Abstract: A footwear device (2000) comprises a rigid base (2100) for supporting the foot (2001) of a user thereon, a heel counter (2300) on the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user in a first area of the foot posterior to the posterior aspect of the heel of the foot, a medial forefoot counter (2201) associated with the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user in a second area of the foot medial to the medial aspect of the head of the first metatarsal of the foot, and a forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user in a third area of the foot located on the dorsum of the foot for exerting a downwardly and rearwardly directed force on the dorsum of the foot. The footwear device (2000) further includes a sports implement interface member (2101) on the rigid base (2100) for interfacing with a sports implement, such as a snow ski, or an ice skate blade or an in-line skate wheel system.

Abstract: A shoe including an upper and a sole portion and defining a foot support surface interior of the shoe and an engagement surface exterior of the shoe, the foot support surface being shaped to align the hindfoot in varus with respect to the tibia axis.

Abstract: Shoes are provided with soles and/or upper portions which conform to the configuration of the user's feet by the use of vacuum formable bladders in the sole of the shoes and/or in the sides of the upper portions of the shoes. The bladders are filled with material, such as small resilient or interlocking particles, which retains a configuration conforming to the shape of the feet under reduced pressure conditions. A vacuum pump is provided, and it may be located in the heel area of the shoe to be actuated by walking or running to evacuate air from the bladders. The shoe may be removed, and the vacuum formable bladders will retain their shape as long as the vacuum is maintained.

Abstract: A device for supporting a human being comprises a superstructure defining a support surface in contact with a body part of a person and measurement componentry on the superstructure for periodically measuring a predetermined biomechanical parameter of the person's body part to determine a load distribution on the body part. The measurement componentry includes a fluid filled reservoir at the support surface and a pressure detector in operative engagement with fluid in the reservoir for monitoring changes in the pressure of the fluid, due, for example, to varying loads caused by physical activity. Circuitry is operatively coupled to the pressure detector for monitoring and characterizing changes in pressure of the fluid over time. Form control componentry is disposed on the superstructure and is operatively connected to the measurement componentry for automatically subjecting the support surface, in response to the determined load distribution, to forces tending to modify a contour of the support surface.

Abstract: Ski boot made of plastic material constituted by a shell (1) surrounding the foot and the heel and by a collar (2) articulated on the shell and equipped with a rigid reinforcement (4) intended to ensure a good transfer of the movements of the leg to the ski. This reinforcement is fixed to the collar. It is asymmetrical and extends along the back of the collar, mainly on the inner side of the boot in its upper part (43).

Abstract: A method of producing a custom-fitting article such as a custom-fitting footbed (for example, a removable insole), a custom-fitting hand grip, a custom-fitting body pad, and a custom-fitting orthopedic cast. A member for producing same and a composition for use in connection therewith are also provided. A member, such as a gel pad or gel-filled envelope, is provided which comprises a body of formable material having a minimum setting temperature greater than 130.degree. F. and being setable by heating for a period not exceeding 30 minutes and subsequent cooling. The member is conformed by biasing it against a body part of a person or mammal with sufficient pressure to conform the member to the shape of the body part. The member is then heated for a period not exceeding 30 minutes and thereafter cooled so that the formable material is set and the member remains flexible while resiliently retaining an impression of the body part.

Abstract: A connector means including shoe connector means comprising a plurality of improved ridges configured using an improved injection mold design so that inverted ridge means may be nested between and gripped by certain of the ridges. The connector means also includes means to confirm complete, adjusted interlock of the nested ridges. Additionally disclosed are products that would incorporate such connector means. Also disclosed is improved, chisel-like, ridge hook design suitable for strong connectors with little or no mechanical resistance to connection. Improved, generally rectangular, rigid, ridge design for toy building blocks is also disclosed. Also disclosed is improved hook for hook and loop fasteners with connector members suitable for injection molding. An injector mold design suitable for manufacturing ridge-type connectors or hook-type connectors for hook and loop connectors is disclosed. Also disclosed is an improved, adjustable tongue and double-buckle connector for straps.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe such as a running shoe, includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot, particularly the sides, and that has a constant thickness in frontal plane cross sections. The thickness of the shoe sole side contour equals and therefore varies exactly as the thickness of the load-bearing sole portion varies due to heel lift, for example. Thus, the outer contour of the edge portion of the sole has at least a portion which lies along a theoretically ideal stability plane for providing natural stability and efficient motion of the shoe and foot particularly in an inverted and everted mode.

Abstract: Ski boot with improved lateral support including a shell connected to a quarter and having a rigid element which is monolithic or formed integrally with the shell and at least partially affects the inner side of the foot and leg and the plantar arch. The boot allows to achieve optimum ski control by distributing the efforts and ensuring rear support.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing pumping devices, particularly usable in sports shoes, including the monolithic molding of a body having at least one tubular passage and a first and a second seat for air venting and intake valves. The body furthermore includes at least one chamber with a partially open elastically deformable wall. The method entails the closure of the chamber, whereas the valves and at least one inflatable plenum chamber are associable within the body thus obtained, before closing it. The pumping device thus obtained has optimum functional characteristics as well as very low manufacturing costs.

Abstract: This split vamp athletic shoe (10) includes separated upper and lower vamp sections (18, 22) which are independently adjustable and provide the shoe with a hinge zone providing the shoe with flexibility. The shoe also includes an outsole (14) and a midsole (16), the outsole being unitarily formed to include upwardly extending instep support portions (36) which are attached to the upper vamp and extend substantially to the leading edge of the upper vamp to stiffen the shoe particularly in the instep area and provide stabilizing restraint against lateral motion and enhance the hinge action. The outsole also includes a second set of upwardly extending side support portions (38) which are spaced from said instep side support portions. In a second embodiment the midsole (116) includes unitarily formed side portions (166) recessed to receive the outsole side portions (136) and cooperating with said side portions to provide additional lateral stabilization and further enhancing the hinge action.

Abstract: A footwear device suitable for interfacing with a sports implement, such as a snow ski, ice skate blade or in-line skate wheel system, is provided. It comprises a rigid base (2100), a heel counter (2300), a medial forefoot counter (2201) and a forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400). In one embodiment, the medial forefoot counter (2201) is adjustable in a direction medially/laterally with respect to the foot of a user into different positions relative to the rigid base. In another embodiment, the heel counter (2300) is adjustable in a direction anteriorly/posteriorly with respect to the foot into different positions relative to the rigid base. In a further embodiment, the forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) comprises an instep counter (2420) and a support member (2410) for the instep counter.

Abstract: A shoe and polymeric shoe sole having a heel portion slanted upwardly at a small acute angle from the medial side to the lateral side relative to the horizontal support surface, a forefoot portion slanted upwardly at a small acute angle from the lateral side to the medial side relative to the support surface, and a diagonally crossing neutral zone in the midfoot portion. The heel portion has a central, resilient, compressible, calcaneal pad which is substantially unslanted, preferably with a downward, slightly convex configuration. The calcaneal pad protrudes downwardly below the slanted bottom surface at the lateral side of the heel portion and is recessed upwardly above the slanted bottom surface at the medial side of the heel portion. The metatarsal head pad extends downwardly below the slanted bottom surface at the medial side of the forefoot portion and is recessed above the slanted bottom surface at the lateral side of the forefoot portion.

Abstract: An improved boot for snowboarding. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a generally resilient upper boot portion mounted to a generally rigid lower boot portion. The lower boot portion extends substantially upwardly from the sole, over the foot, and ends proximate to the tarsal bone of the lower ankle. A calf support member is mounted at the heel of the boot and relatively perpendicular thereto. A lip extends from the toe and heel of the boot lower portion. Upon cooperation of the lip with plate bindings on a snowboard, the boot is releasably secured thereto.

Abstract: A tightening member for a shoe having two straps disposed on the inner and the outer sides of the shoe and an adjuster disposed on the heel reinforcement portion. One end of the strap has lace holes. The strap is divided into two branches at the other end; one of the branches passes through a hole in the adjuster, and is connected to one end of a lateral strip member of a skeleton-shaped reinforcement portion. The other branch is attached to a stretchable member located on the heel reinforcement portion.

Abstract: A lightweight athletic shoe with an ankle support system and a foot comfort and support system is provided. The ankle support system, which includes an integral brace with removable ankle support elements, may be modified by the wearer to vary the amount of support provided as needed. The foot comfort and support system includes a composite insole with a spongy, moisture absorbing layer and an air layer with an air-filled arch support and an air-filled upper foot comfort cushion located around the shoelace-holding eyelets. Air-filled pockets in the shoe upper provide design elements and contribute to the reduction in the weight of the shoe.

Abstract: A reactive energy apparatus providing a custom fit and ankle support in a shoe upper is comprised of a pair of fluid filled pads that are positioned in the upper on opposite sides of the Achilles tendon of the wearer. The fluid filled pads each contain one or more interior chambers containing fluid, and the pads are connected in fluid communication by a series of conduits extending between the pads and around the Achilles tendon of the wearer. The conduits are constructed to enable the free flow of fluid between the two pads, enabling the apparatus to provide a continuous custom fit and dynamic support for the wearer's ankle while avoiding exerting any pressure on the Achilles tendon of the wearer that could potentially injure the tendon.

Abstract: A sport shoe is disclosed which provides a highly flexible, yet supportive shoe which enhances both wearer comfort and shoe performance, and virtually eliminates shoe break-in time. The shoe includes a two piece sole system, each sole having a plurality of flex areas which provide optimum flexibility in the metatarsal and phalanges regions of the wearer's foot during walking or running activities. The shoe further includes a three-point support system about (i) an adjustable heel counter, (ii) the arch region of the wearer's foot, and (iii) the lace region of the shoe, providing balanced support about the wearer's foot.

Abstract: Footwear having a substantially concealed means for girth adjustment is described. The girth adjustment means is provided by shoe insole assemblies wherein the contours and thicknesses of the side edges vary relative to those of the longitudinally central portions of the insole assemblies which remain substantially constant.

Abstract: A closed loop fastening system for running and other shoes. The fastening system includes a harness, a strap, guides and a tension lock buckle. The harness includes strap portions which can tightly retain a user's foot inside the shoe. The guides are attached to the harness for guiding the strap. One end of the strap is attached to the harness and the other end of the strap is attached to the buckle. An effective length of the strap can be defined such that a shorter effective length yields a tighter harness and a fighter fit, and a longer effective length yields a looser harness and a looser fit. The tension lock buckle used in the closed loop fastening system is adaptable for use with numerous other products having a strap. The tension lock buckle includes a body, a pivotal locking member and a sliding bar. The sliding bar is mounted within the body for longitudinal movement therein. The pivotal locking member is pivotally attached to the body for relative pivotal motion.

Abstract: Shoes are provided with soles and upper portions which conform to the configuration of the user's feet by the use of vacuum formable bladders in the sole of the shoes and/or in the sides of the upper portions of the shoes. The bladders are filled with material, such as small spherical particles, which retains a configuration conforming to the shape of the feet under reduced pressure conditions. A vacuum pump is provided, and it may be located in the heel area of the shoe to be actuated by walking or running to evacuate air from the bladders.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole extending from a toe to a heel. An upper is secured to the sole. The upper is formed of flexible material shaped to conform to a foot. The upper has opposing edges which define an ankle opening and a slot extending from the toe portion to the ankle opening. A flap is secured to the sole and sized to cover the slot. Adhering tabs are used to adhere the flap to the upper. The flap includes a raised end at the toe portion.

Abstract: Shoes are provided with soles and upper portions which conform to the configuration of the user's feet by the use of vacuum formable bladders in the sole of the shoes and/or in the sides of the upper portions of the shoes. The bladders are filled with material, such as small spherical particles, which retains a configuration conforming to the shape of the feet under reduced pressure conditions. A vacuum pump is provided, and it may be located in the heel area of the shoe to be actuated by walking or running to evacuate air from the bladders.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes a substantially flat pump chamber in the sole of the shoe under the heel of the user, with a one-way valve permitting the drawing in of air when pressure is taken of the heel, and second one-way valve at the outlet from the flat pump which comes into play as air is being exhausted from the chamber. One or more pressure bladders for receiving air from the pump mentioned above, are mounted in the sidewalls of the shoe, toward the rear thereof adjacent the ankle. When the user is active, and is walking or running, the pump is automatically actuated to inflate the air bladders and to provide additional support for the foot and the ankle. The air bladders may be provided with a relief valve to prevent overpressure, and/or with arrangements for slowly leaking air out of the bladder so that when the user is resting, pressure on the foot and ankle is minimized. This last function may be accomplished, either by a bleed valve, or by a series of fine perforations in the walls of the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable article of manufacture having inflation and fluid release mechanisms. The inflation mechanism generally comprises a pump and a resilient fluid intake valve. The fluid release mechanism includes a housing, a fluid release means and a protective cover which is received about the housing. The protective cover of the fluid release mechanism may also function as a connector for an "off board" inflation mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is an upper for an athletic shoe which substantially takes the form of an inflatable chamber. The upper is formed from first and second laminates which are welded together at various locations to form several fluid impervious chambers. The chambers, which are visible, are inflated with fluid to provide lightweight support and comfort to the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: An athletic shoe has two independent, inflatable chambers, one in the sole and one partially forming the shoe upper. The former chamber cushions impacts and displaces solid material from which the sole would otherwise comprise, and the second tightens the fit of the shoe on a wearer's foot. Each chamber has independent inflation and outlet valves. Resilient pilings distribute a wearer's weight over the sole, protecting the first chamber from deformation during activity. A pump is detachably mounted on the shoe tongue. The pump has a ring for attachment to a key ring as an alternative to being secured on the shoe tongue when not in use. A preferred inflation medium is helium.

Abstract: Footgear is provided with an inner sole having a grid of removable resilient elements to permit removal of selected elements to provide relief to ulcerated or otherwise injured areas of the foot. An air bladder may underlie the inner sole, preferably with additional cushioning material within the air bladder. A walker with a soft goods type support may be provided with the foregoing type of inner sole within the support.

Abstract: A shoe construction is disclosed in which varying the width of an insole assembly by means of a fluid-containing bladder adjusts the fit of the shoe.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe such as a running shoe, includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot, particularly the sides, and that has a constant thickness in frontal plane cross sections. The thickness of the shoe sole side contour equals and therefore varies exactly as the thickness of the load-bearing sole portion varies due to heel lift, for example. Thus, the outer contour of the edge portion of the sole has at least a portion which lies along a theoretically ideal stability plane for providing natural stability and efficient motion of the shoe and foot particularly in an inverted and everted mode.

Abstract: A shoe (1, 30, 6) is disclosed in which there is a provided sensing means (16, 45, 66) for transmitting the force of shoe-support surface impact from the bottom of the lower sole (2, 31, 61) to the upper shell (3, 32, 62) and foot as the foot is moved toward the bottom of the lower sole. Means are provided (17, 50, 65, 67) for varying the amount of force transmitted and length of time that the force is transmitted from the lower sole (2, 31, 61) to the upper shell (3, 32, 62) and foot.

Abstract: A self-ventilating device for a shoe, including an air-pumping member disposed in the heel portion of the insole thereof, an ankle-protecting air bag disposed in the heel portion of the insole thereof, an ankle-protecting air bag disposed in the interior of the upper thereof, and an automatic air-controlling member communicating with the air-pumping member and ankle-protecting air bag, whereby the shoe can be effectively ventilated and protect the ankle.

Abstract: Foot securing device, particularly usable in trekking boots, including a traction element which has a first portion which embraces the upper heel and malleolar region and a second portion which is curved at the foot instep region and defines grip loops for laces. The device furthermore includes a third portion which passes below approximately the median region of the sole of the foot. The device allows, once the boot has been closed, to optimally support the foot while walking, since the foot is secured in the regions overlying the heel and the foot instep.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing footgear with comfortable individualized custom support, said apparatus comprising mechanical means to selectively and seperately change the position of multiple areas of the inner sole of said footgear, said areas corresponding generally to the areas of the foot described as the inner heel, the lateral arch, and the metatarsal area, and, whereas such changing of positions involves movement in two different directions: (1) upward and downward, (2) forward and backward, said changes in position are achieved by two different and seperate structures, wherein the movement of each of said structures is controlled by the selective turning of a screw, the heads of said screws being located on the outside of said footgear, where they can be selectively turned at any time.

Abstract: Alpine ski boot comprising an outer shell, in which an inner slipper is placed, the shell being constituted by a shell base incorporating at least one rear cover which pivots on the shell base around a transverse axis to a pivoted open position and vice-versa, while the inner slipper comprises a rear tongue extending upward. The upper part of the rear tongue is held attached to the upper part of the rear cover by at least one connecting slide device.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying supporting force in a boot or the like having predetermined first and second sides, the apparatus having a force applying system including a plurality of first securing points mounted in substantially fixed relation on the boot on the first side, a second securing point mounted in substantially fixed relation on the boot on the second side and a force applying member linking through the system the first securing points and the second securing point and adapted to draw the first and second securing points substantially toward each other to apply a selected force capturing the foot in the boot.

Abstract: A footwear device (2000) comprises a rigid base (2100) for supporting the foot (2001) of a user thereon, a medial forefoot counter (2201) associated with the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) of a user medial to the medial aspect of the head of the first metatarsal, a heel counter (2300) on the rigid base (2100) for contact with the foot (2001) posterior to the posterior aspect of the heel and a forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) for exerting a downwardly and rearwardly directed force on the dorsum of the foot (2001). The medial forefoot counter (2201), the heel counter (2300) and the forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) cooperate with each other to be in substantially continuous contact with the user's foot (2001) in the above-mentioned areas, while the remainder of the foot is substantially unconstrained to accommodate the changing architecture of the foot (2001) when moving between bipedal and monopedal stances.

Abstract: For athletic shoes, a custom fit bladder system including first and second separately pressure adjustable chambers for different foot portions. First and second bladder stems communicate with the first and second chambers, respectively. A tension wire bail secures the stems to a tee manifold between them. A bulb pump held on the shoe includes an articulated connector at one end and a flush mounted inlet valve retained at the other end. External barbs on the manifold lock into holes in the connector providing a secure air-tight attachment of the bulb pump to the manifold. A button dial allows the user to select which of the chambers he can inflate by pumping the pump and deflate by pushing a deflation valve disposed in the manifold.

Abstract: A bladder assembly for an athletic shoe and having at least first and second chambers. The chambers are independently and separately pressure adjustable by the user to conform to different concavity areas of his foot, such as the arch, ankle and metatarsal areas, to thereby enhance fit, comfort and athletic performance. Both chambers are inflatable by the same articulated on-board pump and deflatable by the same on-board depressible plunger. A dial on the lateral side of the upper allows the user to select which of the chambers is to be pressure adjusted, that is, which of the chambers is in pressure communication with the pump and the plunger. When the dial is in a neutral position, accidental inflation or deflation of either chamber is prevented.

Abstract: The ski boot comprising auxiliary means of wedging at least part of the foot, formed by at least one cam (10) mounted to rotate between the boot and the liner and actuatable from outside.

Abstract: A shoe construction using an insole assembly of variable width to adjust the fit of a shoe is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical insole or outsole is provided to increase foot support. The insole is attached to the top of the sole body, whereas the outsole is attached to the bottom of the sole body. The insole or outsole has a raised front portion to shift some weight rearward to the center of the foot. The back portion of the insole is either raised or lowered, depending on the shoe heel height, to shift some weight forward to the center of the foot.

Abstract: A conformable device (20) containing a conformable material (41) substantially comprising fluid matter which forms a resilient material substantially comprising solid matter after a working time is used in an article of footwear (44) in order to enhance conformance, comfort, fit, stability, cushioning and shock-absorption. The conformable material (41) is contained within a chamber (51) of suitable configurations. In addition, a foam material (66) of select shape generally conforming to a portion of the wearer's anatomy can be used in cooperation with the conformable material (41), as well as a void (40) containing a gas. The invention permits accommodation to a wide range of anatomical features and characteristics found amongst a large percentage of the general public and application within numerous types of footwear (44).

Abstract: Ballet shoe (2) comprising a sole (3, 6) to which is fixed a flexible upper (4) stiffened in a front part up to a substantially flat end (7) by a vamp (5) covered by said upper and adapted to surround the front part of the foot of a dancer, characterized in that said front part of said upper has on its upper surface a peak line (10) formed by points (M) of maximum height of transverse cross-sections of said front part of said upper which is offset to one side of a longitudinal plane (P) of the shoe, diverging from this plane in the direction away from the end (7) of the shoe, this front part of said upper being joined transversely on the other side of said longitudinal plane to an area forming a flat (13) widening in the direction away from said end, whereby said shoe is specifically intended for a respective foot of a dancer, the peak line being adapted to run along the top of the big toe of the foot in question.

Abstract: The innerboot, particularly for ski boots, for hockey boots, for skates or for other footgear, which has an improved fit, includes at least one first layer of fabric and at least one second layer of fabric which are mutually coupled; at least one layer is initially placed in vacuum and can subsequently expand or self-expand or dilate with catalysis to the assumed position once it has expanded.

Abstract: A shoe includes a removable structure, having lateral and medial sheet springs. Each spring has a Y shape and is removably attached, with a rotary-keyed fastener, to the side of the shoe below the ankle. The springs are fastened under tension to each other around the ankle so as to inhibit displacement of the ankle.

Abstract: A shoe construction is provided with means for inclusion or orthotic and/or planar adjustment members in a shoe, without adversely affecting thereby the fit of the shoe on the foot or the distance of the foot from the walking surface.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is described, provided with an inflatable tongue or bladder for a more secure fit to the user's foot. The bladder is inflated with a pump which has a foam material disposed therein.

Abstract: An air pump assembly is disclosed which comprises an outer shell and an inner shell nested within the outer shell; the shells defining between them a housing into which is secured an air pump. The latter includes an air chamber having a solid base and a resilient pumping membrane; the pump further including valving unit in air communication with the air chamber, the unit being provided with an air deflation rod. The housing has an aperture capable of giving access to the flexible membrane to operate the pump. This housing is sized so that the air pump is held completely in it to protect it against outer shocks; the membrane being accessible from outside the outer shell through the aperture. The same outer shell is formed with an outwardly open recess into which the deflation rod is received; this recess being sized for the rod to be held wholly in it and be protected against outer shocks.

Abstract: A shoe is provided with an ankle support member to reduce the risk of ankle injury. The ankle support member is a stiff resilient piece of bendable sheet material including a base portion, and a plurality of lateral and medial strips which are inclined upwardly and rearwardly. The base portion has a U-shaped horizontal cross section which extends into and is bonded to the shoe sole. Some lateral strips are connected to medial strips to form inverted support loops behind the wearer's heel. Other lateral and medial strips have free upper ends which are curved toward each other in a transverse direction, and their stiffness deters lateral movement of the ankle to reduce a risk of ankle injury.