Abstract: Grind shoe device of the present invention includes a shoe sole having downwardly facing heel and forefoot tread surfaces and a downwardly opening recess formed with longitudinal and transverse recess sections. A grind plate device is formed with transverse and longitudinal grind plate sections for receipt in the respective transverse and longitudinal recess sections, at least one of such grind plate sections being formed with a downwardly facing trough for grinding along a rail, curb or the like. The longitudinal grind plate section is flexible and in some embodiments is foiled of rigid sections of discrete rigid grind plate portions disposed to flex relative to one another to facilitate flexing of the sole. The method of the present invention involves the manufacturing of the sole with such downwardly facing recess and fabricating the grind plate device to be complementally received in its top side in such recesses.

Abstract: The virtual intelligence shoe with a podiatric analysis system provided with a portable pair of shoe-like body types thereof, into two of which a miniature electronic module and an enclosed sensor mat are permanently embedded in the shoe-like with a mechanical air package enclosing the electronic module to serve as a shock absorption. A miniature electronic module comprises a transmitting circuit with pressure resistance, shoe temperature and warning buzzer for full memory capacity, which receives the variable pressure and temperature voltage signals, convert them into resistance (ohm) and Celsius, respectively. The electrical signals can be emitted in an infrared light signal.

Abstract: An untied shoelace warning system with a shoelace receiver and first and second sensors coupled to an indicator that activates when the system senses a shoelace segment, but senses it in an untied condition. The first and second sensors couple the indicator to a battery, and may all be contained within a housing. The first sensor is normally closed, but opens when a shoelace segment rests against it in a tied condition, and closes if the shoelace segment falls off the sensor, activating the indicator by coupling it to the battery. The second sensor is normally open, closing when it detects a shoelace segment. The system activates the indicator when a shoelace segment is not sensed by the first sensor, but is sensed by the second sensor. The system does not activate the indicator when a shoelace segment is not in the system, because neither the first nor the second sensor senses the shoelace. This way, the untied shoelace warning system does not activate the indicator when the shoe is not being worn.

Abstract: A boot leg opening cover attachment for attachment to a pair of boots to cover the upper leg openings of the boots to prevent precipitation and debris from entering the boots. The boot leg opening cover attachment includes a pair of cover members each having upper and lower faces and a lower perimeter edge. Each of the cover members is designed for position over a boot leg opening of an associated boot to cover the respective boot leg opening. A clip connects the lower perimeter side edges of the cover members together. The clip is designed for attachment to adjacent portions of the boots to attach the cover members to the boots.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for converting physiologically derived energy to electric energy while walking in a form a low profile pneumatic electric power generator that is adapted for integration in a midsole of a shoe, to generate power as the wearer walks. The pneumatic electric generator in one embodiment, comprise a stator in a form of a closed loop passageway with inlet ports for compressed air and outlet ports for the exhaust. The generator rotor consists of plurality of freely movable, mechanically unrestrained but magnetically coupled segments. The pneumatic generator is based on reciprocating air hammer action. Also a pneumatic oscillator, consisting of a shuttle valve, pinholes, and two air chambers of different volumes, which is used create a pulsating compressed airflow for the reciprocating air hammer action is described.

Abstract: An article of athletic footwear with a sole incorporating low friction surfaces for sliding across a protruding feature on a supporting surface and walking surfaces for other athletic pursuits, and a method of making same.

Abstract: A grinding shoe apparatus for both normal running and walking activity and including a sole cavity for mounting a complementary plate configured with a plurality of bearing surfaces for sliding along rigid support surfaces and braking surfaces to control speed developed while sliding.

Abstract: A pair of slippers has a moisture-transmitting band across the bottom. An absorbent sponge is placed within the band and the band is secured by a hook and loop fastener. The slipper is worn in this condition when the sponge exchanges water to and from the floor to clean the floor and pick up spills. The securing band is releasable to change the absorbent material. In one embodiment the securing band is detachable for separate washing. Spills may be picked up without bending over.

Abstract: A method for mass producing midsoles for articles of footwear includes the following steps: forming first midsole portions of an article of footwear in predetermined sizes with a hollow area for receiving an insert and an aperture in at least one side of the first midsole portion for viewing the insert; forming inserts in predetermined sizes and shapes for placement in the hollow area of the first midsole portions; matching the predetermined size of the inserts to one or more predetermined sizes of first midsole portions; forming the size and shape of the hollow area and aperture for a given size first midsole portion to accommodate the predetermined size and shape of the insert; placing inserts into the hollow area of size matched first midsole portions; adjusting the position of the at least one aperture gasket along the side of the mold to align with the aperture in the first midsole portion; inserting the aperture gasket into the aperture of the first midsole portion to completely seal the aperture; pouri

Abstract: A shoe sole cleaner removes foreign debris from a sole of a user's shoe by swiping the sole over the shoe sole cleaner on the user's opposing shoe. The shoe sole cleaner includes a base member and an elongated closure strap extending from the base member. A fixed end of the elongated closure strap extends from the base member and a free end of the elongated closure strap is adapted for extending under at least a portion of a shoelace on the shoe. In one embodiment, facing surfaces of the closure strap and base member have complementary portions of a two-part mechanical fastener (e.g., hook-and-loop) which are engaged to secure the shoe sole cleaner to a shoe by its shoe laces. An exposed surface of the base member bears a shoe sole cleaning surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation for measuring forces applied to a wearer's foot, the apparatus providing an indication to the wearer when forces on the foot exceed pre-selected upper limits or do not meet pre-selected lower limits. A body member is disclosed for attachment around the wearer's foot, the body member having an exterior sole and an interior sole portion covered by a rigid foot plate. The foot plate includes an upper support surface for contact with the foot. The interior sole portion includes at least one cavity within, with a force sensing unit attachable partially within the cavity. At least one strain gage is positioned at a midpoint on the force sensing unit, and the force sensing unit is connectable to the underside of the foot plate. An electronic means is mounted within the cavity and is electrically connected to the at least one strain gage.

Abstract: A method of making a grinding shoe involving constructing a sole of high friction material having a downwardly facing high friction surface interrupted medially by an upwardly raised recess having opposite sides curved outwardly to form flares and making a plate to conform to such recess and securing such plate thereto to provide a downwardly facing low friction grind surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles of clothing and footwear and more particularly to an insertable patch or emblem which fits under the overlapping layer of a pocket formed in the article of clothing or footwear. The patch or emblem and the pocket in the article include releasable attachment means.

Abstract: A lateral animation display is carried on a useful article, such as an item of wearing apparel or the like. In one example, a shoe is provided with an integral animated display. An array of light sources is disposed within the shoe. A corresponding array of image frames depicts a stop-action sequence, such as stop-action images of a person running. An optional array of baffles confines light from each of the light sources to a corresponding one of the image frames. The individual light sources are sequentially activated so as to sequentially illuminate the corresponding image frames and thereby present an animated display of the stop-action sequence.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having basketball assembly including a flat backboard affixed to the athletic shoe. A rim is attached to the backboard and supports a flexible net.

Abstract: A boot (10) for a skating apparatus includes a first attachment (12) having a first recess (16). A second attachment (14) has a recess (18) that faces the first recess (16) of the first attachment (12). An illuminating device (20) may be inserted into the first recess (16) and the recess (18) of the second attachment (14) such that it is held in place on the boot (10). The first attachment (12) may also have a second recess (28) to retain a second illuminating device (24). The second illuminating device (24) may run from a heel (21) to a toe (26) of the boot (10) and is held in place by one or more sheaths (22).

Abstract: A shoe pocket, formed within the sole of footware such as a shoe, for storing objects such as keys, credit cards, matches, cigarettes, money clips, change, or specialized inserts. The shoe pocket comprises one or more recesses formed anywhere on the sole of the shoe, but preferably under the arch of the shoe, and with an opening to one side of the sole of the shoe. In one embodiment the object to be stored is placed directly in the recess in the sole of the shoe. In another embodiment, a housing is permanently affixed within the recess to receive the objects desired to be stored. In further embodiment, the housing is configured to receive an insert. The insert may itself be an object desired to be stored, such as a pedometer, a small computer, a calculator or other similar device, or the insert may be used to hold smaller objects such as keys, credit cards, etc., before being placed in the housing. In another embodiment, the housing is formed of a rigid material and provides arch support for the shoe.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which includes a platform to be strapped to the sole of footwear and an attachment carrying a tool which slidingly engages said platform, for providing an apparatus for interchangeably affixing a tool to footwear for work on floor and base board surfaces.

Abstract: A gliding shoe having an upper and a sole in which a sliding zone is obtained. At least one referencing arrangement is obtained on the upper in correspondence with the sliding zone. The referencing arrangement enables the user to use his/her eyes to place the shoe in the position that is best suited to the alignment of the sliding zone with the long support on which he engages to glide.

Abstract: A variable weight athletic shoe is described. The athletic shoe may be removably fitted with training weights of varying heaviness or the weights may be left off entirely without damaging the aesthetic appeal or functional aspects of the shoe. Weights of various sizes are quickly and securely coupled to the rear portion of the heel-enclosing section of the shoe with several types of attachment clips and latches. In other variants of the invention, shoe weights are removably attached within cavities in the heel or arch sections of the shoe sole. Weights may also be attached across the instep of the athletic shoe. The shoe weights may be covered in various protective and decorative coverings and may contain lightening holes to achieve the desired weight in a given size.

Abstract: A floor cleaning system that includes a mop assembly that is attachable to the user's foot. The mop assembly is constructed to be worn over the foot or the shoe of the user and includes a number of absorbent inserts that can absorb fluid from the floor contact sponge and that are not compressed by the weight of the user when the user walks. A number of detachable scrubbing pads are included that are attachable to the mop assembly.

Abstract: A light distribution system includes an area light emitting portion, a light source for supplying light to an input edge of the light emitting portion for conduction within the light emitting portion and emission therefrom, and a power source for the light source. A holder may be provided for the light emitting portion. The holder may be made of a flexible material to permit the holder to conform to a contoured surface such as the arm or other body part of a person. Also, a flexible band or belt may be provided for personal wear. The light distribution system may include an additional light source which is directional so it can be seen at a greater distance than the area light emitting portion. An information display system controlled by an interactive switch may also be provided for displaying selected information.

Abstract: A device for providing an acoustic signal to a patient when a predetermined load is placed on the patient's foot comprises a fluid filled control ms with a first bladder underlying the patient's foot and a second bladder as interconnected via a flexible tube. The second bladder is adapted to actuate a signaling means comprising a resiliently supported and biased click spring that provides an audible click noise when actuated by the second bladder of the control means at a predetermined pressure of the liquid corresponding to a predetermined load as placed on the patient's foot.

Abstract: An article of athletic footwear with a sole incorporating low friction surfaces for sliding across a protruding feature on a supporting surface and walking surfaces for other athletic pursuits, and a method of making same.

Abstract: An audio shoe includes a shoe top attached to a sole, and a channel extending into the sole from a side edge thereof. A speaker attached to a housing is positioned inside the channel. The speaker is oriented with its axis in a vertical position. A slot is provided between the front of the speaker and the side edge of the sole to enable sound to escape. The diameter of the speaker may be up to the width of the sole, which is large enough to provide improved sound volume and quality. In a first embodiment, the housing includes audio circuitry and user controls. In a second embodiment, a separate audio module is attached to the shoe top, and connected to the speaker with a cable. In a third embodiment, curved vertical supports extend between the top and bottom walls of the channel to provide additional shock absorption. In a fourth embodiment, a mesh is provided across the opening of the channel for shielding the speaker from dirt and water.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear comprising a heel, an outer sole, an innersole, and an upper wherein a storage facility is incorporated in an interior part of the article. One type of storage facility consists of a chamber in the heel having at least one opening and a closure for each opening. One type of closure has a push button which, when pushed, causes the closure to be partially or completely ejected from the opening to the chamber. The closure may include a receptacle adapted to receive and hold an object for storage in the chamber. Other types of storage facilities are pockets on the interior surface of the upper and in the innersole.

Abstract: The invention is an ankle holster for a handgun. The holster assembly wraps around the ankle of the wearer and has a fastener to fasten the ends together, such as buckles, snaps, clips, or hook and loop (Velcro) fastener tape. The holster assembly includes a plurality of eyelet apertures that are positioned adjacent the eyelet holes of the boot or shoe of the wearer. The holster assembly is held in position by interlacing the laces of the boot through the eyelet holes of the holster. This anchors the holster assembly in place and allows for a less constricting fit of the holster around the leg of the wearer.

Abstract: A set of footwear blocks having a set of footwear blocks has indicia, such as animal tracks or characters thereon, wherein the tracks can be interchanged between different images. The blocks also have rigid handles to support the arms of the child while walking. In a preferred embodiment the height of the rigid handles can be varied so that they can be raised so the child can walk erect while using the blocks underneath the child's shoes, or the height of the handles can be lowered so that the child, while kneeling, can use the blocks as hand-held printing imagines, for imprinting images in soft surface, such as soft ground or sand.

Abstract: A body portion of a decorative shoe accessory is located beneath the flaps of the shoe and is releasably attached to the shoe by frictional engagement associated with the overlying configuration of the flaps relative to the body of the accessory. The accessory includes a three-dimensional object releasably attached thereto.

Abstract: Articles of footwear incorporating one or more sliding elements are described. Such articles include shoes, sandals, boots, and appliances for attachment to any or all of the foregoing. In addition to serving the traditional functions of footwear lacking such sliding elements, such footwear can be used for recreational "grinding," or sliding across hard surfaces having edges, corners, etc.

Abstract: An overshoe construction (10) for athletic shoes (100) wherein the construction (10) includes a cover member (20) dimensioned to overlie the upper portion of the athletic shoe (100) and provided with an accessory unit (12) which includes a pocket member (30) and at least one strap member (32) adapted to releasably engage a miniature flashlight (50).

Abstract: A new footwear, such as a shoe or boot, with heated sole for helping keep a wearer's foot warm, especially in cold weather. The inventive device includes a footwear member having a sole and an upper portion for accepting a foot. The heel of the sole has a cavity therein with the lower surface of the heel having an opening into the cavity. A heel door is pivotally coupled to the lower surface of the heel for substantially closing the opening into the cavity. An elongate heating coil is provided within the interior of the sole for providing heat to the footwear when powered. Disposed within the cavity of the heel is a power source electrically coupled to the heating coil to provide power to the heating coil.

Abstract: A golf club wiping and cleaning device is positioned by clipping it onto the upper side wall of a golf shoe in a position for wiping the club's face. The device provides a base portion and a replaceable cartridge with sliding engagement into the base. The base provides a clip on the back side of the base portion for shoe attachment.

Abstract: A sensor shoe attached to a power source for sensing conditions of a foot positioned within the sensor shoe. The sensor shoe includes a base, a foot receiving portion extending from the base and an inner sole positioned within the foot receiving portion and atop the base. The inner sole includes a plurality of sensors positioned about an area of the inner sole for sensing conditions within the foot receiving portion and generating signals representative of the sensed conditions. A microcomputer is connected to receive the generated signals from the plurality of sensors and analyzes the signals to determine if a critical situation exists. A medication reservoir containing medication therein is connected to the microcomputer for releasing the medication upon a determination by the microcomputer that a critical situation exists.

Abstract: Footwear comprising a portion of fragrance releasing material associated with the footwear is disclosed with the fragrance being capable of being released from the portion of the footwear. The footwear further comprises a second portion of fragrance releasing material associated with the footwear for releasing a second fragrance.

Abstract: A shoe with a replaceable hygienic cartridge in the heel portion thereof, forces a chemical agent through the shoe due to the intermittent compression or pumping action while a wearer of the shoe is walking, running, or using the shoe in a similar manner. The shoe includes a chemical cartridge chamber in the heel portion of the sole, into which a flexible and resilient cartridge is removably installed. The cartridge may contain any of a number of different materials or agents, such as deodorant, anti-bacterial, fungicidal, desiccant, etc., or various combinations thereof; as desired. The upper surface of the sole within the shoe contains a series of grooves or channels therein, which communicate with the cartridge chamber by a passage therebetween. A porous insole overlays the upper surface of the sole and its channels.

Abstract: An athletic shoe including a sole, a heel, an upper, and a tongue. The tongue includes front and rear layers which define a pocket therebetween. A zipper secures the front and rear layers together to seal the pocket and permit access to the pocket as desired. A drawer is slidably received within a compartment in the heel for storing articles within the heel. A closure strap includes a first end joined to the heel and a second free end which can be secured to a second location on the heel across from the compartment to prevent removal of the drawer from the compartment.

Abstract: An article of performance enhancing footwear having a piezoelectric spring apparatus in the sole member. Walking or running applies a first force deforming a piezoelectric actuator, thereby generating electrical energy. An energy storage circuit stores electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric actuator. Sensing means is provided to sense the release of a second force greater than the first force, which triggers the release of stored electrical energy back into the piezoelectric actuator. The resulting deformation of the piezoelectric actuator imparts a force into the bottom contact surface of the sole member.

Abstract: A device for compressing and concealing a boot beneath a trouser leg includes an elongated panel having an inner side, an outer side, a bottom end and a top end. Secured to the top end is a buckle means for securing the panel to a boot strap. A pair of length adjustable straps extend from the panel for encircling and compressing the upper portion of a boot. Accordingly, the compressed upper portion of the boot may be easily inserted into a pants leg and concealed therewithin.

Abstract: An insole which can be placed in a user's shoe incorporates vibrators which provide a vibrating massage. The vibrators are connected to a battery operated power supply which can be attached to a users leg by an elastic strap or attached to a user's shoe by a clip. A wire retraction unit is mounted on the power supply to take up slack in an electrical cable which connects the vibrators and the power supply.

Abstract: A device and method of use for reducing knee bend, and therefore knee stress, when climbing and descending stairs. The method includes a first step of removably securing to a first foot of a user a device having an elevation of approximately half a step rise. A second method step includes lifting a second foot of the user onto a first stair step while applying full body weight to the first knee. A third method step includes lifting the first foot and the device while applying full body weight to a second knee in order to place the first foot and the device on the first step adjacent to the second foot. Lifting the second foot and lifting the first foot and the device are achieved while the first and second knees are bent no more than an angle necessary to climb approximately half a step rise. The sequential foot lifting is repeated until the user has climbed the stairs. The device includes a foot securing portion for removably attaching it to only one of a user's feet.

Abstract: Flashing footwear includes at least one light source, e.g., an LED, located on an external surface of the footwear so as to be visible, such as the rear of the heel. A power source, such as a battery, provides sufficient power to light the light source to cause illumination in response to a switch actuated by the condition of motion of the footwear so as to change between open and closed positions. A circuit is combined with the battery and switch to form a module arranged in the heel of the footwear. This circuit directs power from the battery to the LED to cause the LED to illuminate for a period of time in response to a change of the switch from the closed position to the open position and/or to light continuously while the switch is closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for converting a game shoe having game cleats to a weighted training shoe. The method includes the step replacing at least one of the game cleats with a weighted cleat that is at least three times heavier than the at least one game cleat.

Abstract: A soccer training aid uses a conforming fabric upper attached to a soccer shoe with straps passing between the cleats. The upper provides a foundation for colored targets indicating proper kicking points for soccer.

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.

Abstract: A readily removable two piece stretch fabric garment (3) with four pockets (4,5,6,7) for containing weights (4a, 5a, 6a 7a) is attached to the users athletic or conventional shoe (2) for the purpose of exercise, training and/or physical therapy. The weights are contoured to match the shape of that portion of the shoe which they overly and they are secured in their respective pockets by releasable Velcro (R) closures. A durable rubber or vinyl sole (8) connected to the toe portion of the footwear garment grips the toe segment of the shoe and forms a partial under surface for the garment to the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe tassel retainer device for use with a shoe having a flap overlying at least a part of the arch of the shoe, and at least one tassel proximate the flap. A first loop member includes a detachable attachment for adjustably fitting the first loop member over the arch of said shoe and retaining the flap. A second loop member has a portion extending from one end attached to the first loop member to its other end attached to the first loop member. One or both of the elastic loop members may be elastic. The one end of the second loop may be permanently attached to the first loop member and the other end of the second loop may be detachably attached to said the loop member, whereby the portion of the second loop member is adapted to detachably retain the tassel.

Abstract: A strap logo for a user to apply to the strap of a bag, cap, to shoestrings, or other articles having a linearly extended member comprises a logo face rotably attached to arms which encircle the strap and are, in turn, attached to each other by complementary hook and loop fastening means. As constructed, the strap logo may be temporarily attached to a variety of straps and removed at the user's option.

Abstract: A shoe decorated with a flexible lighted strip. The shoe has a light contained within its sole. A transparent flexible strip passes from the light within the sole outwardly and covers either a portion of the sole or a portion of the upper of the shoe. Preferably, the strip is made from plasticized polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is convertible from a low-top shoe to a high-top shoe. The convertible shoe includes a sole portion, an upper attached to the sole portion, and a detachable high-top. A securing strap secures the high-top to the upper. Both the upper and the detachable high-top include a series of slots through which the securing strap extends. To secure the high-top to the shoe, the securing strap is fed through each of the slots in the high-top and the upper respectively.