Abstract: Described are shoes, particularly a sports shoe, having an upper and at least one of an outer sole and a midsole connected to the upper. As examples, the outer sole is knitted in a unitary fashion with the upper. As further examples, an insert is positioned within the one-piece knitwear, wherein the insert comprises a profile that increases traction of the outer sole.

Abstract: An orthosis comprises a first portion which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of first fibres, and a second portion which is disposed around at least a section of a peripheral edge of the orthosis which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of second fibres. The first portion has a higher tensile strength and is harder than the second portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a sliding exercise apparatus. In various embodiments, the sliding exercise apparatus includes a sliding unit with a platform, a sliding surface, a motion sensor, and a transmitter. The sliding unit moves in response to pressure applied against the platform, as the sliding surface is adapted to slide along a ground surface in one or more directions. The motion sensor generates activity data based on one or more characteristics of the movement, such as speed, direction, etc. The transmitter sends the activity data to a computing device, which is adapted for processing, storing, and sharing information based on the activity data.

Abstract: An extraction platform helps disengage a load from a pliant surface by pumping a portion of the pliant surface out from beneath the platform. By forcibly removing portions of the pliant surface, i.e., debris, mud, snow, from beneath the platform housing, any seals, vacuums, tensile forces, or adhesive constituents are broken or disturbed sufficiently, such that the platform housing and the load disengage from the pliant surface. The platform also provides a large surface area for spreading out the weight of the load. The platform includes a mounting surface that joins with the load. A traction surface engages the pliant surface. A pump portion pumps portions of the pliant surface into an intake aperture, and out through a discharge aperture. A drive portion having sprockets and a cable drives the pump portion through momentum forces created by the platform housing, such as articulations of a walking gait.

Abstract: Sports boot comprising: an inner boot (3); an exogenous shell (1), the dimensions of which allow said inner boot (3) to be inserted into or extracted from it, said exogenous shell strengthening said inner boot and allowing it to be attached to a piece of sports equipment; wherein said exogenous shell comprises a sole (10), a forward part of an upper (11) able to pivot with respect to said sole (10) about a first articulation (110), and a rear part of an upper (12) which is able to pivot with respect to said sole (10) about a second articulation (120).

Abstract: A skate assembly includes a shell structure and a removable tendon guard. The shell structure includes a heel portion, a lateral ankle portion, and a medial ankle portion. The heel portion is formed to cover a human heel. The lateral ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The medial ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion are spaced apart to form a notch extending toward the heel portion. The removable tendon guard is removably attached between the lateral ankle portion and medial ankle portion to cover the notch.

Abstract: A toe tap for a tap shoe is characterized by a blunt forward edge which defines a platform for a dance to utilize during dance steps, particularly when the dancer elevates to an elongated pointe position with supported by the tips of the toes. The tap includes a base which has a rear edge extending toward the ball area of the dance shoe and side edges which extend between the front and rear edges. The tap further includes constant perimeter around the side and front portions and a lip extending upwardly from the base at the constant perimeter to enable the dance to execute shuffle and other dance movements with the medial and lateral portions of the foot. A projection further extends from the lip at the front edge. The projection has a flat surface co-planar with the blunt front edge of the base to define a larger platform for supporting the toe tips of the dancer's foot.

Abstract: A boot adapted for the practice of a sporting activity using a gliding or rolling apparatus, in which the heel of the boot is free during movement of the foot, the front end of the boot being provided with an element for fastening to the apparatus. The boot includes a base and an adaptation structure having a first portion to be fixed in a front zone of the base, and a second portion to be fixed in a rear zone of the base, each of which can be removably fixed.

Abstract: An article of footwear with customizable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with stiffness elements that are inserted within retaining enclosures disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. Depending on the level of stiffness of the stiffener element, or lack thereof, different flex profiles having varying degrees of stiffness are available to the wearer to customize the stiffness of the snowboard boot when secured within a binding. A kit of parts is also disclosed that includes a pair of boots and two sets of interchangeable stiffener inserts to allow a wearer to customize the stiffness of the boots as desired.

Abstract: A skate boot includes a tongue configured to reduce or relieve pressure on the superficial tendons of the anterior region of a skater's foot. The tongue has an outer portion, an inner portion, and one or more channels, grooves, or openings formed in the inner portion or outer portion. The one or more channels, grooves, or openings are positioned to overlie one or more of the superficial tendons in the anterior region of a skater's foot.

Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.

Abstract: A footwear (e.g., bike shoe, snow ski boot, snowboard boot, wakeboard boot, water ski boot, work boot) is described herein that incorporates correlated magnets which enable a person who has their foot placed within the footwear to attach or remove the footwear to or from a corresponding device (e.g., bike pedal, snow ski, snowboard, wakeboard, water ski, or work platform) which also incorporates correlated magnets.

Abstract: A modular snow travel system for common footwear includes a first traction component which may be an overboot. The first traction component includes at least one traction cleat having latch, such as an exposed hook portion, for engagement with a snowdeck. The engagement is effected by a releasable locking mechanism on the snowdeck. The releasable locking mechanism includes a transversely movable slider and a longitudinally movable slider having contacting cam faces. The lateral position of the transverse slider determines the longitudinal position of the longitudinal slider so that the longitudinal slider could be moved longitudinally to and from a position where a catch on the longitudinal slider is engaged in the hook portion or is disengaged from the latch of the traction cleat.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for a configurable snowshoe and ski device. The device includes a base member having a bottom for traversing over snow and ice covered terrain, a positionable axle rotatably coupling a mounting plate with the base member, and the axle positionable to enable one of a plurality of positions including a first position in which the mounting plate pivots above the plane of the base member and a second position in which the mounting plate pivots through the plane of the base member. The device may also include a plurality of wings coupled to the base member, the wings convertible between a skiing configuration in which the wings from a surface for gliding over snow and a snowshoe configuration in which the wings extend to increase the surface area of the base member.

Abstract: A footwear (e.g., bike shoe, snow ski boot, snowboard boot, wakeboard boot, water ski boot, work boot) is described herein that incorporates correlated magnets which enable a person who has their foot placed within the footwear to attach or remove the footwear to or from a corresponding device (e.g., bike pedal, snow ski, snowboard, wakeboard, water ski, or work platform) which also incorporates correlated magnets.

Abstract: A boot including a sole and an upper, the boot extending length-wise from a heel to a front end, and height-wise from the sole to an upper end, the boot having an opening for foot insertion, and including a lateral portion, a medial portion, as well as a tightening device, the tightening device including a first linkage, a second linkage, as well as connections of the linkages to the upper. The first linkage runs from one portion to the other, in the area of the instep. The second linkage passes through an initial sliding connection located on one of the portions, then through a first intermediate sliding connection located on the other portion, then extends along the upper by going around the heel, between the sole and the upper end, so as to arrive at a fixed end connection located on that of the portions which carries the initial connection.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a boot that can be fastened with great ease. The boot is configured so that belt insertion parts (A, B, C, D) are provided to the upper-side left and right sections and the lower-side left and right sections, respectively, of the boot main body (1) that are disposed along the front-side opening section (4), and the belt insertion parts (A, B, C, D) are positioned on the front side of the tongue member (5).

Abstract: The invention is a boot (1; 100) comprising a shaped shell (2; 101) including a rear portion (3; 102) that surrounds the heel (T) of the user's foot (P) and a front portion (4; 103) that develops mainly along a longitudinal axis (X) and surrounds the distal region (D) and the top (S) of the foot (P) and is 5 telescopically associated with the rear portion (3; 102) to which it is connected through fixing means (5). One of the front (4; 103) and rear portions (3; 102) is provided with a plurality of first through holes (6; 104) defining longitudinal axes (Z1; Z?1) that are parallel to each other and separated by a predefined distance (L1; L?1) and are selectively arranged coaxially to second through 10 holes (7; 105) made in the other one of the rear (3; 102) and front portions (4; 103), where they house the fixing means (5), in such a way as to vary the length of the shaped shell (2; 101) by discrete values.

Abstract: A snowdeck includes a latching mechanism for detachable mounting to a traction component such as a boot. The latching mechanism includes a base member which is mounted to the snowdeck and which has a recess for accommodating a longitudinal slider which is movable longitudinally to and from a first position and a second position. The slider has a longitudinal wall and a lateral wall which, in combination with a wall of the recess defines a space. The space is filled with a filler member, preferably made of a compressible and resilient material and preferably which is in the form of a removable insert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a size-adjusting fastening mechanism for stakes comprising fixed locking grooves and a movable locking convex block, whereby when one of the grooves engages with the convex block, tooth position is loosened and toecap is telescopic upon pulling. When the groove and the convex block are rotated to deflect so as not to engage with each other, tooth position is pressed to lock so as to be irremovable. Such a structure requires that the pull handle be pulled horizontally forwards and backwards. Being secured with rivet punching, the claimed device possesses good stability, is simple in structure, low in cost and easy for operation.

Abstract: Sport shoe to be used for sports involving a sliding movement, comprising a rigid shell inside which the foot is inserted; two pressure pieces, i.e. a heel piece and a toe piece, situated on the bottom of the shell and able to fix it to the bindings of sports equipment for performing a sliding movement. At least one pressure piece is movably connected to the shell so as to be able to move towards the shell in response to an external force causing them to move together.

Abstract: A releasable attachment is provided for parachutists' footwear to lessen the impact upon landing and to prevent injuries to the ankles, legs, knees and other body areas. The attachment consists of a fluid filled cavity and a blowout plug. The attachment is formed from a somewhat flexible polymeric material in which the cavity will collapse upon impact. The fluid contained therein will dispel and the blowout plug will release therefrom to dissipate the impact energy. The reservoir is affixed with straps to the footwear. The attachment can be quickly placed on the soles of the footwear before exiting the aircraft and easily removed after the parachutist lands. The cavities can be refilled and the blowout plugs replaced when the parachute is repacked.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear to be used on a granular surface includes a sole of compressible material having an upper surface and a lower surface. A peripheral lip projects downwardly and outwardly from the lower surface of the sole. A plurality of fins projects downwardly from the lower surface of the sole.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for a configurable snowshoe and ski device. The device may include a base member having a bottom for traversing over snow, and a plurality of wings rotatably coupled to the member, the wings convertible between a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow and a snowshoe configuration in which the wings extend outward laterally. Also, the device may include a traction device connected to the base member and configured for gripping snow or ice when the plurality of wings is in the snowshoe configuration. The method may include rotatating a plurality of wings coupled to a base member outward laterally to form a snowshoe configuration, and rotating the plurality of wings inward to form a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for a configurable snowshoe and ski device. The device may include a base member having a bottom for traversing over snow, and a plurality of wings rotatably coupled to the member, the wings convertible between a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow and a snowshoe configuration in which the wings extend outward laterally. Also, the device may include a first locking device configured to maintain the plurality of wings in the snowshoe configuration, and a second locking device configured to maintain the plurality of wings in the skiing configuration. The method may include rotatating a plurality of wings coupled to a base member outward laterally to form a snowshoe configuration, and rotating the plurality of wings inward to form a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear to be used on a sand surface includes a sole of compressible material having an upper surface and a lower surface. A peripheral lip projects downwardly and outwardly from the lower surface of the sole. A plurality of fins projects downwardly from the lower surface of the sole.

Abstract: An article of cleated footwear comprises an upper for holding a foot of a wearer to a sole having an outsole plate. The outsole plate includes a predetermined first metatarsal region that generally overlies the respective skeletal structure of a human foot. Several ground engaging members extend downwardly from the outsole plate to provide traction on a ground surface. The outsole plate includes a downwardly extending metatarsal head cradle located on a lateral side and a medial side of the first metatarsal region to reduce stud pressure and provide traction control. The outsole plate may include a distal phalanx region and a predetermined proximal phalanx region. A first ground engaging member is located in the distal phalanx region and a second ground engaging member is located in the proximal phalanx region for toe off movements.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having an improved cleat arrangement is provided. An angled or v-cleat is provided near the first metatarsal region to provide improved traction for a wide variety of sports. In some embodiments, cleats forming an obtuse angle opened towards the medial side of the shoe are also provided for improved forward and lateral traction.

Abstract: A desert boot or shoe outsole for walking on sand having longitudinal ridges defining gaps between them, a continuous outer edge around the sole capable of containing sand while walking, and a sharp forward heel edge. Each ridge and gap has a cross sectional area, and each cross sectional area increases from a minimum at the outer edge to a maximum at the center of the outsole.

Abstract: An apparatus for walking on mud includes a shoe body made of a rigid material that floats in water, the shoe body including a generally horizontal top surface having a substantially greater area than an area of a sole of a foot of a user, the shoe body including a bottom portion having a bottom surface with a generally convex contour; a fastener attached to the top surface for attaching the apparatus to a foot of a user; and pegs attached to the bottom surface, the pegs extending downwardly away from the bottom surface.

Abstract: My invention is unification of shoe and swimming enforcing elements comprising water shoe to assure unconstrained and protected walking and promotion for swimming due to generating of additional tractive force in consequence of foot swimming motions. A flexible slip protected spatial internally partitioned sole, with upper reticulated surface and perforated side wall with outlet holes jointly provide free drainage of water and sand from a shoe upper body. For its turn upper body is also reticulated, of flexible hard enough material fixed on the spatial lower sole. Few ranges of swimming elements, angle shaped fins, are immovably fixed on both lateral sides of the shoe upper body in such away that are paralleled to each other and upper body's top surface.

Abstract: A minefield shoe for reducing the danger of accidental detonation of a land mine by a wearer of the shoe, the shoe including: (a) a cushion including a plurality of inflatable compartments, the cushion having, when inflated, at least one flexible, substantially flat, ground-contacting surface extending across the compartments; (b) passages, disposed within the cushion, for providing fluid communication between the compartments, and (c) means for attaching the shoe to a boot of the wearer, wherein each of the compartments is in fluid communication with at least one other compartment, via the passages, so as to prevent any significant increase in internal pressure of any one of the compartments resulting from a decrease in internal volume of another compartment, thereby to allow deformation of the ground-contacting surface to form a matching counterpart of terrain engaged by the shoe, while maintaining a substantially even distribution of the load on the shoe along all of the ground-contacting surface.

Abstract: A sport boot sole of the type having on its lower surface two connecting members, offset one with respect to the other in the longitudinal direction of the boot, and arranged substantially transversely, wherein the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion, and the second connecting member is arranged behind the first connecting member, and substantially in front of the metatarsophalangeal articulation zone (&Dgr;). Advantageously, the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion of the toes or right in front of this end portion.

Abstract: A sports boot, particularly for gliding sports, of the type including a rigid sole, an external upper, and a removal liner, the external upper including a first portion made of a rigid and substantially non-flexible material including at least one heel stiffener; a second portion, attached to the first portion and/or to the sole, made of a substantially rigid and flexible material; a third portion attached to the second portion and made of a flexible material. The second portion includes a collar adapted to at least partially surround the user's ankle, and a vamp. The third portion includes a saddle attached to the vamp, and on which a device for tightening the forefoot is arranged. The third portion can also include two flaps attached to the collar, and on which a tightening device is arranged.

Abstract: A sport boot sole of the type having on its lower surface two connecting members, offset one with respect to the other in the longitudinal direction of the boot, and arranged substantially transversely, wherein the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion, and the second connecting member is arranged behind the first connecting member, and substantially in front of the metatarsophalangeal articulation zone (&Dgr;). Advantageously, the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion of the toes or right in front of this end portion.

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

Abstract: The novel snowshoe (400) includes at least one tail extender (404) to provide variable flotation characteristics and traction bars (412) that provide improved side slip protection such as when traversing steep terrain. The snowshoe (400) is thereby especially advantageous for use in back country mountaineering. A three (or more) point attachment mechanism is disclosed for coupling the tail extender (404) to the flotation plate (416) of snowshoe (400) so as to reduce stress on the coupling elements and provide a more secure interface.

Abstract: A shell for sports shoes, particularly for Telemark skiing, which comprises a sole and a lateral surface which surrounds the foot of the user. A frame is rigidly coupled internally to the shell and has a foot resting surface and a toe cup which partially extends over the upper metatarsal region. On the resting surface and on the toe cup there are, respectively, at least one first transverse opening, arranged below the metatarsal region, and at least one second transverse opening, which lies above the metatarsal region. A transverse bridge, arranged in the region that lies to the rear of the metatarsus, is thus formed at the toe cup. The resulting shell is therefore highly flexible but torsionally rigid, making it easier for the user to ski.

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

Abstract: 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: Disclosed herein is environmentally compatible footwear attachable apparatus for reducing noise caused by a foot walking on ground. The environmentally compatible footwear attachable apparatus includes a frame attachable to the foot, an adjustment member, an attachment member and support members. The support members have a tapered portion, a top portion and a base. The base penetrates ground. The tapered portion displaces the ground. The top portion supports the frame above the ground. When the base penetrates the ground, the tapered portion displaces the ground to reduce noise made by walking.

Abstract: A footwear device for reducing noise caused when an outdoorsman walks over leaves, twigs, and other ground objects and additionally serves to conceal an outdoorsman's feet from visual detection. The footwear device can be slipped on over an outdoorsman's shoes or can be worn over the bare or socked feet as a moccasin. The footwear device comprises a camouflaged cloth upper body portion for covering and concealing the shoe or foot, an adjustable opening for receiving the shoe or foot into the footwear device, a means for securing which firmly holds the device in place around the shoe or foot, and a bottom sole comprised of a synthetic fur material that reduces noise occurring when the outdoorsman steps on ground objects. In addition to suppressing walking related noise and concealing the feet, the present invention is supple to facilitate carrying, easy to put on, and to remove.

Abstract: An overshoe for a shoe whose soles have a plurality of extending spikes, cleats or similar surface engaging elements to protect surfaces from being disturbed or damaged by contacting such elements includes a two-layered substantially flat sole with a toe hold and a heel retaining member. The two-layered sole includes a soft upper layer interconnected to a hard lower layer, and is formed in an oblong generally rectangular configuration that is oversized relative to the soles of conventionally sized spiked sport shoes. The lower layer is sufficiently firm or tough enough to resist puncturing by spikes or cleats extending from a sole of a covered shoe, and is preferably made of hard rubber, so golf spikes will not penetrate the sole and scuff or mark putting greens. The upper layer is soft or flexible to accommodate depressions formed from spikes or cleats extending from a sole of a covered shoe, and is preferably made of soft rubber or foam.

Abstract: An athletic water sports shoe. The water sports athletic shoe features a rubber outsole for a strong grip on wet surfaces. In addition to the rubber outsole, a rubber rand extends the rubber surface to the sides of the shoes such that sides of the wearers foot can be used as gripping surfaces. The sides of the shoes are constructed of a waterproof mesh that allows water to flow in and out of the shoe. The inside of the shoe features a neoprene gasket that forms a water-tight seal around the ankle of the wearer. The water-tight seal around the ankle of the wearer prevents sand from entering the shoe. Furthermore, the neoprene gasket protects the foot from bumps and scrapes.

Abstract: Sludge drying bed shoes comprise two shoe bases, each base being fabricated of ridged mesh including a plurality of perpendicularly intersecting rods; and two straps each having two free ends, each free end including coupling devices, one strap being coupled to each shoe base, the free ends of each strap being extendable over the upper surface of each shoe base to enable users to securely fasten the strap around their shoes, the apparatus enabling a user to walk upon the surface of sludge material.

Abstract: The snowboard boot having a flexible shaft that consists of a soft, padded material. Originating from the sole-proximal center or toe region, a strap which has low flexibility in the longitudinal direction extends around the rear side of the shaft within its upper, sole-distant region and back to the sole-proximal center or toe region of the other side. Similarly, a second strap extends from the sole-proximal heel region over the instep of the boot. The length of both straps can be adjusted.

Abstract: An improved athletic boot, such as a snowboard boot, snow ski boot, and the like, having: an outer boot comprising an outer shell or housing, an inner boot positioned within the outer boot for receipt and cushioning of an athlete's foot and ankle, and structure for absorbing and redirecting impact compression force and energy attendant thereto to provide variable support for an athlete's foot and/or ankle.

Abstract: An innerboot particularly for sports shoes which includes a first flap and a second flap in which the tips that are adjacent to the toe region are free and/or cannot mutually overlap. The first and second flaps can therefore mutually overlap in any direction so as to improve user fit.

Abstract: A levered footwear to provide a manipulating force to an aquatic board is described. The footwear has a rigid structure extending to the rear of the heel of the wearer, which is attached to a flexible member covering a portion of the wearer's foot. An adjustable strapping holds the flexible member in place on the wearer's foot.