a buckle formed in an opposing side of the gaiter and releasably coupled to the fastener to hold the gaiter securely in place.

Abstract: A healing sandal includes a sole having a forward toe portion, a rearward heel portion, an upper surface, and a bottom surface for contacting the ground. An upper is attached at a bottom side thereof to the sole and extends upwardly therefrom. The upper has two side panels adjustably attached to one another and has an opening above the heel portion. A toe cover and tongue section can be removably attached to the upper. An insole insert is removably inserted within the sandal on the upper surface of the sole. The bottom surface of the sole includes a forward convexly curved surface and a rearward convexly curved surface which converge at an apex such that a rocking motion is achieved during walking for pressure reduction on the foot.

Abstract: A quick adjustable fastening system for adjusting the position of a gaiter with respect to a roller skate is provided. The system includes a roller skate having a pair of troughs at each respective side of a back portion thereof and a gaiter having a pair of bulge portions at respective sides through which a centrally disposed aperture is formed. Each trough includes at least two apertures between which is formed a slotted opening which is sized smaller than that of the two apertures. A rod member is provided having a plurality of longitudinal slots formed in a front section, an enlarged portion at one end, and a head at the opposing other end. The aperture of the trough has an inner diameter smaller than that of the enlarged portion of the rod member, but slightly larger than that of the front section. A rear section which is defined as being between the front section and the head has an outer diameter slightly smaller than that of the slot.

Abstract: A skate with aligned wheels including a shell which is monolithic with a support for the wheels. The shell is open upwardly and to the rear, and a quarter and a tongue can be slidingly and selectively associated therewith, respectively in a rear position and in an upward region. The quarter has, in a rearward region, a grip handle for the user. The skate also includes a brake which is associable, in a snap-together manner, at a frame which can be associated with the support. A skate with aligned wheels is thus obtained in which it is possible to vary the size number merely by varying the placement of the quarter with respect to the shell; the skate can furthermore be carried easily by the user.

Abstract: A shoe having a closure system is disclosed. The shoe has an upper and a sole attached to the upper. A first strap member is attached to the medial side of the shoe at two longitudinal locations. A second strap member is attached to the lateral side of the shoe at two longitudinal locations. A first adjusting member is slidably coupled to both the first and second strap members. The first adjusting member is slidable along the first and second strap members towards the front of the foot to tighten the upper about the forefoot of the foot. A second strap member is slidably coupled to both the first and second strap members. The second adjusting member is slidable along the first and second strap members toward the rear of the foot to tighten the upper about the ankle and heel of the foot.

Abstract: A strap system which includes a strap (such as an instep strap) and a buckle. The buckle is engageable with the strap such that the strap defines an adjustable strap loop. The buckle is configured so that the size of the strap loop may be adjusted so as to vary the snugness of the strap system to the foot.

Abstract: An ice-gripping sandal for securement to the sole of a boot or other primary footwear. The sandal comprises a sole and plural attachment straps for mounting the sandal on the boot. The sandal's sole has a bottom surface having plural ice-gripping teeth. The attachment straps are secured to the sole and comprise a short front strap and a long front strap and a pair of short rear straps. The long front strap is arranged to be extended through a loop in the short front strap and about the upper of the boot through loops in the rear straps so that its free end is connected to a buckle mounted on the short front strap at the toe of the boot, thereby forming "figure 8" strap pattern. A pair of cooperating VELCRO.RTM. fastening strips are secured onto the long strap to hold the long strap in the buckle.

Abstract: A pair of toe thrusting blades for attachment to goalkeeper ice skates which are attachable to the underside of the toe of the boot and extend sideways and forwards at the toe of the boot which are normally clear of the ice but which will engage the ice when the goalkeeper rolls his foot at an extreme angle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sole for an orthopaedic cast having an upper and a lower surface and first, second and third regions broadly corresponding respectively to the heel, arch of the foot and ball of the foot of a wearer, characterized in that the lower surface of the third region is provided with two crossed oblique recesses. Preferably the shape of the sole, and location of the first and second recesses are such that the sole is substantially congruent with its mirror image. The sole is attached to an orthopaedic cast by a source of, inter alia, a strap which passes through one oblique recess, and which is fastened over the top of the cast. In this way, the strap extends from a posterior region of the ball of the wearer's foot on the side corresponding to the small toe to an anterior region thereof on the side corresponding to the big toe.

Abstract: A shoe to be worn on a foot cast for providing a more normal gait as the wearer of the cast walks, the shoe has a molded sole formed of a foam material, a shoe upper connected to the molded sole and adapted to extend around the foot cast, and straps connected to the shoe upper for securing the shoe upper and the molded sole on the foot cast. The molded sole is formed of integrally molded foam material wherein an upper portion thereof defines an innersole and a lower portion thereof defines an outersole. The innersole has a concave recess extending throughout major portions thereof and with the depth thereof being such as to receive lower portions of the foot cast and to permit the wearer thereof to have a gait corresponding substantially to that of a normal shoe. The outersole has a roughened outer surface for providing increased frictional resistance with the surface upon which the outersole contacts.

Abstract: A sandal includes a pair of heel posts on a sole, a heel strap between the heel posts, a toe post on the sole, an adjustable toe strap, and an adjustable cinch strap attached to the toe post. The cinch strap has a longitudinal portion which extends longitudinally through a heel cinch on one of the heel posts, and a transverse instep portion which thereupon extends transversely through a heel cinch on another heel post. The adjustable toe and cinch straps ensures a secure, custom fit.

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: An improved boot for snowboarding. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a generally resilient upper boot portion mounted to a generally rigid lower boot portion. The lower boot portion extends substantially upwardly from the sole, over the foot, and ends proximate to the tarsal bone of the lower ankle. A calf support member is mounted at the heel of the boot and relatively perpendicular thereto. A lip extends from the toe and heel of the boot lower portion. Upon cooperation of the lip with plate bindings on a snowboard, the boot is releasably secured thereto.

Abstract: This invention concerns a sandal consisting of components assembled without the use of special tooling or skilled labor. The sandal according to the invention consists of a moulded plastic sole on which a moulded midsole is attached and press fitted, said midsole having cuts and projections which couple respectively with the corresponding cuts and projections on the underlying sole.

Abstract: A skating shoe comprises a shell defining an interior space for receiving a foot and including a sole, a shaft connected to the shell and projecting therefrom for receiving a portion of a leg extending from the foot, a heat-insulating layer extending along the sole and facing the interior space, and tensioning elements affixed to the shell and the shaft for tightening the shell and the shaft about a foot and leg portion received in the interior space and the shell. A bearing device for skating rollers or an ice skating blade supports the skating shoe on a support surface and extends in a longitudinal direction along an underside of the sole and being affixed thereto, and a bearing housing for the skating rollers or ice skating blade extends towards the support surface and is form-fittingly connected to the bearing device.

Abstract: The skate with aligned wheels includes a shell and a quarter. The quarter is provided with a plurality of holes adapted to engage with a plurality of lugs of the shell for adjusting the position of the quarter on the shell.

Abstract: A foot and shoe protector. The protector includes an enclosed toe portion shaped to substantially conform to and incase the toe area of a foot and a generally rectangular heelless sole portion attached along one edge to the enclosed toe portion. The heelless sole portion extends beyond the edges of the toe portion to form a pair of flaps for preventing contact between the upper edges of the shoe and the foot.

Abstract: A ventilated in-line skate having a boot with a frame that supports a plurality of wheels having the axles in a longitudinal array. Ventilating means for the boot are formed by a rotor having a plurality of vanes that are coaxially mounted and secured for rotation with one wheel. A housing having an opening defining an air scoop encloses the rotor and is connected to one end of an air conduit that may be secured to the frame with its other end in fluid communication with the interior of the boot through a series of openings in the bottom side of the boot. Exit holes or apertures are formed at the rear of the boot to promote escape of air.

Abstract: A shoe with skate wheels which can be alternatively used as a walking shoe or a skating shoe. The shoe is constructed so that the skate wheels are quickly, easily, and securely locked into either a retracted walking position or an extended roller skating position.

Abstract: An in-line skate is shown, including a rigid plastic chassis having a main portion and integral wing portions extending upwardly therefrom on either side adjacent the heel end of the chassis, with an integral heel portion between the wing portions. The main portion, heel portion and wing portions together define a heel box area. A plastic boot is secured to the chassis inside the wing portions and against the heel portion, and extends forwardly along the chassis. A plastic cuff wraps around either side and the rear above the boot, and is pivotally connected to each wing portion. A soft flexible padded sock-like liner is positionable inside the boot and the cuff.

Abstract: An article of footwear (10) has a sole (12) with a lower surface (14) and a recess (16) in the lower surface (14). A turntable (20) is mounted in the recess (16) for rotational movement relative to the sole (12) but joined thereto by projections (40) located in recesses (30) in the sole (12).

Abstract: A slipper having a clog appearance is constructed with a soft fabric upper and a flexible upper and a flexible molded outsole. The construction technique hides fabric seams.

Abstract: A roller shoe includes a shoe upper having a first sole mounting a second sole, with the second sole including a plurality of spaced parallel roller cylinders mounted to the second sole projecting therefrom to provide for a rolling surface relative to an underlying surface, with forward and rear ends of the second sole having brake resilient lugs projecting therefrom.

Abstract: An in-line skate includes a boot lower and a frame intricately formed through monocoque construction. The boot lower and frame are formed from a material having a predetermined stiffness. A boot upper is secured to the boot lower. The boot upper includes a material selected to have a stiffness less than the stiffness of said boot lower.

Abstract: A shower sandal having an interior lined with a multiplicity of flexible protrusions and having suction cups on the underside to secure the sandal to the shower, the sandal being sufficiently large that the foot of the user can be moved about within the sandal against the flexible protrusions to clean and massage the various areas of the foot.

Abstract: Aerodynamic enhancements and modules for cycling and other speed sports such as skating and skiing include in one embodiment a wind drag reducer including two tapered arm/leg wedges. For cycling the the tapered wedges which are held in position by a stretch fabric sleeve, are worn on the upper arm area. For speedskating the tapered wedges are placed around the calf and a slightly modified wedge is attached to the heel of the speed skating boot. Another type of wind drag reducer includes a contoured rear spoiler board which is strapped to the back of a cyclist. An aerodynamic module to improve laminar air flow according to another embodiment includes a pod with a forwardly protruding nose-cone shaped front surface. The pod is held in position around the cyclist by a stretch fabric sleeve and strap arrangement.

Abstract: Shoe members having spaced parallel support flanges, wherein the flanges include a row of rotatably mounted wheels therebelow which are fashioned as a roller blade structure, having a pneumatic chamber within the side wall of the shoe structure of the roller blades employing a pneumatic pump bladder mounted relative to the tongue structure of the shoe to permit selective filling of the pneumatic side wall chamber.

Abstract: An ice-gripping sandal for securement to the sole of a boot or other primary footwear. The sandal comprises a sole and plural attachment straps for mounting the sandal on the boot. The sandal's sole has a bottom surface having plural ice-gripping teeth. The attachment straps are secured to the sole and comprise a short front strap and a long front strap and a pair of short rear straps. The long front strap is arranged to be extended through a loop in the short front strap and about the upper of the boot through loops in the rear straps so that its free end is connected to a buckle mounted on the short front strap at the toe of the boot, thereby forming "figure 8" strap pattern. A pair of cooperating VELCRO.RTM. fastening strips are secured onto the long strap to hold the long strap in the buckle.

Abstract: An interchangeably assembled shoe includes: a sole mounted on a foot sporting article such as a roller skate, a rear shield detachably secured to an ankle portion of the sole by plural ventilation couplings each ventilation coupling serving for coupling and ventilation uses, a toe box member detachably secured to a toe portion of the sole and replaceable for different decorative features on the toe box member, plural instep members selected from a full tongue member, a shoelace member and a fastener member for selectively securing anyone desired instep member on a middle section of the shoe by plural ventilation couplings, a plurality of ventilation couplings further secured on the toe box member or on the toe portion of the shoe fluidically communicating with a shoe interior for a well ventilation in the shoe for comforting a wearer's foot, a lining inserted in the shoe, and a plurality of buckle devices fastened on the shoe for firmly fastening the instep member with the rear shield and fastening the instep

Abstract: An in-line skate includes a boot having an upper secured to a sole. The boot has a molded toe box secured to the sole. Walls of the toe box define a cavity sized to receive the toes of a skater's foot. The boot further includes a sewn portion stitched to the edges of the toe box.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a vamp, an inner sole, an outer sole, a heel, and an auxiliary heel combined together. The inner sole has opposing slots and locating holes from combining with the vamp by means of screws and combination of slots and projecting-down sides. The outer sole is adhered with a front and an intermediate portion of the inner sole and also combined together with screws. The heel has three vertical holes for screws to combine the heel with the inner sole, and the auxiliary heel being adhered to the bottom of the heel, all the components being tightly and stably combined with little responsibility of loosening from one another.

Abstract: A skating vehicle has a frame with a blade or rollers mounted thereon and a boot for mounting a detachable shoe in a locked position thereon. The boot includes a rigid wall which encircles the sole of the shoe cradled within, and a rearward projection in the toe portion which enters a slot in the shoe sole when the shoe is inserted and moved forward, locking the shoe in the boot. A rear semirigid cuff is lined with a padding whose lower edge is proximate with and communicates with the upper edge of the shoe during skating. The cuff is closed with an adjustable latch which comprises the single device required to mount and dismount the shoe. The multi-use shoe includes a semirigid outer heel attached to the sole extremity and a semirigid outer tongue overlying the shoe upper.

Abstract: The instant invention concerns a molded insole for slippers or mules, with clusters of bristles for the massage of the sole of the foot. In more detail, each group of bristles juts out from the bottom of a containing recess on the insole, in such a way that only the end part of each bristle juts upwards with respect to the the surface defined by the flat areas connecting the series of recesses.

Abstract: A length adjustable scuff formed of a fabric sole of sufficient length for at least a portion of its after-section to be folded back on top of the remaining portion of the after-section to provide a support for the wearer's heel and/or arch. The folded-over portion of the after-section may be adjustably retained in its disposition relative to the front section of the sole, either by a velcro type material or by an element securable in the vicinity of the toe of the scuff.

Abstract: A shoe heel having rollers (20) arranged on multiple axles (18) each aligned with its longitudinal axis pointed toward the center of the shoe (16) sole. The rollers are mounted in a durable housing (14) open along its bottom with the rollers projecting out from the housing. The axles are secured along the bottom of a higher rear plate (10) and a shorter front plate (12) to maintain even contact of the rollers against a walking surface.

Abstract: A mold for making a sandal having an injected molded sole comprises a last for receiving an upper, a ring, and a sole plate. The last, ring and sole plate form a sealed cavity where the sole is formed in response to plastic material being injected into the sealed cavity. The injected plastic material has tendencies to (1) adhere to portions of the upper on a portion of the last forming a wall of the sealed cavity and (2) remain in the cavity as the last is removed from the cavity. The portion of the last forming the sealed cavity wall includes an ear extending into the cavity for overcoming the tendency of the injected plastic material to remain in the cavity. The ear frictionally engages an interior surface of the sole to pull the sole from the cavity as the last is being removed from the cavity.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a foamed laminate, which has a plurality of colors, alternating ridges and ridge-confined grooves, includes the steps of (a) superimposing an upper foamed plate having colored stripes, on a lower foamed plate having a single color; (b) pressing the upper and lower foamed plates using an upper and a lower press die to form a laminate, each of the press dies having ridges and ridge-confined grooves; (c) cutting off portions of the upper foamed plate formed at the ridges thereof in order to expose the lower foamed plate; and (d) cutting projections at the lower foamed plate so as to make the lower foamed plate flat.

Abstract: The invention is a removable wheel cover for an in-line-type skate. The cover includes a front boot designed to inwardly receive the skate's front wheel. The cover also includes a rear boot designed to inwardly receive the skate's rear wheel. A pair of flexible, resilient straps connect together the two boots of the cover. When not in use, the cover can be folded into a small volume and easily stored within a user's pocket.

Abstract: An ankle and foot protective device is provided for attachment to a skate. The device has at least one support layer adapted for releasable attachment to the outside of a skate and at least one protective pad adapted for attachment to the at least one support layer.

Abstract: A novel sport sandal construction capable of immediate tightening or loosening adjustment of all strap portions relative to the foot, with one quick adjustment. A control strap is anchored to a ring on one side of the sole at the ankle region, extends forwardly with a slip fit through a centrally located ring on the forefoot strap at the metatarsal region, then rearwardly to an anchor strap ring on a second anchor strap at the outside of the sole, and then through this ring with a slip fit to double back forwardly and overlap the rearwardly extending portion, where it is adjustably fastened with hook and loop fastener strips. A heel strap also extends between the two anchor strap rings. A simple length adjustment of this control strap simultaneously adjusts not only the length and position of both strap portions on both sides of the foot, but also adjusts the distance between the heel strap and the center of the forefoot strap.

Abstract: A sandal has separately adjustable toe and ankle strap assemblies. The toe strap assembly has a toe strap which is permanently secured at one end thereof to one side of the insole of the sandal. An anchor member is secured to the under surface of the insole at the side thereof opposite to that at which the strap is secured. This anchor member has an upright portion with a lateral slot formed therein, this upright portion being fitted in a slot in the insole and recessed below the upper surface of the insole. The toe strap is wrapped over the wearer's foot and slidably fitted through the slot in the anchor member and then folded over on itself, a hook-loop fastener installed on opposing strap portions being employed to firmly hold the strap in position. The heel strap assembly has a pair of straps, one of which wraps around the wearer's foot directly behind the instep, the other of which wraps around the wearer's heel. Both of these straps are permanently attached at one end thereof to one side of the insole.

Abstract: A sandal particularly well suited for surfing has an instep pad adapted to extend across the instep at the top of the foot and a traction surface adapted to extend across the bottom of the foot between the heel and the ball of the foot. An ankle strap holds the pad and sole rearward while a toe strap holds the pad and sole forward. A cross strap over the foot near the leg prevents the ankle strap from falling down around the heel. A traction surface is applied to the sole and a second traction surface is applied to the toe strap below the base of the toe. The sandal is constructed of neoprene for warmth and flexibility and the traction pads are preferably formed from a rubber. Loop and pile fasteners allow the straps to be adjusted.

Abstract: A sparking rollerskate includes a clam shell like shoe portion and a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly supports a plurality of rolling wheels together with an internal flint supporting mechanism. One of the skate wheels further includes an abrasive drum which receives the end portion of the flint to provide a spark producing action as the wheel is rotated. The wheel assembly and clam shell like shoe portion are configured to provide a captivating attachment of the wheel assembly to the shoe portion when the clam shell halves thereof are closed. The shoe portions define internal cavities which captivate the wearer's foot during the assembly process to facilitate attachment of the roller skate thereto.

Abstract: The apparatus is arranged to provide for a lotion container contained within an upper and lower shoe sole portion, wherein the sole portion includes supporting bands for mounting the container to an individual's foot. Confronting and mirror image cavities within the upper and lower sole portions receive a fluid bladder therewithin. A modification of the invention includes the upper and lower sole portion separable relative to one another to permit selective replacement of the fluid bladder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved in-line roller skate that cools and drys a skater's foot, provides increased performance, and increased comfort. The skate of the present invention includes a boot having a plurality of venting apertures selectively located therein so as to achieve an interchange of air between the inside of the boot and the external environment thereby providing a cooling and drying circulation of air with in the boot of the in-line roller skate. A skate according to the present invention further includes a cuff pivoting on a pair of guide rails attached to the boot.

Abstract: A sanitary slipper type shoe comprising a sole and an upper. The sole having a top layer, a bottom layer, and a medial layer sandwiched between the two. The top layer has a corrugated, wave like upper surface, and the bottom layer has a rough lower surface. The medial layer is filled with dry plant materials obtained from agricultural waste and held together by an adhesive, thoroughly mixed with the plant material. A paper partition is centrally disposed within the medial layer and adheres to the filler on either side thereof. The paper sheet from which the bottom layer is composed extends outwards and wraps over the outer periphery of the medial layer to meet a lateral extension of the top layer, also made of paper sheet, which is wound over the sheet from the bottom layer in a tight an intimate to form a continuous seam around the top periphery of the sole. The paper upper is glued on its two ends to the respective left and right sides of the sole, near the toe area to complete the shoe.

Abstract: An air pump assembly is disclosed which comprises an outer shell and an inner shell nested within the outer shell; the shells defining between them a housing into which is secured an air pump. The latter includes an air chamber having a solid base and a resilient pumping membrane; the pump further including valving unit in air communication with the air chamber, the unit being provided with an air deflation rod. The housing has an aperture capable of giving access to the flexible membrane to operate the pump. This housing is sized so that the air pump is held completely in it to protect it against outer shocks; the membrane being accessible from outside the outer shell through the aperture. The same outer shell is formed with an outwardly open recess into which the deflation rod is received; this recess being sized for the rod to be held wholly in it and be protected against outer shocks.

Abstract: Low density polyurethane foams having improved resistance to degradation of properties of compression set and flexibility when exposed to elevated temperatures and pressures are made by reacting a polyisocyanate of about 2.3 to 2.7 functionality at an isocyanate index of about 1.0 with a blend of polyols, catalysts, blowing agents and the like in which the polyols are a mixture of a polyether polyol having a molecular weight of at least 5,000 and a polymer polyol, and the catalysts are a mixture of a major portion of an amine catalyst and a minor portion of a metal catalyst. The foams made by this invention are particularly well suited for use as components of sport shoes that are asembled by vulcanization.

Abstract: A light weight material boot specifically designed to fit a light weight fiberglass cast about the ankle and foot of a patient, has an outer sole constructed with a double rocker bottom including a first pivot point located approximately 30% over the length of the boot measured from the heel to the toe defined by an upwardly and rearwardly oblique, flat bottom surface portion and a central flat bottom surface portion on the bottom of the sole roughly below the front of the ankle and a second pivot point located approximately 70% over the length of the boot measuring from heel to toe where the metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the foot is located defined by an upwardly oblique, flat bottom surface portion from the metatarsal phalangeal joint towards the toe of the boot thereby ensuring that there is a lack of stress on the case or the lower leg and foot of the patient wearing the boot during the gait cycle.

Abstract: The ankle section of an ice skate, especially an ice hockey skate, should press as little as possible on the ankle of the foot inserted therein, even with tight lacing of the ice skate. For this purpose, the ankle section of the ice skate leg is provided with a recess, and this recess is filled with a pad. The ice skate leg is provided, in the ankle section, with a pivotable leg flap, by means of which the recess and the pad lying therein is coverable from outside. The leg flap is provided with a second lacing region, which cooperates with the other leg lacing. Upon movements of the foot relative to the leg, the pad does not shift relative to the ankle, thus does not rub on the ankle, and accommodate these movements by flexible deformation.