Abstract:
@ An outer sole for a shoe, comprises an outer surface (13) having a plurality of substantially parallel grooves (64) for facilitating flexing of the foot at the metatarsal heads. Substantially circular pivot cup means (70) are formed in said outer surface (13) approximately under the position of the ball of the great toe for facilitating pivoting of the foot thereat. Each of said grooves (64) comprises inner, middle (68) and outer sections, said inner and outer sections extending substantially transversely across the metatarsal heads on either side of said pivot cup means (70), and said middle section (68) extending arcuately around the periphery of said pivot cup means (70) and uniting said inner and outer sections.
Abstract:
A sole element (1) for a shoe, intended primarily for use when playing darts, includes a heel part which is thinner than the sole part. A raised bar (5) of generally arcuate shape is provided in that area of the sole part which underlies the base of the wearer's toes. The outer edge (3, 4) of the sole element is preferably chamferred outwardly from its uppermost surface along each side off the sole element so that the floor contacting surface has greater area than the upper surface. The chamfer angle is greater at the front of the sole element, generally forward of the raised bar (5), than at the rear.
Abstract:
A water sport boot (10) having an upper (12), a resiliently compressible sole pad (14), a strectchable heel cup (16), an adjustable strap (18), an achilles panel (20), toe box foxing (22), and an elastic leg band (92). Heel cup (16) and adjustable strap (18) cooperate to seal off the heel and ankle region of the upper in order to prevent water from entering the instep region (26) of upper (12). Sole pad (14) is made of a relatively thin, resiliently compressible material that easily and quickly conforms to the contour of the surface being stepped on in order to provide good tactile sensation. Sole pad (14) also has a corrugated rib pattern on its exterior underside to increase traction.
Abstract:
A foot appliance (10) comprises a sole (12) and side walls (14) forming a load bearing surface for a foot. A plurality of air bladders (19-26) are located within the load bearing surface. The feedback system comprises a sensor apparatus for generating data indicating an actual distribution of load exerted by the foot on the load bearing surface. An electronic processor (108) receives the actual load distribution data and determines if the actual load distribution is a desired load distribution. If the actual load distribution is not a desired load distribution, a valve apparatus (120) is activated by the electronic processor to change the amount of air contained in the air bladders (19-26). A pump (40) located in the sole of the foot appliance (10), and activated by running or walking activity supplies air to the air bladders (19-26) via the valve apparatus (120).
Abstract:
A traction cleat, in one embodiment, has a cylindrical cuff disposed concentrically around the screw (13) or other arrangement for engaging the cleat in the receptacle. The cylindrical cuff (21) includes one or more axially orientated splines (22) disposed on its inner or outer surface. Such a cleat may be attached to the shoe utilizing a receptacle (41) that, in one embodiment, has a cylindrical ring (43) disposed concentrically around the cleat receiving portion of the receptacle. The cylindrical ring (43) has one or more axially oriented splines (42) disposed on one of the rings inner or outer surfaces in such a fashion as to be able to mesh with the spline or splines (22) on the mated cleat.
Abstract:
An article of molded athletic footwear (10, 110) is provided in the form of a skate (10), running shoe (110) or the like. The article of footwear (10, 110) comprises a molded, substantially rigid, lower shell portion (22, 122), which is adapted to receive and substantially encase the sole, toe and heel of a wearer. The instep portion of the lower shell is open to permit access to and from the interior (23, 123) of the shell portion (22, 122). A molded, semi-rigid tongue (30, 130) is further provided which is integral to the shell adjacent the open instep. The tongue (30, 130) includes a center instep support (30A, 130A) and at least one pair of complementary wing portions (30B, 30C, 130B) extending outwardly from the center instep support (30A, 130A). The complementary wing portions (30B, 30C, 130B) are adapted to wrap around a portion of the shell portion (22, 122) and the wearer's foot. A pair of complementary securing devices (40, 42, 140) are provided at the outer ends of each of the wing portions (30B, 30C, 130B) and are adapted to secure one wing to the other wing.
Abstract:
An improved golf shoe (10) includes an upper (12) and an outsole (20) having one or more flexible grooves or channels (22, 23, 24, 25) formed laterally to bend or flex about the ball of a user's foot when walking to provide for flexibility. The outsole (110) also includes one or more slots (120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) laterally formed therethrough to receive corresponding slides (131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136), each of which have one or more golf spikes (42, 70, 71, 72, 73) formed therein. The slides (420-444) and corresponding slots (76) may be tapered to facilitate removal of the slides from the shoe. The slides facilitate changing of spikes by inserting the slide into the slot and clampingly engaging the slide in the slot. The shoe may also include rubber bumpers (372, 472) on a front and a back portion of each shoe to improve traction when walking up or down steep hills. The improved golf shoe provides for lateral support when a golfer is swinging a golf club while providing great flexibility and traction when walking.
Abstract:
A tread (34) is inserted into a shoe sole (22). The tread (34) includes a base portion (12) having a periphery and an interior portion within the periphery. A stem portion (18) extends away from a first side of the base portion (12) and is connectable to the shoe sole (22). A projection portion (26) is disposed generally at the periphery of the base portion (12) and extends away from a second side of the base portion (12).