Abstract: A shoe is provided that includes a sole having a stow cavity, a first heel assembly and a second heel assembly that can transfer from a stowed position in the stow cavity to a deployed position. In the deployed position, the second heel is below a heel portion of the sole such that the contact surface of the second heel assembly is positioned to contact the ground when worn, such that the shoe has a greater contact surface area with the second heel assembly in the deployed position.

Abstract: A piece of footwear is equipped with one or more spare cleat fasteners adapted to receive one or more spare cleats on a upper of the footwear and a plurality of cleat fasteners adapted to receive a plurality of cleats on a sole of the footwear. In one implementation, the spare cleat fasteners are apertures adapted to receive the spare cleats. When a user of the footwear discovers that one or more cleats on the sole of the footwear are worn, broken, or missing, the user may replace the worn, broken, or missing cleats with spare cleats located in the spare cleat fasteners on the upper of the footwear.

Abstract: An anastomat for circumcision related to a medical apparatus and instrument for cutting off the excess foreskin of a penis.

Abstract: A heel counter support for a shoe can allow a wearer to conveniently wear the shoe, while also preventing the heel counter from being permanently bent. The heel counter support, which is embedded in the uppers of a heel counter of the shoe, includes: a support member that is formed in the same arc as the heel counter when viewed from the upper side thereof, is joined to a heel portion of a shoe sole, and is made of rigid or substantially hard synthetic resin; and an arc-shaped tension-maintaining portion that is joined to an upper end portion of the support member and is made of soft or substantially resilient synthetic resin. The tension-maintaining portion has an upper end that is resiliently flexed in a forward direction so that a wearer can easily insert the foot into the shoe.

Abstract: An easily taken and carried holder for boots is provided with a flexible handle and two holding assemblies secured to both ends of the flexible handle respectively. Each of the holding assemblies comprises an internal space and a magnet in the space. The magnet has two poles so that the magnets of the holding assemblies can attract each other to bring the boots into contact when the holding assembles are inserted into the boots. The flexible handle can be used to take and suspend the boots. The ferromagnetic members can kept the boots upright and prevent the boots from falling to cause wrinkles when the ferromagnetic members are inserted into the boots to be attracted by the magnets. The invention has characteristics of easy taking, secure hold, practicability, and convenient storage.

Abstract: A boot assembly for use with a dry suit includes an external puncture resistant boot and a dual-layered insert. The dual-layered insert comprises a thermal sock worn over the foot of a diver and a water-proof, non-stretch over-sized outer sock worn over the thermal sock. The outer sock is over-sized so that it accommodates a wide spectrum of diver foot sizes but fits comfortably within the volume of the external boot.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot including, a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.

Abstract: A sheet insulator is attached to an item of wearing apparel to provide thermal insulation. The sheet insulator has a fiber reinforced aerogel composite encapsulated within a plastic sheeting. The plastic sheeting is secured to the aerogel composite, surface to surface. The plastic sheeting and the aerogel composite have surface upsets such as elongated depressions or burrows positioned and oriented at a flexing position of the wearing apparel so that the sheet insulator is able to flex with the apparel enabling a more natural movement of the apparel.

Abstract: A shoe lace cover helps keep singled knotted laces tied and uses a pair of generally coextensive panels with one panel positioned in the tongue opening of a shoe between the tongue and laces and the other panel is positioned atop the laces, the panels removably secured to one another at their respective sides using cooperating hook and loop material. Each panel also has a tail that is secured to the other tail below the bottom of the laces and a strap is attached to the upper panel overwraps the knot of the laces and secures to the lower panel.

Abstract: A device for generating power from a locomotion energy associated with leg muscles acting across an ankle joint. The device including: a cuff worn on the leg; a shoe; an energy absorbing element operatively connected to the cuff and shoe for absorbing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot including, a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom: translation away from the sole of the user's foot and rotation about a longitudinal axis at ground level. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.

Abstract: A data system includes an article such as footwear, model car or toy, an electronic module carried by said article, the electronic module having a microprocessor and a data storage device to which the user can selectively store and retrieve data, a data input to the electronic module configured for the user to input and store data on the data storage device, a controller in electronic communication with the electronic module for controlling data output, and an audio output device in electronic communication with the electronic module for receiving data output from the electronic module.

Abstract: A cutting die for cutting a plurality of parts of an article of footwear from a bulk material. The cutting die includes a first cutting member that cuts a first part of the article of footwear from the bulk material. The cutting die also includes a second cutting member that cuts a second part of the article of footwear from the bulk material. The second cutting member is fixed to the first cutting member to cut the first and second parts together with a single stroke of the cutting die relative to the bulk material. The first and second parts are separate and distinct from each other and have different shapes.

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: 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: A method of customizing an article of footwear that is configured for self assembly is disclosed. The method includes steps of applying customized designs to pre-cut portions, and packaging the pre-cut portions with a lace and a set of instructions into a kit of parts. The kit of parts can be taken home and assembled by the customer.

Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring physical stresses placed on a user has a sensor body with pressure sensors for sensing pressure and generating a pressure data signal indicating the pressures sensed. An alert mechanism functions to alert the user when the pressure sensed by the pressure sensors exceeds predetermined threshold force levels. The sensor device is utilized to enable a method of monitoring the physical stresses and alerting the user when the predetermined threshold force levels are exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention provides electromagnetic fitness shoes with a conductor structure and an insole. The shoes include a vamp, an inner space, a heel portion and a sole. The sole includes a big sole body, a middle sole and an insole. The insole is provided with conducting members, and the conductor structure electrically connects to a conducting member. The conducting member includes a conductive terminal and electric wire. The conductive terminal fitted with an electric connecting portion. The conductive terminal is assembled into the interleaving space formed by the heel portion and arranged along the interleaving space. The electric connecting portion is exposed upwards, and the conducting member of insole is made of conductive fabrics. The robustness is improved, and the service life of the electromagnetic fitness shoes is prolonged with better comfort and applicability.

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: A novelty footwear item includes a flexible outsole, a flexible footbed and a flexible elongated wedge-shape midsole. The midsole has a unitary construction including a heel support area and an arch support area. An open storage compartment is disposed within the heel support area and is concealed by the footbed which overlays the midsole and the outsole. The footbed is fixedly attached to a front toe area of the outsole and fixedly attached to the midsole at about the arch support area. The footbed is further removably attached to the midsole at about the heel support area so that the footbed may be lifted up pivotally and way from the heel support area to provide user access to the storage compartment. Stiffeners disposed within the footbed facilitate the pivoting of the footbed and prevent collapse of the footbed into the compartment under a user load.

Abstract: An article having a primary use associated with an open position thereof, and a secondary use associated with a closed position thereof. The primary use is that of a piece of clothing, and the secondary use is that of a storage container. The article comprises a pouch portion (12) having an opening (20), the pouch constituting, in the open position of the article, a functional portion of said piece of clothing, and, in a the closed position of the article, a storage pocket.

Abstract: A system for attaching a shoe to a skateboard is described. An interlocking structure attached to the shoe substantially prevents vertical and/or lateral movement of the shoe in relation the skateboard when the interlocking structure is pressed against another interlocking structure. The interlocking structures may register in a plurality of vertical and/or lateral positions. One or both of the interlocking structures may comprise a plurality of protrusions of a pointed or rounded shape.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: The present invention provides electromagnetic fitness shoes with a conductor structure and an insole. The shoes include a vamp, an inner space, a heel portion and a sole. The sole includes a big sole body, a middle sole and an insole. The insole is provided with conducting members, and the conductor structure electrically connects to a conducting member. The conducting member includes a conductive terminal and electric wire. The conductive terminal fitted with an electric connecting portion. The conductive terminal is assembled into the interleaving space formed by the heel portion and arranged along the interleaving space. The electric connecting portion is exposed upwards, and the conducting member of insole is made of conductive fabrics. The robustness is improved, and the service life of the electromagnetic fitness shoes is prolonged with better comfort and applicability.

Abstract: A pair of casual shoes such as flip-flops are packaged for sale so as to have the general appearance of an essentially spherical ball. Each shoe has a flexible sole portion and an upper portion connected to at least part of the periphery of the sole portion by stitching, which extends around the entire sole portion periphery. The sole portion of each shoe is flexed generally into a U-shape and also is flexed transversely to the length thereof, and then the two U-shapes are interfitted with the toe and heel regions of one shoe fitting against the instep region of the other shoe. An elongate cord is laced between the stitching around the peripheries of the two sole portions so as to hold the two shoes together in the ball shape but removal of the cord release the two shoes for separation and opening out into a pair of flip-flops.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in footwear and the like, the apparatus having a primary body adapted to be mounted on a work object operable to perform a task; and at least two secondary bodies mounted on the primary body and adapted selectively to be moved by the work object in the performance of the task.

Abstract: A deodorizer in particular, a deodorizer substrate with a porous carrier material formed in a monolithic form, and an odor neutralizing composition in the porous carrier material.

Abstract: Footwear having plastic or rubber soles and having molded protruding hang tabs from the soles for use in the pairing of footwear together. Each sole having a plurality of protruding hang tabs molded at spaced-apart positions along a perimeter edging of the sole. The plurality of hang tabs includes a first hang tab positioned on the toe end of the sole, a second hang tab positioned on the heel end of the sole, a third hang tab positioned on the inside section of the sole, and/or a fourth hang tab positioned on the outside section of the sole. One or more of the hang tabs have plastic fasteners and the like attached thereto for connecting a pair of the soles together. The hang tabs are being removable from the soles after purchase by cutting off each hang tab from the perimeter edging of the sole.

Abstract: A controllable footwear method and apparatus, comprising a structure which controls a splitting of a force exerted on a sole of the footwear between a first portion which is stored in an energy storage structure and later returned to the sole, and a second portion which is dissipated, and a control for controlling the structure in dependence on an activity of the wearer, to alter a relation between the first portion and the second portion, to thereby alter a dynamic characteristic of the footwear.

Abstract: A novelty footwear item includes an upper, a lower and an opener for protecting the foot of a user and for facilitating unsealing a sealed container with the footwear item.

Abstract: A substantially transparent article of footwear includes a substantially transparent resilient sole having a gripping surface and a substantially transparent shoe upper integrally extending from the resilient sole. The upper includes an element for aeration of a foot of a user and a substantially transparent insole disposed within the upper and a closure element for the upper. The transparent closure element operates to stabilizing an ankle and in-step area of a foot of the user within the footwear.

Abstract: A device and method to detect force and provide feedback to a runner or jogger so that the person can judge whether to adjust his or her stride in order to lessen the impact on his or her body. The device includes a housing, a power supply, a piezo sensor, a controller, and an output generator. The piezo sensor is accommodated within a user's shoe and is connected to the controller, and the controller, output generator and power supply are accommodated within the housing. The controller is connected to the output generator so that it is set to generate a signal to the output generator when a threshold level of force signal is received from the piezo sensor. The sensor signals the controller when force from an impact is applied to the piezo sensor and the controller signals the output generator when one or more signals indicating threshold levels of force have been reached, and the output generator generates a perceivable signal in response to the controller's one or more signals.

Abstract: An insole containing a consumable element, ideally a glucose gel, which serves a dual purpose of providing cushioning for the feet as well as providing a sterile source of nutrition primarily intended for counteracting low blood sugar levels in people with insulin dependant diabetes. However, it can also be used by other people desiring a non-bulky emergency source of nutrition on the go.

Abstract: Ergonomic systems which provide medical therapy, comfort and enhanced function are provided. Surfaces are provided with adjustable contour, transient force damping and temperature. The technologies are applied to footwear, seating surfaces an cryotherapy devices. The cooling and cryotherapy system employ an evaporator in close proximity to skin, and therefore employ methods to reduce risk of frostbite. Advanced control and power supply options are disclosed.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a footwear or shoe includes a chamber with a magnetically responsive fluid therein for absorbing and/or dampening vibrations and/or shocks. A magnetic member, such as an electromagnet, is provided for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic fluid to thereby vary the viscosity thereof.

Abstract: A shoe with a decorative showcase has a shoe body and transparent case selectively attached to a position on the shoe body. The transparent case contains at least one kind of liquid and multiple floating objects in different shapes floating on the at least one kind of liquid. Thereby, the transparent case imitates objects such as flowers or ducklings floating on water to provide a novel and revolutionarily attractive to the shoe.

Abstract: An article of equipment or apparel, such as footwear, is disclosed that includes an exterior surface having misleading depth cues that form a reverse perspective structure. The reverse perspective structure may have a three-dimensional configuration that includes a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is located closer to an interior of the article than the second edge, and the first edge has a greater length than the second edge. The reverse perspective structure may alternately or also include a pair of non-parallel perspective line edges with first ends and second ends. The first ends are located closer to the interior of the article than the second ends, and the first ends have a greater spacing than the second ends.

Abstract: A braking member attachable to a sledder's boot is provided. The braking member includes a braking surface that is oriented at a specific ranges of angles with respect to the boot. In use, the braking surface engages the snow like an anchor as the sledder traverses snow covered terrain, thereby producing a braking force against sled forward movement. In one embodiment, the braking member is rotatably attached to the boot and is moveable between a first, walking position, and a second, braking position. In another embodiment, the braking member is fixed in the braking position.

Abstract: A tamper resistant institutional shoe and method includes a clear outsole to discourage concealment of contraband in an institutional setting, such as prisons or correctional facilities. The institutional shoe can include an upper shoe and an outsole joined together to form a cavity to receive a user's foot. The outsole can be light transparent in at least a translucent manner. In addition, a colored insert advantageously can be fixedly disposed in the cavity on an upper surface of the outsole. The colored insert can be visible through the outsole so that tampering with the outsole or attempts to conceal contraband can be viewed through the outsole. The colored insert can include a light color to better reflect light through the outsole. A plurality of layers of different material can be disposed in the cavity over the upper surface of the outsole. The plurality of layers is adhered to adjacent layers to resist tampering.

Abstract: A shoe upper has an outside surface having a first ornamental theme, the first theme being formed in three dimensions, with artwork coincident with the three dimensional effect. An outsole below the shoe upper includes a bottom surface for engagement with a walking surface; a peripheral area extending about the bottom and mating with the upper. The upper surface is for engagement with a bottom of the upper. The bottom surface and the peripheral area have a surface with a second ornamental theme. The first ornamental theme and the second ornamental theme are thematically related so as to create a surrounding ornamentation of the footwear.

Abstract: The invention is a wear indicator for a footwear outsole. The wear indicator includes a plurality of strata that each have different properties, such as color. As portions of an individual stratum are worn away, corresponding portions of an underlying stratum are revealed. The underlying strata may be worn away in a similar manner to reveal further strata, thereby providing a wearer with the ability to determine the amount of wear that has occurred in an outsole.

Abstract: A golf alignment system and method that allows a golfer to properly align his or her feet in relation to the already positioned golf club prior to attempting a shot. The invention comprises one or more substantially horizontal alignment stripes disposed upon a pair of shoes worn by a golfer. The alignment stripes may be of any color or material provided they are visually discernable from the rest of the shoe. The present invention uses aligned stripes skewed at a slight angle, offset from the longitudinal axis of the golfer's shoes. Because a human's back or heel portion of the foot is narrower than the front portion, adjacent horizontally disposed alignment stripes on each individual shoe, when brought together, would not result in a series of horizontal lines. However, when utilizing the present invention at the beginning of the alignment process before the golfer actually strikes the ball, the golfer brings his or her feet together or very close to each other.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole portion; a second portion above the sole portion, the second portion including a compartment therein; and a drawer which is receivable within the compartment of the second portion and elastically attached to the article of footwear. The second portion is preferably a heel portion of the article of footwear, and the drawer is preferably engaged with the article of footwear by an elastic thread. The drawer may have an interior portion which is divided into a plurality of compartments.

Abstract: A laminate of a thermally pointbonded nonwoven base fabric and a coating of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride on at least one surface of the base fabric, and a footwear upper made from the laminate and wherein the upper functions additionally as a lining for the footwear.

Abstract: A pant cuff protector for use with long pants for holding a cuff of a pant leg away from the ground comprises a first clamping body affixed proximate a wearer's ankle, a second clamping body magnetically attractable to the first clamping body, and optionally a strap therebetween.

Abstract: The invention discloses a locator unit contained within footwear providing a method for GPS position determination and transmission of said location determination data to a central monitoring station which disseminates the data through the use of proprietary software, wireless communications, land based wire systems and the Internet.

Abstract: The invention discloses a locator unit contained within footwear providing a method for GPS position determination and transmission of said location determination data to a central monitoring station which disseminates the data through the use of proprietary software, wireless communications, land based wire systems and the Internet.

Abstract: The invention discloses a locator unit contained within footwear providing a method for GPS position determination and transmission of said location determination data to a central monitoring station which disseminates the data through the use of proprietary software, wireless communications, land based wire systems and the Internet.

Abstract: The invention discloses a locator unit contained within footwear providing a method for GPS position determination and transmission of said location determination data to a central monitoring station which disseminates the data through the use of proprietary software, wireless communications, land based wire systems and the Internet.