Abstract: A teaching device for a sports implement (3,30,75,110) is disclosed including an electro-mechanical or electronic sensing device (1,35,84,116) incorporated in the sports implement (3,30,75,110) which interacts with the thing sported (5,36,90,119) to sense the configuration or proper or improper operation of the implement during actual play and by means of a signal or alarm (27,56,106,119) provide feedback of the configuration status to the sports participant.

Abstract: A removeable shoestring cover for athletic shoes which provides an upwardly facing wiping surface of suede or other suitable material and which cover is attached to the shoestrings at the upper and lower edge of the cover by flaps which fold around portions of the shoestrings and which flaps are held in the retaining position by a hook and loop type fastener or other suitable fastener.

Abstract: Motion activated illuminating footwear includes a heel having a transparent portion; and a light module positioned within the heel, the light module including two light emitting diodes (LEDs) for providing illumination, the LEDs being located so as to be visible exteriorly of the heel through the transparent portion thereof and the LEDs having positive and negative terminals, a printed circuit board supporting the LEDs, a battery for supplying power to the LEDs, leads connecting the positive terminals of the LEDs to the battery, a switch which alternately provides contact between the battery and the negative terminal of the LEDs upon movement of the footwear, the switch including a coil extension spring electrically connected with the negative terminals of the LEDs, for intermittently contacting the battery as a result of movement of the footwear, the spring having a first end supported by the printed circuit board and being electrically connected by the printed circuit board to the negative terminals of the

Abstract: An illuminating device for safety illuminated shoe includes: a retaining base fixed in a transparent holder in a shoe heel for securing a printed circuit board on the retaining base, a restoring trigger switch formed in a laminate sheet of the printed circuit board by directly punching the laminate sheet for decreasing production cost to form a resilient blade member having an electrically conductive foil plated on a bottom of the resilient blade member, and a battery attached to a bottom of the printed circuit board with a negative pole of the battery positioned under the resilient blade member to be normally separated from the resilient blade member, whereby upon treading of the shoe to depress the resilient blade member downwardly to contact the electrically conductive foil with the negative pole of the battery for powering and illumiating the illuminators through the transparent holder in the shoe heel.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a shoelace coupleable to the tongue of a shoe having a first upper portion and a second upper portion includes a spacer mounted on the upper surface of the shoe tongue. A first fixed jaw is mounted on the spacer and the spacer provides a space between the first fixed jaw and the tongue adapted to receive the first upper portion and the second upper portion adjacent thereto. A second movable jaw member cooperates with the first jaw member to form a jaw opening within which an intermediate portion of the shoelace is retained. The apparatus is preferably in the shape of a theme. The shoe is provided with panels which also exhibit a theme in common with the shape of the shoelace securing apparatus. The shoelace securing apparatus is preferable fixed to the shoe tongue.

Abstract: A pair of golf shoes for aiding a golfer in establishing an optimal stance and improving the golfer's aim during driving and iron shots is disclosed. The golf shoes comprise an upper portion and a sole portion. The upper portion includes visual alignment guide lines thereon for aiding a golfer in establishing relative positioning of the golfer's feet with respect to each other, the golf ball and the target.

Abstract: A fluid filled amusement or attention attracting article for attachment to footwear is comprised of at least one fluid filled chamber secured to the exterior of the footwear. The fluid filled chamber is constructed of a flexible transparent material and contains a fluid that is visible from the exterior of the chamber. The liquid is brightly colored and serves as an attention attracting device for attracting the attention of motorists to a pedestrian wearing the shoe employing the article. The fluid filled chamber also serves as an amusement device where the fluid contained in the chamber is caused to flow through the chamber by manipulation of the flexible chamber sidewalls and the flow of fluid is both visible and sensed by touch.

Abstract: This invention permits a wearer of this footwear to measure the number and the force of steps that have been taken by the user during a predetermined interval. The wearer can subsequently transfer the step information into a computer for further analysis. In a particular embodiment, the information transfer is accomplished using an inductively coupled data link between the footwear and the computer.

Abstract: A shoe and method of forming the same having an upper portion which includes an individualized indicia display area in any one or more of the side quarter panel, tongue, or heel portion of the upper portion of the shoe. The shoe includes an outer covering material in which a window or opening is formed to make visible and accessible an indicia attachment panel underlying the outer covering material. A frame member having substantially the same shape as the window or opening projects from the indicia attachment panel through the window or opening with the outer perimetric edges of the frame member legs closely adjacent the corresponding perimetric edges of the window or opening. An indicia display panel is adhered, preferably by stitching, to the indicia attachment panel with the perimetric edges of the indicia display panel in abutting contact with the inner perimetric edges of the frame member legs.

Abstract: A shoe and method of forming the same having an upper portion which includes an individualized indicia display area in any one of the side quarter panel, tongue, or heel portion of the upper portion of the shoe. The shoe includes an outer covering material in which a window or opening is formed to make visible and accessible an indicia attachment panel underlying the outer covering material. An indicia display panel is adhered to the indicia attachment panel. The display panel is formed from a plurality of individual indicia or is a unitary panel to which indicia, such as letters, numbers, or emblems, are applied. The purchaser has the ability to individualize the shoe in virtually unlimited manner to include a personalized message or slogan that no other purchaser may have.

Abstract: A device for monitoring force being applied by a wearer thereof to the wearer's foot, as during walking. The device is contained within a shoe-like structure which can be worn by a recuperating injured person or a person recovering from surgery, etc. The device includes a pressure sensitive element that produces an electrical signal that is related to the force, with this signal being used to alert the wearer when a force in excess of a preselected value occurs. Further, this signal can be used as input to data recording and analysis equipment. The signal transmission can be by direct wire connections, or via radio transmission. A vibratory motion is of particular value to alert the wearer of the point where the excess force occurs. The alerting device can be contained within the shoe, or in other apparatus utilized by a patient. Through the use of this device, a recovering patient will know how much weight to place on the leg in order to achieve maximum healing value.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad is used in footwear which has a liquid absorbent to prevent liquid leakage in the event the sealed envelope of the pad is ruptured. The footwear includes a pair of compartments which substantially surround the foot cavity for receiving the therapeutic pad.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for playing basketball and the like has an inner side portion with a pocket formed therein, and an integral unitary assembly is slidably received within the pocket and is retained therein by means of a flap carried by the shoe, the flap and shoe having cooperating hook-and-loop fasteners, respectively. The unitary assembly includes a board having a battery, microchip, audio speaker and on/off switch carried thereon and electrically connected together. A push button is carried by the shoe and overlays the switch when the unitary assembly 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. One example of the audible signal is an inspirational message (such as "have a happy face, stay away from drugs").

Abstract: A therapeutic pad is used in footwear which has a liquid absorbent to prevent liquid leakage in the event the sealed envelope of the pad is ruptured. The footwear includes a pair of compartments which substantially surround the foot cavity for receiving the therapeutic pad.

Abstract: An athletic shoe has two independent, inflatable chambers, one in the sole and one partially forming the shoe upper. The former chamber cushions impacts and displaces solid material from which the sole would otherwise comprise, and the second tightens the fit of the shoe on a wearer's foot. Each chamber has independent inflation and outlet valves. Resilient pilings distribute a wearer's weight over the sole, protecting the first chamber from deformation during activity. A pump is detachably mounted on the shoe tongue. The pump has a ring for attachment to a key ring as an alternative to being secured on the shoe tongue when not in use. A preferred inflation medium is helium.

Abstract: An article of footwear for imprinting personalized messages on a ground surface below, comprising: a flexible lower sole which is adapted to flex continually in use and including an elongated recessed track extending generally longitudinally of said lower sole, said track having closed ends and formed, longitudinally extending and spaced apart insert engaging portions; a plurality of adjoining separate, generally rectangular inserts each having a surface with a symbol, and a pair of generally parallel side portions with respective, opposed outer surfaces which are cooperable with said insert engaging portions, respectively; and said inserts being received into said recessed track with only said opposed outer surfaces engaging said insert engaging portions of said recessed track, respectively, in a manner that said inserts are retained in said recessed track by only partial perimeteral engagement of said inserts therewith throughout said flexing of said lower sole in use.

Abstract: A shoe shield is adapted to be detachably secured to the lacings of a shoe to protect the lacings and to provide a surface for a decorative emblem or feature.

Abstract: A shoe pocket for storing articles such as keys, change, etc. when engaging in athletic activities. The shoe-pocket has a pocket section with an open end formed with front and back sides. A flexible loop is attached to the back side for passing between a shoe and its laces and close the open end of the pocket. There is also a removable fastening material secured to the back side which removably fastens to the laces to prevent movement of the shoe pocket when jogging and engaging in other activities.

Abstract: A square-toe attachment for removable attachment to the front portion of the golf shoe farthest from the golfer's target. The attachment has a generally U-shaped configuration with sides which engage the inside and outside of the sole of the shoe and a rectangular front toe portion with a generally flat front wall disposed forward of the toe of the golf shoe and generally perpendicular to the bottom of the shoe which causes the golfer's foot farthest from the target to assume a generally vertical position with the heel up and toe down during the follow-through phase of a golf swing. The attachment is removably attached to the shoe by flexible straps with hook and loop fastener material which extend over the top of the shoe and is releasably secured to the bottom of the sole of the shoe by at least one of the shoe spikes.

Abstract: An athletic shoe (20) includes a sole (22), an upper (25), and a tongue (26), as well as fasteners (28), such as shoelaces. Incorporated into the sole (22) of the athletic shoe (20) is a receptacle (30) for receiving and retaining a plug-in module (32) in a slide-in, releasably locking arrangement. The plug-in module (32) preferably includes a battery (62), a light emitting device (54), and electrical circuit elements (58, 60, 72) arranged to selectively connect the battery (62) to the light emitting device (54).

Abstract: An athletic shoe (10) having interchangeable components for the customizing to the particular needs of a wearer. The wearer's weight, weight distribution, type and level of activity, and other variables are considered when determining the degree and location of support. The athletic shoe (10) includes a base portion (12) which defines a sole member (14) and an upper (16). A plurality of recesses (24) are defined at selected locations by the sole (14) for the receipt of sole inserts (18). The upper (16) defines a plurality of indicia receiving regions. The sole inserts (18) and the indicators (20) may be permanently attached to the athletic shoe (10) by any selected process such as ultrasonic welding. Additional support members may be placed within the athletic shoe (10) as desired to provide further support for selected portions of the foot, including the ankle and the arch.

Abstract: A coiled shoe connector (14) is provided to connect a first shoe (10) to a second shoe (12). The coiled connector (14) has a relaxed length (L) and an expanded length (L2). The pair of shoes (10 and 12) are interconnected by the coiled connector (14) for display with the connector (14) in its relaxed length (L). To test the pair of shoes (10-12), a customer may walk in the shoes by repeatedly stretching the coiled connector (14) between its relaxed length (L) and its expanded length (L2). In a preferred embodiment, the coiled connector (14) is reusable and is therefore, connected to the shoes (10-12) by a separate fixing element (36). After a customer has tested the shoes (10-12) and decided to purchase them, the shoes (10-12) are deposited with a sales clerk. The sales clerk may then cut the fixing elements (36) in order to retain the coiled connector (14) for reuse.

Abstract: A force monitoring shoe (10) for monitoring the force being applied to a patient's leg, as during walking. The device is contained within a shoe-like enclosure which can be worn by a recuperating injured person. Provision is made, as with a spring, to absorb the shock of the step. When force equal to a selectable value has been applied, an alert system notifies the patient. With this device a recovering patient will know exactly how much weight to place on the leg during every step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ski boot including an outer member and an inner member inserted therein, in which a carrying hanger is provided in a prescribed position on the outer member and has a taken-out handle so that the hanger can be taken out from the outer member and grasped by the hand of a person for him or her to carry the boot as the hanger remains coupled with the outer member.

Abstract: A system for allowing a shoe wearer to lean forwardly beyond his center of gravity by virtue of wearing a specially designed pair of shoes which will engage with a hitch member movably projectable through a stage surface. The shoes have a specially designed heel slot which can be detachably engaged with the hitch member by simply sliding the shoe wearer's foot forward, thereby engaging with the hitch member.

Abstract: A shoe heel having rollers (20) arranged on multiple axles (18) each aligned with its longitudinal axis pointed toward the center of the shoe (16) sole. The rollers are mounted in a durable housing (14) open along its bottom with the rollers projecting out from the housing. The axles are secured along the bottom of a higher rear plate (10) and a shorter front plate (12) to maintain even contact of the rollers against a walking surface.

Abstract: A shoe mounted novelty device includes an elongate antenna like member having an inner end mounted on a shoe and an outer end projecting in an upright erect manner therefrom. An amusement or ornamental device such as a ball, flower, pompon or the like is secured to the outer end of the antenna member. The inner end of the antenna member is mounted to the shoe by a post which is clipped onto a component of the shoe.

Abstract: A concrete worker's below-the-knee boot is provided with a pocket and a flap to prevent concrete-covered tools from contacting the worker's leg skin and to keep the tools handy. The pocket is open at the top and bottom to permit easy insertion of a tool and to allow concrete on the tool to drain off. The flap can be folded out above the boot where the tool is longer than the boot.

Abstract: A converting plate for converting an unfinished product of a skate of lace-type into buckle-type includes an upper side and an underside with a contour complimentary to that of an upper surface of the lace-type skate. A number of protrusions are formed on the underside of the converting plate corresponding to eyelets of the lace-type skate. A number of pairs of flanges are formed on the upper side of the converting plate, defining a space between each pair of flanges for installing a buckle. A number of mounting holes are formed on the converting plate for securely mounting the buckle on the converting plate. A number of attaching holes are formed on the converting plate by which the converting plate is securely attached to the upper surface of the lace-type skate.

Abstract: A pointe shoe is provided with a removable stiffening member 19 to enable inter alia the stiffeners of the shoe to be varied according to the characteristics of each chosen member 19, to replace the member 19 when the flexibility of the shoes becomes too great after normal use, and to extend the useful life of the remainder of the shoe.

Abstract: A display attachment is provided for a shoe of the type having a lace, an instep, a pair of flaps and a tongue. The attachment consists of a flexible plate having a curved to edge, a fringed bottom edge, a pair of tapering side edges and a pair of spaced apart apertures formed within the plate proximate the curved top edge so that the ends of the lace can be inserted through said apertures and tied together with the plate covering the instep, flaps and tongue of the shoe. Indicia is placed upon the front face of the plate for decorative appearance thereof.

Abstract: A heel grounding device (10) is disclosed which is used in connection with electrically grounded conductive flooring which in one embodiment is secured to the shoe (12) of a human operator. A strap (24) is secured about the leg (11) of the operator with conductive material (29) touching the operator. Grounding lead (25) attaches by a fastener (27) from conductive material (29) to partially conductive material (20) which is secured to the heel (15) of the shoe (12) of the operator. A strap (23) is used to secure the device onto the shoe (12) of the operator. Metal rivets (31, 32, 33) are secured in and protrude from partially conductive erlement so as to maintain electrical contact with the conductive grounded flooring to overcome soil build up on partially conductive material (20) and thereby maintain electrical grounding of the operator.

Abstract: A new and improved connector is provided for footwear and associated specific footwear step-on devices and surfaces. The invention utilizes complementing members of a type of separable, coacting, flexible gripping means, such as hook and loop "Velcro" type or knob-knob type or other similar flexible type fastening members. These members are arranged to form an integral firmly attached part of the invention specific sole of footwear worn by individuals and associated interfacing invention tailored step-on device surfaces and permit proper positioning mating and omnidirectional on-demand break-away disengagement between footwear sole and interfacing step-on device surfaces.

Abstract: A laceless shoe fastener adapted for usage with a conventional shoe having eyelets utilizing the first and second closure flaps. Securing straps extend from each of the closure flaps and pass through eyelets. The fastener fabric of the hook and pile type cover the bottom of the first flap and top of the second flap and the securing straps to securely hold the first and second closure flaps and securing straps together when engaging together.

Abstract: A musical shoe having a squeeze-activated tone generator concealed in an upper portion of the tongue of the shoe. A seam across the tongue below the upper portion provides a relatively flexible hinge about the instep which permits an operator's fingers to be inserted between the tongue portion and the ankle joint for squeezing the generator. Perforations in the tongue portion permit a message stored in memory in the generator to be transmitted.

Abstract: A scent dispensing system for use by hunter's or the like when a flexible bottle of scent, with a small aperture at the bottle's bottom is placed in a special holster which attaches to the hunter's foot at the ankle whereby liquid scent is forced out a drop at a time as the hunter walks to his or her hunting post. Pressure created by the action of the foot hitting the ground coupled with the pressure created by the expansion of the leg muscle and movement of the hunter's ankle as the hunter walks forces the scent to drip out a drop or two at a time. The holster has a pouch for holding the bottle made of a flexible material which is attached by a strap of elastic material. The ends of the strap are attached around the leg of the hunter by a conventional fastener. A wedge of rigid material is positioned in the pouch behind the bottle to assure that the scent will hit the ground and not the hunter or his boots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ski boot including an outer member and an inner member inserted therein, in which a carrying hanger is provided in a prescribed position on the outer member and has a taken-out handle so that the hanger can be taken out from the outer member and grasped by the hand of a person for him or her to carry the boot as the hanger remains coupled with the outer member.

Abstract: A convertible shoe having a low-top and a high-top configuration is provided which is comprised of a lower shoe portion with a foot opening, an upper adapter portion having a leg opening and a lower shoe opening and a first fastener portion disposed on the lower shoe portion partially surrounding the foot opening thereof. A second fastener portion is disposed on the upper shoe portion partially surrounding the lower shoe opening thereof which engages the first fastener portion to secure the upper adapter portion to the lower shoe portion to place the shoe in the high-top configuration. A foldable strip is carried by the lower shoe portion for concealing the first fastener portion when the upper adapter portion is not secured to the lower shoe portion during use in the low-top configuration.

Abstract: An accessory for attachment to a golf shoe provides for smoothing out depressions in golf course sand traps. The accessory comprises a small rake mounted transverse to the shoe and rearward of the heel. The mounting may include a pivot allowing adjustment of the rake from a lowered position in raking contact with the ground to a raised position clear of the ground. A manually adjustable lock for the pivot permits securing the rake selectively in lowered or raised position. The mounting is held to the shoe by one or more prongs drive-fitted into the heel or by a spur assembly encircling the heel and strapped to the shoe.

Abstract: An improved shoe pocket for carrying keys, spare change or the like on shoes includes a pocket formed between front and back faces of a sheet material. The pocket includes a flap portion which securely closes the pocket and is easily openable upon application of digital pull apart forces. The pocket is mounted to the shoe by way of two pairs of eyelets which permit the passage of a shoelace therethrough. An additional, double width eyelet in the back portion of the pocket permits the laces to continue to be threaded on the shoe side flaps and secured in a knot well above the pocket top flap without interfering therewith.

Abstract: An orthopedic support including a layer of cushioning material is attached to the bottom surface of the arch portion of an article of footwear so that virtually all of the support for a wearer's foot is provided by the arch portion.

Abstract: A universal heating system for footwear including shoes and boots in which an insole is provided with a heater element having leads extending therefrom to either the tongue area or a side area opposed to the arch of the shoe. A power source in the form of a battery pack is adapted to be mounted either in the tongue area or the side area by means of an enclasping means affixed externally of the battery pack.

Abstract: Novel footwear upon the upper front portion of which an animated face with movable eyes is located. The footwear comprises an inner sole, an outer sole, and an upper shoe surface affixed together in a wearable relationship, with an arch-shaped support member located in a forward interior portion of the footwear. The upper portion of the arch is in contact with the interior of the upper shoe surface, and its opposite lower edges are affixed to edge portions of the outer sole. The inner sole is interrupted at a forward location generally corresponding to the location of the arch, and an upwardly biased treadle member is operatively disposed at such interrupted location. Upon the forward part of the foot of the user, on occasion, entering such arch member and extending therethrough, the ball of the foot normally rests on the treadle.

Abstract: A multi-functional personnel restraint, particularly suited for use by workers in a substantially zero gravity environment comprises a stationary track defined by two rails which are spring biased to a minimum spacing position. The rails respectively carry a pair of parallel, opposed grooves on their inner surfaces. The grooves are engagable by cleats attached to the bottoms of the shoes of the person requiring restraint. The cleats are engagable with the grooves by a pivotal movement in a vertical plane, thus substantially balancing vertical forces imparted on the shoe or shoes during the groove insertion movement.

Abstract: A shoe strap is arranged for securement to an existing shoe construction wherein the shoe strap includes a flexible surrounding strap for securement about an ankle of an individual with a securement buckle portion mounted cooperatively at forward terminal ends of the surrounding strap. A downwardly extending rigid leg includes a mounting for one of a plurality of fastener members for securement and cooperation with an associated shoe. The fastener members are adhesively or mechanically mounted to the downwardly extending leg and include a flexible pad to be positioned overlying the inner sole of the associated shoe, a clamp member, a tooth engagement member for engagement with the medial rear seam of the shoe, or alternatively the use of mechanical fasteners such as projections engageable within teeth mounted within the shoe or an array of hook and loop fasteners for securement to a companion hook and loop fasteners strip securable to the shoe.

Abstract: An attachment that connects a decorative logo to footwear. The logo is displayed along the lower leg outside the pant leg. The logo can be attached to either a shoe or a boot. The attachment takes the form of a U-shaped holder when being attached to a boot and the form of a L-shaped holder when being attached to a shoe. The attachment includes a vertical strip of plastic which projects upward from the footwear towards the knee on the outside of the pant leg. It is on top of this vertical strip that the decorative logo is placed. The logo can be displayed at various heights by varying the length of the vertical strip and the attachment is painted so that it blends into the background of the pant leg. Another benefit provided by the attachment is that it restrains the pant leg at a height above ground level preventing the soiling of the pant leg.

Abstract: Footwear for use by hunters. The footwear includes a rubber overshoe to be worn over a boot worn by the hunter with the sole of the boot being covered by the overshoe whereby the boot will not come in contact with the ground as the hunter walks. A scent dispenser is provided which is attached to the overshoe for dispensing scent on the ground as the hunter walks. The scent dispenser is isolated from the boot so that the overshoe and dispenser may be removed from the boot and the boot worn without emitting scent. The rubber overshoe isolates the boot from the ground so that if the boot is contaminated by human scents, it will not be emitted to the ground.

Abstract: A training aid for shoelace tying includes an expandable generally cylindrical sleeve having a center passage adapted to be received upon a variety of shoes and alternatively to be placed upon a human hand. A plurality of eyelets are supported upon the sleeve and arranged generally in an equally spaced array of two rows. A flexible shoelace is secured to the sleeve through the eyelets such that the end portions of the shoelace emerge from the sleeve interior and extend outwardly therefrom. In an alternate embodiment, the sleeve is formed largely of a nonelastic material and includes an elastic panel which provides expansion of the sleeve to accommodate different attachments.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14). A reinforcing layer (28) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18). A transverse reinforcing segment (30) is integrally formed with the peripheral member (22) to provide stability and support to a wearer of the shoe (12). Segment (30) forms a front receptacle (32) and a heel receptacle (34) dimensioned to receive insert (10). Insert (10) has a transverse slot (42) to match with the transverse segment (30). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (40) depend from a base member (38) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the depth of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: An attachment for shoe laces and the like that, singularly or when combined with a plurality of the same, is capable of displaying a decorative design or personalized message on a shoe.