Abstract: Improved seat belt gripping devices are provided for clamping and locking the shoulder portion and lap portion of a seat belt together in order to adequately secure a child safety seat in place on a car seat. The devices disclosed herein are tamper-resistant so that children and infants will not be able to remove the devices while in use and further the devices disclosed herein are easy to use. The safety devices of the present invention eliminate the need for removing slack from the shoulder portion of the seat belt in order to ensure that the child safety seat will not move in a forward direction during a sudden stop, collision or normal traffic maneuver.

Abstract: A latch for an article of jewelry, which comprises two magnetically attractable latch members, each latch member comprising a hollow body defining a cavity and open on one side, the hollow body having a circumferentially extending edge at the open side, a magnetic insert contained in the cavity, and a closure platelet covering the open side of the hollow body, the platelet being friction-fitted in the edge.

Abstract: The invention is a strap for enhancing one's grip on a golf club. To use the strap one places on a golf glove and grips the club. Then one takes the strap which is a piece of material approximately 17 inches long with loop material of hook and loop fabric on the bottom and hook material of hook and loop fabric on the top and virtually "sandwiches" the end of the strap in to the hook and loop material of the glove, giving a solid attachment between the two. Then one begins wrapping the strap around the hand almost perpendicular to the arm and then continues wrapping upward over the little and ring finger and attaches the hook material on the top of the strap to the loop material on the bottom of the strap. This wrapping around the hand enhances one's grip on the club.

Abstract: A mushroom-type hook strip that can be used in a hook-and-loop mechanical fastener. The hook strip comprises a homogeneous backing of thermoplastic resin and, integral with the backing, a high density array of hooks including stems projecting from the backing and circular disc shaped heads at the ends of the stems opposite the backing. The large number, small size, and shape of the heads on the hooks allow them to engage the fibers in conventional types of fabrics and non-woven materials that are not normally used as the loop portions of hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A side release buckle is composed of a female part and a male part. The female part has a compressive device consisting of a spindle, a compression spring, and a wedge-shaped element. The male part has two latching elements and two locking elements and is capable of reaching a preset depth in the course of buckling action such that the locking elements come into contact with the wedge-shaped element of the compressive device of the female part, and that the locking elements move apart by the slope of the wedge-shaped element so as to move in a curving form until the locking elements press against the latching elements, and further that the male part and the female part are buckled.

Abstract: Self actuating mechanical joints that utilize pivotally mounted clamping levers (114) linked to a displaceable catch (112). The displaceable catch engages an external beam (126) inserted into the joint and thus initiates the clamping levers to clasp around the beams profile. Mechanical integrity between beam and joint is achieved when the displaceable catch locks with a stationary catch (102) at the instance the beam is fully inserted into the joint. The three joint designs presented in this patent are the Lever Latch (99), Lever Clamp (299), and Trunnion Clamp (499). Together, they allow mechanical parts to be joined under the following respective circumstances: beam element connected to beam element along their centerline axis, one beam element connected perpendicular to another beam elements centerline axis, and flat plat connected to another flat plat.

Abstract: A clasp for the post of an earring has a c-shaped resilient pincer disk which engages onto the post. A washer with a hole therethrough is stacked with the pincer disk and both the disk and washer are held within a resilient elastic holder.

Abstract: A supporting crossbar construction is made from thin metal strip by feeding the strip lengthwise to a punching station, and forming in the punching station four parallel rows of slits extending lengthwise of the strip so that five parallel plate fields are formed extending lengthwise of the strip. The strip is then deformed so that the strip is expanded into a construction having two outer straight plate fields and a straight middle plate field between the two outer plate fields, the middle plate field being interconnected with each of the two outer plate fields by a plurality of diagonal members that are spaced apart and are formed by the deformation of the plate fields between the middle and outer plate fields, whereby the middle and outer plate fields are spaced a greater distance apart from each other. The middle plate field is then bent about at least one longitudinal bend line so as to bring together the two outer plate fields.

Abstract: An ink jet printing head that, based on the face shooter principle, contains a nozzle row arranged in the z-direction in the surface of a plate, allowing an ink jet to be ejected in the y-direction, a membrane plate arranged on a first chamber plate carrying the ink chambers, and paths for delivering and actuators for expelling ink from each chamber. The ink jet printing head also has a second chamber plate in a different level from the first chamber plate. The chambers of the second chamber plate are arranged offset in the x- and z-directions relative to the chambers of the first chamber plate. The overlap of chambers of neighboring levels becomes minimal as a result. After a pre-treatment of the plate material of which the printing head is constructed, a masking and etching of the plates ensues in a parallel plate processing for all individual parts. Separated, finished discrete parts are joined and contacted to form a module.

Abstract: A compact device employing the controlled use of explosives to quickly and easily remove tapered keys, as typically lodged into a notched shaft for purposes of attaching machinery such as a sprocket, gear, flywheel or coupling to a shaft. The invention consists of an explosion-resistant plunger which fits flush into an explosion-resistant block frame. The plunger covers, as a lid, a compartment in the frame into which a predetermined amount of gunpowder or similar explosive is placed. The invention is positioned between the block of a tapered key and the hub of the machinery from which the key is to be removed. A length of fuse is inserted into the compartment through an aperture in the frame for ignition of the explosive, such that the resulting explosion forces the invention plunger against the hub and frame in the opposite direction against the block of the tapered key, in turn loosening the tapered key from the hub.

Abstract: A seat frame assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a seat frame and a seat back frame. The seat frame is constructed and arranged to have a seat cushion mounted thereon in overlying relation. The seat back frame is connected with the seat frame and has a pair of spaced metallic vertical support portions at opposite sides thereof, the seat back frame constructed and arranged to have a seat back cushion mounted thereon. At least one of the vertical support portions are formed from a pair of telescoping tubular blanks including an elongated inner metal blank formed into an integrally formed vertical member of the at least one vertical portion extending from a lower portion of the seat back frame connected with the seat frame to an upper end of the seat back frame and a relatively shorter outer metal blank formed into a sleeve rigidly secured in surrounding relation to the lower portion of the vertical support member.

Abstract: A method of forming a baitcasting reel is disclosed, the baitcasting reel being formed by two end cases provided on either end of a spool and connected by an integral reel body. The reel body may form a portion of either of the end cases. Each of the cases forms a wall having a spool inserting opening which may be formed by the reel body. Further, each of the cases are enclosed by an outer wall portion.

Abstract: A joining system for repeatedly but securely joining two members, where one member is temporarily deformed during the joining process in such a way that an effective peripheral contour corresponds to the corresponding effective peripheral contour of the other member with a given tolerance, and after the two members have been positioned, a tight pressure fit of the two effective peripheral contours is established by at least partial elastic recovery of the deformable member. According to this invention, the original peripheral contour of the deformable member has some sections inside the peripheral contour of the other member and has some sections outside that peripheral contour. The deformation of at least one member takes place through the controlled action of radial compressive forces on certain sections of the peripheral contour of the deformable member.

Abstract: A method of loading an electronic component into a carrier includes the step of setting an electronic component onto a pedestal including a pedestal post. A carrier with a clip is positioned over the pedestal. The pedestal post is forced against the clip such that the clip is in a retracted position that allows the electronic component to be positioned in the carrier. The pedestal post is then removed from the clip so that the electronic component is secured in the carrier by the clip.

Abstract: A removable connector for use between angled, immovable high pressure lines is disclosed. The connector utilizes a tubular elbow portion having a mating flange on each end and an adapter which mates with one of the elbow flanges. The remaining elbow flange mates with a flange at the end of one of the high pressure lines and the free end of the adapter mates with a flange at the end of the other high pressure line. The mating flange surfaces are frusto-conical in shape and corresponding frusto-conical seal rings are placed between the mating surfaces. The elbow and adapter are adapted to have their respective ends placed at the pipe flanges and their bodies rotated toward each other until their opposite ends mate with each other. The flanges are then bolted together and tightened to ensure sealing engagement and bring the elbow and adapter into alignment with the pipes.

Abstract: A vehicle body has multiple panels adhesively bonded in spaced relationship without direct contact therebetween, the vehicle body constructed by presenting discrete body panels into an assembled position with respect to a single base for application of an adhesive thereon to secure the body panels together. The body panels, which include a pair of body side panels, a roof outer panel, a roof inner panel, and an underbody, have mating flanges along the peripheries thereof angled at between approximately 5.degree. and 15.degree. from a line perpendicular to a surface from which the flanges extend so as to reduce adhesive wipe-off between mating surfaces.

Abstract: A method of producing a set of archery bow risers having a variety of shapes is taught in which a workpiece is designed having a shape that encompasses each one of the variety of shapes. A set of dies is produced for producing the workpiece and the dies are used to form a set of workpieces via forging, die-casting or composite resin/fiber molding. Finally, a set of bows having mutually different shapes are machined from the workpieces. The method taught avoids the expense of producing a new set of dies for each new archery bow riser design.

Abstract: A wound core assembly and a method of manufacturing wherein the coil windings are cast and interconnected within the insulated chambers and end conductor molds. The insulated chambers act as the mold and subsequent insulation for the straight wire sections of each coil winding. After alignment of end conductor molds to connect predetermined chambers, coil windings are cast, the end conductors being formed within the passages of the end conductor molds.

Abstract: A PM step motor fabrication method including the steps of i) preparing two windings, ii) fastening two annular intermediate metal plates together by spot welding, iii) mounting the windings on the annular intermediate metal plates, then covering two annular cover shells on the windings, and then fastening a top cap with an axle bearing to one annular cover shell, and then injection-molding a plastic packing member on the top cap within the annular cover shells to form a stator, iv) preparing a rotor, v) processing axle cap with an axle bearing by injection-molding, and vi) installing the rotor in the stator, permitting it to be supported on the axle bearing of the top cap and the axle bearing of the axle cap.

Abstract: A tapered notch antenna structural panel array that can serve both as a structural member and an antenna is made from an injection molded monolithic three dimensional grid of thermoplastic material. The notch and feed line is in the form of microstrip or stripline circuitry formed to the sidewalls of adjacent cells. Dielectric sheets of material are bonded to the upper and lower edges of the grid. Interconnect circuitry on the antenna ground plane is supported by the sheet bonded to the lower edge and connected to the antenna circuitry of the sidewalls.

Abstract: Stators having wave wound coil for electric motors or other dynamo-electric machines are manufactured by a production line having a series of interconnecting conveyors running to various processing workstations. The workstations are of three primary types: wave coil forming and insertion stations, prefinishing stations and a final finishing stations. Every workstation of a given type may process any or all phases of a given stator. The stators are transported along the conveyor by pallets which are encoded with information denoting the production status of the stator on the pallet. By providing the workstations with the capability to read the encoded information and adapt themselves for processing based on that information, efficiency is increased because the first available workstation may be selected and individual workstations may be bypassed if other than normal operating conditions are occurring in a workstation without impacting the entire production line.

Abstract: A crimping tool is provided for attaching a connector to a shielded coaxial cable. One connector on which the tool can be employed is an improved BNC type connector including a sliding center pin which is movable into the interior of the connector, such connector also including a crimpable ferrule for holding the cable to the connector. The crimping tool includes a pair of opposed crimping dies for crimping the ferrule to hold the connector to the cable. A lower crimping die of the tool includes a fitted receptacle for receiving the connector. A pair of handles are coupled to the opposed crimping dies to drive the dies together to crimp the ferrule. The crimping tool further includes a driving member for pushing the center pin of the connector into the interior of the connector simultaneously with the closure of the crimping dies to crimp the ferrule onto the shielded cable.

Abstract: In manufacturing a yoke for an elastic universal joint, the time required for each step is shortened and the automation of each step is made easy, and by the energy saving and high efficiency of the manufacturing work, a reduction in the cost is achieved. A metallic plate is subjected to working which can be done easily and within a short time by press work such as stamping work, deep drawing work and ironing work, to thereby make a yoke for an elastic universal joint. This can be accomplished because welding work and cutting work which require much working time and which are cumbersome to automate can be eliminated. Investment in facilities may be small.

Abstract: A high-temperature superconductor (HTS) thin film device such as a patch antenna or a microstrip line is produced by using a substrate of a low-permittivity material such as polytetrafluoroethylene in which fine particles of glass fiber are dispersed. Initially a HTS film is deposited on a conventional MgO or SrTiO.sub.3 substrate by sputtering or laser ablation. The low-permittivity substrate is bonded to the HTS film on the oxide substrate with an adhesive, and then the oxide substrate is removed by grinding or abrasion. After that the HTS film on the low-permittivity substrate is patterned. Since the low-permittivity substrate is small in the degree of wavelength shortening, current density in the HTS film reduces and therefore power loss of the device decreases.

Abstract: A method for making a co-radial, multi-polar coiled cable lead. The method includes the steps of attaching a first end of a coated cable to a mandrel using a first end fixture. The coated cable comprises one or more cable strands, where each strand is made from one or more filaments. After the first end of the cable is attached to the mandrel, the cable is wound around the mandrel to form a coiled cable. A second end of the coiled cable is then attached to the mandrel using a second end fixture to retain the coiled cable under tension. Second stage processing is then performed on the coiled cable so that the end fixtures may be subsequently removed from the coiled cable without the coiled cable unwinding. After the second stage processing is complete, the coiled cable can be used in the manufacture of an implantable lead.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an improved static timing between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine. The crankshaft and camshaft are locked into predetermined rotational positions to set the desired timing between the crankshaft and camshaft. The camshaft is locked into its predetermined rotational position using a camshaft timing member positioned between a flat portion formed on an outer peripheral surface of camshaft and an adjacent portion of said engine, such as the cylinder head. This positioning of the camshaft timing member prevents the camshaft from rotating and locks the camshaft into the desired predetermined rotational position for setting the static timing with respect to the crankshaft. The crankshaft in locked into its predetermined position using a crankshaft timing pin inserted through the engine block and positioned into a slot formed in a counterweight on the crankshaft.

Abstract: The turbine comprises a plurality of blades disposed around a hub between two end plates, with the blades, the hub, and the end plates being made of thermostructural composite material. The hub is made by stacking plane annular plates of thermostructural composite material along a common axis. Each blade is made individually by shaping a two-dimensional fiber fabric in plate or sheet form to obtain a blade preform, by densifying the preform with a matrix to obtain a blade blank made of thermostructural composite material, and by machining an outline for the densified preform. Each end plate is obtained by making an annular preform by means of a two-dimensional fiber fabric in plate or sheet form, and by densifying the preform with a matrix to obtain a part made of thermostructural composite material. The blades are assembled to the hub between the end plates, with each blade being connected to the hub by a portion forming a blade root.

Abstract: A composite parallel plate heat exchanger is provided constructed of a plurality of composite plates disposed in a substantial parallel stacked relationship and spaced from each other by composite ribs inserted through and bonded between adjacent plates. The composite plates and ribs are specially constructed to maximize heat transfer between adjacent passageways formed by the plates and the fluids flowing in these passageways.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one end flange-less wheel rim includes the steps of: providing a sheet of rim material having a width substantially corresponding to the developed width of a one end flange-less wheel rim to be made, curving the sheet to form a cylinder, flaring one end of the cylinder, roll-forming the flared cylinder to the desired rim configuration using roll-forming machines each including an upper roll, a lower roll and a ring, with the flange-less side end of the rim material being axially abutted against the ring, and removing a margin for machining from the flange-less side end of the rim material. In the apparatus, the ring is coupled to one of the upper roll and the lower roll.

Abstract: A rugged spindle for a disk certifier that test the disks of a hard disk drive. The spindle contains a first bearing and a second bearing that are coupled together by a shaft. The first bearing is coupled to a chuck that captures a disk. The second bearing is coupled to the spindle shaft of an electric motor which rotates the disk. The bearings each contain an outer graphite sheath that is separated from a hardened housing by an air bearing. The connecting shaft is bonded to the first and second bearings by an adhesive that is injected through longitudinal passages of the shaft. The bonding adhesive flows along the interface of the connecting shaft and bearings until the adhesive fills an indicator slot of the shaft. Air bearings are created during the bonding process of the second bearing to insure an accurate relationship between the two bearings and the housing.

Abstract: A guide bar for a chain saw includes a pair of side plates and a center plate disposed therebetween. Each of the side plates includes spray holes through which a liquid can be sprayed. Liquid-conducting tubes are mounted in a longitudinal center slot of the center plate, and outlet ends of the tubes are connected to the spray holes of one of the side plates. Inlet ends of the tubes are connected to fittings mounted in a rear end of the guide bar to enable the tubes to receive liquid from a liquid source. A worn guide bar can be reversed, while still permitting the spraying to be performed. That is, while the guide bar is being reversed, the tubes are removed to enable the fittings to be reversed. Then, the inlet ends of the tubes are reconnected to the fittings, and the outlet ends of the tubes are connected to the spray holes formed in the other side plate.

Abstract: A nestable set of two, selectively-detachable,, dual-end eating utensils having a temporal clipping mechanism to hold the eating utensils in a secure position during non-use periods.

Abstract: An ergonomically-designed, multipurpose tool including a handle, a blade with a shank and a tip, and a fastener for attaching the handle to the shank. The blade has a curved outer edge extending substantially from the shank to the tip, with, preferably, an integrally-formed gut hook positioned near the shank and opening toward the tip. A portion of the outer edge is sharpened to form a cutting edge. The fastener is user-operable for moving the blade from a first operating position where it opposes the handle to at least one next operating position, for example, extending forward of the handle for use as a hatchet. Regardless of the position of the blade, the user can control the length and direction of a cut by pivoting the wrist alone, the forearm at the elbow, the entire arm from the hand gripping the knife to the shoulder, by pushing or pulling the knife with the hand and forearm, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A cutting tool for use with a brush cutter, trimmer or like device (1) for cutting thicket, grass and like vegetation, wherein the device includes a rotary shaft (3) for receiving a cutting tool which includes a rotatable center disc (6) which can be fitted to the tool and which includes cutting blades (9) having a cutting edge (10) along the front side of the blade as seen in the direction of rotation, wherein each individual cutting blade (9) is bent down through a first angle (v) such that the rear edge of the cutting blade (9) will be located closer to the ground than the edge-provided front side (10) of the blade when the center disc is held parallel with the ground, so that as the centre disc (6) rotates air will be pressed down towards the ground and therewith causes the tool to hover or lift slightly above the ground surface.

Abstract: A sharpener for a soft core pencil having a pencil end to be sharpened, the pencil end including a free core end, the sharpener comprising a housing defining: a guide conduit therein for receiving the pencil end to be sharpened; and a hollow space adjacent to and in communication with the guide conduit for surrounding the free core end of the pencil during sharpening thereof.

Abstract: A blade sharpening accessory, including a body member having a bottom surface with a first predetermined configuration, a top surface with a second predetermined configuration, and a recess in the top surface extending across a portion of the body member, a sharpening stone mounted in the recess so as to enable sharpening of a blade, and adhesive provided at the bottom surface of the body member for selectively fastening the body member to another article.

Abstract: A contour reading device, in particular for eyeglass frames, includes a holding arrangement to support a template at a fixed position and a carriage mobile relative to the holding arrangement and carrying a feeler at the end of a rod. To read off the position of a mounting hole in a peripheral area of the template, the device includes a detector arrangement having at least one component constrained to move with the carriage at a given distance from the axis of the rod carrying the feeler, on the same side as a central area of the holding means. Applications include identifying the mounting holes in "drilled mount" eyeglass lenses.

Abstract: A drawing board and clipscale combination in which a paper holder and a ruler are united in a single body. The board has a groove and a portion overhanging it along each of the four sides. The clipscale includes a ruler, one side of which is protruded in the middle with a screw hole for receiving a screw. The other side of the ruler is a base side, and on the back is a linear hook-shaped stopper. The stopper is received in the groove of the board, and paper is positioned while the screw is loose. As the screw is threaded deeper, the one side of the clipscale is raised off the board, with the hook of the stopper engaged complementarily with the portion overhanging the groove of the board, so as to serve as a fulcrum. The base side is forced against the board with paper therebetween, so that the paper and the clipscale are fixed on the board in one action.

Abstract: A very accurate, multiple position, miter device or gauge for use with a table saw or the like includes a protractor having a plurality of equally spaced precision drilled step-holes, a sine bar, a micrometer adjust, and a guide bar adapted to fit within a guide groove or miter slot. In accordance with a particular example, the device includes a protractor having thirteen equally spaced, angled step-holes precisely spaced at 15.degree. from one another. The micrometer adjust includes a thimble screw having 1/6020 (one minute) increments with one full revolution of the thimble screw adjusting the angle of the sine bar by 1/40 (15 minutes). Also, the guide bar includes 0.degree., 3 3/4.degree. and 7 1/2.degree. offset threaded openings for receiving an angle hole lock shoulder bolt which passes through the protractor and into the guide bar. Hence, the miter device can be set at selected precise 15.degree., 7 1/2.degree. and 3 3/4.degree. increments using the angle step-holes, the 0.degree., 3 3/4.degree.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the centering of objects by positioning a slider that is not only movable within a base but also moveable therebeyond in opposite directions in relation to stop members for holding an object at a centering position where a projection extending from the slider is used to mark the center with reference to markings along the base at the slider and on the stop members.

Abstract: A tape adapter with a detachable bracket, comprising: a tape adapter formed with a base, a front face wall secured to one end of the base, a plurality of side walls secured to the base and the front face wall and a back wall secured to the base and side walls to form a chamber for receiving a tape blade of a tape measure. A detachable bracket comprising a bracket plate and a flange member with a fastener member is secured bracket plate and is removably attached to the base of the tape adapter. The measuring tape blade of a tape measure is secured inside the chamber defined by the tape adapter walls to attach the tape adapter to the tape measure blade.

Abstract: A note pad holder is secured to a tape measure of the type including a box-shaped housing having a planar front wall, a planar back wall which is parallel to and spaced from the front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of end walls. A tape reel is provided within the housing for dispensing tape through a horizontal aperture formed in one of the end walls. The note pad holder includes a flexible sleeve sized to fit snugly over the front, back, top and bottom walls of the housing of the tape measure. The note pad holder further includes a pocket formed on the sleeve in a position in which it is adjacent one of the front and back walls. The pocket is sized for receiving therein a note pad. Other embodiments of the note pad holder are further contemplated.

Abstract: Drying equipment including a plurality of drying arms radially expanded around a body. Each drying arm has a clip for clipping and fixing the washing, and the clip is released by operating a constraining part in liaison with rotation for folding the drying arm in a reverse direction to the rotation for expanding the drying arm. Thus, fixation with the clip can be easily released, and the washing hung on the drying arms can be easily taken in.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impingement drying and/or through-drying of a paper or material web in which the web is dried by blowing hot air and/or superheated steam and/or equivalent from an impingement drying device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the web, and the web is passed on support of a wire or equivalent past the impingement drying device. In the area of the impingement drying device, the web and wire are supported from the opposite side of the wire, opposite in relation to the web, by blowings produced from vacuum blow box substantially across the entire width of the web. One set of blowings from the blow box are blown at a speed substantially higher than the speed of the drying wire. The outlet direction of the blowings is substantially the same as the running direction of the drying wire in this area, and as such, steam and/or air is/are ejected out of the space between the drying wire and the wall placed in connection with the blow boxes that produce the blowings.

Abstract: The Transparent Shoe Cover is an open soled or partially open soled cover for boots, dress shoes, and most particularly sport shoes. The shoe cover provides a temporary and transferable see through protective shield to preserve the attractive appearance, enhance the wear life, and further the life span of costly footwear.The cover generally includes a durable, transparent material which covers the partial sole, outer sole, upper and side portions of the shoe. A toe hold is utilized to hold the cover in place at the toe portion of the shoes. Additionally, an adaptable retention is utilized near the heel or rear instep of the shoe to hold the cover onto the shoe and prevent slipping of the cover during normal activity or movement by the wearer. The adaptable retention provides the stretch and adaptability necessary to enable the shoe cover to fit a wide range of shoe shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A ventilated shoe for ventilating the foot contains an outer sole (204). A heel pad (206) is disposed at the rear end of the outer sole (204). An intake tube (228) is disposed near the front of the outer sole (204). The intake tube (228) is connected to pump cell (210). An exhaust tube (234) is also connected to pump cell (210). An intake valve (242) is disposed along the intake tube (228) and an exhaust valve (244) is disposed along the exhaust valve (244). The intake valve (242) only allows air to flow through to the pump (210). The exhaust valve (244) only allows air to flow out of the pump cell (210). The pump cell (210) is filled with an open-celled foam (212) so that when no pressure is being applied to the pump cell (210), it draws air in through the intake tube (228). When pressure is applied to the pump cell (210), the open-celled foam (212) is compressed and the air is expelled through the exhaust tube (234).

Abstract: A ventilation insole which includes a bottom air chamber layer and a smooth top cover layer covered over the bottom air chamber layer, the bottom air chamber layer having a plurality of intersected ribs, a plurality of recessed air chambers respectively separated from one another by the intersected ribs and closed by said top cover layer and a plurality of air vents at intersected points of the intersected ribs, the smooth top cover layer having a plurality of air vents respectively disposed in communication with the air vents of the bottom air chamber layer.

Abstract: A spring shoe that includes a foot engaging portion, an upper platform, an intermediate platform, a first specifically configured spring, a lower platform, and a second specifically configured spring. The foot engaging portion engages the foot of the user. The upper platform is attached to the foot engaging portion. The intermediate platform is spaced vertically below the upper platform and is attached thereto by the first specifically configured spring. The lower platform is spaced vertically below the intermediate platform and is attached thereto by the second specifically configured spring. Each of the first and second specifically configured springs are a one-piece continuous wire formed into a pair of spaced-apart conically-shaped helical coils connected to each other by an integrally formed torsion bar.

Abstract: There is disclosed a shoe sole formed by moulding an elastomeric-like material and provided with an insert of a material having different consistence and stiffness. The insert consists of an X-shaped frame (5) buried in the sole (2) transversally with respect to the lengthwise axis of the shoe at the zone under the arch of the foot. The branch portions (8, 9) forming the X-shaped frame have their ends (7) on either side of the shoe connected therebetween by integrally formed reverse-U-shaped portions (10, 11).

Abstract: A sole for a snowboard boot is made of a nylon reinforced fiberglass material. The snowboard boot includes an intermediate layer made of a resin material. between the sole and an upper portion of the shoe. The upper portion of the shoe is made of a leather-like material. A first adhesive adhers the upper to the intermediate layer. A second adhesive adheres the intermediate layer to the sole. The first and second adhesives have differing properties and advantages. For instance, the first adhesive 65 provides good adhesive properties between leather material and resin materials. The second adhesive 70 provides good adhesive properties between nylon reinforced fiberglass materials and resin based materials.