Shoe Attachment (e.g., Ornament, Pocket, Etc.) Patents (Class 36/136)
  • Patent number: 8753734
    Abstract: A toe tap for a tap shoe is characterized by a blunt forward edge which defines a platform for a dance to utilize during dance steps, particularly when the dancer elevates to an elongated pointe position with supported by the tips of the toes. The tap includes a base which has a rear edge extending toward the ball area of the dance shoe and side edges which extend between the front and rear edges. The tap further includes constant perimeter around the side and front portions and a lip extending upwardly from the base at the constant perimeter to enable the dance to execute shuffle and other dance movements with the medial and lateral portions of the foot. A projection further extends from the lip at the front edge. The projection has a flat surface co-planar with the blunt front edge of the base to define a larger platform for supporting the toe tips of the dancer's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Ballet Makers, Inc.
    Inventor: Chang-Yen Tsai
  • Patent number: 8745901
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a tongue opening and a heel opening. The tongue opening extends through a tongue of the upper, and the tongue opening is located in a rearward area of the tongue. The heel opening extends into a heel region of the upper. In donning an article of footwear a first finger may extend through an opening in a tongue of the article of footwear. A second finger is located through an opening in a heel region of the article of footwear. The fingers are separated to expand a size of an ankle aperture of the article of footwear, and foot is inserted into the article of footwear through the ankle aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Erin Elizabeth Toraya
  • Patent number: 8732987
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Finn Alexander Strong
  • Publication number: 20140137441
    Abstract: Footwear and accessories that can be used to ignite fire are described herein. The footwear described herein includes a component to associate one or more matches to the footwear. In at least one embodiment, the component to associate one or matches to the footwear is configured to house, store, or carry the one or more matches. In at least one embodiment, the footwear described herein includes a strikeplate that is associated with the footwear. In some embodiments, the strikeplate can be made out of an abrasive material such as a granulated product, a paper product, a hard product, and/or a hard-backed granulated paper product. A method for using the accessories associated with the footwear and methods for manufacturing accessories and/or the footwear are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Jessica Gudgel
  • Publication number: 20140130381
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a footwear able to be wirelessly charged, the footwear including: an insole; an outer cover installed on the insole and having a wear space formed therein; a heel attached to a lower surface of the insole; an ion generator installed in the wear space to create an ionization effect; a battery supplying a power to the ion generator; a secondary coil receiving a wireless power signal from an external wireless charging device; a rectifying module configured to rectify an induced electromotive force generated from the secondary coil; and a controller configured to charge the battery by receiving a power from the rectifying module, and to control an operation of the ion generator, and a wireless charging device used for the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Hanrim Postech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Kil JUNG
  • Publication number: 20140115924
    Abstract: The Decorative Ankle Shoe Accessory accents the ankle and shoe together as one with a decorative accent extending from the ankle to the top of the shoe. The decorative piece can be changed to other decorative pieces as the person desires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Alexis Major
  • Publication number: 20140115748
    Abstract: A sports bra configured to be worn by a human female includes a body fabric and a wear indicator. The wear indicator is configured to change colors when the useful life of the sports bra has expired and the sports bra should be replaced with a new sports bra. The wear indicator may be provided on any of various components of the sports bra, such as a color band, trim feature, tag, or other sports bra component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Under Armour, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140109442
    Abstract: A cowboy boot includes a front and a back shaft each having an inner lining and a cut out formed through each of the front and back shafts, a pocket formed by each of the inner linings of the front and back shafts and positioned adjacent to a cut out, the pockets configured to receive an insert therein with at least a portion of the insert exposed through the cutout and an insert received in each of the pockets with at least a portion of the insert exposed through the cut out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: DUSTY ROCKER BOOTS LLC
    Inventor: LESLIE THOMPSON
  • Patent number: 8701311
    Abstract: A tube of material comprising a decorative portion with an inner layer having an attachment member(s) inserted therein. The attachment member(s) is connected to the rim of a boot through user interaction with the boot. Various jewelry items have connection member(s) attached to the inner layer. Each of the connection member(s) is attached to another connection member and or to a decorative jewelry item. A tube comprising a decorative portion; an inner layer sewn at its border to the decorative portion; and a sock sewn to a top side of the sewn border so that it folds inwards into the sock. A connection member(s) is attached to the inner layer. Each of the connection member(s) is further attached to another connection member and or to a decorative jewelry item. The connection member(s) is from the group of: a spring activated jeweler's lock, a keychain ring and a strip of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Laurel Barnhart
  • Patent number: 8692675
    Abstract: Vibratory feedback systems and methods are disclosed. A vibratory feedback system includes a shoe adapted to be secured to a user's foot, a plurality of force sensors and vibration actuators mounted on the shoe, and a microprocessor affixed to the shoe. The force sensors are configured to sense forces exerted by the user's foot. The vibration actuators are configured to provide vibrations to the user's foot. The microprocessor is coupled to receive data from the plurality of force sensors, and is programmed to actuate the plurality of vibration actuators to provide a first characteristic vibration to the user's foot based on the sensed forces. A method of improving the gait of a user includes enabling the user to ambulate with the vibratory feedback system secured to the user's foot, and providing a first characteristic vibration to the user's foot based on the sensed forces using the vibratory feedback system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Sunil K. Agrawal, Kyle N. Winfree, David Hilgart
  • Patent number: 8683715
    Abstract: A decorative article for boots comprising a cuff manufactured from either a length of material or elastic material having fur, feathers or other decorative articles fastened thereto. An interior pocket is included for storage of money, credit cards, I.D. warmers, coins and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Robbin Cantrell, William Cantrell
  • Patent number: 8683719
    Abstract: A sandal includes a footwear body, one affixing strap and an illumination arrangement. The footwear body has top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of light cavities formed on the top surface of the footwear body. The affixing strap has a plurality of light admissible end portions and a body portion extended between the light admissible end portions, wherein the light admissible end portions are mounted in the light cavities respectively. The illumination arrangement is provided in the footwear body, and includes a plurality of illumination units mounted in the light cavities of the footwear body to generate illumination toward the light admissible end portions of the affixing strap respectively for illuminating the sandal in a predetermined illumination pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Modit Footwear Corp.
    Inventor: Johnson Chen
  • Publication number: 20140082970
    Abstract: A footwear with charcoal system includes a footwear garment assembly having a sole, an inner layer, an outer layer forming an outsole and an upper; a middle layer; and at least one liner and/or the insole comprising active charcoal. The foot garment and the liner comprising the charcoal in combination form the footwear garment assembly useful for minimizing odors and moisture released from the foot during active use and promoting good health of the foot. Further, the footwear with charcoal system serves to reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi on the foot; foot garment may include shoes, boots, sandals, slippers, sneakers, skates. The liner wraps around the foot of a wearer thereby creating a large surface area of coverage of the charcoal, and is removably-fastened via at least one fastener to the foot and the foot garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Alice Chang
  • Publication number: 20140082971
    Abstract: Footwear with magnets systems provides a comfortable way to undergo magnetic therapy. The system covers a foot with magnetic energy while enabling people to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, fight infection, support healing, reduce fluid retention, increase cellular oxygen, and a variety of other positive benefits. The system may be conveniently used for individuals who practice magnetic therapy; the therapeutic treatment via magnetostatic fields which are static in nature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Alice Chang
  • Publication number: 20140082967
    Abstract: A shoe with a sole and an upper with closed eyes extending radially from the sole on each side near the front portion of the upper. Decorative accessories, such as straps having open-ended hooks are selectively engageable with the eyes for changing the appearance of the shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Marc Flower, Amanda Flower
  • Patent number: 8671595
    Abstract: An ornamentation attachable to a strap, such as a strap of on an item of a footwear. The ornamentation comprises a base, an ornament associated with the base and a mounting means for mounting the base to the strap. The ornament may be associated with the base in any appropriate way; for example, by being formed integrally with the base, permanently attached to the base or removably attachable to the base. The base is configured for engagement by the mounting means. The mounting means comprises an elastic band adapted to be hooked onto curved end portions of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Paula Catherine Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140068973
    Abstract: An energy harvesting apparatus is described that utilizes hydraulic actuation and creates a continuous, revolving motion of a chain of energy-producing elements within an energy-producing channel (the channel being in the form of a tube, for example). In particular, the arrangement of the present invention is based upon a specially-designed dual-loop channel topology that allows for efficient conversion of a unidirectional flow of a fluid entering the energy-producing channel into a smooth, continuous revolving motion of a chain of energy-producing elements within the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Nikita Krupenkin, Joseph Ashley Taylor
  • Patent number: 8667712
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a method making it. The footwear is configured for personalized design changes with the article of footwear comprising a base anchoring element with a first plurality of fastening elements. The base anchoring element is formed separately from existing footwear and then permanently attached to at least a portion of an outer surface of the existing footwear. The article of footwear further comprises at least two decorative elements each with a second plurality of fastening elements configured to individually releasably matingly engage with the first plurality of fastening elements. The first and second plurality of fastening elements are formed on the respective base anchoring element and each of the decorative elements, in mating registration with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Asher Baum
  • Publication number: 20140053315
    Abstract: Some implementations of this disclosure provide an electronically customizable article comprising a fashion article selected from the group consisting of a handbag, a shoe, glasses, a tie, and a bowtie wherein the fashion article comprises an electronic visual display, a processor, a communication interface for communication between the fashion article and a network, and a non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the fashion article to connect to a server over the network, receive data from the server, and display one or more images associated with the data on the electronic visual display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Renee Lonie Pond, Laina Marie Pond
  • Publication number: 20140026445
    Abstract: A climbing boot having a curved elongated shaft embedded vertically in a side of the boot and having an external spike attached to a lower end of the shaft wherein the boot may be used for climbing or walking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Greg Schlichte
  • Publication number: 20140020265
    Abstract: An image displaying device includes a background layer and a display layer. The display layer includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is substantially smooth, and the outer surface includes a plurality of raised areas and recessed areas. The display layer has a first zone with a first thickness measured between the inner surface and a raised area and a second zone with a second thickness measured between the inner surface and a recessed area. The display layer also includes a coloring agent having a higher concentration in the first zone as compared to the second zone. The display layer has increased light transmissivity through the recessed areas and decreased light transmissivity through the raised areas such that a contrast of light transmissivity between the raised and recessed areas generates an image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: James E. Diepenbrock, Connie A. Sarkinen, Todd A. Waatti
  • Publication number: 20140025447
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: David Odland, Kathryn Odland
  • Patent number: 8622879
    Abstract: Exercise shoe assemblies include a shoe body, at least one support bracket integrated into the shoe body, and a resistance device connected to the support bracket. The resistance device preferably includes a flexible member, and may include a housing from which the flexible member is extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen P. Ihli, Mark A. Krull
  • Publication number: 20140000130
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are temperature control elements for controllably regulating and/or altering the temperature of the footwear and thus the wearer's foot. In various embodiments, a temperature control element (TCE) may be housed in the vamp liner of the footwear, and a control unit may be housed in the footwear tongue. In some embodiments, the control unit may include or be coupled to a user interface, which also may be housed in the footwear tongue. In some embodiments, a pocket may be provided in the footwear tongue for receiving a power source configured to power the system, and in various embodiments the pocket also may be used for routing electrical conduits between the various components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel W. Crist, John Swigart
  • Publication number: 20130340293
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing walk-aiding shoe includes a shoe main body, at least one elastic extensible belt and at least one connection member fixedly disposed on the elastic extensible belt. By means of the connection member fixedly disposed on the elastic extensible belt, the elastic extensible belt is fastened between an upper face of the shoe main body and a heel. When a user's foot treads onto the ground, the elastic extensible belt is elastically tensioned and the angle of the user's foot is changed to provide an elastic restoring force for the shoe main body to absorb the impact to the foot. Also, the elastic restoring force can be converted into an aiding force in lifting the foot away from the ground in the next move of the foot. Accordingly, the shock-absorbing walk-aiding shoe can provide a shock absorption effect and help the user in walking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Sin-Lun LEE
  • Patent number: 8613148
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a molded shoe featuring a three dimensional figure design (e.g., of an animal or character). The shoe has a sole having a bottom surface that comprises a series of projections and recesses that form a print of an animal or character, to thereby obtain an imprinting surface; and an upper, attached to the sole, having an outer surface that comprises a series of projections and recesses that form a three dimensional figure design. The sole and upper are substantially formed from molded plastic; the projections and recesses of the animal imprinting surface allow one wearing the shoe to make imprints on a soft surface, and the three dimensional figure on the outer surface of the upper relates to the print of the imprinting surface. The methods of the present invention further include making imprints with the bottom surface of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Polliwaks, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Rusnak
  • Publication number: 20130318830
    Abstract: An article with a color change portion and a method of changing color is disclosed. The article includes at least one color change portion capable of changing colors. The color change portion can change colors according to one or more performance parameters. The article can be connected to a computer and the color change portion can be controlled using the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Sean D. Hartford, Michelle L. Kvernmo, Andrew A. Owings, Bradley W. Wilkins, Sharna M. Donovan
  • Publication number: 20130312291
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: William E. Berner, JR., Albert Shum, Charles W. Case, JR., Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 8584382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an insole, in particular for a sports shoe, and shoe comprising an electronic chip. In order to provide a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with an electronic chip in a more cost efficient way compared to the prior art, wherein the chip can easily be replaced or removed in case of failure or for recycling, the invention provides an insole, in particular for a sports shoe, wherein the insole comprises an electronic chip. The insole may be fitted into any kinds of shoes and may be readily replaced or removed, as is not an inherent part of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Cairos Technologies AG
    Inventor: Christian Holzer
  • Publication number: 20130291408
    Abstract: A shoe with a replaceable decorative cover comprises a shoe mechanically coupled to a loop fastener where the loop fastener is mechanically coupled to a hook fastener. A decorative cover is mechanically coupled to the hook fastener, and the decorative cover comprises a top side and a bottom side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: JERROT FUSCO
  • Publication number: 20130283645
    Abstract: A system for preventing footwear for drooping is disclosed. A footwear having a sole and an outer sole that encloses the footwear. The outer sole has an inner portion, where at least one self-adhesive strip is affixed to the inner portion of the outer sole. A hook and loop device operable to fit around a person's leg. The person's leg slides into the footwear where the hook and loop device attaches to the self-adhesive strip. The self-adhesive strip securely attaches to the hook and loop device to straighten the footwear alongside the person's leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Sharanda Houser
  • Publication number: 20130276334
    Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having one or more maze units each comprising a base mounted to the upper of the footwear, a transparent cover secured about the periphery of the base defining a hollow enclosure and an array of partitions located within the enclosure forming channels along which one or more objects are movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Linda Bellone, Alison O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20130269219
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Earl Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric Craig Irwin, Kristopher Carlton Lovett, Michael Joseph Nickel, Mark Stanley Soderberg
  • Publication number: 20130269213
    Abstract: A pedicure protection system is provided that is comprised of an insert worn directly on the foot and a shoe that can be worn with the insert or substituted with other shoes. The insert consists of a base (11) and a cover (10) connected by a hinge (12). The cover curves above the toenails to create a cavity. A separator (18) protrudes from the base between the big toe and second toe and helps maintain the cavity when the cover is closed. The base includes toe straps (15) (16), and a band (20) that lies across the instep stabilizing the insert on the foot and keeping the cover closed. The shoe FIG. 10 opens fully, allowing the user to place their foot on the sole from above or the side and the top closes around the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Marcella Danielle Gift, Jeannine Jodhan
  • Publication number: 20130269218
    Abstract: An anti-slip patch can fit into a shoe heel to prevent socks from slipping into the shoe. The anti-slip patch can cover an area of the vertical inner heel cap of the shoe with a hook surface or similar material that can prevent slippage of a sock. The hook exposed surface of the anti-slip patch can become an integral part of the vertical inner heel cap lining of the shoe and can securely fasten on to the vertical heel part of any type of sock when worn in the shoe. The snug fit of the foot inside the shoe ensures continuous pressure being applied to the sock for it to remain adhered to the exposed hook material of the anti-slip patch, keeping the sock securely locked in its desired comfortable position on the foot while being worn in the shoe in both dry and wet conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Jon Michael Blumenaus
  • Publication number: 20130269214
    Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear, particularly to a woman's shoe fitted with interchangeable attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Cindy Fogarty
  • Patent number: 8555527
    Abstract: Graphical element laminate for use in forming a skate boot including: a base layer having inner and outer sides; a first thermoplastic layer laminated on the base layer outer side, the first thermoplastic layer having inner and outer sides; a graphical element printed on the inner side of the first thermoplastic layer, at least a portion of the first thermoplastic layer overlying the graphical element being transparent or translucent such that when the laminate forms part of the skate boot, the graphical element is visible through the first thermoplastic layer from an exterior of the skate boot. Optionally, the base layer includes a design element also visible from the exterior of the skate boot. Optionally, a second thermoplastic layer is interposed between the first thermoplastic layer and the base layer. In such cases, the graphical element may be, or may also be, printed on the second thermoplastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Sport Maska Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Koyess, David Dekoos
  • Publication number: 20130263479
    Abstract: A dance shoe dons an accessory that provides a visual indication of the foot position of a dancer. The accessory includes an ornamental device that is releasably attachable to the side wall of the dance shoe using magnetic attraction. A method for instructing dance students comprises the step of providing the accessory on a dance shoe worn by the dance student. Instructions are called out for the dance student to show the ornamental device in accordance with a dance position. The position of the ornamental device, and thus the position of the dance student's feet, is observed. The dance student is instructed to adjust the dance student's feet if improperly positioned, as indicated by the ornamental device. A kit comprises packaging, an accessory including magnetically responsive elements and magnets within the packaging, and instructions for attaching the accessory to dance shoes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Nicole MICKEY
  • Publication number: 20130255108
    Abstract: A footwear comprising a sole having an integral mounting device forming part of the sole, an attachment portion, the attachment portion forming a part of the integral mounting device, the attachment portion of the integral mounting device configured to removably accept a cleaning device, wherein the attachment portion contacts a side of the footwear when in an assembled position on the footwear, wherein the cleaning device facilitates the cleaning of equipment is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Brent Herrmann, Richard J. Herrmann, JR.
  • Patent number: 8544197
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Spanks, Tiffany A. Beers
  • Patent number: 8544196
    Abstract: A device for a shoe with a sole assembly including at least an outer sole and an insole connected to a heel through a shank and a heel breast. The device includes a cap comprising a cap head mounted to a hollow shaft with internal threads therein. The hollow shaft of the cap is received within a bore extending from the insole to the outer sole on the heel breast of the shoe between the heel and the shank of the shoe. A shank having a first end comprising threads and a second end. The first end of the shank is received by the hollow shaft of the cap to fasten the shank to the cap on the heal breast of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Susan Leo
  • Publication number: 20130247424
    Abstract: A step-counting shoe comprises a power generation device, a pedometer device, and a display device. When the step-counting shoe is applied with a force, the power generation device produces electrical energy by electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric effect without external power supply, so as to generate power for the pedometer device and the display device automatically during the user walking. Additionally, the present invention provides a variety of types of power generation devices, so a suitable power generation device can be adopted depending on the power demand, thickness of step-counting shoe, and/or costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: SHEN-KO TSENG
  • Patent number: 8539653
    Abstract: A strap for a shoe has a first resilient and flexible fabric element extending from a first end to a second end and a clear flexible element substantially fixed at respective ends of the clear flexible element to corresponding ends of the first fabric element. Methods of assembly and of use are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: China Cat, Inc.
    Inventor: Audra Gerhardt
  • Publication number: 20130239440
    Abstract: A removable exercise device attached to a users shoe for use during exercise. The device includes a variety of removable and interchangeable accessories to be used for various physical activities and exercises. These accessories are designed to place user's foot in a declined position. The accessories include wheels and bottoms with various shapes, heights, and materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Jose Francisco Lara Santos
  • Patent number: 8528150
    Abstract: A foot operated scrubbing device for scrubbing floors or other rigid surfaces is a rigid, U-shaped member that receives a user's foot. The foot presses against an upper surface of the U-shaped member to press an abrasive member against the floor. The upper surface of the U-shaped member has a textured surface that resists slipping of the foot along the upper surface of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Colin Brooks Mellott
  • Patent number: 8516724
    Abstract: An image displaying device includes a background layer that is substantially opaque. The device also includes a display layer that is semi-transparent. The display layer includes an inner surface facing the background layer, and the inner surface is substantially smooth. The display layer further includes an outer surface facing away from the background layer, and the outer surface includes a plurality of raised areas and a plurality of recessed areas. The display layer has increased light transmissivity through the recessed areas and decreased light transmissivity through the raised areas such that a contrast of light transmissivity between the raised and recessed areas generates an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Diepenbrock, Connie A. Sarkinen, Todd A. Waatti
  • Patent number: 8516725
    Abstract: An ornamental accessory for footwear in which the footwear is of the type having a series of lacing holes that are spaced apart along a lacing surface of the footwear and that are usually adapted for receipt of footwear laces. The ornamental accessory includes an accessory insert that is comprised of an open link and an integrally formed support post. The open link has a passage that is larger than the size of the lacing hole so as to accommodate a chain piece. The support post is constructed and arranged to interlock with the lacing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey George
  • Publication number: 20130212774
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion defines an upper edge region, while the lower portion defines a lower edge region. An upper adhesive band is disposed on the upper portion and runs alongside substantially the entire upper edge region. An upper release liner, in turn, is disposed on at least a portion of the upper adhesive band. At the same time, a lower adhesive band is disposed on the lower portion and runs alongside substantially the entire lower edge region. A lower release liner is disposed on at least a portion of the lower adhesive band. The lower portion is joined to the upper portion so as to define a hollow enclosure therebetween with the upper edge region and the lower edge region forming an open end in the hollow enclosure. The upper adhesive band and the lower adhesive band are disposed inside the hollow enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Theresa M. Tuttle
  • Publication number: 20130212911
    Abstract: A method is for manufacturing a battery box for footwear comprising: providing a first member and providing a second member. The method also includes connecting the first member and the second member such that the first member and the second member include a space. The method also includes placing the first and the second member in the footwear such that the first and the second member form a structure in the footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Xue Feng Song
  • Patent number: 8499476
    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 include: (a) a housing, optionally an asymmetrical housing, for receiving an electronic module; (b) release mechanisms for removably mounting the module in the housing; and/or (c) activation/authentication systems for selectively activating the module. Additionally, methods of making articles of footwear or other structures that include such housings, electronic modules, release systems, activation systems, authentication systems, etc. are described. Performance sensing systems and methods of using the above devices for sensing performance characteristics also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Berner, Jr., Albert Shum, Charles W. Case, Jr., Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz