Abstract: A glo-plug extractor is disclosed. An internally threaded sleeve is threaded over an externally threaded bolt having a bolt head at one end and a set of jaws at the other. The jaws are fitted to lock onto the head of a fully unscrewed, yet bound glo-plug. After the jaws are locked onto the glo-plug, the sleeve is braced against the engine head either by screwing the sleeve down over the jaws until it contacts the engine head or by placing some bracing apparatus such as a spacer or a set of legs between the sleeve and the engine head. Once the sleeve is braced, it must be locked in place using a locking apparatus such as vice grips or a wrench. The bolt head is then used to rotate the bolt relative to the sleeve. This rotation causes the sleeve to exert a pulling force on the bound glo-plug which either extracts the glo-plug whole or breaks it.

Abstract: A refuse container adapted for automated dumping operation comprises a pair of side-by-side container bodies joined along a portion of their respective rims by a connecting web and rigidly integrated with one another by upper and lower lifter bars affixed transversely to each container body in disposition to be engageable by grasping members of an automated dumping apparatus. The refuse container is advantageously fabricated by a method wherein a unitary hollow container structure is blow molded to initially form the two container bodies in tandem end-to-end mirror-image relation joined by a continuous annular connecting portion. The connecting portion is partially removed at each rim, leaving the connecting web therebetween, whereby the two container bodies may be pivoted into side-by-side relation and rigidly joined by affixation of the upper and lower lifter bars. A hinged lid may be pivotably connected to the container proximate the connecting web. The lid will selectively cover either container body.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for removing a multi-turn spiral lock received in a groove of a piston assembly. The tool includes a handle for transmitting manual torque forces to a tool head. The tool head includes a terminal edge adapted for receipt under the end of a spiral lock. The head further includes a first wedge surface for radially urging the spiral lock from its associated groove and a second wedge surface for lifting one turn of the spiral lock from an adjacent turn.

Abstract: A belt-mountable tape dispenser operable with one hand for the retrieval and cutting of a predetermined length of tape from a spool of tape mounted to the dispenser. The tape dispenser includes a frame fabricated from a malleable material to accommodate conforming the frame to the waist of the wearer. Belt clips on each end of the frame releasably mount the frame to the belt. A strut extends downwardly from the frame and rotatably supports a reel upon which the spool of tape can be mounted. A cutter assembly and a cutter shield are removably attached to the strut. The cutter assembly and the cutter shield are adaptable to being mounted to the strut for either a left-hand operation or a right-hand operation. The placement of the reel below the frame prevents the pulling and tearing forces imposed on the tape from dislodging the tape dispenser from the belt.

Abstract: A method for casting a plastic die including constructing an open ended container having a floor configured to the desired contour shape of the die. The open ended container is segmented by longitudinal members and traversing members. A plurality of box-shaped cores are spaced within the container and secured in place by the traversing members. A cavity is formed in the container therebetween for the injection of hardenable material.

Abstract: An improved method of moving a rotary fixture (20) from a first angular position to a second angular position includes the steps of: providing a body (25); mounting the fixture on the body for rotational movement about an axis (x--x); mounting a pin (23) in the spindle (22) of a machine tool; moving the pin so as to engage the fixture at a location eccentric to the axis; and selectively moving the pin relative to the axis from one location to another; thereby to rotate the fixture from the first angular position to the second angular position.

Abstract: A connector for microelectronic elements includes a sheet-like body having a plurality of holes, desirably arranged in a regular grid pattern. Each hole is provided with a resilient laminar contact such as a ring of a sheet metal having a plurality of projections extending inwardly over the hole of a first major surface of the body. Terminals on a second surface of the connector body are electrically connected to the contacts. The connector can be attached to a substrate such a multi-layer circuit panel so that the terminals on the connector are electrically connected to the leads within the substrate. Microelectronic elements having bump leads thereon may be engaged with the connector and hence connected to the substrate, by advancing the bump leads into the holes of the connector to engage the bump leads with the contacts. The assembly can be tested, and if found acceptable, the bump leads can be permanently bonded to the contacts.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a thin film magnetic write head with a notch structure located on top of one of two pole layers. The notch structure is a generally U-shaped thin film layer which forms a trench inside the U for the containment of one or more pole tip layers in the pole tip region of the head. The notch structure has front surfaces at the tips of the legs of the U which lie in a plane that forms a part of the air bearing surface. The thickness of the notch layer is substantially equal to the thickness or thicknesses of the one or more pole tip layers located in the trench. A method of manufacturing the write head includes forming a very thin photoresist layer for defining the notch structure. The notch structure is well-defined which in turn allows the one or more pole tip layers to be well-defined with a very narrow trackwidth in the trench.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an assembly that has an integrated suspension, actuator arm and actuator coil. At least one actuator coil layer is located in the actuator arm region. The actuator coil layer is mounted to at least one homogeneous support layer which extends between terminal ends of the assembly for supporting all layers. A hole is provided through all layers in the actuator region at a pivot point for receiving an actuator spindle. In some embodiments of the invention, a transducer coil layer may be integrated in the suspension region and may be located in substantially a common plane with the actuator coil layer. The actuator region may be provided with a silicon base which contains integrated processing circuits which are connected to the transducer coil layer. A device may be carried by the assembly for bending the suspension region with respect to the actuator arm region.

Abstract: The method of making a metallized magnetic substrate for devices including a magnetic component involves providing an unfired ceramic body. In one exemplary embodiment, the method further involves making one or more vias through the ceramic body, coating the via side walls with conductive material, forming an aperture through the ceramic body, such that an aperture edge intersects the via, and metallizing the unfired ceramic body such that a conductive pathway is formed that includes the conductive material in the via. Finally, the metallized unfired ceramic body is fired in conventional fashion, optionally followed by deposition of additional conductor material.

Abstract: A method of forming a chain of fuse-links made from an electrically conductive metal plate. Each fuse-link P4 has an arc-shaped fusing portion 1 and a couple of terminal portions 4, 4 constituting a pair of wing-shaped members connected to each end of the arc-shaped fusing portion 1. A carrier strap 9 has a plurality of vertical connecting pieces 8 each positioned at fixed intervals for retaining the plurality of fuse-links P4. Each of a plurality of interconnection pieces 7' is connected to the vertical connecting piece 8 at one end and connected to a side edge of specific side one of the couple of terminal portions at the other end. The other end of the interconnection piece 7' is bent so that the end edges of the couple of terminal portions 4, 4 rise above the carrier strap 9.

Abstract: A safe, efficient hooping machine preferably driven by pneumatic power comprising an adjustable hoop push plate, an angle head which is for inserting an inner ring into an outer ring and a safety feature which allows hoopers to keep their hands from becoming seriously hurt when a hooping ram is lowered.

Abstract: A tool is provided for assembling cross groove constant velocity universal joints. The assembly tool comprises a cup having an open end and a base opposite the open end. The open end has an inwardly tapered rim. The dimension between the base and the rim is established to align tracks of the inner race of the universal joint with the rim. A ball cage is held in position surrounding the inner race, and balls are inserted on the rim, in the cage, and against the inner race so that they are adequately engaged in the inner race for assembly. When all of the balls are positioned in tracks of the inner race, and within the cage, an outer race is brought into position over the rim. The rim is tapered such that a sufficient periphery of the balls is exposed above the rim for engagement with tracks of the outer race. The assemblage is then inverted, allowing the inner race to drop into the outer race, carrying the balls along the tracks and the cage with the balls.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a plurality of coil groups into a stator core of a dynamoelectric machine is described. The injection apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a stripper assembly including a first stripper. The first stripper includes an injection disk which, in one embodiment, is formed from nylon. A first surface of the injection disk is configured to contact a segment of at least one of the coils to move the coil axially along the blades of the injection apparatus without contacting portions of the coil in gaps between the blades.

Abstract: A tool which accurately controls the thickness of a thermal grease applied to an integrated circuit that is mounted to a printed circuit board. The tool includes a bracket that supports the printed circuit board and the integrated circuit. A thermal grease is applied to the top surface of the integrated circuit. A lid is attached to the bracket to capture the printed circuit board. The lid has a platen that is separated from the integrated circuit by a space which has a predetermined thickness. The space defines the thickness of the thermal grease. Any excess thermal grease is pushed out of the space by the lid so that a consistent thickness of thermal grease is applied for each integrated circuit assembly. The bracket, lid, integrated circuit and printed circuit board can be mounted to a motherboard as a single integrated circuit module. Alternatively, the lid can be detached from the base so that the grease covered integrated circuit can be removed from the tool for subsequently assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing high-strength and high-conductance copper and silver materials comprising the steps of combining a predetermined ratio of the copper with the silver to produce a composite material, and melt spinning the composite material to produce a ribbon of copper and silver. The ribbon of copper and silver is heated in a hydrogen atmosphere, and thereafter die pressed into a slug. The slug then is placed into a high-purity copper vessel and the vessel is sealed with an electron beam. The vessel and slug then are extruded into wire form using a cold hydrostatic extrusion process.

Abstract: A conductive polymer device includes an active element comprising a conductive polymeric layer laminated between a pair of electrodes to which terminal leads are attached. The active element is enclosed in an insulative package. Each of the electrodes may be formed integrally with its associated terminal lead in a single lead frame, with a layer of conductive polymeric material laminated between two such lead frames. Alternatively, a conductive polymeric layer may be laminated between two electrodes, with a terminal lead then being soldered to each electrode. The insulative package for the active element may be either an over-molded housing encasing the active element, or a pre-molded housing having a cavity into which the active element is installed, and which is then hermetically sealed with a suitable sealant material.

Abstract: A method of attaching a connector to a coaxial cable having concentric inner and outer conductors comprises the following steps. An end of the cable is prepared to expose a portion of the inner conductor and to expose a portion of the outer conductor. An insulative disc of the connector is installed onto the exposed portion of the inner conductor. An inner contact of the connector is installed onto the exposed portion of the inner conductor. A solder preform is installed onto the exposed portion of the outer conductor. A body member of the connector is installed over the solder preform onto the exposed portion of the outer conductor. To complete the cable assembly, the solder preform is melted to firmly attach the body member of the connector to the exposed portion of the outer conductor of the cable.

Abstract: An optic module contains a flexible circuit board forming a cable which connects between an optical sub-assembly and a rigid interconnect structure within the optic module. The cable includes lands proximate to through holes for soldered connection to leads which extend from the optical sub-assemblies and are substantially smaller than the hole. A soldering bridge comprising several separate tabs equally spaced about the land and which project from the land into the hole and are very flexible in relation to the lead so that the lead can be placed in any radial position within the hole, but regardless of the position of the lead within the hole the projections of the soldering bridge project close enough to the lead so that during wave soldering a joint of desired configuration is produced. The soldering bridge can be integral with the land so that the bridge helps connect the solder to the land allowing the land to be smaller and thus providing for closer spacing between connection holes.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate, a chip attached thereon, and a molded body formed on the substrate for sealing the chip on the substrate. The electronic device further includes bumps formed at the underside of the substrate for connection to electrodes of a printed board. In an electronic device mounting method, a first correlation between a magnitude of warp of the electronic device and a heating temperature of the electronic device is derived. The warp is caused by a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the molded body and the substrate. In the method, a second correlation between the magnitude of warp of the electronic device and a failure rate of coupling between the bumps and the electrodes is further derived. The method further derives, based on the first and second correlations, a heating temperature which causes no coupling failure between the bumps and the electrodes.

Abstract: A circuit board manufacturing method for manufacturing a printed circuit board with improved characteristics for machine soldering. The circuit board manufacturing method includes the addition of a polyimide "B" semicured material to a printed circuit board prior to preheating and then machine soldering the printed circuit board. The polyimide "B" semicured material retards heat and is used to eliminate the common "hot" and "cold" spots that occur with printed circuit boards during the preheat cycle prior to machine soldering of the printed circuit board. As a result of the heat retardation due to the polyimide "B" state material the circuit board is thoroughly and properly heated during the preheat cycle to eliminate hot and cold spots so that proper machine soldering can occur. A number of different methods are presented and in one method polyimide "B" stage material is used to prevent movement of thermal pads.

Abstract: The invention presents a method of finishing a printed circuit board by using a soluble chloride added to a soft etching solution, the soluble chloride provides a source of chloride ions that beneficially combine with plated copper to form a protective CuCl layer. The protective layer is desirably used to prevent overetching of a copper film in a via or through-hole of a printed wiring board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for the sealing of an elongate splice of an electrical cable. A central extent of the splice is enclosed in a cylindrical enclosure tube so as to define exposed lateral splice extents on each side thereof. Sealing dams are constructed about the cable adjacent each end of the cable splice and adjacent each end of the tube. The exposed lateral splice extents are covered with a pair of elongate generally cylindrical splice enclosing shells each having open ends. The open ends of the shells are sealably attached to the sealing dams to sealably enclose the cable splice. The shells and the tube are filled with a curable encapsulant to fully encapsulate the cable splice.

Abstract: A method for bonding valve seats for intake and exhaust valves to an engine cylinder head. Valve seats are brazed to an aluminum cylinder head using an Al--Zn type brazing material and a fluoride type flux. The brazing material contains 70 to 90 % by weight of Zn. The brazing is preferably carried out at a temperature of 470.degree. to 520.degree. C. To allow the brazing material and flux to be present between the cylinder head and each valve seat, the cylinder head contains U-grooves formed around the opening of each intake or exhaust port. The U-groove consists of an annular step formed along the opening of the intake or exhaust port and a bank extended along the inner circumference of the step. The valve seats are placed in the U-grooves, which are then filled with the brazing material and flux, to carry out brazing of the valve seats onto the cylinder head. After completion of the brazing, the banks are removed to complete bonding of the valve seats to the cylinder head.

Abstract: A process for producing an ink-jet head having an ink discharge opening for discharging an ink, an ink flow path communicating with the ink discharge opening, a liquid chamber communicating with the ink flow path for supplying the ink thereto, an energy-generating element for generating energy to be utilized for discharging the ink, and a metallic base plate provided with the energy-generating element is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a leather wrapping on a steering wheel having a ring radially spaced and circumferentially extending about a central hub by providing a groove along the surface of the ring, preferably on the inwardly facing edge thereof, into which the edges of the leather wrapping may be inserted and secured and a bead which fits snugly within said groove to cover the groove and secure the edge of the leather therein.

Abstract: A one-piece C-arm for use with X-ray diagnostic equipment included in cross-section two generally vertical sidewalls extending generally parallel to one another, an inner support wall connecting the sidewalls, and an outer support wall spaced-apart from the inner support wall and connecting the sidewalls. A pair of flanges extend outwardly from respective sidewalls, and toward one another to form at least one channel along an outer portion of the C-arm frame for receiving wheels or bearings to allow moveable mounting of the C-arm on diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: A razor consisting of a flexible cloth-like base material upon which are mounted a plurality of cutting heads. Each head is attached to the base material so as to be flexible in orientation. A preferred head embodiment includes a flat metal structure having an attachment hole for connection to the cloth and an aperture large enough for passage of one or more hairs, the perimeter of the aperture having a sharp edge for cutting the hair. The density, i.e. quantity of heads per unit area is preferably very large, resulting in some overlap of heads. In this dense configuration, the probability of a head engaging a hair is greatly increased, in spite of the somewhat random orientation of each head. This principle is more commonly known as the law of mass action. The dense, small cutting heads in combination with the flexible cloth-like base material provides a structure that easily conforms to body contours.

Abstract: A shaving unit includes a skin engagement surface member for contact with the skin in advance of a blade edge and defined by a series of resiliently mounted elements (9) defining between them slots (10) through which hairs can pass while being subjected to a light pulling force to increase the length of hair projecting from the skin prior to cutting. The skin engagement surface member may be a guard of the shaving unit or it can be mounted between two blades.

Abstract: A one handed knife including a handle having upper and lower handle portions, the upper handle portion including an arcuate recess extending therethrough and the lower handle portion including a blade lock release extending therefrom. A blade is pivotally connected between the upper and lower handle portions and includes a thumb pin extending therefrom. A tension bar having a first and second ends is slideably connected at its first end to the upper handle portion and its second end extends through the arcuate recess and is connected to the blade.

Abstract: A bow type knife provides an adjustment bar between the back and the blade to adjustably determine thickness of sliced material. The adjustment bar is pivotally mounted on two spaced support arms that are pivotally carried in angulated parallel orientation by the back to allow motion of the adjustment bar parallel to the back. An end portion of the adjustment bar proximal to the bow handle carries an adjustment screw that extends in angulated orientation through the bow body and through a nut carried in that body and projecting therethrough for manual manipulation to adjustably position the adjustment bar relative to the knife blade.

Abstract: A split-boom power tool includes a housing adapted to carry a battery or motor. A first boom member connected to the housing includes an electromechanical or mechanical joint (i.e., coupling) connected thereto for receiving a second boom member, which carries an attachment. The attachment may include a hedge trimmer, line trimmer, pruner, blower, or extension. Various couplings or mechanical joints are provided.

Abstract: Portable metal drum openers allow the use of a cutting head with a relatively small diameter so that most metal drum covers can be removed without having to beat down or remove bungs in the cover. The cutting head is spring mounted so that the small diameter cutting head will not slip or stall when encountering a kink in the chime. The cutting head is tilted downward in the direction of cutting so that the cutting head would tend to move downward along the chime when making the cut, however, the cutting head is physically restrained from moving downward past a selected chime cutting height. The selected chime cutting height is preferably adjusted by adjusting the position of a shaft collar along threads on a cutting shaft that projects perpendicularly from the cutting head. It is preferred that the drum opener be driven either manually, or by an electric DC motor.

Abstract: An archery bow sight mounts to a bow at a point above the handle and arrow rest. The archery bow sight contains two frames located a short distance apart, a near frame and a far frame. Each frame contains a filament that is vertical when the bow is in the shooting position and a plurality of filaments that are horizontal when the bow is in the shooting position. Each filament is located in a plane perpendicular to the plane formed by the bow and bowstring. When the bow is in the shooting position, each filament in the far frame is located in a plane passing through the corresponding filament in the near frame and the eye of the archer. The intersection of the superimposed vertical filaments with each pair of corresponding superimposed horizontal filaments defines a sight for a target of a particular distance.

Abstract: An electronic compass is described for use in vehicles. The compass employs a magnetoresistive sensor for sensing the earth magnetic field and the sensor is operated in alternate set/reset bias modes. In a first embodiment, the compass is provided with deviation compensation by a closed loop system including measurement of the sensor output signals and an offset current strap for nullifying the vehicle deviation field. In a second embodiment, deviation compensation is provided by operation in an initial calibration mode and by operation in a normal calibration mode to adjust compensation, as needed, on a long term basis during normal operation of the compass. In the initial calibration mode, while the vehicle is being driven, the signal peak values are adjusted to a nominal earth field level by changing the offset current. Then, compensating signal reference values for each axis are determined as each peak for that axis is determined.

Abstract: A feedback circuit for generating an output signal from a sensor that makes changing electrical and temperature characteristics of the sensor and any sensing medium irrelevant. The sensor is placed in the forward loop of the circuit to make the output depend on the area of the parallel plates the sensor, not on any electrical or temperature characteristics of the sensor or sensing medium. A liquid filled sensor having parallel conducting plates, one solid and the other being split into two differential plate sections may be used in the forward loop as a liquid level sensor or an inclinometer. Alternative sensors such as inductive sensors may also be used.

Abstract: A leveling device for assisting in properly orienting picture frames and other hanging articles on a vertical wall surface. Preferably, the device includes a planar body having a bubble level and a suction cup for temporarily affixing the device to a smooth surface of the frame, i.e. a glass pane. A foot surface and planar hooking structure provide alternative affixing structure such that the device can be used on a wide variety of frames and the like.

Abstract: A new Bat for measuring and facilitating marking the interior surfaces of an angled work piece, such as angle iron, which cannot be measured or marked by a conventional square because of arcuate corners and formed edges. The inventive device includes a first plate having a slanted edge, a first member secured to the first plate, a second member secured to the first member forming a syncline shape or V-shape which receives the arcuate corners and formed edges, and a second plate secured to said second member where the second plate is orthogonally aligned with respect to the first plate.

Abstract: A calibration gage for calibrating a device for reading off the contours of eyeglass frames is designed to be fitted to the contour reading off device to be calibrated in place of an eyeglass frame. It includes a plate with at least two ribs projecting from it. The ribs are generally parallel to each other in a first direction and spaced from each other in a second direction. By reading off the known dimensions between their inside and outside flanks, it is possible to determine some parameters of the contour reading off device.

Abstract: A combination measuring instrument such as an elongated and retractable tape measuring device is associated with an audio recording apparatus which enables a user to record measurements observed on the tape measure device simultaneously with the act of performing the measurement and which permits the subsequent playback of the recorded information for use in a later discrete step of manufacturing or utilizing the recorded information. The recording device may be positioned in or on the housing of the measuring device so that the user may conveniently record the observed measurement orally for later reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the drying of produce and particularly leafy vegetables. A spin dryer (100) is provided which releasably receives and holds a plurality of manually liftable field baskets (21). A turntable assembly (110) is rotatably mounted to a stationary support structure (105) and operatively coupled to a drive assembly (121). Turntable (110) is adapted to hold a plurality of baskets (21) preferably with the baskets (21) positioned on their sides with their perforated bottom walls (24) facing outwardly and away from the turntable spin axis (14). Produce pieces (22) are preferably stacked in baskets (21) in a parallel vertical orientation with their stems (31) proximate he bottom walls (24) of the baskets (21).

Abstract: A method and a facility for dehydrating plants, particularly for dehydrating forage. The method consists in introducing the forage to be dehydrated in a drier with a retention time and a temperature that are suitable to achieve the at least partial drying of the leaves of the forage. The forage, when it leaves the drier, is subjected to an operation for separating the leaves from the stalks, and the leaves and stalks thus separated are then subjected, separately from each other, to additional treatments that include at least one additional drying for at least one of the two components constituted by the leaves and the stalks.

Abstract: A dryer for drying dental models includes a solid base member, a top member, a variable plurality of modular drying units, each of which includes a frame and a slidable, foraminous tray, an air blower and an articulated support arm. In use, the modular drying units are positioned in an over-and-under stacked relation, such that the slidable trays therein form a column of trays. Each slidable tray contains a central aperture and a duct extending upward from the perimeter of the central aperture. The aperture and duct in the center of each tray collectively form a channel running through the center of the column of trays. The base member is fixedly connected to the articulated support arm, which supports the dryer. The top member, which is positioned on top of the uppermost modular drying unit, includes a central aperture with an inlet tube inserted therein and exhaust vents around the perimeter of its top surface for the release of air.

Abstract: Method and equipment for the manufacture of corrugated paper products includes separate heaters for preparing liner and medium components. Data regarding these components is collected and an optimum conditioning for the components is determined. High voltage sensors, associated electronic circuitry and computer controls are used to determine surface moisture values.

Abstract: A sandal having first and second strap tabs extending from a strap fixed to the sole of a sandal; the first strap tab is positioned between a big toe and an adjacent toe and the second strap tab is positioned between a little toe and an adjacent toe when a user's foot is inserted between the strap and the sole. The sandal embodying the invention fits well to the user's foot and can be worn while participating in sport activities such as running, walking over rough terrain with ease and comfort.

Abstract: An item of footwear including: a sole having a foot resting part, a tread, and at least one through hole which forms an expanded seat at the tread; an upper; and engagement elements connected to the upper. The engagement elements each have an upper end which is connected to the upper and a lower free end arranged distally from the upper which is shaped so as to pass through and elastically deform a respective through hole to eventually grip in a respective expanded seat for connecting the engagement element to the sole without use of any other coupling device. The upper end of each engagement element is substantially flat and has one side which is substantially non-removably attached to a lateral side portion of the upper by any of stitching, gluing and welding techniques.

Abstract: A complex-contoured tensile bladder and method of making same in which a bladder comprises an envelope formed from two outer barrier layers surrounding a tensile element formed of two inner sheets. The inner sheets are attached to one another along selected first attachment portions and include die cuts at certain locations. Each of the outer barrier layers are attached to the inner sheet nearest it at selected second attachment portions which are incoincident with the selected first attachment portions. The outer layers are sealed around the periphery to form the envelope and the bladder is inflated with a gas so that the inner sheets form a tensile member which extends between the selected second portions, and the selected first portions form hinges disposed between the outer layers. When loaded the tensile member compresses at the hinges which readily allow for compression while not interfering with the cushioning properties of the gas.

Abstract: A shoe having an upper, an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. An insulating sock-type liner is fitted within the shoe, having a suspended connection to an upper portion of the shoe and a cemented connection to each of the midsole and insole. The insulating liner is capable of combination with a sock-type waterproofing liner that fits within the insulating liner. The insulating liner has a bottom extension relative to the waterproofing liner for securement to the midsole under the insole. Also, the insulating layer has a front cut-out portion that allows flexing of the shoe as well as a person's foot.

Abstract: A boot is disclosed for use with a snowboard having binding means for attachment to the boot. The boot includes a base, a highback, and an upper. The base includes a binding receiving plate for attaching the boot to the binding means on the snowboard. The base also has toe and heel ends. The base is formed with a toecap at the toe end and as a heel counter at the heel end. Tread projects from the bottom of the base for traction when the boot is not attached to the snowboard. The highback extends upwardly from the heel counter of the base. The highback provides aft support to the user. The upper is fixedly attached to the base and is arranged and configured to receive the foot and ankle of the user. The upper has a rearward side adjacent the highback. The upper is more flexible than the base and the highback. A base strap is connected to opposing sides of the base and extends across a portion of the upper.

Abstract: A sports shoe inner comprises two pairs of separate flaps. A first pair is level with the wearer's instep. A second pair is located level with the wearer's lower leg. The flaps extend so as to overlap each other.