Mark E French

US Patent:

20120011749, Jan 19, 2012

Filed:

Jul 8, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/178721

Inventors:

Mark French - Larchmont NY, US
Lucas James Tucker - Waterford NY, US
Timothy Edward Banach - Scotia NY, US

International Classification:

A43C 15/02

US Classification:

36 59 R

Abstract:

A wiping device may be a friable layer or an absorbent pad made of a material that can absorb and retain a fluid composition and can be attached or is attached to an item of clothing, such as a sock, shoe, compression sleeve, etc. The device is impregnated with an adhesive-type tacky substance that is released when a shoe sole is wiped against it to clean the shoe sole and allow surface dust and debris to be removed from the shoe sole. The deposited substance also forms a film or coating that remains adhered to the surface of the shoe sole to improve traction by imparting tackiness to the shoe sole.

US Patent:

20120066938, Mar 22, 2012

Filed:

Jul 8, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/178778

Inventors:

MARK FRENCH - Larchmont NY, US
LUCAS JAMES TUCKER - Waterford NY, US
TIMOTHY EDWARD BANACH - Scotia NY, US

International Classification:

A43B 13/22
A43B 13/14

US Classification:

36 32 R, 36 25 R

Abstract:

Shoe soles with and without removable/replaceable gripping pods for athletic or sport shoes are provided with enhanced traction. The sole portions or gripping pods may be provided with a supply of a substance that exhibits a tackiness for enhancing friction between the shoe sole and the any hard floor. The tackiness-enhancing substance may be time-released or discharged from within the shoe sole onto the lower surface(s) of the sole that make(s) contact with the smooth hard playing surface or may be in response to compression or shear forces acting on the sole during play to prolong the tacky properties and reduce slippage. A visual indicator may be provided for notifying the player that it is time to replace the worn or used pod and insert a fresh pod or insert into the pod(s) to maintain high levels of gripping.