The Timberland Company

Nfinity Ip, LLC

Secondwind Products, Inc

Stephen David Opie

Douglas E Clark

Martin Keen

Paul Perry Kolada

Christopher J Pawlus

Christopher Adam

David E Miller

James Tsen

Michael P Kirk

Terry Michael Birchler

F N Chalk, Jr

Jason Nevens

Michael Joseph Painter

Jeffrey C Pisciotta

An athletic shoe with an energy return system is provided. The shoe includes a shoe sole assembly having a midsole, at least one stabilizer plug in a recess in the midsole, and at least one outsole member. In an aspect, the stabilizer plug has at least one trampoline recess disposed in an upper surface thereof, and at least one projection extending from a lower surface thereof that substantially underlies at least a portion of the at least one trampoline recess. An upper surface of the outsole is adapted to complimentarily receive the at least one projection extending from the lower stabilizer plug surface such that when a force is applied to the lower outsole surface during a foot strike, the at least one trampoline recess receives underlying portions of the stabilizer plug to accommodate elastic deflection of the underlying portions of the stabilizer plug and the outsole.

Athletic shoe with energy return system

Shoe sole

The present invention discloses various features and combinations thereof for use with articles of footwear such as boots. The boots are especially adapted for use on construction projects, and provide protection, support and comfort to the wearer. Numerous outsole configurations and styles are provided, which provide superior traction and a low center of gravity for enhanced balance. Different layers of materials provide puncture resistance, abrasion resistance, thermal insulation, waterproofing and other benefits. Protective and/or insulative plates may be utilized in the footwear for puncture protection or thermal insulation, for example. Shovel guards protect the wearer when using a tool, and toe tools permit the wearer to employ the boot as a tool of its own. Structural support cages chimney structures are also utilized for support and comfort.

High performance boot

The present invention provides a floating anatomical protector for use in articles of footwear, and is particularly suited for footwear employing a wraparound lacing system. The floating anatomical protector preferably does not directly contact the superstructure of the article of footwear when worn. Instead, the lacing or other fastening system retains the floating anatomical protector in place over the wearer's foot and/or leg. For instance, the instep region of the foot, the shin, Achilles heel, calf, etc. may be covered by the floating anatomical protector. Multiple segments or separate protectors may be used. The lace may run between different layers of the floating anatomical protector. Also, the floating anatomical protector may directly contact the wearer's skin, or it may be used in conjunction with a bootie, sock or other intermediate material.

Shoe with anatomical protection

The present invention provides articles of footwear for use by firefighters in different activities such as emergency and rescue situations, as well as daily activity in and around the firehouse. Integrated handles enable the firefighter to quickly and easily put the article of footwear on while minimizing the possibility of accidentally catching on equipment, apparel or debris. Locking bands that wrap around the upper are used to adjust for comfort and a secure fit. A dual lacing and zipper system enables the firefighter to initially adjust for fit by selectively tightening the lace, while the zipper provides a quick means for securing the article of footwear. Different outsole lug configurations are suitable for different surfaces, wet, dry and of varying and extreme temperatures. Added protection is available with a tibia/shin protector and ankle protectors.

Footwear for hostile environments

The present invention provides a wraparound lacing system for use with footwear. The lacing system includes a lace which encircles the housing of the article of footwear in a spiral, helical, coiled or similar wound wraparound pattern. The housing includes finger members which independently adjust to the contours of the wearer's foot while providing a snug and secure fit. The housing of the upper and the midsole includes channels therein which receive the wraparound lace. The lace can be affixed at one or both ends to the midsole or to the upper. Removable lace end keepers on the upper permit the user to adjust the length of the lace. Recessed cavities may be positioned along the lacing channels to promote easy adjustment of the lace. The lace may run along channels formed between fingers and an overlying shell structure. The lace may run through a tube structure within the channels.

Shoe with lacing

The present invention provides a wraparound lacing system for use in all manner of footwear. The lacing system includes a lace which encircles the upper and midsole of the article of footwear in a spiral, helical, coiled or similar wound wraparound pattern. The upper includes finger members which independently adjust to the contours of the wearer's foot while providing a snug and secure fit. The upper and midsole are integrally formed as a unitary structure. The housing of the upper and the midsole includes channels therein which receive the wraparound lace. The lace can be affixed at one or both ends to the midsole or to the upper. Removable lace end keepers on the upper permit the user to adjust the length of the lace. Siping and/or elongated, raised ridge members may be positioned along the bottom surface of the outsole for enhanced traction on wet surfaces.

An insole assembly for footwear includes a cushioning member and an underlying resilient support member. The cushioning member has an undersurface with a first region beneath a wearer's heel and a second region extending beneath a wearer's arch. The resilient support member has a body and at least one resilient cantilevered arm with a first end attached to the body and a second end extending beneath the second region of the cushioning member. The cantilevered arm defines an arch support surface in supporting engagement with the undersurface of the cushioning member.

Growing community of inventors

Arlington, MA, United States of America

Stephen David Opie