Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are formed from an intimate melt blend admixture of one or more of a selected block SEEPS copolymers in combination with one or more polymers of poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-butadiene)n, poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-isoprene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene)n, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene)n, polystyrene, polybutylene, poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(ethylene-butylene), polypropylene, and polyethylene, and a plasticizing oil.

Abstract: A removable insole for insertion into footwear, includes a lower layer made of a viscoelastic gel and including a lower surface, an upper surface, a toe portion, a heel portion and a medial arch portion interconnecting the toe portion and the heel portion, a first recess formed in the lower surface of the toe portion and a second recess formed in the lower surface of the heel portion, each recess having a peripheral side wall and a top wall, a plurality of thin, parallel, spaced apart sinusoidal wave shaped spring walls formed from the viscoelastic gel and connected to the top wall and the peripheral side wall in each recess, and the spring walls having lower edges generally coplanar with a lower surface of the toe portion and heel portion which is in surrounding relation to the respective recess; and a top cover secured to the upper surface of the lower layer.

Abstract: An orthotic insert assembly having a stationary heel post with a guide slot and an unattached rigid plate member with a depending peg that is received in the slot. The peg cooperates with the guide slot to control and direct a medial-to-lateral rocking movement of the plate member as the wearer's foot progresses through the gait cycle. The slot may be angled to impose a predetermined direction on the rocking movement.

Abstract: An insole for footwear, including a plurality of compressible protrusions. An arrangement is provided for interconnecting the compressible protrusions, the interconnecting arrangement being adapted to ensure strict compression of the compressible protrusions upon acceptance of a compressive force.

Abstract: An inner sole structure includes an insole integrally woven to form a plurality of resilient areas with supporting hoops and buffer areas without the supporting hoops thereof defining the upper surface thereon wherein the resilient and the buffer areas thereof can be made in any shapes like rectangles, triangles, or tilted stripes and be alternatively interrelated in regular or irregular arrangement thereof. The supporting hoops thereof are stood upright with vents defined therein and dividing passages formed at the adjacent sides thereof, and a coupling facet is disposed at the bottom side of the insole thereon to be integrally combined with a loading pad via thermal pressure operation to generate heat welding thereby. Thus, the resilient areas with the supporting hoops of a proper hardness can flexibly sustain the sole of a human foot stepped downwards thereon, stimulating blood circulation and providing a better massage effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of shoes in general, and more specifically to the application of microspheres in shoe material formulations to yield desired shoe properties. Even more specifically, the invention relates to a shoe component prepared from a closed cell foam incorporating microspheres to yield controlled cell size, cell size distribution and expansion characteristics. In another embodiment, the invention also relates to an inner sole for a shoe prepared from the reaction product of a polymer matrix component and a curing agent where the curing agent is incorporated in microspheres to yield a material conformable to the user's foot shape.

Abstract: A component system of footwear corrective alignment insoles provides adjustment of the alignment of a human foot based upon evaluation and measurement of structural anomalies in the foot. A subtalar joint goniometer measures the angular alignment of the foot with a patient's leg properly inclined with respect thereto. A database contains data with selected relationships between the degree of a patient's foot pronation and supination and a variety of corrective pads for use with an insole for correcting pronation and supination. The foot pronation and supination is corrected by first measuring a patient's foot pronation and supination, comparing the measured pronation or supination with a database that correlates degrees of pronation and supination with a variety of corrective pads for use with a corrective alignment insole, selecting corrective pads from the database that correspond to the measured pronation or supination, and mounting the selected corrective pads to a base insole.

Abstract: A shoe with a foot-massaging effect comprises a sole, optionally with a heel, and a top material. A cushion containing a massage element and/or active medical agents is provided in the interior of the shoe, above the sole, said cushion has a flexible base panel on the bottom, corresponding to the shape of the sole, and an elastic protective nonwoven fabric on the top, the latter being permanently connected to said base panel. A toe cap containing active medical agents can also be provided in the tip of the shoe. These measures result in a fairly significant foot-massaging effect and at the same time, enable the show to be used without creating an odor.

Abstract: An orthotic device comprising a generally foot shaped body including depressable relief segments that underlie the metatarsal-phalangeal aspect of the foot and, optionally, the heel of the foot. The relief segments are provided by relieved areas cut or otherwise provided in the indicated areas of the orthotic device in such a way as to interdigitate within the device to define resilient segments that are depressed by the application of the weight of a user thereto and return to their original configuration upon removal of some or all that weight.

Abstract: A disposable shoe insert having a soft, durable, resilient, absorbent and “high coefficient of friction” surface in contact with the human foot is provided. The material in contact with the foot comprises of a nonwoven material that has a static of dynamic coefficient of friction of 0.52 or above when tested against material from a pair of standard women's pantyhose containing 80% nylon and 20% spandex fibers. The other side of the insert consists of a slip-resistant synthetic coating that minimizes shoe insert slippage after being placed and positioned in the shoe. The insert provides a low cost and simple method of keeping the feet dry, comfortable, healthy and odor free. The frequent replacement of the insert promotes the reduction of bacterial build-up in the shoe over time, which in turn reduces shoe odor and helps prolong the life of the shoe itself. Optional features may include deodorizer, such as a time release fragrance, and/or odor neutralizer to help reduce or eliminate foot odor.

Abstract: A disposable shoe liner that is formed from a first substrate, a second substrate, and discrete regions of a functional material sandwiched therebetween is provided. In particular, the first and second substrates contain are fused together at certain portions such that fused portions and unfused portions are formed. The unfused portions form pockets that contain the functional material. In some embodiments, for example, the pockets contain activated carbon granules to provide comfort to the foot and to absorb odors exuded therefrom.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable inner sole for footwear which has a flexible, inflatable enclosure with an inflation system that preferably includes an on-board air pump and a pressure relief valve. In this invention the inner sole has a sheet and/or foam cover or surround on the flexible enclosure for enhanced comfort. Useful sheet covers can be plastic, including rubber, films in solid or foamed state, or fabric which are applied against the upper, wearing surface of the inflatable enclosures. The covers can be bonded only to the edges of the inflatable enclosures to permit relative movement between the covers and enclosures, or can be bonded to the top surface of the enclosures, or formed as surrounds which encapsulate the inflatable enclosures.

Abstract: Article of footwear includes a sole, an insole overlying the sole, the insole having in a surface thereof a groove having an inlet and outlet in an edge of the insole, the groove winding substantially throughout the length and width of the insole upper surface. A tube is disposed in the groove and extends throughout the length of the groove and has an inlet portion extending from the groove inlet at the edge of the insole and an outlet portion extending from the groove outlet. An upper fixed to the sole has apertures through which extend the tube inlet and outlet portions.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an in-line roller skate is provided. The in-line roller skate has a chassis (2;39) equipped with at least two rollers (3) and two platforms (4, 5; 34; 47) and a boot (1; 30). The boot has a supple upper connected to a lower panel and is capable of enclosing a wear's foot. The method includes the steps of (a) inserting a rigid insole (17; 31, 50; 55; 56) into the boot; (b) fixing fasteners between the rigid insole and the chassis, thus sandwiching the lower panel therebetween; and (c) optionally, inserting a comfort sole into the boot to cover the rigid insole.

Abstract: A one-piece molded orthotic insert having a shape for controlling and directing the motions of the foot. The insert has a unitary body that is formed of a rigid, resiliently flexible, substantially noncompressible material, so that the insert will flex with the shoe but will not compress or deform, so that a correct shape is maintained through the gait cycle. The insert includes a raised arch portion that is supported by a plurality of underlying, vertical ribs. The ribs are spaced apart and free from connection with one another, so that the lower edges of the ribs are able to spread as the insert flexes along its lengthwise axis, so that the insert flexes generally uniformly when walking and without distortion of its shape. The layer of material overlying the ribs has a thickness generally similar to that in the reset of the body, and the ribs also have a generally similar thickness, facilitating manufacture by injection molding.

Abstract: Golf shoe insole inserts for improving the position of a golfer's body during a golf swing while stabilizing the feet against both over-pronation and over-supination. The golf shoe insert according to the present invention has an upper portion fashioned to support the entire bottom of the foot, including the transverse arch, the longitudinal arch, and the heel. In particular, the upper portion of the orthopedic insert supports bottom regions of the foot from the posterior plantar surface of the metatarsus through the plantar surface of the lesser tarsus to the posterior plantar surface of the rear foot. The upper portion of the subject orthopedic insert includes a deep heel cup to aid in stabilizing the foot and providing support at the back of the foot.

Abstract: The invention is an elastomeric, energy-management cushion formed of at least one or more spaced, expandable, geometrically shaped cushioning elements disposed in a pattern on supporting base. The cushioning elements each have a plurality of angularly spaced projections, the projections of each cushioning element being interspersed between and spaced from the projections of the adjacent cushioning elements. The interspersed projections absorb and distribute compression forces applied to the cushioning elements as triangulated vector forces within the projections forming the respective cushioning elements, to which the compression forces are applied thereby providing an elastomeric, energy-management cushion.

Abstract: Anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal footwear components formed from various thermoplastic polymers and additives in fibers in a mono-component form or a bi-component form in either a core-sheath or side-by-side configurations. The anti-microbial synthetic fibers include inorganic anti-microbial additives, distributed in certain areas to reduce the amount of the anti-microbial agents being used, and therefore the cost of such fibers. In certain embodiments, high tenacity polymers (e.g. PET) are employed in one portion and hydrolysis resistance polymers (e.g. PCT) in another portion with the additives. The fibers can further be blended with non-anti-microbial fibers such as cotton, wool, polyester, acrylic, nylon etc. to provide anti-microbial finished fabrics. In one embodiment, binder fibers are used which are mixed with other fibers.

Abstract: The invention is a method for joining two components of a fluid system. The method involves forming a first flange on a first fluid component and placing the first flange in an abutting relationship with a second flange that is formed on a second fluid component. The abutting relationship may be such that conduit portions of the fluid components are axially aligned. The flanges may then be bonded together such that the bond encircles the conduits and prevents fluid from entering or exiting the system from the bond. A bond of this type also places the first and second components in fluid communication. The fluid system may be incorporated into a sole structure of an article of footwear.

Abstract: Articles and products for preventing or minimizing temperature increase of a person or object (see the figure). The articles include a base material, and at least one temperature-stabilizing material integral with and dispersed throughout the base material. The temperature-stabilizing materials can be phase change materials and have phase change temperatures. Products can contain a plurality of articles and each article can have a phase change temperature the same as or different than those of other articles in the product. Products include footwear, protective apparel and the like.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a snowboard boot includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, cross country and hiking boots, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed which comprises a vamp, a lower support connected to the vamp and at least one insert mounted in the lower support and which includes an airtight casing having a plurality of elements positioned therein which are elastically deformable such that the biomechanics of the foot of the user are optimized.

Abstract: A sock combined with an insole comprises an insole; at least one surface of the insole is formed with elastic hooks; the hooks being deformed due to an external force, but restoring as the force disappears; and a sock having a sock body and an opening; the sock body having a sock sole; whole or part of the lower bottom of the sock sole being formed with curl wires for grasping the hooks so that the sock is tightly secured to the insole to avoid the relative motion between the sock and the insole.

Abstract: A body joint liner including at least one divergent channel such that when in use on a persons body, tissue fluid flow is encouraged. A body joint liner including a first pressure gradient for tissue fluid flow when in use on a persons body. A body joint liner including a pressure gradient including a pattern of projections with a spacing that increases along the length of the liner.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing shoe components using EVA copolymer of film shape having a thickness of 0.01 to 2 mm, preferably 0.1 to 1.0 mm and a surface roughness variations which cannot be easily discriminated through touch or sight, and a shoe component manufactured by the method are provided. The method overcomes the drawbacks caused during the process of manufacturing a shoe component with different mechanical physical properties or colors. The method allows for ease of manufacture of a shoe component with two or more types of colors or physical properties, through a single foam molding process using a film with less variation and ease of processing, to thereby simplify manufacturing procedures and reduce manufacturing costs. In addition, a high quality shoe component with no additional seam-line is obtained.

Abstract: Form-correcting shoes designed so that when a player wears these shoes he automatically gets the condition that all skeletal muscles are in equally alert, the backbone is fixed to the pelvis, and the upper arms are fixed to the shoulders, thereby helping him play easily in the right forms the sports using rackets or bats or clubs, such as tennis, badminton, baseball and golf, and other kinds of sports.

Abstract: A sole of a shoe has a recessed or depressed portion to receive a pair of sesamoid bones protruding the undersurface of a foot wearing the shoe. The shoe sole may be an attached part of the shoe or a piece separable from the shoe. The depth of the depressed portion is about 2 mm. A sole of a shoe may have an aperture, instead of a recessed portion, to receive a pair of sesamoid bones.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe having a toe box and a heel, has a first raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone, and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to membranes including an urethane including a polyester polyol, wherein the membrane has a gas transmission rate of 15.0 or less for nitrogen gas wherein the membrane has an average thickness of approximately 20.0 mils. Under certain embodiments, the membranes include blends of one or more polyester polyol based thermoplastic urethanes and one or more barrier materials. The membranes can be employed in a variety of applications and can be used as either monolayers or multi-layered laminates.

Abstract: This invention relates to crosslinked polymer foam compositions of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, an acid copolymer or ionomer, and a crosslinking agent. Such compositions exhibit enhanced melt strength, as well as lower density and compression set. They are especially useful as midsoles or insoles for footwear.

Abstract: A design concept for foot orthotics having several different optional features and sub-features is disclosed. The design is useful for supporting and correcting abnormal foot posture. The disclosure contemplates different types of footwear in addition to user's gender, age, weight, foot size, activity level and medical condition. Varying types of midfoot sections and heel portions are employed having specific arch support. The design further provides the benefits of custom foot casting while having mass producible parts. Also disclosed are design choices for thickness and width of the orthotics and preferred materials for a wide range of applications. Additionally, a method is disclosed for choosing particular orthotics for a particular person from a set of total possible orthotics available. The set of orthotics will contain sub-sets of specific arch heights, widths and thicknesses of orthotics.

Abstract: The main purpose of this invention is to develop a new insole design which can significantly reduce the plantar pressure under the forefoot and heel, and can be used as replacement insole for the diabetic shoe, diabetic healing shoe, and removable cast walker.

Abstract: An inner sole for an article of footwear that is capable of being removed therefrom, the sole having an upper surface adapted to support the user's foot, and a lower surface resting at the bottom of the article of footwear, the sole having an anti-slip insert positioned in the area of the metatarsophalangeal articulation and including an abrasive paper positioned in a recess of the lower surface. The invention is also directed to a sports boot, such as a ski boot, equipped with such an inner sole.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a foot orthotic including an orthotic base mechanism for underlying a sole of a foot, a first cushioning mechanism, and a second cushioning mechanism. The orthotic base mechanism has a proximal end for underlying a heel of the foot and a distal end for underlying the forefront of the foot. The first cushioning mechanism is operatively connected to the orthotic base mechanism at the proximal end, while the second cushioning mechanism is operatively connected to the distal end of the orthotic base mechanism. Additionally, there is provided a foot orthotic including a first cushioning mechanism and a second cushioning mechanism that are independent of each other. The present invention additionally provides for a method of making the foot orthotic and method of using the foot orthotic disclosed herein.

Abstract: An inner sole (1) has a base sole (2) which consists of a foamed material layer. A cover layer (20) is deposited over the material layer (10, 30). Whilst the foamed material layer (10, 30) has a hardness of preferably between 10° and 20° Shore A, by way of the cover layer (20) one achieves an inner sole (1) which as a whole has a hardness between 30° and 40° Shore A. The foamed material layer may be of latex and/or polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A stress reduction kit includes a display package holding a pair of perforated reflex pin holders each with a printed foot reflexology chart integrally formed thereon. To facilitate creating pressure points on the feet of a user, the stress reduction kit also includes a bag of reflex pins, where each pin is dimensioned to be received in a friction tight fit into any one of the perforations disposed in the reflex pin holders and a set of instructions that guide a user on the placement of individual ones of the reflex pins in respective ones of the reflex pin holders. In accordance with the method of the present invention, when the user inserts the reflex pins in selected ones of the perforations and places the reflex pin holders within his or her shoes, desired body responses are achieved relative to the pressure points created by the pins against the feet of the user.

Abstract: An insole device configured to fit the profile of the human foot to promote proprioceptive stimulation of the Golgi tendon organ. The midfoot section of the insole device has an asymmetric domed structure that is presented to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system. The asymmetric domed structure displays physical properties to catalyst muscle group balancing by using the body's proprioceptive feedback mechanisms. The asymmetric domed structure displays physical properties such that it does not provide functional bracing or support to the plantar aspect of the foot. The net result will be more structurally sound foot capable of more energy efficient and less injury inducing use.

Abstract: A foot stimulating shoe insole including: an insole member of a somewhat soft material; a plurality of ventilation and fastening holes are opened in the insole member from the top surface to the bottom surface thereof; a plurality of ventilation-maintaining projecting portions that have a certain height and are disposed on the bottom surface of the insole member; and stimulating projecting elements disposed in the ventilation and fastening holes, each of the stimulating projecting elements having a stimulating part in its head part, a supporting shaft in its intermediate part, and a projecting anchoring part having an inverted truncated circular cone shape at its lower end. The stimulating parts have an inverted bowl shape and come in several types with different thicknesses. Also, the material of the insole member uses mugwort as a part of the material.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for displaying indicia, such as a logo or trademark, on a shoe. A window is provided in the shoe, for example the heel of the shoe. Indicia appear on a removable member such as an insole and are displayed through the window.

Abstract: A moldable article that can be custom-fitted to a particular user. Such an article comprises a thermoplastic material such as ethylene vinyl acetate modified by an antistatic agent selected from the group consisting of polyol amines such as ethoxylated amines, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, phosphoric acid esters, quaternary ammonium salts, and amphoteric compounds such as betaine. The article is heated until the thermoplastic material softens, then pressed against a user's body part. The article is allowed to cool, resulting in a custom-fitted article. Such articles may be repeatedly re-heated and re-molded and may include, e.g., moldable footbeds, racquet handles, shin guards, helmets, and seats.

Abstract: Disclosed are footwear products incorporating the use of the hyper allergenic properties of metallic silver materials therein, and more particularly, disclosed are insoles, liners, and footwear incorporating metallic silver material arranged so as to provide total contact or proximity with a user foot or footwear itself in order to avail the user foot the antifungal and antimicrobial benefits of clean smelling feet, deodorization of footwear and the wearability benefits of silver's heat distribution capabilities. Elemental silver (Ag) preventing fungal and bacterial growth which can be used on or near a person's body. There is a need for a long-lasting and durable method to prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria and fungus in footwear products. The problem of odors from bacteria can be especially noticed in footwear.

Abstract: An arch support has a periphery shaped to conform to at least part of the periphery of the sole of a wearer's footwear and an upper surface contoured to follow the contours of the sole of a wearer's foot, the upper surface having a heel region extending from the rear end, an arch region, and a forward region extending to the forward end. The forward region has an upwardly convex contour extending across part of its area, and the lower surface has a waffled region lying under the forward region which has a plurality of indents forming a waffle pattern, the indents being separated by dividing walls which are relatively thin compared to the width of each recess, for increased flexibility.

Abstract: A foot orthosis provides for a plurality of fluid or air-filled support pads or bladders attached to or incorporated within an insole in an arrangement to provide support for the foot at various points along the bottom of the foot. It also provides means for adjusting the amount of cushioning effect in each of the bladders, by inflation and deflation as desired or required. The foot orthosis can be used with a wide variety of footwear and can be used by a wide variety of patients for a wide variety of foot conditions. The present invention is also easily and readily adjustable so that it can be fitted by a foot specialist, by a store clerk or by the patient required to use them.

Abstract: An insole includes a forefoot portion having a lower first recess; a cupped heel portion having a lower second recess; a mid-foot portion connecting together the forefoot portion and the heel portion, the mid-foot portion including a medial arch portion, and the forefoot, heel and mid-foot portions formed from a unitary resilient material; a plurality of protuberances in the second recess and having lower edges generally coplanar with a lower surface of the heel portion in surrounding relation to the second recess; a plurality of spaced apart spring walls formed from a viscoelastic gel in the first recess, the spring walls having lower edges generally coplanar with a lower surface of the forefoot portion which is in surrounding relation to the first recess; and a shell extending under the mid-foot portion and made of a resilient material that is stiffer than the unitary resilient material.

Abstract: A shoe insert of the orthotic type made of a flexible material so that it can repeatedly flex without cracking and having a built-in step indicating device made of a stiff material that indicates to the user the posture or orientation of the foot at initial heel-to-ground contact through final toe-off.

Abstract: A cushioning insert (1) to be inserted in the heel zone of a shoe is provided with a honey-comb structure (2) which is improved in such a manner that it provides good cushioning properties and sufficiently supports the heel even if the outsoles or soles (16) of the shoe are relatively thin. To this end, the cushioning insert (1) is made of a structural unit that includes heel shell (3) and a gas-tight honey-comb structure that is provided on the upper side (7.1) or the lower side (10) of the shell bottom (7) of the heel shell (3).

Abstract: A removable orthotic shoe sole insert for a patient having a high arch comprises a built-up heel portion with a deep cup shape with a flaring around the heel pad area for containing the fatty fibrous heel pad, a arch area formed lower than the arch of the wearer and a forefoot portion just lateral to the first metatarsal head and lateral sesamoid of the foot and extending to the lateral edge of the insert. A shallow divot or depression is formed for receiving the first metatarsal and its underlying hallux sesamoids. The shoe sole insert is designed to accommodate the majority of foot sizes and is sized by the length from the posterior heel to the first metatarsal head of the foot so that the first metatarsal head is positioned in the shallow divot of the insert.

Abstract: A flexible pad body includes an inflatable part that is compressible and that confines a cavity injected with high pressure gas such that the pressure in the cavity is greater than the ambient pressure, and at least a discharging valve installed in the inflatable part and having a valve opening for permitting fluid communication between the cavity and the atmosphere. The discharging valve is deformable in such a manner that when foot pressure is applied on the pad body, the discharging valve is deformed, which, in turn, results in opening of the valve opening, and that when the pad body is relieved from the foot pressure, the discharging valve recovers to its non-deformed state, which, in turn, results in closing of the valve opening.

Abstract: A two-piece orthotic insert assembly. A post member is fixedly mounted in the heel end of a shoe, and has a generally concave bearing surface. A separate plate member is placed in the shoe so that the heel end thereof rests in the post, the heel cup of the plate member having a generally convex lower bearing surface which engages the concave bearing surface in the post member so as to permit a predetermined range of pivoting motion between the two pieces. The concave upper bearing surface of the post member defines a generally U-shaped bearing area which supports the rear foot portion of the plate at a predetermined angle for heel strike. Following heel strike, the plate member pivots so as to permit a controlled amount of pronation of the foot.

Abstract: An insole of a sheet material of polymeric foam material having two openings therein corresponding to a portion of the heel and a portion of the arch. The openings are filled with a polymeric gel composition having a tacky bottom surface to assist holding the insole in place and for the removable attachment of a polymeric gel arch cushion.