Abstract: A device for warming a shoe is disclosed. An insole has a top cavity. A releasable shoe pad includes a top padding member and a recess between forward and rearward bottom portions. The device includes a thin metal member formed on the pad and including an intermediate conductive member, a forward conductive section extended from the conductive member, and a rearward conductive section extended from the conductive member, and a heater unit fastened in a space defined by the recess. The heater unit includes a fuel chamber, a combustion chamber filled with zirconia fibers, and a channel interconnected the fuel and the combustion chambers, the channel including fibers and a wick having one end immersed in the fuel chamber and the other end connected to the fibers.

Abstract: A footwear is constructed to include a sole provided with a breathable body at the top, and an upper fastened to the sole for securing a foot. The breathable body is made of a plurality of intertwined elastic filaments, having a compacted portion and an ornamental member of a predetermined design sealed to compacted elastic filaments of the compacted portion by a heat-sealing apparatus.

Abstract: A slipper for use by people with normal foot anatomy or with mild malady i.e., bunions, hammertoes and other bony prominences. The slipper is fabricated to have a mild rocker bottom sole with mild flexibility, allowing the wearer to roll through the gait cycle. A long firm medial counter, is in place, giving greater support and decreasing pronatory forces.

Abstract: A slipper sock having improved wearer comfort and providing enhanced foot protection is described. The slipper sock includes a sock having thickened padded portions along the ball and heel portions, with a relatively thinner arch portion therebetween. The device also includes a footbed having a first receptacle for underlying the ball portion of the sock and a second receptacle for underlying the heel portion of the sock. The footbed further includes a lip surrounding substantially the entire dimension of each of the receptacles, and the footbed is positioned so that the first receptacle matingly interfaces with the thickened ball portion of the sock and the second receptacle matingly interfaces with the thickened heel portion of the sock. The footbed also desirably includes at least one cavity, with an insert having relatively less resistance to compression than the footbed being positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: A foot warmer which has a shape to fit into a boot and an insulating foam adjacent the top of the warmer. Below the insulating foam is a heat retaining material that can be heated in a microwave.

Abstract: A battery powered climate-controlled shoe which controls the climate surrounding a user's foot in the shoe during a wide range of weather conditions. The shoe contains a plurality of switches, one of which is an interlock for inhibiting operating of the system until a pressure sensitive switch is activated by the insertion of a foot into the shoe. The shoe also contains a fan and a metallic heating plate. The fan aids in the circulation of air within the shoe, and the heating plate provides warm air for circulation within the shoe during cold weather.

Abstract: It is a object of this invention to provide a graphite cladding sheet having an excellent mechanical strength and applicable to wide use and a graphite device using said sheet. The graphite cladding sheet 10 comprises a flexible thin graphite sheet having a high orientation and a supporting sheet 12 fixedly laminated on one surface of the graphite film 11. If necessary, the graphite film may be sandwiched between the supporting sheet and the interlocking element by binding them with an adhesive filled in the hole which pass through the graphite film.

Abstract: A liner is disclosed for footwear, in particular for ski boots, climbing boots or the like, with a thermoplastic and a heating arrangement, and a process for adapting such a liner to the shape of the foot of the person using such a liner. In order to achieve optimum adaptation in a simple manner, it is provided that the electric heating arrangement is formed by at least one heatable film 1 which is arranged in the liner and with the aid of which the thermoplastic of the liner can be heated so that it can be adapted to the shape of the foot of the person using the liner. The or each heatable film 1 preferably comprises a flexible plastic layer on which there is arranged at least one resistance layer 2, of which the ends 7, 8 are connected to at least one connecting lead 3, which is routed outward, and at least one plug 4.

Abstract: A laminated insole (2) for a footwear has an upper layer (4) of a resilient foam material having an outline (6) shaped for incorporation in the footwear, and a bottom layer of a fibrous mat (10) and having a shape conforming with the outline (6) of the upper layer (4). The fibrous mat (10) includes a multiplicity of fibers (12), a number of which penetrate the foam material of the upper layer (4) for bonding the bottom layer (10) to the upper layer (4), and a stiffening portion (14) for providing stiffness to the insole (2). Preferably, each of the fibers (12) of those penetrating the foam material (4) emerges from the outer surface (16) thereof and thereby provides a pilosity (17) thereon. The laminated product (2) is suitable for use as an insole as well as a slip-in insole in any footwear. It takes advantage of the resilient properties of the foam, the stiffness and thermoformability of the fibrous mat and the comfort provided by the pilosity covering the upper layer of foam.

Abstract: A ice skate boot that keeps the skaters feet warm. Thermal insulators are placed between the mounting plates and the sole of the boot. Thus, the amount of heat transfer between the boot, bracket and blade is reduced. Hence, the skaters feet are warmer and the skater is more comfortable. In an alternate embodiment of the invention a heater is placed in the interior of the boot and the skater may adjust the amount of heat emitted by the heater.

Abstract: A new footwear, such as a shoe or boot, with heated sole for helping keep a wearer's foot warm, especially in cold weather. The inventive device includes a footwear member having a sole and an upper portion for accepting a foot. The heel of the sole has a cavity therein with the lower surface of the heel having an opening into the cavity. A heel door is pivotally coupled to the lower surface of the heel for substantially closing the opening into the cavity. An elongate heating coil is provided within the interior of the sole for providing heat to the footwear when powered. Disposed within the cavity of the heel is a power source electrically coupled to the heating coil to provide power to the heating coil.

Abstract: Footwear or clothing article with integral thermal regulation element, includes a heat pipe (3) with a first portion, or source area (3a) in heat exchange contact with a relatively warm region (2) of the wearer's body, and another portion, or sink area (3b) in heat exchange contact with another region of the wearer's body or with the atmosphere, so as to transfer the heat (Q1) produced by the warm body region from the source area (3a) to the sink area (3b) of the heat pipe.

Abstract: Footwear such as a shoe or boot has an upper, an outsole and an insole. The insole comprises a layer of thermoplastic material and a heater member. The heater member is capable of generating heat by being energized by electrical energy and is capable upon being energized of effectively heating and softening the thermoplastic material so that the insole may be conformed to the shape of the underside of a foot of a person, in order to provide a custom-fitting footbed and custom-fitting footwear. The heater member preferably includes an etched foil heating element which heats by electrical resistance.

Abstract: A heated shoe comprising a heel, a sole provided with a heating device and having an outside face for making contact with the ground, and at least one energy-providing battery located in the heel and connected to the heating device. The heating device comprises a heating film or cloth extending over at least a portion of the sole parallel to its outside face. The sole also includes a structure of closed cells extending between the heating film or cloth and the outside face of the sole.

Abstract: A heated insulation boot including a boot portion having an open upper portion, a closed lower sole portion, a heel portion and an insulated toe portion. An upper portion of the insulated toe portion has a circular recess formed therein. A cover portion is included and having a generally circular configuration. The cover portion has a flexible member coupled to the upper portion of the insulated toe portion of the boot portion adjacent to the circular recess. A heating packet is removably positioned within the circular recess of the insulated toe portion of the boot portion.

Abstract: An exemplary foot-warming system includes a device wherein a support assembly detachably mounts a battery pack on the upper surface of a boot to electrically power a heating element within the boot via an electrical cord that preferably passes through an opening in the boot beneath the mounted battery pack. The support assembly preferably includes a shallow retaining barrier, such as a frame-shaped sheet, for normally confining the battery pack to a predetermined position on the boot and a stretchable outer covering, such as an elastomeric panel, that forms a yieldable pocket within the barrier so that during a strong jolt to the battery pack or boot, the pocket can stretch to allow movement of the battery pack for reducing the level of shock forces transmitted and further can contract, after impact, to return the battery pack to its predetermined position.

Abstract: An insulating sole cover including an upper portion that has a top panel with a flat portion and a heel portion with an arc portion therebetween. The top panel has an outer rim with a top side wall extending upward therefrom. Also included is a bottom portion that has a bottom panel that is rigid along a bottom surface. The bottom panel has a bottom rim with a bottom side wall that extends upward therefrom. The bottom side wall is capable of being sealed to the top rim of the top side wall to form an interior area therebetween. Included are a plurality of cells. The cells are formed within the bottom portion and are proportionately dispersed within the interior area of the top panel and the bottom panel. Each cell has a filler contained therein to provide insulation from cold. Lastly, a plurality of openings are positioned within within the spacing between each cell. The openings are capable of decreasing the compaction coefficient of the filler within the interior area.

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

Abstract: A thermal barrier in the form of a base material with a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material forms an insulative pad, such as a shoe insole. The microcapsules are surroundingly encapsulated and embedded within the base material. In addition, substantially all of the microcapsules are spaced apart from each other, the space between neighboring adjacent microcapsules containing a phase change material. The microcapsules may be anisotropically distributed to further reduce thermal conductivity of heat through the thermal barrier.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric shoe includes a shoe sole having a heel portion formed with a compartment unit, a pressure-operated electric generator unit provided inside the compartment unit, and a rechargeable battery unit. The electric generator unit includes a hollow base, a pivot plate mounted pivotally in the hollow base, a volute spring biasing the pivot plate so as to position normally the latter in an upwardly inclining position, a driving gear secured to the pivot plate, a unidirectional gear set meshing with the driving gear, a speed increasing gear set driven rotatably by the unidirectional gear set, a press plate having a rear end mounted pivotally on an open top of the hollow base and a front end provided with a push plate which extends into the open top of the hollow base and which abuts against the pivot plate, and an alternator unit which has a rotor drive shaft that is driven by the speed increasing gear set.

Abstract: A body warming device (10) for warming a user's feet during sedentary activities and a user's hands during substantially any selected activity. A shell member (26) is provided for covering the selected portion of the user's body to be warmed. A heat source receptacle (14) is provided for receiving and retaining a heat source (16). A closure (18) is provided for selectively closing the heat source receptacle (14) in order to prevent the unselected removal of the heat source (16). Insulation (20) is provided between the shell member (26) and the heat source receptacle (14) for regulating the temperature within the shell member (26). The insulation (20) is non-migratory to maintain an even distribution. A lining member (22) may be incorporated to cover the insulation (20). An edging member (24) may be provided for protecting the edges of the panel members (28), the lining (22), and the insulation (20). A heat source (16) is provided for generating heat within the shell member (26).

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe sole having an accommodating portion and several ventilation holes formed through the side wall of the accommodating portion. A pressure-operated electric generator is provided in the accommodating portion and produces a voltage signal when pressure is repeatedly applied on the shoe sole during use. A cooling apparatus is provided inside the accommodating portion and produces cold air when the electric generator supplies the voltage signal to the cooling apparatus so as to cool the foot of a user. An air permeable and waterproof cloth covers the top surface of the shoe sole and surrounds the electric generator and the cooling apparatus except for the top surfaces of the same. A middle sole covers the upper portion of the assembly of the shoe sole and the cloth and has an accommodating hole formed therethrough so as to allow the top surface of the cooling apparatus to extend through the accommodating hole. A shoe pad is disposed on the top surface of the middle sole.

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

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a disposable foot warmer comprising an inner bag capable of being applied to socks or stockings to warm a foot, and the inner bag is shaped so as to have an area and a thickness which does not protrude out of the plantar arch of a foot, so that the inner bag may be used as being applied to socks or stockings at their portion confronting the plantar arch.

Abstract: An insole for a boot or the like has a cavity in the padding layer for holding a heat source that produces heat from an exothermic chemical reaction. The cavity is preferably located in the toe portion of the padding layer. The upper layer of the insole preferably has a plurality of holes therein for facilitating heat transfer from the heat source to the foot of a person using the insole. A pull cord may be connected to the stabilizer layer for facilitating removal of the insole from a boot or the like.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric shoe has a shoe sole that confines a watertight compartment. A pressure-operated electric generator is provided inside the watertight compartment adjacent to a heel portion of the shoe sole. The electric generator produces a voltage signal when pressure is repeatedly applied on the shoe sole during use. An electrical socket is mounted on the shoe sole and a rechargeable battery cell is wired to the electrical socket and is charged by the voltage signal from the electric generator means. The dynamoelectric shoe can be used to operate a portable wireless telephone, a portable radio, a light device to aid the user at night, or a heating device to warm the user's foot during winter.

Abstract: A holder for a disposable pocket warmer of chemical or oxidation exothermic type is adapted to be inserted into shoes. The holder containing the pocket warmer is made small so as to be situated only in the toe and the broadest portion of the interior of the shoe. The holder does not extend to the heel of the shoe, so that only a few different sizes of holders can be used for a wide range of shoe sizes. The holder comprises a lower base member and an upper closure or cover member bonded to each other to form a pocket to receive the warmer. Each respective member has a different permeability, so that the holder may be turned upside down or reversed, to thereby change the permeability of a member exposed to air within the shoe interior. As a result, the heating value from the pocket warmer can be changed according to environment.

Abstract: An item of wearing apparel, such as a shoe or boot, particularly for downhill or cross-country skiing, having a foot support zone, a sole, and an upper which may be tightened, in which the shoe or boot has a heating assembly located proximate the sole. The heating assembly includes a heating device such as a burner for producing heat, a plate for diffusion of the heat, the plate being located proximate the foot support zone, a source of fuel, a supply circuit for feeding fuel to the heating device, and a valve for regulating the feeding of fuel to the heating device. The energy supply is automatically turned off when the upper of the shoe or boot is loosened.

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

Abstract: A shoe or boot, particularly for downhill or cross-country skiing, having a foot support zone, a sole, and an upper, in which the shoe or boot has a heating assembly located proximate the sole. The heating assembly includes a heating device such as a catalytic burner for producing heat, a plate for diffusion of the heat, the plate being located proximate the foot support zone, a source of fuel, a supply circuit for feeding fuel to the heating device, a valve for regulating the feeding of fuel to the heating device, and a heating control device, wherein the fuel source includes an interchangeable fuel cartridge, and wherein the interchangeable fuel cartridge is received and held on the upper of the shoe or boot.

Abstract: A body warming bladder of pliable, waterproof material has a central portion and at least two separate limbs. The bladder has an opening for filling it with heated liquid, and a releasable end cap for normally sealing the opening. In one version of the invention the bladder is shaped to correspond substantially to the shape of a child's plush toy and is mounted inside the body of the toy with a portion of the bladder extending up to a suitable access opening in the body which registers with the bladder opening to allow the bladder to be filled with warm water. In another version the bladder is of generally V- or boomerang like shape with the access opening at the center of the V-shape, and can be fitted inside a slipper to warm the wearer's feet or used to warm other body parts.

Abstract: This invention describes a universal mounting bracket to mount a battery pack for electrical boot warmers. The mounting bracket is secured by a combination strap and clamp in such a way as to prevent the battery pack from being accidentally dislodged by pulling, pushing, lifting, rotating, or from vigorous activity while wearing the boot. Previous devices did not provide a secure mount to a boot and were easily dislodged.

Abstract: A universal ski boot heating system, includes a boot assembly and a power pack assembly. The boot assembly employs a heating element disposable in a ski boot and electrically connected to a boot anchor secured to the exterior of the boot. The power pack assembly includes an elecrical energy source and means for engaging the boot anchor to permit selective contact between the energy source and the heating element through rotation of the power pack assembly when engaged with the boot anchor.

Abstract: An item of wearing apparel, such as a ski shoe or boot, provided with an energy source and an energy consuming device, such as a heater, and a mechanism for automatically terminating the energy supply as soon as the wearer removes the item of apparel. More specifically, the ski shoe or boot includes a shell base on which is journalled at least one movable upper element, such as a rear spoiler or a front cuff, to permit insertion and removal of the boot, wherein the boot includes a device controlling the energy supply of the consuming device. The boot further includes a linkage device between the movable upper element and the device controlling the energy supply so as to allow the energy supply of the consuming device only when the movable element of the boot is closed and to automatically cause the fuel supply to be shut off as soon as the movable element of the boot is moved toward the open position.

Abstract: Warming footwear, which has a heat exchanging system 1 built in an inshoe 2 from a shin portion d over an instep portion c and a toe portion b to a calf portion a. The system 1 is composed of a ribbed plate 11, of an elastic foil 12 and of two nonreturn valves 13, 14, which valves are inserted in two conduits, which are limited by the plate 11, by its ribs and by the foil 12, which is fastened to said ribs and functions as bellows when the foot moves and across which a liquid in the conduits receives and renders heat. Alternatively, in the instep portion c a sunlight collector 4 is performed.

Abstract: A ski boot heater includes a bracket adapted to be secured to the outside of a ski boot. A housing containing electrical batteries is detachably secured in watertight engagement to the bracket. The housing is shaped to carry at least one battery and electrical contacts for selectively electrically inter-engaging contacts in the bracket. A spring means normally maintains the housing and bracket in a watertight relation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a frictional heat generator and a forced air circulation system for shoes and, in particular, for boots such as ski boots. The shoe has an inner sole which is formed of a pair of sole plates which are mounted for relative sliding movement in the shoe. The upper sole plate is pivotally attached at its toe end to an outer sole of the shoe. The lower sole plate of this pair is pivotally mounted with a crank arm which is located at its heel end. Twisted torsion cables are provided to bias the sole plates upwardly against the applied weight of the wearer. A compartment is formed in the shoe between the pair of sole plates and outer sole and is enclosed with a diaphragm to function as a bellows-type air pump to circulate air through the shoe.

Abstract: A heating device for ski boots comprising an insole, provided with an electric resistor and temporarily associable with the boot, below which there is rigidly associated a rigid inner sole having, preferably at the heel region, an accommodation for one or more accumulators. Electric conductors are furthermore provided which extend from the insole and are connected to a support, provided with at least one switch, temporarily associable with one of the components of the ski boot.

Abstract: A heating device incorporated in an article of clothing or a shoe, notably a ski boot, comprising a sealed enclosure (2) in contact with the area of the body to be heated, this enclosure containing a salt (5) which changes phase between solid and liquid and has a latent fusion heat close to the normal temperature of the area of the body, from 30.degree. to 40.degree. C., and in which the heating resistance (6) is in a heat exchange with the salt contained in the sealed enclosure (2) such that after heating of the salt, as it returns to its solid state, it progressively gives off heat for a long period of time, while maintaining a substantially constant comfortable temperature.

Abstract: The footwear structure comprises a shell, including a sole portion and having a quarter connected thereto. The sole portion incorporates an electrical resistance heating circuit, electrically connected to terminals and at least one rechargeable storage battery unit. The structure further comprises a housing, positioned at a rear portion of the quarter, protruding rearwardly, and being adapted for removably receiving the rechargeable storage battery unit, and a circuitry unit for selectively electrically connecting the battery unit to the electrical resistance heating circuit.

Abstract: An inner shoe for a boot such as a ski boot includes a foot warmer mechanism having an air system that includes an air bag which surrounds its instep area and communicates to a sealed chamber between the soles of the shoe. The air bag can be pressured to maintain a sense of tightness or security to the ski boot. The air circulation system also augments heat transfer within the boot. The foot warmer mechanism is mounted entirely on an insert for the outer boot or shoe, and includes an electrical resistance heater, an electrical generator, a mechanical transducer to translate vertical movements of the wearer's heel into uni-directional rotational movement of a flywheel, and a gear box mechanically coupling the flywheel to the electrical generator.

Abstract: A boot warmer apparatus is set forth wherein a pocket is secured to a boot in overlying orientation to the toe portion of the boot wherein a Velcro.TM. securable blind pocket accepts in frictional fashion a heating module for imparting warmth to a user of the instant invention. A plurality of straps are securable to the pocket portion of the apparatus and fastenable about the ankle portion of the boot structure for securement thereto.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inner shoe for a boot such as a ski boot which includes a foot warmer mechanism having a heat engine which includes a compressor, evaporator and condenser coils and interconnecting conduits for circulating a working refrigeration fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the cycle of the heat engine can be reversed, thereby cooling the inner shoe. The mechanism also includes an entirely sealed, remote latch to lock the heat engine out of operation. The inner shoe can have an air system that includes an air bag which surrounds its instep area and communicates to a sealed chamber between the soles of the shoe. The air bag can be pressured to maintain a sense of tightness or security to the ski boot. The air system also augments heat transfer within the boot.

Abstract: A foot comforter apparatus is adapted to ventilate, and/or may cool or heat the foot. The comforter may have a heat exchanger and has a hollow foot supporting chamber provided with an upper wall and a lower wall. The foot supporting chamber is at least partially compressible to permit cyclic application of foot pressure to cause pumping action of the fluid. Conduit means connect the heat exchanger with the pump. The conduit means is connected to the chamber at preselected positions in order to facilitate one direction flow of the fluid along and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. Spacers may be provided within the chamber to resiliently and quickly urge the upper wall away from the lower wall. Check valves may be provided in the conduits to resist undesired multi-directional flow of the fluid. One preferred embodiment of the system represents a closed circuit with heat exchanger conduit sections connecting the supply and return conduits and such conduits are charged with air.

Abstract: A device for warming the foot during walking which includes an inner sole defining a plurality of longitudinally communicating closed cavities which deform under compressive stress. The cavities each contain a fluid therein and a constriction is positioned between the cavities whereby heat is generated as the fluid passes through the constriction during alternating application of stresses on the cavities during walking.

Abstract: A ski-boot heater has a heating resistor and a battery mounted in the boot and a socket is provided in the boot for connecting the resistor and the battery to an external voltage source. A control circuit enables the battery to be recharged with direct current when the socket is connected to an external AC or DC supply and when the battery is being recharged enables the resistor to be supplied with electrical power greater than that normally supplied to the resistor by the battery.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inner shoe for a molded ski boot which includes a foot warmer mechanism having an electrical resistance heater, an electrical generator, a mechanical translator to translate vertical movements of the wearer's heel into uni-directional rotational movement of a flywheel, and a gear box mechanically coupling the flywheel to the electrical generator. Specific features of the mechanism include: a shock absorbing resilient coupling of the flywheel to prevent damaging the mechanism while juming or otherwise subjecting the shoe to hard usage; interchangeable generators and gear boxes to accommodate wearer's of varied size and weight as well as for varied intensity of activity; and an entirely sealed, remote latch to lock the mechanical drive out of operation.

Abstract: The heating device is connectable to an electrical resistance heating circuit in a ski boot and comprises, at least one battery, a watertight box-like structure, a battery charger, a first circuit adapted for preventing overcharging of the battery, a second circuit adapted for preventing excessive discharging of the battery, and a third circuit adapted for controlling power fed to the electrical resistance heating circuit. The watertight box-like structure is removably associable with a ski boot, connectable to the electric resistance heating circuit, and adapted for containing the battery the first circuit, the second circuit, and the third circuit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a resilient spring and lever support for an inner sole of a shoe which can be used in combination with a new foot warmer mechanism, or can be used as an orthopedic foot support. The preferred embodiment is a foot warmer mechanism which has a pair of sole plates in rubbing frictional contact with the upper sole plate pivotally secured at the toe of the shoe and the lower sole plate supported by a lever arm located near the heel of the shoe. A resilient spring is provided at the heel of the shoe to bias the pair of plates upwardly, and one or more springs can also be provided at intermediate positions. The pair of plates is moved down and up by the applied weight of the wearer and the countering bias of the spring. As the sole plates are moved, they slide against each other, generating heat by friction, to warm the weater's foot. The mechanism can be constructed in the shoe or can be a separate assembly that can be inserted into a shoe.