Abstract: An upper structure of an article of footwear includes an upper, a cuff member, and a strobel. The upper includes an exterior upper member and an interior upper member. The cuff member includes a first end coupled to the exterior upper member and a second end coupled to the interior upper member. The cuff member is folded over on itself at a fold to define an ankle opening. The strobel is coupled to the upper and cooperates with the upper to at least partially define a foot-receiving void.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of plastic footwear (10; 100) of the “full plastic” type by means of moulding using a polyurethane mixture (M; P).

Abstract: An upper component for an article of footwear allows easy entry of the foot into the article of footwear. The upper component includes a heel body, which includes a first portion partially defining an ankle opening. The heel body further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion is foldable and partially defines the ankle opening. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The upper component includes at least one tension member coupled to the second portion. The tension member is movable relative to the first portion to move the second portion from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration. The ankle opening is larger when the second portion is in the unfolded configuration than when the second portion is in the folded configuration.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises an upper defining an interior void, a sole structure attached to the upper, a cable attached to the upper and moveable in a tightening direction to decrease a volume of the interior void of the upper and in a loosening direction to increase a volume of the interior void of the upper, and a locking device operable between a locked state to prevent movement of the cable and an unlocked state to permit movement of the cable, the locking having a housing attached to one of the upper and the sole structure and receiving the cable therethrough. The housing includes a pulley rotatably disposed therein, whereby the pulley is engaged by the cable and configured cooperate with the housing to provide audible or tactile feedback when the pulley is rotated by cable.

Abstract: In one example, a ski boot includes a plastic shell, a boot liner partly received within the plastic shell, and the boot liner including a tongue having an upper edge, and a dynamic support strap. The dynamic support strap includes a band connected to the plastic shell, and a restraint element connected to the band, the restraint element including a wall and a lip that together define an undercut area behind the wall, and the undercut area is configured and arranged to receive a portion of the upper edge of the tongue when the restraint element is operably positioned with respect to the tongue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski shoe tongue assembly (1) with an outer side for arranging against an inner side of a ski shoe (19) and an inner side for arranging against a leg for the purpose of—providing a filled space between the ski shoe (19) and the leg, comprising: —a buffer body (21, 2, 38) for providing a buffer between an inner side of a ski shoe (19) and a lower leg, having on the front side an outer surface which is curved during use for, lying against the inner side of, the ski shoe (19), —wherein the buffer body (21, 2, 38) is arranged during use in front of the front side of the leg and in top view extends over a part of the front side of the leg, and—the buffer body (21, 2, 38) comprising, a substantially flat tibia contact surface (4) on the inner side substantially, providing congruence with a tibia for the purpose of making contact with a surface of the leg formed by the tibia of the lower leg.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a ski boot shell having a notch in the rear upper portion thereof, a rear bearing element movably connected relative to the shell, the rear bearing element has a first position in which it abuts against at least one surface of the shell to at least partially close the notch when skiing, and a second position withdrawn backward to allow the leg of a skier to be straightened when walking.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ski boot system. One embodiment includes right and left side portions formed by a longitudinal split with a hinged connection therebetween. The open configuration allows placement of an inner liner into the shell. The closed configuration restricts removal of the liner from the shell. A selectively fastenable connector and/or a selectively locking sheath extend between the right and left side portions. The selectively fastenable connector and/or the selectively locking sheath permit selective positioning of the shell between open and closed configurations. The liner of a ski boot includes a wall of material defining inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface defines an exterior having dimensions sized to compressively fit within the shell. The inner surface defines an interior having dimensions sized to receive a foot. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Comfort element (1) for a sports shoe innerboot, comprising at least one thermoformable foam having at least two zones of different thickness and forming at least one face of the comfort element with zones (4 to 8) in relief, which is able to form at least part of a layer of the wall of a sports shoe innerboot, characterized in that the product of the thickness times the density of the comfort element (1) differs between these at least two zones of different thickness.

Abstract: A locking and unlocking device (10) for forming an interface between the shell (1) and the collar (2) of a sports boot, which comprises a rocker (11) that is movable in rotation about a pin (13), a lever (15) that is movable in rotation and an elastic element connected to the lever (15), such that the lever (15) is able to occupy a first stable position, in which it holds the rocker (11) in a locking position, and a second stable position, in which it holds the rocker (11) in an unlocking position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ski boot system. In an embodiment, an outer shell has right and left side portions formed by a longitudinal split. A hinged connection is provided between the portions. The open configuration allows placement of an inner liner into the shell. The closed configuration restricts removal of the liner from the shell. A selectively fastenable connector extends between the right and left side portions. The selectively fastenable connector permits selective positioning of the shell between open and closed configurations. The liner of a ski boot includes a wall of material defining inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface defines an exterior having dimensions sized to compressively fit within the shell. The inner surface defines an interior having dimensions sized to receive a foot. A shape memory foam forms at least a portion of the wall of material and is configured to conform to the foot.

Abstract: A system for providing a secure fit between feet and/or ankles of an individual and boot sections of wader pants may include wader pants including boot sections, and wader support pants configured to be positioned underneath or over the wader pants. The wader support pants may include inflatable membranes configured to be disposed within or on the boot sections of the wader pants, and a pump in fluid communication with the inflatable membranes. The pump is operable to inflate the membranes to provide a secure fit between the boot sections of the wader pants and the feet and/or ankles of the individual.

Abstract: An inner shoe for a ski boot has an upper which has a flexible upper material and is connected via an articulated connection to a sleeve. The sleeve is formed of a sleeve material that is harder than the upper material. A ski boot, in particular formed as an alpine ski boot, includes such an inner shoe.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outer member, an inner lining, an instep member, and a lace. The outer member defines an outer surface of the footwear. The inner lining is positioned within the outer member. The instep member extends across an instep portion of the inner lining. The instep member can be positioned between the outer member and the inner lining or embedded within the inner lining. The lace is coupled to the instep member and to the outer member. Applying a tension force to the lace causes the instep member to apply a force against the instep portion of the inner lining, thereby applying an instep force against an instep portion of a user's foot that is positioned in the footwear. The instep force against the user's foot holds the user's foot against a bottom and rear portion of the footwear.

Abstract: Series, combination of series and method to produce sports shoes of different size, in which each sports shoe of different size comprises a casing substantially rigid and defining an internal compartment for containing the user's foot, a sole associated below the casing and an inner boot disposed in the internal compartment, in order to make putting the foot into the casing more comfortable. The sole has always the same length for all the sports shoes, and the casing has a different size to each other so as to define, on each occasion, an internal compartment with a different volume for each of the sports shoes of different size, so as to cover a plurality of foot sizes, within a determinate range, keeping the length of the sole always the same.

Abstract: A ski boot (1) includes an inner boot (1.1) that is designed to accommodate the skier's foot and a leading shell (1.2) that surrounds the inner boot (1.1), making it possible to hold the skier's ankle in place. This boot (1) also includes a calf support (3) attached to the shell (1.2) that is designed to accommodate the skier's calf, and a thigh support (5) that forms an angle (?) with the calf support (3) that is designed to accommodate the skier's thigh when the latter is in the bent position. Preferably, the boot includes a damping element (8, 23, 27) that is installed between the calf support (3) and the thigh support (5), as well as elements (25, 26) for adjusting the angle (?) between the calf support (3) and the thigh support (5).

Abstract: In a snowboard boot having a soft inner shoe and a soft outer shoe, a tension member connected to the sole of the outer shoe is provided which is guided on the inner side of the outer shoe from one side over the inner shoe to a turning point connected to the sole on the other side on the inner side of the outer shoe. For operation, the tension means extends out of the outer shoe, whereby it is fixable in the tightened state.

Abstract: A sports boot tongue, which comprises a comfort element (5) positioned directly on its surface (4) designed to be oriented toward the inside of the sports boot in order to come into contact with the foot or the leg of a user, this comfort element (5) fulfilling a first technical function of absorbing shocks and a second technical function of reducing friction and sliding by shearing.

Abstract: A ski boot is provided that includes an outer shell, an inner liner disposed within the outer shell and a functional shoe insertable into and removable from the inner liner by means of a rearforward to forward manner.

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports boot (1) for walking or cross-country skiing, with a flexible shaft (2) receiving the foot, and a reinforcement (5) surrounding the shaft (2) on its external side by sections and being connected with the outsole (3). The shaft (2) is formed in this connection by a cushioned inner boot (6), and a coat (8) of fabric o some other material compatible with the skin. The reinforcement (5) is formed by a latticed or net-like support structure (12) for the inner boot (6), and composed of flexible ribbon elements (13) having, however, the highest possible tensile strength, and being made of plastic or textiles, said ribbon elements resting against external part sections of the inner boot (6), or surrounding the inner boot (6) on its external side within part sections. In this connection, the latticed or net-like support structure (12) is variable with respect to its delimiting or receiving volume as required by means of a lacing system (14).

Abstract: A shoe contains an adjustable space for the foot and several fluidically connected chambers. In order to adjust the space for the foot, the flowability of a magnetorheological liquid can be influenced by at least one device generating a magnetic field thereby adjusting the space for the foot resulting in a better fitting of the shoe.

Abstract: Sport footwear, in particular ski boot, having passage openings (16, 19) for the wearer's foot provided frontally in the lower shell (10) and the leg-piece (20). At least the opening (19) in the leg-piece (20) is capable of being closed by two flaps (22, 23), of which at least one is in the form of a pad (23) coupled to the remaining portion (25) of the leg-piece (20) with a clearance fit allowing said pad (23) to freely rotate in view of enabling the wearer's foot to be most smoothly and conveniently introduced in and subsequently extracted from the footwear.

Abstract: A boot, such as a snowboard boot, having an outer shell including a flexible upper and a harness assembly disposed in the outer shell. The harness assembly wraps about a user's ankle, includes a plurality of cord keepers. A cord—for example, a lace or a stainless steel cable—slidably engages the cord keepers, for tightening the harness about the user's ankle. A tensioning mechanism such as a spool mechanism or a lace keeper is attached to the flexible upper and engages the cord, such that the user can releasably tension the cord. The cord extends through an aperture in the outer shell whereby the user can tighten or loosen the harness without removing the boot. In an embodiment, the tensioning mechanism is a lace locker fixedly attached to the shell tongue, wherein the tongue includes apertures disposed near the bottom of the lace locker to slidably accommodate the cord.

Abstract: A sports boot comprising an outer shell and an inner boot, with at least one opening in the outer shell and at least one projection on the inner boot assigned to each opening, where the opening(s) and the projection(s) serve to produce a positive fit connection between the inner boot and the outer shell. The outside of the inner boot is optionally made waterproof such that no water enters the inside of the inner boot, despite the presence of the openings in the outer shell.

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

Abstract: A three point step-in snowboard binding includes medial and lateral binding pin engagers that interact with corresponding pins in a boot. The binding latches the boot after the snowboarder steps into the binding, and remains latched until a release control is actuated.

Abstract: An article of footwear of the type that includes upper, an outer sole, and the following elements, listed from the inside toward the outside of the article of footwear: a comfort liner; a frame for holding the foot and for transmitting forces, made of a substantially inextensible material to transmit the forces for tightening the foot and to hold the foot; and an outer envelope for protecting against exterior elements.

Abstract: An alpine ski boot is provided that consists of a rigid sole and a shell-less substantially flexible upper portion that is attached to the sole. The boot is secured to the wearer's foot by laces or buckles. The boot is further secured to the wearer's mid-foot area by semi-rigid securing ears closed by a lever actuated ribbed nylon strap. The sole is comprised of rigid plastic and the heel and toe portions of the sole may conform to the requirements of ISO 5355 for ski boots. The ski boot has a plastic cuff that surrounds the upper portion of the ski boot that follows the movement of the lower leg and provides lateral support to the ankle while introducing minimal or no restriction to the fore and aft flexion of the ankle.

Abstract: An inflatable liner for a boot, such as a snowboard boot. An oily chalk like substance consisting of 90% sweet starch, 9% lubricant, and 1% stearate is included between two sheets of plastic that make up bladder of the liner. The bladder is attached to the EVA of the liner before the EVA is folded, stitched, heated and molded. This allows the bladder to be attached while the EVA is still flat and allows attachment to be performed by machine stitching. The bladder is partially inflated before the EVA is heated and molded. The oily chalk like substance and the partial inflation of the bladder allows the installed bladder to pass through the heating and molding steps of the EVA without the two sheets that make up the bladder melting together. The design and installation of the bladder minimizes the amount of slipping of a wearer's foot and heel within the boot.

Abstract: The combination of a boot having a boot shell with a heel region and a step-in step-out aid having an elevated position and an inserted position cooperating with the boot shell, wherein the aid is at least one elongated heel wedge displaceably mounted in the heel region of the boot shell. The aid in its elevated position protrudes out of the boot shell, and in its inserted position at least partially fills the space between the boot shell and a person's heel that has been inserted into the boot shell.

Abstract: A snowboard boot (200) includes an upper boot (204) secured to an outsole (206). The boot upper includes a vamp opening (208) that is closed by a tongue (210) and a selectively securable vamp fastener (216). The tongue (210) carries a pocket (218) on a lower end (212) thereof, and first and second snap fasteners (222) on an upper end (214) thereof. A semi-rigid tongue stiffener (202) can be selectively secured to an anterior side of the tongue (210) utilizing the pocket and snap fasteners to selectively increase the stiffness of the boot and resistance to forward flexure by a predetermined degree.

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

Abstract: A tightening device adapted to equip an article of footwear, which makes it possible to hold the foot laterally, while distributing on the foot the pressure generated by the tightening device. The tightening device includes an upper flap that partially covers a lower flap. The flaps hold the foot by the tightening device which includes at least one anchor positioned on each of the flaps. The upper flap is more flexible than the lower flap.

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

Abstract: A ski boot comprises an essentially stiff outer boot and a soft inner boot (49) or inner lining for receiving the foot of a skier. The sole (13) of the outer boot is made of an essentially rigid material, preferably plastics, comprising an elastic zone (15) in the metatarsal region of the sole (13). The elastic zone (15) divides the sole (13) into front and rear sole portions (19, 17). An intermediate upper shell portion (29) is provided between the front and rear shell portions (27, 21) of the outer boot, which is designed such that front and rear shell portions (27, 21) are pivotable with respect to each other. The heel portion (23) and rear sole portion (17) are designed to be in an essentially rigid relationship such that a maximum force can be applied to the elastic zone (15) of the boot. When the skier leans forward the front and rear shell portions (27, 21) pivot relative to each other.

Abstract: A boot (200), such as a snowboard boot, having a harness assembly (240) disposed in an outer shell (210). The harness defines a vamp gap and includes a plurality of cord keepers (268) disposed on either side of the gap. A cord—for example, a stainless steel cable (266)—slidably engages the cord keepers, for tightening the harness about the user's ankle. A tensioning mechanism (190) having a knob (192) is attached to the harness assembly and engages the cable, whereby the user can releasably tension the cable. An aperture (126) in the outer shell is adapted to receive the knob, whereby the user can tighten or loosen the harness without removing the boot. The cable may slidably engage the tongue (215) of the boot, such that tensioning the cable will bias the tongue inwardly, towards the user.

Abstract: An inner tightening mechanism adapted to equip an article of footwear having a flexible or semi-rigid upper, and an article of footwear incorporating such tightening mechanism. The inner tightening mechanism includes a retention band that is connected to the inner surface of the upper by at least two anchoring points fixed on the lateral and medial sides, respectively, of the flexion in the direction of the heel, and at least one anchoring point is positioned substantially above the sole.

Abstract: An inflatable liner for a boot, such as a snowboard boot. An oily chalk like substance consisting of 90% sweet starch, 9% lubricant, and 1% stearate is included between two sheets of plastic that make up bladder of the liner. The bladder is attached to the EVA of the liner before the EVA is folded, stitched, heated and molded. This allows the bladder to be attached while the EVA is still flat and allows attachment to be performed by machine stitching. The bladder is partially inflated before the EVA is heated and molded. The oily chalk like substance and the partial inflation of the bladder allows the installed bladder to pass through the heating and molding steps of the EVA without the two sheets that make up the bladder melting together. The design and installation of the bladder minimizes the amount of slipping of a wearer's foot and heel within the boot.

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

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

Abstract: A custom moldable footwear is disclosed having a base and an upper portion. The upper portion contains within it two bladders located on the medial and lateral side of the foot. The two bladders are placed approximately between the base and malleoli, and between the middle of the heel and the proximal metatarsals. The bladders have within them a dry composite. The dry composite is impregnated by a fast setting resin/hardener liquid that is dispensed via a double barrel syringe and spiral cap through a small opening located on the posterior heel.

Abstract: The snowboarding boot of the invention includes a boot shell having a toe portion, a heel portion, an ankle portion, and a top portion. In the preferred embodiment, a selectively inflatable bladder is disposed at each of these portions to allow the user of the snowboarding boot to selectively adjust the secureness of the fit between his foot and the boot. In one embodiment, each of the bladders is connected together so that inflation of one bladder provides fluid pressure to all of the bladders. In another embodiment, each of the fluid bladders is separate allowing the user to adjust the inflation pressure of each bladder individually.

Abstract: The top of the shell (2) made of molded plastic forms part of a flexible upper (1) in which a longitudinal opening line (9) forming a flap (12) is formed. The front lateral side of this flap is connected to the upper by an extensible elastic part (15). Good forward waterproofing is hence obtained without using a seal.

Abstract: A snowboard boot (200) includes an upper boot (204) secured to an outsole (206). The boot upper includes a vamp opening (208) that is closed by a tongue (210) and a selectively securable vamp fastener (216). The tongue (210) carries a pocket (218) on a lower end (212) thereof, and first and second snap fasteners (222) on an upper end (214) thereof. A semi-rigid tongue stiffener (202) can be selectively secured to an anterior side of the tongue (210) utilizing the pocket and snap fasteners to selectively increase the stiffness of the boot and resistance to forward flexure by a predetermined degree.

Abstract: A footwear is disclosed which comprises a molded shell for supporting and at least partially enclosing a wearer's foot. The shell has an inner side, an outer side, a sole portion covering the bottom area of the wearer's foot, lateral and medial quarters projecting upwardly from each side of the sole portion and a heel counter surrounding the back of the wearer's foot and linking the lateral and medial quarters together. An outer skin like covering is affixed to the outer side of the shell and a frontal toe portion substantially covers the toe area of the wearer. A tongue covers the upper frontal area of the footwear; and finally a ground engaging supporting element is mounted to the bottom of the shell. More specifically, an ice skate boot and an in-line roller skate are disclosed having shell and an outer skin.

Abstract: An articulated ski boot for releasable attachment to a binding mounted on an alpine ski is presented. The ski boot has a sole which preferably is formed of first and second rigid portions with a hinge connecting the two portions such that the first portion is upwardly pivotable when the sole is free from the binding (walking mode). The boot has a substantially rigid boot upper adapted to receive a foot and which is attached to the sole. A truss member is pivotally connected to the boot upper and pivots between the walking mode and a locked skiing mode in which the sole portions are prevented from pivoting. The ski boot also includes means for securing the skier's forefoot and heel to the sole to substantially reduce toe and heel lift.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for functionally covering footwear of various sizes and shapes is provided. In one embodiment an overshoe, having an upper portion with an inside portion and a heel portion is provided. A first inwardly protruding deformable absorber, which is adapted to restrain footwear placed within the overshoe, is then located within the upper portion of the overshoe.

Abstract: A boot has a rigid core (1, 2) consisting, in some areas, of the inside surface of the boot into which a liner is received and of an envelope of supple material (11, 12) covering the rigid core, and making up the inside surface of the boot in the areas where the rigid core is absent. The rigid core comprises means of reinforcement (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) that are not covered by the aforementioned envelope of supple material (11, 12).