Abstract: A metatarsal guard for footwear comprises an arched body which covers a dorsal surface of a wearer's metatarsal foot area. The arched body has lateral bottom edges for engaging a footwear sole to transmit loads from the arched body to the footwear sole. Slits are defined in a rear portion of the arched body so as to form a longitudinally extending central T-shaped tongue and two longitudinally extending lateral tongues in order to increase the flexibility of the metatarsal guard. The T-shaped tongue has a rear edge extending in a concave curved line transversally of the footwear so as to prevent transmission of punctual loads to the wearer's foot. By optimizing the number and the configuration of the tongues, both the wearer's comfort and protection are maximized.

Abstract: An injection molded fiber-impregnated thermoplastic composite material comprising a plastic polymer matrix wherein the fibers are sufficiently interwoven and entangled in said polymer matrix to provide improved resistance to mechanical loading, and wherein said composite material is particularly suited for the preparation of an injection molded toe cap for a protective shoe.

Abstract: A boot or shoe for protecting the wearer from injury from a chain saw, is provided. The invention comprises a boot or shoe, extending to or above the ankle of the wearer; and a flexible, lightweight, chain saw protective liner disposed within the boot or shoe. The liner comprises a plurality of layers of chain saw protective material, which preferably includes polyester and polypropylene fibers. The liner is attached to the inside of the boot or shoe only at the top ankle portion and bottom sole portion of the liner, so that the liner hangs relatively loosely inside the boot or shoe and easily breaks away when struck by a moving chain saw. A removable bootie which is similar to the liner is also included.

Abstract: An insole is capable of withstanding penetration of nails and other foreign objects. The insole is constructed of a substantially flexible, substantially puncture resistant material, such as a polymer fiber. The perimeter of the insole is curved upward, and includes a plurality of substantially v-shaped notches therein to enhance flexibility of the insole. A downwardly curved portion is embedded in a sole of an article of footwear. The downwardly curved portion substantially mirrors the portion of the perimeter of the insole which is curved upward.

Abstract: A safety shoe with detachable steel toe box, particularly a toe box made of steel plate, is fixed to invest surface of an original toe box in a shoe with a drawstring for protecting the latter and a worker's toes against impairment in working.

Abstract: Footwear with single or double vamp sections comprising a split tongue including a rearward tongue portion which is firmly attached along one side thereof to a medial vamp section of the shoe. While the rearward tongue portion is firmly connected to a medial vamp section, the connection may be permanent or replaceable. A forward tongue portion may be integrally formed with the forward upper, or be an extension of the forward upper, or be secured to the forward upper along a transverse edge and/or to one or both of the vamp sections, or be secured to one of the vamp sections only. One or both tongue portions may be formed to have pockets for receiving cushioning members and/or saddle members to reduce pressure on the instep. The forward edge of the rearward tongue portion overlies the rearward edge of the forward tongue portion in the working position.

Abstract: Footwear and its method of manufacture are provided. The footwear includes an upper having a vamp lining with a toe part disposed along an inner surface of the upper is provided. A relatively rigid insole forepart member is attached to a sock liner, the length of the insole forepart being less than the length of the sock liner. The toe part of the vamp lining is then stitched to a peripheral edge of the insole forepart, the vamp lining and insole forepart defining a cavity for receiving a portion of a wearer's foot. A steel toe is then positioned substantially around the toe part of the vamp lining.

Abstract: A soccer shoe cover includes a rubber membrane formed to stretch over the exterior surface of a soccer shoe. The membrane covers the laces, the heel and a kicking portion of the soccer shoe while leaving the toe uncovered. The membrane has a rear opening for inserting the soccer shoe and a front opening for exposing the toe. The membrane provides a kicking surface that remains substantially smooth over shoe laces when the membrane is fitted over the soccer shoe.

Abstract: A flexible shoe protector for shielding shoes from scratches and abrasions having an upper member that extends over a front top portion of a shoe, a lower member extending below a front sole portion of the shoe and extending rearwardly toward the heel of the shoe, and an intermediate flexible portion connected between the upper member and the lower member. The intermediate flexible portion is capable of stretching to accommodate a variety of sizes and shapes of different shoes. A flexible strap member is attached to a rearward portion of the intermediate flexible portion so that the strap member is used to stretch about a rearward portion of the shoe above the heel, for securement of the shoe cover to the shoe. The flexible strap and the intermediate portion are made from a material having elastic qualities, such as Spandex.RTM.. A rubber portion is attached to the bottom of the lower member to provide traction when a wearer is wearing the shoe protector.

Abstract: A protective safety shoe insert includes a seamless puncture-resistant insole substantially conforming in shape to a sole of the shoe. The insole comprises a flexible steel plate coinciding with an area of greatest flexure of the insole and a layer of a puncture-resistant material secured to the ends of the plate. The insole is injection molded with an integral safety toe, an integral arch support, and an optional integral heel protector. A metatarsal guard is secured to the safety toe to add impact protection for the metatarsal area of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a strapping and closure system providing additional support to a wearer's ankles and feet. The system includes a pair of heel straps fixedly attached to opposing sides of the article of footwear and includes an instep piece that is also fixedly attached to the article of footwear. The heel straps and the instep piece are not fixedly attached to an upper of the article of footwear, but are fixedly attached to a lasting board of the article of footwear, thereby allowing the heel straps and the instep piece to be tightened independently of an upper of the article of footwear. The article of footwear further includes a breathable piece of material or shroud attached to a base of the upper for protecting the upper from mud and dirt.

Abstract: A protective footwear and lower leg covering protects the shoes and lower trousers or legs of a wearer while using a mower, string trimmer, chain saw, or other equipment which may discharge objects at high speed. The covering also serves to protect the user's shoes and clothing during painting operations, and the complete closure from the sole of the shoe upward along the lower leg, also serves to protect the wearer from insect bites and stings. The device comprises a molded plastic, rubber, or other elastomer shoe or boot cover, which is sewn to an upper legging, spat or puttee configured to cover bare or trousered legs. A plurality of fastening straps secure the protective cover to a wearer's foot and lower leg. The shoe or boot cover has no sole, thus providing for easier donning by a wearer. The shoe or boot cover is secured to the shoe or boot by a strap which passes beneath the sole, or alternatively by a toe pocket or hold formed in the forward end of the cover.

Abstract: A boot having an improved blast and fragment resistant vulcanized rubber boot sole (13) for protection against large anti-personnel mines is described. The sole comprises embedded protective material composed of at least one layer (18) of woven polyaramid (Kevlar) material. The boot further has an upper insole (19) having a critical supporting structure comprised of at least one polyaramid layer (18). An additional graphite or engineering polymer (e.g. Delrin 100) toe-cap (41) and shank are also described.

Abstract: Protective footgear consisting of a multilayered material shaped into an overshoe that protects the foot and lower leg of the wearer from injury due to exploding land mines. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the overshoe includes a heat-resistant layer, a water-impermeable layer, and a puncture-resistant layer. It may be formed into an overshoe of conventional appearance, or assembled by cutting and folding a suitable multilayered sheet material into a box-like structure that is worn over the user's regular shoe or boot. The multilayered structure consists of materials that, in combination, substantially dissipate the shock of an exploding land mine and thereby reduce the risk of injury to the wearer. The invention is easy to manufacture of readily-available materials, light-weight, reasonably comfortable to wear while walking, reusable and repairable, and provides remarkably effective protection against blast and shrapnel injuries caused by exploding land mines.

Abstract: A disposable protective shoecover for use by health care workers is formed by two pieces of fluid resistant, fluid proof, impermeable material sealed along the outer edges except at the back. The back of the shoecover is closed by two double coated adhesive closures spaced at two intervals along the back. The upper most closure is spaced two inches from the top of the shoecover. The closures can be easily released by inserting a finger in a top of the back of the shoecover and then removing the shoecover, whereby the finger only touches an interior of the shoe cover upon removal. This protects the wearer from touching any exterior portion of the shoecover which may be contaminated.

Abstract: A toe protector, or a metatarsal protector, or a combined toe and metatarsal protector for safety footwear are molded from plastics material either integrally or separately and then attached to one another for storage and incorporation into the finished footwear. Each part of the respective protector comprises a generally U-shaped body provided at the central part of its top outer surface with two mutually facing, spaced surfaces extending outward therefrom and bounding between them a central part of the top portion. A force receiving plate overlies the respective central part with its lower surface spaced from the central part, is of concave shape toward the central part, and has two spaced edges engageable with the two surfaces. In an integral structure the adjacent surfaces and edges are constituted by corresponding integral junctions.

Abstract: A shoe guard is worn by an individual over a shoe for use to protect the shoe while the individual is riding a motorcycle. The shoe guard comprises a cover of sufficient size to be positioned over a portion of the shoe and is adaptable to be secured to the shoe, such as by straps.

Abstract: A footwear protector for motorcyclists.

Abstract: A protective cover for use in covering a portion of an ice hockey skate, the protective cover having a first portion covering a front tongue portion of the skate, a second portion covering an inside portion of the skate and a third portion covering an outside portion of the skate. The protective cover is a relatively thin, constant thickness layer made of a thermoplastic material, such as polycarbonate, and includes a plurality of straps having a hook and loop material thereon for fastening the protective cover to the skate. The straps each have a pad on one end thereof and located between the skate and the protective cover to create a gap therebetween and the straps each extend through a respective hole in the cover to fasten appropriately. A method for manufacturing and attaching the protective cover to the skate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective plastic toe cap for shoes includes a construction incorporating three important minimum dimensions. These dimensions include side wall thickness, the radius of the transition between the walls and the bottom flange, and the bottom flange width. Careful selection of the plastic resin materials based on certain minimum physical properties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shoe heel protector for the protection of the heel and counter of the shoe of a vehicle driver, is formed of an elongate blank of flat, planar leather, vinyl, or other suitable material. The protector includes a relatively wide center area, about which a plurality of darts are cut or otherwise formed. These darts are then sewn or otherwise secured together along their respective facing edges, to gather the periphery of the central area together to form a heel pocket therein. The heel pocket is then placed over the lower rear edge of the shoe heel, with the opposite elongate straps of the protector being secured together over the top of the shoe or foot by mating hook and loop fastening material or other suitable fastening devices. The protector is held securely in place about the shoe and foot of the driver, as the protector cannot move upwardly due to the portion of the pocket positioned beneath the heel, and cannot move forwardly due to the back wall of the pocket positioned behind the heel and counter.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe having an outersole with a removable protective covering, including the steps of applying a sheet of protective covering to a sheet of outersole material with adhesive to form a composite sheet; applying printed indicia on the protective covering at predetermined locations; stamping out the composite sheet to form a plurality of outersoles, each having the protective covering and the printed indicia to form finished outersoles; and attaching each of the finished outersoles to a shoe upper to form a shoe so that the protective covering is removable.

Abstract: A foot protector is disclosed herein. The foot protector comprises an upper shield, suitable for conforming to, covering and protecting the metatarsal or middle portion of the foot; an anterior shield, suitable for conforming to, covering and protecting the phalanges or toe portion of the foot; and a flexible joint which connects the two shields and allows for substantially normal foot motion. The foot protector may be used on cleated athletic footwear, such as those worn by football players, to prevent foot injuries without hindering athletic performance. The foot protector may be equipped with eyelets on the upper shield and a strap or laces on the anterior shield as a means of securing the device to the underlying shoe.

Abstract: A shoelace cover having a translucent window is detachably secured to the upper of a shoe to display and protect the lacings. The shoelace cover comprises a generally triangular edge element, a translucent window composed of tubular elements and connected to the edge element, and fasteners attached beneath the edge element to detachably secure the cover over the throat area of a shoe upper. The translucent window permits the shoelaces to be seen therethrough, may be of different colors and may house a decorative emblem or feature.

Abstract: A slip-on cover for shoes and boots to protect the feet and ankles of a person using a high speed cutting device. The protective cover has a sole member which is in contact with the sole of the shoe/boot and an upper member which covers the upper portion of the shoe/boot. The upper member is flexible and is formed of multiple layers including a high modulus fiber lining. The upper member is attached to the sole member. The sole member is removably fastened to the shoe/boot. The sole member may be a full sole or a partial sole.

Abstract: A shoe member is formed of a polymer composition comprising (A) a composite material having a low molecular weight material retained in a medium material and (B) a polymer material. The low molecular weight material has a viscosity of up to 5.times.10.sup.5 centipoise at 100.degree. C. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the medium material is up to 3.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/medium material is at least 1.0. The difference in solubility parameter between the low molecular weight material and the polymer material is up to 4.0. The weight ratio of low molecular weight material/polymer material is at least 0.5. The polymer composition is enclosed in a rubbery or elastomeric cover particularly when it is used in the outsole.

Abstract: A protective plastic toe cap for shoes includes a construction incorporating three critical minimum dimensions. These dimensions include side wall thickness, the radius of the transition between the walls and the bottom flange, and the bottom flange width.

Abstract: The shoe protector and floor aid is a slip on device having a sole with a toe guard and a heel guard. The toe guard has a tongue attached by a flexible joint. The tongue is then attached by straps to a right side guard and a left side guard which guards are attached to wings on the sole. The shoe protector is slipped over the users regular shoe and attached by retainer straps and buckles. The shoe protector is made of non-marring material to prevent damage to surfaces when used in construction and installing flooring. The material protects the wearers normal shoes when working and when kicking carpeting to position it for installation.

Abstract: A footwear saddle and method for dissipating pressure between footwear and the wearer's foot. The saddle comprises a member having a bridge offset from a central axis of the member which overlays the instep of the wearer's foot. During usage, the pressure between the footwear and the foot is dissipated by the saddle, the bridge maintaining the gap between the instep of the foot and the saddle.

Abstract: A shoelace cover incorporating an interchangeable fashion panel for covering the shoelaces of a gym shoe. The shoelace cover is secured to the shoe by a number of straps threaded through slots in the shoelace cover. A strap secured to each side of the gym shoe includes a loop and hook material such that the straps can be disengaged and the shoelace cover can be drawn back to expose the shoelaces of the shoe. The fashion panel is attached to the shoelace cover by a loop and hook material such that at the whim of the shoe wearer, the fashion panel can be replaced by other fashion panels to convey a fashion statement.

Abstract: A protector as footwear for an athlete to be worn over the sports shoe covering the toe and sides of the foot and, when desired, an extension for protecting the instep, ankle and toes. The protector includes hinge connections between a thickened toe portion and a foot portion for releaseable attachment purposes. A liner is disposed on the inside of the protector. The hinge may be composed of an elastic, stretchable material or a mechanical hinge. The protector is composed of a durable, hard plastic composition to resist impact loads.

Abstract: The invention provides a removable instep piece for a shoe. The removable instep piece is disposed in the instep region of the upper such that it is selectively removable from the shoe separately from the tongue of the shoe. The removable instep piece includes a unitary central portion and straps extending outwardly therefrom. The straps extend one each through strap openings in the upper of the shoe. Shoe laces may be passed through eyelets in the distal end of the straps of the instep piece.

Abstract: A protector for covering a heel of a shoe. The inventive device includes a covering assembly positionable over and partially under a heel of a shoe. A mounting assembly extends from the covering assembly for positioning about the shoe to secure the device relative thereto. An adjustable panel can be extended from the covering assembly to adjust a height of the device to fit a particular shoe.

Abstract: A decorative attachment for a lace-up type shoe which simulates a fold-down shoe tongue. A tongue simulating portion, having a top surface and a bottom surface, a top end and a bottom end, substantially covers a lace and knot portion of the shoe. The tongue simulating portion is preferably tapered to be narrower at the bottom end than at the top end. A decorative indicia is silkscreened to the top surface of the tongue simulating portion, and preferably represents a foot of a mascot for an athletic team. A strap extends from the end of the tongue simulating portion and is folded under the laces of the shoe. The strap has an upper surface which lies adjacent the lower surface of the tongue simulating portion when the strap is folded under the laces of the shoe and sandwiches the laces between the bottom surface of the tongue simulating portion and the upper surface of the strap. The tongue simulating portion and the strap are cut from a single sheet of leather, canvas or plastic material.

Abstract: A metatarsal guard inserted in the upper of a safety shoe is made of plastic and defines an arch extending from the sole of the shoe on one side of the wearer's instep to the sole on the other side of the wearer's instep. The metatarsal guard includes a rear impact-absorbing portion having longitudinal slits cut in the sheet material to form a transversal series of longitudinal tongues that spread apart to follow the movement of the foot when the wearer is walking. An integral flap is formed in the sheet material at the distal end of the central tongue. This central tongue is folded to apply the flap to the top surface of the tongues and thereby distribute the load upon the impact of a falling object. The metatarsal guard is further provided with two lateral slits cut in the sheet material and extending transversely to facilitate flexion of the metatarsal guard upon flexion of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A wear protector for a shoe in the form of a solid, flexible pad which is to be adhesively secured to a localized area on the upper of a shoe. The pad includes an exterior surface and is configured of a plurality of ridges and a plurality of grooves with there being a groove located between each directly adjacent pair of ridges. Each ridge is to encounter abrasive wear thereby protecting the upper of the shoe from wear in the area of the solid, flexible pad. During flexing of the shoe the material of the grooves deflects so as to not hinder the flexing movement of the shoe.

Abstract: The invention is a footwear protector comprised of a single piece of material of uniform thickness and width which, when in place, forms an open-toed design protector. The protector utilizes an opening at one end to allow the insertion of any front tassel or decoration of the protected footwear and to secure the protector to the front portion of the footwear. Velcro.RTM. fasteners are located at each end of the protector's length to further secure the protector. This fastening system allows the protector to be fitted to different size footwear, and facilitates quick and easy attachment and removal of the device. Additionally, the protector is constructed of a soft, nonabrasive fabric, allowing the protector also to be used as a footwear buffing and cleaning cloth when not secured to footwear.

Abstract: A protector for the heel and back portions of a shoe, to be worn while driving or for decorative purposes, which is formed by material having a high coefficient of friction and the capability of producing an elastic force is disclosed herein. The lower portion of the material is formed into a funnel-shaped tube which grips to the shoe heel, while the middle portion of the material protects the shoe heel and back. The upper portion consists of a relatively wide flap which is used to stretch the protector before the flap is folded down over the back edge of the shoe and pressed against the rear inner wall of the shoe. The protector is thereby secured to the shoe by surface traction. A nylon layer bonded to the non-gripping surface of the protector increases its durability. A method for installing such a protector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shoe covering member comprises a covering member having a shape conforming to an upper section of a shoe over which it is to cover. A bottom section of the covering member is sealingly engaged with a sole of the shoe and the covering member is provided with a fold at its rear end which is fastened in a folded condition to snugly engage the upper section of the shoe. A projection extends along a side surface of the shoe sole adjacent sealing engagement of the bottom section of the covering member with the sole to protect such engagement.

Abstract: A toe cap for a protective shoe is injection molded utilizing a fiber-filled plastic resin having a high loading of relatively long fibers. A preferred material is glass-filled polyurethane having fibers predominantly of a length in the range of 0.25 inch (6 mm) and 1 inch (25 mm). The resin injection gate is positioned to provide injection of the fiber-filled plastic material directly adjacent the rear edge of the toe cap, preferably between the roof of the cap and the lower edge of one wall. The gate has a minimum dimension of 0.100 inch (2.5 mm). The gate location and size results in a lateral orientation of the fibers in the injected plastic material across the roof of the toe cap to substantially enhance the strength thereof.

Abstract: A shoe shield is adapted to be detachably secured to the lacings of a shoe to protect the lacings and to provide a surface for a decorative emblem or feature.

Abstract: A shoe cap arranged for securement to and for reception of a lady's high heel shoe permitting extended support of the shoe for traverse of water moistened and soft turf.

Abstract: A cover for a woman's shoe of a type having a projecting heel, a shoe front sole, and an upper defining a foot opening and including a shoe toe area, a shoe upper heel area, and a shoe upper instep area, the combination including: a stretch cover for covering a surface of a woman's shoe having a D shaped opening in the stretch cover for receiving the shoe into the stretch cover; an elastic band for retaining the stretch cover on the shoe upper heel area attached to the opening in the stretch cover; and a overlap cover, integral to the stretch cover and forming a straight side of the D shaped opening in the stretch cover, for stretching the stretch cover over the shoe toe area and the shoe upper instep area adapted to stretch across the foot opening in the shoe from the shoe toe area to over the shoe upper instep area when the shoe is inserted into the stretch cover and before a foot is inserted into the shoe, and adapted to stretch down and inside the shoe toe area thereby stretching the stretch cover over th

Abstract: A flexible protective cover for boots and shoes to protect the wearer from injury. The cover is a unitary member covering the toe and forward portion of the shoe or boot, extending to the ankle on both sides of the shoe or boot and backwardly to cover the back of the shoe or boot. The protective cover is partially removable from the shoe or boot having a back portion which is removably secured about the back of the shoe or boot. The toe portion of the protective cover is permanently secured to the toe portion of the shoe or boot. Preferably, the toe portion of the protective cover is sewn to the sole plane of the shoe or boot. In a preferred embodiment, a tab is formed on one side of the protective cover. The tab secures the side portions of the protective cover to the back of the shoe or boot. The protective cover is preferably a multi-layer member having a lining means formed of a high modulus fiber.

Abstract: A shoe protector having a body with a back portion having a length for protectively covering a rear portion of a shoe and side portions connectable to each other at a location and adapted to overlie an instep region of the shoe and including a way for selectively adjusting the length of the back portion of the body. Further, a back portion which has an upper peripheral edge and part and lower peripheral edge and part to cover the rear portion of a shoe and side portions which extend from the back portion for securement to each other over the instep region of the shoe and a dart in the back portion which extends to the lower peripheral edge to taper the lower part relative to the upper part and to position the lower part to conform to the contour of the rear portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover for boots, shoes and the like to protect the wearer from injury from a chainsaw. The cover has a lining of layers of high modulus fiber fabric between an inner layer and a outer layer of durable fabric. The lining is secured between the inner layer and the outer layer by a quilt-like stitching. The protective cover is folded to conform to the instep of the shoe and extend to the ankle. A strap and fasteners are attached to the cover to permit the cover to be secured over the shoe in a rapid and easy manner. In a preferred embodiment, a tab is formed on one side of the cover and a bail is attached to the other side of the cover. The tab is pulled through the bail and returned approximately 180.degree. to the one side of the cover. The tab is held by quick-release fasteners to the one side of the cover thereby firmly securing the cover longitudinally to the boot or shoe.

Abstract: An ankle and foot protective device is provided for attachment to a skate. The device has at least one support layer adapted for releasable attachment to the outside of a skate and at least one protective pad adapted for attachment to the at least one support layer.

Abstract: A toe cap for a protective shoe is injection molded utilizing a fiber-filled plastic resin having a high loading of relatively long fibers. The toe cap is constructed to provide a controlled vertical collapse of the body under a vertical load imposed on the roof by providing a roof section of relatively higher strength than the front and side walls of the toe cap. The front and/or side walls are provided with regions of substantially reduced cross section, as compared to the roof section, allowing the walls to close vertically and collapse in a hinge-like manner, while the relatively stronger roof substantially retains its original shape. A specially positioned and shaped gate allows the fiber-filled resin to be injected to form the toe cap in a manner resulting in the lateral orientation of the fibers across the roof to substantially enhance the strength thereof.

Abstract: A wear protection device (10) is provided for protecting the instep portion (14) of a motorcycle boot (12) from wear which would otherwise result from contact with the gear shift lever of a motorcycle. Wear protection device (10) includes a flexible shield member (20) having a truncated elliptical contour and a releasable coupling (30) engaged within the arched portion (16) of the sole (18) of boot (12). In a preferred embodiment, the releasable coupling (30) includes a single strap member (31) threaded through a pair of slotted through openings (22, 24) disposed on oppposing ends (28) of shield member (20). Strap member (31) is formed of an elastic material having hook-and-loop fastening elements (36, 38) disposed on opposing ends (34, 32) of strap member (31), respectively.

Abstract: A plastic shoe has a steel cap (3) which has a cushion (4) in the upper region inside the shoe. In its other regions the steel cap (3) is surrounded on the inside and outside by plastic foam which forms the upper (1) and the bottom (2) of the plastic shoe (2). The cushion (4) consists of an air-absorbing material, so that the air displaced under the cap during the foam-filling of the mold does not lead to voids in the plastic.