Abstract: A brush is mounted on the toe of an umpire's shoe and is used to clean dirt and debris from home plate. One form of the brush includes straps that encircle the shoe, while other forms of the brush include brushes that are movable.

Abstract: An apparatus, in its first, second, and third embodiments, that is intended to be temporarily attached to the soles of ski boots, whenever the wearer is not attached to skis and desires the ability to comfortably walk or desires protection for the soles of the ski boots. The first three embodiments generally comprise of sandal-like soles made of a resilient, elastic, springy material, which aids in the natural walking action by alternately compressing and releasing, adding energy to the step, thereby aiding walking while wearing ski boots. A fourth embodiment is made by altering the ski boots themselves so that the heel (41) and toe (40) sections of the boot are hinged (42) to the underside of the boot, and contain a spring that adds energy to each step taken by the user. The hinged sections are pinned against the boot while skiing.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for determining the wear of a sole of a shoe. The device includes first and second sensors receivable in the sole of the shoe. The sensors are axially spaced and generate signals in response to corresponding impact forces acting thereon. A control circuit is connectable to the first and second sensors. The control circuit compares the difference between the first and second signals to a threshold and generates an alert signal in response to the difference between the first and second signal meeting the threshold.

Abstract: An improved exercise device including a sole with an upper surface on which a wearer's foot rests and a lower partially ground contacting surface. The sole has a heel, a midfoot, a forefoot and a toe region such that when the heel region lower surface and the forefoot region lower surface are in ground contact, the upper surface does not incline upwards from the forefoot to the heel region. The forefoot lower surface of the sole is generally radiused in a cylindrical curve about the line connecting the mid points of the first and second metatarsal-phalangeal joints of the wearer. When the wearer contracts their calf muscles, the heel section is lifted away from the ground, requiring work against gravity.

Abstract: A shoe suited for walking or running includes a shoe sole, a shoe upper attached to the shoe sole, and a pedometer integrated into one of the shoe sole and the shoe upper. The pedometer includes structure configured for monitoring a remaining useful life of the shoe, and structure configured to alert a user when the remaining useful life is approaching or has reached an end. The shoe indicates when it should be replaced to protect against skeletal, bone, shin, internal and other user injury resulting from running/walking on shoes that have diminished shock absorbency.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a mount, a housing, and a sensor. The mount is adapted to be disposed at least partially underneath a shoelace of a shoe. The housing is configured and arranged to be placed in at least first and second states in relation to the mount, wherein in the first state the housing is movable with respect to the mount and in the second state the housing is immovable with respect to the mount. There is a tongue on one of the mount and the housing and a groove on the other of the mount and the housing, the tongue being adapted to engage the groove when the housing is in the second state in relation to the mount and to disengage the groove then the housing is in the first state with respect to the mount. The sensor, which senses motion of the shoe, is disposed within the housing such that the sensor remains disposed within the housing when the housing is placed in the first state in relation to the mount and the housing is moved with respect to the mount.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe including an upper for receiving a foot and a sole unit with a heel region and forefoot region, wherein an additional weight is arranged in at least one of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole unit to stabilize the foot against at least one torque acting on a wearer's foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for removably placing a pad on a shoe, including a bottom surface of the shoe, a pad secured to the bottom surface, an extension extending from the pad, the extension being secured to the bottom surface, and wherein the extension facilitates removal or application of the pad to the bottom surface.

Abstract: A technique is provided in which a shoe is decorated by placing a stick-on tattoo on the outer surface of the shoe. The present invention also provides a shoe having an outer portion made from one or more base materials, as well as a plain smooth plastic strip which is stitched around its entire circumference to the one or more base materials, so as to be surrounded on all edges by the one or more base materials. The present invention still further provides a method for decorating a shoe in which a first decal is applied to an outer surface the shoe, the first decal is then removed from the shoe, and a second decal is applied to the outer surface of the shoe. According to this aspect of the invention, the first decal is less than one millimeter thick, adheres well to smooth portions of the shoe, and can be removed with no more than moderate effort by only scratching with a fingernail even after adhering to a smooth portion of the shoe for more than one month.

Abstract: Protective foot wear having a shoe body, an elastomeric inner body, which has a sock portion and a sleeve, the sock portion being position in and attached to said shoe body. The sleeve extends from said shoe body. A shield is attached to the sleeve and the shield is sized to releaseably enclose the sleeve.

Abstract: A grind rail apparatus coupleable to an underside of a footwear for grinding is provided. The grind rail apparatus includes a body having an upper side and a lower side, the upper side of the body coupled to the underside of the footwear. The grind rail apparatus also includes a plurality of rails extending from the lower side of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new design for a shoe, especially an athletic shoe, with a sole that cushions mechanical stress while running, with an area with a cushioning effect and at least one further area with an effective transfer of force.

Abstract: Removable shoe weights applicable for use with any laced shoe to provide increased resistance wherein the user can increase muscle toning and caloric expenditure. The invention more particularly relates to an aesthetically pleasing, removable shoe weight having a flexible weighted mass secured by at least three attachment points to shoe laces. As such, the user can variably position the weights to be selectively worn throughout many alternative and sustained activities.

Abstract: A golf alignment system and method that allows a golfer to properly align his or her feet in relation to the already positioned golf club prior to attempting a shot. The invention comprises one or more substantially horizontal alignment stripes disposed upon a pair of shoes worn by a golfer. The alignment stripes may be of any color or material provided they are visually discernable from the rest of the shoe. The present invention uses aligned stripes skewed at a slight angle, offset from the longitudinal axis of the golfer's shoes. Because a human's back or heel portion of the foot is narrower than the front portion, adjacent horizontally disposed alignment stripes on each individual shoe, when brought together, would not result in a series of horizontal lines. However, when utilizing the present invention at the beginning of the alignment process before the golfer actually strikes the ball, the golfer brings his or her feet together or very close to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antiskid device which covers inline skate wheels and which can be folded onto itself so as to become half as long. In this way, it is much easier to conceal inside a pocket or a pouch.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a golf shoe that includes a golf ball marker receiver element and an opening that allows the shoe lace to pass through for attaching the apparatus to the shoe. A golf shoe that has such an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: This all-purpose device may be used for hiking, for safety while walking down street at night or just plain fun for kids of all ages. For whatever reason, this piece of equipment is an all-purpose device that may help reduce accidents. The items can be used for all ages. The device may hold items that come in various sizes, styles and colors. Items may be located on various locations on footwear, headband, wristband, or belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf shoe that incorporates a blade scraper that may be used to scrape and clean debris from the blade of a golf club. The present invention provides a blade scraper that is a permanent part of a golf shoe or may be removeably attached to an off-the-shelf golf shoe. With minimal effort, and without having to bend over or reach for a cleaning cloth, a golfer may swipe the blade of a club across the blade scraper to clean off debris. If a golfer needs a divot tool and/or ball marker during the course of play, the golfer need only reach to the shoe rather than hunt through a golf bag for such accessories.

Abstract: A clasp particularly for a cord or lace. The clasp can be used in connection with shoe laces or tightening cords for various garments, for example. The clasp has a male portion and a female portion having mutual connecting structures. Each of the male and female portions has a structure for connecting to an associated end of the cord/lace, and the male and female portions have complementary guiding structures so as to facilitate their engagement/disengagement.

Abstract: A skate mounted receptacle device (10) including a receptacle member (20) provided with a curved bottom (22) having a pair of spaced mounting apertures (23) dimensioned to receive a short strap member (40) for attaching the receptacle member (20) to the laces (201) of a skate (200); and, further including an independent lid member (30) having a contoured top (31) provided with a mounting slot (38) dimensioned to encircle the receptacle member (20) and the circumference of the shoe portion (205) of the skate (200) to releasably secure the lid member (30) to the receptacle member (30).

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe including an upper for receiving a foot and a sole unit with a heel region and forefoot region, wherein an additional weight is arranged in at least one of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole unit to stabilize the foot against at least one torque acting on a wearer's foot.

Abstract: A training shoe for soccer includes a pressure-responsive sensor mounted with respect to a soccer shoe at a selected location, for example at the instep or along the laces at the top of the shoe. When a soccer ball is kicked at the selected location, the sensor provides an electrical signal to a microprocessor, causing selection logic in the microprocessor to choose one of several control words. The selected control word is provided to a voice playback circuit to select one of several digital data sets, each set corresponding to a different sound. The playback circuit provides an analog electrical control signal to a speaker, thereby generating a selected sound corresponding to the selected digital data set. System components can be mounted permanently to a shoe, or to a cover or strap arrangement releasably mounted to the shoe.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear having a sole comprised of one or more support elements formed of a resilient, compressible material. The support elements are designed such that the positions of one or more bands that encircle the exterior surface of the support elements may be altered such that the deflection characteristics of the support elements are changed. In order to facilitate the repositioning of the bands, the support element includes an access indentation defined by the exterior surface or flanges that are secured to each band.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: A golf alignment system and method that allows a golfer to properly align his or her feet in relation to the already positioned golf club prior to attempting a shot. The invention comprises one or more substantially horizontal alignment stripes disposed upon a pair of shoes worn by a golfer. The alignment stripes may be of any color or material provided they are visually discernable from the rest of the shoe. The present invention uses aligned stripes skewed at a slight angle, offset from the longitudinal axis of the golfer's shoes. Because a human's back or heel portion of the foot is narrower than the front portion, adjacent horizontally disposed alignment stripes on each individual shoe, when brought together, would not result in a series of horizontal lines. However, when utilizing the present invention at the beginning of the alignment process before the golfer actually strikes the ball, the golfer brings his or her feet together or very close to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sports shoe having a shell 26, an inner sole 10, a middle sole 16, and sponges 12 and 14 attached between the inner sole 10 and the middle sole 16, including: a space part 17 formed within the middle sole 16; a first metallic rod 18a and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe 20 constantly spaced apart each other and inserted into the space part 17; and a second metallic rod 18b being detachably inserted into the PVC pipe 20.

Abstract: An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe. The attachment having a first (horizontal) flange extending to a second (vertical) flange. The first flange attaching to the sole of the shoe, with the second flange attaching to a wiping element such as a brush. The attachment could alternatively be provided with a disk-like single flange having threading allowing the attachment to be screwed into a standard golf shoe threaded spike hole.

Abstract: A weighted footwear insert for use inside a footwear. The weighted footwear insert includes a weighted plate defining at least one longitudinal fold line and a plurality of transversal fold lines. The fold lines are specifically positioned so as to allow the weighted plate to follow the contour of the sole of a foot during movement of the latter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sports shoe having a shell 26, an inner sole 10, a middle sole 16, and sponges 12 and 14 attached between the inner sole 10 and the middle sole 16, including: a space part 17 formed within the middle sole 16; a first metallic rod 18a and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe 20 constantly spaced apart each other and inserted into the space part 17; and a second metallic rod 18b being detachably inserted into the PVC pipe 20.

Abstract: A shoe mounted emergency identification information carrying assembly and method are provided. In a preferred embodiment, one or more members are provided to loop around shoe components such as the shoe tongue, laces, latches, or the like. The one or more members are preferably affixed together to form a looping member that can be inserted underneath the shoe components and then over the shoe components. In one embodiment, the one or more members may be affixed together at an overlap region such that the opposite sides of the overlap region are secured and the inner portion thereof can be opened to receive or loop around one or more shoe components, straps, or buckles. At least one fastener is also provided to fix the looping member in position around the shoe components by forming a closed loop. An interior surface of the looping member is not visible once the closed loop is formed and a detailed emergency identification information label is positioned there.

Abstract: A level is adapted for attachment to an upper surface of a shoe in such a manner that the level is visible to a wearer of the shoe. The level is calibrated by using a known level surface to stand upon and then adjusting the level so that it reads level when standing on the known level surface. The user then walks intermediate a first and second location, pausing as desired, and noting the reading that is provided by the level. Accordingly, a method of determining the grade at any given location is provided. If the user combines two or more readings that are taken intermediate the first and the second location, an average grade intermediate the first and the second location is provided. A preferred bubble level and method of adjusting the level to the shoe and of detaching it therefrom is disclosed.

Abstract: A bracket that supports an electrical component, such as a battery pack, comprising a main plate that includes opposing first and second surfaces, a mounting portion, and a retaining portion. A mounting extends from the mounting portion of the main plate and supports the electrical component. A first support leg extends from the main plate with a first slot being defined between the retaining portion and the first support leg.

Abstract: An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe. The attachment having a first (horizontal) flange extending to a second (vertical) flange. The first flange attaching to the sole of the shoe, with the second flange attaching to a wiping element such as a brush. The attachment could alternatively be provided with a disk-like single flange having threading allowing the attachment to be screwed into a standard golf shoe threaded spike hole.

Abstract: Combination of golf shoes and other golfing tools. For example a multi-functional shoe (20) which includes divot repair-tool (22), and golf tee (46). Golf shoes are constructed with holding mechanism (32) so that divot repair-tool (22) and or golf tee (38) may be easily attached to the shoe. Divot repair-tool (22) may also be constructed with a holding mechanism to attach to an ordinary golf shoe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating, presenting, recalling and recording the maximum running speed of a user over a prescribed distance in miles per hour or meters per second. The result is shown in digital and iconic form on a liquid crystal display (LCD). The apparatus incorporates a micro-controller, a LCD, a motion sensor, a sound generator, press switches, and light emitting diodes. The motion sensor is used to generate a signal, in response to external motion, which is input to the micro-controller for use in calculating the speed in accordance with a prescribed formula. Upon completion of running over a fixed time period or distance, a message is displayed on the LCD to indicated the maximum speed achieved by the user during an interval of the fixed time and over the prescribed distance. The apparatus may be adapted for use on shoes, a user's wrists, or the like, for the purpose of encouraging the user to run as fast as possible, and to ensure safety of the user at night.

Abstract: A weighted footwear insert for use inside a footwear. The weighted footwear insert includes a weighted plate defining at least one longitudinal fold line and a plurality of transversal fold lines. The fold lines are specifically positioned so as to allow the weighted plate to follow the contour of the sole of a foot during movement of the latter.

Abstract: A golf ball marker holder is provided that can be placed upon the top surface of a golfer's shoe and attached to the shoe by sliding the shoe lace of the golfer's shoe up a slot, past a retaining structure, and into a receiving area, after which the shoe lace is tightened and the golf ball marker holder is retained in place. The holder is of a unitary structure having two major portions, in which these two portions are pivotally attached to one another to form an upper and lower portion that forms a slot therebetween. This slot is used to receive the shoe lace of a golfer's shoe, and the holder is maneuvered to slide the shoe lace through the slot and into a receiving area. Once the shoe lace reaches that receiving area, the shoe lace will be retained by a corner structure within the slot, which will not allow the shoe lace to easily slide back out of the slot.

Abstract: The invention provides a shoe having a built-in, electronic wear indicator device capable of signaling (a) extent of shoe sole wear, (b) loss of ability to cushion and absorb shock, and (c) a need to replace the shoe. The wear indicator device comprises (a) a sensor and microprocessor which can measure and report the use history of the shoe, (b) a wear indicator display which shows the consumer the current point in the shoe's life cycle and (c) a power source. The wear indicator device is installed between the midsole and outsole during the manufacturing process and is therefore, built-in and unobtrusive to the user.

Abstract: Athletic performance is enhanced based on methods and articles for customizing the mass distribution of footwear and handwear, as appropriate to the athletic movements involved. The enhancements of such performance can be explained and implemented by analysis of leverage points associated with the musculature of the athlete. The customized mass distribution may be achieved by a carrier mateable or insertable with the footwear or handwear, or by integral manufacture of footwear or handwear whose effectiveness is based on leverage point principles.

Abstract: An athletic shoe attachment comprises a wedge-shaped shim adapted to be interposed between the bottom of a shoe and a ground engageable traction member. Any selected traction member may be removed and replaced by a shim, and the removed traction member may be mounted on the shim in ground engageable position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a mount, a housing, and a sensor. The mount is adapted to be disposed at least partially underneath a shoelace of a shoe, and the housing is adapted to be releasably attached to the mount. There is a tongue on one of the mount and the housing and a groove on the other of the mount and the housing, wherein the tongue is adapted to releasably engage the groove when the housing is attached to the mount. The apparatus further comprises a sensor, that senses motion of the shoe, disposed within the housing such that the sensor remains disposed within the housing when the housing is separated from the mount. In another embodiment, a method involves providing a housing that houses a sensor that senses motion of a shoe, and attaching a mount to an instep portion of the shoe such that at least a portion of the mount is disposed underneath at least a portion of a shoelace of the shoe.

Abstract: A bracket that supports an electrical component, such as a battery pack, comprising a main plate that includes opposing first and second surfaces, a mounting portion, and a retaining portion. A mounting extends from the mounting portion of the main plate and supports the electrical component. A first support leg extends from the main plate with a first slot being defined between the retaining portion and the first support leg.

Abstract: A lightweight bouncing sandal for youths, comprising a tough thin bottom layer, which is durable enough to withstand repeated scuffing and impacting with the ground and has an exposed textured surface to provide traction and reduced slipping when wet, a middle resilient layer of sufficient size and thickness to support a seventy-five pound load without compressing fully, a top confronting layer of semi-flexible material, with sufficient thickness and rigidity to support a two and one half pound per square inch load without distorting, with at least one elastic strap permanently affixed at its ends, such that it lays flat against the top layer without slack in a relaxed state, with an asymmetrically curved base to aid the user in maintaining balance while running, jumping or walking.

Abstract: A shoe sole having a resilient outsole including a weight for applying a larger-than-normal load on the leg muscles. The outsole has a single recess formed on the upper surface thereof and extending in a lengthwise direction from a toe portion to a heel portion of the outsole. The recess has an outline that is similar to the outline of the outsole and a single weight is embedded in the recess. The single weight comprises a mixture of a resilient material and metallic grains and has an outline that is similar to the outline of the outsole. The weight is formed so as to be relatively thin at the toe portion and relatively thick at the heel portion.

Abstract: An athletic training shoe insert includes particles of heavy material mixed with a flexible porous material and molded into an insole form to fit within a shoe. The particles and the insole form are designed to allow a human foot to be placed comfortably in the shoe and cooperate to substantially increase the weight of the shoe for training purposes. The amount of particles is changeable to change the weight of the athletic shoe. That is, a larger amount of particles can be added to increase the weight of the shoe. Also, additional insoles of particles and flexible porous material can be added to a shoe to substantially increase the weight if desired.

Abstract: A clipless pedal/cleat assembly is disclosed, having a float range that is easily and precisely adjusted. The assembly includes a pedal body and a cleat body configured to conformably mate together, and it further includes two spaced-apart engagement recesses mounted on one of the two bodies, preferably the pedal body, and a tongue assembly mounted on the other of the two bodies, thus preferably the cleat body. The tongue assembly is configured for limited rotation relative to the body on which it is mounted, about a rotation axis generally normal to the sole of the rider's shoe when the pedal body and the cleat body are mated together. The tongue assembly includes two spring-biased tongues configured for selective engagement with the two engagement recesses.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal includes a pedal shaft, a pedal body, first and second clamping members and a first biasing member. The pedal body is rotatably mounted on the pedal shaft. The first clamping member has a first cleat engagement surface and is pivotally coupled to one end, while the second clamping member has a second cleat engagement surface and is fixedly coupled to the other end. The second clamping member is configured to form an unobstructed longitudinal passageway. Preferably, the second clamping member includes two outer attachment points and an inner attachment point. Preferably, an adjustment member is arranged between the first clamping member and a biasing member to adjust tension of the biasing member on the first clamping member. The adjustment member has a head arranged in a hole of the first clamping member, an enlarged section and an adjustment plate adjustably mounted on the adjustment member.

Abstract: An overlay for athletic shoe soles including a panel dimensioned for being positioned over a lower surface of a sole of an athletic shoe. The panel has an upper surface and a lower surface. The panel has a plurality of openings' therethrough corresponding with cleats of the sole of the athletic shoe whereby the cleats will extend through the openings. The panel has a forward end and a rearward end.