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 boot, particularly a sport boot, having an external sole on which an upper, demarcating a central introduction zone for the foot, is mounted, and having a lacing zone constituted of a lace or cable forming two strands that connect return elements of the lacing zone together through a predetermined course, and which are linked near their free ends to an immobilizing device or a clamp, wherein it has, near the introduction zone for the foot, at the end of the lacing zone, a storing pocket capable of receiving the free ends of the lace strands extending beyond the clamp after the quarters are tightened, as well as the clamp itself.

Abstract: A watch-containing shoe for allowing the user to know the time without having to carry or wear a watch. The watch-containing shoe includes a shoe having a top portion and side portions and including a tongue member having a top, a first end and a second end which is securely attached to the top portion; and also includes a watch being securely attached to the shoe.

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 supplemental tongue for an athletic or casual high top or low top lace up or loafer type shoe and referred to herein as a Phat tongue. The inventive Phat tongue includes a cushioned pad adapted for insertion into and removal from the shoe. The Phat tongue is designed for insertion into and removal from the shoe beneath a conventional tongue thereof. Consequently, the Phat tongue rests between the conventional tongue and a foot of a wearer. In the illustrative embodiment, the Phat tongue includes a shell made of cloth on which a decorative pattern is disposed on one side thereof. The cushioned pad is substantially planar and contoured to facilitate insertion into the shoe. In a first illustrative embodiment, the cushioned pad is hexagonal ball and a second illustrative embodiment, the cushioned pad is oval in shape. A loop is provided to facilitate insertion and removal and a hook and loop type fastener is provided to secure the Phat tongue in place against sock.

Abstract: An overshoe structure comprises an overshoe, a container for holding the overshoe, and a fastening device for fastening detachably the container to a regular shoe. The overshoe can be pulled out of the container such that the overshoe is worn over the regular shoe. The container may be made integrally with the regular shoe.

Abstract: This invention pertains to enclosed footwear in combination with a leg covering or body covering that is storable within a compartment that is integral with an exterior of the enclosed footwear. The leg covering can be either a gaiter or a pants leg portion, and the body covering can be either a sack portion or a suit portion.

Abstract: A display system for an article of clothing (20) includes an article of clothing (22) having an outer layer (28) which has an aperture (30). A display receiving insert (24) has a plate (32) which is shaped and dimensioned to fit into the aperture (30). The display receiving insert (24) is permanently attached to the article of clothing (22) so that plate (32) fits into aperture (30) and faces outward. A display (26) is then adhesively attached to plate (32).

Abstract: A detachable shoe wallet comprises a generally flat elongated body which is adapted to be folded over upon itself. The wallet is made of a double layer of nylon material and includes an inner pocket with a separate closure for securing small articles. The wallet also includes a plurality of longitudinally and laterally spaced eyelets for maintaining the wallet on the instep of a shoe.

Abstract: An outsole and nameplate arrangement includes an outsole, the outsole having a backwardly extended sliding slot in the heel thereof, a nameplate moved in and out of the sliding slot of the outsole, and an elastic rubber band wound round two locating pins inside the sliding slot of the outsole and fastened to a rear hook of the nameplate and adapted to hold the nameplate in the sliding slot of the outsole.

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: 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: 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: This device is an improvement of a shoe ornamentation system. The improvement provides a means of attaching removable ornamentation that is resistant to accidental dislodgment, and the ornamentation may be attached to virtually any part of the shoe, including the heel and toe regions of the shoe upper. The device is composed of a detachable locking clip that has the shoe ornament affixed to it, and a bar, the center of which the locking clip attaches. The ends of the bar are fastened to the shoe at the time the shoe is manufactured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, 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: The golf shoes of the invention comprise a level-measuring device comprising a transparent square fixed box installed inside the heel of the golf shoes, a ball having a round shape and made of opaque material wherein the ball rolls freely inside of the fixed box according to the movement of the shoes; first and second infrared emitting diodes which emit infrared light signals inside the fixed box where ball rolls; front, back, right, and left photosensors, which each output a signal after perceiving infrared light signal from the diodes; a microprocessor, which outputs a signal indicating the state of the golf shoes according to the signal outputted from the photosensors; a display device which shows the current state of shoes according to the signal for state of shoes outputted from microprocessor; a battery which supplies power to the first and second infrared emitting diodes and microprocessor; and an on-off switch.

Abstract: A mechanical weight bearing indicator produces a tactile signal which is felt by the wearer's foot. The signal is generated when the user exerts more than a predetermined amount of weight on the indicator, giving the user, who may be an orthopedic patient, immediate feedback concerning the amount of force applied. The indicator automatically resets and has no power source, but is purely mechanical. In one version of the invention, a domed metal disk is used as part of the indicator which snaps from a stable position to an unstable position in the way the bottom of an oil can operates, to produce the tactile signal and also for producing a sound as an audible signal. In another version of the invention, a piston and cylinder are used with the piston moving under the influence of a threshold of pressure exerted by the deformation of a compressible cavity member on which the user steps.

Abstract: A shoe tongue accessory that is designed for releasable attachment to the tongue of footwear to display a multitude of indicia or designs to alter the appearance of the footwear. The shoe tongue accessory consists of a first fragment and a second fragment that coact to form a pouch which is designed to receive the tongue of the footwear. The pouch is secured to the tongue through the combination of a strap affixed on the first fragment and at least two strap fasteners affixed on the second fragment. This combination permits the strap fasteners to engage the straps and secure the tongue within the pouch. The first fragment and the second fragment each display different indicia or designs and the pouch is further designed to permit the wearer to reverse the indicia or designs as desired.

Abstract: An auxiliary sole includes a ball portion, a heel portion, scent dispensing means, and attachment means for releasably attaching the heel portion to the ball portion. The ball portion and the heel portion include a base having a plurality of projections depending from the base. The scent dispenser may be made of an absorbent material impregnated with the scent of an animal that is positioned within a recess formed in one of the projections of the ball portion or the heel portion. The base of the ball portion has an elongate opening and the base of the heel portion has a pair of opposed end tabs that are received within the opening of the base of the ball portion. The base of the ball portion and the base of the heel portion may be provided with hook and loop fasteners to releasably attach the heel portion to the base portion.

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: The devices sole purpose is to keep the integrity of a knot once it is formed with the shoe lace to keep the shoe securely fastened about the foot. This will be accomplished by precluding the bows and excess laces on each side of the knot from movement or slippage in any direction. The semi attached properties of the device will allow its user to remove it from one shoe and place it on another.

Abstract: A step counting device includes a top casing, a bottom casing, a display, and two operating buttons. A circuit board is arranged in the space between the top casing and the bottom casing. An open area is formed on the edge of the circuit board and a ceramic vibration detecting mechanism is arranged on the circuit board. One end of the ceramic vibration detecting mechanism is a fixed point located on a fixed position and the other end is a cantilever point extended to the open area of the circuit board and a heavy mass is attached to the cantilever point. The step counting device is attached on a shoe, and the step counting device will be vibrated while a user wears the shoes walking or running. The ceramic vibration detecting mechanism will receive the vibration and a tiny voltage change will be produced to become an input signal to the control circuit on the circuit board.

Abstract: An athletic shoe comprising a sole, a top, a tongue and laces overlying the tongue for securing the shoe to the foot, said tongue being elongated and defining an upper portion projecting beyond the upper lacing point and connected to the main portion of the tongue by a hinge, pocket means defined in the tongue for providing means for inserting a replaceable indicia bearing card or the like.

Abstract: An accessory for footwear, particularly boots, to assist in removal from the foot of the wearer. The accessory comprises a strap hinged to the heel of the footwear. A fixed attachment section is applied to the rear of the boot and cooperative fasteners secure the strap against the heel extending generally vertically upward in a stored position. In use, the strap may be loosened from the boot and placed on a surface so the wearer may place weight on the strap to anchor the footwear so the wearer's foot may be withdrawn. The strap may have decorative features and define an opening to accommodate a spur. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge comprises a generally rectangular wire ring receiveably in loops in the bottom ends of the fixed section and strap to allow the strap to be removed from the boot for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A health care shoe, which can continuously provide adequate magnetic field arranged to penetrate through the wearer's foot for improving the wearer's blood circulation and metabolism, includes a sole; an insole placed on top the sole, which has a plurality of magnet cavities formed and distributed thereon; a shoe body rigidly attached on top of the sole to define a foot chamber between the shoe body and the insole; a plurality of base magnet elements fittingly received in the magnet cavities respectively provided on the insole; and a plurality of upper magnet elements embedded inside the shoe body with respect to the positions of the base magnet elements located on the insole, wherein each of the upper magnet elements is arranged to constitute a transversal magnetic field penetrating through the foot chamber and flowing towards one of the base magnet elements.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a mount, a housing, and a sensor, wherein the mount is adapted to be secured to a shoe, the housing is adapted to be releasably attached to the mount, and the sensor is supported by the housing such that the sensor remains supported by the housing when the housing is separated from the mount. In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises a mount and a motion-sensing device, wherein the mount is adapted to be secured to a shoe, and the motion-sensing device is adapted to be releasably attached to the mount.

Abstract: Grind shoe apparatus including a sole mounting a grind plate in the arch area. The grind plate is formed with a downwardly opening concave slide trough and is configured to form clearance spaces at the front and rear thereof. The plate may be formed on the lateral side with an upwardly and outwardly incline side slide surface.

Abstract: A pair of shoes 10 have a continuous design 30 applied to the upper structures 18 of the shoes, with the left shoe 12 containing the left portion 32 of the continuous design and the right shoe 14 containing the right portion 34. The left and right portions of the design are formed so that when the left shoe is worn on the wearer's left foot and the right shoe is worn on the wearer's right foot and the feet are brought together, the continuous design is formed and is displayed to the wearer, or to third parties observing the shoes, thereby enabling the wearer and/or third parties to discern if the shoes are being worn on the correct feet.

Abstract: A footwear that opens at the front and has a tongue for protecting the top of the foot, which is adjustable in position by way of a fixing system. The fixing system is constituted of a flexible band which, provided with woven strips on one surface, is folded over itself at one free end to form a loop that winds on a device that attaches the tongue. The invention allows the removability of the tongue, as well as its continuous adjustment longitudinally to the footwear, while guaranteeing the solid retention thereof on the front end of the latter.

Abstract: A therapeutic shoe for shifting the weight exerted on the foot of a wearer in a frontward or rearward direction as required has a sole and an upper portion configured to retain the foot of the user 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.

Abstract: Lacing apparatus comprising a lace which may be threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of one or more articles; connecting means for connecting the free ends of the lace to one another, so that when the free ends of the lace are connected to one another, the lace forms a continuous loop; and mechanical locking means for receiving the lace and releasably locking at least two portions of the lace in proximity to one another when at least a portion of the lace has been threaded through the apertures and the free ends of the lace are connected to one another. Footwear incorporating features of this apparatus, as well as methods of releasably lacing together two or more objects, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A therapeutic shoe for shifting the weight exerted on the foot of a wearer in a frontward or rearward direction as required has a sole and an upper portion configured to retain the foot of the user 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.

Abstract: A system to manufacture articles of footwear, shoe soles, shoe parts, clothing, or externally visible safety material having enhanced safety and visibility with reflective fluorescent safety particle chips, pieces, and shapes which are embedded, bonded, or mixed then are distributed in a pattern or at random throughout and integral to a bonding material which is a transparent or translucent elastomeric compound by extrusion or injection molding. The elastomers can consist of natural or synthetic rubbers, thermo plastic elastomers, vinyls (by which is meant polyvinylchloride plastics in transparent or translucent forms), plasticized vinyl (by which is meant polyvinylchloride plastics, with plastersizer, in transparent or translucent forms), butyl rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, GSR, urethane and all similar flexible transparent or translucent mediums with the reflective or fluorescent safety particle chips, pieces, and shapes distributed throughout the structure.

Abstract: A boot, particularly a sport boot, having an external sole on which an upper, demarcating a central introduction zone for the foot, is mounted, and having a lacing zone constituted of a lace or cable forming two strands that connect return elements of the lacing zone together through a predetermined course, and which are linked near their free ends to an immobilizing device or a clamp, wherein it has, near the introduction zone for the foot, at the end of the lacing zone, a storing pocket capable of receiving the free ends of the lace strands extending beyond the clamp after the quarters are tightened, as well as the clamp itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear having a concealed storage cavity for storing personal items, including but not limited to, keys, money, and medication, for increased personal safety and increased convenience.

Abstract: A sanitized footwear in which an ozone generating apparatus is provided so as to suppress the propagation of bacteria, to thereby prevent and cure athlete's foot, and the footwear has at the inner part of a heel thereof a metal or a resin casing having a piezo ceramic element and a driving lever at a pin shaft of the casing. The driving lever is coupled with a driving plate, a spark electrode with electricity applied thereto is generates sparks by a piezo effect into the footwear when the piezo ceramic element is compressed by pressing power of a wearer when the wearer walks, thereby generating ozone in the footwear.

Abstract: An athletic performance and entertainment device for use on footwear, for example, children shoes. More particularly, an entertainment device which can be attached to the tongue-area of a shoe for providing feedback to a user based on the user's performance during a selected physical activity. The user selects which activity he or she wishes to perform and presses the appropriate function button on the device. The wearer then performs the selected physical activity and the wearer's performance level is indicated by LEDs disposed on the device. A speaker may also be disposed on the device to provide audible feedback to the user. The device keeps track of improvements in performance by promoting the wearer through various award levels as performance increases, until all award levels have been mastered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe-base cleaning apparatus with jack means for filling of cleaning apparatus, which includes an upper, and an unit bottom formed of a sock, a side wall, a wiper, and at least one jack for the filling of cleaning solution or water wax into the wiper. The sidewall extends along the peripheral area of the sock, defining with the sock a receiving chamber. The wiper is mounted in the receiving chamber. The at least one jack is respectively mounted in the side wall for the filling of cleaning solution into the wiper, each formed of a hollow shell and a hollow stud press-fitted into the hollow shell.

Abstract: An accessory for footwear, particularly boots, to assist in removal from the foot of the wearer. The accessory comprises a strap hinged to the heel of the footwear. A fixed attachment section is applied to the rear of the boot and cooperative fasteners secure the strap against the heel extending generally vertically upward in a stored position. In use, the strap may be loosened from the boot and placed on a surface so the wearer may place weight on the strap to anchor the footwear so the wearer's foot may be withdrawn. The strap may have decorative features and define an opening to accommodate a spur. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge comprises a generally rectangular wire ring receiveably in loops in the bottom ends of the fixed section and strap to allow the strap to be removed from the boot for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A sports footwork training device that immediately alerts players if their weight is not on the balls of the feet includes a switch removably attachable to a rearward portion of a lower surface of a sole of a shoe. The switch is closable by application of pressure to a heel of the shoe. An alarm, electrically coupled to the switch, is triggered when the switch is closed. A method for training a sports participant to maintain weight on a forward part of a foot is also described.

Abstract: A sports boot that includes an upper, an outer sole and at least one fastening member adapted to cooperate with an associated fastening member of a sports article, such as a snowboard, ski, or skate. The upper is provided at its lower end with a continuous peripheral belt, at least semi-rigid, and each fastening member of the boot is fixed on the peripheral belt. The peripheral belt can be arranged on the inside or on the outside of the upper.

Abstract: A sandal having compartments therein for storing relatively small items within the shoes of the user. The sandal having compartments therein includes a bottom sole portion and a top sole portion which are securely attached together. A strap means releasably secures a foot to the top sole portion and is securely coupled to a top surface of the bottom sole portion. Each of a plurality of compartments includes a well extending into a side of the top sole portion and a container. The container has a cavity therein. The container has a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls. The front wall has an elongate slit therein for access to the cavity. The container is positioned within the well such that the front wall faces outwardly of the well. A plurality of compartments are disposed within the top sole portion.

Abstract: The present invention is footwear for use by an able-bodied person to test and appreciate the functions of a prosthetic foot. The footwear includes an upper for attachment to a user's foot and a mounting plate attached to the inside sole of the footwear. An adapter is mounted to the mounting plate for receipt of the foot prosthesis. The adapter allows for adjustment of the prosthesis with respect to the footwear.

Abstract: A scuffing protector for shielding a standard snowboard boot from the edge of a snowboard during the ride up a chairlift is disclosed. Snowboard riders traditionally remove one of their boots from its binding for the ride up the chairlift. The free boot allows the rider to maneuver through the chairlift lines and onto the chairlift itself. The snowboard boot protector is removably attached to the dorsal surface of the free boot of a snowboarder, so when riding the chairlift, the snowboard can rest upon the boot protector without causing any damage to the free boot. The boot protector is composed of a tough plastic or rubber material that has both flexibility and durability. Additionally, the boot protector is strong enough to support the weight of the snowboard, so as to equalize the load between both legs.

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 device that aids in the aeration of a lawn is provided that attaches to the bottom of ones shoes and provides for core aeration while performing other yard care tasks. A metal plate which is adjustable for various size shoes is provided with attachment straps for attachment to conventional outdoor footwear. Steel tubes approximately 2 inches long will protrude from the bottom of the plates, and are spring biased against the bottom plate such that the soil core is ejected during the natural stride of the wearer.

Abstract: A shoe, preferably an athletic shoe, with an attachment designed to give people who have just begun an exercise program, and have not yet achieved sufficient flexibility to be able to comfortably touch their toes, something to grab onto that is attached to the toes of their shoes. The attachment consists of two side members that go on each side of the shoe from the toe to the opening for the leg, and a front piece and several cross-pieces connecting the side members, like rungs on a ladder. The side members, front piece and cross-pieces can be sewn together, or cut from one piece of material. The front piece is sewn to the toe of the shoe or otherwise permanently attached. A person using the invention may begin by reaching the cross-piece furthest from the toe, and work his or her way downward, one rung at a time, until they are able to touch their toes. The side members may be removably attached to the shoe by strips of hook and loop fasteners, when the attachment is not in use.

Abstract: An attachment to footwear, particularly boots, to assist in their removal from the foot of the wearer. The attachment comprises a strap hinged to the heel of the footwear. Fasteners secure the strap against the heel extending generally vertically upward in a stored position. In use, the strap is loosened and placed on the surface so the wearer may place weight on the strap to anchor the footwear so the wearer's foot may be withdrawn. The strap may have decorative features and define an opening to accommodate a spur. In another embodiment, the attachment comprises a spring steel wire bail to which the strap is hinged. The bail may be detachably secured to the footwear in the welt in the heel area by an elastic band.

Abstract: An article of athletic footwear with a sole having a downwardly opening recess removably mounting a low friction grind plate for sliding across a protruding feature on a supporting surface and including an accessible storage compartment for temporarily storing keys and the like.

Abstract: This invention comprises a plurality of concave pads adapted to be externally attached to the foot or to athletic or other footwear for use in foot game sports.