Plastic Patents (Class 36/87)
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Publication number: 20130025160Abstract: The invention relates to a shell of a sports shoe, in particular a ski boot, comprising at least one shell part having at least one stiffening part, which has a higher stability than the other components of the shell parts. One or more spacers protrude from an interior surface of the stiffening part. A portion of the shell is formed from a relatively flexible plastic material compared to the stiffening part. Furthermore, a method for producing an above-mentioned shell of a sports shoe is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: ATOMIC AUSTRIA GmbHInventor: Gerhard Trinkaus
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Publication number: 20130008052Abstract: A cushioning attachment for shoes including athletic shoes and, in particular, running shoes includes two component features: a cushioning feature, and a resilient/traction feature. In addition, the cushioning attachment can include a securing feature for securing the device to the outsole of the shoe of a wearer. In the cushioning attachments, the cushioning feature is typically a first layer of the attachment while the resilient/traction feature is typically a second layer of the attachment. The attachment can also include a heel addition layer attached to the top of the first layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventor: Steven Rosen
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Publication number: 20130008051Abstract: A waterproof breathable boot is disclosed. The boot includes an outsole, a three-piece bootie, a toe cap, a heel cap, a center front panel, an instep panel and a rear panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventors: Greg Meyer, Christian Curtis, Eric Larsgaard
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Publication number: 20130000148Abstract: A foot covering comprising a three dimensional molded portion formed of an elastomeric material molded onto a fabric material, wherein the molded portion is molded seamlessly 360° about the foot covering. The molded portion also preferably includes openings or perforations within the area of the molded portion for breathability The foot covering is manufactured by placing a sock comprising a fabric material in the form of at least a portion of a sock over a first mold part in the form of at least a portion of a foot and bringing at least one second mold part into molding engagement with the first mold part to create a cavity with the fabric material on the first mold part within the cavity. The elastomeric material is then injected into the cavity to form a molded portion, wherein the elastomeric material is injected on the side of the fabric material opposite the first mold part.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventor: David Gellis
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Publication number: 20130000149Abstract: A waterproof vapor-permeable shoe, including an upper part that delimits a foot insertion region; a sole, made mainly of plastic material, provided with at least one region which is diffusely perforated with through holes in the direction of a walking surface; a vapor-permeable or perforated flat element, rigidly coupled to the lower part of the sole on which the tread of the sole is formed or rigidly coupled, the flat element adapted to limit the formation of hollows in the foot insertion region at the projection of the holes of the diffusely perforated region; and a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane associated with the upper part and/or with the sole; the membrane being arranged above the flat element so as to be superimposed on the diffusely perforated region.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GEOX S.p.AInventor: Mario POLEGATO MORETTI
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Publication number: 20120324759Abstract: A soccer shoe absorbs and stores energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The shoe may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The shoe is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise be lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The shoe has a vertical component that extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and another component (horizontal) that extends longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: J. Edward Perron, JR.
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Publication number: 20120317837Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the field of waterproofing, and, more specifically, to waterproof footwear and methods of waterproofing a stitch line in footwear. In various embodiments, methods are provided for waterproofing a seam in an article of footwear by positioning an uncured rubber tape between the layers to be stitched, stitching the seam through the uncured rubber tape, and at least partially curing the rubber tape.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Xiao Dong Liu, Yi Jiang Wei, Peng Cheng Xia
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Publication number: 20120304495Abstract: Footwear assemblies with a light weight sole assembly securely attached to an upper and associated methods are described herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes an upper connected to a light weight sole assembly, wherein the sole assembly has a durable outsole securely attached to a lightweight midsole, and a lightweight cradle style chassis is attached to the midsole. The chassis has a body and sidewalls extending upwardly from the lateral and medial side portions of the body to define a concave structure that receives a portion of the upper therein. At least a portion of the upper is cemented to the chassis, and edge portions of the upper are stitched to the sidewalls of the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: Danner, Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Brabson, John W. Ludermann, Christopher J. Wojnar, Aaron Barker
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Publication number: 20120297645Abstract: A golf shoe is provided having an upper, an outsole secured to the upper, and five receptacles formed in the outsole into which spikes are inserted. Two receptacles are opposite each other under a pad area of the golfer's foot behind the metatarsals, the first adjacent to an inside of the outsole and the other adjacent to the outside of the outsole. A third receptacle is in an arch area adjacent to the outside of the outsole. And two more receptacles are diagonally opposite each other in a heel area of the outsole, one adjacent to the inside of the outsole and the other adjacent to the outside of the outsole.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventor: Jeremy Berbert
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Publication number: 20120291314Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Susanne Amalie Wolf-Hochdoerffer
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Publication number: 20120227283Abstract: Linked articles and a method for customizing the linked articles are disclosed. The linked articles comprise a first link matrix and a second link matrix comprising a first portion of the article and a second portion of the article, respectively. The first link matrix consists essentially of links of a first material and the second link matrix consists essentially of links of a second material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Aveni
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Publication number: 20120227282Abstract: A layered non-woven textile may be incorporated into various products, including apparel. The layered non-woven textile may be formed from a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is formed from a plurality of first filaments that include a first thermoplastic polymer material with a first melting temperature. The second layer is located adjacent to the first layer and secured to the first layer. The second layer is formed from plurality of second filaments that include a second thermoplastic polymer material with a second melting temperature. The first melting temperature is lower than the second melting temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Karen A. Hawkinson, Bhupesh Dua
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Publication number: 20120204447Abstract: An adjustable leg footwear item that is adjustable and cinchable relative to a leg of the wearer. The adjustable leg footwear item may include an outer sole made from a leather material, a rubber material, or a plastic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventor: Darin Edwin Donaldson
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Publication number: 20120151799Abstract: A shoe comprising a sole and an upper composed substantially of Tyvek. The upper can be made of a single piece of Tyvek or of two more panels of Tyvek. The heel portion of the upper can also include a reinforcement of Tyvek. A piping of Tyvek can also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventor: Steven Weinreb
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Publication number: 20120117823Abstract: A composite element includes a base or textile layer, a thermoplastic polymer material, a thread, and a cover layer. The base layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The polymer material is separate from the base layer, extends into the base layer, and is at least partially located at the first surface. The thread has a section lying adjacent to the first surface layer and substantially parallel to the first surface throughout a distance of at least five centimeters, and the thread is bonded to the base layer with the polymer material. The cover layer is located adjacent to the first surface and bonded to the base layer with the polymer material, and the section of the thread is located between the cover layer and the base layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: James C. Meschter, Jeffrey L. Johnson, Lia M. Uesato, Tina M. Casillas
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Publication number: 20120110871Abstract: An improved resilient shoe sole includes an outsole having a substantially inelastic side wall with a heel cavity. A substantially inelastic platform is located below the heel cavity, and a connector connects the platform with the side wall. The connector has a particular length and thickness to maintain the platform substantially below the sidewall when the shoe sole is not under a wearer's weight. When brought under forces of a wearer's weight, the connector bends and stretches as the spring compresses to allow the platform to deflect into the heel cavity. As weight is removed, the connector and spring cause the platform to deflect out of the heel cavity, biasing the platform below the side wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventor: Alexander Elnekaveh
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Patent number: 8168257Abstract: The invention provides a method for applying a pattern onto the upper of a shoe or other footwear. The footwear is preferably made by injection molding where raw materials are injected into a mold to form the shape of a footwear.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Payless ShoeSource Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: William Paul Lambert, Oliver Ma, Otto Ting, Patrick Liao
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Publication number: 20120055044Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a base layer, a plurality of strand segments, and a deposition layer. The a base layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The strand segments are located adjacent to the first surface and extend substantially parallel to the first surface for a distance of at least five centimeters. The deposition layer is deposited upon the first surface and the strand segments, and the deposition layer is joined with the first surface and the strand segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Chin-Chen Huang, Daniel A. Johnson
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Publication number: 20110252666Abstract: Footwear includes a shaft and a shell connected to the shaft. The shaft includes an expandable portion adapted to expand to facilitate ease of entry and exit of a heel of a foot into and out of the shell. The expandable portion is surrounded by a material forming the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: Ariat International, Inc.Inventors: Russell L. Davis, Danielle S. Cojuangco
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Publication number: 20110119958Abstract: The TPU rain boot has a sole section and a foot section. The sole section has a contour edge. The foot section is made of TPU and mounted on the contour edge of the sole section by a thermal compressing process and has a front slice, two side slices and a top opening. The front slice is mounted on the contour edge of the sole section and covers a tiptoe part of the sole section. The side slices are mounted on the sole section and surround a heel part of the sole section. Each side slice has a front end overlapped and mounted on the front slice and a rear end overlapped and mounted on the rear end of the other side slice with a thermal compressing process. The top opening is formed and surrounded by the side slices.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventor: TSUNG-TA WU
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Publication number: 20110088285Abstract: A bonded mesh composite panel of an upper includes a substrate layer formed from a substrate material, a mesh material layer and one or more skin material layers. The mesh composite can be fabricated by first arranging panels of substrate, mesh and skin layer material into an assembly corresponding to the locations of those panels in a completed upper. The assembly may include separate layers of hot melt bonding material interposed between the substrate, mesh and skin layers. The assembly is pressed at an elevated temperature so as to melt the bonding material and the skin layers and bond the elements together. Before the pressed assembly completely cools, it is then pressed a second time in an unheated press. A heat-conductive compressible pad can be used in the pressing process to create a surface effect in the skin layers that reveals a patterns of an underlying mesh layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Daniel Akey Johnson
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Publication number: 20110067266Abstract: An article of sports footwear (10) comprises an upper part or casing (11) to partly surround the user's foot, and a sole (12), associated with the casing (11). The sole (12) comprises an internal insole (13) having, during use, an upper surface (13a) attached to the casing (11) and a lower surface (13b) to which at least an anti-slip support element (14), made of an at least partly soft material, is attached. The insole (13) has a plurality of stiffening elements (15) made of a harder material than that of the anti-slip element (14), and disposed in correspondence with the position of the sole (12) where the front bindings (19) and/or back bindings (20) of the skis act.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: CALZATURIFICIO DAL BELLO SrlInventor: Glen PLAKE
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Publication number: 20110003158Abstract: An article comprising at least one cured, liquid-impervious polymeric shell substantially free from defects, at least one liner, and a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, wherein the adhesive layer is melted and solidified to create a non-tacky bond between the shell and the liner, which can be moisture-absorbing or cut-resistant, whereby the liner supports and limits stretch ability of the shell, thereby preventing adhesive delamination between the adhesive layer and either of the shell and/or the liner; a method for the manufacture of an article comprising a supported, polymeric shell, such as a glove, a gauntlet, an apron, or a boot, comprising providing a cured, liquid-impervious, polymeric shell, providing a knitted/woven liner, incorporating a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, such as by hot-melt spraying, dry-powder spraying or fiber-coating, creating intimate contact between the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner, subjecType: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: Ansell Healthcare Products LLCInventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders, Dave Narasimhan
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Patent number: 7818898Abstract: An ornamental shoe which is constructed of an upper shoe portion and a lower shoe portion, wherein the upper shoe portion includes a body portion, a tongue and a heel portion; while the lower shoe portion includes a sole portion; wherein the upper and lower shoe portions are woven of strips of material selected from the group consisting of cardboard and transparent plastic film of different color sewn together by nylon threads.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: Angel S. Orengo
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Publication number: 20100199520Abstract: A non-woven textile may be formed from a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments. The non-woven textile may have a first region and a second region, with the filaments of the first region being fused to a greater degree than the filaments of the second region. A variety of products, including apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, footwear), may incorporate the non-woven textile. In some of these products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another textile element to form a seam. More particularly, an edge area of the non-woven textile may be heatbonded with an edge area of the other textile element at the seam. In other products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another component, whether a textile or a non-textile.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Karen A. Hawkinson
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Publication number: 20100143651Abstract: The invention provides polyolefin blend compositions of polar and/or non-polar polymers, with at least one functionalized polyolefin polymer selected from the group consisting of: amine functionalized, hydroxyl functionalized, imide functionalized, anhydride functionalized, or carboxylic acid functionalized polyolefin polymers. The invention also provides methods for making the functionalized polyolefin polymer. The invention also provides for materials and articles containing at least one component prepared from such compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2007Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: Dow Global Technologies Inc.Inventors: H. Craig Silvis, Stephen F. Hahn, David F. Pawlowski, Patricia Ansems, Laura K. Mergenhagen, Hamed Lakrout, Ashish Batra, Laura Bauerle Weaver, Lawrence J. Effler, Katja Oswald
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Publication number: 20100107443Abstract: Linked articles and a method for customizing the linked articles are disclosed. The linked articles comprise a first link matrix and a second link matrix comprising a first portion of the article and a second portion of the article, respectively. The first link matrix consists essentially of links of a first material and the second link matrix consists essentially of links of a second material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Nike Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Aveni
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Publication number: 20100011619Abstract: A method of fabricating a bootie for use in a footwear item is provided. The method includes laminating a plurality of layers of material together into a single air permeable, moisture vapor permeable, and waterproof sheet, and forming a bootie out of the sheet. The sheet includes a first membrane layer having a first side and a second side; the first layer being air permeable, moisture vapor permeable, and waterproof. The sheet also includes a second protection layer having a first side and a second side. The second layer is positioned between the first layer and an outside environment when the footwear item is completed, and configured to facilitate protecting the first layer from an outside surrounding environment. In addition, the sheet can include a third bonding layer having a first side and a second side. The third layer is positioned between the first layer and the second layer to facilitate bonding of the first layer to the second layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2008Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Peter Bastianelli, Chad Kelly
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Publication number: 20090249645Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel ethylene-?-olefin copolymer excellent in crosslinking properties; a foamed molded article having a low specific gravity and a low compression set (CS) and a composition capable of producing the foamed molded article, footwear parts composed of a foamed molded article; an ethylenic copolymer composition excellent in balance between weather resistance and mechanical strength, and an electric wire coating material and an electric wire sheath using the ethylenic copolymer composition; and a thermoplastic elastomer capable of producing a molded article excellent in balance between mechanical strength and toughness. The ethylenic copolymer (A) of the present invention is a copolymer composed of only ethylene and an ?-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and is characterized in that vinyl-group content (a) per 1000 carbon atoms as measured by infrared absorption spectroscopy, MFR10/MFR2.16 (b), and the specific gravity (c) are within a specific range.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Takayuki Kajihara, Hiroshi Uehara, Shigenobu Ikenaga, Kiminori Noda, Masayoshi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7579055Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper and a sole, which has an outsole for directly contacting a ground surface, and at least one element compression molded with the outsole. The at least one element is formed from a first material including at least 45% ethylene vinyl acetate, approximately 30% polyene elastomer, and approximately 20% synthetic rubber. A second material of the outsole is compatible for compression molding with the at least one element, and is less hard and less dense than the at least one element.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc.Inventors: Jung Chung Lai, Michael Martin Nagel, Gerald Kuhtz, Marco Aurelio Grott, Alan Toronjo
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Publication number: 20080302371Abstract: A boot for the treatment of an ulcer wherein the boot is comprised of at least 80% by weight of closed cell polyethylene. The boot comprises a single article and covers a foot and lower part of the leg of a person. An interior surface of the boot is vacuum and heat molded to the foot and lower leg of the person, and a cut out is formed to surround the ulcer of the person. This off loads the weight of the person from the site of the ulcer, and the custom molding minimizes any slipping and shearing forces on the ulcer. The boot is lightweight, easy to put on and take off, and less expensive than other healing boots available.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Orly Cohen, William A. Cohen, Michael Baglione
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Patent number: 7430818Abstract: An item of footwear, particularly a motorcycle boot (1), includes a rigid shell (4) which defines a body that is designed to surround the foot of the user. The body consists of a lower sole-forming part (20), an upper vamp-forming part (22), an inner lateral part and an outer lateral part, the lateral parts connecting the aforementioned lower and upper parts. The inventive item of footwear includes an opening (16, 18) in one of the four constituent body parts, which passes through the rigid shell and which is sealed by a flexible half-sole (12, 14).Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Random DesignInventors: Gérard Valat, Cédric Ragot
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Publication number: 20080052961Abstract: A protective insole comprised of chain mail which is placed in between the lower and upper soles of a construction boot, thereby preventing nails or other sharp objects found on construction sites from penetrating the shoe and causing painful injury to the worker. The insole is preferably rubberized as to provide comfort to the user, and is melded in between the lower and upper soles of the boot. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the chain mail insole is fabricated as a separate, removable sole that is rubberized and placed in the boot itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2005Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Rodney Brown, Rachelle Brown
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Patent number: 6957165Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the shape of a foot by means of comparing the shape of the foot with the shape of the reference foot. This is done by fitting a reference shoe to the foot, locating the area wherein the foot and the reference shoe do not coincide, selecting appropriate filler units for the located area and attaching the filler unit to a corresponding area of a shoe last and reforming the shape of the reference shoe by fitting the reference shoe to the shoe last. This is repeated until the reference shoe and the foot fit together.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Bonus Ortho System A Islandi HF.Inventor: Kolbeinn Gislason
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Patent number: 6877257Abstract: A boot that includes a sole and an outer upper having an impervious portion, with at least one outer reinforcing element assembled to the upper by cementing at least in the impervious portion thereof. Preferably, the reinforcing element includes a heel reinforcement and lateral tightening flaps.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Salomon S.A.Inventors: Gerald Delgorgue, Catherine Fellouhe, Thierry Donnadieu
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Patent number: 6871424Abstract: A lasted skate boot for ice skates or in-line roller skates, the lasted skate boot comprising an upper having an outer shell molded of synthetic material and an inner lining mounted inside the outer shell. The outer shell comprises a heel counter, an ankle portion, medial and lateral quarters and reinforcing elements provided on the heel counter, ankle portion, medial quarter or lateral quarter. Each of the reinforcing elements comprises a ridge formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell and a groove registering with the ridge, the groove being formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell. The outer shell may also comprise an ankle portion having an upper part and a lower part that projects outwardly with relation to the upper part, the lower part merging with the heel counter. The lower and upper parts of the ankle portion follow the rear profile of the Achilles tendon.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Bauer Nike Hockey Inc.Inventors: Ivan Labonté, Chris Langevin
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Publication number: 20040261297Abstract: A method for manufacturing shoe components using EVA copolymer of film shape having a thickness of 0.01 to 2 mm, preferably 0.1 to 1.0 mm and a surface roughness variations which cannot be easily discriminated through touch or sight, and a shoe component manufactured by the method are provided. The method overcomes the drawbacks caused during the process of manufacturing a shoe component with different mechanical physical properties or colors. The method allows for ease of manufacture of a shoe component with two or more types of colors or physical properties, through a single foam molding process using a film with less variation and ease of processing, to thereby simplify manufacturing procedures and reduce manufacturing costs. In addition, a high quality shoe component with no additional seam-line is obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Hyung Jun Park
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Patent number: 6817114Abstract: Use of compositions prepared with organic coupling agents carrying epoxy groups for preparing applications requiring simultaneously improved mechanical properties and low viscosity.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Atofina Research S.A.Inventor: Pierre Bredael
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Patent number: 6670029Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer, composite footwear upper having a three-dimensional geometry includes the steps of forming a substantially planar composite sheet from two or more layers, heating the composite sheet, and compression molding the composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry of the footwear upper. The composite sheet is formed by laminating a first layer of thermoplastic foam to a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), preferably in the form of a TPU film. A third layer of mesh fabric can be interposed between the first and second layers. The composite sheet is compressed after heating in a mold cavity to achieve the desired three-dimensional geometry. The composite sheet can be compression molded into separate sections which are assembled after molding to form the footwear upper. Alternatively, the composite sheet can be compression molded into a seamless, unitary footwear upper that requires minimal, if any, assembly for completion.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: ADC Composites, LLCInventors: Edward J. Norton, Zenon O. Smotrycz
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Patent number: 6558784Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer, composite footwear upper having a three-dimensional geometry includes the steps of forming a substantially planar composite sheet from two or more layers, heating the composite sheet, and compression molding the composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry of the footwear upper. The composite sheet is formed by laminating a first layer of thermoplastic foam to a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), preferably in the form of a TPU film. A third layer of mesh fabric can be interposed between the first and second layers. The composite sheet is compressed after heating in a mold cavity to achieve the desired three-dimensional geometry. The composite sheet can be compression molded into separate sections which are assembled after molding to form the footwear upper. Alternatively, the composite sheet can be compression molded into a seamless, unitary footwear upper that requires minimal, if any, assembly for completion.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: ADC Composites, LLCInventors: Edward J. Norton, Zenon O. Smotrycz
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Patent number: 6499234Abstract: A shoe system with a sole having a top surface and a bottom surface and a generally vertical peripheral side wall therebetween. The sole has a generally horizontal forward region. A plurality of transverse slots extend through holes in the side walls and across the forward region. A strap has opposed ends threaded through the slots for securing a wearer's foot to the sole.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Inventor: Heather R. Manzi
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Publication number: 20020152640Abstract: A T.P.R. shoe sole includes a foam tissue defining a plurality of apertures. The shoe sole has a top face defining a plurality of cavities. Each of the cavities has a periphery formed with a compact tissue, thereby decreasing the weight of the entire unit volume of the shoe sole, and thereby providing a better support for the shoe sole.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Kun-Ho Wu
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Publication number: 20020152641Abstract: A P.V.C. shoe sole includes a foam tissue defining a plurality of apertures. The shoe sole has a top face defining a plurality of cavities. Each of the cavities has a periphery formed with a compact tissue, thereby decreasing the weight of the entire unit volume of the shoe sole, and thereby providing a better support for the shoe sole.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Kun-Ho Wu
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Publication number: 20010005946Abstract: An article of footwear has an outsole with a cavity in the heel region in which a cushioning insert is installed to cushion impacts and provide added lift to the wearer The heel region of the outsole projects outwardly beyond the periphery of the heel region of the shoe upper to form a projecting peripheral rim. The sole is preferably made from a material containing a mixture of rubber and a polybutadiene elastomer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2001Publication date: July 5, 2001Inventor: Jeffrey W. Brown
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Patent number: 6202324Abstract: An article of footwear comprises an upper connected to a sole that is formed of an odorless, nonabsorbent material such that there is no detectable material odor upon contact with a ground surface. In addition, the transfer of scent, such as human scent, at least through the sole from the interior chamber to ground is at least substantially reduced or prevented. In a preferred embodiment, the upper is also constructed of an odorless, nonabsorbent material. According to a further embodiment of the invention, an odorless footwear system comprises an overshoe and a liner adapted for insertion into the overshoe. Both the overshoe and liner may be constructed of odorless, nonabsorbent materials. Preferably, the liner is arranged to completely cover a shoe or boot installed in the liner. Accordingly, scent that may emanate from a person through the shoe or boot, and odor from the shoe or boot material itself are at least substantially enclosed in the liner.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventor: William Scott Whitlock
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Patent number: 6180703Abstract: Rubber compositions for footwear, conveyor belt covers, rolls, hoses, cables, rubberized fabrics, and grips containing (A) an elastomer, (B) 5 to 150 parts by weight of a filler, and (C) a polysiloxane represented by the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, m, and n are as defined in the specification, having an average degree of polymerization of 3 to 1000 in a specific ratio with respect to the filler (B) and footwear, conveyor belt covers, rolls, hoses, cables, rubberized fabrics, and grips comprising these rubber compositions.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidekazu Onoi, Kazunori Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Kaido
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Patent number: 5974698Abstract: An article of footwear (e.g., shoe, boot or overshoe) includes an upper including at least a portion formed of a compression-molded body. The body generally is formed as a laminate having a thermally insulating foam layer. The compression molded body can form the forepart of the upper (i.e., the vamp), the heel region, the tongue, or any combination of these parts of the footwear. An overshoe having such a vamp portion may include an inner polishing layer to polish the dress shoe during walking.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: New England Overshoe Company, Inc.Inventors: W. Woodward Nash, Scott D. Hardy
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Patent number: 5940991Abstract: A thermoplastic composite material is formed from a fabric, preferably woven, impregnated and preferably covered with a thermoplastic material (e.g. acrylic) constituting a monomer solvent and polymer mixture preferably in an approximately 2:1 ratio. The monomer changes the polymer viscosity to wet the fabric. The mixture contains small amounts of an initiator (e.g. benzoyl peroxide) for promoting the monomer polymerization and an inhibitor (e.g. hydroquinone) for preventing premature curing. Plastic sheets on the thermoplastic composite material inhibit the curing. An activator (e.g. tertiary amine) preferably applied to the material surface initiates the material curing at ambient temperatures when the plastic sheets are removed. To reproduce an article from a three-dimensional mold, the mold is disposed on a platform. After removing the plastic sheets, the thermoplastic composite material is disposed on the mold. A shroud (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1996Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Performance Materials CorporationInventor: Santiago C. Cabalquinto
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Patent number: 5896680Abstract: Shoes for use in demanding applications, primarily athletics, are made from a three-dimensional fiber network that is semi-rigid and resilient. The fiber network is made from a textile fabric that has an array of projections made from the same fabric rising from the plane of the fabric.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Hoechst Celanese CorporationInventors: Dai W. Kim, William E. Bessey, John Nagel, Gregory M. Clark, Joseph S. W. Haas, Etheridge O. Oakley, Jr.
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Patent number: 5872182Abstract: A water-based sulfonated polyurethane composition and footwear manufactured using the composition as as an adhesive, coating and primer. The sulfonated polyurethane is a reaction product ofa) at least one polyisocyanate;b) at least one alkylene diol;c) at least one sulfonated polyester polyol wherein the sulfo groups thereof are present as alkali metal salts; andd) at least one dihydroxy carboxylic acid, or salt thereof. The composition may also be modified to include a dispersed polymer or copolymer of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer. Such mofified compositions may be obtained by preparing the sulfonated polyurethane in the presence of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer and subsequently subjecting the mixture to free-radical polymerization conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1995Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: H. B. Fuller Licensing & Financing, Inc.Inventors: Youlu Duan, Sonja Stammler, Jillian H. Ierien, Brian L. Marty