The Timberland Company

Tbl Licensing LLC

New England Footwear, LLC

Peter M Dillon

John A Healy

Christopher Adam

Alexander Dardinski

David E Miller

David L Vattes

Douglas E Clark

Charles D Kraeuter

Simon Luthi

Norman L Gress

Michael P Kirk

Lee A Schuette

Martin Mariman

Christopher J Pawlus

A shoe sole having improved cushioning characteristics is disclosed. The sole includes a midsole having a top layer of material and a bottom layer of material. In one embodiment, the top layer of material may be harder than the bottom layer of material. A pattern of lugs defining a wave may be formed on the bottom layer of material. The wave may generally be in the shape of sine wave so as to provide improved cushioning characteristics for the sole. An outsole may also be formed on the bottom layer of material and an upper may be connected to the top layer of material, such that a shoe is formed.

Wave technology

Footwear tread

A suspension heel is provided for use with footwear, such as high heeled shoes, to provide cushioning to the wearer. The suspension heel includes a heel shaft connected to the shoe sole and a compliant heel plug attached to the heel shaft. The shaft includes a cavity or other receptacle for receiving the compliant heel plug. The suspension heel provides cushioning as well as stability for the wearer of the footwear, while maintaining aesthetic style. A relief detail formed by the compliant heel plug and the shaft provides compliance by compressing when a force is applied. For instance, as a person walks in the shoe, ground contact applies a force to the suspension heel. The relief detail deforms or compresses in response to the force, attenuating it and providing cushioning to the wearer.

Suspension heel

The present invention provides articles of footwear adapted for use in extreme and hazardous environments by members of the military, law enforcement personnel and others who require durable and functional footwear. The footwear include protective coverings that may be proof, puncture proof, fire retardant or water repelling. Drainage holes can be positioned in the toe region and along the outsole to enable a wearer to quickly drain water from the article of footwear. Single use or replaceable drainage plugs may cover the holes to prevent entry of water into the boot or other article of footwear. Removable and/or replaceable footbeds may be employed, and such footbeds may provide adjustable sizing of the article of footwear using interchangeable cartridges. A support saddle may be employed with the footbed to enhance foot support under heavy loads. These and other features herein are suited for use in a wide variety of footwear.

Extreme service footwear

The present invention provides an interchangeable shoe footbed cartridge system. The system includes a footbed such as a midsole, insole or a sockliner. A cartridge is inserted into or otherwise attached to the forefoot section of the footbed. Multiple cartridges of varying depths, widths and/or lengths may be provided. The wearer can select a cartridge to achieve a desired fit. Because right and left feet may be of different sizes, different cartridges may be chosen for each foot. Furthermore, the user may swap cartridges depending upon different conditions, or to change the stiffness of the cartridge. Additionally, a slipcover having a stretchable portion may be placed over the cartridge system. The cartridges enable a footwear manufacturer to produce fewer shoe sizes while fitting more of the population. This reduces manufacturing, shipping, warehousing and accounting costs. All levels of the supply chain, as well as the end customers, will greatly benefit from the method of supplying footwear.

Shoe footbed system with interchangeable cartridges

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

Portion of a footwear sole

Shoe footbed system and method with interchangeable cartridges

Footwear sole

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

Growing community of inventors

Topsfield, MA, United States of America

Peter M Dillon