Abstract: Improved cushioning elements for sports apparel, in particular for soles for sports shoes, are described. A cushioning element for sports apparel with a first deformation element is provided. The deformation element includes a plurality of randomly arranged particles of an expanded material, wherein there are first voids within the particles and/or between the particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system integrated or retrofitted to a shoe for preventing a wearer of the shoe from becoming stuck in mud, sand, water, or any other soft terrain while walking. The system includes a pair of tubes positioned on opposing sides of the shoe/boot and a rigid attachment overlapping a portion of the sole of the shoe. A valve having a lengthwise opening can be placed between the rigid attachment and the sole such that each tube of the pair of tubes is attached to opposing ends of the valve using a pair of elbow tubes. Each elbow tube passes through a hole in the rigid attachment to connect to the valve. The valve creates a vacuum when the shoe to which the system is attached is stepped onto the terrain and when the shoe is lifted, the vacuum is released.

Abstract: An insole for offloading injuries on an area of a plantar surface of a patient's foot includes a body having a shape corresponding to the plantar surface of the patient's foot including a top surface and a bottom surface; and at least one supportive, deformable, deflatable bubble chamber. The at least one bubble chamber extends from the top surface of the body. The at least one bubble chamber is configured to be deflated to relieve pressure on the plantar surface of the patient's foot. A kit including the insole and an article of footwear including a sole, an upper connected about a periphery of the sole defining an interior of the article of footwear, and the insole positioned in the interior of the article, are also provided.

Abstract: Unique pads, called cuboid lifts, cuboid inserts, or balance-enhancing textured insoles, prevent falls and improve balance by producing site-specific stimulation of different types of cutaneous receptors located along the outer sides of the foot. These cutaneous receptors play a key role in maintaining balance. The outer placement also makes them important in preventing lateral falls, which are far and away the most likely to result in injury. Domes on the upper side of the cuboid inserts increase feedback from the cutaneous receptors as the center of pressure of the person wearing the cuboid inserts moves too far to the outer side of the midfoot. These cuboid inserts are also helpful when managing ankle sprains, as this common injury frequently results in impaired balance.

Abstract: A footwear apparatus, comprising receptacles, having a mechanism that automatically removes and replaces interchangeable sole footwear parts; an automatic complete new sole dispenser; an automatic new sole heel dispenser; a complete old sole recycling automatic ejection component; an old sole heel dispenser automatic ejection component; a computer-implemented method for serving footwear and footwear soles to consumers from a vending machine; a computer-implemented foot scanning device, wherein said apparatus is comprised of a configuration to automatically replace the sole or partial sole of a pair or pairs of footwear.

Abstract: A protective garment for preventing or lessening injury from an external source to a user may include a layered construction made of an inner layer made of a synthetic rubber, the inner layer designed to be positioned against a user's body; a middle layer made of a woven textile; and an outer layer made of an irregular surfaced material. The garment may be a boot, wherein the layered construction makes the boot body. The boot may also include a closure and a sole attached to the boot body.

Abstract: A fly rod including sensors and methods of using the same are provided, particularly where the sensors assist the user in casting or in logging data associated with fishing activities. In a described embodiment, the fly rod comprises: a handle portion that includes a butt end; a center shaft portion that extends from the handle portion; a tip portion that extends from the shaft portion and includes a tip; a first movement sensor disposed in the tip portion; and a second movement sensor spaced apart from the first sensor.

Abstract: Improved cushioning elements for sports apparel, in particular for soles for sports shoes, are described. A cushioning element for sports apparel with a first deformation element is provided. The deformation element includes a plurality of randomly arranged particles of an expanded material, wherein there are first voids within the particles and/or between the particles.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole coupled with the upper. The midsole includes at least a portion of a solid resilin material comprising a cross-linked recombinant resilin and a polar nonaqueous solvent.

Abstract: A skate boot comprising an outer shell including medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot. Each of the medial and lateral side portions has an upper edge. The skate boot also comprises a lace member mounted to either of the upper edges of the medial and lateral side portions. The lace member has at least one opening for receiving an insert. The lace member has a first flexion mode when no insert is received in the at least one opening and a second flexion mode when the insert is received in the at least one opening. The second flexion mode is different from the first flexion mode.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an inner knit layer forming a void dimensioned for receipt of at least a portion of a foot, along with an outer knit layer, where the outer knit layer at least partially surrounds the inner knit layer. The outer knit layer may define window for viewing of the inner knit layer, the window being located at an overfoot portion of the article of footwear, and the window exposing a portion of the inner knit layer. The inner knit layer may be movable relative to the outer knit layer at the window.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper with enhanced transition properties is described herein. The transition properties may be incorporated in an ankle collar trim transition region, a heel stay reinforcing structure, and/or a heel padding structure. Additionally, a method for manufacturing the article of footwear with enhanced transition properties in a heel region is provided.

Abstract: A fishing wader having a chest piece, a back piece, and a waterproof zipper installed on a side of the wader between the chest piece and the back piece, the zipper extending substantially vertically from an armpit area of the wader to a horizontal seam between the chest and back pieces and one or more torso pieces, and the zipper opening in a downward direction from the armpit area.

Abstract: Lighted footwear has a light disposed at a top portion of an upper of the footwear. The light is disposed to shine downward, ahead of a toe of the footwear. In one embodiment, lighted wading boots have one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), emitting light of one or more frequencies, colors or intensities. The LED(s) are disposed in a waterproof light housing molded into a top portion of the upper of the wading boot. The LED(s) are disposed to shine downward, ahead of a toe of the boot. A waterproof battery compartment is molded into the top portion of the upper of the wading boot. A battery therein is operatively coupled to power the LED(s). A switch is disposed in a waterproof switch housing molded into a top portion of the upper of the wading boot to operatively coupled the battery and the LED(s) to control LED operation.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may include a pair of polymer layers that define a plurality of subchambers and a web area. The subchambers are protruding portions of the polymer layers that enclose a fluid, and the web area is portions of the polymer layers that are located between the subchambers and lay adjacent to each other. The subchambers may have greater thickness than the web area. A perimeter bond joining the polymer layers and extends around a periphery of the chamber. In addition, a plurality of interior bonds join the polymer layers and extend around the subchambers, which may seal the fluid within the subchambers.

Abstract: Various articles, such as footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, watchbands, and the like, and methods of forming those articles are presented. The articles are generally formed, in whole or in part, using rapid manufacturing techniques, such as laser sintering, stereolithography, solid deposition modeling, and the like. The use of rapid manufacturing allows for relatively economical and time efficient manufacture of customized articles. The articles may include one or more reinforcements configured to provide added durability to various regions of the articles. In addition, the articles may be formed from two or more materials in a single rapid manufacturing process. The rapid manufacturing additive fabrication technique may also include using of varying intensities of the laser to fuse material to form the articles.

Abstract: Shoe uppers having smooth seams and methods for producing them are disclosed. In one embodiment the upper uses thermoplastic seam tape which forms bonds between contiguous upper sections after being subjected to heat and/or pressure. In another embodiment, different parts of the shoe can be joined using hidden seams. Close seams can also be covered with a transfer material adapted to give the interior and/or exterior of the upper a smooth surface. In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed which allows three-dimensional upper sections to be bonded on a last using thermoplastic seam tape.

Abstract: A waterproof boot assembly provides waterproof boots that can be collapsed and stored in a storage case while not in use. The assembly includes a boot having an upper end, a lower end, and a perimeter wall extending between the upper and lower ends. The perimeter wall defines a hollow body having the upper end being open. The boot is comprised of a waterproof material. A sole has a top side being attached to the lower end. A first pad is coupled to the boot. The first pad is positioned in and lines the hollow body. A second pad is coupled to the first pad such that the first pad is positioned between the boot and the second pad.

Abstract: Boots having an appearance indicative of a particular style or construction can be constructed with portions of the boot that have an appearance and characteristics directed toward functionality other than appearance or style. Portions of a boot that are not generally visible when worn, for example, with pants or coveralls, include the shaft or chimney of the upper portion of the boot. The shaft of such boots can be constructed of materials that are generally waterproof or fluid-resistant, making the boot easier to clean and mitigating against dirt, mud, or other soiling factors from adhering to such portions of the boot. In combination with a generally visible portion of the boot, such as the vamp and toe box, having an indicative appearance, such boots allow for a wearer to both present footwear having a particular style and fluid-resistant or waterproof characteristics.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have a sole structure and an upper that includes a foundation element, a strand, and a cover layer. The strand is positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the foundation element and substantially parallel to the exterior surface for a distance of at least five centimeters. The cover layer extends along the strand for the distance of at least five centimeters, and the strand is positioned between the cover layer and the foundation element. In some configurations, the cover layer has a pair of edges on opposite sides of the strand, the strand is substantially centered between the edges of the cover layer for the distance of at least five centimeters, and areas of the exterior surface are exposed beyond the edges of the cover layer.

Abstract: A detachable, flexible shoe protector is disclosed cover for protecting shoes against inclement weather conditions and for protecting carpet and indoor flooring from dirt carried in on shoes used outdoors. In various embodiments, the shoe protectors may be fabricated from transparent or translucent polymers such that the aesthetic appearance of the underlying shoe is still visible. The rigidity and/or thickness of the shoe protector vary from one embodiment to another depending upon the intended use of that embodiment. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise tread to minimize slipping between the shoe protector and an underlying floor or subgrade. Various embodiments of the shoe protector comprise a forward lip and/or an aft cantilevered tab to facilitate ease of use. The shoe cover has a front portion, a rear portion and a sole portion.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outer member, an inner lining, an instep member, and a lace. The outer member defines an outer surface of the footwear. The inner lining is positioned within the outer member. The instep member extends across an instep portion of the inner lining. The instep member can be positioned between the outer member and the inner lining or embedded within the inner lining. The lace is coupled to the instep member and to the outer member. Applying a tension force to the lace causes the instep member to apply a force against the instep portion of the inner lining, thereby applying an instep force against an instep portion of a user's foot that is positioned in the footwear. The instep force against the user's foot holds the user's foot against a bottom and rear portion of the footwear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a lined waterproof footwear product, and footwear product formed there from, are provided. A last, having an exterior surface configured to correspond to the size and shape of the interior surface of the footwear product, is covered with a microcellular lining material. An injection mold comprises shells having a pre-determined configuration to cooperate with the exterior surface of the lining covered last to form: (i) a pre-injection cavity between the shells and the lining covered last when in position in the mold for injection molding; and, (ii) an injection cavity, defining the configuration of the footwear product, between the shells and the lining covered last when injection material is being injected into the injection cavity whereby the injection pressure causes the microcellular lining material to reconfigure the pre-injection cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molded shoe featuring a three dimensional figure design (e.g., of an animal or character). The shoe has a sole having a bottom surface that comprises a series of projections and recesses that form a print of an animal or character, to thereby obtain an imprinting surface; and an upper, attached to the sole, having an outer surface that comprises a series of projections and recesses that form a three dimensional figure design. The sole and upper are substantially formed from molded plastic; the projections and recesses of the animal imprinting surface allow one wearing the shoe to make imprints on a soft surface, and the three dimensional figure on the outer surface of the upper relates to the print of the imprinting surface. The methods of the present invention further include making imprints with the bottom surface of the shoe.

Abstract: A method of forming an article of footwear includes injecting a first material into a first cavity of a mold assembly to form a sole assembly, injecting a second material into a second cavity of the mold assembly, a first last being suspended within the second cavity, to form an upper of the article of footwear about the first last. The upper and the sole assembly are positioned in contact with one another. The upper and the sole assembly are cured and bonded together to form an article of footwear. The article of footwear is removed from the mold assembly and from the first last and allowed to expand to a first size. The article of footwear is placed on a second last having a second size that is smaller than the first size, and heated and cooled until it shrinks to the second size.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outer member, an inner lining, an instep member, and a lace. The outer member defines an outer surface of the footwear. The inner lining is positioned within the outer member. The instep member extends across an instep portion of the inner lining. The instep member can be positioned between the outer member and the inner lining or embedded within the inner lining. The lace is coupled to the instep member and to the outer member. Applying a tension force to the lace causes the instep member to apply a force against the instep portion of the inner lining, thereby applying an instep force against an instep portion of a user's foot that is positioned in the footwear. The instep force against the user's foot holds the user's foot against a bottom and rear portion of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molded shoe featuring a 3 dimensional figure (e.g., an animal or character). The shoe has a sole having a bottom surface that comprises a series of projections and recesses that form a print for an animal or character, to thereby obtain an imprinting surface; and an upper, attached to the sole, having an outer surface that comprises a series of projections and recesses that form a three dimensional figure (e.g., an animal figure or a character figure). The sole and upper are substantially formed from molded plastic; the projections and recesses of the animal imprinting surface allow one wearing the shoe to make imprints on a soft surface, and the three dimensional figure on the outer surface of the upper relates to the print of the imprinting surface. The methods of the present invention further include making imprints with the bottom surface of the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molded shoe featuring a 3 dimensional figure (e.g., an animal or character). The shoe has a sole having a bottom surface that comprises a series of projections and recesses that form a print for an animal or character, to thereby obtain an imprinting surface; and an upper, attached to the sole, having an outer surface that comprises a series of projections and recesses that form a three dimensional figure (e.g., an animal figure or a character figure). The sole and upper are substantially formed from molded plastic; the projections and recesses of the animal imprinting surface allow one wearing the shoe to make imprints on a soft surface, and the three dimensional figure on the outer surface of the upper relates to the print of the imprinting surface. The methods of the present invention further include making imprints with the bottom surface of the shoe.

Abstract: There is provided a multilayer protective boot having means for flame resistance, electric shock resistance and chainsaw cut resistance. The boot is designed to meet all of the NFPA 1971:2007, CE/EN ISO 20345-2:1996, and CSA-? standards for firefighter protective footwear and the CE/EN ISO 20345-2 SB E, CSA Class 1/ANSI, CE Chainsaw Class 3, and CSA “Green Tree” Chainsaw Z195-02 standards for chainsaw operator protective footwear These standards are met through the use of layers of Kevlar®, rubber and polyamide tricot materials in the vamp, leg, sole, toe cap and back reinforcement regions of the protective boot.

Abstract: The present invention is a transparent thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) comprising structural units of: a.) a diisocyanate; b.1) a polyester diol and b.2) a specific polyether diol and c.) a chain extender. The TPU has good combinations of light transmission and clarity, tensile strength, low temperature flexibility, and high moisture vapor transition rates compared to other commercial or known TPUs. A preferred example composition is a TPU that is based on MDI as the diisocyanate monomer, polycaprolactone as a polyester diol, an EO capped EO/PO polyether diol containing less than 20% EO, and butanediol as chain extender. These composition have good combinations of clarity, tensile strength, hydrolytic stability and processability compared to TPUs prepared using either polyester or polyether diols alone or the combination with a higher EO polyether diol.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method that includes the steps of: incorporating at least one light source in an upper part of a shoe, wherein the at least one light source that comprises at least a light emitting source that is capable of illuminating, wherein the shoe comprises: 1) the upper part, 2) at least one bonding strip, and 3) a shoe bottom sole part, assembling at least the upper part with the at least one bonding strip and the shoe bottom sole part to form an assembled unit; and c) applying sufficient heat to vulcanize the assembled unit so as to result in securing the upper part to the at least one bonding strip and the shoe bottom sole part to form the shoe having the at least one light source that is capable of illuminating.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer products are provided for risk evaluation. A computer may assign a risk to an object which has an object estimation-value. The computer may also receive a risk estimation-value for the risk. The computer may re-calculate the object estimation-value based on the risk estimation-value.

Abstract: The invention comprises an item of footwear, comprising: a) an upper sole, shaped to receive a user's foot, and including a toe cap portion, a heel portion, and a sole portion, which is formed from a lightweight, thermally insulative plastics material; b) a lower sole, formed from a resilient plastics material, the lower sole attached to and at least partially covering the sole portion of the upper sole and operative to protect the upper sole from direct physical contact with the ground and to minimize wear on the upper sole; and c) an upper attached to the upper sole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boot (1) comprising a leg (2) in rubber combined with a textile lining (4), the lining (4) comprising a first textile layer (6) able to evacuate moisture (10) and a second textile layer (7) intended to be in contact with the foot (5) of a user, forming a layer to protect the foot against moisture. The first textile layer (6) is made by using a resilient fabric with a thickness greater than 3 mm, and the second textile layer (7) is bamboo viscose based.

Abstract: A vulc style and cupsole style footwear and a method for manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The footwear includes a midsole that is directly attached to the upper. The midsole may be attached to the outsole by adhesive. In the method of manufacturing the footwear, the upper and an outsole are disposed a set distance apart. Polyurethane or other material for providing cushioning to the footwear is either injected between the upper and outsole or poured onto the outsole and the upper is traversed over the outsole so as to define the mold for defining the midsole. The polyurethane is directly attached to the upper and adhered to the outsole/cupsole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe having a sole element. The sole element includes a sole area extending below a wearer's foot and a heel cup three-dimensionally encompassing a heel of the wearer's foot. The heel cup alone forms at least a portion of a sidewall of the shoe.

Abstract: A rubberless neoprene boot waterproofed from the inside comprised of a composite sock fabricated from a neoprene foam, coated with a polyurethane film sandwiched by an inner boot liner and a stretchable external layer that may be stretched and formed upon a shoe last. A composite upper shaft section made of neoprene foam, polyurethane film and an inner boot liner, and a semi-stretchable external durable fabric extending from said sock. An external foot jacket jacketing the sock forming an upper boot unit having internal seams with a series of thermoplastic heat sealing tapes to collectively seal all said internal seams against the penetration of moisture and a toe reinforcing stiffener and a heel reinforcing stiffener located between the stretchable external layer of said sock and the foot jacket. An inner sole secured to the sock and an outer sole securely anchored to a bottom end of the inner sole.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method that includes the steps of: incorporating at least one light source, having a light emitting source that is capable of illuminating, in an upper part of a shoe that includes: 1) the upper part, 2) at least one bonding strip, and 3) a shoe bottom sole part; assembling at least the upper part with the at least one bonding strip and the shoe bottom sole part to form an assembled unit; and c) applying sufficient heat to vulcanize the assembled unit so as to result in securing the upper part to the at least one bonding strip and the shoe bottom sole part to form the shoe having the at least one light source that is capable of illuminating.

Abstract: A footwear assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a footwear product, such as a boot, shoe, overshoe, etc., with a scent blocking extension member removably attached to an upper of the footwear product. The extension member can be tightened around the lower leg or ankle of a user to block scent from exiting the inside of the footwear product. The extension member can be made from material that is treated or otherwise configured to block scent (e.g., human scent). The extension member can be removably attached to the footwear product to allow the user to remove the extension member if not required, or to wash the extension member separate from the footwear product.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outer member, an inner lining, an instep member, and a lace. The outer member defines an outer surface of the footwear. The inner lining is positioned within the outer member. The instep member extends across an instep portion of the inner lining. The instep member can be positioned between the outer member and the inner lining or embedded within the inner lining. The lace is coupled to the instep member and to the outer member. Applying a tension force to the lace causes the instep member to apply a force against the instep portion of the inner lining, thereby applying an instep force against an instep portion of a user's foot that is positioned in the footwear. The instep force against the user's foot holds the user's foot against a bottom and rear portion of the footwear.

Abstract: A method of insert molding comprises placing in a first mold a curable rubber composition comprising a reactive species; placing on a surface of the rubber composition a first thermoplastic material in a film or layer comprising a group reactive with the reactive species of the rubber composition; curing the rubber composition in the mold to form a first molded article of cured rubber having a first thermoplastic material layer covalently bonded through reactive of the reactive species and the group; placing the first molded article as an insert into a second mold, the cured rubber contacting an inside surface of the second mold and the thermoplastic layer facing into the second mold cavity; closing the second mold and injecting into the second mold a second thermoplastic material that to form a second molded article comprising the first molded article thermally welded and/or covalently bonded to the second thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the present disclosure provides a hip, waist or chest height wader comprising attached boots made of blown EVA. A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a boot having an interchangeable outsole wherein the boot may comprise a felt outsole, a heavy lug outsole, a sticky outsole or the like and said outsoles may be interchangeably attached to the bottom of the boot using a hook and loop fastener and a lip extending around the periphery of the bottom surface of the boot.

Abstract: A device that provides support for sailors while hiking from a sailing vessel is disclosed. The device is a hiking strap/watersport boot combination, designed to provide extra grip together. The watersport boot is ergonomically designed to support muscles in the foot that are under strain while hiking.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper and a sole, which has an outsole for directly contacting a ground surface, and at least one element compression molded with the outsole. The at least one element is formed from a first material including at least 45% ethylene vinyl acetate, approximately 30% polyene elastomer, and approximately 20% synthetic rubber. A second material of the outsole is compatible for compression molding with the at least one element, and is less hard and less dense than the at least one element.

Abstract: An article of footwear for water sports disclosed. The article may be worn by a helmsman on a sailboat. The article may include provisions to facilitate increased traction and support for a foot of the helmsman.

Abstract: A boot (1) or other item of footwear is made up of a rubber sole unit (2) mounted to an upper comprising both leather and rubber components, for example a foot piece (3) of rubber and a shaft piece (4) of leather having a napped outer surface, such as suede, particularly pigskin suede. The boot (1) is assembled with an edge of the rubber foot piece (3) overlapping the outer surface of the leather shaft piece (4), and a rubber tape (11) binding the edges (13) of the shaft piece (4) together. The whole boot (1) is then vulcanised, bonding the leather and rubber components sealingly together. The boot (1) or other item of footwear is attractive, durable and waterproof.

Abstract: A novel shoe construction provides a unique fit and feel to the shoe wearer's foot. The shoe construction is a variation in what is typically called vulcanized shoe construction. Wherein the conventional vulcanized shoe construction bands of flexible material are permanently adhered or vulcanized to the shoe sole and to a portion of the upper adjacent the shoe sole, in the shoe construction of the invention upper sections of the bands are let loose by being unattached to the shoe upper. In addition, a toe cap of the shoe and a heel counter of the shoe are secured to the shoe sole, but are unattached to the shoe upper. This construction results in a shoe that not only has a unique appearance, but also has a unique feel to the shoe wearer's foot with the upper surrounding the foot being free floating along the sides of the foot as well as across the toes and heel of the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a footwear accessory which provides protection against water and moisture. The invention comprises a main part which is made from a water-repellent, moisture-repellent, resistant and flexible material and which is open at the upper part thereof. According to the invention, the main part is tightened around the ankle and fitted to the heel of the shoe by means of an opening through which the heel can extend (5). The invention also comprises two closure elements, namely a first upper element which secures the instep (4) and a second side element which secures the ankle (3). In addition, the invention comprises a rubber insole (2) and a rubber outer sole (1). The main part can be used to display advertising and to render a pedestrian visible.

Abstract: The invention relates to an item of clothing (1), in particular a glove (2), a shoe or headwear, comprising at least one material layer (4), and the at least one material layer (4) is formed by a sealing, in particular fluid-tight functional layer (6), and having in particular a tubular shaft (15) with an attachment (16), which attachment (16) can be coupled with a specifically tubular connecting piece (17) of another item of clothing (3) to form a sealed connection preventing penetration by foreign substances into an interior (5, 26).

Abstract: A footwear article is formed by providing at least one spent automobile tire having a tread, separating a portion of the tread of the tire, trimming the separated portion into the general shape of a foot and securing the separated portion to a top sole portion. The bottom sole portion of the footwear article has a generally, non-uniform thickness and irregular pattern. The bottom sole portion can fixer have elements of a scrub pattern indicator element, a tie bar indicator and/or a ply fragment visible on an outer edge thereof.