Abstract: A flexible shoe insole (8) is formed from essentially bi-component fiber (1) having a first low melting point for one component and a second higher melting point for a second component. The fiber is entangled (3) to form a fabric. The fabric thereafter is heated (4) to a temperature sufficient to melt the first component of the bi-component fiber (1) without causing permanent structural impairment of or to the second component, and the thickness of the fabric is reduced (5) to a pre-selected thickness.

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: A pet boot having therapeutic properties is worn on a pet's injured or sensitive paw to facilitate healing and or provide protection. The therapeutic pet boot includes an external boot member having a shaft and a paw portion constructed to form a cavity integrated therein appointed to receive an injured paw of a pet. The therapeutic pet boot further includes an internal therapeutic member appointed to be received within the cavity of the external boot member and is appointed to intimately contact the injured paw. The therapeutic pet boot is appointed to be worn on the injured paw of the pet to facilitate healing. The internal therapeutic member may comprise a gel bootee having a massaging gel sole or may comprise a gel inner layer or gel insole. Advantageously, the internal therapeutic member may directly deliver medicament to the paw and/or provide cold treatment or hot treatment therapies to the paw, while providing cushioning, shock absorption and protection from dirt and debris.

Abstract: A cork and silicone elastomer composite used to fabricate elements to protect body parts including a prosthetic roll-on liner for receiving and covering a residual limb, shoes for the feet, gloves for the hands and shoe insoles including the processes of manufacture.

Abstract: A magnetically-supported article of footwear that primarily supports a wearer's weight by repulsive magnetic forces from magnets arranged in and around the article's sole. The magnets are arranged between and around the article's insole and outsole and may be attached to pairs of magnetically-conductive plates located down the length of the article's sole. Each plate has two magnets, one with a north pole facing upwards and one with a north pole facing downward. Also disclosed is an independent magnetically-supported sole assembly suitable for attachment to an existing article of footwear's sole so that, when attached, the weight of the wearer of that article is primarily supported by repulsive magnetic forces.

Abstract: A human shoe sole or insole, sockliner or orthotic for insertion into a human shoe having a foot supporting upper surface including a first region for supporting the first, second, third, fourth and optionally fifth metatarsal heads of the foot, and a second region surrounding the first region for supporting the remainder of the foot, at least in part. The first region provides less resistance to downward motion than the second region, and includes a hollow or depressed area relative to the remainder of the first region having a medial border portion and a lateral border portion, wherein the depression has its lowest point skewed to the medial side of center, whereby to promote eversion of the first metatarsal head as the wearer moves from midstance through propulsive phase.

Abstract: An absorbent footwear liner comprising an upper absorbent layer and a lower layer comprising an adhesive equal in size to the upper layer for adhering the liner to substantially the entire surface of a footbed for absorbing and dissipating moisture thereon and preventing foot slippage on a shoe footbed due to perspiration.

Abstract: A new sole for basketball shoes that make use of a spring board and cushioning system to reduce the likelihood that a user will roll and sprain their ankle and to provide more support for lateral movements in both directions. The spring board, cushioning and support provide the present invention with a unique compression system covering the rear foot, the forefoot, and the tip of the foot. On the rear foot, the compression system is able to absorb impact during landings to increase surface contact between the outsole and the ground. On the fore foot, during aggressive changes in direction, the compression system compresses and provides the user a flexible slanted surface to push off of. On the tip of the foot, the compression system provides users with more surface contact to the ground for increase friction and stability. The advantages of the present invention decrease the likelihood a user will roll or sprain their ankle and increase the stability for lateral movements in both directions.

Abstract: Shoe insert (1) comprised of numerous elements that provide shock absorption, elements that are made up of numerous cavities (2), each corresponding with pivots or shock absorbing (3) elements, which extend out from the bottom part of the insert; shock absorption elements (2, 3) configured in such way that, when compressed by the user's weight, they compress and absorb the shock that is produced by the stepping action, thus achieving a sensation of well being and comfort.

Abstract: A shoe pad includes a flexible board having a series of hollow raised portions formed thereon. Every two adjacent raised portions laterally complementally correspond to each other such that a passage is defined between the two adjacent raised portions. The passage can provides transversely ventilating effect such that the sole of the user would not directly contract with the flexible board and be supported by the series of raised portions for keeping dry and preventing the user's sole from being infected with Athlete's foot.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a silicone gel insole/midsole for footwear with a Shore durometer in the range of 45 A to 55 A, with a thickness of 2-6 mm, layered and bonded between the upper of a shoe and an extra-depth outsole that is also 2-6 mm in depth relative shoe type. Said insole/midsole is for making a conformable and comfortable shoe, part using silicone gel material for use in functional relation with an article of footwear in order to enhance fit, support, comfort, cushioning and because silicone gel properties mimic the energy dissipation properties of human soft tissue and structure, the present invention can also serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features of an individual wearer and finds application within numerous types of articles of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for reducing joint pain and treating conditions of weight-bearing joints. The methods are accomplished through the use of a cushioned wedged insole or slab that selectively reduces pressure by cushioning impact and redistributing forces away from affected joints or joint compartments. Further, insoles are provided, which mimic the combination of fatty globules and the surrounding restricting fibrous network cushioning structures found in the foot.

Abstract: Footwear is provided including an upper, a porous insole, a midsole, and a solid outsole. The insole has pores that permit sand to fall through the insole. The midsole includes a top surface with a plurality of grooves extending lengthwise between openings on the rear surface of the midsole and openings on the front surface of the midsole.

Abstract: A foot orthotic device is disclosed. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. The device is designed using a method and system that applies sequential pressure to regions on a plantar foot surface, and obtaining positional information about each region. Based on the positional information, an orthotic profile is determined, for design of one or more custom, individualized foot orthotic devices for a subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a shoe insert that can provide overall improved foot comfort to a user and can specifically provide beneficial localized pressure relief improving foot health and mitigating painful and/or damaging conditions. The shoe insert can comprise a pressure moderator sheet and one or more pressure pads removably and replaceably attached to the moderator sheet. The insert may further comprise a cushioning material or layer.

Abstract: A paddle slipper includes an insole for the contact of the sole of a user's foot, and an outsole bonded to the bottom side of the insole for contacting the ground and defining at a bottom side thereof a front open zone, a front support zone and a rear support zone. The front and rear support zones of the outsole lift the insole so that the user's sole is kept above the ground, lowering the chance of water-wetting the sole of the user's foot when the user is paddling. A front groove is defined between front protruding blocks of the front support zone, facilitating discharge of pressure from the user's sole. The front open zone design offers wearing comfort when the user is walking.

Abstract: A sole in accordance with the present invention may include a sole for attachment to an outside of a shoe. Moreover, a sole of the present invention may include a sole for insertion within an inner cavity formed by an upper of a shoe. In exemplary aspects the sole includes a base and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the base and integrally constructed with the base. Protrusions may include a side extending at an angle from the base. In addition, protrusions may include a side extending near perpendicular from the base. A plurality of protrusions may be arranged at ball portions of the sole. In addition, a plurality of protrusions may be arranged at a heel portion of the sole.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising nitric oxide gas producing component.

Abstract: A shoe insert for heeled shoe has a rigid plate member. A cut is formed across at least a portion of a width of the rigid plate member to allow the rigid plate member to bend to conform to a shoe having a heel.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a rocker sole has an outsole with a rocker sole element that has a rear apex located 20 to 45 millimeters, preferably, 35 to 40 millimeters rearwardly of the metatarsophalangeal joint area of the footwear and a generally curved surface extending forwardly and upwardly from the apex to a toe area of the footwear.

Abstract: A point shoe insole for a ballet slipper with a two layered co-molded plastic sheet having a top layer made of semi-rigid plastic and a bottom layer made of four of rigid plastic members. The top sheet has a plurality of horizontally and downwardly facing ribs. The first and second downwardly facing ribs fit tightly between the first, second and third rigid plastic members of the bottom sheet. A third set downwardly facing ribs are located between the third rigid portion and the forth rigid portion. The area above the first and second downwardly facing ribs form hinges that allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in an upward direction during the progression of movement of a user's foot between a flat plane and on pointe, but does not allow the first, second and third rigid members to flex in the opposite direction when the user's foot is on pointe.

Abstract: An electrically heatable in sole may include at least one sole base body and one covering layer, at least one heating electrode, at least one rechargeable battery that is electrically connected to the heating electrode, and a control circuit for controlling the heating process and the charging of the battery. Heating electrodes, rechargeable batteries and a control circuit are arranged in the base body of the sole and/or between the base body and the covering layer. The control circuit includes a remote control device for starting and stopping the heating process, and a protection circuit for disconnecting the rechargeable batteries in the event of an error.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insole comprising an electronic chip. To impart improved wearing comfort to the wearer of a shoe equipped with the generic insole, it is provided according to the invention that a module encompassing the chip is removably embedded in the insole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insole, in particular for a sports shoe, and shoe comprising an electronic chip. In order to provide a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with an electronic chip in a more cost efficient way compared to the prior art, wherein the chip can easily be replaced or removed in case of failure or for recycling, the invention provides an insole, in particular for a sports shoe, wherein the insole comprises an electronic chip. The insole may be fitted into any kinds of shoes and may be readily replaced or removed, as is not an inherent part of the shoe.

Abstract: An anti-static sole is provided with a pad body between a midsole and an insole. In the pad body is provided a chip resistor. The chip resistor includes a connecting pin at each of two opposite ends thereof. The two connecting pins of the chip resistor are electrically connected to the insole and the midsole, respectively. Since the chip resistor has no exposed wires, damage to the wires is avoided. Further, the anti-static effect can be improved since the resistance of the chip resistor is stable.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a half fork for shoe molded insole, comprising a rigid plastic injection-molded main body, and a waist core integrated in the main body as a whole by plastic injection molding, wherein the main body has at least one locating hole on the upper and/or lower surfaces thereof in the waist core region, and bevels on the edges thereof. The half fork further comprises a surface material layer on upper and/or lower surfaces of the main body; the material of the surface material layer is fabric, paper or plastic. The half fork disclosed by the present invention will not deform easily under the pressure caused by the weight of the wearer, even in the humid environment or under the condition of being soaked, it is more comfortable, durable and artistic.

Abstract: Disclosed here are insoles with one or more regions responsive to maintain a user's foot in a corrected position in the insole.

Abstract: Insole (1) intended to be placed removably in a shoe (8), said insole comprising a long and thin body (2) and a vibrating device (4) embedded in said body (2), said vibrating device (4) comprising an electric accumulator (12), a control system (14) and a vibration generator (16).

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outsole, an upper attached to the outsole and a heel portion attached to the outsole and movably connected to the upper. The heel portion is movable between a support position, where the heel portion is substantially transverse to the outsole, and a mule position, where the heel portion is substantially parallel to the outsole. A cushioning heel pad is attached to an outer surface of the heel portion, where the heel pad has a designated thickness and contacts and supports a user's heel when the heel portion is in the mule position.

Abstract: Footbeds (e.g., in footwear, socks, etc.) for engaging a plantar surface of a wearer's foot include one of the lateral or medial sides having a smooth or substantially smooth feel or surface while the opposite side has a textured feel or surface, e.g., by providing plural raised areas that define the textured feel or surface. Depending on the location of the texturing (lateral side or medial side) and/or the type of ambulatory activity (e.g., running or walking), lower extremity movement during the activity may be affected, e.g., to reduce pronation, reduce maximum eversion, reduce rearfoot range of motion, reduce eversion velocity, reduce plantarflexion when pushing off during a step, reduce inversion at heel strike, reduce eversion range of motion, reduce maximum internal tibial rotation, to increase stability during cutting motions, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides a compactly contained multiple-component sensing device for detecting toe-walking and other physical conditions and providing repetitive positive reinforcement stimuli to correct the same. A comprehensive software system enables therapeutic management of the sensing and stimulus device and easy changes in therapy, stimulus content, stimulus frequency and other factors. A variety of circuit and housing arrangements allow adaptability to manufacture, user, and treatment professional demands.

Abstract: A foot orthotic for golf that provides solid stability and encourages proper foot bracing and release during the golf swing. The orthotic having a semi-rigid shell, compliant top cover, anti-skid forefoot pad and a heel post. The heel post having a short medial edge to encourage proper bracing and release and an extended lateral edge to resist foot rolling or supination during the golf swing.

Abstract: A human shoe sole or insole, sockliner or orthotic for insertion into a human shoe having a foot supporting upper surface including a first region for supporting at least the first, metatarsal head of the foot, and a second region surrounding the first region. The first region provides less resistance to downward motion than the second region, and includes a hollow or depressed area, sized and located to promote eversion of the first metatarsal head as the wearer moves from midstance through propulsive phase. Also provided human insole or orthotic for insertion into a human shoe having a bottom surface with a hard shell covering at least a heel portion of the bottom surface, which reduces the deformation of the footbed under load. The insole or orthotic may also include a series of grooves located to increase flexibility where necessary.

Abstract: Insole constructions for shoes including flexible components that allow for the connection of attachments having various devices are described. The insole constructions provide a supported attachment point for various components while not compromising the flexibility of the shoe. The insole constructions allow for attachment of devices at the heel, toe or sides of the shoe. Devices for attaching to shoes having the insole construction are also described, along with apparatuses for use with shoes having the insole construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic insole comprising a curve support for the metatarsus. Provided in the region of the greatest height of the curve support on the underside of the insole are a plurality of longitudinally extending stiffening ribs as well as grooves, said grooves extending from the toe region in the direction of the heel as far as the metatarsal region and so curving round in the metatarsal region to the lateral side of the insole and terminating in said region that extending between the grooves are spring strips issuing from each of the toes, wherein material can be removed from the spring strips and stiffening ribs in order individually to adapt the thickness thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soccer shoe molded in one piece, of which the sole and/or the upper are manufactured from transparent materials. The soccer shoe is manufactured from environment-friendly materials, such as thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurethane. In the present invention, the upper and the sole may be molded in one piece through one-step injection procedure or multi-step injection procedure, depending on the specific requirement of each part of the soccer shoe on materials and hardness and so on. Lines, figures, or patterns are fitted on the surface of the shoe lining towards the upper, and/or the surface of the insole towards the sole. The soccer shoe provided in the present invention can cut down the production cost and the using of labor force greatly, and decrease the environmental pollution considerably, and a case of glue failure will never occur.

Abstract: Pad for the ball regions of a human foot adapted to be placed in a shoe beneath a foot of a wearer of the shoe having a dimension in the heel to toe direction (X axis), a dimension in the outside to inside direction (Y axis) and a dimension in the down to up direction (Z axis) and comprising a front side surface and a back side surface, wherein the pad comprises at least two different zones, at least one first zone located on the X axis towards the toe direction and adapted for the support of the ball regions relating to at least three adjacent toes, in particular to all five toes of a human foot, and at least one adjacent second zone located on the X axis towards the heel direction, wherein the first zone has an average thickness greater than that of the second zone, wherein the second zone is tapered in the Z dimension in a toe to heel direction, wherein the front side surface of the first zone exhibits a pattern of protruding elements adapted for the massaging of the foot of the wearer, and wherein the fir

Abstract: A draining insole for shoes that dislodges foreign objects therein is disclosed; the insole has a plurality of bridges projecting from the insole and with an upper surface on top of which the foot rests; the bridges extending wide-wise of the insole and separately distributed from each other alongside thereof. The insole also includes a plurality of channels, each one of the same separating a bridge from the other; each channel having a pair of open ends and a bottom with a gabled surface. In turn, these bridges are joined at areas where the foot might get hurt; each end of the channel is in fluid communication with one draining hole included in the shoe in order to dislodge foreign matter located at the insole.

Abstract: A shoe insert to be used for heating or cooling the foot. They are to be manufactured and sold as pairs of left and right shoe inserts. The insert has a number of components forming a sandwich within a sandwich. The outer sandwich has the shape of a shoe, and is partly adjustable in size to fit a range of shoe sizes. So, the inserts may be sold in sizes, for example, small, medium, and large, and these sizes may then be fine tuned to fit a sub-range of shoe sizes. The inner sandwich is smaller than the outer sandwich. The inner sandwich is a pouch positioned at the instep which ruptures when pressure is applied. This pouch contains a liquid that can then flow into a cushioned region. The cushioned region contains a chemical, which when combined with the liquid from the pouch, emits heat (exothermic reaction) or absorbs heat (endothermic reaction). An exothermic reaction would heat the foot while an endothermic reaction would cool the foot.

Abstract: A foldable footwear for easy storage, comprising an upper; an insole having a top surface and a bottom surface; the insole defining a first folding member comprising a U-shaped indentation in the top surface; a padding layer positioned on the top surface of the insole; and an outsole attached to the bottom surface of the insole and the upper, the outsole defining a second folding member, wherein the first and second folding members are positioned at an approximate middle section of the footwear and act together to ease folding of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thorn-proof insole comprising an insole assembly and a plurality of joint assemblies and featuring in matching the shape change of the sole of a foot when the insole assembly is extended. The insole assembly includes four plates which are consecutively joined together. The joint of the first plate and the second plate is located between a user's toes and thenar, the joint of the second plate and the third plate is corresponding to the middle portion of the arch of foot, and the joint of the third plate and the fourth plate is located between the arch of foot and the heel portion. The four plates could be designed with the same thickness or with different thickness according to the requirement of its location. Each plate must be at least 0.5 mm thick, and each joint assembly includes at least two first sleeves, one second sleeve and one pin. The first sleeves and the second sleeve are respectively applied to make two adjacent plates join together.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes an insole and an outsole. The outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole from the ground-contacting surface. The outsole further includes a first elongated aperture extending through the outsole and between the ground-contacting surface and the inner surface. A midsole is disposed between the insole and the outsole and includes a second elongated aperture at least partially aligned with the first elongated aperture. A window is disposed between the midsole and the outsole and extends over the first elongated aperture and the second elongated aperture. A bladder is disposed between the insole and the midsole and is visible through the window.

Abstract: An insole is provided for reducing peak plantar pressure on a foot. The insole includes a compressible pad having a plurality of holes extending from a bottom surface of the compressible pad and partially through the compressible pad. A plurality of compressible plugs is disposed in the plurality of holes, wherein the plurality of compressible plugs has a stiffness that is different than a stiffness of the compressible pad. The plurality of compressible plugs is concentrated in a reduced stiffness portion of the compressible pad that substantially corresponds to an area of peak plantar pressure on the foot.

Abstract: A removably insertable footbed assembly for adjusting sizing of an article of footwear is provided, wherein the footbed assembly adjusts the volume available within the cavity of the article of footwear. The footbed assembly comprises: a) an upper component having a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region, and having an upper and lower surface, wherein the lower surface of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, or both have at least one attachment element for releasably attaching a lower component; and b) a lower component having a midfoot region and a forefoot region, and having an upper and lower surface, wherein the upper surface of the midfoot region, the forefoot region, or both have at least one attachment element such that the lower component is releasably attachable to the upper component.

Abstract: Footwear includes an insole provided with inserts of resilient material at the heel-strike and ball areas of the insole. The resilient material may be formed integrally with the insole. The resilient material of the inserts is made up of a smooth upper surface 15 and a lower surface comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, downwardly-extending hemispheres. The hemispheres are spaced, in uncompressed condition, but will touch upon compression. The hemispheres have a vertical aperture that can be widened to the point where the hemisphere is completely hollow. The apertures in the hemispheres allow them to collapse into the void, dispel air, flex and spread, thus making these areas much softer to the feel. The durometer value of these heel-strike and ball areas will vary, depending on how hollow the hemispheres are. The material does not lose memory as with many cushioning foams.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper that defines an interior void, a sole structure secured to the upper, and a foot-supporting insert that is positionable within a lower area of the void and removable from the void. A system having a protrusion and an indentation may be utilized to, for example, secure the insert within the void. As an example, a protrusion may extend outward from a surface of the void, and the insert may define an indentation in a corresponding location and with a corresponding shape. When the insert is positioned within the void, the protrusion will extend into the indentation. The locations, shapes, numbers and overall configuration of the protrusion and indentation may vary significantly.

Abstract: A hands-free fastening mechanism for releasably securing a user's foot to footwear is disclosed. The fastening mechanism comprises at least one pivotable strap which is coupled to a hinge mechanism which, in turn, is secured to the footwear. The hinge mechanism allows the strap to pivot between an open and a closed position. The strap is further coupled to a lever which is engageable by a user's foot so as to cause the strap to move from the open position to the closed position. When the strap moves to the closed position, a catch will engage, thereby securing the user's foot within the footwear. The footwear may then be removed by using the other foot to apply pressure to a protruding member or by striking the heel on a hard surface and then withdrawing the secured foot such that the catch is disengaged and the foot is released.

Abstract: An orthotic is disclosed. The orthotic may include a cushioning layer configured to extend from at least the metatarsal region to the proximal heel region, the cushioning layer having a heel region with a protruding heel piece integrally molded as part of the cushioning layer. The orthotic may also include an outer shell layer fixedly coupled to the cushioning layer, the outer shell layer extending longitudinally from at least the medial cuneiform-first metatarsal joint region to the calcaneus bone region of the user, the outer shell layer configured to receive the protruding heel piece.

Abstract: An improved waterproof shoe incorporates several improvements. All layer-edges are connected to a net-typed insole. Neighboring layers are glued together to reduce leaking tunnels formed by crinkles therebetween. An ethylene vinyl acetate with a broad melt transition is added as a spacer to ensure sufficient injection spaces. Net-typed material is used for the material insole to ensure tension stress and mesh size. A water-absorbent and durable lining is added inside the waterproof functional layer to protect the functional layer from the damage by foot. Different materials are used for the sole to distinguish an inner sole which has the best injecting character and an outer sole which is commonly used for touching the ground.

Abstract: There is described an electric heating element for insoles of footwear is provided which comprises a flexible, generally flat sheet of material. The sheet of material is provided across its surface with heating means. The heating means is connected with a number of flat electrodes for electric direct current, and includes positive and negative electrodes which are electrically connectable to a positive and a negative power line, respectively. The heating means is of a planar, continuous configuration and adapted to produce heat when electric direct current flows therethrough.