The Timberland Company

New England Footwear, LLC

David L Vattes

Christopher J Pawlus

John A Healy

Peter M Dillon

Douglas E Clark

David M Nau

Lee Schuttee

Alexander Dardinski

Alex Dardinski

Christopher Adam

David E Miller

The present invention employs chimneys and chimneys structures to move or vent heat and moisture away from the foot and out of the microclimate of the shoe. The chimneys define pathways that utilize convection and other principles to cool and dry the foot. The chimneys and chimney structures can have many different configurations, and can be positioned anywhere desired in the upper. For example, chimneys can be positioned on the sidewalls of the upper, in the tongue, or both. Chimneys and chimney structures can also be used with form-fitting foot coverings such as socks or leggings, or used with other apparel. Specialized footbeds can also be employed with footwear chimneys to evacuate hot, moist air away from the underside of the foot and towards the chimneys.

Chimney structures for footwear

Chimney structures for footwear and foot coverings

A modular shoe separates into components. The components may be interchangeable to provide versatility without requiring a large number of single use shoes. Each shoe component may also be collapsible to provide for convenient packing in a travel bag or other location where space is limited.

Modular shoe

An article of footwear having an upper and a sole is disclosed. The sole of the article of footwear includes a midsole having a support portion and a plurality of projections extending from the support portion. The sole of the article of footwear also includes a plate contacting the support portion having a body positioned in an area between the plurality of projections. The plate further includes a plurality of openings which correspond to the plurality of projections and allow the projections to extend below the body of the plate. The plate further includes a plurality of cantilever elements extending on at least one side and on the bottom of each of the plurality of projections. The projections and the corresponding cantilever elements interact with one another to form a plurality of lugs located on the sole of the article of footwear.

Footwear with independent suspension and protection

An article of footwear or shoe assembly, which is designed to allow for adjustment of stiffness in its sole unit, is disclosed. The article of footwear is preferably constructed to enhance stability, support and comfort of a wearer on varied terrain. Among other elements, the shoe assembly preferably includes an adjustable shank disposed within the shoe to allow for adjustment in the stiffness of the sole unit. In certain embodiments, the adjustable shank further includes a plurality of segments adapted to be manipulated in order to vary the stiffness.

Footwear article with adjustable stiffness

Chimney structures for apparel

The present invention relates to removable and/or replaceable liners for use in a wide variety of footwear. Liners may be permanently connected to the collar of the shoe, or may be semi-permanently attached for easy removal from the collar. The liners can be quickly removed from the interior of the shoe using any number of disengagement devices. Removing the liner from within the shoe permits rapid drying of the liner when it becomes wet due to moisture generated by the foot within the shoe or from external environmental conditions. Semi-permanently attached liners can be detached for cleaning or for replacement by another liner depending on the needs of the wearer. Disengagement means can be provided in conjunction with the liner, which enable the wearer to easily pull the liner out of the shoe.

Removable or reversible lining for footwear

Shoe upper

Growing community of inventors

Londonberry, NH, United States of America

David L Vattes