Abstract: A footwear construction includes a midsole including a lateral sidewall and a medial sidewall, and a mesh substrate layer covering the lateral sidewall and medial sidewall to protect the surfaces of those sidewalls from abrasion, wear and damage, and in some cases to provide tuned stiffness to the sidewalls and thus the midsole. The mesh substrate layer can wrap partially above and below the midsole so that edges of the layer can be conceals between the midsole and an upper, or between the midsole and an outsole layer. The mesh substrate can include a mesh material and a film sheet bonded to one another, with the film sheet facing the midsole and the mesh textile facing outward in the finished footwear. A related method of manufacture also is provided.

Abstract: Described is an article of footwear (e.g. a sock or shoe liner) or a therapeutic vessel which includes fabric having therapeutic spheres, or spherical-type dimensional objects, disposed therein. The therapeutic spheres are positioned in the fabric such that when the fabric is placed on (or otherwise placed in contact with) a foot, the variable positioning spheres, which may be of varied diameters, align with and contact desired compression areas on the sole of the foot.

Abstract: A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a midfoot region of the plate than at a forefoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole disposed between the upper and the outsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface, an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, and a wall surrounding a perimeter of the outsole. The wall cooperates with the inner surface to define a cavity. The midsole includes a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed and opposing the inner surface of the outsole. The article of footwear also includes fibers received within the cavity. The fibers cooperate with one another to form a mesh that at least partially fills the cavity. The article of footwear also includes particulate matter disposed within the cavity and received within interstitial spaces of the mesh.

Abstract: A shoe including a waterproof and vapor-permeable sole and an assembly associated in an upper region with respect to the sole. The assembly includes: an external vapor-permeable upper, an internal lining and, interposed between them, a first waterproof and vapor-permeable functional element, and a perforated or vapor-permeable insole, which is joined in a perimetric region at least to the lining. A flexible waterproof element is associated in a lower region with respect to the insole, at least partially perforated or vapor-permeable at a vapor permeation area, the sole being joined perimetrically to form a seal to the assembly and to the flexible element.

Abstract: A semiconductor pattern for monitoring overlay and critical dimension at post-etching stage is provided in the present invention, which include a first inverted-T shaped pattern with a base portion and a middle portion extending from the base portion and a second pattern adjacent and spaced apart from the base portion of the first inverted-T shaped pattern, wherein the first inverted-T shaped pattern and the second pattern are composed of a plurality of spacer patterns spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Customized, form-fitting athletic articles with a heat moldable material that a wearer may heat to soften after purchase to conform the heat moldable material so the contours of the wearer's body may provide many advantages for consumers, such as increased comfort, performance, or safety. The heat moldable material may be incorporated into the upper of an athletic shoe. The heat moldable material may be sufficiently flexible so as not to impede the necessary movements of a wearer or the athletic shoe while performing activities, such as running, walking, jumping, etc. The heat moldable material may be reusable in that it may be reheated and remolded multiple times so that the article may be re-customized or re-fitted as needed. The article may also include a temperature sensitive indicator that indicates when the heat moldable material has been softened.

Abstract: Coating compositions comprising a polyurea formed from a reaction mixture comprising: (a) a first component comprising an isocyanate, the first component having a viscosity of ?2000 centipoise at a temperature ?7° C.; and (b) a second component comprising an amine. Substrates coated at least in part with such a composition are also disclosed. Footwear coated at least in part with polyurea are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reinforcing elastic polymer, such as a urethane/rubber material, is selectively spray-applied over upper, midsole or outsole components of articles of footwear. Such a material sprayed over the toe area of baseball shoes, for example, that is subjected to increased wear during use, serves to improve the durability of that area. A cleated midsole constructed of a lightweight foamed material such as EVA, has an elastic polymer outsole layer selectively spray-applied over the outer surface of the cleated midsole to form a combination midsole/outsole that provides improved durability and traction, as well as superior shock absorption characteristics.

Abstract: A method for protecting an item from weight gain due to uptake of liquid comprising the step of exposing the item to plasma in a gaseous state for a sufficient period of time to allow a protective layer, particularly a polymeric layer, to be created on the surface of the item. Also encompassed is an item of footwear treated by the method.

Abstract: An item of footwear having a liquid-repelling polymeric coating, obtained by a plasma treatment process, provided over at least part of a surface thereof, said item also being provided at the region on the inside upon which the wearer's foot rests with a liquid-absorbing foot supporting footbed. Items of this type provide improved comfort for the wearer.

Abstract: A footwear assembly comprising an upper connected to a sole assembly, the sole assembly having a midsole fixed to a bottom portion of the upper, the midsole being fixed to an outsole, wherein the midsole is sandwiched between the outsole and the upper, the upper having ankle, vamp, and heel portions defined by a plurality of interconnected panels, a top of the ankle portion defining an opening to an interior area, and a lower part of the ankle portion being connected to the vamp and heel portions; the vamp portion having a waterproof vamp panel securely connected along a bottom edge to the the sole assembly, a top edge portion being connected to one or more reinforcement panels, the vamp panel being a waterproof, co-molded, heat-embossed laminate structure comprising an inner open-cell foam layer sandwiched between inner and outer surface layers and of DWR coated fabric material, wherein the inner surface layer faces inwardly toward the interior area, and the outer surface layer is opposite the inner surface

Abstract: A compressible substrate coated at least in part with a waterborne coating composition comprising at least one base neutralized active hydrogen containing film-forming resin and a water dispersible carbodiimide crosslinker capable of reacting with the film-forming resin to form a crosslinked film is disclosed. An article of manufacture having at least two different flexible substrates coated at least in part with such a coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to fireproof and/or flame-resistant footwear (1), in particular boots for firefighters, with a protective function against harmful substances, such as toxic chemical substances, the footwear (1) having a multilayered structure (2), the structure (2) comprising an outer layer (3), facing away from the foot when the footwear is being worn, and an inner layer (4), in particular an inner lining, provided on the outer layer (3) and facing towards the foot when the footwear is being worn. An adsorption layer (5) with an adsorption material (6), in particular activated charcoal, adsorbing harmful substances, is additionally arranged between the outer layer (3) and the inner layer (4), and the outer layer (3) is additionally provided with a fireproof and/or flame-retardant coating or impregnation (12).

Abstract: The disclosure provides a footwear device, a footwear assembly, a method for making the footwear device, and a method for making the footwear assembly that can reduce manufacturing costs and complexities.

Abstract: A waterproof breathable sole for shoes, which comprises, for at least part of its extension, at least two structural layers, a lower one provided with a supporting structure so as to form the tread, and an upper one that is permeable to water vapor. The lower layer has portions that are open onto the upper layer. A coating obtained by means of a plasma deposition treatment for waterproofing is provided on the upper layer. A layer is thus obtained that has structural functions and characteristics of resistance to damage and is at the same time waterproof and breathable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a shoe having the steps of providing an upper, a sole, and a stitching; washing the upper for achieving a weathered appearance of the upper without subjecting the stitching and sole to the washing; and softening the sole. The method also comprises stitching the sole and the upper together with the stitching; working the sole to weather an appearance of the sole; drying the upper and sole together for disfiguring the upper and sole and for achieving a generally uniform weathered appearance; cyclically working the sole to match the appearance of the upper; and cyclically working the upper to match the appearance of the sole. The invention also includes the shoe.

Abstract: A reinforcing elastic polymer, such as a urethane/rubber material, is selectively spray-applied over upper, midsole or outsole components of articles of footwear. Such a material sprayed over the toe area of baseball shoes, for example, that is subjected to increased wear during use, serves to improve the durability of that area. A cleated midsole constructed of a lightweight foamed material such as EVA, has an elastic polymer outsole layer selectively spray-applied over the outer surface of the cleated midsole to form a combination midsole/outsole that provides improved durability and traction, as well as superior shock absorption characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for applying a pattern onto the upper of a shoe or other footwear. The footwear is preferably made by injection molding where raw materials are injected into a mold to form the shape of a footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent shoe insole intended to internally line the outsole or sole thereof in order to improve its comfort. The insole is formed from a first profusely perforated water-repellent layer (1) of natural leather or another similar material, a second layer (3) of an absorbent, microporous and hydrophilic material, only allowing the passage of perspiration in a downward direction, a third layer (4) of a purely absorbent material, based on micro-fibers collecting the moisture from the previous layer, a fourth layer (5) based on an open pore heat-formed material acting as a moisture conductor towards the fifth and final layer (6), also of an absorbent material based on micro-fibers and acting as a final moisture collector. An insole with a multi-layer structure is thus achieved, fulfilling the double function of being absorbent and transpirable in addition to forming a flexible, adaptable and shock-absorbing base for the foot of the user.

Abstract: A waterproof footwear assembly comprises a sole assembly and an upper. The upper has an outer layer with a plurality of panels stitched together. A continuous layer of waterproof material is fixed to the outer layer's inner surface and extends over the stitched seams. The waterproof material defines a seamless waterproof barrier covering substantially the entire outer layer. The waterproof material's peripheral shape substantially matches the outer layer's peripheral shape. The layer of waterproof material is joined to the outer layer when in the outer layer is flat. The upper has a second configuration wherein the waterproof laminate is formed from the first configuration to a three-dimensional shape that defines the interior area configured to receive the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe, including an upper that is lined at least partially by an upper membrane impermeable to water in a liquid state and permeable to water vapor. The upper membrane is connected hermetically to a sole which is impermeable to water in the liquid state. The hermetic connection is provided by a sealing element included in an assembly insole. The sealing element is permeable with respect to sealing material, or a glue, sealing adhesive, or polymeric material for providing the sole, and is impregnated with the sealing material, which grips the upper membrane and is connected to the sole or forms a single body therewith, sealing it to the upper membrane.

Abstract: A method of enhancing health through the generation in close proximity of a surface of a subject, nitric oxide and nitric oxide precursors using bacteria adapted to oxidize ammonia and urea derived from perspiration is described. Local and systemic effects are described including reduction in vascular disease, enhancement of sexual function, improved skin health, and reduced transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a running and hiking shoe includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, snowboard boots, cross country, hiking boots, protective gear and helmets, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a shoe having the steps of providing an upper, a sole, and a stitching; washing the upper for achieving a weathered appearance of the upper without subjecting the stitching and sole to the washing; and softening the sole. The method also comprises stitching the sole and the upper together with the stitching; working the sole to weather an appearance of the sole; drying the upper and sole together for disfiguring the upper and sole and for achieving a generally uniform weathered appearance; cyclically working the sole to match the appearance of the upper; and cyclically working the upper to match the appearance of the sole. The invention also includes the shoe.

Abstract: Color harmonization is provided for articles of manufacture comprising different substrate materials. A coating composition is selected that can be applied to the different substrate materials while maintaining substantially uniform visual characteristics of the article. The substrates may include flexible materials such as natural leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, foam, textiles and the like. Examples of articles of manufacture include footwear, automotive upholstery and automotive interiors.

Abstract: A method for treating an item which, in use, is subjected to flexing, to reduce its susceptibility to water penetration over time during use, said method comprising forming a water repellent coating or surface modification on the surface of the item by ionisation or activation technology.

Abstract: An item of footwear having a liquid-repelling polymeric coating, obtained by a plasma treatment process, provided over at least part of a surface thereof, said item also being provided at the region on the inside upon which the wearer's foot rests with a liquid-absorbing foot supporting footbed. Items of this type provide improved comfort for the wearer.

Abstract: The invention provides polyolefin blend compositions of polar and/or non-polar polymers, with at least one functionalized polyolefin polymer selected from the group consisting of: amine functionalized, hydroxyl functionalized, imide functionalized, anhydride functionalized, or carboxylic acid functionalized polyolefin polymers. The invention also provides methods for making the functionalized polyolefin polymer. The invention also provides for materials and articles containing at least one component prepared from such compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, and in particular but not exclusively a dance or performing arts shoe, comprising a separate shank portion (2) which engages with a separate toe box portion (3) to form a unitary part. The invention also relates to methods of construction of said shoe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hardening portions of ballet pointe shoes include applying quantities of a mixed two-part epoxy resin to broken-down or softer-than-desired portions of the shoes. In some embodiments, epoxy resin is applied to interior surfaces of the toe box and/or shank portions of the shoe. In some embodiments, epoxy resin can also be applied to select exterior portions of the shoes.

Abstract: This invention relates to shoe outsoles, for sport and street wear, which exhibit a resistance to the adherence of foreign material. Certain adherence modifying agents, which help resist the adherence of foreign material, can be either incorporated into materials from which a shoe's outsole or outer are formed, or applied as a coating thereto.

Abstract: A water-resistant and floatable footwear including an outsole and insole, and an upper member affixed to the sole, wherein the footwear is floatable in water. In particular, the insole of the footwear is constructed of the material “marine buoy;” that is, the insole has an inner structure and an outer coating, the inner structure being constructed of a thermoplastic resin and the outer coating being constructed of a vinyl polymer. The footwear is advantageously water-proof and provides buoyancy in water.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide novel boots which have hygienic and health advantages such as the ability to effectively deodorize inside thereof and to keep the foot warm, and further have advantage in fashion. [Means for Solving Problems] The entire outer surface (excluding the sole) of the boot 1 is made of a material 2 which is formed into an integrated body by continuously knitting a yarn and, in the material, at least the instep-covering part 4 to cover the toe or the instep of the foot is knitted out of a yarn including a fiber into which minute particles having (one or more functions selected from among) deodorizing function, antibacterial function or blood circulation promoting function. The boot 1 can also be formed by knitting a twine 53 which is made by twisting a fiber into which minute particles having deodorizing function, antibacterial function or blood circulation promoting function around a fiber which has high elasticity.

Abstract: A shoe is provided with a writing surface so that temporary expressive indicia can be applied to the shoe. The writing surface is preferably in the form of a side surface of the shoe extending between a tread and a foot contacting surface of the shoe. The side surface is preferably formed of patent leather compatible with a dry erase marker provided as a writing implement. In a most preferred form of the invention, the shoe includes a bore which acts as a housing for the marker or other writing implement to conveniently store the writing implement when not in use. The bore or other housing also keeps the writing implement fresh by sealing the writing implement within the bore when not in use, especially when the writing implement is a dry erase marker.

Abstract: The invention relates to fireproof and/or flame-resistant footwear (1), in particular boots for firefighters, with a protective function against harmful substances, such as toxic chemical substances, the footwear (1) having a multilayered structure (2), the structure (2) comprising an outer layer (3), facing away from the foot when the footwear is being worn, and an inner layer (4), in particular an inner lining, provided on the outer layer (3) and facing towards the foot when the footwear is being worn. An adsorption layer (5) with an adsorption material (6), in particular activated charcoal, adsorbing harmful substances, is additionally arranged between the outer layer (3) and the inner layer (4), and the outer layer (3) is additionally provided with a fireproof and/or flame-retardant coating or impregnation (12).

Abstract: An article of footwear made from new or substantially new materials is manufactured with vintage treatment processing to give the article of footwear a vintage or well-worn appearance. The article of footwear may be treated with discoloring substances, such as dyes or bleaching agents. The upper may be formed with wrinkles or a crushed heel portion, such as by using a thin or soft foam behind a polyester covering, eliminating the foam backing and/or heel cup. Further, a rubber outsole may be molded with uneven treads and/or discolored to give the rubber a degraded, worn appearance.

Abstract: Footwear comprising at least one lower portion of an upper which is joined by means of one or more scams to an upper portion which is lined internally with at least one waterproofing membrane, whose lower edge is fixed to the inner surface of the lower portion of the upper by means of a layer of adhesive arranged at least under the seams. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing said footwear.

Abstract: A mid-sole for waterproof and breathable soles for shoes, which includes a waterproof and breathable membrane and at least one lower layer made of breathable elongation-preventing composite material, which is monolithically coupled to the peripheral region of the membrane and, in the corresponding region, to the tread of the sole. The sole is provided with a mid-sole.

Abstract: A shoe and a method of coating a shoe. The method includes assembling the upper on the sole; applying at least one layer of flexible or semi-rigid polymer in liquid state in predetermined areas of the upper; and allowing the polymer to dry. The polymer is applied with a brush or by spraying. Preferably, the polymer is applied so as to straddle the upper and the sole.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe includes a vamp, a sole and a foot wrapper that is inside the vamp and located on the upper part of the sole. The foot wrapper is assembled by stitching the upper lining with the bottom part. A waterproof band is provided over every seam line of the foot wrapper. The waterproof shoe can withstand water when soaked in 3-4 cm deep water for over eight hours. They are suitable for being worn in rains and snows.

Abstract: A shoe includes an outsole with a vamp connected on the outsole. A furry surface is attached to an outside of the vamp. The furry surface is made of water proof material and the shoe is made of rubber or plastic material.

Abstract: A footwear product is provided for therapeutically treating the skin of the wearer's feet. The footwear includes a three layer sole including a lower layer of polyester foam, a middle layer of polypropylene foam and an upper layer of a thin film of polyethylene. The upper is constructed of the same material as that of the sole with the thin film of polyethylene lacing the inside of the slipper. The upper and the sole are connected to each other either by sewing or by heat welding.

Abstract: Claimed is a non-porous, waterproof film having a water vapor permeability of at least 1000 g/m2 day, based on a thermoplastic polyurethane, wherein the polyurethane is composed of a) 40 to 52 wt. % of polyether glycol having an atomic ratio of carbon to oxygen in the range of 2,0 to 4,3, with at least 30 wt. % of the polyurethane being composed of a polyether glycol having an atomic ratio of carbon to oxygen in the range of 2,0 to 2,4, b) 30 to 45 wt. % of polyisocyanate, calculated as 4,4′-diphenyl methane diisocyanate, c) 0,5 to 10 wt. % of araliphatic diol, and d) 5 to 20 wt. % of low-molecular weight chain extender, calculated as 1,4-butane diol, less the amount of araliphatic diol. Also claimed is the use of these films in rainwear, shoes, tents, seats, as mattress covers, as understating, in garments for medical purposes, and for the manufacture thereof of wound dressings.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a laminated sheet material, including, in order: (A) a substrate layer having an inner surface and at least a partially napped outer surface and including: an entangled nonwoven first fabric including ultrafine fibers having a fineness of not more than 0.01 decitex; and a first elastomeric polymer impregnated in the first fabric; (B) an adhesive layer; and (C) a substrate layer, including: an entangled nonwoven second fabric including fibers having a fineness of not less than 0.05 decitex; and a second elastomeric polymer impregnated in the second fabric; wherein at least a portion of the napped outer surface is covered with a third polymer, the third polymer being solid at a temperature of 20-25° C. and having a melting point not lower than 60° C. and having an elongation at break of not more than 10%. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a shoe upper, that includes the above-mentioned laminated sheet material.

Abstract: A breathable and waterproof sole for shoes, which comprises, at least along part of its extension, a lower waterproof component, which constitutes the tread; an upper component, with a supporting structure which has chambers which are connected to openings at least on the upper and edge surfaces; a membrane which is impermeable to water and vapor-permeable and externally surrounds at least the outward-facing regions of the upper component. The lower and upper components and the membrane are joined so as to form a seal at least in the regions where water infiltration is possible.

Abstract: A shoe and a method of coating a shoe. The method includes assembling the upper on the sole; applying at least one layer of flexible or semi-rigid polymer in liquid state in predetermined areas of the upper; and allowing the polymer to dry. The polymer is applied with a brush or by spraying. Preferably, the polymer is applied so as to straddle the upper and the sole.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a moulded product comprising the steps of; providing a mould conforming to the shape of the product the mould serving to define one or more moulding surfaces which are to be reproduced in an article formed by means of the mould; mounting in the mould an article including or forming an image comprising at least one device, logo, letter, word or words or combinations of these in such a way that most, if not all of the article lies within the mould out of contact with the or each moulding surface; and injecting into the mould a supply of polymerisible material so as to immerse the article; the material, at least following polymerisation being flexible and so providing at least in part, a substantially transparent product, and withdrawing the product from the mould. Typically the step of providing product is directed to an article of footwear such as a shoe or swimming fin (also known as a flipper).

Abstract: Process for waterproofing leather (1), which comprises pressing on the internal surface of the leather (1) at least one semi-permeable membrane (2) whose surface contacting the leather (1) is provided with a glue pattern. The glue pattern of the semi-permeable membrane (2) is preferably thermoadhesive, and therefore the pressing of said membrane on the leather (1) is preferably a hot pressing. Further, said semi-permeable membrane (2) is preferably elastic, non-porous and combined with a support sheet (3). The present invention relates also to the leather obtained by means of said process.

Abstract: Moldable products which conform to the size and shape of a particular object and methods of forming the same are provided. The products are made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural leathers, synthetic leathers, and mixtures thereof. The products and methods of the invention are particularly useful for manufacturing custom-fit footwear at a reasonable price. Methods in accordance with the invention comprise molding the starting material on and around a foot, wetting the material with a mixture comprising a leather stiffening or hardening agent, and drying the wetted material while still on the foot.