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 method for making a conformable device including a light cure material for use in functional relation with an article of footwear in order to enhance conformance or fit, support, comfort, and cushioning. The present invention can serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features and characteristics of an individual wearer and finds application within numerous types of articles footwear (44).

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 sports shoe has an improved heel-holding capability to stabilize the heel of the foot. In a sports shoe comprising an upper member of any suitable materials and a sole of any suitable materials, a bouncing putty-containing pad is positioned on the inner surface of a reinforcing element of harder material. The reinforcing element is a cup-like stabilizer or a heel counter. The pad may comprise a foam impregnated with the bouncing putty.

Abstract: An athletic shoe (20) having an inflatable air bladder (52) integrated into the design and construction of the shoe, and apparatus (50) for inflating the air bladder, as well as apparatus (82) for sensing and indicating the pressure in the bladder, all incorporated into the design of the shoe.

Abstract: The part of a boot in question, in particular an inner-boot tongue of a ski boot, is essentially constituted by an outer part (1) made of impermeable semi-rigid plastic having an alveolate structure (6), covered directly by a foam-type padding (4) and by a woven or knitted liner (5). The air contained in the alveoles of the alveolate structure forms a particularly effective damper cushion in dynamic compression.

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: The inner boot is equipped with an at least partially elastic outer casing (8), the inner face of which is intended to receive corrective pieces (23) for individual adaptation of the volume of the boot to the foot of the wearer. The elasticity of the casing is provided, for example, by two elastic bands (13, 14) and the casing preferably has cutouts and indentations (10, 11, 12) which facilitate the putting in place and the removal of the corrective pieces.

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: The custom ballet pointe shoe, with the capability to adjust the internal volume of the ballet pointe shoe, to custom-fit to the dancers foot, allowing for equalizing the vertical weight bearing to be distributed across all toes and front of the foot in all ballet "Sur le pointe" positions. The pointe shoe has a built-in sock liner covering the front of the foot, and establishing the space, closed cavity, between the front of the foot and the unshaped box of the ballet pointe shoe. After inserting the foot into the pointe shoe, the cavity is filled with the product or mixture of products, which has the capability to harden and cure, taking the permanent shape of the inserted dancers foot. The present method makes the shoe comfortable, the weight is now equally distributed, not just on the tops of the toes, but also on the whole front of the foot, when the dancer is in a "Sur le pointe" position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid filled apparatus that reacts with the stimulus of outside forces, furnished at the instep area of a shoe upper and the forefoot area of the shoe sole. The apparatus provides cushioning and a custom fit to the shoe in an area surrounding the forward portion of the shoe wearer's foot. In particular, the present invention pertains to a reactive energy apparatus comprised of anatomically shaped fluid filled bladders or pads that are furnished at the instep area of the shoe upper and the forefoot area of the shoe sole. The bladders engage and assume a complimentary custom fitting configuration around the instep and ball of the shoe wearer's foot by displacement of fluid contained in the bladders, and thereby provide cushioning and a custom fit around the shoe wearer's foot.

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 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: An ankle-supporting shoe comprising a sole member having a mid-sole attached to the top surface thereof. Attached to the upper surface of the mid-sole and a toe portion of the top surface of the sole member is a brace member including a base portion formed to suit the shape of the wearer's foot and lateral and medial struts extending upwardly from the base portion. A boot upper is attached to the sole member in a manner wherein the lateral strut extends upwardly within a lateral side panel portion of the boot upper, with the medial strut extending upwardly within a medial side panel portion of the boot upper. An inflatable bladder member is selectively insertable into vamp and ankle portions of the boot upper which is sized and configured to extend about the midfoot ankle and heel of the wearer's foot when the foot is inserted into the boot upper.

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: 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 intake valve for use in a thermoplastic fluid pump for inflatable bladders in which the valve is composed of superposed elastomeric layers and one of which is energy sealed at the center thereof to an inner wall portion of the pump about an inlet opening through said layer. The inlet opening is axially aligned with a hole through said pump wall so that ambient air may upon an expansion stroke of the pump enter the valve through said inlet opening and hole in the pump wall. Thereafter when the pump is compressed, air within the pump chamber will seal the inlet opening and force said air into the bladder through a check valve provided therefor. Thereafter when the pump is released, air will again be drawn into the pump chamber through the intake valve.

Abstract: Shoe members having spaced parallel support flanges, wherein the flanges include a row of rotatably mounted wheels therebelow which are fashioned as a roller blade structure, having a pneumatic chamber within the side wall of the shoe structure of the roller blades employing a pneumatic pump bladder mounted relative to the tongue structure of the shoe to permit selective filling of the pneumatic side wall chamber.

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: In the custom-fitting of athletic footwear, such as ski boots and hockey skates, which include an outer shell and an inner bladder, a patch is provided between the shell and the bladder at a selected location where there is a poor fit between the shell and a wearer's foot. The patch forms a receptacle which can be inflated or otherwise supplied with a filler, such as foam, to an extent sufficient to improve the fit at the selected location.

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: 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 device which functions to improve the fit of shoes is described whereby the shoe is urged forward on the foot by means of an elastic member to minimize slippage of the backpart of the shoe relative to the heel of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A protective boot for patients with arterial disease. The boot includes a separate fluid-containing cushion which can be attached in a variety of positions on or in the boot to provide support for the patient's foot and leg when bed-ridden.

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: 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 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: In composition of a copolymer making up a fitting pad for ski boots containing, as the major component, vinyl acetate, an acrylic component and ethylene, the content ratio of components other than ethylene is 20% or larger and the average molecular weight is 30,000 or smaller. The specified content ratio of the component other than ethylene and average molecular weight results in good fitness to a skier's foot thanks to good fluidization of the fitting material during application process, thereby assuring painless use even for a long period and good transmission of the movement of the skier's leg to the ski.

Abstract: A silicone rubber based custom toe cap for ballet pointe shoes which is molded to fit the tips of relatively shorter toes inside a ballet pointe shoe so as to provide more even weight-bearing across the tips of all toes. The toe cap is fabricated by molding a putty-like settable compound about the ends of the shorter toes utilizing the ballet pointe shoe in place over the toes and moldable compound as a mold resulting in a custom toe cap which conforms exactly to the three dimensional surface and topography of the dancer's toes, the shoe walls and toe platform.

Abstract: Insole formed as a composite of a network of reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix of a thermoplastic material having a softening temperature in the order of 90.degree. C. and retains its softening for a reasonable time at a lower temperature that is not uncomfortable to the human skin. The insole is formed to the shape of the bottom of the wearer's foot by placing it while still soft in the shoe and allowing it to harden while being subjected to the wearer's standing weight.

Abstract: An improved shoe construction is disclosed which affords manually operable girth adjustment by a shoe upper having a widthwise adjustable bottom section and substantially hidden girth adjusting removably attachable fastener positioned between the bottom section of shoe upper and the sole.

Abstract: A personalized insert (20) containing a resilient material (41) is employed within an article of footwear (44) in order to enhance conformance, control, stability, support and comfort. The resilient material (41) is contained within a casing (22) of suitable configurations. Removal of restraining pin(s) (24), and/or the rupture of membrane(s) (62) isolating the reagents (27) then permits fluid communication and proper mixing of the resilient material (41). The resilient material (41) then sets in conformance with the wearer's foot (28) when the insert (20) is secured within an article of footwear (44). The invention permits accommodation to the wide range of foot (28) and arch )34) characteristics found amongst the general public and application within numerous types of footwear.

Abstract: A protective liner custom fitted by low pressure fluid injection over a wearer's anatomy, by permeation of select areas of porous padding, surrounding areas of nonporous padding, with an impervious membrane occluding portions of the porous padding to control fluid resin penetration, and with scarfed abuttment of padding for gradual softness variation; including a method by which a pair of liners are simultaneously injected with fluid resin while the wearer's anatomy is in place, for hardening of the fluid resin and of the permeated padding.

Abstract: Footwear having a concealed means for girth adjustment is described. The girth adjustment means may be manual or automatic and generally comprises a girth adjustable lining assembly disposed within the shoe.

Abstract: An orthotic, for providing proper support for a patient's foot within a shoe has provided on its top and bottom surfaces closely spaced substantially parallel grooves. The grooves on the top surface control slippage of the foot across the orthotic while the grooves on the bottom surface of the orthotic control slippage of the orthotic relative to the shoe's insole. The orthotic is shaped from a single monolithic workpiece by guiding a computer-controlled milling tool along substantially closely spaced parallel passes in a preselected pattern across the workpiece to thereby produce the orthotic's surface contours and surface texture in a single operation.

Abstract: A shoe, boot, sneaker, etc. incorporates a foot-actuated pump which is connected to one or more expandable air bladders located in portions of the footware where contour fitting is desirable. Walking or running actuates the pump. An adjustable relief valve connected to the bladder releases air when a preselected pressure is exceeded. The relief valve is accessible externally for easy adjustment by the wearer. Regardless of the external ambient temperature or degree of user activity, the pump, in conjunction with the relief valve, maintains a preselected pressure and assures that the selected fit between the user's foot and footware is maintained at all times.

Abstract: Multi-layer footwear formed of laminated layers of material which are sealed together with a polymeric glue used in the original manufacture of the footwear to secure the various layers of material together. The layers of material held together by polymeric glue are capable of being heated to a degree at which the footwear, when placed in a vacuum bag or compression chamber, is molded to adopt the shape of the foot inside the footwear under atmospheric pressure once pressure inside the bag is reduced or pressure in the compression chamber is increased. The footwear is heated to the point where the synthetic components of the layers of material are flexible under thermoforming conditions, but within a temperature range in which the polymeric glue continues to perform as an adhesive so that the sealed laminated surfaces do not separate.

Abstract: The ski boot comprises a lower shell (1) with which a rear portion (2) of the shaft and a front portion (3) of the shaft are connected so as to be articulated. The lower shell (1) comprises a cut out portion (7) in the rear in the area which is provided for enclosing the lower leg, an insert piece (8) which is arranged at the rear portion (2) of the shaft being insertable in the cut out portion (7). The inclination position of the rear portion (2) of the shaft, and accordingly the inclination position of the entire shaft, can be determined by means of the cooperation of the flanks (7a, 8a) of the cut out portion (7) and the insert piece (8) which extend in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, which inclination position can be varied by means of insert pieces (8) having different radian measures. A clamping device (10, 11) which, in addition to a heel pull (17, 18), is supported at the lower shell (1) serves to fix this inclination position.

Abstract: A shoe of California construction having an upper with a sock liner, an outsole, and a midsole between the sock liner and the outsole. The midsole comprises a molded polyurethane element having a lower surface of a contour complementary to the contour of the upper surface of the outsole and having an upper surface of a contour complementary to the shape of the bottom of a wearer's foot. A fiberboard backing sheet is bonded to the lower surface of the midsole. A leather wrap extends between the upper and the outsole and surrounds the side wall, the midsole, following the contoured shape of the midsole side wall.

Abstract: A ski boot comprising an upper. The upper has a rear portion comprising a foot maintenance apparatus. The foot maintenance apparatus comprises a support plate adjacent the internal wall of the rear portion of the upper. The support plate is at least partially affixed to the rear portion of the upper. The support plate has at least one deformation zone in a zone positioned above the heel of the foot being inserted in the boot.

Abstract: A combination of a shoe and a foot bed in which a predetermined foot girth is obtained by inserting a foot bed having a three dimensional shape adaptable to the shape of a bottom of a foot, for which the degree of fitness has been confirmed by placing a foot thereon, into a shoe having a foot length of a standard size and a foot girth larger than a standard size.

Abstract: Process for filling with foam an inner boot of skiing boot in which the foam or the material to be expanded into a foam is introduced in the lower boot region. The foam or material is directed from the instep region towards the lower heel end and is thus introduced into the skiing boot until it emerges from the heel end. This causes the lateral front region of the inner boot to be filled with foam asymmetrically in relation to the longitudinal central plane.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for wedging the heel of the foot of a skier in a ski boot. A rear portion of the upper of a ski boot is provided with a support element which includes at least one wedge which is adapted to selectively cooperate with a portion of the element. At least one opening or recess is provided along one surface of the support element; the recess is adapted to receive the wedge, and a plate covers at least a part of the recess. The wedge is generally U-shaped and has arms of different thicknesses with a spacing such that each of the arms is adapted to be positioned on a different side of the plate.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of an inner shoe for skiing boots by filling the inner shoe in situ with foam, the foot of the wearer is dressed with a double-walled sock (hollow sock) (14) and placed inside the skiing boot, whereafter the foam composition is introduced in the flexor region of the boot by way of tubes (10) into the cavity of the sock unitl it re-emerges above the locality of introduction and where appropriate also at the tip end of the cavity by way of tubes. (9 or 9').

Abstract: An in situ molded base assembly (17) for a water ski binding (40) includes a support pad (28) composed of particles of discontinuous microbeads and a liquid phase encapsulated in an envelope to form a layer of viscous, flowable pressure-compensating material. The support pad (28) is preformed into a shape corresponding to the bottom of a foot by placement of the foot on the support pad. The base assembly also includes a soleplate (24) of thermoforming material which is in situ molded by first heating the soleplate above its thermoforming temperature, placing the soleplate over the formed support pad (28) and then standing on the heated soleplate thereby causing the soleplate to conform to the shape of the underside of the foot and the top contour of the footpad and then removing the foot after the soleplate has cooled to a temperature below its thermoforming temperature.

Abstract: A ski boot system includes a rigid outer boot having contoured support surfaces for supporting and suspending any one of a plurality of varying sized pliable inner sport shoes. The inner sport shoe is provided with rigid engagement surfaces formed to complement the support surfaces of the outer boot. In this manner, a relatively inelastic and rigid connection is provided to positively secure the shoes within the boot.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding the soles and uppers of various types of footgear to the contours of individual feet, said apparatus comprising multiple, individual, complete elements, each of said elements comprising impervious structure for receiving, maintaining, retaining and withdrawal of molding material; said structure defining an end port piece with valve-like action to maintain closure while permitting selective insertion and withdrawal of molding material; a flexible bag to receive and contain said molding material; a connecting part between said end port piece and said flexible bag, where said connecting part is a flat tube-like structure of unique construction, said unique construction permitting passage and retention of molding material without any readily apparant increase in cross section; where the number of said elements employed varies with the type of footgear; and where the shape and size of each element varies with its location in said footgear, and where said shape and size of each of said conn