Uppers Patents (Class 36/45)
  • Publication number: 20040211084
    Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and a bladder which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane attached together via welding. The bladder includes a medial compartment and a lateral compartment attached to each other under the foot of the wearer. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air to the chambers. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: William Marvin, Paul M. Davis, Geoff Swales, Paul E. Litchfield
  • Publication number: 20040205982
    Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a shoe, having an upper and a bottom assembly. The upper includes a liner assembled along a first longitudinal assembly seam and a second vertical assembly seam, both longitudinal and vertical seams, respectively, being arranged on the lateral side of the shoe and being the only seams for assembling the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Challe
  • Publication number: 20040200094
    Abstract: The soft boot and liner includes moisture transfer system that includes an inner fabric layer carefully selected from technically advanced fabrics. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, spacer fabrics and breathable membranes, in various orders. Encapsulation technology and waterproofing are used as well. The outer fabric layer is also capable of working with the other layers to promote the transfer of moisture. Frothed foams and flocking with fibers are further characteristics of the present invention. The moisture transfer system is incorporated into a soft boot or skate or as a removable liner for a shell boot. Numerous other modifications and applications are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Baychar
  • Publication number: 20040200095
    Abstract: Disclosed is a boot construction utilizing both exotic and non-exotic leathers in a multi-part vamp. This construction provides increased durability, more efficient material utilization, and aesthetic appeal. More specifically, the vamp includes a forward toe portion constructed primarily from an exotic leather and a rearward saddle portion constructed from a non-exotic leather. The saddle portion further includes a cutout that exposes an underlying portion of another leather material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: John McAlpine
  • Patent number: 6802140
    Abstract: A Method for Decorating a Shoe is a process whereby a shoe is covered with several layers of an acrylic polymer emulsion gel, which layers may be matte or gloss finish, tinted, or clear. One or more of the polymer gel layers is used to affix onto the shoe various sizes and types of paper and/or other decorative items, and the overall process may make use of elements of collage or decoupage. The basic steps of the decorative process in the preferred embodiment are roughly as follows: the shoe is cleaned; the paper or other decorative items to be affixed are immersed in the polymer gel to coat; the decorative items are applied to the clean shoe, forming a first layer of gel next to the shoe and a second layer of gel on top of the items; and two layers of (typically gloss) gel, which may be tinted, are applied to finish the decorated shoe. In alternate embodiments, three-dimensional decorative items may be applied, or one or more layers of the gel may be shaped and textured so as to enhance the overall design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Lisa Margaret Aslanides
  • Publication number: 20040172855
    Abstract: A Method for Decorating a Shoe is a process whereby a shoe is covered with several layers of an acrylic polymer emulsion gel, which layers may be matte or gloss finish, tinted, or clear. One or more of the polymer gel layers is used to affix onto the shoe various sizes and types of paper and/or other decorative items, and the overall process may make use of elements of collage or decoupage. The basic steps of the decorative process in the preferred embodiment are roughly as follows: the shoe is cleaned; the paper or other decorative items to be affixed are immersed in the polymer gel to coat; the decorative items are applied to the clean shoe, forming a first layer of gel next to the shoe and a second layer of gel on top of the items; and two layers of (typically gloss) gel, which may be tinted, are applied to finish the decorated shoe. In alternate embodiments, three-dimensional decorative items may be applied, or one or more layers of the gel may be shaped and textured so as to enhance the overall design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Lisa Margaret Aslanides
  • Patent number: 6785985
    Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and a bladder which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane attached together via welding. The bladder includes a medial compartment and a lateral compartment attached to each other under the foot of the wearer. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air to the chambers. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Reebok International Ltd.
    Inventors: William Marvin, Paul M. Davis, Geoff Swales, Paul E. Litchfield
  • Patent number: 6779284
    Abstract: The boot for gliding sports, particularly for skiing, comprises a rigid shell (2) for partially surrounding a user's foot, a collar (3) articulated on the shell (2), and an inner boot, said shell (2) including an open part that makes it easier to put the boot on and to take it off. The boot also comprises at least one flexible element (6) covering said open part so as to close the boot, and a semirigid element (7, 8) superposed over said flexible element (6), and means (9) for fixing said elements on the rigid shell (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lange International S.A.
    Inventors: Peter Cagliari, Riccardo Perotto
  • Publication number: 20040159016
    Abstract: The method for manufacturing a part of a sports boot is one which essentially comprises the following steps:
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Ricardo Perotto
  • Publication number: 20040148807
    Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a shell (10) and preferably also a leg piece (20), and features, at least at some portions thereof that do not include the sole (15), a composite structure formed of two layers (30, 40; 30A, 40A) that are made of preferably synthetic materials having different mechanical properties. At least the interfacing surface (34, 34A) of the layer (30) made of mechanically stronger materials is provided with protruding elements (36) that remain inseparably adhering to the interfacing surface (42, 42A) of the other layer (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Giorgio Grandin
  • Patent number: 6769203
    Abstract: A skate boot for ice skate or in-line roller skate comprising an upper having portions thereof made of compressed foam material. In a preferred embodiment, the skate boot is constructed with two preformed quarter panels made of compressed foam material having wherein the inner surface of each panel is shaped to substantially conform to the anatomical shape of a corresponding side of the human foot. Such a construction provides a skate boot, which is comfortable, long lasting, and exhibits flexibility and support. Such a construction also provides added flexibility to the skate designers to vary the dynamic properties of the skate and also the ornamental features of the skate. A method of making such a skate boot is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Bauer Nike Hockey Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Wright, Carl Madore
  • Patent number: 6760982
    Abstract: A shoe includes an upper with a first notched edge, an inner lining disposed inside the upper and having a second notched edge in alignment with the first notched edge, and a sock-like waterproof lining made of a waterproof breathable membrane and disposed between the upper and the inner lining. The waterproof lining has a third notched edge in alignment with the first notched edge. An elastic part spans the first, second and third notched edges, and has an outer layer and an inner layer both of which are elastic. The inner layer has a peripheral edge attached to the second notched edge to form an inner seam. The outer layer has a peripheral edge attached to the first notched edge to form an outer seam. The third notched edge is attached to one of the first and second notched edges along one of the inner and outer seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Eddie Chen, Melissa Wang
  • Patent number: 6754983
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper in a tented arrangement. The article of footwear includes a sole and an upper including a shroud. The article of footwear further includes a foot engaging system for joining a foot of a user to the sole, and a biasing system which includes one or more frame members that urges or influences the shroud away from the foot of the user. The one or more frame members may be coupled to the foot holding system on a medial and a lateral side. The article of footwear further includes a plurality of straps for holding the foot to the sole in which one of the straps engages the heel. The straps are located on an exterior surface of the shroud or alternatively they are located in the interior of the shroud. Air gaps are created between the shroud and the foot for ventilation. Several foot booties for holding a foot have aeration regions for providing air to ventilate the foot of a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Michael A. Aveni, Micheal R. Friton, Robert W. Dolan, S. H. Park
  • Publication number: 20040118018
    Abstract: The invention is an upper for an article of footwear that includes a textile having fusible filaments or fibers. The textile is incorporated into the upper and specific areas of the upper are heated such that the fusible filaments or fibers fuse with other filaments or fibers to form fused areas. In comparison with unfused areas of the upper, the fused areas may impart properties that include greater stretch-resistance, stability, support, abrasion-resistance, durability, and stiffness, for example. In addition, the fused areas generally provide air-permeability without significantly increasing the weight of the footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Bhupesh Dua
  • Publication number: 20040111921
    Abstract: An article of footwear, particularly for climbing. The article of footwear has a substantially non-extensible upper, a sole, an elastic element surrounding the heel, and the upper is at least partially extensible in the area of its heel portion. Advantageously, the extensible portion of the upper has a height of at least about 20% of the upper along at least one substantially vertical line, and a length of at least 10 millimeters along at least one line of longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Lenormand
  • Patent number: 6739076
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a laminated sheet material, including, in order: (A) a substrate layer having an inner surface and at least a partially napped outer surface and including: an entangled nonwoven first fabric including ultrafine fibers having a fineness of not more than 0.01 decitex; and a first elastomeric polymer impregnated in the first fabric; (B) an adhesive layer; and (C) a substrate layer, including: an entangled nonwoven second fabric including fibers having a fineness of not less than 0.05 decitex; and a second elastomeric polymer impregnated in the second fabric; wherein at least a portion of the napped outer surface is covered with a third polymer, the third polymer being solid at a temperature of 20-25° C. and having a melting point not lower than 60° C. and having an elongation at break of not more than 10%. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a shoe upper, that includes the above-mentioned laminated sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Yoneda, Yoshiki Nobuto, Susumu Kobayashi, Mikihiro Matsui, Tomo Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040083625
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention contemplated herein describe a contoured skate boot having contour seams formed therein for introducing preferential biases in the boot material. By strategically creating notches in the boot upper material and subsequently rejoining the edges of each notch, the boot upper may be biased to conform to the complex contours of a skater's foot and ankle. Moreover, by introducing boot contours such that the boot is able to closer approximate the natural contours of a skater's foot, fewer stiffeners and less padding is required to result in a comfortable fit while providing increased control of the boot. Additionally, by reducing the quantity of stiffeners and volume of padding, a lighter boot is provided, thus resulting in a more efficient energy transfer from the skater through the skate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas V. Wilder
  • Publication number: 20040083623
    Abstract: A shoe vamp having a pattern includes a pattern layer, and a thermoplastic layer. The pattern layer is permeable and expandable, and includes an outer side printed with a pattern. The thermoplastic layer includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer infiltrates into the outer side of the pattern layer to wholly and completely cover and encompass the outer side of the pattern layer. The inner layer covers the inner side of the pattern layer and combines with the outer layer. Thus, the surface of the shoe vamp is formed with a pattern which is changed and varied according to the pattern variations of the pattern layer, thereby enhancing the versatility of the shoe vamp, and thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the shoe vamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Chun-Ming Lu
  • Patent number: 6715218
    Abstract: Disclosed are unidirectional support devices and articles incorporating such devices. The devices are substantially flexible in one direction while substantially rigid in an opposing direction. The devices can be manufactured in essentially any shape or size and can be incorporated into a variety of articles of sports equipment, such as sport shoes, elbow braces, gloves, etc. The devices disclosed are typically made of polymeric materials, such as polyurethanes, silicones, polyethylenes, nylons, polyesters, and polyester elastomers, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: adidas International B.V.
    Inventor: Charles Paul Michael Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040045192
    Abstract: An air bladder device includes a casing having a transparent or semi-transparent wall, an air bag received in the casing, and one or more patterns disposed between the wall and the air bag. The air bag is inflatable to move the patterns toward and away from the wall. The patterns are preferably spatial patterns and are deformable, and may be deformed when the patterns are forced against the wall, such that the patterns may be seen through the wall as changing patterns. The casing may include a scale for indicating the inflation of the air bag by the deformed patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Li Chieh Lin
  • Patent number: 6701643
    Abstract: A footwear structure including an upper and a separate midsole having interlocking shank portions. The upper has an upward extending arc in the shank area which defines a shank interlock portion therein. The midsole has a corresponding arc which defines a shank interlock portion on a bottom surface thereof which mates with the arc in the upper for resisting motion of the midsole relative to the outsole in the case where the midsole is unsecured within the structure to allow for removal of the midsole. The structure may include an outsole having a shank interlock area that mates with the shank interlock of the midsole, with or without an upper disposed between the midsole and the outsole. The shank interlock areas may include a continuous arc or an abruptly changing arc, and the midsole may be removable or non-removable from the structure. A rigid shank insert may be provided between the midsole and outsole, and the midsole may include a variety of layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Kenton Geer Design Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenton D. Geer, Gary J. Troy
  • Publication number: 20040040638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making an outer tire layer on a pneumatic tire microcellular closed-cell sponge rubber, method of making the aforesaid product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Charles D Cole
  • Patent number: 6698108
    Abstract: Waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction including an exterior upper, a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional-layer upper, a lining upper, and a sole. Both the waterproof, water vapor permeable functional-layer upper and the lining upper are in the shape of a sock and introduced separately into the shoe. The functional-layer upper and lining upper are preferably joined to the exterior upper only at a top opening of the shoe construction through which a foot is inserted. The functional-layer upper can be composed of individual pieces that are joined together by seams that are sealed, or it can be seamless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Sympatex Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Liviu Pavelescu, Karsten Keidel, Manfred Haderlein, Harry Van De Ven, John J. Mulcahy
  • Publication number: 20040003515
    Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and a bladder which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane attached together via welding. The bladder includes a medial compartment and a lateral compartment attached to each other under the foot of the wearer. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air to the chambers. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: William Marvin, Paul M. Davis, Geoff Swales, Paul E. Litchfield
  • Patent number: 6665954
    Abstract: A boot includes a shell having a foot portion and an upper. The shell is composed of a waterproof first part and at least one non-waterproof air-pervious second part. The second part includes upper and lower margins, and two opposite side margins connected to the upper and lower margins. The second part is connected to the first part at least along the side margins and the lower margin. The first part is made of a waterproof stretchable material at least in the upper. A waterproof air-pervious lining is attached to the second part along the upper, lower and side margins. Waterproof seam sealing members are disposed along connection seams between the first and second parts and the lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Eddie Chen
  • Patent number: 6637129
    Abstract: An upper of a shoe is made by sewing together a plurality of sheet parts. The sheet parts have adjacent marginal ends sewn to each other, thus forming a stitch seam along the adjacent marginal ends. A seam spacer is disposed between and stitched to the adjacent marginal ends so as to provide a spacing between the adjacent marginal ends at the stitch seam. The seam spacer is made of a material which is pliable and which has water passages for draining water. The seam spacer may be a porous mat made of a filament material, or a sheet formed with through-holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Eddie Chen
  • Publication number: 20030172552
    Abstract: A back leaning shoe shape has a shoe mold of increased height and waistline that is formed on the basis of practical applications to prevent the phalanx from directly rubbing against the shoe surface. The shoe mold leans backward by an predetermined angle between 5 to 25 degrees and has a height of at least 5 inches. The back leaning shoe shape is used for special applications to prevent hurting muscles or bones of wearer when it is worn for a long period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Chin Wang Wu
  • Publication number: 20030145485
    Abstract: An upper of a shoe is made by sewing together a plurality of sheet parts. The sheet parts have adjacent marginal ends sewn to each other, thus forming a stitch seam along the adjacent marginal ends. A seam spacer is disposed between and stitched to the adjacent marginal ends so as to provide a spacing between the adjacent marginal ends at the stitch seam. The seam spacer is made of a material which is pliable and which has water passages for draining water. The seam spacer may be a porous mat made of a filament material, or a sheet formed with through-holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Eddie Chen
  • Patent number: 6594918
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper in a tented arrangement. The article of footwear includes a sole and an upper including a shroud. The article of footwear further includes a foot engaging system for joining a foot of a user to the sole, and a biasing system which includes a plurality of frame members that urges or influences the shroud away from the foot of the user. The article of footwear further includes a plurality of straps for holding the foot to the sole in which one of the straps engages the heel. The straps are located on an exterior surface of the shroud or alternatively they are located in the interior of the shroud. Air gaps are created between the shroud and the foot for ventilation. Several foot booties for holding a foot have vent openings for providing air to ventilate the foot of a wearer. Further, the foot booties are combined with straps, in which the straps are disposed between the shroud and the foot booties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Michael A. Aveni, Michael R. Friton
  • Publication number: 20030121181
    Abstract: A shoe upper has at least one part thereof made of a waterproof laminate which includes an inner foamed layer made of a pliable semi-flexible foam material, an intermediate layer of woven fabric material bonded to the inner foamed layer, an outer film layer made of a material which is waterproof and which has high wear-resistance, and a layer of adhesive applied to the intermediate layer to bond the intermediate layer to the inner foamed layer and the outer film layer. The adhesive is flexible and penetrates through the intermediate layer to render the latter water-impervious. The laminate is light-weight and possesses excellent wear-resistance and tear strength. The margins of the laminate are provided with stitch seams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Phil Chang
  • Publication number: 20030089000
    Abstract: A shoe is constructed to include a tubular shoe upper of crossed woven fabric formed of woven ribbons by cross weaving and adapted for covering the foot of the leg, the tubular shoe upper having a foot hole for the insertion of the foot and a binding extended around the foot hole, an insole fixedly fastened to the tubular shoe upper by stitches, and an outsole directly molded on the insole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Tony Tseng
  • Patent number: 6558784
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer, composite footwear upper having a three-dimensional geometry includes the steps of forming a substantially planar composite sheet from two or more layers, heating the composite sheet, and compression molding the composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry of the footwear upper. The composite sheet is formed by laminating a first layer of thermoplastic foam to a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), preferably in the form of a TPU film. A third layer of mesh fabric can be interposed between the first and second layers. The composite sheet is compressed after heating in a mold cavity to achieve the desired three-dimensional geometry. The composite sheet can be compression molded into separate sections which are assembled after molding to form the footwear upper. Alternatively, the composite sheet can be compression molded into a seamless, unitary footwear upper that requires minimal, if any, assembly for completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: ADC Composites, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Norton, Zenon O. Smotrycz
  • Patent number: 6557274
    Abstract: A supportive, lightweight athletic shoe construction is described which includes an inflatable upper and a sole. The upper includes a foot conforming support member, an inflatable exoskeleton and an overlay which inhibits outward bulging of the exoskeleton. The sole includes a rigid carrier element, a forefoot unit and a heel unit. The forefoot unit includes a plurality of components which are arranged to work with the biomechanics of the foot. The athletic shoe is structurally minimalistic and functionally efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Paul E. Litchfield, Theresa S. Scalzi, Laura K. Mount, Matthew Montross, Merrick W. Jones, Craig Feller, William Marvin, Robert Monahan, Peter M. Foley, Steven F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030074808
    Abstract: An article of footwear that includes a photoreactive composition capable of reversibly changing color when contacted with ultraviolet light is provided. The photoreactive composition is incorporated into a panel member that is secured to the article of footwear. For example, in one embodiment, a photoreactive composition, which is initially optically transparent, is contacted with ultraviolet light so that it changes to one or more visible colors (e.g., violet, blue, red, orange, yellow, etc.) during exposure, and then returns substantially to its original color in the absence of ultraviolet light. Likewise, in another embodiment, a photoreactive composition, which initially has one or more visible colors, is contacted with ultraviolet light so that it changes to one or more different visible colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Elan-Polo, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Weaver, Tom Ledwon, Hanson Wu
  • Publication number: 20030009906
    Abstract: A boot sole having an insole resistant to penetration of emitted particles and shock. An outsole is secured to the insole and an upper, the sole having a cavity provided therewithin with a shock attenuator capable of compression or collapse under high stress within the cavity. The portion of the shock attenuator remote from the insole is preferably V-shaped to deflect particles impinging thereon away from the boot wearer. The shock attenuator preferably is ringed with a high strength shell acting as a pressure plate at the time of shockwave from explosion for added protection. Rubber cleats can be disposed on the outsole to provide additional ground clearance for deflection of blast energy from under foot and to allow for additional wear of the sole. The overboot sole embodiment is fitted with adjustable straps to provide a good fit between the overboot and the boot on which it will be mounted and provides blast protection in identical fashion as the described boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Horace Auberry, Sven Oberg
  • Publication number: 20030000111
    Abstract: A boot having a sole and an upper, the upper having an outer envelope whose base is fixed to the sole, in the area of the periphery of the sole. The upper of the boot has an inner envelope fixed, only by its base, to the base of the outer envelope and/or to the sole, in the area of the periphery of the sole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Basso
  • Publication number: 20020178610
    Abstract: A composite fabric sheet for use on sports shoes are cut into pieces and sewn to a shoe or openings or holes defined on a shoe. The pieces sewn to an interior side of a shoe cover the openings or holes. The composite fabric sheet has a piece of superficial cloth and a piece of mesh inner cloth. The superficial cloth includes weaving bands and elastic bands that are crisscross interwoven. The weaving bands has proper thickness, width and wear resistance; the elastic bands has proper thickness, width and elasticity to make the interwoven composite fabric sheet extensible either in lateral or longitudinal direction and durable. The inner cloth is an elastic, air permeable mesh sheet which is adhered by adhesive to a back side of the superficial cloth either in the longitudinal or lateral direction in a random manner whereby the superficial cloth of composite fabric sheets sewn to a shoe is extensible along with the elastic inner cloth in wearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: TAIWAN PAIHO LIMITED
    Inventor: Sen-Mei Cheng
  • Patent number: 6460274
    Abstract: According to the invention, this footwear part (1) comprises a structural part (2) formed by a rigid sole (10), an enclosing edge (11) integral with the front part of this sole (10) and a sleeve part (12) integral with the rear part of this sole (10) and shaped so as to enclose the ankle and the lower leg of the user. This sleeve part (12) is separate from the edge (11) and has walls offset toward the inside of the sole (10) relative to the wall of the edge (11), in such a manner that there are, on either side of this structural part (2), two slots (20), oriented substantially in a longitudinal direction, in which an upper (3) made from flexible or semi-flexible material may be engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Holy International
    Inventor: Christophe Mateu
  • Publication number: 20020129517
    Abstract: An improved safety shoe for protecting a person's foot from harmful injury comprising a high impact resistant outer shell, an inner dense foam insert, a solid toe cap, a heel cup, an inner sole, an outer sole and a moisture dissipating material surrounding the dense foam insert. The outer shell comprises a series of flexible interlocking sliding bands arranged surrounding the foot and folding under the foot between the outer sole and the inner sole. Entrance to the boot is by means of a rear opening having a flush mounted buckle for closing the boot around the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Frank P. Diaz
  • Publication number: 20020124436
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper in a tented arrangement. The article of footwear includes a sole and an upper including a shroud. The article of footwear further includes a foot engaging system for joining a foot of a user to the sole, and a biasing system which includes one or more frame members that urges or influences the shroud away from the foot of the user. The one or more frame members may be coupled to the foot holding system on a medial and a lateral side. The article of footwear further includes a plurality of straps for holding the foot to the sole in which one of the straps engages the heel. The straps are located on an exterior surface of the shroud or alternatively they are located in the interior of the shroud. Air gaps are created between the shroud and the foot for ventilation. Several foot booties for holding a foot have aeration regions for providing air to ventilate the foot of a wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Michael A. Aveni, Michael R. Friton, Robert W. Dolan, S.H. Park
  • Publication number: 20020088145
    Abstract: A shoe has a bottom including an expansion mechanism for expanding the bottom laterally underlying the metatarsals. An upper is carried by the bottom. A chassis is carried by the bottom for underlying the foot. In one embodiment, the expansion mechanism of the bottom includes a base portion and an expansion portion, the base portion having a plurality of slots extending generally longitudinally in the mid-foot region defining the expansion portion, the expansion portion formed of a material allowing lateral expansion of the bottom. In one embodiment, the upper has an expanding and contracting mechanism for expanding and contracting the upper therein stabilizing holding the foot as the foot moves. In one embodiment, the expanding and contracting mechanism is an elastic omega seam interposed between two pieces of leather at a seam wherein the omega opens and closes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: The Timberland Company
    Inventors: Douglas E. Clark, Stephen D. Opie, Bert Appleton Spiller, David E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020078599
    Abstract: A shoe and a method of coating a shoe. The method includes assembling the upper on the sole; applying at least one layer of flexible or semi-rigid polymer in liquid state in predetermined areas of the upper; and allowing the polymer to dry. The polymer is applied with a brush or by spraying. Preferably, the polymer is applied so as to straddle the upper and the sole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventors: Gerald Delgorgue, Catherine Fellouhe
  • Publication number: 20020069558
    Abstract: A shoe that greatly reduces and/or eliminates toe pressure, restriction and movement problems caused by the conventional shoe. The shoe would have either a completely open toe box, partially opened toe box, or a completely covered toe box. The toe box can be made of a flexible material, such that when the toes apply pressure, the toe box actually moves away thereby reducing pressure and reducing or eliminating associated pain on the toes and lastly, a flexible or non-flexible raised toe box section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: WILLIAM T. WILKINSON
  • Patent number: 6401364
    Abstract: A ventilated shoe having an external layer, a reinforcing layer, and an internal layer, with both the external layer and the internal layer being made from a ventilated mesh material. The reinforcing layer provides a structure for reinforcing the shoe, and is generally positioned between a portion of the external layer and the internal layer. The reinforcing layer is sized and configured to permit the transmission of the fitting stress given by the shoes laces on the eyelets, to the sole portion of the shoe, thereby providing the upper portion of the shoe with durability and stability. The reinforcing layer is configured to provide the maximum amount of structural stability and durability to the shoe, while generally being utilized over a minimum area of the shoe in order to provide the shoe with the maximum porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Igor Burt
  • Publication number: 20020066212
    Abstract: A waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe having a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer, an upper, and a lining. The functional layer may be made from a dispersion of a waterproof, water vapor polymer. The functional layer may only be attached to the lining at the top opening of the shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Sympatex Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Liviu Pavelescu, Karsten Keidel, Manfred Haderlein, Harry Van De Ven, John J. Mulcahy
  • Publication number: 20020066211
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper in a tented arrangement. The article of footwear includes a sole and an upper including a shroud. The article of footwear further includes a foot engaging system for joining a foot of a user to the sole, and a biasing system which includes a plurality of frame members that urges or influences the shroud away from the foot of the user. The article of footwear further includes a plurality of straps for holding the foot to the sole in which one of the straps engages the heel. The straps are located on an exterior surface of the shroud or alternatively they are located in the interior of the shroud. Air gaps are created between the shroud and the foot for ventilation. Several foot booties for holding a foot have vent openings for providing air to ventilate the foot of a wearer. Further, the foot booties are combined with straps, in which the straps are disposed between the shroud and the foot booties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Michael A. Aveni, Michael R. Friton
  • Publication number: 20020066210
    Abstract: Waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction including an exterior upper, a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional-layer upper, a lining upper, and a sole, characterized in that both the waterproof, water vapor permeable functional-layer upper and the lining upper are in the shape of a sock and introduced separately into the shoe. The functional-layer upper and lining upper are preferably joined to the exterior upper only at a top opening of the shoe construction through which a foot is inserted. The functional-layer upper can be composed of individual pieces that are joined together via seams that are sealed, or it can be seamless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Sympatex Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Liviu Pavelescu, Karsten Keidel, Manfred Haderlein, Harry Van De Ven, John J. Mulcahy
  • Publication number: 20020053148
    Abstract: Footwear is described that has an insole with an insole bottom; an upper which is constructed with an outer material and which has an end region on the sole side; and a waterproof upper functional layer, which lines at least partially the outer material on its inside and also has an end region on the sole side. The upper has a lasting margin area, in which the end region of the upper is adhered to the insole bottom by means of a lasting adhesive. An outsole is adhered to the lasting area bottom by means of an outsole adhesive. The lasting adhesive is a waterproof reactive hot melt adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: FRANZ HAIMERL
  • Patent number: 6371494
    Abstract: A sports boot, particularly for gliding sports, of the type including a rigid sole, an external upper, and a removal liner, the external upper including a first portion made of a rigid and substantially non-flexible material including at least one heel stiffener; a second portion, attached to the first portion and/or to the sole, made of a substantially rigid and flexible material; a third portion attached to the second portion and made of a flexible material. The second portion includes a collar adapted to at least partially surround the user's ankle, and a vamp. The third portion includes a saddle attached to the vamp, and on which a device for tightening the forefoot is arranged. The third portion can also include two flaps attached to the collar, and on which a tightening device is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Laurent Bonaventure, Laurent Marechal, Gabriel Portaud
  • Patent number: 6367166
    Abstract: A footwear that includes a foot covering and a lining, wherein the lining includes a multilayered fabric having two parallel textile surfaces connected together via a layer of threads, extending substantially perpendicularly to the plane constituted by each of the two surfaces, and defining a compressible space between the two parallel surfaces. The compressible space extends from a base to an upper end of the foot covering and the lining is connected to the foot covering upper via a turned-over top peripheral stitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Barthelemy, Jacques Tholin