Abstract: A reactive energy fluid filled cushioning and stabilizing apparatus in a shoe is comprised of one or more anatomically shaped fluid filled bladders that are positioned in the forefoot, arch and/or heel areas of the shoe. The bladders assume a complementary custom fitting configuration to the contours of a foot inserted in the shoe. In variant embodiments of the apparatus, the fluid filled bladders are positioned separate from each other in the forefoot, arch and heel areas of the shoe and are interconnected in fluid communication by fluid conducting channels, or the bladders are positioned independent of each other in the forefoot, arch and heel areas of the shoe.

Abstract: A system for allowing a shoe wearer to lean forwardly beyond his center of gravity by virtue of wearing a specially designed pair of shoes which will engage with a hitch member movably projectable through a stage surface. The shoes have a specially designed heel slot which can be detachably engaged with the hitch member by simply sliding the shoe wearer's foot forward, thereby engaging with the hitch member.

Abstract: For accurately positioning a shoe upper on its last preliminarily to a pulling over and toe lasting operation, the machine comprises an optical scanning system (20) by which, in cooperation with a central processor unit (22), coordinate axis values can be determined for selected portions of the topline region of the shoe upper (the "actual" values) and be compared with a set of taught data relevant to the shoe style, such taught data representing the positions in which the selected portions of the topline region of the shoe upper are to be located (the "should be" values), the central processor unit (22) comparing the actual and "should be" values and supplying correction signals to motors (16) associated one with each of the pincers (10, 12) whereby the shoe upper is selectively tensioned in order to achieve the desired location of the topline region of the shoe upper on its last.

Abstract: A ski boot which includes at least one quarter associated with a rigid shell, has one or more soft elements for embracing the upper metatarsal region and/or the tibial region and/or the calf region. The soft elements are associated with the shell and/or with the quarter. One or more strengthening elements, for transmitting the efforts from the leg to the ski, are furthermore associated with the shell and/or with the quarter. The boot thus has regions with different rigidity according to the specific requirements of the athlete.

Abstract: The subject apparatus is a ball holder adapted and constructed for display purposes, as used to hold within the confines of the holder a baseball, or other type of ball, to be displayed inside a transparent cover, so as to be viewable from the outside, with the device comprising a base member adapted to rest on a horizontal surface with the upper part of the base member having integrally affixed thereto a transparent globular hollow member in which a ball is inserted for storage and viewing purposes. The base has further means adapted to connect the base, in a fixed manner, to the surface upon which it is adapted to rest.

Abstract: A plurality of storage trays are arranged for a stacked relationship relative to one another defined by side walls mounting projections on top surfaces of the side walls received within slots directed through bottom surfaces of an adjacent side wall of an overlying tray. The tray structure defines a cavity between a forward edge of a floor and a rear first wall. A rear second wall is spaced relative to the first wall to mount spaced flanges therewithin, wherein the flanges are further received within openings within an overlying tray. A ratchet plunger is positioned medially of the first rear wall to provide selective projection of a compact disc positioned on the floor in communication with the plunger.

Abstract: A removable protective cover for use with a liner of a sports shoe or boot, and a liner adapted for use with the cover. The cover includes a sock portion and a fold-back portion, the fold-back portion being movable over the front upper portion of the upper of the liner to provide a linkage between the protective cover and the liner. Corresponding, non-permanent attachment zones may be provided on the protective cover and the liner. The sock portion may include an extension, preferably composed of an elastic waterproof material, which may partially or completely cover the exterior surface of the liner.

Abstract: An exercise machine carry-all is disclosed for use on exercise machine consoles. The apparatus includes an elasticized strap releasably disposable about the exercise machine console, and a second strap attached at the upper end to the first strap, depending down from it to a lower end. A holder is attached to the lower end of the second strap.

Abstract: A wedge undersole of triangular shaped configuration as viewed from a side thereof is integrated to a mid-sole of a sole assembly formed of an impact-absorbing material and having a thickness which varies over the length of the shoe, having flat top and bottom surfaces, and having its greatest thickness at the heel of the shoe and tapering in the direction of the open toe region formed by a upper assembly secured to the sole assembly. The upper assembly is adapted to surround the heel sides and dorsal portion of the foot. Preferably, the upper assembly has a heel region extending upwardly from the sole assembly and forward portions divided into left and right flaps adapted to cover the dorsal region of the foot and strap interconnecting outer face portions of the left an right flaps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ski boot including an outer member and an inner member inserted therein, in which a carrying hanger is provided in a prescribed position on the outer member and has a taken-out handle so that the hanger can be taken out from the outer member and grasped by the hand of a person for him or her to carry the boot as the hanger remains coupled with the outer member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an insole for a foot including defining a flexible insole housing in which is disposed a deformable material impregnated with an uncured resin, activating the resin for initiating curing thereof, locating the foot on the insole housing and allowing the resin to harden and thus, to preserve the configuration defined by the bottom of the foot.

Abstract: A video cassette storage container comprises a transparent enclosure having upper, lower and sidewall surfaces, and top and bottom ends, wherein the top end is enclosed and the bottom end is open to receive a video cassette for storage. A tab, pivotably connected to the upper surface of the enclosure, has a perpendicular end portion that partially encloses the bottom end for retaining a video cassette in the enclosure. The tab is pivoted open manually to release the video cassette for removal from the bottom end of the enclosure. A graphics sleeve retaining member formed within the enclosure retains a graphics sleeve at the bottom end, and a door hinged to the upper end of the enclosure is opened manually for receiving the sleeve and cassette.

Abstract: A shoe having an upper portion and a sole-and-toe portion which portions are releasably joined together by a male/female track attachment device. The female track is attached to the upper and extends the entire length of the bottom portion of upper. The male track is attached to the sole and is embedded in the sole wall assembly. The bead of the male track is elevated above the sole wall in position to receive the female track. The male track begins at the toe, extends around the heel and terminates at the toe. The upper is connected to the sole by threading the female track through the male track, around the heel until the ends of female track align with the ends of male track.

Abstract: The ski boot includes a front quarter and a rear quarter associated with a shell, as well as a first device and a second device which are distinct and adjacent and separately secure the foot inside the boot and close the quarters. The rear quarter has, in a rearward position, a perimetric edge which is depressed upward and at which an end of a flap is arranged; one of the first or second devices being associated with the end of the flap. The flap and/or the first device and/or the second device are thus pivoted, along at least one transverse axis, to the rear quarter.

Abstract: The securing device includes a rear quarter associated with a shell, and a flap which embraces the rear heel region. The device further has at least one rod-like element which is freely articulated to the rear quarter and interacts, by means of a plate, with the flap upon fastening of the quarter. A resilient member is advantageously provided and interacts with the rod-like element.

Abstract: On a ski boot provided with a shell defining a quarter and a spoiler mounted to the quarter, there are provided first and second adjusting devices active between the spoiler and the quarter to controllably shift the spoiler along two directions substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A guard at the inlet side of the nip of two rolls in a calender has a hollow support for two blocking devices with movable sections extending close to the peripheral surfaces of the rolls to prevent injury to the fingers of an operator. The support defines one or more channels for steam or for another fluid medium which is discharged through one or more rows of ports to moisturize a running web of paper, foil or textile material or to dry, heat or cool the web and/or the rolls.

Abstract: A cigarette pack display container is disclosed. The container includes a cover member and a base member which are connected about a rim. The cover member has outwardly extending pockets. Between the pockets is a corner wall including a polygonal panel portion and a trapezoidal panel portion. The base member includes pockets and triangular facets spaced between the pockets. Between the rim below the triangular facet and the rim below the trapezoidal panel portion is an engaging element for reinforcing the cover member to the base member. The reinforcement means includes a lip of the cover member that overlaps and inserts beneath the bead of the base member. A receiving element also may be provided for holding complementary articles. In addition, the cover member may have a slightly recessed top wall for receiving a label for identifying the display.

Abstract: Device for removing fiber pills and lint from a fabric in which a supporting substrate has affixed on one surface an abrasive coating of substantially uniform particles lying in the range of 280-600 grit size for removing pills and on another surface a fabric with a slant, hook or loop pile to remove lint. The device can be a pliant foam sheet with abrasive-coated film and fabric pile on opposite surfaces or a heavier brushlike implement having those two surfaces.