Abstract: There is provided an article of footwear having a thematical a toe box cover. The toe box cover may be removably coupleable to a primary shoe element in which the toe box cover has an ornamental sculptured work simulating the appearance of another and different article. A covering system for an article of footwear, includes a themed cover adapted to cover at least a forefoot portion of a foot of a wearer. The themed cover may include a flange provided for removably coupling the themed cover to the article of footwear and the flange is disposed on bottom periphery of the themed cover. Further, a plurality of interchangeable footcovers bears different three-dimensional ornamental simulations within a common theme relating to another article of manufacture. There is also provided a method of marketing an article of manufacture with an article of footwear, in which the article of manufacture is different from the article of footwear.

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: The present invention is an improvement of the inner sole configuration of protective shoes, which is achieved mainly by disposing a rigid plastic inner sole plate on the shoe sole. The inner sole plate is made of an insulating rigid plastic material, forming a concavity for firmly contacting and comfortably supporting the wearer's foot sole. It also enlarges the margin areas preventing penetration. This inner rigid plastic sole plate includes three plate bodies connecting to one another and thereby is adapted to be upwardly bendable. Therefore, the present invention effectively improves the comfortable wear, safety, and good electric and thermal insulation of the protective shoes.

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 Method for Decorating a Shoe is a process whereby a shoe is covered with several layers of an acrylic polymer emulsion gel, which layers may be matte or gloss finish, tinted, or clear. One or more of the polymer gel layers is used to affix onto the shoe various sizes and types of paper and/or other decorative items, and the overall process may make use of elements of collage or decoupage. The basic steps of the decorative process in the preferred embodiment are roughly as follows: the shoe is cleaned; the paper or other decorative items to be affixed are immersed in the polymer gel to coat; the decorative items are applied to the clean shoe, forming a first layer of gel next to the shoe and a second layer of gel on top of the items; and two layers of (typically gloss) gel, which may be tinted, are applied to finish the decorated shoe. In alternate embodiments, three-dimensional decorative items may be applied, or one or more layers of the gel may be shaped and textured so as to enhance the overall design.

Abstract: A therapeutic shoe for shifting the weight exerted on the foot of a wearer or for elevating the foot from the ground as required has a sole and an upper portion configured to retain the foot of the wearer in contact with the sole. A recessed track, formed in the lower surface of the sole, extends parallel to the length of the sole and along a major portion of its length. At least one support block is provided for attachment to the lower surface of the sole at any of a plurality of positions along the entirety of the recessed track. Also provided is a heel protection configuration and sole thickness adjustment platform.

Abstract: A footwear construction including an inner shell supporting and enclosing a human foot, and an outer shell permanently bonded onto the inner shell including a replica of at least one of a sports team's designated colors, name, logo, selected player's name and selected player's identifying number.

Abstract: A Method for Decorating a Shoe is a process whereby a shoe is covered with several layers of an acrylic polymer emulsion gel, which layers may be matte or gloss finish, tinted, or clear. One or more of the polymer gel layers is used to affix onto the shoe various sizes and types of paper and/or other decorative items, and the overall process may make use of elements of collage or decoupage. The basic steps of the decorative process in the preferred embodiment are roughly as follows: the shoe is cleaned; the paper or other decorative items to be affixed are immersed in the polymer gel to coat; the decorative items are applied to the clean shoe, forming a first layer of gel next to the shoe and a second layer of gel on top of the items; and two layers of (typically gloss) gel, which may be tinted, are applied to finish the decorated shoe. In alternate embodiments, three-dimensional decorative items may be applied, or one or more layers of the gel may be shaped and textured so as to enhance the overall design.

Abstract: A role-playing shoe comprising a shoe body having a heel portion. A switch is mounted on the heel portion and a light and a speaker are included in the shoe body. An integrated circuit housed within the shoe body and electrically coupled to the switch, the light, and the speaker, lights the light and sounds the speaker upon actuation of the switch.

Abstract: A shoe with improved lacing means includes a shoe, shoe laces (14) and a hook and loop element pouch (10). On the underside, the side making contact with the shoe, are two openings (16) that are used to slide the shoelaces through. With the pouch (10) open, the shoelaces (14) are pushed through the holes (16), pulled firmly and then tied as usual. Place the tied shoelaces (14) down into the pouch (10). There is a hook and loop element strip (22) on the opening making it easy to close, while keeping laces (14) secure. The pouch (10) can be attached to the shoe by hook and loop element strips (18) on both the right and left underside of the pouch (10). The pouch (10) will keep the shoelaces (14) from loosening, snagging and untying.

Abstract: A lace tightening assembly is applied to a shoe body having eyelet tabs, and includes a mounting seat, a tightening member mounted pivotally in the mounting seat, and a pull cord for operating the tightening member to pivot between a shoe lace tightening position and a shoe lace loosening position.

Abstract: A footwear kit having a hand-held remote controller and footwear with a sole comprising remotely controlled front and rear rotating discs coupled along a lateral side of the sole. The front and rear rotating discs provide an appearance of rotating wheels when rotating. The footwear and discs provide an illusion of a vehicle or hot rod. The kit may further include a carry case with a rotatable disc remotely controlled simultaneously with the front and rear discs. In an alternative embodiment, the kit may include a pump to inflate an inflatable chamber in the sole.

Abstract: An air bladder device includes a casing having a transparent or semi-transparent wall, an air bag received in the casing, and one or more patterns disposed between the wall and the air bag. The air bag is inflatable to move the patterns toward and away from the wall. The patterns are preferably spatial patterns and are deformable, and may be deformed when the patterns are forced against the wall, such that the patterns may be seen through the wall as changing patterns. The casing may include a scale for indicating the inflation of the air bag by the deformed patterns.

Abstract: A sandal system comprises a sole. The sole has top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface has a periphery and a heel portion. A foot retaining strap is provided. The strap has ends coupled to the sole. A central extent is provided between the ends. Top and bottom faces are provided. A first hook and loop fastener is provided. The hook and loop fastener has an upper side and a lower side coupled with the top face of the strap. Finally, a decorative ribbon is provided. The ribbon has an upper plane adapted to have decorations and a lower plane having a second hook and loop fastener being adapted to releasably couple with the upper side of the first hook and loop fastener. The first and second hook and loop fasteners are essentially coextensive in size.

Abstract: A method of decorating a shell portion of a boot, particularly a ski boot, as well as a boot thus decorated, the method of which includes the following:

Abstract: Footbeds for footwear, especially sandals, are formed from weldable plastic materials, such as industrial and commercial carpeting, and are provided with patterns welded into the material and with decorative prints or patterns welded to the physical patterns. The footbeds are very decorative in appearance and produce very saleable footwear products. A process for conveniently and economically producing the decorative footbeds is also disclosed.

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: The upper part (3) of the shell (1), manufactured as one piece from polymer material, of a footwear is divided on the front into two pairs of flaps (6A, 7A; 6B, 7B) by a longitudinal separating line (5) and by a transverse slit provided opposite the user's heel. Two removable inserts (11, 12) are provided, which may even be manufactured using a type of polymer material different from that of the shell (1), have parts (13, 15; 14, 16) which are designed to interfere both with the outer surface and with the inner surface of the said flaps (6A, 7A; 6B, 7B) and also have interconnecting parts (17, 18) which are designed to be retained by the twfo sections (8A, 8B) of the transverse slit. USE: Ski boots and skating boots, safety footwear and the like. ADVANTAGES: No infiltration (e.g. of water and snow) into the boot; more efficient manufacturing of the boot.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe body, an ozonizer, an ozone discharge pipe, and an air supply unit. The shoe body includes a sole unit connected to an upper and formed with a cavity for receiving the ozonizer. The ozone discharge pipe is connected to the ozonizer, and is in fluid communication with an interior space in the upper. The air supply unit is connected to the ozonizer to supply air for generating ozone and to subsequently force the ozone to flow from the cavity into the interior space via the ozone discharge pipe.

Abstract: An article of footwear provided with snap-fit replaceable ground-engaging members, particularly snap-fit tips, and a kit and method for altering ground-engaging characteristics of an article of footwear such as an athletic shoe. An article of footwear according to the present invention includes a sole (and/or a footplate) having at least one ground-engaging member in snap-fit engagement therewith. In particular, the ground-engaging member is engageable under the application of a non-rotational force (especially a manual force). According to one aspect of the present invention, a clearly discernible feedback (especially an audible feedback, such as a click or a snapping sound) is provided to clearly indicate engagement between the ground-engaging member and the sole.

Abstract: Foot wear with storage pack with features that are attractive to a child and encourage cooperation and use.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for displaying indicia, such as a logo or trademark, on a shoe. A window is provided in the shoe, for example the heel of the shoe. Indicia appear on a removable member such as an insole and are displayed through the window.

Abstract: An air bladder device includes a casing having a transparent or semi-transparent wall, an air bag received in the casing, and one or more patterns disposed between the wall and the air bag. The air bag is inflatable to move the patterns toward and away from the wall. The patterns are preferably spatial patterns and are deformable, and may be deformed when the patterns are forced against the wall, such that the patterns may be seen through the wall as changing patterns. The casing may include a scale for indicating the inflation of the air bag by the deformed patterns.

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 having a sole. The attachment having a disk-like flange for fitting in a snug and gripping manner against the shoe's sole. This flange having a bottom surface opposite an upper surface. Extending down from the bottom surface are a number of bristles for supplying brushing surface for brushing an object. Extending up from the center of the upper surface is a threaded stud for removably attaching the attachment to the shoe.

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 figurine is mounted on a shoe. On a preferred embodiment, the figurine stands upright on top of the toe portion of the shoe; is selectively removable from the shoe; and is capable of standing upright on a floor surface when removed from the shoe.

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 gait adjusting device or harness is designed for attachment to an item of footwear, such as an athletic shoe. The harness has a panel with a lower face of predetermined adhering material designed to releasable attach or stick to a carpeted surface. A first set of straps extends from the panel for securing around the top of a shoe with the panel extending transversely across the sole of the shoe with the carpet adhering face facing downwardly, and a second set of straps extends from the panel in a direction transverse to the first set of straps for securing around the heel end of the shoe, securely holding the panel in the desired position.

Abstract: An improved safety boot or shoe is disclosed which integrally incorporates a cushioned metatarsal guard to protect the metatarsal region of the wearer's foot from injury caused by objects falling onto this region of the wearer's foot. The metatarsal guard is be assembled from different segments of materials in consecutive layer fashion, and in the preferred embodiment includes a segment of impact cushion material, a segment of cut-resistant material, a segment of force absorption material, and a segment of in-step cushion material. The segments are preferably adhesively affixed together to form a sandwich, with the sandwich then being interposed between the interior of the upper and the inner lining of the safety boot or shoe. In the preferred embodiment, a rigid toe is also included, with a portion of the metatarsal guard of the present invention overlying a portion of the rigid toe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoelace cover for use with an athletic shoe for covering the shoelaces to prevent the loosening or untying of a tied shoelace bow. The present invention is particularly applicable to wrestling shoes wherein the physical contact between wrestlers often causes the wrestling shoes to become untied. The shoelace cover generally includes a length of material with ends that can be interconnected to form an adjustable cuff for extending about one's ankle. A front portion includes apertures for shoelaces to extend through the cover. Preferably, the shoelaces extend from the shoe to pass through the apertures of the cover and then back to the shoe to secure the cover to the shoe. The front portion includes a pocket on a back side. The shoelaces can be tied into a shoelace bow, tucked into the pocket, and the ends of the cuff can be secured about one's ankle to retain the shoelace within the pocket under the cover.

Abstract: An anti-slip attachment for boots and the like includes a flat plate member to underlie the article of footwear, the plate member being accessible at both side edges of the footwear article. A bracket supported by the plate member projects laterally away from the footwear article and defines an aperture through which an end of a pole can pass. Securement means are provided on the plate member, which allow a belt-member overlying the footwear article to draw the plate member firmly up against the article of footwear.

Abstract: A carrier for carrying personal items on a shoe. The carrier is preferably affixed to a top portion of the shoe by interlacing shoe laces of the shoe through eyelets located on a bottom surface of the carrier. The carrier includes a closeable opening leading to an interior of the carrier. The carrier can carry small personal items such as keys and money. The carrier may also include a secondary pocket for holding additional personal items such as pens or pencils.

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: A removable and flexible anti-fatigue sole enhancer which is attached by a variety of integrated releasable securement apparatuses to the user's primary footwear. The enhancer is convenient and easy to use. The enhancer is interchangeable with a variety of footwear. The enhancer provides an alternative to anti-fatigue floor mats that are often impractical and or are too costly.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered for pivot to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, or turned, to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: An insole includes a layer of thermal-color agent coated on a top surface thereof and the color of the layer is subjected to change when the temperature of the foot is applied thereto. By this way, the real size of the foot can be obtained for a period of time.

Abstract: A shoe includes a vamp, a magnet unit, and a magnetically attractable decorative piece. The magnet unit is mounted on the vamp to provide a magnetic attraction force through the vamp. The magnetically attractable decorative piece has an inner surface attached to an outer surface of the vamp by the magnetic attraction force.

Abstract: An apparatus to be secured to a person or an article of clothing includes a housing, at least one retaining member, and an elastic member. The housing is adapted to house at least one item. The at least one retaining member is supported by the housing. The elastic member is releasably engageable with the at least one retaining member and is adapted to stretchably encompass at least a portion of the person or article of clothing and to secure the housing to the person or article of clothing when engaged with the at least one retaining member. A method for securing a housing to a person or an article of clothing involves providing a housing and an elastic member, the housing having at least one retaining member supported thereby. The elastic member is wrapped about at least a portion of the person or article of clothing and is stretched.

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes a photoreactive composition capable of reversibly changing color when contacted with ultraviolet light is provided. The photoreactive composition is incorporated into a panel member that is secured to the article of footwear. For example, in one embodiment, a photoreactive composition, which is initially optically transparent, is contacted with ultraviolet light so that it changes to one or more visible colors (e.g., violet, blue, red, orange, yellow, etc.) during exposure, and then returns substantially to its original color in the absence of ultraviolet light. Likewise, in another embodiment, a photoreactive composition, which initially has one or more visible colors, is contacted with ultraviolet light so that it changes to one or more different visible colors.

Abstract: A footwear sole is provided that comprises a first layer and a display element integral with the first layer. The first layer has a lower surface and an upper surface and is at least semi-transparent such that the display element is observable through the first layer.

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 system and shoe for determining the fit of a shoe from outside the shoe wherein the shoe has an outsole that has a reference gauge for placing a person's heel and a reference mark indicating how far a person's toes should extend so that the shoe would fit. The system is adaptable so a decal may be used or a separate foot measurement guide such as a hang tag may be attached to a shoe where the visual fit guide depicted on the hang tag corresponds to the size of the shoe to which it is applied. The hang tag may be printed on both sides to correspond to both a left and right foot.

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: A traction cleat for footwear functions to both provide traction for the footwear to which it attaches and as a brand promotion medium. All or most of a shoe cleat is molded or otherwise configured in the form of a logo of the shoe manufacturer or other business entity. The logo may include alphanumeric characters, artistic designs, or both. Plural traction elements disposed on the cleat are arranged to be part of the logo. The traction elements are secured to and project from a substratum having a periphery configured to match the contour of the logo. If alphanumeric characters are incorporated into the logo design, the characters are raised to project from the substratum of the cleat. The characters may function to enhance the traction function that is primarily provided by the traction elements.

Abstract: Footwear for leaving a personalized imprint on wet sand and other surfaces is accomplished through the removal of material as opposed to previous additive processes. Footwear according to the invention includes a sole portion having a bottom surface with a matrix of projections extending therefrom. Each projection is selectively removable, thereby enabling a user to remove a subset of the projections corresponding to the personalized imprint. The sole portion may form any type of shoe, including sandals, thongs, ‘flip-flops,’ and so forth. Each projection preferably has a nominal length in the range of {fraction (3/16)} to ⅜ inch and a nominal width in the range of ⅛ to {fraction (3/16)} inch, and may be circular, triangular, rectangular, square, or hexagonal in cross-section. The matrix of projections may cover the entire bottom surface of the shoe, or a non-partitioned border may be provided which surrounds the matrix of projections.