Abstract: Collaborative computer-based learning allows a group of users to access, share, and contribute content. A computer-based system can be accessed by a community of users over a communications network. A data storage device can store data comprising items of teaching content and items of user content, such that the data is accessible by the community of users. A set of collaborative system tools can provide users with the ability to create an item of user content associated with items of teaching content or with other items of user content. An annotation mechanism can provide users with the ability to comment on items of teaching content or items of user content in the form of an annotation that is then stored in the data storage device. The annotation mechanism is configured to merge the annotation with the associated item of teacher or user content and generate merged content with the annotation overlaid on the associated item of teacher or user content.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In one embodiment a gaitor interface may be used to connect a gaitor to many different types of footwear. The gaitor interface provides a removable attachment between the gaitor and the shoe. One part of the gaitor interface comprises a track that can be mounted along the exterior of the shoe. The track includes a pair of elongated arms that define an interior flex track. Another part of the gaitor interface comprises a connector for attaching to the track. The connector has a bead portion that can be slid into the flex track. The interlock between the bead portion and the flex track provides a releasably secure connection between the gaitor and the shoe. In another embodiment, a convertible shoe having a removable shoe collar is provided. The removable collar may be reversible and may have different linings or covering for the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A trim assembly for engagement with a frame and a siding comprising a plurality of trim sections engageable with the frame and with the siding. Each trim section engageable with a respective frame member of the frame. Each trim section including a top portion having a frame-engaging side, a central portion disposed beneath the top portion having a frame-engaging side, and a bottom portion disposed beneath the center portion having a frame-engaging side. The frame-engaging side of the central portion disposed laterally farther than the frame-engaging sides of the top and bottom portions and the frame-engaging side of the top portion disposed laterally farther than the frame-engaging side of the bottom portion. The frame-engaging sides of the top and central portions defining a top void configured to receive the upper lip of the respective frame member. The frame-engaging sides of the central and bottom portions defining a bottom void configured to receive the lower lip of the respective frame member.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A shoe has a bottom including an expansion mechanism for expanding the bottom laterally underlying the metatarsals. An upper is carried by the bottom. A chassis is carried by the bottom for underlying the foot. In one embodiment, the expansion mechanism of the bottom includes a base portion and an expansion portion, the base portion having a plurality of slots extending generally longitudinally in the mid-foot region defining the expansion portion, the expansion portion formed of a material allowing lateral expansion of the bottom. In one embodiment, the upper has an expanding and contracting mechanism for expanding and contracting the upper therein stabilizing holding the foot as the foot moves. In one embodiment, the expanding and contracting mechanism is an elastic omega seam interposed between two pieces of leather at a seam wherein the omega opens and closes.

Abstract: An adaptive digital data unit (600) initiates and successfully completes a remote loop back test. The adaptive digital data unit (600) has a controller (610), a local transmitter (620), a local receiver (640) a timer (622) and a detector (634). When a remote adaptive digital data unit (600) transmits a first data sequence and a second data sequence, the local adaptive digital data unit (600) receives the second data sequence from the remote digital data unit and determines if the second data sequence matches one of two predetermined data sequences. If so, a test successful flag is generated.

Abstract: An electronic interlock for locking a file cabinet (10, 100) and for limiting the number of drawers (14, 114) to be accessed at any given time. An input keyboard (20, 120) receives an input code to be compared with a prestored access code. If the codes do not match, an unlock signal is not produced. If the input code matches the access code, a processor (28, 148) renders the storage assembly (10, 110) accessible. The processor (28, 128) will receive a drawer selection number from the input keyboard (20, 120) user and will unlock a lock (16, 116) associated with the selected drawer (14, 114). Sensors (34, 134) sense the position of the drawers (14, 114) and disable the processor (28, 128) when one of the drawers (14, 114) is in the open position.

Abstract: An electronic interlock for locking a file cabinet (10, 100) and for limiting the number of drawers (14, 114) to be accessed at any given time. An input keyboard (20, 120) receives an input code to be compared with a prestored access code. If the codes do not match, an unlock signal is not produced. If the input code matches the access code, a processor (28, 148) renders the storage assembly (10, 110) accessible. The processor (28, 128) will receive a drawer selection number from the input keyboard (20, 120) user and will unlock a lock (16, 116) associated with the selected drawer (14, 114). Sensors (34, 134) sense the position of the drawers (14, 114) and disable the processor (28, 128) when one of the drawers (14, 114) is in the open position.

Abstract: An adapter for enabling a traditional cup holder to support a relatively large drinking vessel includes a base having an upwardly opening socket which is large enough to receive the vessel and a downwardly projecting locking element which is small enough to fit into the traditional cup holder. The locking element rotates on the base about an eccentric axis so that when it is turned it will drive the base into a nearby upright surface and thereby hold the base firmly on the traditional cup holder. The base may also be fitted with a hanger for suspending it from the upper edge of a trim panel or some other support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coaxing a novice operator into dialogue with a touch screen display and for directing the operator to program the machine including a soft display actuator displayed on the first frame of the touch screen display of the user interface, a pointer displayed adjacent to the acutator, the pointer simulating a human action with respect to the actuator, the human action suggesting to the operator the manual engagement of the actuator, and a control responsive to the manual engagement of the actuator to provide a subsequent frame on the touch screen display of the user interface, the subsequent frames providing progressively more complex operator options.