Abstract: The invention relates a decorative shoe shield suitable for detachable positioning on an article of footwear and for securing thereto by shoelaces. The top surface of the shoe shield is adapted for receiving decorative indicia imprinted thereon. A plurality of openings formed in the body of the shoe shield or in fastener strips securely connected to the flexible body allow securing of the shoe shield to the shoe by shoelaces. The fastener elements can be formed as separate L-shaped or hook-shaped members securely attached to the shield body, or as unitary strips secured along side edges of the body, or formed directly in the body of the decorative attachment.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole, an upper mounted on the sole, and a display assembly. The display assembly includes an outer translucent member with a perimeter region fixedly attached to an outer surface of the upper and a central portion raised from a plane of the outer surface to provide a sealed compartment. A decorative element is disposed within the compartment and sized to move freely therewithin, the central portion of the outer translucent member permitting visual inspection of the decorative element within the compartment.

Abstract: The outsole assembly of a shoe having an upper defining a volume for enclosing a wearer's foot, with the outsole assembly attached generally therebelow, includes an outsole consisting of an outsole body of transparent material defining a water impervious outsole bottom surface disposed for engagement with a walking surface when worn, an outsole upper surface disposed generally in opposition to the volume, and an outsole side surface extending peripherally about the outsole generally between the outsole bottom and upper surfaces. A grid member defines at least one aperture at the outsole upper surface. An article disposed within the aperture is observable through the water impervious outsole bottom surface of the body of transparent material. A method for shoe assembly is also described.

Abstract: A golf-club head cleaning device 10including a panel member 15 which is secured by means of an adhesive 25 to the outer surface of a golf shoe 12 while playing golf. The panel member 15 can be constructed of any material, not damaging to golf-club heads, which has a friction producing or roughened surface to facilitate the removal of grass and earth from golf-club heads and is preferably constructed of advanced polyamide fiber 20. The panel member 15 is preferably secured at the side of the upper 35 of golf shoe 12. The panel member 15 should be of a size which will facilitate easy cleaning of golf-club heads. The shape of the panel member 15 will vary depending on the style of the golf shoe 12 to which it is secured.

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 protective device for the heel and back portion of a footwear article including a cover member, at least two user adjustable straps for securing the cover member to a footwear article, and a sealable pouch attached to the cover member. The cover member has a curved exterior surface portion and includes a padded, recessed area for receiving at least a portion of the heel and back of a footwear article and a elongated heel slot formed through a bottom section of the cover member having a width sufficient to allow a standard high heel to be inserted laterally into the slot in a manner such that the back of the shoe to which the highs heel is attached is disposed within the padded recessed area. The sealable pouch is constructed of flexible plastic and has a central portion permanently affixed to the curved exterior surface portion of the cover member device and two side portions that are detachably securable to the curved exterior surface of the cover member with a restickable adhesive.

Abstract: A display unit such as a digital or analog watch is held in a wedge-shaped member to the top of footwear by a second tongue held, for example, with hook and loop fasteners, to the top of a sneaker or shoe. In another embodiment, the display unit can be held to the top of footwear by the laces of the footwear, which are threaded through a series of pairs of openings in the bottom of the display holder.

Abstract: This invention modifies nearly any form of apparel, including baseball-style hats, by incorporating a portion of magnetic material into the article of apparel which allows for releasable attachment of a plurality of magnetic-based display panels.

Abstract: An improved shoe have a light-emitting diode and a batter contained therein. The light-emitting diode is turned on when the wearer of the shoe exerts pressure on the heel of the shoe as in walking or running. Preferably, the light-emitting diode is at the back of the heel, and more than one light-emitting diode may be used.

Abstract: A deodorizer for masking foot and shoe odors through controlled release of fragrance is claimed.

Abstract: A removable stretch fabric garment (3) with four pockets (4, 5, 6,7) for containing weights (4a, 5a, 6a, 7a) is attached to the user's athletic or conventional shoe (2) for the purpose of exercising, training and/or receiving 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 adhesive band closures. A durable vinyl sole (8) connected to the toe portion of the footwear garment grips the toe segment of the shoe and forms a partial undersurface for the garment helping to secure the garment to the shoe.

Abstract: A boot holster is provided as may be used by a police officer or military personnel for carrying a concealed weapon. The holster includes a rear strap loop which receives a flexible strap fixed along the top portion of the boot. A pistol strap is permanently affixed to the holster along the rear thereof and is releasably affixed to the front of the holster whereby the pistol can be easily removed as needed.

Abstract: Illuminated footwear having a power source, at least one light source operatively connected to the power source, a switching circuit for selectively illuminating the light source, and a linear side-glow optical conduit located on the footwear so as to be visible when illuminated, the linear optical conduit having opposed end portions and being capable of emitting light conducted therethrough radially outwardly from its circumferential periphery substantially along its entire length, at least one end portion of the linear optical conduit being positioned and located in close proximity to the light source so as to receive light therefrom when illuminated, the linear optical conduit being illuminated substantially along its entire circumferential periphery when the light source is selectively illuminated.

Abstract: A training device has a ramp means to be worn on a bottom of a sole of a shoe which has an upper section with toe and heel portions and an ankle portion above the heel portion. The sole has longitudinally spaced apart heel and toe sections and the training device and the ramp means having an underside contoured to be placed against the bottom of the sole. The ramp means has, in substantially longitudinal serial relationship, a ramp down section, a parallel section, and a ramp up section. The ramp down section ramps away from the underside in a heel to toe direction with reference to the shoe. The parallel section has a parallel surface that is substantially parallel to a plane defined by the underside and longitudinally extends from the ramp up surface in the heel to toe direction. The ramp up section ramps away from the parallel surface to the underside.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device for parachutists is disclosed. A conventional rshoe may be modified by riveting or otherwise fastening hook and loop material to the bottom of the overshoe. An impact absorbing sole having a top surface including hook and loop material may be quickly attached to and detached from the modified overshoe. It is also contemplated to provide fastening straps in lieu of or in addition to the hook and loop fastener. The fastening straps may encircle the forefoot area and/or the heel and ankle. The sole may have three layers of solid material or the middle layer may include apertures, which correspond to the heel and ball areas of the foot, for receiving cushioning inserts. The layers may be made of a high density open cell urethane foam, a microcellular ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polyethylene foam, a viscoelastic plasticized polyurethane polymer, or a viscoelastic urethane rubber polymer. The layers may be laminated together using any conventional adhesive.

Abstract: A shoe including a shoe body having an outsole defining a receiving chamber, and an upper fastened to the outsole; an insole formed as an air bag filled with air; and a pressure gauge mounted on and exposed from the upper of the shoe body and connected to the insole to measure the pressure applied to the insole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a shoe with a sole and upper, a toy element, and a snap attachment assembly consisting of cooperating male and female components. The female component is attached to the shoe. The cooperating male component is attached to the ornamental article, which is thus removably assembled with the shoe by cooperative, snap engagement of the female and cooperating male components of the snap attachment assembly. In preferred embodiments, one or several ornamental articles are interchangeably displayed on shoes and on fashion display accessories, e.g., bracelets, barrettes, chains and pendants.

Abstract: A light apparatus adapter for attachment to a sports shoe. The apparatus includes a toe shoe form (10) adapted for substantial circumlocution of the upper portion of a toe of a shoe intended for sport use, e.g. skating, hiking, walking etc. The toe shoe form (10) is comprised of a relatively hard, but somewhat flexible plastic shell dimensioned for spaced apart, overlapping and superimposed relation with respect to the upper toe portion of a shoe. At least along the interior marginal and laterally extending edges (14) of the toe shoe form is attached resilient and compressible polyeurathane foam, the interior width ("w") of the opening intermediate or between the interior lateral edges with the resilient and compressible polyeurathane foam in place being less than the width of the toe of the shoe for which the toe shoe form (10) is intended to thereby compress the foam against the toe of the shoe, when in place, inhibiting displacement of the toe shoe form.

Abstract: The shoe lace safety guard is a device to cover and retain the shoe laces to prevent inadvertent snagging or other interference with the laces when wearing shoes. An inner fastener element is attached by a tab to the shoe lace at the furthest lace away from the point at which the laces are tied. The shoe laces are then tied by a bow over the inner fastener element. An outer fastener element attached at a fold is then folded over onto the inner fastener element and retained by a hook and loop material to cover and retain the laces. The outer fastener element may have hook and loop material to allow attachment of emblems, reflectors and other objects.

Abstract: A self-contained portable illumination unit removably attachable to a wide variety of footwear having a body assembly capable of housing and securely holding a power source, a switching circuit for selectively illuminating the light source, and one end portion of a linear side-glow optical conduit capable of emitting light conducted therethrough radially outwardly from its circumferential periphery substantially along its entire surface area, the one end portion of the linear optical conduit being positioned and located in close proximity to the light source so as to receive light therefrom when illuminated. The body assembly further includes a removable cover member for providing access to the power source and a removably adjustable mounting clip for removably attaching the body assembly to the footwear.

Abstract: Assembly system for a sole of a shoe for receiving a piece of equipment adapted for use with the shoe is provided which includes a first assembly element having at least one nest for initially receiving a portion of a piece of equipment, and a second assembly element for positioning and immobilizing the piece of equipment on a sole after the first assembly element receives a portion of the piece of equipment. In the field of cycling shoes, a sole with these features is of a universal type that enables the installation of most existing wedge fastening elements.

Abstract: An anti-theft device to be applied to a shoe and provided with a sensor element (52) of an alarm system comprises two clamp plates (11, 12) which can be tightened against each other by a screw mechanism to be attached to the shoe straddling the edge of the upper leather thereof which defines the insert opening for the foot, and a device for preventing operation of the screw mechanism for displacement of the clamp plates from the tightened position, which can be actuated by means of a special tool only.

Abstract: A shoe including a shoe body having an outsold and an upper fastened to the outsole; an insole formed as an air bag filled with air and mounted within the outsole; a pressure inductor connected to the insole to detect the pressure applied to the insole; a circuit board mounted in the insole and consisting of a pressure converter and a microprocessor, the pressure converter converting the pressure detected by the pressure inductor into a frequency signal to be processed by the microprocessor so that the microprocessor obtains a value corresponding to the pressure applied to the insole; and a liquid crystal display connected to the microprocessor to display the value obtained by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A static dissipative shoe which is provided utilizes a polymer material embedded therein, so that the handling, shipping and storage of integrated circuits are protected from electrostatic discharge. A conductive plug in communication with the outsole and static interceptor fabricated from a non volatile material having a conductivity of less that about 10.sup.5 ohms and which is located in the toe region of the outsole, provides a conductive path to the static interceptor layer. The footwear includes a toe and heel region, a conductive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the conductive layer arranged proximate the upper surface of the outsole and upper surface of the conductive plugs for providing a continuous path from the outside of the footwear to the static interceptor means.

Abstract: An inertially responsive lighting system (10) for footwear has at least one electric light source (12), a battery (16), circuit means (22) to connect the battery to the light, and electro-mechanical switching means (24) disposed in the circuit means that are responsive to an inertial impulse force acting on the footwear to cause the light to flash on and off for a brief interval after the force is applied.

Abstract: A heated insulation boot including a boot portion having an open upper portion, a closed lower sole portion, a heel portion and an insulated toe portion. An upper portion of the insulated toe portion has a circular recess formed therein. A cover portion is included and having a generally circular configuration. The cover portion has a flexible member coupled to the upper portion of the insulated toe portion of the boot portion adjacent to the circular recess. A heating packet is removably positioned within the circular recess of the insulated toe portion of the boot portion.

Abstract: Articles of footwear including a power supply, a logic circuit, at least two pressure switches which control the operation of the logic circuit, a counter circuit, a monitor circuit, a driver circuit and a display device. The counter circuit counts all such steps and determines use of the footwear vis-a-vis life of the footwear and/or characteristics of the use of the footwear. The display device selectively displays the number of steps taken in the footwear, or the speed at which the steps were taken.

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing weight for shoes allows a user to customize his or her workout. The shoe weight slips under the shoelaces of workout shoe. The shoe weight is held firmly in place by the shoelace tension and shape of the shoe weight. A secondary securing cord can be used as a backup to hold the weight in position. The intensity of the workout can be varied by the number and magnitude of weight the user selects. Different muscle groups can be targeted by adjusting the position on the shoe on which the weight(s) is secured. The shoe weight is attractively shaped of polished metal. Conversely, the shoe weights can be coated. The coating can be colored, textured or the like.

Abstract: An exemplary foot-warming system includes a device wherein a support assembly detachably mounts a battery pack on the upper surface of a boot to electrically power a heating element within the boot via an electrical cord that preferably passes through an opening in the boot beneath the mounted battery pack. The support assembly preferably includes a shallow retaining barrier, such as a frame-shaped sheet, for normally confining the battery pack to a predetermined position on the boot and a stretchable outer covering, such as an elastomeric panel, that forms a yieldable pocket within the barrier so that during a strong jolt to the battery pack or boot, the pocket can stretch to allow movement of the battery pack for reducing the level of shock forces transmitted and further can contract, after impact, to return the battery pack to its predetermined position.

Abstract: A slip-on shoe is shaped so that it can be worn on either foot of a user, and it includes a pumice stone which is attached to a top surface of the shoe. A wearer can wear the shoe on one foot and then rub the other bare foot over the pumice stone to remove callouses.

Abstract: Record and playback apparatus for footwear adapted to be incorporated in the footwear is disclosed which comprises circuitry for receiving signals, circuitry for recording the signals and storing the signals in a memory, circuitry for playing back the recorded signals from the memory, circuitry for controlling the recording circuitry for recording the signals and the playback circuitry for playing back the signals from the memory, and circuitry for receiving the recorded signals from the playback circuitry for transmitting the recorded signals.

Abstract: A lighted shoes having a EL light strip incorporated with D.C. power battery, circuit, function interface, transformer. The EL light strip can put inside of transparent parts of heel or/fix on the shoes surface to get bright light for dark environment application. The flexible strip have transformer to convert the D.C. power into certain specification of A.C. electric pulse to trigger the light strip for illumination.

Abstract: Illuminated footwear having a power source, at least one light source operatively connected to the power source, a switching circuit for selectively illuminating the light source, and a linear side-glow optical conduit positioned exteriorly on the footwear so as to be visible when illuminated, the linear optical conduit having opposed end portions and being capable of emitting light conducted therethrough radially outwardly from its circumferential periphery substantially along its entire length, at least one end portion of the linear optical conduit being positioned and located in close proximity to the light source so as to receive light therefrom when illuminated, the linear optical conduit being illuminated substantially along its entire length when the light source is selectively illuminated. In the preferred embodiment, the linear optical conduit extends substantially around the outer exterior front and side portions of the footwear, although other arrangements are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A utility article attachable to footwear, including, for example, shoes, sneakers, skates, and the like, includes a central, generally planar portion which can be removably secured to the item of footwear by a pair of holes or elongate slots through which the ends of shoe laces or attachment straps can pass and be connected in a conventional way. Securing the central portion to the item of footwear causes two lateral or side portions to press or abut against the item of footwear. An embodiment is disclosed in which the side portions include pockets or compartments for storing personal articles, such as a key, money or identification. When storage pockets are provided, flaps are used to selectively open or close the same. Opening of the flaps provides access to the compartments in the pockets and cup portions are preferably provided which provide a cavity or recess when the flaps are opened to facilitate the placement of a finger underneath the personal item and its removal from the pockets.

Abstract: An article of footwear made to vibrate by either of two types of vibrating motive members and associated with the structure of the shoe to transmit the vibrations generated to the foot of the wearer. Two vibrating motive members are described, a motor having an off-center shaft-mounted weight and pulsating-type motor.

Abstract: This invention is a familiar design overlying the adjacent toe portion of a pair of childrens shoes. With the shoes properly positioned side by side, a child will see the design as a whole and relate the left foot shoe with its left foot and the right foot with its right foot shoe as the proper positions for the shoes to be worn.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for attaching decorative articles to shoelace tips. The adapter is small and inconspicuous with an outer cylindrical shape only about one inch in length and one quarter of an inch in outer diameter. The adapter has at one end a fitting for releasable securement to a decorative article, such as a light stick. At its opposite end the adapter is hollow and defines therewithin a plurality of coaxial sockets of decreasing diameter proceeding from the shoelace attachment end toward the decorative article receiving end. Each of the sockets preferably has a plurality of radially inwardly directed ribs that aids in frictionally engaging the stiffened tip of a shoelace within a socket of corresponding size. The adapter may be attached to the stiffened plastic tips of shoelaces to fasten decorative articles, such as light sticks to the shoes of a wearer.

Abstract: A shoe to be worn by diabetic persons, or persons afflicted with various types of foot maladies, where excess pressure exerted upon a portion of the foot tends to give rise to ulceration. The shoe body is fabricated to have relieved areas in the inner surface that contacts the foot at locations where the excess pressure is thought to possibly occur. Mounted within each relieved area is a force sensing resistor unit that is connected to a switching circuit. When the switching circuit senses a pressure against the force sensing resistor of a value corresponding to a set threshold, the switching circuit causes the energization of an alarm unit to warn the wearer of the existence of this threshold pressure. At this point in time, the wearer can remove the shoe to prevent the damage to the foot. Provision can be made to adjust the critical threshold pressure at which the alarm is given.

Abstract: A shoelace cover incorporating an interchangeable fashion panel for covering the shoelaces of a gym shoe. The shoelace cover is secured to the shoe by a number of straps threaded through slots in the shoelace cover. A strap secured to each side of the gym shoe includes a loop and hook material such that the straps can be disengaged and the shoelace cover can be drawn back to expose the shoelaces of the shoe. The fashion panel is attached to the shoelace cover by a loop and hook material such that at the whim of the shoe wearer, the fashion panel can be replaced by other fashion panels to convey a fashion statement.

Abstract: The invention provides a removable instep piece for a shoe. The removable instep piece is disposed in the instep region of the upper such that it is selectively removable from the shoe separately from the tongue of the shoe. The removable instep piece includes a unitary central portion and straps extending outwardly therefrom. The straps extend one each through strap openings in the upper of the shoe. Shoe laces may be passed through eyelets in the distal end of the straps of the instep piece.

Abstract: A friction reducing shoe device for easing tightening and untightening of the shoe laces. The friction reducing device is positioned atop a tongue portion of a shoe between two opposing edges of an upper cover of a shoe atop. The device and includes a friction reducing channel formed for and receiving the portion of the shoe lace contacting an upper surface of the tongue portion which extends between the two edges. This channel separates the contact portions of the lace from frictional contact with the tongue upper surface to reduce friction therebetween during tightening and untightening of the lace.

Abstract: An athletic shoe (or other article of clothing) has a pocket formed therein, and an interchangeable unitary assembly is slidably received within the pocket and is retained therein by means of a flap carried by the shoe. The interchangeable unitary assembly preferably comprises a molded plastic card having a battery, microchip, speaker and on/off switch encapsulated therein and electrically connected together. A push (or "press") button is carried by the shoe and overlays the switch when the card is received in the pocket. The push button may be pushed to close the switch, so as to energize the microchip from the battery and generate an audible signal, such as a tune or message.

Abstract: A roller skate is provided with a gripping apparatus comprising two buckles to which a holding strap is fastened in such a manner that the holding strap is attached in its entirety to the outer surface of the boot of the roller skate, and that the holding strap can be pulled out from a relaxed position to facilitate the carrying of the roller skate by hand.

Abstract: Illuminated footwear having a power source, at least one light source operatively connected to the power source, a switching circuit for selectively illuminating the light source, and a linear side-glow optical conduit positioned exteriorly on the footwear so as to be visible when illuminated, the linear optical conduit having opposed end portions and being capable of emitting light conducted therethrough radially outwardly from its circumferential periphery substantially along its entire length, at least one end portion of the linear optical conduit being positioned and located in close proximity to the light source so as to receive light therefrom when illuminated, the linear optical conduit being illuminated substantially along its entire length when the light source is selectively illuminated. In the preferred embodiment, the linear optical conduit extends substantially around the outer exterior front and side portions of the footwear, although other arrangements are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A foot mountable drywall positioning device has a drywall positioning lever pivotally mounted to a structure for releasably securing the lever to a boot, the lever rotatable between a lowered drywall engaging position and a raised position. The drywall lever has a first "U"-shaped bracket having an apex end, opposed ends opposite the apex end, and a fulcrum between the apex end and the opposed ends; the apex end having a platform for releasably engaging a sheet of drywall, the opposed ends pivotally connected to the a structure for releasably securing the lever to a boot, and the fulcrum depending downwardly from the first "U"-shaped bracket so as to be engagable with a floor surface when the lever is in the lowered drywall engaging position. Where the fulcrum is engaged with the floor surface the lever may be rotated about the fulcrum by lowering the means for releasably securing the lever to a boot to thereby raise the apex end and the drywall sheet releasably engaged thereon.

Abstract: A shoe adornment in the form of a thin sheet-like base to which is mounted on the lower surface thereof an elastic band. On the upper surface of the base is mounted an ornament. The elastic band is to be secured around the ball area of a human foot and upon the foot being inserted into a shoe, the base can be deformed to be in juxtaposition with the shape of the shoe in the area of the throat of the shoe, thereby giving the appearance that the ornament is mounted on the shoe itself.

Abstract: A fixing structure for the circuit of a lightening shoe, wherein a receiving recess is provided on the heel for receiving a transparent fixing seat which has on top thereof a box groove for receiving a transparent protecting box further for receiving the circuit, a battey receptacle provided on top of the box allows access to two battery contacting parts on the circuit, two vertical guiding grooves and two horizontal engaging grooves are provided on the wall of the receptacle for engaging two engaging pieces on a receptacle cover to removably enclose the receptacle, hence a battery therein connects the batteru contacting parts to complete the circuit, with this, changing of a battery can be done directly, the lightening circuit can be well protected and can be taken out with the protecting box easily for repairing.

Abstract: A conversion device for ladies shoes which permits heels and straps to be changed. A heel (2) which is screwed into a heel chamber (8) is secured by a stretch strap (6). Stretch strap (6) is snapped into position at the intersection of a receptor (10) and a connector (15). A screw top (5) is housed in a rubber filler (4). Rubber filler (4) is topped by a protective strip (3) and a leather sole (9).

Abstract: A decorative attachment for a lace-up type shoe which simulates a fold-down shoe tongue. A tongue simulating portion, having a top surface and a bottom surface, a top end and a bottom end, substantially covers a lace and knot portion of the shoe. The tongue simulating portion is preferably tapered to be narrower at the bottom end than at the top end. A decorative indicia is silkscreened to the top surface of the tongue simulating portion, and preferably represents a foot of a mascot for an athletic team. A strap extends from the end of the tongue simulating portion and is folded under the laces of the shoe. The strap has an upper surface which lies adjacent the lower surface of the tongue simulating portion when the strap is folded under the laces of the shoe and sandwiches the laces between the bottom surface of the tongue simulating portion and the upper surface of the strap. The tongue simulating portion and the strap are cut from a single sheet of leather, canvas or plastic material.

Abstract: A piece of footwear (12) includes a stroboscopic display device (10). The display device (10) includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (14) along a single array. The plurality of LEDs 14 are strobed or switched on and off through a set non-random fashion such that the plurality of LEDs (14) display a two-dimensional graphic image when the footwear (12) is moved through a step. A control (16) calculates the velocity of the step to determine the rate at which the LEDs (14) are to be strobed.