Abstract: A cushion having beneficial purposes for both persons having physical disabilities and persons who do not. It is an expandable cushion having a lower chamber for air and an upper chamber for liquid, preferably ordinary water. The water chamber or container is configurated to be over the air container and to have portions at the sides and back of the cushion, which are filled with and forced up by pressure when a person is seated on the cushion to provide a containment for the upper thighs, buttocks and lumbar region for beneficial purposes, as identified herein.

Abstract: A thread-cutting head for pipes, tubes, and the like, with cutting jaws arranged in a cutting-jaw holder. The cutting jaws are radially adjustable by a control disc which is displaceably supported on the cutting-jaw holder and is adjustable by a clamping screw. The control disc for the cutting position of the cutting jaws relative to the cutting jaw holder is adapted to be tensioned and arrested against the force of a spring. The thead-cutting head also has a clamping lever as well as an unlatching abutment projecting into the thread-cutting range. The clamping lever is pivotally journaled on an arresting piece arranged on the control disc about a pivot pin directed transverse to the thread-cutting axis. A catch member is arranged between the cutting-jaw holder and the arresting piece. The clamping lever has a release pin directed against the catch member, and is embodied as an unlatching abutment at that end thereof directed toward the cutting jaw side.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-driven brush in the form of a hand-held unit having a water inlet that can be connected to a sink faucet to provide a power source for a rotary brush that can be used for scrubbing plates or pots in the sink. A portion of the water is deflected onto the brush to facilitate the operation and the major water discharge through a main outlet can be used for rinsing the plates or pots.

Abstract: Method and device for treatment of balls, in particular balls for rolling bearings, by gentle mechanical treatment in the presence of a cleaning fluid or the like. According to the invention, the treatment of the entire surface of each ball is accomplished in that the balls are moved between two mutually rotating discs (12,24) while being forcedly guided (19,20) in a spiral path outwardly from the center while skidding.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a bristle supporting head pivotally mounted to a handle for pivotal movement of the head and bristles about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the handle to a plurality of positions to gain easy access to tooth surfaces at opposite sides of the mouth, the bristles extending in a direction mutually perpendicular to the axis of the handle and pivot axis, and the handle having an enlarged hollow end for storage therein of a bristle supporting head or the like and for supporting the toothbrush in an upright, free standing position. A spring biased detent is engaged with the pivot shaft of the bristle supporting head to retain it assembled to the handle and to maintain it in a predetermined adjusted pivoted position. An actuator projects beyond the end of the handle for engagement with the finger to release the bristle supporting head.

Abstract: Windshield wiper assemblies include apparatus to compensate for lifting forces exerted on a wiper arm and blade when a vehicle travels at high speeds. The wiper assemblies include a wiper arm spring connected to a wiper rod which carries the wiper blade. One end of the spring is connected to a pin mounted on a lever. The lever is pivotally movable so that the spring force on the wiper rod may be increased to compensate for lifting forces.

Abstract: In a connector (14,15) for connecting a wiper arm to a wiper blade, a pair of spaced apart attaching means (16,17) are provided for alternately attaching the connector to the wiper blade. Appropriately dimensioned slots (22a,22b) and surfaces (31,32,33,34,35,36,37,40,41) are provided on the connector to cooperate with bayonet-type arm ends (3a,3b) and hook-type arms ends (1a,1b, 2a,2b) for securing the appropriate arm end to the connector. One connector (14,15) is capable of accommodating at least six different arm ends.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, for household and industrial purposes, including a suction fan, driven by an electric motor, for generating a working air flow, and an electrical converter, in the form of a generator driven by the working air flow, for detecting the strength of the working air flow, the output of the generator being connected with a regulating and control circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in a vacuum cleaner having a roller-shaped brush mounted in the vacuum nozzle thereof. A separate rotational speed control is provided for the electric motor which operates the roller-shaped brush and in preferred embodiments this rotational speed control is adjustable by the operator of the vacuum cleaner. In a further embodiment, two separate rotational speed controls are provided, one controlling the speed of the roller-brush motor and the other controlling the speed of the vacuum-generating motor. A still further embodiment comprises a single rotational speed control which can be interchangeably switched into or out of connection with either the roller-brush motor or the vacuum-generating motor. A still further embodiment discloses a roller-brush motor speed control which can be added to existing vacuum cleaners.

Abstract: A novel sausage casing binder made of elements of plastic and a method by which the elements are mounted against the constricted portion of the casing so as to form a clamp ring thereabout, whereafter the elements are joined to stabilize the rigid and entirely closed annular shape of the clamp ring in secure engagement with the constricted portion. For binding the casing in the end which is going to be suspended by the smoking of the sausage a binding element is used which is provided with a suspension member forming an integral part thereof, whereby the use of special suspension members to be laid under the clamp is obviated and a very safe suspension is obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for intermittently dispensing a flowable foodstuff such as a sausage material into a container, e.g. a sausage casing, in portions of a predetermined size. A conveyor dispenses the foodstuff into the container and is deactivated when a quantity of the foodstuff has been placed into the container which is slightly less than the desired portion. After deactivation a small terminal mass of the foodstuff continues to flow into the container and the terminal mass represents the remainder to bring the dispensed foodstuff up to the desired portion. During each operating cycle the terminal mass is measured and this measurement is used during the next operating cycle to determine when the conveyor should be deactivated so that the next terminal mass brings the just dispensed portion up to the desired level.

Abstract: The axial shirring of thin walled inflated tubular material, especially for sausage manufacture, with a mandrel providing a radial bracing in its interior, occurs in combination with at least one air stream directed obliquely against the axis of the tubular material, wherein the air stream force is allowed to revolve about the said axis as the tubular material moves axially along the mandrel. The tubular material is thereby axially compacted against a stop with formation of regular folds or "shirrings". Shirring formation can be readily influenced by changing the air pressure. The nozzle or nozzles is or are connected to a source of compressed air and can be directed obliquely against the mandrel axis as it or they revolve about the said mandrel axis.

Abstract: There is provided a clearer device located above a series of draft rolls with a predetermined number of plumbs and secured inside a cover plate rotatable and removable by means of a pivot formed in part of two side plates. This clearer device is characterized in that endless clearer members stretch between intermittently driven clearer rolls and guide members permitting said clearer members to abut front top rolls fixedly secured. A pressure member is springingly held back of said clearer members to force downward said clearer members and permit said top rolls or a top apron to come into contact with said clearer members. The clearer rolls are intermittently driven by swinging a rocking lever pivoted on the shafts of said clearer rolls via an oscillation lever and rotating a ratchet gear fixed on said roll shafts by means of engaging tooth at said rocking lever.

Abstract: A belt retainer for securing the belt of a disposable sterile operating room gown comprises a generally rectangular strip of semi-rigid deformable material having a continuous belt retaining and locking cutout slot therein. The cutout slot defines a central upwardly extending tab, a narrow downwardly extending tab extension connected to the central tab adjacent one side edge of the central tab, and a side downwardly extending tab positioned adjacent the opposite side edge of the central tab.

Abstract: Yieldable load release connector comprising a coil of resilient plastic rod extending for 400.degree. to 800.degree. and having two free ends, and fastening means attached to the coil at a point spaced substantially equidistant from each said end for fastening said coil to a first object and the coil encircles a second object thereby connecting the two.

Abstract: An improved woven fabric that is relatively stiff in the filling direction and relatively flexible in the warp direction by virtue of the filling yarns in the fabric being stiffer than the warp yarns in the fabric, wherein the improvement comprises the filling yarns comprise resin bonded multifilament yarns. The product has particular utility in seat belt safety harnesses with belt coiling mechanisms. It is preferred that the resin be a polyurethane in an amount of 0.4-2.0 weight percent; that the filling yarns be twistless polyester multifilament. The process involves the application of an uncured resin to the filling yarns prior to weaving, and curing the uncured resin, preferably after weaving during an otherwise conventional dyeing procedure.

Abstract: Method for providing ultraacoustic transducers of the line curtain or point matrix type, and products obtained therefrom, comprising the steps of forming a bar of piezoelectric material having any length but width and thickness almost equal to each other, metalizing the faces of this bar normal to the polarization axis, sticking one of the non-metalized faces with a face of a substrate (5), depositing at least one metallic electrode on both opposite faces of the substrate normal to the face thereof connected with the bar, connecting these electrodes (8) with the metalized faces of the bar by depositing a layer of conductive epoxy resin on both opposite faces of the substrate and coating the whole assembly with a complete jacket of epoxy resin.

Abstract: In a wire lead forming machine whereby a European-type plug is attached to plug-end portions of two wires of a cable length, a wire bending device at each of a wire stripping and a plug attachment station has a pair of carriages mounted on parallelogram linkages for horizontal translatory movement. A clamping element on each carriage swings down to clamp a wire end portion against a flat top surface portion on the carriage, whereupon the carriages diverge, bending the wires to hold their tip portions parallel and spaced apart. A restraightening device at a station between the stripping and the plug attachment stations has upper and lower jaws between which the wires are received. The upper jaw swings down to confine the wire end portions in coplanar relationship, whereupon other jaws, moving horizontally between the upper and lower jaws, push the wires together.

Abstract: In a cylinder with replaceable shaped plates for applying a predetermined pattern of adhesive to webs of material, the cylindrical surface has at least two axially spaced recesses each containing a rocker arm pivoted about an axial shaft, one end of the arm carrying a gripper engaging over one margin of a pattern plate and its other end carrying a quick-release screw clamp for the opposite pattern plate margin.

Abstract: A method of lining a cylindrical bore for instance of an internal combustion engine with a thin-walled liner. Initially, a strip of material is cut to such a length that when formed into a cylindrical liner of external diameter equal to that of the unlined bore the liner is subjected to hoop-stress. The cut strip is pressed into a semi-circular groove in a jig-plate with a mandrel of at least part-circular form, and then two jig cheek-pieces each defining a quadrant-shaped groove are moved to deform the strip into a cylindrical shape. During this, the strip is held in the groove in the jig-plate for instance by electromagnets let into the jig-plate, or by a vacuum-holding technique. The grooves respectively in the jig-plate and jig-cheek pieces together define a cylinder of the same diameter as the bore to be lined, so that the liner is subjected to hoop-stress while in the jig.

Abstract: In the method for fabrication of water-cooled composite nozzle and bucket hardware for high temperature gas turbines, a high thermal conductivity copper alloy is applied, employing a high velocity/low pressure (HV/LP) plasma arc spraying process, to an assembly comprising a structural framework of copper alloy or a nickel-based super alloy, or combination of the two, and overlying cooling tubes. The copper alloy is plamsa sprayed to a coating thickness sufficient to completely cover the cooling tubes, and to allow for machining back of the copper alloy to create a smooth surface having a thickness of from 0.010 inch (0.254 mm) to 0.150 inch (3.18 mm) or more. The layer of copper applied by the plasma spraying has no continuous porosity, and advantageously may readily be employed to sustain a pressure differential during hot isostatic pressing (HIP) bonding of the overall structure to enhance bonding by solid state diffusion between the component parts of the structure.

Abstract: The cross-piece portion of a tubular T-joint has a cross-section of constant inside diameter from one end of the cross-piece to the other and increasing outside diameter from one end towards it center, then decreasing from its center towards it opposite end to define a double tapered tube wall for the cross-piece of maximum thickness at its center. A stem portion for the T-joint is in the form of a hollow tube extending normally away from the center portion of the cross-piece to terminate in a free end. The cross-section of the stem has a constant inside diameter from its free end to its point of interception with the cross-piece and an outside diameter increasing from its free end to its point-of-interception with the cross-piece so that the maximum thickness of the T-joint is at the interception between the cross-piece and the stem and yet the inside diameters are all uniform so that other tubes can be readily telescoped through the cross-piece.

Abstract: A prosthetic device which is adjustable in the transverse plane includes a flanged element moldable in a plastic socket and an element having a toothed superior surface. The plastic socket is formed about the flanged element while using the toothed superior surface as a mold surface. A fastener engages the toothed superior surface and this affixes the formed socket to the toothed element. The fastener may be loosened so that incremental rotation of the toothed element relative the socket is permitted.

Abstract: A device and method for holding tensile sheet materials to cover surfaces is disclosed. The device comprises a pair of parallel tracks adapted to be mounted on the surface to be covered with each track having at least one longitudinal slot. The slot has a pair of confronting side walls which are ridged. An elastic spline is inserted into the slot over the sheet material. The spline and ridged slots frictionally hold the sheet material in tension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling two metallic members such as a shaft and a disc. The method includes forming an annular groove on a joint face or outer circumference of the metallic member having greater deformation resistance of the two members, for example, forming uneven portions on the bottom of the groove by knurling or the like. Working the other metallic member, for example, the disc; having smaller deformation resistance near its joint face so that the joint face opposing that of the other causes plastic deformation. Causing a part of the disc to fluidize and flow into the groove, thereby coupling both metallic members together.

Abstract: A clinch nut having a projecting rectangular pilot and opposed laterally extending flanges. The side edges of the pilot are inclined inwardly from the pilot end face and the flanges have opposed projecting abutment portions extending laterally from the inclined pilot faces to an edge spaced from the side faces of the flanges. The method includes punching a rectangular opening in a panel to receive the nut pilot and ramming the nut abutment portions against the panel to deform the panel beneath the inclined pilot side faces. The nut and nut ram-die are configured to fully seat the nut and fill the spaces beneath the pilot side faces.

Abstract: A first set of selectively movable platens are disposed at a fixed station to receive a container therein to provide shoring of the external surfaces of the container. A second set of selectively movable platens to provide shoring of the internal surfaces of the container are attached to a movable assembly which is normally disposed on a support platform at a second station. The assembly is selectively moved off and on the support platform in and out of the container to bring the second set of platens into alignment with the interior surfaces of the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bale wagon comprising a bed upon which bales are stored and a tower mounted on the bed for receiving a bale or bales, lifting the bale(s) to a selected height, and moving the bale(s) longitudinally of the bed length, depositing same on the bed or on a partially formed load already on the bed and wherein said tower can retrieve said bales from said load and eject them from said bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semiconductor cathode and a camera tube and a display tube, respectively, having such a cathode, based on avalanche breakdown in a p-n junction extending parallel to the surface of the semiconductor body. The released electrons obtain extra energy by means of an accelerating electrode provided on the device. The resulting efficiency increase makes the manufacture of such cathodes in planar silicon technology practical. Since the depletion zone of the p-n junction upon avalanche breakdown does not extend to the surface, the released electrons show a sharp, narrow energy distribution. This makes such cathodes particularly suitable for camera tubes. In addition they find application, for example, in display tubes and flat displays.

Abstract: Integrated circuit resistor elements ideally suited for load devices in static MOS RAM cells are made in second-level polycrystalline silicon by an ion implant step compatible with a self-aligned N-channel silicon-gate process. The second-level polysilicon is insulated from first-level polysilicon by multi-layer insulation; first, a thermal oxide layer provides better edge breakdown characteristics for transistors, then secondly a layer of doped deposited oxide provides improved step coverage, and finally an undoped deposited oxide is used to prevent out diffusion from doped oxide to second level polysilicon which would change the characteristics of the resistors.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing commutators for electric motors wherein a hollow cylindrical body is provided having longitudinal grooves and ridges on its inner surface. The circumferential widths of the inner grooves are initially larger than the desired ultimate widths. A plurality of longitudinal outer grooves are formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical body, the outer grooves each having a bottom wall radially spaced from the longitudinal axis a distance substantially equal to the radial spacing of the bottom walls of the inner groove from the longitudinal axis. The outer grooves are staggered circumferentially relative to the inner grooves and the spaces therebetween define a plurality of yieldable cross-pieces. Radially inwardly directed shrinking forces are applied uniformly to the outer surface of the cylindrical member to break the yieldable cross-pieces and thereby decrease the widths of the inner grooves, the decrease thereof being equal to the widths of the outer grooves.

Abstract: Method of balancing an electrical machine rotor comprising starting the liquid cooling system of the rotor winding formed of parallel hydraulic branches arranged on the body of the rotor, monitoring the variables of the cooling conditions of said branches, with the liquid cooling system under operation, for determining temperature asymmetry which leads to heat unbalance of the rotor, and altering hydraulic resistance in said branches so that the proportion of said variables provide the same magnitude of overheating of the liquid at least in each pair of the diametrically arranged branches of the cooling system.

Abstract: A method of making a thin film magnetic head assembly having a substrate, superstrate and thin film magnetic transducer mounted therebetween wherein the thin film magnetic transducer includes conductive leads located interior to and extending between the substrate and superstrate comprising the steps of mounting a thin film transducer on the substrate with the transducing portion thereof located adjacent one edge of the substrate, positioning a preformed planar conductive connecting member formed of an elongated support section and a plurality of spaced, aligned connecting elements having a relatively thin coating of diffusable conductive metal coating located on one side positioned in intimate contact with the conductive leads with the connecting elements and the elongated support section extending past the substrate, placing a superstrate having a preformed layer of insulating bonding material affixed to one surface thereof in alignment with the substrate, thin film magnetic transducer and planar conductive

Abstract: A method of making a thin film magnetic head assembly having a substrate, superstrate and thin film magnetic transducer mounted therebetween wherein the thin film magnetic transducer includes conductive leads located interior to and extending between the substrate and superstrate comprising the steps of mounting a thin film transducer on the substrate with the transducing portion thereof located adjacent one edge of the substrate, positioning a preformed planar conductive connecting member formed of an elongated support section and a plurality of spaced, aligned connecting elements having a relatively thin coating of diffusable conductive metal coating located on one side positioned in intimate contact with the conductive leads with the connecting elements and the elongated support section extending passed the substrate, placing a superstrate in alignment with the substrate, thin film magnetic transducer and planar conductive connecting member with the surface thereof in intimate engagement with the connectin

Abstract: A method for forming lead-acid storage battery separator envelopes from a continuous roll of separator material of the type having ribs thereon. The method comprises withdrawing the separator material from the roll and clamping the withdrawn separator material along the length thereof to crush and deform the separator material ribs and produce two creases across the width thereof. The creases are spaced from each other approximately the thickness of a pasted battery plate. The clamping is released and the edge of a plate narrower in width than the separator material is introduced into contact with the separator material at the crushed and deformed portion thereof between the spaced creases. Thereafter the withdrawn separator material is folded along the length of the plate, so that the material overlaps the edges of said plate. Finally, the overlapped edges are sealed to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically mounting electronic components on printed circuit boards has an insertion head which is adapted to rotate on an engaging shaft within a rotary bearing and be guided in the extent of rotation by means of a steel ball. Only the engaging shaft rotates and the position from which the components are supplied to the insertion head is stationary, the space needed for the inserting apparatus can be kept small. The bearing can be changed or the position of the bearing changed to change the insertion angle of the component relative to the printed circuit board, thus making possible various arrangements of the components on the circuit board.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for aligning a plurality of circuit packages in a row and transferring the row of circuit packages to a corresponding row of receiving sockets in a burn-in board. The apparatus includes a transfer arm carrying a transfer rack pivotal about a non-rotatable shaft which moves axially to raise and lower the transfer arm. The transfer rack includes a plurality of reciprocal blades adapted to receive the circuit packages therebetween and transfer them to the receiving sockets. The reciprocal blades are retracted to release the circuit packages and the pins on the circuit packages are inserted into the sockets by spring loaded plungers positioned intermediate the blades.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an electrical harness. The harness generally includes at least one connector having a housing with insulation displacement type contacts loaded therein. Each contact is connected to an insulation clad wire, said wires being of different lengths with different segments of insulation removed from the wire ends opposite the connector.

Abstract: A water-powered, rotary head shaver is provided which includes a housing having a hollow shaving head portion defining an interior chamber and having at least one opening and at least one water outlet port formed therein and a hollow handle defining an interior channel which communicates with the chamber of the shaving head portion and which has a water inlet port formed therein. A rotary head grill is mounted within the opening of the shaving head portion and a drive shaft is rotatably mounted within the chamber of the shaving head portion. An impeller having a plurality of vanes is mounted on the shaft and a rotary cutting head is coupled to the shaft for rotation therewith and is disposed adjacent to the shaving head grill plate for cooperative shearing engagement therewith upon rotation.

Abstract: A cutting tool for stripping insulation from a cable comprises a shank and a blade, the blade possessing one cutting edge formed at the intersection of a back face and a front face, the front face being concave, and the back and front faces together forming a wedge. In one embodiment, an additional wedge-shaped protuberance is formed out of the front face of the blade at its end substantially perpendicular to the back face of the blade to assist in wedging the insulation being removed from the cable.

Abstract: A power chain saw comprises a cylinder block and a crank-case having a forwardly extending housing formed integrally therewith, a carburetor is incorporated into the housing and a main handle is located on the power unit on its upper side and extends longitudinally between the rear end and the forward upper portion of the power unit.

Abstract: A portable motor chain saw with a braking device, for stopping the saw chain during recoil, and with a release, for the braking device, which in the release position is operatively connected with a locking mechanism of the braking device. The release is an inertial mass which is freely movable along an acceleration path, with the kinetic energy of the inertial mass in the release position being greater than the resistance force of the locking mechanism. The release is held in the ready position by at least one holder, preferably a spring which extends between the saw housing and the release.

Abstract: Automatic marking is accomplished by providing a housing that moves along a calibrated guide. The housing is operably connected with a microcomputer which receives preselected marking data. The housing carries a sensor and a marking device. As the housing moves along the guide, the sensor reads the calibrations and registers same with the data in the microcomputer. In response, the marking device applies appropriate marks on an associated object.

Abstract: A gauging head for checking linear dimensions of mechanical pieces includes a tubular outer casing having a square perimeter cross-section and an arm-set with a flat support element fixed to an internal side of the tubular casing. A movable arm supported by the support element passes through one of the ends of the tubular casing and carries a contact feeler movable substantially along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal geometrical axis defined by the casing.

Abstract: A self-leveling instrument mount comprises an instrument table pivotally mounted above a stationary frame on first, second and third vertical support arms. The first support arm is a fixed length member connected to the frame through a ball and socket joint. The second and third support arms are formed of screws extending between the table and frame having effective lengths that are controlled, respectively, by first and second servo motors in response to a pendulum switch to maintain the table parallel to a horizontal reference plane. The pendulum is magnetically damped during operation of the servo motors for stabilization. A mercury switch on the table disables the servo motors when the tilt of the table is too large to be leveled by the support screws.

Abstract: A well tool for detecting well bore deviation which includes a tool adapted to be connected between adjacent components of a drill string, including a longitudinal opening through which drilling fluid can be circulated. At least one vent hole is located in the tool wall for communicating the longitudinal opening with the space outside the tool through which drilling fluid is circulated back to the surface, the vent hole being selectively blocked and unblocked. The angle the tool has deviated from vertical is measured and the vent is unblocked at a time interval after weight is placed on the bit which is determined by the amount of deviation of the tool, the unblocking of the vent causing a pressure drop in the drilling fluid in the tool the timing of which indicates the amount of deviation.

Abstract: A horizontal situation indicator having a heading card direct-driven by a directional gyro is provided. Relative positioning of the heading card and one or more navigation indicators is determined by sensing an electrical differential between a transducer associated with a heading card and a transducer associated with each navigation indicator. Spring-loaded clutch mechanisms are provided to allow adjustment of the navigation indicators without applying a torque to the heading card and gyro.

Abstract: The gaseous discharge from a dry cleaning machine containing dry cleaning solvents is purified by passage through a gas/gas heat exchanger from which the gaseous flow enters a gas/liquid heat exchanger after having been cooled and partially dehumidified in the gas/gas heat exchanger. An accumulation cooling circuit acts on the gas/liquid heat exchanger to further cool and purify the gaseous flow coming from the gas/liquid heat exchanger, such flow then being returned into the gas/gas heat exchanger, where it is warmed therein by the incoming flow to be purified before returning into the dry cleaning machine.

Abstract: An elevating boot wherein the heel section of the boot includes a height increasing insert for the wearer located within the boot in the area of the heel. This insert is to be removable, or it can be integrally secured to the boot. The forwardmost section of the boot includes a significant amount of space so as to make the size of the boot larger so as to be in proportion to the appearance of the increased height of the wearer. Within the space is to be located a second insert. A connecting section connects said first and second inserts.

Abstract: A tongueless shoe includes a deep U-shaped opening forward of a foot-receiving opening for permitting the insertion therein of a heavily bandaged or protected foot. A removable tongue is attachable to bridge the U-shaped opening. A cushioning insert portion may be employed similar to the sock for protecting the foot when the sock-enclosed foot is worn inside the shoe portion. When the cushioning insert portion is employed, the tongue is removed. The insert portion is secured in place in the shoe portion by fastening means on a collar surrounding the foot-receiving openings of the insert portion and the shoe portion. Closure means such as straps or laces close the U-shaped opening over the foot.