Abstract: A method to display a foot ornamentation system includes obtaining a foot ornamentation system that has a bottom band constructed from an elastomeric material for compressing the system snugly against a foot. The system has a first side panel and a second side panel that are flexible for conforming to a contour of a foot side. The system has a decorative member with an interior surface that has a smooth profile and a non-slip surface for interfacing with the foot top surface. The method includes donning the system by expanding an interior open area of the system via the stretchable bottom band then sliding over an end of a foot into a first position where the decorative member is located on a foot top surface. The method includes donning footwear with an open top that allows the system to be displayed.

Abstract: A decorative and/or promotional accessory to be secured to a lace such as a shoe lace includes a molded plastic body having a passage longitudinally extending therethrough from a first opening to a second opening. The passage is sized and shaped to receive the lace therethrough and to frictionally secure the body in a desired position along the lace. The accessory also includes indicia provided on an exterior surface of the accessory which can be in the form of any desired message, name, number, logo, graphic, or the like. An alternative embodiment of the accessory is disclosed which is to be secured to a cap bill. This embodiment includes a slot radially extending to the passage which is sized and shaped to receive the cap brim therein and to resiliently grip the bill and removably secure the accessory in a desired position along the bill.

Abstract: A weighted footwear assembly includes a foot covering including a sole and a perimeter wall attached to and extending upwardly from the sole. The perimeter wall includes an upper, a heel counter and a heel collar extending upwardly from the heel counter. The foot covering includes a back side, a front side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side wherein the front side is configured to cover toes of a foot. A plurality of sleeves is attached to the perimeter wall. Each of a plurality of weights has a size and shape for being received by one of the sleeves.

Abstract: A device for removable securing decorative objects to a thong type sandal and a sandal system incorporating such a device.

Abstract: A system for advertising on footwear by displaying promotional content on an electronic display of the footwear and wherein the promotional content being displayed occupies 25% to 100% of the outer surface of the footwear. Additionally, the content can be displayed according to a plurality of conditions including time of day, rate of motion of the footwear and environmental lighting conditional around the footwear.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for powering a processor and a wireless transceiver in a sole having a sole plate and one or more spring elements disposed in a forefoot area of the sole plate, each of said spring elements including a piezoelectric generator coupled thereto, wherein each of the plurality of spring elements has one free end not directly connected to the sole plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a footwear article containing a position determination unit for locating an individual. A system for locating an individual is also provided, the system comprises a position determining unit integrated with a footwear article and at least one of a central station and an output device.

Abstract: A novelty golf overshoe provides a golf club surface on the side of the overshoe that enables the golfer to strike the golf ball with the overshoe. The golf club surface is shaped with a silhouette like the toes of the human foot. The overshoe is either clipped onto the shoe or stretched over the shoe to ensure optimal fit during wear. The user may use the overshoe's attached club face to strike a golf ball.

Abstract: A customizable combination shoe and accessory include: (a) a wearable mule or slide type shoe having: (i) a sole portion having an insole and an outsole, (ii) a vamp arranged at the insole, (iii) a heel affixed to the outsole, and (iv) a single anchor extending through the outsole; and (b) an accessory harness having: (i) a portion defining an opening, the opening being configured to engage the single anchor to removably secure the portion of the harness to the anchor at the outsole, and (ii) support portions, extending from the portion defining the opening, configured to engage portions of the foot of a wearer of the combination shoe and accessory to provide support to the engaged portions of the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A heeled shoe comprising a lower member (sole) and an upper member. The sole having a foot supporting surface and a ground contacting surface. A concealed storage cavity is formed within a heel portion of the shoe sole, wherein the cavity extends inward from a storage cavity opening edge. A storage access door is pivotally attached to a lower region of the shoe sole and shaped to blend into the heel section of the shoe. The storage access door pivots between an opened configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the opened configuration provides access to the concealed storage cavity and the closed configuration seals the concealed storage cavity. The storage access door is retained in a normally closed position by a door closure retention member until a biasing force is applied to open said storage access door.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for V-strap sandals wherein the device is engageable with the thong and strap for impeding movement between a wearer's foot and the sandal, and connection means for releasably connecting the stabilizing device to a V-strap sandal. The stabilizing device includes a member having an upper portion and a lower portion which are foldable together, and an opening in a front portion of the lower portion for receiving the thong of a V-strap sandal when the upper and lower portions are moved towards the thong, and connecting structure for connecting the upper portion and the lower portion on each side of the thong to hold the portions together, where the stabilizing device engages the upper part of a wearer's foot to impede movement of the V-strap sandal with respect to the wearer's foot. Also disclosed is a removable accessory for footwear for being folded over and under foot-holding structure on the footwear.

Abstract: A combined structure of shoe accessories unit, which comprising: a sole and a Y strap; as well as an accessories unit, which is fixed onto surface of Y strap; the accessories unit is provided with a base; a decoration is embedded onto upper end of the base, and a needle rod is set at its lower end and mated with a lock nut; at least a punch hole is set on said Y strap, and at least a groove is formed at the inner punch hole of said Y strap for embedding of the lock nut; in the preferred embodiment, the accessories unit is snapped into said Y strap via the needle rod, and then the needle rod locked by the lock nut and buried into the groove for better decorative effect of the flip-flop slippers.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting advertising to footwear is disclosed. The system can comprise a curved rod member, a sheet, and an advertisement. The curved rod member can be mountable above a welt of a footwear. The sheet material can comprise a first curved surface and a horizontal track along the sheet, wherein the horizontal track can connect the sheet material to the curved rod member, and the advertisement can be on the convex side of the sheet material.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices may include an authentication or activation system for providing power or otherwise determining the connection of a sensor in the article of footwear.

Abstract: Customized or personalized recessed designs can be cut into the bottom of the soles of flip flops, sandals, boots, and any other flat soled footwear using computerized numerical control machining. The customized recessed design can be created in reverse (i.e., in mirror image) to leave a specified design or message when the shoe is pressed into material capable or taking an impression such as sand or snow. Designs can also be created to appear forward (non-mirrored) on the sole so that that design or text is legible when looking at the sole of the shoe. The footwear can be custom produced at the request of a customer, who can specify the nature of the customization for one or more pairs of footwear. Each of a pair of the footwear may have a different design, message or message portion.

Abstract: An article for footwear that prevents a wearer's foot from slipping out of the footwear is disclosed herein.

Abstract: Footwear articles and footwear article modification methods are described. According to one aspect, a footwear article includes an insole configured to support a foot of an individual when the footwear article is worn by the individual, an outsole which contacts the ground when the footwear article is worn by the individual, an upper configured to hold the footwear article to the foot of the individual when the footwear article is worn by the individual, wherein the upper includes a lateral portion and a medial portion, and wherein the lateral portion of the upper is configured to retain an interchangeable placard in a position with respect to the footwear article wherein the placard covers substantially an entirety of the lateral portion of the upper of the footwear article.

Abstract: A device worn on a foot of an individual for creating smoke that emanates about the device as the individual walks or runs, the device having a tube with two end portions wherein one end portion is closed and the other end portion is open, an exhaust pipe having two end portions, one end portion is open and the other end portion is substantially closed and permits smoke to escape therefrom, the open end portion of the exhaust pipe connects to the open end portion of the tube, the exhaust pipe having an air chamber positioned at the open end portion of the exhaust pipe, an atomizer, a liquid cartridge and a battery, and an external foot covering that houses the tube and the exhaust pipe wherein the end portion of the exhaust pipe, which permits smoke to escape therefrom, protrudes outward from the exterior side of the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article of footwear with a plantar misting system, which includes a releasable reservoir, a fluid valve, a fluid conduit, a nozzle connector, and a misting nozzle. The plantar misting system may also incorporate a plurality of separate nozzle connectors and misting nozzles. The fluid conduit may also be incorporated with a built-in nozzle connector. In some embodiments, a releasable reservoir is located in an upper structure of the footwear. In yet another embodiment, a releasable reservoir is located in a lower structure of the footwear. The plantar misting system may be activated quickly, hygienically, and easily to produce an atomizing mist to help maintain balance on smooth but dusty floor. The plantar misting system provides additional traction between the outsole of the footwear and the dusty flooring.

Abstract: A device for adorning a sandal strap provides an easy way for a user to adorn a sandal. The device comprises an adornment strap mechanically coupled to the sandal strap. The sandal strap is comprises with a first sandal strap hole, a second sandal strap hole and a groove. The adornment strap further comprises a first clamp bracket and a second clamp bracket. The first clamp bracket can fit through the first sandal strap hole. The second clamp bracket can fit through the second sandal strap hole. The adornment strap can rest in the groove. The adornment strap is mechanically coupled to a band attachment bracket. The band attachment bracket enables the user to hand a charm from the adornment strap. In this manner the user can easily adorn the sandal.

Abstract: An asymmetrical footwear assembly comprising a first article of footwear and a second article of footwear, said first and second articles of footwear being adapted to be worn on a user's right and left feet, respectively, wherein a configuration of the first article of footwear is asymmetrical with respect to a configuration of said second article of footwear so that the first and second articles of footwear are not mirror images of one another, and wherein, when the first and second articles of footwear are adjacent to one another, the configurations of the first article of footwear and of the second article of footwear create a visual effect of continuity between the configurations of the first and second articles of footwear and form a predetermined design.

Abstract: A sandal that includes loops extending around the periphery of the base of the sandal and a strap configured to connect to the loops and form an upper portion of the sandal. The sandals can include a base; a continuous cord that extends along the periphery of the upper surface of the base from a point near the toe end on one side of the base, around the heel end, and continues to a point near the toe end on the opposite side of the base; connectors that connect the cord to the base at spaced locations along the cord to thereby form loops along the base; and a strap. Each loop of the sandal can also include an identifier for each loop. Methods of forming an upper portion of a sandal and methods of forming a sandal.

Abstract: Toe tethers for use with sandals and sandals with one or more integrated toe tethers are disclosed. A toe tether can include a toe retention region constructed to engage a toe of the human foot, an extension region integrated with the toe retention region, and a self anchoring region integrated with the extension region. In one embodiment, a toe tether may be secured to or integrated with a retention strap of a sandal. In another embodiment, a toe tether may be secured to a platform of a sandal.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a shoe with a shell structure. The shoe with the shell structure is comprised of two main components, namely, a shoe shell and a shoe body. The shoe body is comprised of an upper, a bottom and a wearing opening, while the shoe shell is comprised of a vamp upper, a sole, a wearing opening and a buckle assembly. The shell vamp upper and the sole form an inner space and the shoe body is just suitable for the inner space of the shoe shell. Therefore, a wearer can wear the shoe body and then put on the shoe shell. If the shoe shell or the shoe body is damaged after being used for a long time, only the damaged assembly is replaced. The other good assembly can be continuously used, saving material and protecting the environment. Furthermore, different designs of the shoe shell and shoe body can be produced, and the combination of shoe shell and shoe body can be exchanged and/or interchanged for the purpose of function, style or replacement.

Abstract: A scent dispersing boot is provided having a vertically aligned pocket attached to the upper, wherein the pocket is biased in an open position and apertured to allow air to circulate. A wick is impregnated with a game-attracting scent and inserted in the pocket. The pocket is particularly suited for use with spike wicks, having a head and a leg, wherein the leg is dipped in a liquid, game-attracting scent and inserted in the pocket with the leg of the wick extending from the bottom of the pocket.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices may include an authentication or activation system for providing power or otherwise determining the connection of a sensor in the article of footwear.

Abstract: A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a ball contacting surface is disclosed. The ball contacting surface includes a raised peak member at the top and gripping members along a medial side. The ball contacting surface enhances the ability of a wearer to kick a ball with a low trajectory and to control the ball.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use before and after a pedicure including a toe separator, strap securing mechanisms and an offset toe stem adapter end for connecting straps of footwear to the foot without compromising or damaging pedicured toenails.

Abstract: A load support device includes a first link coupled to a load. A second link is configured to couple to footwear. The second link is pivotally coupled to the first link. The first and second link comprise a link assembly. A first compliant member is disposed between the load and the second link. The first compliant member includes a tension spring or a compression spring. The link assembly further includes a tension cable coupled to the first compliant member. A first actuator is coupled to the first compliant member to control a stiffness of the first compliant member. A sensor is configured to couple to a user to measure a physical state of the user. A control system controls the first actuator based on a gait activity. The first actuator is actuated based on the physical state of the user. The load support device is tuned based on the load.

Abstract: A shoe hook that attaches to a shoe for unloading a hand truck is provided. The shoe hook includes a body portions having a front end, a rear end, a first side, and a second side. The front end may include a curved hook curving towards the rear end. The shoe hook is attached to a shoe. While unloading the hand truck, the shoe hook may be placed around the hand truck axle, and a user may pull the hand truck backwards using their foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe including pressed flowers thereon. Methods for a making a shoe with pressed flowers attached to the outer surface include the use of adhesive to bond the flowers to the shoe. The pressed flowers may be arranged on the shoe according to any desired or suitable ornamental pattern.

Abstract: Insole constructions for shoes including flexible components that allow for the connection of attachments having various devices are described. The insole constructions provide a supported attachment point for various components while not compromising the flexibility of the shoe. The insole constructions allow for attachment of devices at the heel, toe or sides of the shoe. Devices for attaching to shoes having the insole construction are also described, along with apparatuses for use with shoes having the insole construction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage device encloses the laces of footwear. The storage device comprises a lower member, an upper member, and a joint that permits articulated motion between the lower member and the upper member in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the storage device. The upper member comprises an enclosure with an inner cavity that receives the laces therein. In one example, the outer member comprises a pair of closure members that articulate in a second direction toward the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A sandal can include a sole, one or more straps each having at least one end that is operationally connected to the sole, and a fastening member for releasably receiving an ornament comprising one or more protruding members. The fastening member can be coupled to at least one of the one or more straps and can include an inner cavity and a housing at least partially enclosing the inner cavity. An opening can be disposed in and through an upper portion of the housing in such a way that the opening leads to the inner cavity. One or more projections can be joined with the housing and can extend into the inner cavity. Each of the one or more projection can be situated at a position along a path of motion of at least one of the one or more protruding member from an unfastened position to a fastened position.

Abstract: A device that engages a stem of a sandal and, in turn, allows the position of toes and web space of a user around the device. The device is constructed to ease the frictional and compression forces on the user by the stem.

Abstract: A charm holder device for attaching charms to a shoe is shown and described. The charm holder device allows a charm to be selectively attached to and detached from the shoe. A charm keeper is attached to the decorative body for attaching charms. In some of the described examples, the charm holder device is placed between the heel of the shoe and a ground-contacting portion of the shoe's sole such that the charm holder and the charm are spaced apart from the ground-contacting portion of the sole in a direction perpendicular to the ground-contacting portion of the sole.

Abstract: A temperature adjustable shoe for use in changing a temperature of a user's foot includes a shoe body member having a bottom portion, a front portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion, and a rear portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion, the bottom front, and rear portions having a unitary construction that defines an interior area. The front and the rear portions of the shoe body define an opening through which a user's foot is selectively inserted or removed from the interior area. A lower temperature sensitive member is positioned in the interior area and fixedly attached to an upper surface of the body portion. An upper temperature sensitive member is positioned in the interior area and fixedly attached to a lower surface of the front portion.

Abstract: A shoe has a cohesive design/logo that spans the entirety of the shoe and the design is printed prior to assembly. The panels of the shoe are included on a large piece of material large enough to encompass all the panels of the shoes that will require printing. The print will cover the entire piece of leather and result in what appears to be a segmented logo. Certain areas of the print will include a seam to account for the overlap that will occur when stitching the panels together. The panels will then be cut apart and then stitched together so that the panels of the designs line up in a cohesive and recognizable fashion. The resulting shoe will be one that bears a logo/design that covers multiple panels.

Abstract: A system and method for securing accessories to shoes and other articles of clothing is described. One illustrative embodiment is a system for attaching a decorative accessory to a shoe, the system comprising a shaft having first and second ends; a first shoulder secured to the first end of the shaft, the first shoulder being configured for insertion through an expandable hole in an upper portion of the shoe and configured to engage an inner surface of the upper portion of the shoe; a second shoulder secured to the second end of the shaft, the second shoulder being configured to engage the shoe; and a third shoulder adjacent to the second shoulder, the third shoulder comprising the decorative accessory.

Abstract: A footwear covering system includes a piece of footwear having a sole with a perimeter boundary material and a footwear cover attached to the piece of footwear. The footwear cover includes an attachment device, a sheath attached to the resilient clamp and forming an elongate arcuate cover and indicia on the sheath portraying the face of a character. The attachment device may include a snap-fit connector and/or a resilient clamp with an inner surface with grippers, the resilient clamp being shaped to conform with the perimeter boundary material of the sole of the piece of footwear. The footwear cover may include a battery compartment housing a battery, and in some embodiments the snap-fit connector comprises conductors that establish an electrical connection when the snap-fit connector is mated with a complementary connector on the piece of footwear.

Abstract: An ankle inversion and eversion prevention athletic shoe has an upper foot support portion and a shoe bottom. The ankle inversion and eversion athletic shoe device is designed for preventing an athlete from spraining or turning or rolling an ankle during normal athletic competition or play or activities. The shoe includes a brace. The brace is located either behind the ankle on a heel of the shoe or on a side of said shoe in the general vicinity of the ankle. The brace includes an elongated arm and a floor contact surface designed to limit or control sliding of the foot to enable wearer time to regain composure, footing and balance. The brace provides the wearer time to regain his or her balance onto the shoe bottom, thus significantly limiting or precluding the typical and usually unavoidable ankle injury.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe body, which forms an accommodation space; and an elastic structure, which includes an elastic connector; a first coupling section that is mounted to an end of the elastic connector; and a second coupling section that is set opposite to the first coupling section and is mounted to an opposite end of the elastic connector. The first coupling section is set at one side of the accommodation space and the second coupling section is set at an opposite side of the accommodation space. As such, when a wearer puts her foot in the shoe body, the elastic connector can be fit over a heel of the wearer so that the shoe body is securely attached to the foot of the wearer without undesired separation, whereby an effect of preventing separation of the shoe body can be achieved when the wearer is walking.

Abstract: A fastening system for a shoe for a child includes a tongue and at least a pair of fastening arms. The tongue includes one or more features of a selected character. Each of the pair of fastening arms is configured as an appendage of the selected character and is attached to the tongue. Each fastening arm is adapted to extend though a corresponding eyelet in a body portion of the shoe and to be fastened in a manner such that the fastening arms appear to be embracing the tongue.

Abstract: A footwear device for enhancing an entertainment experience in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a first actuator mounted in the footwear device and operable to impart a vibration to the footwear device based on an indication of reproduced sound included in the entertainment experience. A vibration signal is provided to drive the vibration of the footwear device and may be based on reproduced audible information and/or enhanced information optimized to maximize vibration. The present application also relates to an entertainment system for use with the vibrating footwear device.

Abstract: An inertial navigation device for fitting to an article that bears intermittently against a surface. The device comprises an inertial unit having at least one inertial sensor, and a mechanical connector structure for connecting the inertial unit to the article. In the device, the connector structure is arranged (1) to provide mechanical coupling between the inertial unit and the article when the article is not bearing against the surface and (2) to provide mechanical decoupling therebetween when the article is bearing against the surface, in such a manner that the inertial unit is substantially stationary relative to the surface when the article is bearing against the surface. A shoe and equipment is provided with such a device.

Abstract: A clothing article for a foot including a sole including a sealed collapsible air cavity having disposed therein a return support for expanding a collapsed air cavity wherein the air cavity includes an outlet permitting a quantity of air to exit when the air cavity is collapsed; an upper, coupled to the sole, for covering a portion of the foot; an air-actuated active element coupled to the upper, the active element including a first mode and a second mode, the active element biased to the first mode and responsive to the quantity of air to transition from the first mode to the second mode; and a communication channel, coupled to the outlet and to the active element, for transferring the quantity of air from the air cavity to the active element.

Abstract: A removable patch is provided for connecting to footwear. The footwear can be any shoe, boot, sandal, or other outer covering for a foot. In embodiments, the patch includes information about a blood type of the wearer. Thus, in combat or other operations, a medic or other personnel can quickly identify the blood type of a user.

Abstract: A clothing article for a foot including a sole including a sealed collapsible air cavity having disposed therein a return support for expanding a collapsed air cavity wherein the air cavity includes an outlet permitting a quantity of air to exit when the air cavity is collapsed; an upper, coupled to the sole, for covering a portion of the foot; an air-actuated active element coupled to the upper, the active element including a first mode and a second mode, the active element biased to the first mode and responsive to the quantity of air to transition from the first mode to the second mode; and a communication channel, coupled to the outlet and to the active element, for transferring the quantity of air from the air cavity to the active element.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage device encloses the laces of footwear. The storage device comprises a lower member, an upper member, and a joint that permits articulated motion between the lower member and the upper member in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the storage device. The upper member comprises an enclosure with an inner cavity that receives the laces therein. In one example, the outer member comprises a pair of closure members that articulate in a second direction toward the longitudinal axis.