Abstract: An article of footwear of the present invention includes a sole and an upper portion, which forms a shell for enclosing a user's foot therein. The shell has a collar for extending around a user's ankle and a suspension system extending between the upper portion and the sole. The suspension system including an energy storage member, which transfers reaction forces from the sole to the shell generally at the collar whereby the energy storage member reduces overturning moment forces on the user's ankle when lateral forces are applied to the article of footwear.

Abstract: A skate boot is disclosed which comprises a foot element adapted to be mounted to a ground engaging skating implement and for receiving at least partially the foot of a skater, and an articulated cuff for encircling and supporting the ankle of a skater. The articulated cuff is partially inserted in the foot element and slidably coupled to the foot element to permit unrestrained limited pivotal motion of the articulated cuff relative to an axis coinciding approximately with the pivot axis of the skater's ankle.

Abstract: An insole which extends from the toes to the heel includes at least one fluid-filled container; a control unit for enabling a user to increase or reduce an amount of fluid in the container; and a stirrup-shaped device for immobilizing the talocalcaneonavicular joint and for controlling and/or stabilizing the ankle joint. The insole is a prefabricated insole selectable from a range of differently shaped insoles for the various forms of foot prophylaxis and the various shoe sizes. The insole can also be configured in combination with a athletic sock and can be configured as a partial insole. This enables users to adapt the prefabricated insoles suitable for their shoe size and form of foot prophylaxis to their own personal needs.

Abstract: An embodiment of a snowboard boot with removable upper support includes a sole portion that cooperatively with an upwardly extending boot upper provides a volume for receiving a user's foot. The boot upper has a high back portion that includes an interior pocket adapted to receive a generally Y-shaped stiffening insert. The pocket is provided at the back of the upper, by attaching a back panel to the upper, the back panel having a front panel attached to the front side, thereby forming a pocket. Slots are provided at the top corners of the back panel that can slidably engage the upper tabs of the insert, thereby locking the insert in place.

Abstract: This invention provides deformable low density trauma mitigation or pressure reducing composition comprising a viscous fluid and a plurality of macroparticulates and, optionally, microparticulates dispersed within the viscous fluid. The viscous fluid can comprise a water/oil emulsion, a glycerin/water mixture, a plasticizer or the like. In a further embodiment the composition comprises a viscous fluid and an enhancer which is a polytetrafluoroethylene-molybdenum disulfide combination.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes a sole, an upper, a plurality of band-shaped members, and a fastening member. The upper has a toe portion, a heel portion, a forefoot portion and a lower periphery. The upper is secured to the sole and has a plurality of elongated through holes at regions except the toe portion and the heel portion. The band-shaped members are secured to the sole or the lower periphery of the upper and extend upwardly toward an instep of a foot of a shoe wearer. The fastening member is connected to each upper end of the band-shaped members.

Abstract: A sandal construction having ankle and heel straps that are secured to the sandal by a pair of posts. Each of the posts is affixed to the sole at two laterally spaced-apart locations to provide the posts with substantial lateral stability. The posts preferably have a generally “inverted Y-shape,” with an inner leg secured to the sole in a first location and an outer leg secured to the sole at a second location spaced laterally outwardly from the first location. The inner leg of the post preferably extends through a slot in the sole and is adhesively secured to the undersurface of the midsole and the outer leg preferably extends along and is adhesively secured to the side surface of the sole.

Abstract: An athletic or therapeutic support shoe is disclosed that provides ankle support and support for the foot muscles underlying and surrounding the arch. The shoe is a dual lace-up type, with two layers, offset eyelets, and an “extra” eyelet at the ankle that allows adjustment to fit the wearer's foot and provides support. The interior layer effectively surrounds or encases the foot, or at least the arch and ankle, like a glove. An elastic “lining” and elastic inserts in the shoe provide additional flexibility and support. Strategically placed slits provide flexibility without loss of support.

Abstract: A boot comprising a sole with an upper which includes an asymmetrical medial and lateral quarter. Strategically located pads are provided on the inner of the upper on opposite sides of the metatarsal in the vamp area and around the ankle. Flexible compressible inserts are provided in the medial dorsal area and in the posterior lateral area, providing compression and extension in the sagittal plane. A scewered lacing arrangement is provided with the lower segment of the lacing extending with the median axis of the lacing approximately at the fourth metatarsal bone and the upper segment of the lacing being provided in the anterior area of the ankle. A light-weight tongue follows the contours of the gap formed by the lacing and is connected to the lateral quarter of the upper along the side thereof and at the front is anchored to a toe box which has a rear edge forming a parabolic outline coincident with the joints between the metatarsus and the phalanges.

Abstract: A removable reinforcing element for a sports boot, particularly a snowboarding boot, of the type including an outer boot and an inner liner, the outer boot including an external sole and an external upper, the inner liner including a close-fitting envelope covering the foot and the leg. The reinforcing element includes a bottom part forming a heel stiffener and equipped with a tightening arrangement exerting a tightening force at the level of the instep. It also includes a top part extending vertically upward from the bottom part and including a rear wall and two lateral walls surrounding the lower leg.

Abstract: A comfort upper for footwear adapted in particular to equip a sports boot and an inner liner for a sports boot. The upper includes a stiffener, positioned between the inner lining and the outer covering, which is made of a thermoformable material. The upper also includes a comfort element, positioned between the inner lining and the stiffener, which is softer than the stiffener and which is possibly made of thermoformable material. This comfort element includes perforations enabling the thermoforming of the stiffener by propulsion of hot air within the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear, e.g., a shoe for running, jogging, and walling, that is designed to provide a better and more anatomical fit to the wearer's foot to enhance performance and provide better arch support. The shoe includes an articulated arch that is independent from the main sole unit to provide better arch support, optimal comfort, and enhanced articulation. A heel notch is cut in the medial and lateral quarter panels to enable the shoe to move in a manner more like the human foot. A heel clip is provided, in lieu of a traditional heel counter, to provide a secure fit in the heel region without the inflexibility and discomfort of a traditional heel counter.

Abstract: A boot comprises an upper, an outsole affixed to the upper, and an insole affixed within the boot. The upper includes a vamp, a counter, and a shaft. A flexible but substantially inelastic liner is affixed to the insole and to the upper, to and around an upper portion of the shaft, but is not affixed to the vamp, to the counter, or to a lower portion of the shaft. An ankle strap and an instep strap are affixed within the boot. The instep strap is affixed below the ankle strap. Being elastic, the ankle and instep straps are adapted to restrain a foot of a wearer so as to limit movement of the foot away from the counter, further into the vamp.

Abstract: A sole assembly for boots adapted to any of a plurality of sporting activities, which enables the user to customize his/her boot depending on the sport involved. A flexible sole is associated with a foot support with which a fastening arrangement, adapted to ensure a removable fastening of the support on the bottom surface of the sole, are associated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sing the flow of fluid through tubes in the sole of shoes. The apparatus includes a pair of fluid filled tubes along the periphery of the sole of the shoe. One tube is connected to cross tubes that provide flow paths and cushions the for the ball and instep portions of the foot. The other tube is connected to cross tubes that provide flow paths and cushions heel portion of the foot. Adjustable pressure valves interposed between the fluid filled tubes permit a method of controlling the flow of fluid through the valves in one direction only. The pressure resistance of the valves are pre-set for a certain internal pressure level required for triggering the transfer of fluid from one tube to the other. The method include steps of controlling pressure resistance by adjusting valve pressure adjustment rings either in a clockwise direction about a rod for increasing internal pressure resistance, or in a counter-clockwise direction for decreasing internal resistance.

Abstract: A support device, for shoes to be associated with a sports implement such as a ski, a roller skate or an ice skate, includes a rigid shell which partially surrounds the shoe laterally, to the rear and in a lower region and can be interposed between the shoe and an element for engaging the sports implement, the rigid shell having means for detachable locking to the shoe.

Abstract: Footwear having one or more reinforcement features is disclosed. Footwear having two independent components constructed from a woven material with the strands oriented at specified angles to the plane of the sole of the footwear is disclosed. The footwear may also incorporate a substantially rigid structural collar in the area of the ankle or lower leg. Heel and/or forefoot straps that wrap downwardly and laterally around the heel and/or forefoot may be provided to limit flexing of the ankle and the footwear in a forward or backward direction, respectively. An internal reinforcement structure comprising a plurality of support strips arranged transversely to one another in a criss-cross arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus mounted externally on a shoe to allow the wearer to have increased comfort and better support; in particular, relates to an apparatus, method, and system to increase comfort and support in athletic shoes.

Abstract: Boot of the type including a rigid frame including of at least one rigid sole portion and a heel reinforcement affixed to the sole, and including an upper that is at least partially flexible, wherein it includes a part forming a cover that takes the shape of at least a portion of the rigid frame and is intended to is pulled on over at least the portion of the frame, the cover being equipped with connecting elements to the rigid frame. Advantageously, the boot includes a liner affixed to the part forming the cover, the outer wall of the liner constituting the inner wall of the part forming the cover.

Abstract: A removable snowboard boot liner made from Ethyl Vinyl Acetate with an air bladder attached therein and a method of mass producing such liners. An oily chalk like substance consisting of 90% sweet starch, 9% lubricant and 1% stearate is included between the two sheets that make up the bladder. The bladder is attached to the EVA before the EVA is folded, stitched, heated and molded. This allows the bladder to be attached while the EVA is still flat and allows the attachment to be performed by machine stitching. The bladder is partially inflated before the EVA is heated and molded. The oily chalk like substance and the partial inflation of the bladder allows the installed bladder to pass through the heating and molding steps of the EVA without the two sheets that make up the bladder melting together. The invention also consists of a design and installation of the bladder that minimizes the amount of slipping of a wearer's foot and heal within the boot.

Abstract: Footwear having one or more reinforcement features is disclosed. Footwear having two independent components constructed from a woven material with the strands oriented at specified angles to the plane of the sole of the footwear is disclosed. The footwear may also incorporate a substantially rigid structural collar in the area of the ankle or lower leg. Heel and/or forefoot straps that wrap downwardly and laterally around the heel and/or forefoot may be provided to limit flexing of the ankle and the footwear in a forward or backward direction, respectively. An internal reinforcement structure comprising a plurality of support strips arranged transversely to one another in a criss-cross arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring the flow of fluid through tubes in the sole of shoes. The apparatus includes a pair of fluid filled tubes along the periphery of the sole of the shoe. One tube is connected to cross tubes that provide flow paths and cushions the for the ball and instep portions of the foot. The other tube is connected to cross tubes that provide flow paths and cushions heel portion of the foot. Adjustable pressure valves interposed between the fluid filled tubes permit a method of controlling the flow of fluid through the valves in one direction only. The pressure resistance of the valves are pre-set for a certain internal pressure level required for triggering the transfer of fluid from one tube to the other. The method include steps of controlling pressure resistance by adjusting valve pressure adjustment rings either in a clockwise direction about a rod for increasing internal pressure resistance, or in a counter-clockwise direction for decreasing internal resistance.

Abstract: A skate for receiving a foot of a skater includes a frame holding in-line wheels. A rigid base is securely attached to the frame. An external heel counter extends upwardly from the base around the heel portion of the skate. An upper having an outer shell of substantially soft pliable material extends upwardly from the base. A substantially rigid internal heel counter is disposed beneath the outer shell. The internal heel counter extends around the heel area of the skate above the top of said external heel counter. A substantially rigid ankle support cuff is pivotally coupled to the internal heel counter and disposed beneath the outer shell.

Abstract: A snowboard boot for freestyle riding includes, as usual, a soft boot-shaped inside portion and a boot-shaped outside portion that is provided with a soft shaft. To transmit the force for backside turns with legs bent to the side, a rigid insert is provided between the inside portion and the outside portion that extends about the heel area. At the height of the ankle a rigid back portion embracing the calf is movable on the insert about an area positioned approximately in the longitudinal center plane of the boot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shoe using a moulded bottom provided with a series of slots on the edges, or with through openings on the sole, for the application of a closed upper, made up of a fabric or leather strap that embraces the back and the neck of the foot.

Abstract: The skate boot construction includes a unitary plastic heel/ankle counter insert which may be secured externally or internally to a soft boot mounted on a skate truck. The insert includes two spaced side portions joined by a U-shaped heel section which extend along the sides of a skater's foot. Above the side portions and the heel section are two forwardly projecting side flaps joined by an arcuate back section which are connected to the spaced side portions by two outwardly bowed hinge sections positioned over a skater's ankle bones. An arcuate slit extends through the heel/ankle counter between the heel section and arcuate back section and runs for a distance along either side of the heel/ankle counter. End slits extend transversely above and below each end of the arcuate slit. Cutaway portions below the side flaps extend inwardly toward the end slits and with the end slits define the edges of the bowed hinge sections.

Abstract: A shoe with closure system for provides enhanced support for feet and ankles. The shoe with closure system includes an upper and a sole coupled to the upper. The upper has a toe portion, a top portion, a pair of lateral portions, an ankle portion, a heel portion, and a tongue. An elongate toe channel is coupled to the toe portion of the upper. A pair of elongate top channels are coupled to opposite sides of the top portion of the upper. A pair of elongate lateral channels are coupled to opposite sides of the lateral portion of the upper. A pair of elongate ankle channels are coupled to opposite sides of the ankle portion of the upper. A shoelace extends through the channels.

Abstract: An ankle support assembly for use in combination with a soft-style snowboard boot. The assembly includes a rigid heel cup and a high back support for supporting the calf region of the snowboard rider. The high back support includes an extension member having a bottom end portion that is coupled within a pocket formed in the upper rear region of the heel cup. The coupling permits the high back support to float about a pivot axis that is translatable a predetermined amount along transverse, longitudinal and vertical axes of the ankle support assembly so as to enable articulation of said ankle support device in a manner that closely approximates the articulation of the foot and ankle of the snowboard rider. A tether is provided to prevent inadvertent decoupling of the high back support from the heel cup. Also included is a length adjustable tension cable to provide forward lean adjustment for the assembly.

Abstract: A skate boot is described in which a one-piece plastic ankle and heel counter insert is employed, positioned between the various layers which make up the skate boot. In sequence from outside to inside, the boot includes a conventional outer, the one-piece plastic insert, suitable cushioning, and a lining. The insert has a heel counter portion which is generally U-shaped and which cups around the heel area from along the lateral side, across the heel, and along the medial side, and an integral ankle portion which extends upwardly from the heel area of the heel counter portion and which includes forwardly projecting wing portions which cup around the ankle area from over the area of the lateral malleolus, across the rear and over the area of the medial malleolus. Preferably, the plastic insert extends up most of the height of the back of the boot, and includes lateral and medial cuff portions which extend partially forward along the sides of the skater's upper ankle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe lacing configuration for an article of footware such as a boot, where the boot is provided with two rings, one ring supported on either side of the boot proximate an ankle supporting portion of the boot. A long strap is looped through the two rings such that the long strap defines an elongated C-like shape. Each end of the long strap is formed with eyelets. A lace extends through eyelets formed in the boot in a traditional criss-cross manner, and the lace further extends through the eyelets formed in the long strap. The long strap has the effect of doubling the force applied to the lace in a manner similar to that of a block and tackle thus improving the lace tightening characteristics of the boot.

Abstract: A snowboard boot includes a foot portion, an ankle portion formed of a flexible material disposed above the foot portion and extending forwardly for covering an anklebone, and a leg portion disposed above the ankle portion. The ankle portion includes a first stitch line extending from a rear of the ankle portion forwardly and a second stitch line extending from the rear of the ankle portion forwardly so that the flexible material forms a flexible material space extending from between the first stitch line and the second stitch line for covering the anklebone. The flexible material space has no stitch line extending from the rear of the ankle portion therein to comfortably accommodate the anklebone.

Abstract: An inner ankle protector device 10 including a protector member 20 having an outer shell element 21 and an inner padded liner element 25 dimensioned to receive the user's inner ankle bone on one foot, a strap unit 12 including main 30 and auxiliary 33 strap members adapted to cooperate with one another and the protector member 20 to encircle the user's ankle and arch. The strap members 30, 33 also provide a thin, cushioned layer on the outside of the protector unit 11.

Abstract: An internal collar device for an article of footwear. The internal collar device includes ankle wraps, a pivoting spine and a heel cup. The pivoting spine is a relatively narrow portion of the internal collar device which is flexible so that it pivots with the wearer's movement. The internal collar device is disposed in an external boot of the article of footwear so that the internal collar device pivots about a pivot axis near the wearer's malleoli. The article of footwear is configured so that internal collar device pivots almost entirely independently from the external boot. As such, the internal collar devices controls the forward and rearward flex of the wearer's ankle and provides support to the wearer's foot and ankle within the article of footwear. Further, forward and rearward flex of the wearer's ankle does not result in a crease or wear area forming in the external boot so that the present invention prevents premature wear of the boot material.

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: An improved soft style snowboard boot which is internally reinforced by a multi-piece boot support assembly that includes a rigid molded plastic shank portion, a semi-rigid molded heel cup portion, and a molded or die-cut plastic highback portion. The shank portion is designed to resist flex, and provide ergonomic support for the foot, and further includes molded-in features which permit positive mechanical fastening of conventional step-in binding attachment structure, to the outsole of the boot. A pair of length adjustable tensioning strap members are connected between the shank and highback portions and when tightened the straps induce a desired forward lean in the highback portion. The straps may be tightened independently of each other to provide a desired side bias, left or right, to the highback portion. In one embodiment, the straps are contained within the outer boot portion. In another embodiment, the straps are routed exteriorly of the outer boot portion for more convenient forward lean adjustment.

Abstract: A snowboard boot includes a sole region, an upper outer layer extending from the sole region to an instep region, and a foot support disposed inside the upper outer layer. The foot support includes a right foot support and a left foot support. The right foot support is disposed inside the upper outer layer of the boot on a right side thereof and extends from the sole region toward the instep region. The right foot support includes a right foot tightening structure disposed in close proximity to the instep region. The left foot support is disposed inside the upper outer layer of the boot on a left side thereof and extends from the sole region toward the instep region. The left foot support includes a left foot tightening structure disposed in close proximity to the instep region. If desired, an insulating layer may be disposed between the upper outer layer and the right and left foot supports.

Abstract: A snowboard boot is formed with an ankle and heel support. The boot includes a sole portion and an upper portion fixed to the sole portion. The ankle and heel support includes a strap member that is formed with first and second lacing loops and an ankle strap portion which extends between the first and second lacing loops. A first support leg extends downward from the first lacing loop and a second support leg extending downward from the second lacing loop. The first and second support legs are fixed to a lower inside portion of the upper portion proximate the sole portion. The ankle strap portion is configured to wrap around the back side of an ankle portion of a foot above a heel portion of the foot and with the first and second lacing loops laced, the ankle and heel support provides firm engagement between the foot and boot.

Abstract: A shoe or boot includes an ankle support collar attached to an inside surface of an upper (e.g., via stitching along a lower portion of the ankle support collar) and is formed of a resilient and flexible material to allow engagement to ankle portions of the wearer. A collar band surrounds a posterior portion of the ankle support collar and has end regions extending over the instep region of the upper. The shoe or boot is of the type having an upper attached to the sole which together define a volume for receiving the wearer's foot. The upper further defines an open instep region including at least two lacing attachments (e.g., loops such as "D"-rings) disposed along the instep portion of the upper. The shoe or boot also includes lacing which passes through the two lacing attachments and end regions of the collar band to allow tightening of the upper around the wearer's foot and the ankle support collar around the ankle portions of the wearer.

Abstract: A snowboard boot for freestyle riding includes, as usual, a soft boot-shaped inside portion and a boot-shaped outside portion that is provided with a soft shaft. To transmit the force for backside turns with legs bent to the side, a rigid insert is provided between the inside portion and the outside portion that extends about the heel area. At the height of the ankle a rigid back portion embracing the calf is pivoted on the insert about an axis extending approximately in the longitudinal center plane of the boot.

Abstract: The sport boot comprises an upper and at least two reinforcing elements (21, 22) arranged medially and laterally in the area of the user's ankle. The lateral reinforcing element (22) extends higher along the ankle than does the medial reinforcing element (21). Advantageously, the lateral reinforcing element (22) is equipped with a flexibility-enhancing feature (27, 28) at its upper end.

Abstract: The skate boot construction includes a unitary plastic heel/ankle counter insert which may be secured externally or internally to a soft boot mounted on a skate truck. The insert includes two spaced side portions joined by a U-shaped heel section which extend along the sides of a skater's foot. Above the side portions and the heel section are two forwardly projecting side flaps joined by an arcuate back section which are connected to the spaced side portions by two outwardly bowed hinge sections positioned over a skater's ankle bones. An arcuate slit extends through the heel/ankle counter between the heel section and arcuate back section and runs for a distance along either side of the heel/ankle counter. End slits extend transversely above and below each end of the arcuate slit. Cutaway portions below the side flaps extend inwardly toward the end slits and with the end slits define the edges of the bowed hinge sections.

Abstract: An improved article of footwear for limiting inversion and eversion of the ankle is disclosed. The article of footwear includes at least one support which limits eversion and inversion while permitting a full range of motion in the plantar and dorsi flexion plane. The support includes a plurality of finger-like elements extending vertically upward from the sole along the upper The breadth of each finger-like element is greater than its width so that the element will freely bend in the dorsi and plantar flexion plane and not in the medial and lateral flexion plane. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the article of footwear has supports located in the rear-foot, mid-foot and forefoot regions of the article of footwear for preventing inversion and eversion as well as for enhancing the fit of the article of footwear and containing the foot over the sole.

Abstract: An improved soft style snowboard boot which is internally reinforced by a multi-piece boot support assembly that includes a rigid molded plastic shank portion, a semi-rigid molded heel cup portion, and a molded or die-cut plastic highback portion. The shank portion is designed to resist flex, and provide ergonomic support for the foot, and further includes molded-in features which permit positive mechanical fastening of conventional step-in binding attachment structure, to the outsole of the boot. A pair of length adjustable tensioning strap members are connected between the shank and highback portions and when tightened the straps induce a desired forward lean in the highback portion. The straps may be tightened independently of each other to provide a desired side bias, left or right, to the highback portion. In one embodiment, the straps are contained within the outer boot portion. In another embodiment, the straps are routed exteriorly of the outer boot portion for more convenient forward lean adjustment.

Abstract: An ankle supporting spat according to the disclosed embodiment fits over the shoe of the wearer. A sole portion on the bottom of the spat overlaps the central portion of the shoe's sole. A top portion partially covers the shoe, ankle, and leg of the wearer, and is joined to the rand. The spat is open at both the heel and the toe so that the heel and the toe of the shoe protrude from the openings, exposing the front and rear cleats. A set of straps bind the spat to the wearer's shoe, ankle, and leg, and provide support for the ankle and other tissues. The particular amount, direction, and location of the support provided by the spat may be altered by changing the winding and arrangement of the straps.

Abstract: The auxiliary pieces are constituted by semi-rigid plates (1, 2) which are curved about a vertical axis (a) and have an upper part (11, 21) and a lower part (12, 22) offset relative to the vertical axis and to the upper part, on one side as far as one of the pieces is concerned and on the other side as far as the other auxiliary piece is concerned.Depending on whether each of these pieces is mounted on the right or left boot, the boots are reinforced on the inner side or on the outer side and have different characteristics.

Abstract: A sneaker for a bodybuilder comprising an upper shoe having a vamp portion. An outer sole is connected to the upper shoe. The outer sole has a cavity extending transversely across the width of the outer sole near the heel of the outer sole. A stationary VELCRO strap built into the upper shoe extends through the cavity and over the vamp portion about an ankle of the bodybuilder, so that the bodybuilder can perform thigh exercises in comfort.

Abstract: An ice skate which includes an outer shoe (1), a blade attached to the sole of the outer shoe, and an inner shoe (9) which is fitted in the outer shoe and which embraces at least the rear part of the foot, including heel and ankle. The inner shoe (9) is fitted in the outer shoe so as to be pivotal about an axis (10) which extends transversely across the inner sole of the outer shoe (1), forwardly of the ankle joint. That part of the sole of the inner shoe (9) located rearwardly of the pivot axis is free in relation to the inner sole of the outer shoe, therewith enabling the rear part of the inner shoe to accompany and guide the foot upon limited upward movement of the heel part of the foot.

Abstract: In a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a reinforcement which partially or entirely encloses the foot below the ankle joints and which extends above the upper ankle joint on one or both sides of the foot, wherein the reinforcement has a stirrup element which at least partially surrounds the foot below the ankle joints and a sleeve element which at least partially surrounds the calf above the upper ankle joint, and wherein the sleeve element is connected with the stirrup element on the inner side of the foot and/or on the outer side of the foot via an articulation in order to transmit at least tractive forces between the stirrup element and the sleeve element, it is proposed that the articulation on the outer side of the foot is arranged so as to be offset toward the front in the longitudinal direction of the shoe relative to a center position between the outer malleolus and the inner malleolus of the upper ankle joint and that the articulation on the inner side of the foot is arranged so as to be offset

Abstract: An ankle brace which includes an inverted "Y" joint located at the malleoli of the ankle. The ankle brace is formed into the shape of the patient's ankle and then sections of the brace are cut out to form the present invention. In particular, an inverted "Y" joint is manufactured by cutting out a delta-shaped opening.

Abstract: An improved composite for absorbing and dispersing impacting forces is disclosed. The composite includes a flexible plastic enclosure defining an internal cavity. The flexible enclosure is generally impermeable to air and capable of having its internal pressure changed. The composite further includes a foam core filling the cavity and retained within the cavity and adhered on substantially all of its external surface to the internal surface of the cavity. The cavity can be pressurized for higher impact absorbance. Methods for fabricating the composites are disclosed, as well.