Abstract: Children's footwear, garments, and fashion accessories with an accompanying kit containing interchangeable design pieces which the child may attach and arrange on the footwear, garment, or fashion accessory allowing for artistic creation and self-expression.

Abstract: A device designed to eliminate women from stepping on the backs of their slacks when wearing open-back shoes and therefore, providing a safer and more stable fashion experience. Heel Helper is a removable device that slides up the heel of the shoe and buckles around the ankle so that the shoe can be safely worn with slacks while also providing an aesthetically pleasing look.

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: An attachable brush for footwear, particularly suited for an umpire to clean dirt from home plate during a baseball game is herein disclosed. The footwear comprises a bristle portion along one (1) side and sized approximately one (1) inch wide and four (4) inches long, with the bristle portions being approximately one (1) inch. The brush body is attached to the footwear by means of a flap made of leather or similar resilient material. The flap is attached to the top of the brush body and is removably attached to the footwear by use of eyelets that would be interlocked with the shoelaces on the footwear. This enables the umpire to slightly lift his foot, allowing the brush to hang down, and sweep it back and forth over the home plate area. Its positioning would not allow it to interfere with walking or other activities when not being used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe with a sole unit, where the sole unit includes a recess for removably receiving a housing of an electronic assembly, for example, an electronic pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor. Further, the invention relates to a housing for receiving an electronic assembly, for example, a pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor, where the housing has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of a recess formed in a shoe sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a detachable wrap is disclosed. The detachable wrap removably attaches to a lacing area of an upper and extends under the article of footwear through a channel in a midsole of the sole structure. The detachable wrap may change the appearance of the article of footwear and additionally provide support to a foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A boot cover for a boot having an elongated tubular throat portion is provided which includes a textile sheath having an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge having a length sized to at least partially encircle the throat portion of the boot at an upper attachment location offset from a mouth of the boot, and the lower edge having a length sized to at least partially encircle the throat portion of the boot at a lower attachment location in the lower region of the boot. The boot cover also includes an attachment system coupled to the textile sheath to removably attach the boot cover to the throat portion of the boot in a secure manner. The textile sheath is configured to conceal a substantial portion of the throat portion of the boot when the boot cover is attached thereto. Methods of attaching boot covers to a boot are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to efficient shoe manufacturing that reduce the specialized human labor required to manufacture a pair of shoes while avoiding the high costs and special maintenance requirements often associated with highly automated manufacturing equipment are provided. Systems and methods in accordance with the present invention may be used to produce multiple models of custom shoes at a single shoe manufacturing facility using overlapping workflows, thereby reducing the physical footprint of the manufacturing facility. Additionally, embodiments of the invention may provide methods and systems for efficiently producing shoes to meet the demands of a particular geographic location, thereby eliminating the need to import shoes produced in other locations.

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.

Abstract: A shoe molding and fixing structure which includes: a shoe body, having a shoe heel, wherein the shoe body is worn by a predetermined user, and an accommodation space is formed at a bottom of the shoe body through the shoe heel; and at least one ring body, wherein the ring body is capable of being jacketed on the shoe body and the user, and the ring body is disposed around the accommodation space.

Abstract: A pocket system including a pocket inside the leg portion of a boot, wherein the leg portion provides an interior space between the leg portion of the boot and a leg of a wearer of the boot suitable for tucking-in a leg of a trouser, and the pocket is so constructed and arranged to receive insertion and removal of a PDA, and to surround the same for safekeeping. An embodiment of the pocket system comprises a removable lining serving as a purse or wallet.

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.

Abstract: The sports boot (1) comprises a part composed of two injected materials and a decoration (8) arranged between two layers of the boot, a transparent layer covering it.

Abstract: A decorative cover for embellishing footwear is disclosed, having a cover incorporated with a sock. The cover is worn over the footwear for covering and enhancing it with at least one embellishment. The sock encloses a user's foot and is incorporated with the cover at the top of the sock to prevent the cover slipping down. To hold the cover down over the footwear, a disconnecting strap extends under the arch of the footwear. To hold the cover securely against the footwear, a zippered seam runs along the rear of the cover parallel to a user's leg.

Abstract: The invention provides a compactly contained multiple-component sensing device for detecting toe-walking and other physical conditions and providing repetitive positive reinforcement stimuli to correct the same. A comprehensive software system enables therapeutic management of the sensing and stimulus device and easy changes in therapy, stimulus content, stimulus frequency and other factors. A variety of circuit and housing arrangements allow adaptability to manufacture, user, and treatment professional demands.

Abstract: Traction enhancing devices for footwear assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes a footwear product with an outsole that has one or more embedded traction enhancing devices. Each traction enhancing device can be a stud that is at least partially embedded in the carrier portion of the outsole and that partially projects from the carrier portion. Each stud can be configured to reduce or eliminate relative movement between the stud and the carrier portion to prevent the stud from loosening or falling out. For example, each stud can include a shaft having an engaging surface, such as a threaded, ribbed, or textured surface, that engages the carrier portion. Each stud can also include a portion having an enlarged surface area, such as an anchor or head, embedded in the carrier portion to improve retention of the stud in the carrier portion.

Abstract: Footwear systems, particularly sandals, wherein footwear portions for each foot when placed together are disguised and do not initially appear to be footwear. Such footwear may be utilized to encourage adjoining footwear storage by children and may also be used as toys when not utilized as footwear. The articles of footwear may resemble a tree, a palm tree, a light bulb, fish, an umbrella, a chess piece/chess pieces, a vehicle, a cloud, a cactus, a piece of fruit, a volleyball, a basketball, a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, a golf ball, etc. Other designs include a lightning bolt, a star, a sea horse herds, a spoon and fork, flowers, a ladybug, birds, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to garment-attachable holders for the temporary holding of personal effects. In one embodiment, a garment-attachable holder is comprised of a piece of rectangular sheet material having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface may include adhesive on various portions thereon. At least one edge of the second surface may include a reinforcement.

Abstract: A shoe is provided with a writing surface so that temporary expressive indicia can be applied to the shoe. The writing surface is preferably in the form of a side surface of the shoe extending between a tread and a foot contacting surface of the shoe. The side surface is preferably formed of patent leather compatible with a dry erase marker provided as a writing implement. In a most preferred form of the invention, the shoe includes a bore which acts as a housing for the marker or other writing implement to conveniently store the writing implement when not in use. The bore or other housing also keeps the writing implement fresh by sealing the writing implement within the bore when not in use, especially when the writing implement is a dry erase marker.

Abstract: Shoe having at least one pressure sensor provided in the shoe cushioning element, as well as system components for emitting, receiving and evaluating the signals of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe with a sole unit, where the sole unit includes a recess for removably receiving a housing of an electronic assembly, for example, an electronic pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor. Further, the invention relates to a housing for receiving an electronic assembly, for example, a pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor, where the housing has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of a recess formed in a shoe sole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ornamental attachment configured to be connected to a shoelace of a shoe, the ornamental attachment comprising a body and one or more brackets mounted to said body, the one or more brackets being configured such that in use a plurality of shoelace sections extend between eyelets of the shoe and the one or more brackets, wherein the one or more brackets are arranged such that in use the shoelace sections extend outwardly away from the body and outwardly away from one another. The present invention further relates to a combination of footwear and the ornamental attachment and to the use of an ornamental attachment for providing an ornament on a piece of footwear.

Abstract: A decorative cover for embellishing footwear is disclosed, having a cover incorporated with a sock. The cover is worn over the footwear for covering and enhancing it with at least one embellishment. The sock encloses a user's foot and is incorporated with the cover at the top of the sock to prevent the cover slipping down. To hold the cover down over the footwear, a disconnecting strap extends under the arch of the footwear. To hold the cover securely against the footwear, a zippered seam runs along the rear of the cover parallel to a user's leg.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods secure an open-backed shoe during use. The apparatus prevents the bottom of a pant leg from slipping between a person's heel and a shoe bed of the shoe when walking. The apparatus is external to the shoe and comprises an anklet, which is worn around the ankle and adjustable to the size of an individual's ankle. The anklet is coupled to a heel strap that couples to a heel loop, which attaches to a heel of the shoe.

Abstract: An ornamental device for footwear of the type having a plurality of eyelets for a shoelace. The ornamental device comprises a mini bungee cord to engage with two opposite eyelets of the footwear. A decorative component is provided. A mechanism is for removably retaining the decorative component to center of the mini bungee cord.

Abstract: An accessory-fastening device for securing an ornamental item onto an article of footwear that is resistant to accidental dislodgment including a sole for contacting the ground mounted to an upper that has a snap hole and a sheet of flexible material having a top side and a bottom side affixed to the upper proximate the snap hole, a snap stud affixed to the sheet of flexible material that extends outward from the article of footwear, and a snap socket which is attached to an ornamental item to removably fasten the ornamental article to the snap stud. The sheet of flexible material that covers the snap hole provides a means of energy absorption and the dissipation of energy caused by the normal activity of a foot bend.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a shoe includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole. The upper has a first transparent window formed therein, with the first window being completely contained within the upper such that material that forms the upper completely surrounds the first window. The first window permits an interior of the shoe to be visible.

Abstract: A shoe (2) for attachment of at least one decorative accessory (4) is provided. The shoe (2) includes an upper (6) for covering a foot of a wearer, At least a portion of the upper (6) has a loop fabric (8). The loop fabric (8) is configured to removable attach the at least one decorative accessory (4) with a hook fabric (10) to the upper (6). A system including the shoe (2) and the at least one decorative accessory (4), and a related method for customizing an appearance of the shoe (2), are also provided.

Abstract: Footwear for moisturizing a user's feet comprising a multilayered sole and an upper portion coupled to the sole. The sole includes a top layer, an intermediate layer, a bottom layer and two refillable pouches containing a moisturizing lotion situated between the intermediate and bottom layers at the heel and ball of the foot location. The top, intermediate layers and top surfaces of the pouches include a plurality of aligned apertures allowing the moisturizing lotion to pass through and contact a user's feet. The individual soles of the present invention comprise a top layer, a bottom layer, an adhesive layer for sticking the soles to regular footwear and two refillable pouches situated between the top and bottom layers. The top layer and top surfaces of the pouches include a plurality of apertures for the moisturizing lotion to pass through.

Abstract: The shoe tongue centralizer assembly includes a binding post and a centralizer band which, together prevent the tongue of any type of laced shoe, boot or other footwear from significant movement either laterally or longitudinally in the footwear. The two piece binding post threads together by means of mating male and female threaded shafts. The shaft of the top portion of the binding post passes through a hole in the center of the top portion of the tongue of the particular footwear. The hole can be either manufactured in the shoe tongue or made by any means that provides a hole of adequate dimensions for the binding post shaft to pass thorough. The lower portion of the binding post threads into the top portion in such a manner that the top and bottom surfaces of the binding post are flush with the shoe tongue surfaces.

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.

Abstract: A protective sole of an item of footwear for electric and electrostatic charges comprises a sole unit comprising at least a midsole portion and an outsole portion. The midsole portion is connected on top of the outsole, with the midsole portion oriented toward the wearer while the outsole portion is against the ground when the item of footwear is worn. An electronic device is inserted in the sole unit, and comprises circuitry with a first contact end exposed on a top surface of the midsole portion to be electrically connected with the wearer, and a second contact end to be electrically connected with the ground via the outsole portion. A substrate supports the circuitry and is adapted to be mounted in the sole unit. Electronic components are between the first and the second contact ends, on the circuitry, and concurrently performing a ground of electrostatic charges and insulation against electric discharges.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods secure an open-backed shoe during use. The apparatus prevents the bottom of a pant leg from slipping between a person's heel and a shoe bed of the shoe when walking. The apparatus is external to the shoe and comprises an anklet, which is worn around the ankle and adjustable to the size of an individual's ankle. The anklet is coupled to a heel strap that couples to a heel loop, which attaches to a heel of the shoe.

Abstract: Sole (1) for shoes, comprising a container (9) housing a compressed gas including an active ingredient and provided with: an output (12) for dispensing the gas and actuating means (10) connected to said output (12) adapted to close and open said output so as to allow gas delivery. The sole is characterised in that said actuating means comprises an electro-magnet (15a, 15b) adapted to produce a magnetic field from an electrical current and a moving element configured to assume different positions under the control of said magnetic field. The electro-magnet is mechanically coupled to said output (12) so as to correspondingly close and open the output.

Abstract: A proprioceptive element including a base for attachment to a bottom surface of a sole of a shoe, the base including a flange nut with a first set of threads formed thereon, a height adjustment ring including a threaded portion which mates with the first set of threads of the flange nut of the base, and a bulbous cap element having a curved outer contour and which is attached to the height adjustment ring, wherein turning of the height adjustment ring on the flange nut of the base adjusts the height of the bulbous cap element with respect to the base.

Abstract: A boot and trousers system including a pair of trousers, the trousers including a barrier material which is generally impermeable to undesired fluids. The system further includes a boot having a body and an upper portion, wherein the upper portion is folded about the body of the boot to define a flap portion. The barrier material is releasably coupled to the flap portion and to the body.

Abstract: Footwear is integrated with an electronic circuit responsive to a remote control signal to control one or more transducers providing tactile, audible, and/or mechanical outputs that tend to distract the wearer of the footwear or hinder walking and running ability, when activated. The footwear may include a receptacle for storing electrical and/or mechanical energy that is discharged to lock a mechanical disruptor in place or to distort the footwear sole when the transducer is activated. The footwear may include a transducer that vibrates when activated. The transducer may be located in the footwear, and/or in an adjacent article of clothing and held against the wearer's body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe tag comprising two parts. At least one part of the tag attaches with a left shoe and at least one part attaches with a right shoe. The left and the right part releasably link to one and other when the shoes are correctly oriented. The shoe tag assists individuals to correctly match a left shoe with his or her left foot and a right shoe with his or her right foot. The attachment may be releasable, lockable, and flexible, rigid or semi-rigid. Audible and visual signals may be emitted to indicate correct orientation.

Abstract: A magnetic inter-changeable decoration is for a shoe. The shoe is comprised of a sole and a top. The bottom surface has a periphery and a heel portion. A foot retaining strap is provided. The strap has ends coupled to the sole. A central extent is provided between the ends. Top and bottom faces are provided. A magnetic snap is provided. The snap has an upper magnetic side (female part) and a lower side with prongs. The prongs are inserted into the upper face of the strap. Finally, a decorative item is provided. The decorative item has an upper plane adapted to have decorations and a lower plane having a second magnetic snap (male part) being adapted to releasably couple with the upper side of the first magnetic snap. The first and second magnetic snaps are essentially coextensively in size and able to fit together.

Abstract: The article of footwear with decorative tongue is a shoe or the like having a sole and an upper attached thereto. The upper includes a tongue. A plurality of gemstones is attached to the tongue. Any desired type of gemstone(s) may be used, including variations in size, shape, color and chemical composition. Alternatively, a conventional tongue and a decorative attachment may be provided. The decorative attachment has opposed first and second faces, and a plurality of gemstones attached to the first face. The second face is releasably attached to an exterior face of the tongue by a suitable releasable fastener, such as mating hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A shoe cover is inserted over a shoe tongue to protect the shoe tongue and to display advertisements or other fashionable designs. The cover has a sleeve with a fastener attached to an interior surface. A complementary fastener is attached to the shoe tongue. Both fasteners engage to secure the shoe tongue cover onto the shoe tongue.

Abstract: The present invention in a first embodiment comprises a charm chain depending from two sandal adapted fasteners designed to be fastened on closed cell foam sandals either at pivots holding a strap onto the sandal or else at the periphery of the upper of the sandal. The fasteners may be elastic material in an annular shape such as a ring, a flower, or any other shape, with an aperture therethrough or similar designs. In embodiments, the fasteners may be clips adapted to hold between their jaws the thickness of closed cell foam typically found in such sandal uppers, this same thickness usually being present on the strap as well so that the invention clips may attach there as well if desired. In other embodiments, a single fastener is suspended at a single location and a charm in turn depends from the fastener, possibly including a clip.

Abstract: An article of footwear made from new or substantially new materials is manufactured with vintage treatment processing to give the article of footwear a vintage or well-worn appearance. The article of footwear may be treated with discoloring substances, such as dyes or bleaching agents. The upper may be formed with wrinkles or a crushed heel portion, such as by using a thin or soft foam behind a polyester covering, eliminating the foam backing and/or heel cup. Further, a rubber outsole may be molded with uneven treads and/or discolored to give the rubber a degraded, worn appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electricity using piezoelectric material. The apparatus comprises a first elongate member and a second elongate member that are joining together at first and second points which are spaced apart from each other. The second elongate member comprises a piezoelectric element, or has a piezoelectric element mounted thereon. When pressure is applied to the first elongate member, the second elongate member is stretched and the stretching force is applied to the piezoelectric element. This generates electricity. A similar arrangement with a third elongate member may be provided on the other side of the second elongate member. The apparatus may be placed in a shoe or underneath a floor, so that the variation in pressure caused by walking may be used in generate electricity.

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: An object for adorning footwear including either a generally trapezoidal and planar main piece composed of flexible, resilient material, or a main piece preformed to have a generally ribbon-shaped configuration with a strip of generally planar material twisted one half turn to form a loop in a mid portion, with the strip crossing in an interface area, with two free ends with diagonally oriented ends extending below the loop and interface area, and an attachment configured for selectively attaching and detaching corresponding sections of said main piece to each other in the interface area, in order to form said main piece into a generally looped ribbon shape, wherein a through passageway is formed through the loop when said attachment is engaged.

Abstract: A shoe accessory adapted to releasably adhere to an inside surface of a shoe and at the same time also releasably adhere to a wearer's foot or textile material on the wearer's foot; said shoe accessory comprising a flexible substrate; said substrate having a first working face and a second working face; said first working face lying substantially parallel to and coextensive with said second working face; said first working face spaced from said second working face in the range 0.01 mm to 10 mm; said first working face covered with a first glue layer; said second working face covered with a second glue layer.

Abstract: A plastic shoe provided with a decoration, a method of manufacturing the shoe, and a casting mold for manufacturing the shoe, is disclosed. The decoration is printed on a polyurethane decorative film which is applied to the surface of the upper part of the plastic shoe with the printed side facing down. To do so, the upper shell of a conventional casting mold is provided on the inside with a fine-pored aluminum foam body to produce plastic shoes. The aluminum foam body is connected to a suction pump. The decorative film is held in the casting mold with the help of the vacuum thereby generated.

Abstract: A shoe having a configurable message board positioned therein. The configurable message board comprising apparatus for selecting a displayable character from a plurality of characters. The shoe having a plurality of windows with each having a manipulative element for selecting a displayable character from a plurality of characters with said characters including letters, numbers and graphic symbols. The display optionally providing illuminable elements including back lighting the user selected display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an shock-absorbing pad for the outer sole of a shoe comprising: a cushioned pad, where the cushioned pad is configured in the shape of a shoe sole; a group of openings within the cushioned pad; and straps, where said straps may be inserted through the openings and provide a mechanism to attach the cushioned pad to the outer sole of a shoe. In one exemplary embodiment, the group of openings may include four openings in two rows and two columns. At least one strap may be utilized with the cushioned pad. In another particular embodiment, two straps are utilized with the cushioned pad.