Linings Patents (Class 36/55)
  • Patent number: 12220021
    Abstract: A thermal-insulating inner-boot for mountain boots comprising: an upper with a thermal-insulating structure, which is shaped so as to cover the user's foot and lower part of the leg; and a plate-like insole with a thermal-insulating structure, which is arranged to close the lower opening of the upper so as to cover the sole of the user's foot; the upper being shaped substantially like an overturned funnel, and including a single-piece knitted fabric structure which has, inside itself, at least one cavity-wall and also at least one sheet/piece of soft and flexible thermal-insulating material that is stably trapped within said cavity-wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: CALZATURIFICIO S.C.A.R.P.A. S.P.A.
    Inventors: Davide Parisotto, Marco Bettin
  • Patent number: 12213561
    Abstract: A hard-shell boot comprises a boot-liner and an outer-shell having an accommodation-space for accommodating and positioning the boot-liner, the boot-liner has a sole which comprises a first-elastic-sheet and a rear-bottom-sheet on the same level, the rear-bottom-sheet is jointed to a rear side of the first-elastic-sheet; an outer periphery of the sole is extended upward to form an upright-portion which comprises a second-elastic-sheet and a rear-upright-sheet, two ends of a rear side of the second-elastic-sheet are jointed to two ends of a front side of the rear-upright-sheet respectively, an outer periphery of a top portion of the upright-portion is extended upward to form a sleeve-portion, a front end of the sleeve-portion has a third-elastic-sheet; thus, it is capable of being adjusted according to the width and size of the user's foot simultaneously, so as to facilitate the use of users with different foot lengths and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: SOLEX (XIAMEN) INTERNATIONAL TRADE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tze-Hsuan Yang
  • Patent number: 12075878
    Abstract: An article of footwear comprising: an upper having an outer surface, a foot insertion volume and a sole facing surface; and a sole assembly comprising: a midsole having a foot facing surface, a ground facing surface, a heel region, forefoot region and an arch region between the heel region and the forefoot region in a longitudinal direction, a medial reinforcement member positioned at a medial side of the midsole and/or a lateral reinforcement member positioned at a lateral side of the midsole, where the medial and/or the lateral reinforcement member is/are configured to increase the rigidity of the midsole in a longitudinal direction in the arch region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: ECCO Sko A/S
    Inventors: Ejnar Truelsen, Frank Jensen
  • Patent number: 12070097
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a plurality of support elements, and each of the support elements include a shell and a core. The shell defines an interior void and is formed from a polymer material that extends around substantially all of the void. The core has a shape of the void and is located within the void, with at least a portion of the core being a polymer foam material. The polymer foam material of at least two of the support elements may have different densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaas P. Hazenberg, Eric S. Schindler
  • Patent number: 12070101
    Abstract: An article of footwear, comprising: an upper having an outer surface, a foot insertion volume and a sole facing surface, a sole assembly comprising: a midsole having a foot facing surface, a ground facing surface, a heel region, forefoot region and an arch region between the heel region and the forefoot region in a longitudinal direction, where the midsole in the arch region comprises a medial support element covering at least a part of the cuboid bone of the foot and/or a lateral support element covering at least a part of the navicular bone, a medial reinforcement member positioned medial to the medial support element and/or a lateral reinforcement member positioned lateral to the lateral support element, where the medial and/or the lateral reinforcement member is configured to increase the rigidity of the medial support element and/or the lateral support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: ECCO Sko A/S
    Inventors: Ejnar Truelsen, Frank Jensen
  • Patent number: 12053050
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a footwear upper defining at least a portion of an ankle opening and including a flexible covering, a sole structure secured to and underlying the footwear upper, and a device including a control bar and a base. The control bar includes a center segment rearward of the ankle opening, a first side arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the center segment at a medial side of the footwear upper, and a second side arm extending downwardly and forwardly from the center segment at a lateral side of the footwear upper. The base is connected to both of the first side arm and the second side arm such that the center segment, the first side arm, the second side arm, and the base define a void therebetween. The flexible covering extends across the void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, John T. Dimoff, Wade Flanagan, Austin Orand, George A. Xanthos
  • Patent number: 11999154
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for manufacturing a dynamically warm-keeping garment with a one-way moisture transferring function. The warm-keeping garment is made of a one-way moisture transferring fabric that includes a surface layer, a warm-keeping layer and a lining layer or includes the surface layer, a first warm-keeping layer, an intermediate interlayer, a second warm-keeping layer and the lining layer. The above technical solution addresses the following problems of traditional warm-keeping cotton clothes and down jackets: temperature loss caused by unsmooth sweat discharge; complex and difficult processing due to underarm zippers for ventilation; static damage and possible explosion of washing machines by air pressure due to air tightness during washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Onewaydry Technology Development (Guangdong) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ningxi Wu
  • Patent number: 11976393
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a knitted structure (100) for an actuation element. The knitted structure (100) comprises: an elastic fabric layer (102); an inelastic fabric layer (104), the elastic fabric layer (102) being knitted with the inelastic fabric layer (104) along their respective joint edges; and a channel (106) formed between the elastic fabric layer (102) and inelastic fabric layer (104), the channel (106) configured for receiving the actuation element, wherein upon actuation of the actuation element, the elastic fabric layer (102) is stretched by the actuation element while the inelastic fabric layer (104) is undeformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: MAS Innovation (Private) Limited
    Inventors: Angelo Karunaratne, Hetti Arachchige Malaka Chathuranga Perera, Dodangodage Indika Sanjeewa Wickramaratne, Weeramundha Sayakkara Udara Pulajith, Janmi Perera, Mihan Zain
  • Patent number: 11963576
    Abstract: A sole structure for a shoe includes an upper wall portion disposed on the upper side, a lower wall portion disposed below and away from the upper wall portion, and a sidewall portion that is disposed between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion and that is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. The upper and lower wall portions and the sidewall portion are formed of resin-made wall-shaped members. A three-dimensional elastic fiber structure formed of resin fibers is provided in the interior region between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion. The interior region includes a hollow portion that is in contact with the three-dimensional elastic fiber structure via a partition wall formed of a resin-made wall-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: MIZUNO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenjiro Kita, Takao Oda, Natsuki Sato, Yo Kajiwara, Shingo Sudo
  • Patent number: 11925234
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper with an outer layer, an elastic layer, and a lacing system. The outer layer extends through a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear and covers, at least partially, a medial side and a lateral side of the article of footwear. The elastic layer extends through the midfoot region and the heel region of the article of footwear and covers, at least partially, an instep region of the article of footwear. The lacing system extends, at least partially, across the instep region, and the outer layer includes a first elasticity and the elastic layer includes a second elasticity at least three times greater than the first elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: PUMA SE
    Inventors: Jacob Garcia, Joshua Muller, Jerry C Ni
  • Patent number: 11849804
    Abstract: A shoe may include various features to improve performance, increase manufacturing efficiency, and provide environmental benefits over traditional shoes. In some cases, a shoe includes an upper portion constructed from a continuous textile that includes multiple regions having different textile properties to improve the performance of the shoe, including durability and comfort. The upper portion may define a cuff region and a flex region adapted to expand to allow a wearer to put on the shoe and to contract to retain the shoe on the wearer's foot. The shoe may further include a heel retainer adapted to conform to a shape of the wearer's foot and retain the shoe on the wearer's foot. Eyelets of the shoe may be positioned along an external surface of the upper portion to improve comfort and simplify manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: ALLBIRDS, INC.
    Inventors: Lisa Halbower-Fenton, Jamie Sinclair McLellan, Thomas Jad Finck, Olivier Henrichot, James Romero, Romesh Patel
  • Patent number: 11730235
    Abstract: A combination, comprising: a shoe having an upper and a sole, wherein the shoe is configured to cover an instep of a foot of a wearer; and a heel integration system including an insert having a front end and a back end, the insert configured to be disposed in the shoe, and configured to receive an ankle-foot orthoses brace while the shoe is worn, the insert having a heel portion and an ankle portion, the ankle portion having a curved wall with at least one bulge formed therein, wherein the bulge is created from an indentation formed on an interior surface of the ankle portion which forms a protrusion on an exterior surface of the ankle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Timesha Brown
  • Patent number: 11607005
    Abstract: A moisture-permeable waterproof shoe includes an upper unit, an inner sleeve unit, and an outsole unit. The upper unit defines an inner space having a top open end and a bottom closed end. The inner sleeve unit is fixedly disposed in the inner space, and includes a moisture-permeable waterproof shoe-like inner sleeve and a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sheet. The moisture-permeable waterproof shoe-like inner sleeve has an inner sleeve bottom surface and defines a wearing space having a top open end and a bottom closed end. The TPU sheet has a top surface fixedly connected to the inner sleeve bottom surface by a high-frequency welding method. The outsole unit is fixedly connected to an underside of the upper unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: VESSI FOOTWEAR LTD.
    Inventor: Fang-Chun Wang Chang
  • Patent number: 11571042
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having a quarter having a lower edge having a first slit defined therein and a vamp having an upper edge having a second slit defined therein. The quarter and the vamp are joined along a seam extending along the lower edge of the quarter and the upper edge of the vamp with the first slit and the second slit cooperating with one another. At least a portion of the lower edge of the quarter is adhesively sealed to an inner surface of the vamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: TBL Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Pete Lankford, Keith Bodner
  • Patent number: 11284668
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe comprising the steps of providing an upper and a lining comprising at least one functional layer of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, providing an insole comprising a functional support sheet of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, coupling the peripheral edge of the functional layer of the lining to the peripheral edge of the functional sheet of the insole by way of a sealing waterproof adhesive so as to shape a sock of vapor-permeable and waterproof material, couple the upper to the outer surface of the lining by way of a vapor-permeable adhesive; and couple a sole to the upper and/or to the lining and/or to the insole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: CALZATURIFICIO S.C.A.R.P.A. S.P.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Pierobon
  • Patent number: 11083242
    Abstract: An article of footwear (10) that includes a liner (30), an upper (14), and an insert (50). The liner has an inward surface (31) that encloses an inner void (18) for accommodating a foot, and an outward surface (32) that defines a rear shaft portion (38), a heel portion (36), and a sole portion (35). The upper has a midsole portion (42), and surrounds the rear shaft portion, the sole portion, and the heel portion of the liner. The insert is formed as a single body of material with increased hardness and stiffness relative to the upper. This insert is arranged between the liner and the upper, and includes a protruding portion (54), a heel counter (56), and a shank (58). The protruding portion extends upwards from the heel counter and along the rear shaft portion, and provides a guiding trajectory for a heel during insertion into the inner void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Dunlop Protective Footwear B.V.
    Inventor: Elroy Bongers
  • Patent number: 10945491
    Abstract: Footwear or other foot-receiving devices include various conforming fit, stability, and/or “locked down” feel features. The uppers (or foot-covering components) for such articles of footwear (or other foot-receiving devices) may include one or more of: (a) an upper shell defining an interior chamber, wherein the upper shell includes a plantar support surface and sidewalls extending from an outer perimeter of the plantar support surface; (b) a bootie component (e.g., formed as a sock or sock-like garment) received in the interior chamber; (c) one or more foot wrapping bands; and/or (d) an interior midsole within the bootie component. The bootie component and/or the foot wrapping band(s) may be secured to the upper shell at a location inside an outer perimeter of the plantar support surface of the upper shell and beyond the bight line between the sidewalls of the upper and the plantar support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Cooper
  • Patent number: 10874170
    Abstract: A disposable waterproof bootsock is worn over foot and sock to protect from exposure to liquids, dirt and other contaminants in an environment that can penetrate footwear or reach above the ankle. The bootsock is secured about the wearer's calf and ankle using fasteners that accommodate a range of calf and ankle sizes and allow adjustment to the wearer's desired fit while maintaining the bootsock in position upright. One or more sealed compartments are provided to hold essential supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Lopez
  • Patent number: 10264844
    Abstract: A sports shoe, including a sole and an upper that rises up from said sole, wherein the upper includes an inner part or core, in which the sports shoe and/or the inner part or core has an inner housing volume (RZ) for a foot of a user defined, during use, by an inner surface of the upper and by an inner surface of the sole and/or by the inner volume of the inner part or core, positioned inside the upper, including an upper-shaped portion and a ground resting portion, the latter adapted to come into contact with the ground or with the inner surface of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: SELLE ROYAL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Barbara Bigolin
  • Patent number: 9408436
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an insert configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The insert may consist essentially of a casing configured to at least partially enclose a foot of a wearer and including a casing material and a high heat capacity material. The article of footwear may also include an outer assembly configured to receive the foot of the wearer when the foot is received within the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mankowski, Jeffrey C. Spanks
  • Patent number: 9210966
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a decoupled foot stabilizer system. The foot stabilizer system is decoupled from a midfoot region of the article of footwear. The foot stabilizer system includes a plurality of strap members. The foot stabilizer system may optionally include a bootie. The plurality of strap members extend underneath a portion of a foot of a wearer. The plurality of strap members are configured to receive a lace at one end. A lace running through the ends of the strap members pulls on the strap members when the lace is tightened and causes the foot stabilizer system to conform to the wearer's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Bell, Bryan N. Farris, Olivier Henrichot
  • Patent number: 8991070
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a shoe including an outsole, an upper, and a lining member integrated into the shoe. The sling includes a receptacle portion and a fastener assembly portion. The receptacle portion, which generally lines the interior of the shoe, is secured along the collar of the upper such that the sock is movably suspended within the foot cavity. The fastener assembly is includes a central web and fasteners that wrap around the ankle of a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Strada Shoe Limitada
    Inventor: Carlos Henrique Kray
  • Patent number: 8950087
    Abstract: An article of footwear with an insert system is disclosed. The insert system can include an insert that may be introduced to a side portion of the upper. The insert is configured to adjust properties of a side portion of an upper. The insert system can include a lateral insert configured to be inserted into an upper and associated with an inner surface of the lateral side portion. The system can also include a medial insert configured to be inserted into the upper and associated with an inner surface of the medial side portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Baucom, Clifford B. Gerber, James A. Grove
  • Patent number: 8950089
    Abstract: The present application relates to an insulation pack in a wearable article, such as a footwear article. In one example embodiment, the insulation pack includes a perforated air retention and communication layer, an insulating compressible layer, and a reflective layer. In a compressed state, when the wearable article is worn by a wearer, the perforated air retention and communication layer and the insulating compressible layer maintain a lofted air space which is in air communication with an inner body space of the wearable article and acts as an insulating layer. Further, the reflective layer reflects radiated body heat. Thus, the insulation pack may provide a heat retention and insulation system for the wearable article by reducing body heat lost via radiation and conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Keen, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Youngs, Blaine Conrad
  • Patent number: 8938890
    Abstract: An expandable shoe has a top portion, a pair of side portions, a back portion, a sole, a heel and a first elastic member. The first elastic member joins the top portion to the pair of side portions at a critical location which is at the junction of the top portion and the side portions. The first elastic member is in the shape of an inverted “U” extending along the front of the shoe. The expandable shoe may further have a second elastic member joining the back portion to the side portions at the critical locations at the junctions of the back and side portions and the junctions of the back and the rear of the sole. The second elastic member is in the shape of an upright “U”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Puthalath Koroth Raghuprasad
  • Patent number: 8800172
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and a polymer layer. The knitted component is formed of unitary knit construction and extends along a lateral side of the upper, along a medial side of the upper, over a forefoot region of the upper, and around a heel region of the upper. The polymer layer is bonded to the knitted component and may form a majority of an exterior surface of the upper. The polymer layer may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 8677539
    Abstract: Footwear, and a process for manufacturing the same, the footwear having at least one lower portion of an upper joined by one or more seams to an upper portion that is lined internally with at least one waterproofing membrane, whose lower edge is fixed to the inner surface of the lower portion of the upper by a layer of adhesive arranged at least under the seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: OutDry Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Matteo Morlacchi, Maurizio Ostani
  • Publication number: 20140059886
    Abstract: Footwear fabrication methods are disclosed, having reduced material consumption and/or waste requirements, compared to conventional methods, as well as the footwear articles made by such methods. The fabrication methods and articles are characterized by the selective use of a bonding agent, in the form of a powder or tackified (e.g., preheated) powder, to bond various material panels, such substrate, mesh, and/or skin panels in the formation of a composite panel (e.g., a bonded mesh composite panel), which may in turn be used to provide a footwear upper and ultimately an article of footwear. The bonding agent is particularly applicable to fabrication processes utilizing a combination of heat and pressure for bonding or fusing material panels, each having a suitable composition, size, shape, and thickness, into the particular configuration of the footwear upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE INC.
    Inventors: Amy LYTTLE, Todd W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140047737
    Abstract: The soft boot and liner include a 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: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: SOLID WATER HOLDINGS
    Inventor: BAYCHAR
  • Patent number: 8490298
    Abstract: An upper structure for a shoe includes an upper body and an outside upper member that overlaps the lateral side of the upper body to cover the foot's talus and that has a bottom edge portion fixedly attached to a bottom surface of the upper body. A rear end portion of the bottom edge portion is located rearwardly of the calcaneus load centerline. A rear edge portion of the outside upper member is separate from the upper body rearwardly of the talus. An instep edge portion of the outside upper member is connected to the shoelace. The upper structure includes a region that is expandable and contractible in a longitudinal direction. A top end of the region extends to the opening of the upper body, and a bottom end of the region is disposed in front of the calcaneus load centerline and below 55% of the foot's lateral ankle height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Mizuno Corporation
    Inventors: Natsuki Sato, Tetsuo Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130180131
    Abstract: The invention comprises articles of footwear that have a conforming upper to provide comfort and support to the wearer. The upper portion may comprise a cushioning layer of polyurethane foam or other materials having similar characteristics. In addition to the cushioning layer, the shoe upper is also composed of a fabric layer. In preferred embodiments, the stretch fabric is 4-way elastic fabric. 4-way stretch fabric may be comprised of e.g., nylon or other elastane or spandex material or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: AETREX WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Evan Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20130047471
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article of footwear including: a footwear upper formed of one or more pieces, each piece comprising one or more layers; and a footwear lower attached to the footwear upper to provide a sole supporting member to the article of footwear; wherein the one or more pieces used to form the footwear upper are molded into a three dimensional configuration. Also provided is a method for forming the same and an inner lining for an article of footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Changming LIANG
  • Patent number: 8359769
    Abstract: The present invention employs chimneys and chimneys structures to move or vent heat and moisture away from the foot and out of the microclimate of the shoe. The chimneys define pathways that utilize convection and other principles to cool and dry the foot. The chimneys and chimney structures can have many different configurations, and can be positioned anywhere desired in the upper. For example, chimneys can be positioned on the sidewalls of the upper, in the tongue, or both. Chimneys and chimney structures can also be used with form-fitting foot coverings such as socks or leggings, or used with other apparel. Specialized footbeds can also be employed with footwear chimneys to evacuate hot, moist air away from the underside of the foot and towards the chimneys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Timberland Company
    Inventors: David Vattes, Christopher J. Pawlus
  • Patent number: 8261470
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular footwear to provide a variety of footwear comprising: an outer enclosure, where the outer enclosure includes a base portion, a front portion, side portions and a rear portion, where the front portion includes an expansion joint and side portions include a first expansion joint and a second expansion joint; an inner enclosure, where the inner enclosure removably inserts within the outer enclosure through a first cavity; and a fastening mechanism, where said fastening mechanism secures the footwear to a foot of a user. In one exemplary embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes a plurality of eyelets along an edge of the side portions and laces, where said laces pass through the eyelets. The rear portion may include a peripheral portion, where said peripheral portion includes a first attachment mechanism for enabling a detachable engagement of the outer enclosure with the inner enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Wines, Betty Wines, Emiel Homberlin, Minnie Homberlin
  • Patent number: 8245416
    Abstract: A waterproof and water vapor-permeable shoe, including a bottom shoe part with a sole perforated through from the tread toward a foot resting region, a top part surrounding the foot and including a vapor-permeable or perforated lining, a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane surrounding the foot, and a vapor-permeable or perforated upper. The outer bottom portion of the top shoe part, which is superimposed on the perforated area of the sole, is constituted by a portion of the membrane. A vapor-permeable or perforated protective element for the portion of the membrane is provided below the portion of the membrane and above the tread of the sole. A water sealing region provided between the portion of the membrane and the sole, around the perforated area of the sole, separates flaps of the upper from the perforated area of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: GEOX S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Polegato Moretti
  • Publication number: 20120174444
    Abstract: Footwear including an upper sized and shaped for covering a human foot of a predetermined size. The upper has a lower edge defining a lower boundary of the upper and an upper edge defining an opening through which the foot is inserted when positioning the footwear on the foot. A waterproof vapor-permeable sheet having an outer edge defining a shape corresponding to the foot is stitched to the lower edge of the upper. An interior surface of the upper and an upper surface of the sheet define an interior of the footwear into which the foot is inserted, with the upper surface of the sheet forming a bottom surface of the interior of the footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: NINE WEST DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henry A. Besanceney, III, Alberto Del Biondi, John F. Ludemann
  • Patent number: 8215032
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to sole structure and the upper is formed from three layers: a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is formed from a polymer material and molded to the first layer, but the second layer may alternately be molded to the third layer. The third layer is joined with at least one of the first layer and the second layer such that the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Susanne A. Wolf-Hochdoerffler
  • Publication number: 20120124711
    Abstract: A covering for providing watertight protection to an appendage comprises a hollow enclosure, an adhesive band, a first liner, and a second liner. The hollow enclosure is dimensioned to slide over the appendage and defines an open end surrounded by a region of the hollow enclosure that is folded back on itself to form a cuff. The adhesive band runs along substantially the entire cuff. Lastly, the first liner covers a first portion of the adhesive band, and the second liner covers a second portion of the adhesive band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Theresa M. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 8161665
    Abstract: An impact absorbing material for a footwear article includes a first sheet having a plurality of projections for dispersing the force of an impact and a second sheet, having a lower durometer than the first sheet, that is bonded to the first sheet for absorbing the force from the projections. The projections are arranged on the first sheet such that nonlinear gaps are formed between adjacent pairs of projections. The impact absorbing material may be positioned between an upper and an inner liner of the footwear article and may be selectively positioned on the footwear article to protect an area on the wearer that is vulnerable to impact, such as the wearer's feet, ankles, heels or calves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Kiyotaka Nakano
  • Patent number: 8146266
    Abstract: The present invention employs chimneys and chimneys structures to move or vent heat and moisture away from the foot and out of the microclimate of the shoe. The chimneys define pathways that utilize convection and other principles to cool and dry the foot. The chimneys and chimney structures can have many different configurations, and can be positioned anywhere desired in the upper. For example, chimneys can be positioned on the sidewalls of the upper, in the tongue, or both. Chimneys and chimney structures can also be used with form-fitting foot coverings such as socks or leggings, or used with other apparel. Specialized footbeds can also be employed with footwear chimneys to evacuate hot, moist air away from the underside of the foot and towards the chimneys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Timberland Company
    Inventors: David Vattes, Christopher J. Pawlus
  • Publication number: 20120073163
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a boot comprising an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein an intermediate layer which can comfort the user better while wearing is arranged between the outer layer and inner layer. When a user is wearing the boot, such boot can make the user's foot more comfortable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Lam Kei Tse
  • Patent number: 8122614
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a shoe upper part and an outsole joined to the latter, and also with a heel shell, which at least partially encloses the heel of the wearer of the shoe. To allow the shoe to be adapted to individual needs in a simple and low-cost way, the invention provides that the heel shell is interchangeably arranged in the shoe upper part, wherein it has in a surface region at least one projection or a recess, which interacts with a recess or a projection in the shoe upper part to fix the heel shell in the shoe upper part with a form fit, wherein the heel shell is joined to an insert sole and wherein the heel shell and the insert sole are formed as one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Puma SE
    Inventor: Reinhold Sussmann
  • Patent number: 8074375
    Abstract: The invention relates to a boot (1) comprising a leg (2) in rubber combined with a textile lining (4), the lining (4) comprising a first textile layer (6) able to evacuate moisture (10) and a second textile layer (7) intended to be in contact with the foot (5) of a user, forming a layer to protect the foot against moisture. The first textile layer (6) is made by using a resilient fabric with a thickness greater than 3 mm, and the second textile layer (7) is bamboo viscose based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Le Chameau
    Inventor: Marc Longuet
  • Publication number: 20110296714
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Christian Holzer
  • Patent number: 8056264
    Abstract: An upper structure for a shoe improves a fit of the heel portion during heel contact with the ground to the push off motion of a foot. The upper structure includes an upper body 30, and an outside upper member 31 that overlaps the lateral side of the upper body 30 to cover the talus T of the foot, and that has a bottom edge portion 31a fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the upper body 30. The rear end portion A of the bottom edge portion 31a is located rearwardly of the load centerline C of the calcaneus. A rear edge portion 31c of the outside upper member 31 is provided separately from the upper body 30 rearwardly of the talus T of the foot. An instep edge portion 31b of the outside upper member 31 is connected to the shoelace 4. On the lateral side of the heel portion of the upper body 30, there is a region 10 that is expandable and contractible in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mizuno Corporation
    Inventors: Natsuki Sato, Tetsuo Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110271560
    Abstract: A safety shoe includes a sole unit, an upper body, a protective toe cap, and a welt unit. The upper body includes an upper open end portion, a lower open end portion connected to the sole unit, and a vamp portion disposed between the upper and lower open end portions. The protective toe cap is disposed in the vamp portion of the upper body. The welt unit is mounted on the sole unit, surrounds the vamp portion, and has a stack of welt layers having different colors. A lowermost one of the welt layers has a bottom surface contacting the sole unit. An uppermost one of the welt layers has a top surface opposite to the lowermost one of the welt layers. A vertical distance between the top surface and the bottom surface is not smaller than 6 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Denise Chen
  • Patent number: 8042288
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction. The first area is formed of a first stitch configuration, and the second area is formed of a second stitch configuration that is different from the first stitch configuration to impart varying textures to a surface of the textile element. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Edward Nathaniel Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110252668
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Wenbiao Chen
  • Publication number: 20110192060
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a footwear construction and method of constructing footwear that may include an outsole having a sidewall that defines a perimeter of the outsole. The footwear construction may also include an upper coupled to the sidewall around the perimeter of the outsole, wherein the sidewall overlaps the upper by less than the critical distance for at least 60% of the perimeter of the outsole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Roger John CRAIN
  • Publication number: 20110185594
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a shoe upper, the method for preparing the same and the use thereof. This invention provides a method for preparing shoe upper by spraying polyurethane reaction system, avoids the complicated steps of cutting, shaping, stitching and bonding, simplify the production process, reduces the equipment requirements, saves cost and improves the production efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Yuedong Zhang, Sam Torres, Gang Sun, Yongdong Pang, Roy Lin