Abstract: A shoe cover comprises a shoe cover upper comprised of non-woven fabric; a shoe cover opening formed in the shoe cover upper; a shoe cover sole integrated with the shoe cover upper; a first sealing part extending from the top edge to the bottom surface of the shoe cover sole towards the front end of the shoe cover upper; a second sealing part extending from the top edge to the bottom surface of the shoe cover sole towards a rear end of the shoe cover upper; an elastic ring provided within a first accommodating space of the shoe cover upper proximate the shoe cover opening; an elastic strip provided on the shoe cover sole and extending along a front-rear direction; and a plurality of anti-slip strips disposed on the outer bottom surface of the shoe cover sole and comprised of an isotactic polypropylene polymer and/or an isotactic polypropylene derivative.

Abstract: A reinforcement device reinforcing an upper includes: a rear first portion placed between a sole and a top line in a rear end portion of the upper; a rear second portion placed in a boundary portion between the upper and the sole in the rear end portion of the upper; a lateral first portion being continuous with the rear first portion and extending toward the sole on the lateral side; a medial first portion being continuous with the rear first portion and extending toward the sole on the medial side, the medial first portion being less flexurally deformable than the lateral first portion; and a medial second portion being continuous with the rear second portion and extending toward an anterior direction from the rear second portion along the medial side boundary portion so that the medial side boundary portion is less flexurally deformable than the lateral side boundary portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are composite materials suitable for use in wearable technology and other similar applications. The composite includes a fabric (12, 20, 30, 40) and a wire (11, 22, 32, 41, 1100, 1210) hidden within the fabric (12, 20, 30, 40) in such a way that the fabric (12, 20, 30, 40) protects the wire (11, 22, 32, 41, 1100, 1210) from mechanical stresses. In addition, the wire (11, 22, 32, 41, 1100, 1210) may comprise a yarn material that has a core of an elastic polymeric material surrounded by a wire. Processes to make these materials are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A shoe cover comprises a shoe cover upper and a shoe cover sole. A shoe cover opening is provided at the top of the shoe cover upper, and the shoe cover opening is provided with a first elastic ring. The shoe cover sole is connected with the bottom of the shoe cover upper. A second elastic ring is provided at where the shoe cover upper connects the shoe cover sole. The second elastic ring straps the shoe cover upper and the shoe cover sole onto either a foot or a shoe, prevents the shoe cover from falling off, and facilitates the shoe cover upper and the shoe cover sole in affixing onto the foot or shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a dynamic support system that controls arrays of tiles in the upper of the footwear to adjust the level of support provided in different regions of the upper. Sensors in the sole of the footwear, in the upper of the footwear and/or in an article worn by the wearer of the footwear measure the level of stress or other characteristics and provide input to one or more microprocessors that control motors located in the sole or in the upper of the footwear. When the motors are activated, they may compress or loosen arrays of tiles to adjust the stiffness of the upper in one or more regions of the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a heel system is disclosed. The heel system may include a medial heel member and a lateral heel member. The medial heel member and the lateral heel member may be disposed on a sole structure. The medial heel member may have a first rigidity and the lateral heel member may have a second rigidity that is different from the first rigidity. The difference in rigidity may provide different levels of support to a wearer's heel region. The medial heel member may extend from a medial edge of the sole structure to a rearward edge of the sole structure. The lateral heel member may extend from a lateral edge of the sole structure to the rearward edge of the sole structure.

Abstract: An improved construction for a device intended to raise the heel or heels of a user up off an associated shoe to diminish or eliminate pain and discomfort. The device is adjustable to accommodate a variety of applications and is transferable between those applications.

Abstract: A heel member includes a base portion, a medial portion and a lateral portion. The lateral portion is a wall-like portion including a plurality of windows. The medial portion comprises a plurality of projecting portions that extend upwardly from the base portion. The medial portion may be taller than the lateral portion. The medial portion may be more flexible than the lateral portion.

Abstract: A heel cup formed from a flexible material is located under the heel region of an upper portion of an article of footwear. Lateral and medial counters extend upward from the heel cup on the lateral and medial sides, with the medial counter having a height less than that of the lateral counter, and with a rear edge of the heel cup being lower than the lateral and medial counters. A rear strap extends upward around the lateral counter and around the Achilles tendon of the wearer, and is secured to a location on the upper that is forward of the wearer's ankle. During cutting movements in which the article is worn on the outside foot, tilting of the wearer foot and ankle toward the medial side pulls the strap and causes the lateral counter to conform to and support the wearer heel.

Abstract: A stiffness mechanism for a boot having a shell with a flexibility slot and a cuff pivotally secured to the shell includes a buckle assembly selectively engageable with a portion of the shell for selectively securing the cuff to the shell. A blocking assembly is selectively disposable within the flexibility slot for selectively increasing the stiffness of the shell. A lever assembly is pivotally disposed between the buckle assembly and the blocking assembly. When the lever assembly is moved into a first position, the cuff is secured to the shell and a portion of the blocking assembly is disposed within the flexibility slot to increase the stiffness of the shell. When the lever assembly is moved into a second position, the cuff is pivotal with respect to the shell and the blocking assembly is at least partially disengaged from the flexibility slot to increase the flexibility of the shell.

Abstract: An article of footwear for increased athleticism utilizing independently articulating toe platforms. The footwear includes a first toe platform and a second toe platform disposed in a toe portion of the footwear that are either physically separated from one another via a cut in the toe portion or a flexible segment extending through the toe portion. A toe post is configured to engage between a first toe of a user's foot and a second toe of the user's foot. The first toe is configured to contact the first toe platform and the second toe is configured to contact the second toe platform. Additional toe platforms and/or toe posts may be utilized. The footwear may include a topsole, a midsole and an outsole. A stiffening agent may be disposed between the midsole and the outsole for resisting bending of the footwear and/or for helping protect the user's foot from external objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe having a sole element. The sole element includes a sole area extending below a wearer's foot and a heel cup three-dimensionally encompassing a heel of the wearer's foot. The heel cup alone forms at least a portion of a sidewall of the shoe.

Abstract: A step-in apparatus and counter for a shoe are provided. The step-in apparatus allows a wearer to easily put on and take off a shoe without bending over, manipulating shoe laces, or using a shoe horn. The step-in apparatus and related counter allow the counter to deform and then return to its original shape without damaging the structural integrity of the counter or the shoe. This controlled deformation allows for ease of foot entry and exit without the need for laces, gores, or external devices such as shoe horns. The present invention is useful for those that lack the physical dexterity to bend over, tie shoe laces, or otherwise put on and take off shoes. In addition, the comfort and ease of use of the present invention makes for a new shoe that has universal appeal.

Abstract: A shoe structure specifically designed to more securely fit a wider range of feet widths and proportions by providing an integrated resilient heel device in the rearfoot region of the upper. The heel device extends upward and rearward toward the back of the foot to avoid the bulbous end of the calcaneus but also to engage the area just above the heel bone. The heel device has opposing portions that are biased toward one another and provide a secure but comfortable engagement of the shoe onto the wearer's heel. The heel device is smaller than the size of the shoe into which it is incorporated to enhance the biasing effect of the opposing portions.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole secured to the upper. A support plate assembly includes a support member extending along a portion of the upper. A plate extends inwardly from the support member, the plate being positioned between the outsole and the midsole. A groove is formed in an exterior surface of the support member, and is positioned outwardly of the plate and extends longitudinally along the exterior surface of the support member.

Abstract: A heel cup formed from a flexible material is located under the heel region of an upper portion of an article of footwear. Lateral and medial counters extend upward from the heel cup on the lateral and medial sides, with the medial counter having a height less than that of the lateral counter, and with a rear edge of the heel cup being lower than the lateral and medial counters. A rear strap extends upward around the lateral counter and around the Achilles tendon of the wearer, and is secured to a location on the upper that is forward of the wearer's ankle. During cutting movements in which the article is worn on the outside foot, tilting of the wearer foot and ankle toward the medial side pulls the strap and causes the lateral counter to conform to and support the wearer heel.

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

Abstract: A shoe comprising: an assembly of a shoe upper and sole unit for supporting a foot, the assembly defining a foot compartment that orients a foot in an objective (desired) tri-planar alignment to affect three areas of the foot anatomy simultaneously: (1) the sustentaculum tali; (2) the lateral calcaneus; and (3) the fifth metatarsal ray of the foot. In certain embodiments the shoe compartment is configured to correct an adverse internal rotation of the talus by: (1) vertical lift on the ST; (2) varus movement of the calcaneus; and (3) fifth ray pressure to adduct the forefoot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and composition for stiffening materials for use in the manufacturing of footwear using a combination of stiffeners and adhesives.

Abstract: A heel cup formed from a flexible material is located under the heel region of an upper portion of an article of footwear. Lateral and medial counters extend upward from the heel cup on the lateral and medial sides, with the medial counter having a height less than that of the lateral counter, and with a rear edge of the heel cup being lower than the lateral and medial counters. A rear strap extends upward around the lateral counter and around the Achilles tendon of the wearer, and is secured to a location on the upper that is forward of the wearer's ankle. During cutting movements in which the article is worn on the outside foot, tilting of the wearer foot and ankle toward the medial side pulls the strap and causes the lateral counter to conform to and support the wearer heel.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a performance characteristic tuning system is provided. The article of footwear may include a stiffening plate configured to add stiffness to the article of footwear. In addition, the article of footwear includes one or more tuning members connected to the stiffening plate and configured to adjust the stiffness of the article of footwear. The stiffening plate and tuning members may be connected to a midsole of the article of footwear or an outsole. In some arrangements, the article of footwear also includes an outsole member. The outsole member may be a plurality of outsole units arranged along various portions of the article of footwear and configured to provide traction and/or impact attenuation to the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a custom article of footwear, a method of making the same, and a method of conducting retail and Internet business. In particular, the components of the custom article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and they can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: A shoe for enhancing human physical performance by establishing an electrical conduit between the body and the ground includes a shoe outsole formed of a conductive rubber material. A resilient conductive element is integral with the outsole and extends along a heel of the shoe upper along its outer surface. The tape extends into the interior of the shoe and contacts a conductive sock liner. Thus the foot is in constant electrical connection with the outsole. A conductive sock may be employed to provide a more reliable electrical path to the sock liner and thereby to the ground.

Abstract: A supinator strap integrated with an athletic shoe, sock, or brace for preventing foot and ankle injuries. In the shoe, the supinator strap includes an arch support band that extends from the bottom of the shoe, just under the arch area, around the inner side of the shoe and over the top of the shoe, toward the outer side of the shoe. The supinator strap further includes a rear ankle support band that extends laterally from the arch support band and wraps from the inner side of the shoe, around the rear ankle/heel and toward the outer side of the shoe. In a preferred embodiment, both the foot and rear ankle support band and the arch support band are fully adjustable. The supinator strap provides additional support and stability to the foot and ankle when the shoe is worn, thereby helping to prevent injuries caused by excessive supination or pronation of the foot and ankle. A bridge support helps cushion the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly and an upper secured to the sole assembly. A heel counter is secured to the sole assembly. The heel counter includes an inner portion and an outer portion secured to the inner portion. A portion of the upper is captured between the inner and outer portions of the heel counter.

Abstract: A shoe includes an ergonomic insole unit, and an upper with a bottom margin connected directly to a periphery of the insole unit. The insole unit has a heel part which includes a planar bottom face, a rear upward flange extending upward from the heel part and a concave inner surface which extends gradually upward and outward from a mid part of the heel part to the upward flange. The thickness of the heel part decreases gradually from the upward flange to the mid part and thus substantially conforms to the contour of the bottom face of the wearer's heel. The ergonomic insole unit contacts and supports sufficiently all part of the wearer's heel for better distribution of the weight of the wearer.

Abstract: Buttress for shoes able to be inserted in the heel area of a shoe comprising a locking portion and a yielding portion, less rigid than said locking portion. The locking portion has an upper profile provided, at least in correspondence with an area of first coupling, with a plurality of appendages projecting substantially upwards. The yielding portion has a lower profile having at least an area of second coupling that is substantially counter-shaped and coupled to the area of first coupling. The locking portion further comprises a rear area and two lateral areas (7), the rear area (6) being laterally integral with each of the lateral areas.

Abstract: A shoe having a simplified construction includes an upper layer having a top edge and a bottom edge for enclosing a foot. An inner lining layer is joined to the top edge of the upper layer for providing comfort. A counter component is positioned between the upper layer and the inner lining layer for supporting a heel of the shoe. An outsole wall having a slanted inner surface for forming a cavity therein is joined to the bottom edge of the upper layer. An insole for supporting the foot is shaped to include a slanted outer surface for fitting within the cavity formed within the outsole wall. An outsole is joined to a bottom of the outsole wall and the insole for contacting the ground. In an alternative embodiment, the outsole wall includes a vertical inner surface for forming a rectangular-shaped cavity which accommodates a rectangular midsole filler layer.

Abstract: Buttress for shoes able to be inserted in the heel area of a shoe comprising a locking portion and a yielding portion, less rigid than said locking portion. The locking portion has an upper profile provided, at least in correspondence with an area of first coupling, with a plurality of appendages projecting substantially upwards. The yielding portion has a lower profile having at least an area of second coupling that is substantially counter-shaped and coupled to the area of first coupling. The locking portion further comprises a rear area and two lateral areas (7), the rear area (6) being laterally integral with each of the lateral areas.

Abstract: A shoe toe or heel end stiffener consisting of a net, at least some strands of which are of hot melt adhesive material having an activation temperature of between 50° C. and 80° C. Suitable adhesive materials include polycaprolactone and certain polyesters. The stiffeners are of improved stiffness per unit weight, in comparison with previously known stiffeners.

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.

Abstract: A process of making a fabric based stiffener material having thermal adhesive properties on its top and bottom surfaces which is based on (a) contacting a non-woven fabric with a latex forming resin and a finely divided powder adhesive polymer to form a latex saturated non-woven fabric; and (b) removing the excess latex from the non-woven fabric formed in step (a); and (c) drying the product of step (b).

Abstract: A shoe adapted to be used as a mule. The shoe has an upper that includes a quarter and a heel piece. These two parts of the shoe are connected by a band that extends to the sole, the band having a greater flexibility than the heel piece and the quarter. This constructive arrangement makes it possible to flatten the heel piece forwardly, and to thus permit entry of the foot into the shoe through the rear.

Abstract: A shoe that includes an expansible inner lining that snugly conforms to the wearer's foot and that permits the wearer's foot to grow at least one shoe size, and preferably approximately two shoe sizes. The shoe may optionally include a midsole disposed between the insole and outsole. The shoe may also optionally include an expandable counter that permits the heel portion of the shoe to adapt as the wearer's foot grows. The inventive shoe thus permits the wearer's foot to grow or expand widthwise and/or lengthwise thereby reducing the frequency with which shoes must be replaced and without sacrificing fit, support and comfort. The expansible lining may be constructed of any four-way expandable, porous material. A transparent toe portion and a fit indicator may be provided to assist in determining when the wearer's foot has grown too large for the shoe.

Abstract: A cycling shoe having the characteristics of stiffness, low weight, foot stability and walking comfort has as its primary element a unit body of monocoque construction in the form of a contoured sheet, for example of fiber and resin composite, that replaces the sole and part of the upper of a traditional shoe. The unit body includes a sole portion and a perimeter region. A downwardly-extending ridge structure defines a substantial portion of the perimeter region. An upwardly-extending sidewall terminates the perimeter region, and forms a portion of the shoe upper. Shoe upper components include a stiffened and contoured tongue piece and adjustable straps for pressing the tongue piece down against the forefoot of the cyclist.

Abstract: A counter mounting within a snowboard boot having a sole and an upper having a rear side, an inner side and an outer side attached to the sole. The counter includes a lower counter portion for fixing to the boot in close proximity to the sole and an upper counter portion for fixing to the lower counter portion. The upper counter portion includes an inner side upper counter portion for extending along the inner side of the upper and an outer side upper counter portion for extending along the outer side of the upper. A length of the outer side upper counter portion which extends along the outer side of the upper is greater than a length of the inner side upper counter portion which extends along the inner side of the upper.

Abstract: Process for the stiffening of textile or leather materials, includes (a) applying an aqueous polymer dispersion to a textile structure on the basis of a woven or nonwoven fabric, or a leather material; (b) drying the textile structure or leather material; and (c) the stiffening material thus produced is deformed and glued with the textile and leather material to be stiffened, in which an aqueous dispersion of a two-phase, sealable emulsion graft copolymer having a soft phase and a hard phase is applied. The hard phase has a glass transition temperature of Tg of at least 50.degree. C. and includes monomer units such as methyl methacrylate, styrene, diisopropyl fumarate and vinyl chloride. The soft phase has a glass transition temperature Tg of at least 30.degree. C.

Abstract: A shoe for enhancing human physical performance by establishing an electrical conduit between the body and the ground is described. The shoe outsole is formed of a conductive rubber material. A resilient conductive element is integral with the outsole and extends along a portion of the outer surface of the shoe upper, typically being secured to and around at least a portion of the collar of the shoe and further extending over at least a portion of the inside surface of the upper.

Abstract: An athletic shoe with a torsional stabilizer incorporated therein comprises a substantially flat horizontal base member extending rearward across the width of the shoe, parallel to the sole of the shoe, from a transverse line located adjacent to and behind the phalangeal/metatarsal joints, at least to a line adjacent to, and forward of the heel portion of the shoe. Except for transverse edges forward of the heel-end, the base member is provided with a substantially vertical flange portion attached to the edges thereof, which serves to stabilize the base member relative to torsional forces acting thereon.

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 new athletic shoe is disclosed suitable for packing in small suitbags or luggage for travel. A moveable or a detachable heel portion of the upper of the shoe allows the remainder of the upper to be collapsed to form a thinner shoe. Further, flexible soles may be used with inserts for providing rigidity, thereby allowing the toe of the shoe to be flexed back to the heal of the shoe allowing for a shorter, more compact structure for storage.

Abstract: A light, comfortable, lined shoe made of soft synthetic resin that employs another more durable hot-melt bond synthetic resin in the critical heel and foot entry opening regions to prevent shape distortion over the long term is provided. An extremely simple method of manufacture allows the shoe to be made inexpensively in quantity.

Abstract: A shoe having an integral pull-on shoe horn comprising a counterpocket extending beneath and bonded at the heel portion of the insole, extending up the rear and both sides of the heel to receive the heel of a foot, and extending up beyond the peripheral rim of the shoe in the form of an elongated rear pull tab portion foldable from an upward position to a retained lower position down over the rear for fastening.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric and a process for making a nonwoven fabric consisting essentially of:(a) forming a carded web of staple fibers selected from the group consisting of polypropylene fibers, cellulose acetate fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic fibers, and combinations of two or more thereof, having a denier in the range of from about 11/2 denier to about 10 denier;(b) crosslapping said carded web to for a suitable batt;(c) needling said batt with a needle punch density of from about 500 to about 2000 needle punches/square inch to form a fabric having a first smooth fabric surface and a second fabric surface opposite to said first surface;(d) fusing said second surface in a manner which provides a light fusion of the staple fibers making up said second surface;thereby providing a nonwoven fabric weighing in the range of from about 6 ounces/square yard to about 10 ounces/square yard with a thickness of from about 65 millimeters to about 90 millimeters.

Abstract: A shoe has an artificial tendon system, including an elastic band extending through a passageway in the midsole of the shoe. One end of the elastic band is attached to the midsole within the passageway near the forefoot area and the other end is attached near the heel area of the shoe. When the shoe is used, extension of the elastic band stores energy during heelstrike and early propulsion and releases energy during toeoff.

Abstract: A composite rubber sheet material and a sport shoe including a composite rubber sheet material includes a sponge rubber sheet and a mesh cloth having a percentage of voids in the range of 15 to 75%. The mesh cloth is inset in one side surface of the sponge rubber sheet to a depth ranging from 5 to 75% of the thickness of the mesh cloth for enhancing the stability, durability, bendability and flexibility of the composite rubber sheet material.

Abstract: A sports shoe, provided with a heel counter comprising a heel side wall part having a curved shape, a folded wall part integrally formed along the edge of the heel side wall part as projected inside the curve, and a stationary plate part integrally formed on the side of the heel side wall part opposite to the edge, the heel side lateral wall having one of the lateral wall parts thereof formed as extended farther forward than the other lateral wall part of the heel side wall part on the arch side of foot and the folded wall part being nipped between the upper of the sports shoe and the sole thereof.

Abstract: A shoe having a uniquely shaped platform along the rear peripheral edge of the insole, which is constructed of a rigid backpart material. By combining it with a construction of a specially molded outflange counter and using a sturdy stitched lasting construction fastening securely the outward flange of the counter with the specially lasted molded leather upper together with the outward extension of the specially shaped insole platform, a stable support system is formed to control the lateral and longitudinal orientation of the foot when walking. The forepart of the shoe may be of moccasin. Strobel modified welt-type or other construction which provides varying degrees of flexbility.

Abstract: Footwear having a heel counter comprised of a stiff resilient material, especially an athletic shoe for medium and long distance running, is improved so that a better pressure distribution is assured on the outersole, and also on a possibly existing middle sole, in the area of the heel counter. This is achieved by the fact that the surface area which is enclosed by the sidewalls of the heel counter is provided with a pressure distribution membrane which is connected to a thicker reinforced lower arcuate edge of the sidewalls of the counter, and the pressure distribution membrane is suitably contoured to facilitate the improved distribution of heel pressure to the midsole and outer sole. Downward arching of the distribution membrane under heel pressure applied by the foot of a wearer causes an upper edge area of the sidewalls to be drawn inwardly to hold the heel with greater force.

Abstract: The invention presents to the art a novel, improved shoe stiffener which comprises co-extruded layers of plastics film. The shoe stiffener comprises co-extruded layers of plastics film, a first of the layers comprising an ionomeric material and providing a main body of the stiffener and a second layer comprising a plastics material which does not adhere to a fusion press under conditions normally encountered therein during bonding of a shoe stiffener to a shoe upper. Nylon 6 is the preferred second layer plastics material. The co-extrusion product replaces fabric backed shoe stiffeners in which flaws induced in the film by the fabric may provide notches from which cracks in the material can propagate.