Abstract: An improved cleat assembly is disclosed, the assembly containing one or more spring clips configured for releasably securing the assembly to a bicycle pedal or the like. Specifically, the cleat assembly is configured such that an improper over-tightening of the cleat onto the sole of a user's shoe has substantially no effect on the free flexing of the spring clip while it is engaging or disengaging to/from the pedal. In addition, the cleat assembly incorporates one or more soft elastomeric caps that frictionally engage the ground when the user walks about, to provide improved traction and to eliminate undesired wear of critical assembly components. Further, for embodiments of cleat assemblies of the kind incorporating one or more adjustable set screws for adjusting the assemblies' float angles, threaded apertures for the set screws are formed by the confronting surfaces of a plastic upper plate and a metallic bottom plate, wherein the threads are formed only in the plastic upper plate.

Abstract: An attachment system for securing footwear to a wearer's foot that includes an integrated buckle strap receiver, which may be disposed on a portion of a footwear upper, comprising an overstrap and securing plate having a unitary construction; a buckle strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the buckle strap is capable of engaging the integrated buckle strap receiver; and a buckle operably coupled to the second end of the buckle strap for engaging an anchor on an opposing portion of the footwear upper.

Abstract: Sports shoe, in particular a cycling shoe, comprising at least one strap for securing the instep. The strap (B) comprises at least two parts, namely a first strap part (B1) provided, at one of its ends, with a first fastening means (A1), while its other end (2) is intended to be attached to the shoe, and a second strap part (B2) provided, at one of its end, with a second fastening means (A2) mating with the first, the other end (3) of this second strap part being intended to cooperate with a tensioning device, the cooperation between the fastening means allowing a preadjustment of the length of the strap (B) as a whole, while a locking means (V) is intended to occupy a first position in which the two fastening means (A1, A2) are maintained in a state of cooperation, and a second position in which the fastening means can be disengaged.

Abstract: A locking element adjustment system for cycle shoes has a base element and a receiving element. The receiving element serves for the positionally exact arrangement of the locking element in relation to the base element. Adjusting elements are provided on the base element.

Abstract: A cycling shoe substantially defined by an appropriately shaped vamp, a rigid sole stitched and/or glued to the bottom of the vamp, and one or more Velcro-fastened straps by which to tighten the vamp and immobilize the user's foot inside the shoe; each strap having a slip ring secured stably to the vamp, close to a first lateral edge of the vamp defining the longitudinal opening for insertion of the foot; and a fastening strip, of appropriate length, which has a first end secured stably to the vamp, close to a second lateral edge of the vamp defining the longitudinal opening for insertion of the foot, and is designed to fold back on itself about an intermediate portion, so that the second end of the strip rests on one of the two faces of the strip, close to the first end of the strip.

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 shoe sole includes a sole bottom portion and an enclosure integrally formed on a periphery of the sole bottom portion. The sole bottom portion forms a hard zone that is made of a carbon fiber composite material mixed with a thermosetting epoxy. The enclosure forms a soft zone that is made of a carbon fiber composite material mixed with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Thus, the shoe sole has a reinforced strength by provision of the enclosure so that the shoe sole is bonded onto the vamp solidly and stably, thereby enhancing the combination strength between the shoe sole and the vamp. In addition, the shoe sole has a light weight and greater hardness by provision of the sole bottom portion, thereby decreasing the weight of the whole shoe.

Abstract: Footwear includes a sole with a forefoot region, a heel region, and a mid-sole region positioned between the forefoot region and the heel region. A support structure is positioned within the mid-sole region. The support structure is configured to engage an object to facilitate resistance to gravitational pull.

Abstract: The ventilated shoe comprises an outer sole and at least two interchangeable inner soles. The inner sole in disposed in contact with and over the outer sole. The outer sole has ventilation ports at the toe portion and at the heel portion. The ventilation ports extend through the entire thickness of the outer sole. A support is provided to spacedly rest the inner sole over the outer sole in a manner to allow air to penetrate through the ventilation ports and to circulate between the outer sole and the inner sole. The inner sole may be air permeable and is used when the temperature is medium to high. Under cold temperature it is preferable to use an impermeable inner sole.

Abstract: A motorcycle grip pad comprises a base layer of elastomeric material having spaced bumps on a top surface. An adhesive layer is on a bottom surface. The area of the pad is between 1000 and 4000 mm2. A motorcycle grip system also includes a reaction patch of relatively rigid material having apertures spaced and arranged in the same way as the bumps on the pad. The patch is adapted for connection to a motorcycle rider's suit (74,88) or other apparel.

Abstract: A device for connecting a shoe to a part of a sports article such as a bicycle pedal, of the type in which the shoe and the pedal comprise attachment members of complementary shapes, wherein the attachment members of the sole comprise at least partly of alternations of depressions recessed into the outer envelope surface of the sole. The outer envelope surface of the sole is raised upwards ahead of the region of the attachment members of the sole.

Abstract: A sport shoe comprises a sole and an upper portion attached to the sole and defining an inner space with the sole, and having an entrance opening for receiving a user's foot therethrough, into the inner space, and an attachment system to secure the user's foot therein, the sport shoe having, in longitudinal succession, a heel cage, a middle section, and a toe box, the middle section having at least four generally transversally-oriented strips in the upper portion, including tightening strips receiving the attachment system externally and having a heat-moldable layer internally, and flexibility strips, the tightening strips and flexibility strips being in longitudinally alternating succession, at least a section of the flexibility strips being heat moldable layer free.

Abstract: A riding boot for use with a stirrup, the riding boot including a sole for engaging the stirrup, the sole coupled to the riding boot and a magnetic member coupled to the sole. The magnetic member is a polymer including a magnetic metal.

Abstract: A boot mounted breaking and shifting device for motorcycles. An embodiment of the present invention includes: three V-shaped members, six arm members; two support members; a U-shaped member; a flexible chevron plug removably inserted into a chevron hole formed between the U-shaped member and one of the V-shaped members; and a flexible strap removably coupleable to four of the six arm members via a plurality of buttons.

Abstract: Protective footwear, such as a motorcycle or motocross boot, having a molded top gasket and/or a fold-over thermal laminate. The molded top gasket may be a substantially annular unitary piece or multi-piece construction of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, that snugly wraps around the wearer's lower leg or ankle when the footwear is worn. The fold-over thermal laminate is a piece of thermally resistant material on the outer surface of the footwear upper that extends over a portion of the rim and into the inside of the upper. One or more optional control pads also may be placed on the exterior surface of the thermal laminate.

Abstract: The ventilated shoe comprises an outer sole and at least two interchangeable inner soles. The inner sole in disposed in contact with and over the outer sole. The outer sole has ventilation ports at the toe portion and at the heel portion. The ventilation ports extend through the entire thickness of the outer sole. A support is provided to spacedly rest the inner sole over the outer sole in a manner to allow air to penetrate through the ventilation ports and to circulate between the outer sole and the inner sole. The inner sole may be air permeable and is used when the temperature is medium to high. Under cold temperature it is preferable to use an impermeable inner sole.

Abstract: A pedal connection arrangement includes a pedal having a spherical portion with an outer spherical surface. The pedal connection arrangement also includes a bicycle shoe that has a pedal gripping cavity that directly engages at least portions of the outer spherical surface of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The shoe is configured so that the pedal gripping cavity securely grips outer spherical surface of the pedal, yet remains free to swivel in various directions about the spherical portion of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The various directions include directions other than about the pedal longitudinal axis, thereby giving more flexibility for movement of the rider's foot while maintaining positive contact between the shoe and the pedal.

Abstract: A sports shoe, particularly for cycling, comprising a sole and a vamp in which is identified a heel area having a rear part from which extend respective walls juxtaposed and spaced for bilaterally encircling the heel of the user; in the heel area it comprises a pair of presser arms extending like a pincer, each behind the corresponding vamp wall at an upper part thereof, distal with respect to the sole, and located normally above the heel of the user.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe sole having one or more slots to detachably attach a cleat member which may be attached to cycle pedal. A plate is selectively attached to the shoe sole and has an opening to receive the cleat member, and to allow the cleat member to extend out of the plate, and to be attached to the cycle pedal. The plate includes one or more bulges or pegs to engage into the shoe sole and to anchor the plate to the shoe sole. One or more cleat elements may be detachably attached to the shoe sole, and partially received in depressions of the shoe sole, to anchor the cleat element to the shoe sole.

Abstract: A shoe that includes an upper defining a heel, a strap adjuster member coupled to the upper, and a strap that extends across a portion of the upper. The strap is coupled to the adjuster member such that at least a portion of the strap is movable in one of a direction toward and away from the heel.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe sole includes a bottom portion having a number of projections extended downwardly from an outer peripheral portion and having a middle portion having no projections, and having a stud extended downwardly from the middle portion. A coupling member is integrally formed on the stud, without fasteners, by such as molding or mold injection processes, to allow the coupling member to be solidly disposed and attached on the bicycle shoe sole, and to prevent the coupling member from being disengaged from the bicycle shoe sole. The coupling member includes a front protrusion and a rear protrusion for coupling the shoe sole to foot pedals of bicycles.

Abstract: The ventilated shoe comprises an outer sole and at least two interchangeable inner soles. The inner sole in disposed in contact with and over the outer sole. The outer sole has ventilation ports at the toe portion and at the heel portion. The ventilation ports extend through the entire thickness of the outer sole. A support is provided to spacedly rest the inner sole over the outer sole in a manner to allow air to penetrate through the ventilation ports and to circulate between the outer sole and the inner sole. The inner sole may be air permeable and is used when the temperature is medium to high. Under cold temperature it is preferable to use an impermeable inner sole.

Abstract: Protective footwear, such as a motorcycle or motocross boot, having a molded top gasket and/or a fold-over thermal laminate. The molded top gasket may be a substantially annular unitary piece or multi-piece construction of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, that snugly wraps around the wearer's lower leg or ankle when the footwear is worn. The fold-over thermal laminate is a piece of thermally resistant material on the outer surface of the footwear upper that extends over a portion of the rim and into the inside of the upper. One or more optional control pads also may be placed on the exterior surface of the thermal laminate.

Abstract: Protective footwear, such as a motorcycle or motocross boot, having a molded top gasket and/or a fold-over thermal barrier. The molded top gasket may be a substantially annular unitary piece or multi-piece construction of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, that snugly wraps around the wearer's lower leg or ankle when the footwear is worn. The fold-over thermal barrier is a piece of thermally resistant material on the outer surface of the footwear upper that extends over a portion of the rim and into the inside of the upper. One or more optional control pads also may be placed on the exterior surface of the thermal barrier.

Abstract: A multi-function cycling shoe includes a sole in which a fixing device is provided for a pedal attachment device. The sole includes a pair of projections of predetermined thickness which are fitted removably to the sole laterally and which stand out above the fixing device to form, when fitted to the sole, a recess to protect the fixing device and the pedal attachment device from impact with the ground, and to enable an attachment device for road racing to be mounted when these projections are removed from the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear for riding is disclosed. The article includes a second portion of an upper having a second coefficient of friction that is greater than a first coefficient of friction associated with a first portion of an upper. The article further includes a detachable spur member configured to attach to a heel counter of the article.

Abstract: Boot (10), in particular a motorcyclist's boot, with a leg-piece (12) and closing means for varying the dimensions of the boot (10) in the zone of the heel (11), characterized in that said closing means comprise at least one elongated part (22) which extends between two sides of the leg-piece (12) above the heel (11), surrounding it at the rear, and is tightened around the heel (11) in an adjustable manner.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly includes a pair of pedals and a pair of cleats. The cleats are configured and arranged to selectively cooperate with the right and left bicycle pedals such that two different release forces can be attained using a single pair of cleats. The pedal includes a body that rotates about a shaft and a front and rear clamping members are coupled to opposite ends of the pedal body. Also, the front and rear clamping members are preferably pivotally coupled to the pedal body.

Abstract: An improved cleat assembly is disclosed, the assembly containing one or more spring clips configured for releasably securing the assembly to a bicycle pedal or the like. Specifically, the cleat assembly is configured such that an improper over-tightening of the cleat onto the sole of a user's shoe has substantially no effect on the free flexing of the spring clip while it is engaging or disengaging to/from the pedal. In addition, the cleat assembly incorporates a pair of soft plastic caps that frictionally engage the ground when the user walks about, to provide improved traction and to eliminate undesired wear of critical assembly components. Further, for embodiments of cleat assemblies of the kind incorporating one or more adjustable set screws for adjusting the assemblies' float angles, threaded apertures for the set screws are formed by the confronting surfaces of a plastic upper plate and a metallic bottom plate, wherein the threads are formed only in the plastic upper plate.

Abstract: A composite outsole including a carbon fiber portion and a titanium portion. The titanium portion is molded to the carbon fiber portion using adhesives and the like. The titanium portion provides increased strength and ductility to allow for additional features in the outsole, such as, for example, air flow vents that increase air circulation for breathability and moisture management as well as reduce drag.

Abstract: An item of footwear, particularly a motorcycle boot (1), includes a rigid shell (4) which defines a body that is designed to surround the foot of the user. The body consists of a lower sole-forming part (20), an upper vamp-forming part (22), an inner lateral part and an outer lateral part, the lateral parts connecting the aforementioned lower and upper parts. The inventive item of footwear includes an opening (16, 18) in one of the four constituent body parts, which passes through the rigid shell and which is sealed by a flexible half-sole (12, 14).

Abstract: A motorcycle foot peg is comprised of a shaft connected to a bracket via a pin and a cotter pin, a platform, an outer and inner latch, a spring, and a screw. A platform swivels on the shaft. The spring biases the outer latch to be held substantially perpendicular to the inner latch, and swivels on the shaft. When mounted to a motorcycle frame, the foot peg enables a motorcycle rider to fixedly engage their feet into the foot peg via fore and aft cleats on the bottom of their motorcycle boots. To release from the foot peg, the rider twists their boots past a certain angle. The platform pivots to expose either side of the platform and make proper contact between the bottom of the boot and the platform. Platform teeth give grip between the boot and the platform when rider is not engaged to the foot peg. A shaft leg prevents the foot peg from pivoting up and back relative to the motorcycle frame. A first cleat is mounted towards the front of a motorcycle boot and a second cleat rearward from the first.

Abstract: A composite outsole including a carbon fiber portion and a titanium portion. The titanium portion is molded to the carbon fiber portion using adhesives and the like. The titanium portion provides increased strength and ductility to allow for additional features in the outsole, such as, for example, air flow vents that increase circulation for breathability and moisture management as well as reduce drag.

Abstract: A shoe for driving a car according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a heel part 5 on a foot sole 4 and an inclined face 5B increasing gradually toward a rear side in a side view. This inclined face 5B comprises a first face part 5a which is formed outside in a width direction and is capable of coming in contact with a car floor when depressing an accelerator pedal and a second face part 5b unlike the face condition of the above-mentioned first face part, which is formed inside in a width direction and is capable of coming in contact with a car floor when depressing a brake pedal.

Abstract: A sole for shoes, particularly for practicing sports, including a sole body that forms, at at least one perimetric portion, a recessed region for detachably accommodating at least one pad, which is provided with a first wing that overlaps the recessed region and with a second wing that forms a lateral rising portion that can be arranged so as to protect an outer profile of the shoe.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe includes a shoe sole, a coupler member attached to bottom of the shoe sole, and a protective device attached to the coupling member, for contacting with ground, and for preventing the coupler member from being directly contacted with the ground, and for preventing the coupler member from being worn out. The protective device includes a lock notch formed in each of the front and the rear portions, and the coupler member includes a front portion and a rear portion for engaging into the lock notches of the protective device, for attaching the protective device to the coupler member. The protective device includes a retaining member for selectively attaching the shorter coupling members.

Abstract: A cycle pedal includes a pedal body mounted to rotate about a pedal spindle, a front hoop having a front attachment bar situated in front of the pedal spindle and substantially parallel to the spindle, and a rear hoop having a rear attachment bar situated behind the pedal spindle and substantially parallel to the spindle. The rear hoop is articulated about a first hoop spindle mounted in bearings of the pedal body and elastic means are provided to urge the rear hoop toward a rest position. The front hoop is articulated about a second hoop spindle which is situated below the mid-plane of the pedal, on a side opposite to the front attachment bar, and elastic means are provided to urge the front hoop toward a rest position. The front upper part of the pedal body is inclined downward toward the front, thereby allowing a greater angular range for a user to click into the pedal.

Abstract: Sports shoe, in particular a cycling shoe, comprising at least one strap for securing the instep. The strap (B) comprises at least two parts, namely a first strap part (B1) provided, at one of its ends, with a first fastening means (A1), while its other end (2) is intended to be attached to the shoe, and a second strap part (B2) provided, at one of its end, with a second fastening means (A2) mating with the first, the other end (3) of this second strap part being intended to cooperate with a tensioning device, the cooperation between the fastening means allowing a preadjustment of the length of the strap (B) as a whole, while a locking means (V) is intended to occupy a first position in which the two fastening means (A1, A2) are maintained in a state of cooperation, and a second position in which the fastening means can be disengaged.

Abstract: A shoe that includes an upper defining a heel, a strap adjuster member coupled to the upper, and a strap that extends across a portion of the upper. The strap is coupled to the adjuster member such that at least a portion of the strap is movable in one of a direction toward and away from the heel.

Abstract: An item of footwear is intended for sports practice and is used to protect the feet and legs of a user. The footwear includes: a first rigid shell defining a body (2) which is designed to receive the foot of the user and which extends in a horizontal direction (8); a second rigid shell defining a shaft (4) which is designed to receive the leg of the user and which extends essentially along a vertical axis (10); and a connection (6) which joins the body and the shaft and which is used to rotate the shaft in relation to the body along two essentially-perpendicular rotation axes (8, 12) and to move the axes of the connections in relation to the body, such that the axes of rotation of the aforementioned connection essentially coincide with the axes of rotation of the foot in relation to the leg of the user.

Abstract: A flex control device, for the quarter of a motocross boot, which comprises a soft upper provided at the rear with a semirigid cuff and a semirigid counter, which are connected respectively to the upper and to the upper and/or sole. The device is constituted by a first rod shaped element and a second rod shaped element, the first rod shaped element being rigidly coupled to the counter, the second one being selectively associable with the quarter, the first and second rod shaped elements being slidingly associated in contrast with at least one elastically deformable element.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bicycle pedal and fastening shoe assembly (C), the pedal comprising a body rotatably mounted on an axle (3) and, at least on one side of the body a chain-wheel above the pedal axle: front abutting means (9) extending parallel to the geometrical axis (A) of the pedal at the rear of said axis designed to co-operate with a front abutting surface (26) of the shoe; a retaining member (10) mounted on the pedal, pressed by elastic return means against the rear of the shoe, and retaining means towards the top provided on the pedal to co-operate with a combined means of the shoe.

Abstract: A cyclist's shoe includes a sole provided with a device for securing a retaining cleat of the shoe on an automatic cycle pedal. The device has first securement members disposed within the thickness of the sole facing through holes provided in the sole and permitting the first securement members to coact with second securement members acting on the cleat, and a device for positioning the cleat relative to the sole permitting placing the cleat in a predetermined position of use. The shoe moreover includes a locating device with a device for locating the predetermined position of use of the cleat permitting the emplacement of another similar cleat in the predetermined position of use.

Abstract: A snap block structure for a pair of mountaineering bicycle shoes each having a bottom formed with two protruding spiked blocks and two threaded locking holes located between the two spiked blocks. The snap block structure includes a snapping member mounted on the bottom of each of the mountaineering bicycle shoes and having a top face integrally formed with a protruding block mounted between the two spiked blocks of each of the mountaineering bicycle shoes. Thus, the mountaineering bicycle shoes are available for a mountaineering bicycle pedal and also available for the road-use bicycle pedal by provision of the snap block structure, thereby enhancing the versatility of the mountaineering bicycle shoes.

Abstract: An improved pedal/cleat assembly provides a float range that is easily and precisely adjusted. The pedal/cleat assembly includes a pedal assembly incorporating a forward cleat retainer and a spring-biased rearward cleat retainer, and it further includes a cleat assembly that defines forward and rearward projections sized and configured to engage and be retained by the respective forward and rearward cleat retainers. The cleat assembly includes a first cleat body that defines the forward and rearward projections, and it further includes a second cleat body configured to be attached to the underside of a rider's shoe and to be secured to the first cleat body in a manner that allows limited rotation relative to the first cleat body about a cleat rotation axis. The first cleat body is free to rotate by an angular amount that is controlled by a pair of set screws. This provides a pedal float that is easily and precisely adjustable.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bicycle pedal and fastening shoe assembly (C), the pedal comprising a body rotatably mounted on an axle (3) and, at least on one side of the body a chain-wheel above the pedal axle; front abutting means (9) extending parallel to the geometrical axis (A) of the pedal at the rear of said axis designed to co-operate with a front abutting surface (26) of the shoe; a retaining member (10) mounted on the pedal, pressed by elastic return means against the rear of the shoe, and retaining means towards the top provided on the pedal to co-operate with a combined means of the shoe.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly includes a cleat, a front cleat-retaining member, and a rear cleat-retaining member. The front cleat-retaining member is formed integrally with a pedal body, is generally inverted U-shaped, and includes a thin middle portion and two thick side portions, among which a limiting groove is defined under the thin middle portion. The cleat has a front end engaging portion with a wide lower portion inserted into the groove and confined between inclined limiting surfaces of the thick side portions, and a narrow upper portion abutting against an arcuate concave limiting surface of the thin middle portion. Two arcuate convex connecting surfaces connect the inclined limiting surfaces to the arcuate concave limiting surface.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly includes a pair of pedals and a pair of cleats. The cleats are configured and arranged to selectively cooperate with the right and left bicycle pedals such that two different release forces can be attained using a single pair of cleats. The pedal includes a body that rotates about a shaft and a front and rear clamping members are coupled to opposite ends of the pedal body. Also, the front and rear clamping members are preferably pivotally coupled to the pedal body.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly has a cleat releasably coupled to a pedal by a cleat engagement mechanism formed on an upper surface of its pedal body. The pedal body has a front end configured and arranged to include a sole guide portion that assists the rider in rotating the pedal body about its pedal shaft. In one embodiment, the sole guide portion is formed by a first concaved sole receiving recess located in a tip surface of the pedal body and a second concaved sole receiving recess located on the upper surface of the pedal body adjacent to the tip surface. Alternatively, the concaved sole receiving recesses can be replaced with either a pair of laterally spaced projections located on at the front end of the pedal body, or a V-shaped tip surface.

Abstract: The ventilated shoe comprises an outer sole and at least two interchangeable inner soles. The inner sole in disposed in contact with and over the outer sole. The outer sole has ventilation ports at the toe portion and at the heel portion. The ventilation ports extend through the entire thickness of the outer sole. A support is provided to spacedly rest the inner sole over the outer sole in a manner to allow air to penetrate through the ventilation ports and to circulate between the outer sole and the inner sole. The inner sole may be air permeable and is used when the temperature is medium to high. Under cold temperature it is preferable to use an impermeable inner sole.