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: An innerboot, particularly for sports shoes, made of thermoformable material, includes, at its inner lateral surface, one or more channels advantageously connected to the outside through one or more holes, the innerboot allowing ventilation of the foot arranged inside the innerboot, improving user comfort.

Abstract: A shoe with an outer layer and a ventilation layer positioned against the inside of the outer layer. The ventilation layer has a flat textile structure, at least on its side which is turned towards the inside of the shoe, which is held at a distance from the outer layer by spacers. The flat textile structure turned towards the inside of the shoe contains between 30 and 100 weight percent multifilament flat yarns made of synthetic polymers and between 0 and 70 weight percent other yarns. In particular, these flat yarns have a filament titre of at least 3 dtex. The flat textile structure which is turned towards the inside of the shoe is significantly more durable than those conventionally used.

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: A pedicure sandal system that includes a sandal assembly having a number of user positionable toe separation cushion assemblies securable to the sole of the sandal assembly for keeping the user's toes separated and a toe cover assembly for shielding the toes having a number of airflow apertures formed therethrough that is securable to the sandal assembly and shaped to cover the user's toes while providing sufficient clearance to prevent contact between the freshly manicured toe nails and the toe cover assembly.

Abstract: Footwear comprising a portion of fragrance releasing material associated with the footwear is disclosed with the fragrance being capable of being released from the portion of the footwear. The footwear further comprises a second portion of fragrance releasing material associated with the footwear for releasing a second fragrance.

Abstract: A polyamide resin comprising the reaction product obtained by the reaction of an acid component comprised of a major concentration of a dimer acid and minor concentration of a monobasic acid and an amine component comprised of a major concentration of a short-chain alkylenediamine, a first minor concentration of a medium-chain alkylenediamine and second minor concentration of a polyoxyalkylene diamine having a molecular weight greater than about 500 is provided. The polyamide resin is used to form a blend of containing the polyamide in a major amount by weight and a first minor amount by weight of a polar wax and a second minor amount by weight of a polyolefin elastomer. The composition is used to reinforce a footwear upper, e.g. as a print on box toe material.

Abstract: Shoes for use in demanding applications, primarily athletics, are made from a three-dimensional fiber network that is semi-rigid and resilient. The fiber network is made from a textile fabric that has an array of projections made from the same fabric rising from the plane of the fabric.

Abstract: The sports footwear described comprises a first and a second footwear element (4, 5) such as an outer upper portion and an inner shoe, one of the elements having, on the corresponding surface facing the other element, at least one localized projection (22-27) which can be housed substantially with shape coupling in a recess (12-17) localized in a corresponding position in the other element so that the elements are connected to one another by the coupling of each projection in the corresponding recess.

Abstract: A boot for sporting activities, having on one side a plurality of aeration through holes forming engagement elements for an appendix of a tractive element (6) fixed to a lever (5) mounted on the other side of the vamp.

Abstract: A simple and reliable mechanical design and method for providing positive air ventilation for shoes, sneakers and the like, including an air pump secured to the top, forward portion of the shoe instep, and the air pump being operated by a push-pull element that takes advantage of the deflection of the instep portion of the shoe upper in response to the walking or running action of the shoe wearer.

Abstract: A ventilated shoe is provided including an entry conduit having a first open end in communication with an exterior of the shoe. A bladder is positioned within a sole of the shoe adjacent a heel portion thereof. A rear extent of the bladder resides in communication with a second end of the entry conduit. The bladder is adapted to be compressed upon the shoe engaging the ground and further return to an original shape thereof upon the shoe disengaging the ground. At least one exit conduit is provided having a first end in communication with a front extent of the bladder and a second end positioned within the sole and in communication with at least one bore formed in the sole. Also included is a pair of one-way valves with a first valve positioned within the entry conduit in communication with the bladder and a second valve positioned between the bladder and the exit conduits. Lastly, the exit passage includes a central conduit having an end extended through the upper toe portion of the upper body of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe providing a massaging effect for a wearer of the shoe includes a sole bladder containing a fluid which can flow within the bladder as a wearer shifts weight in the shoe and at least one flow passage extending from the bladder into a shoe upper adjacent a portion of a wearer's foot and arranged in conjunction with the bladder so that fluid from the bladder will flow through the passage upon at least a particular weight transfer on the bladder. Preferably a flow passage is provided around the heel portion of the shoe and also at locations forwardly of the heel portion of the shoe. The fluid in the bladder is replaceable so that a cooling fluid or a warming fluid can be placed in the bladder. The bladder can also contain recessed portions positioned to relieve pressure on particular areas of a wearer's foot.

Abstract: An athletic water sports shoe. The water sports athletic shoe features a rubber outsole for a strong grip on wet surfaces. In addition to the rubber outsole, a rubber rand extends the rubber surface to the sides of the shoes such that sides of the wearers foot can be used as gripping surfaces. The sides of the shoes are constructed of a waterproof mesh that allows water to flow in and out of the shoe. The inside of the shoe features a neoprene gasket that forms a water-tight seal around the ankle of the wearer. The water-tight seal around the ankle of the wearer prevents sand from entering the shoe. Furthermore, the neoprene gasket protects the foot from bumps and scrapes.

Abstract: A conventional shoe which comprises a shoe upper of continuous and uninterrupted material attached to an outer sole has its shoe upper lined with an air-cooled, breathable shoe liner comprising an outer knit layer of hydrophilic material, an inner knit layer of hydrophobic material, and monofilament yarns of hydrophobic material extending between and interknitted with the outer and inner layers for maintaining an air chamber therebetween, such that moisture from the foot of the wearer is transmitted by the inner layer and the monofilament yarns through the air chamber and is absorbed by the outer layer and passes into the shoe upper to be dried by the outer air.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing footwear, including the steps of positioning a sock portion over a mold element in which the sock portion comprises a fabric layer and a thermoplastic film layer connected to the fabric layer, such that the thermoplastic film layer is positioned between the mould element and the fabric layer, and injection-molding a thermoplastic material to the sock portion positioned over the mold element such that heated thermoplastic material flows through the fabric layer and bonds with the thermoplastic film layer and such that the thermoplastic material at least partially covers the fabric layer for forming a portion of an item of footwear.

Abstract: A ventilation structure for a shoe having a sole portion and a connected upper portion utilizing an aperture or slit that is formed through the upper portion of the shoe. The aperture extends along a dimension of the upper portion of the shoe and is overlain with a mesh layer connected to the upper portion of the shoe. A closure, such as a zipper, shuts at least a portion of the aperture and blocks at least a portion of the mesh layer from passage of air from the exterior to the interior of the shoe. The toe portion of the shoe may be further provided with an opening overlain with mesh that is openable or closable with a flap.

Abstract: A ventilated sports shoe, particularly usable for skates which are constituted by a frame for supporting two or more wheels and the shoe. The shoe has a plurality of through seats and a plurality of soft pads can be arranged within the seats and protrude inside the shoe, so as to constitute a soft protective region for the user's foot and leg as well as a channel for the air inside the shoe.

Abstract: Footwear is provided for added comfort to the wearer by facilitating the removal and dissipation of perspiration from the foot of the wearer. The footwear has a knitted sock and a shoe in combination. The knitted sock has a toe portion formed of hydrophilic knit fabric and an instep portion adjacent the toe portion formed of hydrophobic knit fabric. Perspiration from the toe portion of the foot of the wearer is absorbed by the knit hydrophilic toe portion of the knitted sock and wicked therefrom by the hydrophobic knit instep portion of the knitted sock. The shoe has a tongue portion overlying and contacting the hydrophobic knit instep portion of the knitted sock. The tongue portion of the shoe has overlying inner and outer fabric layers formed of hydrophilic fabric and an intermediate fabric layer positioned between the overlying inner and outer hydrophilic fabric layers.

Abstract: Waterproof, breathable footwear with an upper connected to an insole, the upper having an outside layer formed of an outer upper material and an inside layer constructed of a waterproof, water vapor-permeable functional layer and a liner material in which on the bottom end of the upper, the inside layer extends about 5 mm beyond the outside layer. Only the bottom end of inside layer is sewn to insole. The bottom end of outside layer is glued to the inside layer by an adhesive. An outsole is injection molded onto the insole, and the bottom ends of inside and outside layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic shoe with improved ventilation, in which the ventilation openings 7 located in the vamp area 6 of the shoe upper 5 are connected with one another by having their orifices located on the inside of the shoe upper 5 in a bulging out part 8. An additional arcuate chamber 9 is formed by the bulging out part 8 and is limited by the adjacent not bulging out part of the wall surface, which is dedicated, in connection with the ventilation openings 7, to a predetermined degree of good ventilation of the shoe in the area of the instep of the foot.(The reference numbers are those shown in FIG. 2.

Abstract: Footwear is provided for added comfort to the wearer by facilitating the removal and dissipation of perspiration from the foot of the wearer. The footwear has a knitted sock and a shoe in combination. The knitted sock has a toe portion formed of hydrophilic knit fabric and an instep portion adjacent the toe portion formed of hydrophobic knit fabric. Perspiration from the toe portion of the foot of the wearer is absorbed by the knit hydrophilic toe portion of the knitted sock and wicked therefrom by the hydrophobic knit instep portion of the knitted sock. The shoe has a tongue portion overlying and contacting the hydrophobic knit instamp portion of the knitted sock. The tongue portion of the shoe has overlying inner and outer fabric layers formed of hydrophilic fabric and an intermediate fabric layer positioned between the overlying inner and outer hydrophilic fabric layers.

Abstract: A footwear ventilation system including the use of ventilation openings and integrally connected flap members. The invention includes the use of vent openings cut out of the side of a shoe. The vent openings may be of any shape to allow sufficient air flow therethrough. Around the periphery of each vent opening and the shoe, extends a perpendicularly oriented male track. A flap is integrally hinged to one side of the vent opening and has a integrally connected female track extending around the periphery of it. To close the vents, the female track of the flap is pushed onto the male track of the opening thereby facilitating a tight seal. When it is desired that the shoe be ventilated, the flap, being hinged to one edge of the opening, is pulled away from the opening, thereby disengaging the male and female tracks. In one embodiment of the invention, the flap or flaps, while integrally hinged to the shoe adjacent an opening, can be attached directly to the shoe.

Abstract: An interchangeably assembled shoe includes: a sole mounted on a foot sporting article such as a roller skate, a rear shield detachably secured to an ankle portion of the sole by plural ventilation couplings each ventilation coupling serving for coupling and ventilation uses, a toe box member detachably secured to a toe portion of the sole and replaceable for different decorative features on the toe box member, plural instep members selected from a full tongue member, a shoelace member and a fastener member for selectively securing anyone desired instep member on a middle section of the shoe by plural ventilation couplings, a plurality of ventilation couplings further secured on the toe box member or on the toe portion of the shoe fluidically communicating with a shoe interior for a well ventilation in the shoe for comforting a wearer's foot, a lining inserted in the shoe, and a plurality of buckle devices fastened on the shoe for firmly fastening the instep member with the rear shield and fastening the instep

Abstract: The present invention is an upper for an athletic shoe which substantially takes the form of an inflatable chamber. The upper is formed from first and second laminates which are welded together at various locations to form several fluid impervious chambers. The chambers, which are visible, are inflated with fluid to provide lightweight support and comfort to the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: An in-line skate includes a boot having an upper secured to a sole. The boot has a molded toe box secured to the sole. Walls of the toe box define a cavity sized to receive the toes of a skater's foot. The boot further includes a sewn portion stitched to the edges of the toe box.

Abstract: A heat resistant work shoe including a heat ventilating support for the shoe, the shoe having a plurality of holes for the ventilation of hot air, a reflective means provided at its lower part and the reflective means having concave surface coinciding with the curvature of the shoe upper in which it is located.

Abstract: A shoe ventilation system which includes an upper having an air inlet and an air outlet disposed in the upper portion thereof, respectively, and a one-way air flowing member disposed in the lower portion thereof, an inner sole having a plurality holes in the sole portion thereof and a plurality of channels and an arch extended portion disposed in the bottom surface thereof for communicating with the air flowing member, whereby the interior of the shoe can be continuously ventilated.

Abstract: An article of foorwear comprising an improved insole, a vent frame member established in the openings provided on the both sides of the footwear, respectively, including a groove defined along the inward edge of a boundary protrusion thereof, a plurality of vent holes and blind parts in intermittently spaced relationship with each other within the boundary protrusion having a shutter member slidably inserted in the groove so that the vent holes of the frame member can be easily and convienently opened and closed by means of the shutter for circulating outside air into the footwear via the vent holes, a space portion formed between the inner layer of the footwear and a stepped portion formed along the outer periphery of the insole, lateral passages and upper apertures of the insole, whereby allowing exchange of humidity, temperature between the inside and outside of the footwear to provide a better and more comfortable environment for the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A shoe is described having a shoe upper comprising an outer knit fabric layer, an inner knit fabric layer provided opposite to said outer knit fabric layer through a space, and a crossing thread which is interknitted to be bound into the outer and inner knit fabric layers and crosses the space.

Abstract: A sport boot such as ski boot which is both water-proof and air permeable and which is comprised of an outer sheath formed of thick impermeable material, frames provided integrally in suitable portions of the side, upper or sole part of the outer sheath and having hollow axial through-holes, air permeable members fitted into the through-holes and having ventilation through-holes providing ventilation between the inside and outside of the outer sheath, and water-proof air permeable sheets made of porous synthetic fabrics provided in position to cover the top ends of the air permeable members.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes a sole portion (12) for disposal adjacent the sole of the foot, an upper (14) secured to sole portion (12) about the periphery thereof and cooperating with sole portion (12) to enclose the foot of the wearer and an inner support covering (16) for disposal about the ankle of the foot to provide support therefor. Upper (14) is adapted to overlay the dorsum of the foot and extends upwardly therefrom above the ankle of the foot to provide additional support therefor. Lacing means (36) are provided to adjustably secure upper (14) about the foot of the wearer and a strap (40) is provided to secure the ankle portion of upper (14) about the ankle of the wearer. Inner support covering (16) is attached to sole portion (12) adjacent the inside surface of upper (14) and extends from the lateral side of sole portion (12) to the medial side of sole portion (12) rearwardly around the ankle of the wearer to provide support therefor.

Abstract: A tongue for a shoe, particularly a sport shoe. The tongue has a padded front surface and a multiplicity of orifices (3) passing through this surface. Each of the orifices contains a layer (5) of a porous or reticular material.

Abstract: Shoes having an upper formed with a plurality of dimples with an air hole therein are proposed. Hot dieing to form dimples hardens the leather at the dimples, increasing the durability of the shoes. Thus, the shoes are highly durable even though they are provided with air holes in the upper.

Abstract: Air vent particularly suited for incorporation in rainwear comprising a base portion having a hole therein; and an elongate member secured to the base portion, the elongate member having a passage therethrough in communication with the hole, at least a portion of the elongate member being substantially perpendicular to the axis of the hole. Raincoats and other articles incorporating the air vent are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ventilated footwear formed of an upper of impermeable material having its lower margin spaced from the upper surface of the sole, whether inner or tread sole, and socklining, to provide a space for ventilation, and the upper is secured to the sole by means including a rim of permeable material.

Abstract: A common style of sports shoe which is generally recognized as providing maximum support for the foot has an upper with a foot-receiving opening which includes a slot or elongated gap or notch extending forwards and downwards over the instep of the foot, said shoe also having on the upper a tongue which lies under the gap or notch to close same and a lace or cord threaded through perforations at opposite sides of the gap to fasten the shoe to the foot. The comfort of such a shoe is greatly improved by omitting the tongue and lace and thereby providing foot ventilation, and fastening the shoe to the foot by a strap-and-buckle fastener anchored at its ends to opposite sides of the sole of the shoe and engageable over the instep of the foot. With the strains created by the weight of the sole transferred from the upper to the fastener, the upper may be apertured or of a light-weight air-pervious material to provide additional ventilation.