Abstract: A shoe includes an upper made of a waterproof breathable laminate which is composed of at least one outer layer having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane laminated to the inner surface of the outer layer; and an inner sole which includes a bottom plate and an inner sidewall extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom plate. The inner sidewall is connected to a bottom end of the upper. The bottom end of the upper ends at a level not lower than the bottom plate.

Abstract: A formfitting protective footwear apparatus comprising, generally, a protective sheath that envelops all or a portion of the foot from the ankle forward. In all embodiments, the formfitting protective footwear apparatus of the present invention surrounds the forefoot about the instep and arch and extends forward to protect at least the ball of the foot.

Abstract: Techniques for fabricating footwear with an integrated and hybrid sole design where a non-rubber material is used to cross link with rubber. A vulcanizable polyurethane capable of being vulcanized to cross link with rubber may be used to construct the middle sole which is unified with a rubber upper portion and a rubber lower sole.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing shoes is provided. The method includes preparing an upper and an outsole, applying an adhesive agent to the outer surface of an upper seal portion and the inner surface of an outsole seal portion, stitching together the outer surface of the upper seal portion and inner surface of the outsole seal portion, activating the adhesive agent by applying heat to the stitched seal portions, and molding the upper and the outsole by using a molding machine. Therefore, since the amount of the upper can be reduced and a separate insole is not necessary, the total weight of the shoes can also be reduced. The flexibility of shoes can also be enhanced.

Abstract: Reinforcement element made of a composite material constituted of a layer of inextensible textile material and a layer of polymeric material assembled to the layer of textile material during a molding or vulcanizing step. The textile material is a woven or mesh material, and the textile material is a polyester, polyamide, polypropylene or glass fiber based material. The polymeric material can be a thermosetting material, such as rubber or silicone, or an injected thermoplastic, such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene. Advantageously, the polymeric material is at least partially transparent. The composite material can be incorporated in a boot or a binding using tightening straps. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such reinforcement element.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a disposable inner footwear adapted for receiving a foot. The inner footwear is made from a plastic material and having a front portion, a heel portion, and an upper foot covering portion. The upper foot covering portion is adapted to be wrapped over the foot.

Abstract: Shoe structure comprising a first subset apt to be a foot-containing structure and a second subset which can be coupled to the first subset and apt to isolate, at least partially, the foot sole from the ground. The first subset comprises a first insole, at least partially made of an elastically deformable material, and one or more edges, at least partially made of an elastically deformable material, which extend from said first insole and form a shoe upper which can at least partially wrap the foot upper portion; the second subset comprises a supporting framework, at least partially made of an elastically deformable material, having an upper face which can be coupled to said first subset and a lower face with one or more inserts which are intended to be in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A collapsible article of footwear that is waterproof is provided. The collapsible article of footwear may include in combination a collapsible backpack for use in carrying sports footwear and other sports gear that is associated with an outdoor activity, while wearing the collapsible footwear.

Abstract: A shoe or foot covering with slip-resistant properties is disclosed. The shoe cover includes a slip-resistant material that is applied to the bottom portion of the shoe cover. The slip-resistant material may be a substantially amorphous atactic olefin polymer.

Abstract: A collapsible article of footwear that is waterproof is provided. The collapsible article of footwear may include in combination a collapsible backpack for use in carrying sports footwear and other sports gear that is associated with an outdoor activity, while wearing the collapsible footwear.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe has an outer skin, a twill layer, a rubber layer, and a lining. The twill layer is disposed on the outer skin. The rubber layer is disposed on the twill layer. The lining is disposed on the rubber layer.

Abstract: A waterproof footwear includes a neoprene sock having a floor region and a side wall extending upward therefrom terminating in an upper edge. An outer rubber layer is bonded to and covers the entire outer surface of the neoprene sock side wall. A rubber floor portion covers the floor region of the neoprene sock and an outsole is attached to the rubber layer.

Abstract: A one-piece boat-like shell for footwear constructed from an injection-molded sole to which a last cemented upper is secured. The last cemented upper includes a vamp and heel counter each comprising a sheet of water impermeable vinyl secured about the periphery of a insole board and secured to the sole by a double bonding process.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a moldably attached upper and an outsole having a textile layer integrally embedded in an outsole layer at the ground-contacting surface. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the entire outer shell of the footwear article is simultaneously assembled during a single injection molding process. In a preferred embodiment, the outsole layer is molded from thermoplastic resin. The textile employed for the ground-contacting textile layer can be any natural or man-made textile. In one embodiment, the outsole extends around the side of the shoe, moldably attaching to the upper across a large width. Integral formation of the textile-covered outsole provides one of the significant advantages of the invention, prevention of tearing of the ground-contacting textile outsole layer and/or separation of the textile outsole layer from the outsole. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outsole layer has treads to which the textile outsole layer is moldably conformed.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and having a low upper that is at least partially elastic, with an instep portion provided with an elastic tightening system extending from the top of the instep to the area of the sole. The elastic tightening system has a central portion extending over the top of the instep and a series of branches extending radially from the central portion to the area of the sole. Additionally, the elastic tightening system has a branch extending toward the heel on at least a lateral and medial side of the footwear article, and a branch extending toward the toes on at least a lateral and medial side of the footwear article.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole for shoes, in particular to a midsole with support elements for athletic shoes, wherein the midsole and the support elements are made of a common polymer-based material, each exhibiting a different mechanical property. The midsole and the support elements can be made of ethylene vinyl acetate. A method of manufacturing the sole includes connecting the midsole and the support elements to each other by co-vulcanization without the addition of any other materials or procedural steps. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a shoe including a sole in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: Footwear including a molded shell for enveloping the wearer's foot and wherein an integral web platform is molded with the shell. The bottom of the shell and the web platform is cemented to the outsole and then the web portion is stitched to the outsole.

Abstract: A method is used for manufacturing a waterproof shoe having an enclosure to be secured or stitched to a shell, and a midsole and an outsole. The shell includes a widely opened bottom opening formed by the bottom peripheral portion of the shell for allowing the enclosure to be easily and quickly stitched to the shell. One or more flexible flaps are secured to the bottom peripheral portion of the shell. A shoe last and one or more insulating liners may also be easily engaged into the shell. The flaps may be solidly folded to engage with the shoe last or the midsole.

Abstract: Footwear including a molded shell for enveloping the wearer's foot and wherein an integral web portion is molded with the shell. The bottom of the shell and the web portion is cemented to the outsole and then the web portion is stitched to the outsole.

Abstract: An improved sole or insole for providing puncture resistance in boots and other types of shoes includes multiple layers of a tightly woven, puncture resistant fabric, formed from high tensile strength synthetic or polymeric fibers, such as Kevlar®, a polyaramid. The layers of puncture resistant fabric generally are not bonded together or adhered together by adhesives or the like. The layers of puncture resistant fabric may be secured together along the outer peripheries thereof, or they may be secured within a pocket formed from a covering material, such as foam, or in a pocket formed between an inner and outer sole of the boot or shoe.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper shell, a lining sleeve lining the upper shell, a sole, and a lower shell disposed between the sole and the upper shell. The lower shell consists of at least one waterproof strap which is made of a waterproof material and which has a bottom margin connected to the sole, and a top margin to connect with the upper shell and the lining sleeve. The top margin is bifurcated to form an upwardly extending water draining part and an upwardly extending sealing part. The sealing part extends inwardly of the water draining part and has a height approximately equal to or greater than that of the water draining part. The water draining part extends inwardly of and is sewn to the bottom open ends of said upper shell and said lining sleeve, thus forming a stitch joint. The sealing part is sealingly bonded to the stitch joint.

Abstract: A novel shoe cover for medical uses comprises a one piece unit of thin elastomeric material having a pair of side panels in substantially parallel relation to each other. Each of the side panels has a foot shaped portion, an ankle shaped portion and an outer perimetric edge. A bead shaped perimetric section joins the two side panels at their respective perimetric edges, except at an upper edge of the ankle portions. A traction enhancing embossed pattern is formed on a lower portion of the foot shaped portion of the side panels. A novel method for forming the shoe cover comprises providing a shoe cover form which has substantially parallel lateral sides and a peripheral edge thereabout, which comprises a foot forming portion and an ankle forming portion, which has recesses covering substantially all of the foot forming portion of the first and second sides, and which has a textured surface on a lower portion of the foot forming portion.

Abstract: A waterproof foot covering has a breathable upper enclosure of an upper, a waterproof inner lining sleeve to line the upper enclosure, and a waterproof lower enclosing shell of a lower. The bottom open end of the upper enclosure, the bottom open end of the inner lining sleeve and the upper open end of the lower enclosing shell are interconnected together by sewing, thereby forming a stitched seam. A waterproof seam-sealing member is disposed inwardly of the stitched seam. The seam-sealing member is attached to the inner surfaces of the inner lining sleeve and the lower enclosing shell, whereby water-permeation through the stitched seam from a location between the inner lining sleeve and the upper enclosure to the exterior of the upper enclosure is permitted while water-permeation through the stitched seam to the interior of the inner lining sleeve and the lower.

Abstract: An improved sole or insole for providing puncture resistance in boots and other types of shoes includes multiple layers of a tightly woven, puncture resistant fabric, formed from high tensile strength synthetic or polymeric fibers, such as Kevlar.RTM., a polyaramid. The layers of puncture resistant fabric generally are not bonded together or adhered together by adhesives or the like. The layers of puncture resistant fabric may be secured together along the outer peripheries thereof, or they may be secured within a pocket formed from a covering material, such as foam, or in a pocket formed between an inner and outer sole of the boot or shoe.

Abstract: A vapor-permeable shoe which includes an upper, a tread made of elastomer, shaped so as to form a plurality of domes whose convexity is directed toward the ground, each dome having at least one minute through slit which is normally closed due to the elasticity of the material and allows the outflow of a mixture of air and water vapor formed inside the shoe when the compression applied by the sole of the foot of a user generates an overpressure at the chambers formed internally by said domes, a vapor-permeable or perforated insole, and a waterproof and vapor-permeable protective membrane. The lower part of the upper, the tread and the membrane are perimetrically sealed in the regions where they join.

Abstract: A water sport boot (10) having an upper (12), a resiliently compressible sole pad (14), a stretchable heel cup (16), an adjustable strap (18), an achilles panel (20), toe box foxing (22), and an elastic leg band (92). Heel cup (16) and adjustable strap (18) cooperate to seal off the heel and ankle region of the upper in order to prevent water from entering the instep region (26) of upper (12). Sole pad (14) is made of a relatively thin, resiliently compressible material that easily and quickly conforms to the contour of the surface being stepped on in order to provide good tactile sensation. Sole pad (14) also has a corrugated rib pattern on its exterior underside to increase traction.

Abstract: Articles of clothing and the method of making the same which will allow water vapor due to perspiration to transpire through the article but will prevent liquid water from external sources from reaching the wearer's foot. The articles made by this method of the invention include socks and gloves which are of three-ply construction with the inside and outside plies being knit and the intermediate ply being made from an elastomeric polyurethane film. The three plies are uniquely bonded together using a pliant, waterproof adhesive to form a laminated article having specific elasticity characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates to folding shoes made with the use of shape-memory resins at least in their instep or, where a shaft is present, at least in their instep and shaft and transformable by folding into a given shape or restorable from the folded shape to the memorized shape by heating at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and below the melting temperature of said shape-memory resins and to a process for manufacturing said folding shoes. The folding shoes of this invention are of practical value as they can be restored to the memorized shape at the time of use, can be conveniently stored away or carried about in the fixed folded shape of reduced volume while not in use, and can be manufactured readily by the process of this invention.

Abstract: A method of making a boot having an upper, a lower and a sole is disclosed. The method includes the step of connecting the lower to the sole in a water-tight relationship only after the lower is connected to the upper.

Abstract: A rubber footwear product and method of making such products is provided. The rubber footwear product includes a molded rubber midsole having an integrally formed raised rubber welt portion around its periphery. By molding in a compression mold, injection mold, or the like, the midsole and welt may be formed in a variety of designs and will be accurately formed in the desired size and shape. The molded midsole is made of substantially cured rubber, and is secured to an uncured rubber upper by applying an uncured rubber coating onto the midsole and then vulcanizing to form a unitary rubber footwear subassembly. To this subassembly may separately be secured a variety of compositionally different outsoles made of various materials, and having various colors, designs, and specific utilities. The outsole may be attached to the subassembly by vulcanization, by conventional shoemaking cementing processes using adhesive compositions, or by injection molding directly onto the molded midsole.

Abstract: A liner for rubber boots that includes an inner sock. The inner sock has an over sized foot shape for loosely enclosing a wearer's foot. The sock has an upper portion with a pair of slots and a sole portion. At least two elongated strips of non-slip fabric wherein each strip has an adhesive on one side to allow the strips to be attached to the sole of the sock. Lastly, at least one elongated strap having a first end positionable through the slot of the inner sock and a second end that is capable of being coupled to the first end to form a support loop.

Abstract: A footwear product, such as a rubber boot, has protective plates disposed to prevent the penetration of sharp objects into a wearer's foot. A first rigid protective plate is embedded in the sole, and a second rigid protective plate is disposed to cover an inside side portion of the instep. In combination, the plates prevent penetration of a sharp object into the wearer's foot when the wearer steps on the object.

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

Abstract: An overshoe includes an upper section having an entryway into which a shoe is inserted, a heel (14), and a sole (12) spaced from the heel (14), with the heel (14) and sole (12) having a common longitudinal axis and common interior and exterior surfaces. The upper section, heel (14) and sole (12) are unitary structure formed from an elastic polymeric material to provide an overshoe which stretches lengthwise along the longitudinal axis of the heel (14) and sole (12) to fit a plurality of different size shoes. The heel (14) and sole (12) each have an accordian-like configuration with a plurality of spaced apart bars in a row separated from each other by channels on the exterior surfaces of said sole (12) and heel (14) , and a plurality of parallel ridges (22) in a row separated by recesses (26) on the interior surfaces of the sole (12) and heel (14) . Each ridge is directly opposite a bar (18).

Abstract: A footwear article and the method of making the same which will allow water vapor due to perspiration to transpire through the article but will prevent liquid water from external sources from reaching the wearer's foot. One form of the footwear article of the invention comprises a sock which is of three-ply construction with the inside and outside plies being knit and the intermediate ply being made from an elastomeric polyurethane film. The three plies are uniquely bonded together using a pliant, waterproof adhesive.

Abstract: New and improved boots for outdoor use by sports persons and the like comprising, in combination, an upper formed of an instep section, a back ankle section, a lower forward peripheral section and with an opening along the upper front with a tongue within the opening, a plurality of eyelets formed along the upper front opening with lacings extending through the eyelets above the tongue for enclosing the opening during use, a plurality of metallic rings extending in vertical lines adjacent the back ankle section from below the ankle to above the ankle with lacings extending through the rings for providing additional support to the rear a wearer's boot and lower leg; and a sole having an intermediate layer as an extension of the upper with a layer of flexible material thereabove and a sponge rubber sole therebelow in the forward portion and a rubber heel therebelow in the rear portion, the rubber heel being formed with a peripheral ridge and linear projections extending forwardly and rearwardly thereof along th

Abstract: A boot made of rubber or similar material, and including an outer cuff secured thereto around the ankle, the cuff rising up and being gathered together above the upper of the boot and being designed to be worn over a waterproof or oilskin trouser leg when the upper of the boot is slid inside said trouser leg, the outer cuff being made of a waterproof flexible material and including a drain outlet behind the ankle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber footwear product having superior heel support as compared with conventional rubber footwear products, and a method of manufacturing such a product. More particularly, the invention provides a rubber footwear product in which a heel counter is trapped or embedded within the vulcanizate to improve the support provided to the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A fireboot comprising a boot having a lower portion and an upper portion. An aluminized pigment compound is vulcanized to the upper portion wherein the aluminized pigment compound is comprised of a mixture of rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer, styrene-butadiene rubber, an aluminum pigment, and a liquid ethylene-propylene-terpolymer.

Abstract: A fireboot comprising a boot having a lower portion and an upper portion. An aluminized pigment compound is vulcanized to the upper portion wherein the aluminized pigment compound is comprised of a mixture of rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer, styrene-butadiene rubber, an aluminum pigment, and a liquid ethylene-propylene-terpolymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water proof snow boot and the method of manufacturing the same. A water-proof plastic intermediate member is disposed between the outer leather covering and the inner lining of the boot to prevent water or moisture from coming into the boot through tiny pores of the leather covering by permeation, thereby causing discomfort of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device includes a temperature sensor which is located on the foot of a wader leg. A temperature measurement display device is located on the wader torso. Selectable predetermined temperature alarm limits are included to provide visual, or audible and/or tactile alarms when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds the predetermined alarm limits.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wader for use in fishing and other activities having a body portion covering the lower body (including the legs, feet, hips, and waist of the wearer), and a chest portion normally folded inside the body portion but extendable upward about the chest, but not the shoulders of the wearer. The chest portion is preferably held about the chest by a drawstring, such as an elastic drawstring, and is advantageously biased into the lowered position inside the body portion by mans of a seam joining the two portions.

Abstract: An inner boot for a ski boot which has wall portions that define the body of the inner boot. The wall portions are made from an open cell foam material. A lower portion of the inner boot includes a sealing coating of polyurethane that seals the foot of a skier against moisture and humidity. A process for manufacturing the inner boot includes degreasing the inner boot, soaking the inner boot in a polyurethane solution, removing excess polyurethane and drying the inner boot.

Abstract: A firefighter's boot of this invention is of a configuration and has dimensions which provide a boot which is significantly lighter in weight than a conventional boot of a firefighter which is constructed of the same material. Thus, stress upon a firefighter is significantly less than when a conventional boot is worn by the firefighter. A firefighter's boot of this invention is adapted to be worn in conjunction with firefighter's trousers which cover the legs of the firefighter. A firefighter's boot of this invention is relatively short in height and has a dimension to provide protection which, under certain conditions, may not be provided by the trousers. The firefighter's boots and trousers are adapted to be stored as a unit. The firefighter's boot of this invention is of sufficient height to extend above firefighter's trousers which are compressed around the boots for storing the boots and trousers as a unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber footwear vulcanizate to which an outsole may be separately affixed. The vulcanizate may be suitably manufactured from an assembly of an uncured rubber upper insole, welt and a vulcanized midsole. The inner and outer surfaces of the midsole may be suitably roughened, and the surface thereof which interfaces the uncured assembly may be precoated with an uncured rubber. The assembled uncured rubber footwear components may be vulcanized into a footwear product of unitary construction. The outer midsole surface permits a wide variety of outer soles of different compositions to be separately secured thereto.

Abstract: Cold weather footwear includes at least three assemblies: an inner preformed sock comprised of inner and outer fabric layers and an intermediate open cell polyurethane foam layer enabling moisture transmission through the preformed sock; an insole assembly including a first layer formed of a moisture retaining or accumulating fabic, separable foam and intermediate sheet plastic non-moisture permeable plastic, and an underlying layer of closed cell thermally insulating foam for disposition between the inner sock and the sole of the boot; and a boot having a sole and a shell formed integrally with the boot, the shell being backcoated with a plastic material and coated with a water repellent. The footwear has adequate thermal insulation and moisture vapor transport characteristics, while affording good wind resistance and water repellency.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved retractable walking over-boot/ski gaiter combination which is particularly useful for ski lodgewear and for downhill skiing. In one embodied form the unique combination comprises a soft detachable elastic inner sock which is secured to a flexible retractable over-boot having a gaiter top portion. The juncture between a top portion of the inner sock and over-boot is contoured to wrap tightly around a wearer's leg in the region between the ankle and knee. Preferably, the inner sock is fabricated from an elastic woven or knitted material and the over-boot is fabricated from a relatively soft, water repellent material such as polyurethane. In a distended position, the over-boot provides flexible and comfortable foot-gear for the skier for indoor and outdoor walking prior to reaching the desired terrain for skiing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wader for use in fishing and other activities having a body portion covering the lower body (including the legs, feet, hips, and waist of the wearer), and a chest portion normally folded inside the body portion but extendable upward about the chest, but not the shoulders of the wearer. The chest portion is preferably held about the chest by a drawstring, such as an elastic drawstring, and is advantageously biased into the lowered position inside the body portion by mans of a seam joining the two portions.