Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Neoregelia plant named `Ying`, characterized by its leaves with a creamy white margin (R.H.S. 162B) and dark green center (R.H.S. 147A); the innermost leaves at the center of the rosette, when in flower, are overlayed with red-purple (R.H.S. 59A) and hold that color for 4 to 6 months during and after flowering; and the plant produces large numbers of offsets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Neoregelia plant named `Martin`, characterized by its leaves with a greenish-white (R.H.S. 150C-D) and red-purple (R.H.S. 58A) center with white spotted marmoration on the upper surface of the leaves above the sheath and greyed-purple (R.H.S. 187A) on the surface leaf at the sheath bordered by variegation down the entire length of the leaf and light green margin (R.H.S. 143B-C); the innermost leaves at the center of the rosette, when in flower, are overlayed with red (R.H.S. 53A); the margins of the leaves are finely serrated; and the form of the plant is a uniform rosette with long, lingulate and recurved leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of neoregelia plant named `Annick`, characterized by its leaves with a greyed-yellow margin (R.H.S. 160B) and dark green center (R.H.S. 147 A-B); the innermost leaves at the center of the rosette, when in flower, are overlayed with red-purple (R.H.S. 59 A-60A); the innermost leaves at the center of the rosette hold their red-purple color for 3 to 5 months during and after flowering; and the plant produces large numbers of offsets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Neoregelia plant named `Raphael`, characterized by its leaves with a greyed-yellow margin (R.H.S. 162A), the margin of the leaf above the sheath is suffused red-purple (R.H.S. 63A), the upper surface of the leaf has a dark green to greyed-purple center (R.H.S. 147A-187A) depending upon light conditions and the lower surface of the leaf is lighter green (R.H.S. 148A-B); the innermost leaves at the center of the rosette, when in flower, are dark red-purple (R.H.S. 59A); the innermost leaves at the center of the rosette hold their color for 3 to 5 months during and after flowering; and the plant produces large numbers of offsets.

Abstract: A system for cleaning molds within presses is disclosed wherein the system utilizes a light source including a laser to clean surfaces within the mold. The light source is aligned with an opening in the mold and light from the laser is directed onto the mold surfaces to vaporize residual material thereon to thereby clean the surfaces. The light source may be formed as a portable unit movable between different presses, or the light source may be in the form of a single laser with a plurality of light paths leading from the laser to individual presses such that light may be selectively conveyed along the light paths to clean the molds within the presses.

Abstract: A crosslapper is disclosed utilizing at least one foraminous transporting belt to permit rapid escape of entrained air during fast operation of wide-bed machinery.

Abstract: A coach lamp or other exterior lamp or ornament is mounted on the exterior surface of a building having horizontal aluminum siding by means of a pedestal having a faceplate portion and a continuous peripheral skirt which is deeper than the steps in the siding. The pedestal is secured to a conventional electrical outlet box and the faceplate portion provides a flush mounting surface for the base of the lamp or ornament.

Abstract: A process for producing fiberglass reinforced molded articles of superior surface quality involves preparation of a mat of glass fiber comprised of a majority of fibers having a diameter of less than one micron and a minority of fibers having a diameter greater than one micron. A sizing is applied to the fibers. The sizing includes a coupling agent preselected to be compatible with the moldable material, e.g. nylon. The glass fiber mat is comminuted into pieces shaped and dimensioned for combination with the moldable material to form a composite having a range of to 50% of glass fiber by weight. The composite is then molded by a conventional process to yield a fiberglass reinforced article with superior surface quality.

Abstract: The invention provides a fungicidal composition comprising at least one systemic, contact and/or soil fungicide and at least one acrylic acid morpholide derivative of the general formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen, chlorine or bromine atom, a trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.5 alkoxy, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 alkenyl, HClFC--CF.sub.2 O--, HClC.dbd.CClO--, cyclohexyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, phenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-ethylphenyl, 4-chlorobenzyl or 4-chlorophenylthio group or a phenoxy group optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from fluorine and chlorine atoms and methyl and ethoxycarbonyl groups and R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, or R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom and R.sub.2 represents a 3-phenoxy group.

Abstract: An automatic injector is provided having at least two chambers containing different ingredients of a medicament separated by .?.an impermeable membrane. A lance is movable independently of a plunger to cut or pierce the membrane before a spring-loaded drive member for the plunger is released to drive a needle out of the body of the injector and discharge the medicament through the needle. A removable safety clip is provided for preventing movement of art actuating cap into an operative position for advancing the lance, and release of the drive member is preventable by a removable safety pin until the injector is to be used..!. .Iadd.a sealing structure. One of the chambers has a needle disposed therein. The sealing structure is conditionable to permit the ingredients to mix in the injector in response to a predetermined actuating procedure before the ingredients are injected.

Abstract: Pulse compensation is disclosed for electronic devices capable of producing a pulse output signal suitable for therapeutic purposes with pulse compensation being automatically provided upon sensing of a change in she conditions being monitored. The electronic device, which preferably includes a microcomputer, has externally accessible pulse width and intensity controls for determining the width and amplitude of pulses then being delivered. Upon each sensing of a change in a monitored condition capable of causing user discomfort or possible injury, the intensity of the pulses then being delivered is quickly reduced and then gradually increased toward the full intensity requested by the intensity control.

Abstract: A stent for reinforcing a damaged wall in a body passage such as a vascular passage. The stent takes the form of a sheet or metal foil wound tightly around a spool in a multiple layer roll and held in a contracted state by a sheath sleeved around the roll. The spool is inserted into the body passage until the stent is adjacent to the area of the damaged wall. The spool and stent are then advanced while the sheath is held stationary. This pushes the stent out the end of the sheath and releases the stent such that the roll unwinds and expands against the damaged vessel wall.

Abstract: A resilient, flat closed-cell knee pad is rolled and inserted through a gap in a seam attaching edges of a patch to the knee area of a work pant. The knee pad then unrolls and fills a space between the work pant and the patch thereby protecting a wearer's knee when kneeling.

Abstract: Sportswear design that would allow the individual to interchange an array of decorative patches having hook and loop fastener material similar to the material sold under the trademark VELCRO onto garments. Patches could be changed daily. Combination sportswear consists of hats, coats, and gym bags. Patches would adhere to the sportswear by pressing hook and loop fastener components together. By using professional and college logos, the wearer can create a plurality of different allegiance toward his or her sports teams. Every team has specific colors. In order to know what color sports apparel you want to purchase, you first must decide on a team that you want to represent. If an individual chooses to support Pittsburgh teams, he or she would choose black or gold combination sports apparel then could purchase the Steeler, Pirate, and Penguin kits. By having one coat, you can support three teams. Also, other teams such as the San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, etc.

Abstract: A new noise making garment for producing sounds when noise pads are compressed as well as providing reinforced areas where wear is likely to occur. The inventive device includes a garment with a plurality of noise pads coupled to the garment. Each noise pad comprises a deformable bladder with a flexible wall that permits deformation of the bladder. The flexible wall defines an interior air chamber that holds air. A valve with a noise making device extends through the flexible wall of the bladder to permit the passage of air from the interior air chamber through the valve when the bladder is deformed. The noise making device creates an audible sound when air passes through the valve. Preferably, a noise pad is located at each knee region towards the front of the garment, at each elbow region towards the back of the garment, and at each sole region. Ideally, a reinforcement layer surrounds the outer surface of each noise pad that is located at the knee regions and at the elbow regions.

Abstract: A versatile weather-resistant, ventilated, and protective garment particularly for wear by operators, occupants, and passengers of motor-sports vehicles, such as motorcycles, other vehicles, and some open aircraft, includes a water-proof garment shell provided with a vent opening. The vent opening may be secured open or closed in a fair-weather configuration. for foul weather, the vent opening also includes a labyrinth seal structure in combination with a generally vertically-extending water-gutter structure so that wind-blown rain water and traffic mist, for example, will be blocked from entry into the garment. Water which does enter an outer portion of the vent openings, will be drained by the water-gutter structure. The garment also includes a cargo storage system having a storage area with plural pockets allowing the wearer to carry along small personal items in the garment. An opening of the ventilation structure also provides access to the cargo storage area.

Abstract: A bow hunter's mitten comprising a pair of side portions which define an upper edge, lower edge, forward end, and a rearward end. The mitten is designed to permit the bow hunter to insert his or her shooting hand into the mitten while the mechanical release is attached to the hunter's wrist. The forward end of the mitten has an opening formed therein to permit the end portion of the release to be extended therethrough for attachment to the bow string of the bow.

Abstract: A multi use head cover comprising an adjustable size visor portion and a detachable fabric head covering portion. The visor portion includes a visor band with a divided after section joined by a pair of interlocking plastic strips. A bill is attached to a forward portion of the visor band which is raised relative to the after end and sides to provide effective sun shading. An upper edge of the visor band is trimmed with a first half of a zipper. The second half of the zipper is attached to the corresponding edge of a fabric dome in the shape of a conventional yarmulke. The after edge of the dome may be recessed to correspond with the gap in the upper edge of the after section of the visor band to prevent bunching of the fabric dome when the visor band is adjusted to smaller sizes.

Abstract: Headwear, such as visor or cap, which has a bill for shielding the wearer's face, which bill extends from the headband that encircles the wearer's head. The bill is attached to the headband along its inner edge and has a wire-like, flexible member which extends along the outer edge or periphery of the bill. The wire-like member serves to maintain the bill in a fully extended condition when worn but has sufficient flexibility to permit the bill and headband to be folded into a compact, collapsed condition and to fit into a small pouch or pocket for storage.

Abstract: An article of clothing designed to protect a wearers face, head and neck area from inclement weather, includes a hood portion member structurally arranged to cover and engage the head and neck area of the wearer and a face portion member secured to the hood portion and structurally arranged to cover and engage the face of the wearer. The face portion member includes a plurality of openings aligned to cooperate with the eyes, nose and mouth of the wearer and a securing member engaging one side of the face portion and extending around the back of the wearer's head and engageable with the opposite of the face portion to adjustably secure the face portion onto the wearer's face.

Abstract: Combination head and eye protective apparatus including a head-protective helmet having a nape device for fitting the helmet to the head of a wearer of the helmet, and goggles including a mounting member for mounting the goggles to the nape device. Goggles including a goggle frame, eye protective lens mounted in the frame, and mounting member for mounting the goggles to the nape device of a head-protective helmet.

Abstract: A face shield for a helmet. The face shield having a weather lens and a face lens spaced from the weather lens so as to form an air gap, is characterized in that an electroconductive film is attached to the air gap side of the weather lens, in that upper and lower electrodes are printed on upper and lower sides of the electroconductive film, receptively, and in that the weather lens is made from a material such as a polycarbonate, butyrate, or an acrylic, and the face lens from an anti-fog sheet.

Abstract: A track assembly for allowing movement of a flexible enclosure cover over an area to be enclosed as, for example, a body of water in a swimming pool. The assembly comprises a pair of spaced apart tracks mounted on opposite sides of the area to be enclosed with each being comprised of an elongate strip. Each track strip comprises a cable receiving channel with a gutter or debris trough located generally beneath the channel for collection of debris. Preferably, a slider can be located in the cable receiving channel for locking to the cable and for securement of the cover to the cable. The track can be constructed to also allow for lubrication of the cable receiving channel enabling a slider mechanism to freely move therein. When a slider is used, it extends into each channel at approximately a 45.degree. angle with respect to a vertical direction.

Abstract: The invention provides that a bath has one or more shoulders which receives or receive the lower edges of one or more shower screen panels which forms or form a means preventing water from passing over the side of the bath. The shoulder or shoulders is or are formed by distinct steps on the insides of the bath, at the top edge thereof, so that the upright side face or faces of the shoulder or shoulders form an obstruction preventing the panel or panels from swinging out beyond the sides of the bath.

Abstract: A wall-mounted tap has a single removable shower head spout., and more particularly the tap is equipped with a check valve and a vacuum breaker so as to avoid filthy water from being reversely sucked into the running water supply system by way of the shower head plunged in a sink in a fire extinguishing process. The tap includes a tap mount, a tap body, a valve mount, a vacuum breaker, a check valve, a pair of hot and cold water inlet pipes and a water outlet pipe and a removable hand held shower head. The vacuum breaker is made up of a nut, a valve stem and a spring. The spring is securely mounted onto the valve stem that is housed both in a hole on a vertical tubular tap seat and a receiving hole in communication with the water outlet pipe on the valve mount and is locked in place by the nut. The check valve coupled to one end of the water outlet pipe is mounted onto the valve mount to which the hot and cold water inlet pipes and the water outlet pipe are connected so as to produce a double check effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing gray water for flushing a toilet is provided including a holding tank with a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween thus defining an interior space. The holding tank has an inlet pipe connected to a source of gray water for receiving gray water therefrom. An outlet pipe is connected between the holding tank adjacent to the bottom face thereof and a toilet. A tee is situated on the outlet pipe between the holding tank and the toilet. The tee has an opening coupled to a water supply adapted to supply water of a first pressure. The tee further has a valve having a first orientation for allowing the flow of water only from the water supply to the toilet and a second orientation for allowing the flow of water only from the holding tank to the toilet. A pump is coupled to the outlet pipe between the holding tank and the compression tee.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shower foundation is disclosed. A base including a curb portion is formed by injection molding. A waterproof membrane is sprayed over the base. The membrane includes three vertical extensions which are contiguous with a flat portion of the membrane. A backer layer is placed over the waterproof membrane, the backer layer being made of a flexible sheet material. A drain is formed through the base and is sealed with respect to the backer layer and waterproof membrane. A threshold is made by the addition of a lip formed over the curb portion of the base. A method is also disclosed for installing the shower foundation made by the method of manufacturing. The installing method includes the steps of sliding the shower foundation into a space designated for a shower unit, attaching the waterproof membrane of the shower foundation to studs surrounding the space, installing walls of the shower unit on the base, and securing the shower walls to the studs.

Abstract: An invalid hoist comprises a telescopic mast (11) having a lower part (18) and an upper part (19), power operated device for raising and lowering the upper part relative to the lower part, a lifting arm (12) pivotably connected to the upper part of the mast, the lifting arm having a sling hanger (23) or at least one sling attachment point at or adjacent to one end thereof, and a manually extendable/retractable stay (30) between the lifting arm and the lower mast part. The lifting arm is pivotally connected to the upper part of the mast at a position intermediate its ends and the extendable/retractable stay is connected to the lifting arm on the side of the pivotable connection between the lifting arm and the upper apart of the mast remote from the one end of the lifting arm. The stay can be extended, if the power operated device fails with the upper part of the mast in a raised position, to lower a user to a position in which he/she can be released from a sling supported by the lifting arm.

Abstract: A first playpen enclosure that converts easily to a bassinet, a changing table or a bed-side crib (hereinafter referred to as a "co-sleeper") that attaches securely to the parents' bed. A described second enclosure support system maintains a padded enclosure and rigid floor panel at a predetermined level below the top of the playpen to form the bassinet. The second enclosure has a back, two sides, a bottom and a front flap that overhangs the front horizontal rail. The upper front corners are segmented into a removable section and a fixed section to facilitate the removal and unseating of the front horizontal rail to a second position at a first predetermined distance from the top position. Cooperating junctures affixed to the front vertical rails accept the removable sections and securely seat the rail in this second position. The supports, padded enclosure and rigid floor panel complete the changing table with the front flap hanging down in front.

Abstract: An infant environmental transition system provides an infant with controlled simulated movements encountered by an infant in an intrauterine environment. The system includes a suspension system having a plurality of flexures coupled between a base plate and a moving mattress platform. A cam shaft assembly includes a groove that engages a linear follower connected to the moving platform so that the follower moves along the groove while the cam shaft assembly rotates to move the linear follower, and thereby reciprocate the moving mattress platform in a longitudinal direction. Alternatively, a rotating crank assembly translates crank rotation to reciprocating movement of the mattress platform.

Abstract: A stretcher table assembly is provided for attachment over an ambulance stretcher. The stretcher table assembly includes a tray for securing medical equipment used during an emergency. A pair of legs extend away from the tray and include attachment members for engaging the rails of the stretcher. The attachment members may include anti-skidding members providing frictional resistance between the attachment members and the rails. The legs are secured to the rails through a flexible strap. The flexible strap may be wrapped around the rail and secured. The flexible strap may also be used in conjunction with a hook which engages the rail. The flexible strap is then secured to hold the stretcher table assembly in place over the stretcher.

Abstract: A composite foam base air cell module cushion having a water resistant skin, a contoured foam base designed to relieve pressure on the trochanters and the ischia and an air cell module having two sets of air cells, each partially filled, positioned inside the foam base in a chamber beneath the rear of the base. The skin is of two layer construction with a two-way stretch outer layer and a water impervious inner layer. The bottom of the base is covered with a water impervious sheet and the edges are secured to the edges of the top skin covering. The air cell is made by placing the preformed top into molds smaller in depth than the air cells to partially collapse the air cells before a base is applied to the top to close the open ends of the air cells and trap air therein.

Abstract: An improvement for a water bed includes a pair of water bed mattresses housed in a bed cover. There is a heat insulating foam or air bag sandwiched between the two water bed mattresses. Each water bed mattress has a plurality of transverse partitions to reduce water vibration and turbulence therein. The disclosed structure has the advantage of not only improving the stability, but also lengthening the durability of the water bed mattress. A plurality of longitudinal air tubes run through the transverse partitions and communicate with an air bag for providing a desired softness of the water bed mattresses to suit an individual user's requirements. Moreover, the disclosed water bed mattress is able to support a user's back bone comfortably, and minimize the quantity of water used for the mattress to reduce its weight.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool useable to open container caps, to hammer nails, to pull nails, to act as a screw driver, to loosen and tighten a nut, to open bottle caps, to pry off lids, to act as s vice grip tool and to act as a C clamp.

Abstract: A method and a device for fibrillating cellulose fibers contained in a fabric web (3) comprise the fabric web (3) being withdrawn from a fabric storage chamber (6), accelerated through a guide slot by means of liquid flowing at high speed and then flung against a rebound surface (13). The fabric web can be transported alternatingly in both directions through the guide slot (7) and flung onto the first rebound surface (13) and a second rebound surface (16).

Abstract: A combined loading ramp and handling apparatus use on a loading dock comprises a ramp with rollers mounted on its side edges and a pair of parallel rails mounted on the loading lock. The rails have convex plates over which the rollers ride to lift the front edge of the ramp as it passes into the cargo compartment of a truck or trailer. The rails are secured together by a frame, and safety gates are mounted on posts secured to the frame.

Abstract: A nozzle cleaning device is provided comprising a support structure capable of releasably receiving a hollow nozzle body having an inner surface and an open end or terminal edge portion, and a scraper apparatus coupled to the support structure and including at least one scraper finger adapted to move into and out of the nozzle body. The scraper finger has a distal end and a camming surface extending from the distal end to a scraping edge. The camming surface engages the nozzle body terminal edge portion as the scraper finger moves into the nozzle body, and the scraping edge engages the nozzle body inner surface as it moves within the nozzle body so as to remove unwanted material from the nozzle inner surface.

Abstract: A toothbrush provided with a flexible tongue scraper movably received in separable halves of a hollow toothbrush handle. Separation of the toothbrush handle reveals the tongue scraper. The tongue scraper has enlarged ends which are retained in reduced passages in the handle halves.

Abstract: An applicator for paint and coatings includes a housing, roller, brush, spreader, and handle. The roller, brush, and spreader are positioned on the housing so that they can each be used independently of one another and so that any combination of them can be engaged at any time while the applicator is in use.

Abstract: A hold-open door clip can be disengaged with simple outward pressure on the door. A counterweight body section causes the clip to assume a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod when in its free hanging position. The end of the piston housing will engage a tang that extends from the top edge of a first body section and will slide the hold-open clip freely along the piston rod.

Abstract: A sweeper device includes a rectangular head, a stick mounted on an upper surface of the head and a sweeping sheet detachably attached to cover a lower surface of the head. The head is provided along at least a pair of side walls extending transversely thereof with elastic side walls so that a sweeping sheet can be attached onto a bottom of the head in a tension state.

Abstract: An adjustable roller assembly for sliding doors including a housing adapted to be snap-fit into a recess provided in the upper or lower surface of a door frame, the housing defining a cavity which is open at the lower end. A roller carrier is mounted in the housing cavity and is vertically biased outwardly by one or more coil springs. Rotatably mounted within the roller carrier is a roller adopted to travel along a track. A base plate is disposed within the housing and is connected to a rack member. The rack member is provided with teeth which engage and cooperate with the gear teeth of an adjustment gear extending laterally through both sides of the housing. An engagement slot, adapted to receive a screwdriver or similar tool, is provided in at least one end of the adjustment gear. Vertical adjustment of the base plate may be achieved by rotating the adjustment gear, which vertically moves the rack member and its connected base plate.

Abstract: A hand tool handle with shock absorbent airbag comprising mainly an airbag element within a handle which is designed to fit various hand tools, with the inner hollow space of the handle being designed for embedding of the airbag elements so that an airbag is formed between the handle and the hand tool to absorb shock from reaction of impacting force and consequently the shock being felt by a person holding the hand tool is lowered. The airbag element can be a hollow structure with two legs portions, or a cylindrical hollow structure, or even formed as an inner part of the handle during production.

Abstract: A method of making a composite plastic knob including the steps of forming a plastic core having a front wall of a generally uniform thickness with an integral discernible window portion formed in a fin projecting outwardly of the front wall and with the window having a thickness less than the generally uniform thickness of the front wall; positioning an anvil in the core in supporting engagement with the window portion of the fin and injection molding an outer covering of an opaque plastic of a contrasting color over the front wall of the core except for the window portion of the fin thereof. The knob includes a plastic core having a front wall of generally uniform thickness and an integral portion of a window formed in a fin projecting outwardly of the front wall. The window is thinner than the front wall of the core.

Abstract: A hinge structure for a portable type electronic equipment connects a protection cover which protects a tablet type display and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case which serves as an equipment main body with each other. This hinge structure includes a substantially cylindrical trunk portion, a pair of joint portions, a pair of first shaft projections, and two pairs of second shaft projections. The trunk portion has a predetermined length. The pair of joint portions are integrally formed on two ends of the trunk portion and project from said two ends of the trunk portion for a predetermined length in one direction perpendicular to an axis of the trunk portion so as to form a bracket together with the trunk portion. The pair of first shaft projections project from proximal-side end faces, near the trunk portion, of the pair of joint portions for a predetermined length outward in an axial direction of the trunk portion so as to fit in the protection cover.

Abstract: A double-cylinder opener for staple fiber being pneumatically transported in an air stream, the two cylinders being parallel and mutually offset, the fibers passing firstly about the first cylinder and then about the second cylinder with spiral motion, the two cylinders forming two beaters of different action, which rotate at different velocities and are provided with different spike population densities.

Abstract: A carding engine having a main toothed cylinder, a taker-in, a doffer, and a revolving flats assembly positioned above the outer periphery of the cylinder in the region between the taker-in and the doffer, in which a fixed bend and a flexible bend are adjustably interconnected so as to define a required working path for the moveable flats whereby the spacing between the fixed bend and the adjustable bend can be adjusted to enable any desired predetermined clearance values to be pre-set between the tips of the flats and the outer periphery of the main cylinder, and including a number of setting devices which are arranged at spaced apart setting locations with respect to the working path and which operative to provide a predictable adjustment movement from the pre-set clearance values between the tips of the flats and the outer periphery of the main cylinder set by the adjustment means.

Abstract: An eye glass holder is provided which is attachable to an article of fabric, for supporting and securing a pair of eye glasses. The eye glass holder comprises a pin assembly engageable to the fabric. The pin assembly includes a substantially planar member having an outer eye glass frame striking surface and an inner fabric abutting surface. The pin assembly further includes a ring member extending from the outer striking surface and defining an eye glass frame receiving aperture therebetween. The pin assembly further includes a pin extending normally form the inner fabric abutting surface, through the abutting fabric. A clutch assembly is provided which is engageable to the pin. The clutch assembly includes a clutch for receiving and engaging the pin, and the clutch facing secured to the clutch and extending circumferentially thereabout.

Abstract: A self-tensioning tie down strap that includes first and second attachment clips, a buckle assembly, and a self-tensioning strap assembly wherein the buckle assembly is connected to the self-tensioning strap assembly; the buckle assembly and the self-tensioning strap assembly are connected between the first and second attachment clips; and the self-tensioning strap assembly includes a spring loaded take up spool mechanism, a length of take up spool strapping material, a variable length strap section, and a fixed length strap section; the length of take up reel strapping material being wound onto the take up spool of the take up spool mechanism; a free end of the take up reel strapping material being attached to a first end of the variable length strap section; the second end of the variable length strap section being secured to a frame portion of the take up spool mechanism; a third end of the fixed length strap section being secured to the frame portion of the take up spool mechanism; and the take up reel st

Abstract: A securing device for footwear includes a toothed band fixedly connected a first end thereof to an item of footwear and a second end thereof inserted into a frame pivotally connected to a lever member which is pivotally connected to a base member fixedly disposed to the item of footwear. The lever member has an operation member biasedly received therein and disengagably connected to a protrusion extending from the base member so as to position the lever member. The frame has an actuating member pivotally connected thereto which is located close to the first end of the toothed band, the actuating member having a hook edge formed to an underside thereof so as to be disengagably engage the toothed band. Therefore, when pivoting the actuating member, the toothed band is loosened and can be adjusted by engaging the hook edge with the toothed band again.