Abstract: Clamping assembly, comprising a base part, a clamping part, a pivot pin and spring means. The base part and the clamping part have projections with passages. In the assembled state, the passages lie in line with one another and hold the pin in place. The passages of one part are formed by a recess which extends from a side of the part which does not have the projections to the side of the part which does have the projections.

Abstract: A plastic holding strap (1) is provided for looping around and fastening a bundle of articles, specifically tubes and cables (2, 2′) with a profiled strap element (3) having a pair of longitudinal strips (4, 4′) and transverse rung members (5). A head member (6) is connected to a first end of the strap element (3) and defines a at least one passage opening (7) and includes an obliquely extending resilient locking element (8) which is selectively embeddable into at least a partial area of one or more of the transverse rung members (5). A holding element (10) is selectively connectable onto an associated support member and is formed integrally with the head member (6) for fastening the plastic holding strap onto the support member. A first portion (12) of the strap element (3) defines a substantially convex region (20) having at least one holding lug (15, 15′) formed thereon.

Abstract: A hose clamp is provided for establishing a reliable, fluid-tight, seal between a hose and a receptacle therefore. The clamp includes a plurality of clamp segments and a span ring, e.g., a spiral wound ring. Each clamp segment includes an arcuate interior surface having a span ring slot therein which is positioned to align with a corresponding span ring slot in an adjacent clamp segment. The span ring has a portion disposed in each span ring slot with the interior surface of the span ring approximately flush with the interior surfaces of the segments. Each clamp segment further includes a bore on a first end thereof which is adapted to align with a corresponding bore on an end of an adjacent segment. A fastener, e.g., a screw, may be inserted into the bores to draw the ends of the clamp segments toward each other, thereby tightening the segments of the clamp around the hose and receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element for connecting component parts, in particular plastic paneling, to sheet-metal, in particular parts of the chassis of a motor vehicle. Said fixing element comprises a plastic body which has a base configured for insertion into a U-shaped retaining element of the component part, and a head which, when assembled, projects through an opening in the metal sheet and carries latch springs which form an acute angle in relation to the longitudinal axis of the plastic body and, when assembled, lock behind the edges of the opening in the metal sheet.

Abstract: A closure for securement to an article of apparel and for use by a person having handicapped hands is described. The closure comprises a first fastener support member which has one or more fastener elements secured thereto. A second fastener support member is provided and has one or more fastener elements for interconnection with the fasteners of the first support member. The first and second fastener support members are adapted for securement to articles of apparel. The fasteners are removably interconnectable together with the support members overlapping. A first fabric loop is provided in a front face of one of the fastener support members and a second fabric loop is secured to a lower portion of the other fastener support member, and may depend therefrom or be concealed therebehind. The loops are of predetermined size and are disposed for engagement by a handicapped person for attaching and detaching the fasteners with one another with the support members overlapped with one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slide fastener having a three-dimensional reflecting function on faces of fastener tapes by simple structure and means. Each of reflective tapes is provided separately from a fastener tape and has a band-shaped attaching portion, a bulging edge portion integrally formed on a longitudinal edge portion of the attaching portion, and a reflective portion formed by providing a retroreflective film or the like on the bulging edge portion. Each the reflective tape is attached to the fastener tape beside fastener elements such that at least a distance corresponding to a thickness of a flange of a slider is maintained between the bulging edge portion and the fastener elements, the reflective portion of the bulging edge portion appears and protrudes from a surface of the fastener tape, and that the bulging edge portion can swing. Each the reflective portion is not damaged by a sliding movement of the slider and can exhibit a three-dimensional reflecting function.

Abstract: Many automotive radiators are now made with a metallic heat exchanger core and plastic top and bottom portions. A circumferencial lip on the plastic portions receives an O-ring. A flange on the core is folded over the lip and crimped to compress the O-ring between the lip and the flange to achieve a seal. When the crimp loosens, the radiator leaks. Current practice is to remove and replace the radiator since the leak cannot be repaired by brazing. The invention provides a clamp for slipping over the flange at the leak. Rotating one or more screw fasteners on the clamp compresses the crimped portion of the flange at the leak and the O-ring to repair the leak. The clamp remains in place without significant interference with function. The method of repair may be employed without removing the radiator from the vehicle. In may be performed without special skills or tools to greatly reduce the costs of leak repair.

Abstract: An improved garment loop for engaging and disengaging a button is described which includes at least one aperture for receiving a pin element. In a preferred embodiment, the loop is manufactured from a single piece of wire which provides for resilient movement of a button receiving portion by way of an overlapping element structure comprising a horizontal strap bar which includes a pair of generally flat stamped elements engaged together with a riveted pin.

Abstract: A buckle set on a cloth strip for a brassiere includes a male buckle and a female buckle. By the cloth strip, the buckle set can be directly stitched to the belts at two sides of the two cups of a brassiere. The male buckle has a round disk shape and has a pillar installed thereon. The lower end of the pillar has a lip portion. The female buckle has an oblong disk shape and a buckle hole in the middle part thereof. By the pillar of the male buckle pressing into and buckling with the buckle hole of the female buckle, the two belts are connected. The buckle hole on the female buckle has a long shape, The long axis of the buckle hole includes a flange at an inner periphery at one end so that one end of the buckle hole includes a guide groove. Thus, the pillar of the male buckle buckles with the buckle hole at the larger opening and then is pushed into the guide groove. Thus, the male buckle can be firmly fastened to the female buckle.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the appearance, covering ability and physical properties of woven fabrics by supporting the fabric which is to be treated on a foraminous surface, directing a plurality of columnar liquid streams in the form of oblique vanes against the fabric at an angle which is oblique to the warp direction of the cloth. The columnar streams impinge the cloth under pressure which is sufficient to penetrate and effect an enter-entangling of the fibers in the fabric, and the fabric which is thus treated is advanced under similar streams to treat substantially the entire surface of the fabric. The direction of the jets impinges on opposite sides of the fabric and they are oriented in a position which places them in direct opposition of one another.

Abstract: The inventive arrangement of texturising nozzles (8) in a part of a spin draw texturising machine or a draw texturising machine presents a fan-like arrangement of these texturising nozzles in which the longitudinal axes (16) of the texturising nozzles extend coaxially with a connecting line (17) which extends from a take-off point (15) on a draw roll (1) to the exit of each individual texturising nozzle (8).

Abstract: The invention provides an air opening jet for use in a process for making a rectangular structure made from a tow of fibers, such air opening jet including a housing, an air jet for moving the tow through the housing and opening the tow, and an accumulating chamber that includes at least one, and preferably two, perforated plates located in the path of the moving tow, and an air control arrangement for controlling the flow of air so that the moving tow is urged into engagement with the perforated plates to retard movement of the tow and cause it to properly accumulate in the accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting small gem stones in malleable material including precious metals such as gold sheets, so as to form lockets, pendants and other jewelry. Sheet material thinner than used in a completely hand-set operation is pressed to form a recess for the gem, and projections around the recess. The stone is deposited in the recess and the assembly is pressed in a jig, causing the projections to become deformed and form claws over the gem stone edge, setting it in the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently inscribing positioning marks on a ring band, including a positioning plate having a pattern of scribe holes defined therein, wherein the pattern of scribe holes is arranged to permit a jeweler to inscribe positioning marks on a ring band based on a number of desired scribe locations chosen from the pattern of scribe holes. A positioning lever is centered above the positioning plate and includes a positioning needle for placement into a scribe hole chosen from among the pattern of scribe holes, and an angular marker for inscribing positioning marks on a ring band positioned below the positioning lever in a central location of the positioning plate. A ring band mount for maintaining the ring band rigidly in place while the angular marker is utilized to inscribe a positioning mark on the ring band.

Abstract: A press machine for attachment of eyelets including a simple die configuration capable of allowing the user to easily carry out an eyelet attachment process on a table. The press machine includes a die having a rest room for receiving a washer fed from a washer box, a guide hole vertically formed through the rest room, and guide means for guiding the washer to the rest room, a table received in the rest room in such a fashion that it is vertically slidable, the table serving as a punch die for punching a cloth to be attached with eyelets while serving as a support for supporting the washer received in the rest room during an operation for attaching an eyelet to the cloth, a rack vertically mounted to a lower surface of the table in such a fashion that it is vertically slidable through the guide hole of the die in the rest room, a drive motor adapted to provide a drive force to the rack, the drive motor having a pinion engaged with the rack, and a control unit for controlling the drive motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a supporting insert, such as a set insert (bun) for a vehicle, into a cover, such as a seat cover for a vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention includes a bench upon which a cover holding assembly and a stuffing bracket are provided. The holding assembly comprises four self-adjusting blades which are substantially grouped together at the beginning of the fitting cycle. After an inside-out seat cover's open end is fitted onto the blades, the blades move away from each other into the corners of the cover to expand the cover to its maximum size. The insert is then positioned between the top (closed) end of the covering material and the stuffing bracket. The stuffing bracket then drives the seat insert into the inside-out covering material, gradually turning the material outside-out as the insert is moved forward.

Abstract: A tool for a pressurized refrigeration system having a valve with a removable valve core comprises: a valve assembly having a first opening and a second opening and a shut-off valve, the shut-off valve adapted to close and open a passageway between the first opening and the second opening; a valve adapter coupled to the first opening, wherein the valve adapter is adapted to couple to the valve; and, a shaft assembly coupled to the second opening, the shaft assembly having a shaft adapted to move through the passageway, when the shut-off valve is open, and engage the removable valve core. The removable valve core can be removed, while under pressure, from the valve, by rotating the shaft to extract the removable valve core in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A rotor of an electric motor for a motor vehicle is aligned to an axis of rotation for a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A locator is provided on the crankshaft, a piloting tool is located radially by the first locator to the crankshaft. A stator of the electric motor is aligned to a second locator provided on the piloting tool. The stator is secured to the engine block. The rotor is aligned to the crankshaft and secured thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for breaking connector elements between a rotatable shell and a base of a label affixed to an article. A first belt transports a labeled article at a first rate. A second belt holds the article in a nonrotatable position relative to the first belt. A third belt, advancing at a second rate different from the first rate, selectively contacts the rotatable shell of the label, causing the connection ties between the rotatable portion and the base portion to break, permitting the shell to rotate relative to the base portion.

Abstract: To fasten a reinforcement frame in an opening in a vehicle roof member, the roof member is supported on a flanging bed and moved in succession against flanging edges of a plurality of flanging jaws. To insert the jaws into the roof opening, the jaws can be displaced in a plurality of moves of individual jaws parallel to the plane of the opening in which jaws are withdrawn from straight portions of the margin of the opening to permit corner jaws to be withdrawn from comer portions of the opening.

Abstract: A method of forming a flange in the bottom of a container by first removing a portion of the container bottom and then forming or swaying the material around the opening to form a flange extending away from the container bottom. A valve and valve cup assembly along with a heat exchange unit are positioned adjacent the flange and the combination is crimped to permanently affix the heat exchange unit to the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A substrate article is processed by masking a first portion of the substrate article with a maskant including a foil layer overlying and contacting the first portion of the substrate article, leaving a second portion of the substrate article exposed, and a mask layer overlying and contacting the foil layer. The mask layer may be formed of a mixture of aluminum oxide and metal powders or carbon. The masked substrate article is processed to deposit a coating, such as an aluminum coating, on the second portion of the substrate article, without removing the maskant. The substrate article may instead be masked by carbon without the underlying nickel layer. After coating, the substrate article may be further processed by brazing to the first portion of the substrate article.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a plurality of laminae for use in a mold suitable for use in forming retroreflective cube corner articles. Each lamina has opposing first and second major surfaces defining therebetween a first reference plane. Each lamina further includes a working surface connecting the first and second major surfaces. The working surface defines a second reference plane substantially parallel to the working surface and perpendicular to the first reference plane and a third reference plane perpendicular to the first reference plane and the second reference plane. The method includes orienting a plurality of laminae to have their respective first reference planes parallel to each other and disposed at a first angle relative to a fixed reference axis. At least two groove sets are formed in the working surface. Each groove set includes at least two parallel adjacent V-shaped grooves in the working surface of the laminae.

Abstract: Expandable intraluminal stents are provided as well their method of manufacture. These stents are made of metal, the metal characterized by a desired porosity, with a drug compressed into the pores of the stent. The stents are formed by subjecting one or more powdered metals in a die cavity to a pressure treatment followed by a heat treatment. The metal may be cast directly in a stent-like form or cast into sheets or tubes from which the inventive stents are produced. The so-formed porous metal stent is then loaded with one or more drugs.

Abstract: To manufacture an elbow comprising an internal tunnel formed by two rectilinear sections that meet in defining a dihedron on the internal side of the change in direction and, on the opposite side, a stepped transition face, the disclosed method consists of the making, by machining in one block, from two connection faces, of two rectangular boreholes that meet so that, at their meeting place, they define said dihedron on the internal side of the change in direction and said stepped transition face on the external side of the change in direction.

Abstract: A method for forming a gap of a planar thin film magnetic head and a planar thin film magnetic head formed thereby, includes a photoresist having a stepped surface is formed at one side from the center of a gap spacer pedestal. Also, a gap spacer of a diamond-like carbon material for forming the gap is formed at a side well of the photoresist, and one side of an upper pole piece is formed with a magnetic material over the other side from the center of the gap spacer pedestal. Further, the photoresist is etched and the other side of the upper pole piece is formed with a magnetic material over the exposed gap spacer pedestal.

Abstract: A fault current fusing resistor, comprising a substrate on which there is a line of resistive film formed of metal and glass in a conductive film, which line is closely confined by containing and sealing substances to prevent venting of vapor from the line during the fusing caused by an electrical fault condition.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thermal head comprises forming a heat generating resistor on an insulative substrate, and disposing conductors having different material properties on the heat generating resistor for supplying power to the heat generating resistor. The conductors are then etched to form a wiring electrode having a tapered peripheral edge portion as a result of the different material properties of the conductors. A protective film is then formed over the heat generating resistor and the wiring electrode.

Abstract: The system includes means for moving a rivet or a collar from a storage bin to an initial position for the respective gripping assemblies. The presence of the rivet and/or collar is recognized as it moves through a feeding mechanism. After the rivet or collar is gripped, they are moved either into an opening in the workpiece, in the case of a rivet, or onto the tail of a lockbolt, in the case of a collar. The gripping assembly is then released from the rivet or the collar, with the gripping means moving back to an initial position. Further operations can then be carried out on the rivet or collar.

Abstract: A crimping tool is disclosed for compressing a connector component radially onto a cable and for assembling a pair of connector components axially of the cable. The tool includes a pair of jaws relatively movable toward and away from each other. Each jaw includes a first stage recessed area combining with the first stage recessed area of the other jaw to define a crimping cavity for compressing the connector component radially onto the cable when the jaws are relatively moved toward each other. Each jaw includes a second stage shoulder area combining with the second stage shoulder area of the other jaw to define opposing arms for assembling said pair of connector components toward each other axially of the cable when the jaws are relatively moved toward each other.

Abstract: An assembly line and procedure fabricate more reliable explosive line charges by reducing many of the human error factors affecting assembly. The assembly line and procedures maintain proper grenade spacing, eliminate twisting of nylon lines and detonating cord which degrade performance, provide for proper clamping of lines and connector elements, provide for slack management of the explosive detonating cord and the lines, control the tolerances at the detonating cord to connector interfaces, and provide for the end of line packing of the explosive line charge.

Abstract: An electrical connector which includes an insulative body which has a leg portion and a top portion which extends generally perpendicularly from the leg second portion. A conductive contact which includes a retention section and a resilient section is also included in the electrical connector. The contact is fixed to the top section and the resilient section extends along the leg section. The connector may be interposed between a electrical device and a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cylindrical radiator that includes the step of drawing material to form an elongated blank material having a hollow cylindrical base section and multiple heat-radiating fins radially projecting from the outer circumference of the base section. Next, the elongated blank material is cut to form a plurality of blanks. Then, a top portion of each blank is bored to separate the top portions of the heat-radiating fins from each other. A fan seat is installed into a central through hole of the base section to complete the manufacturing of the cylindrical radiator.

Abstract: In a guide rail or slider body manufacturing method for a linear guide device providing a guide rail and a slider mounted on the guide rail, mounting reference surfaces formed on the guide rail or slider body and/or the surfaces of ball rolling grooves formed therein are finished by grinding, and are subjected to rust-proofing surface treatment with protecting members fitted to the surfaces thus finished. Similarly in a method of manufacturing a ball screw device providing a screw shaft and a ball screw nut engaged with the screw shaft, the surfaces of ball rolling grooves formed in the screw shaft and the ball screw nut are finished by grinding, and are subjected to rust-proofing surface treatment with protecting members fitted to the surfaces thus finished. In the methods, the rust-proofing surface treatment is carried out for the surfaces except those which should not be covered with such a rust-proofing film layer for their precision.

Abstract: The tool of the present invention is designed to facilitate small repairs in walls. It is useable to repair dents, holes, and cracks in dry wall, plaster, stucco, or like materials. It is also useable to install drywall. The tool has a plurality of groove forming cutting edges which are used to cut into the damaged area or the non-beveled peripheries of newly installed panels to a predetermined depth. The grooves help loosen the material. A gouging blade of the tool is used to remove the weakened material and form a trough of a predetermined depth. Edges of the head of the tool project out on either side of the gouging blade to act as a depth control agent. The tool of the present invention is used in the method of the present invention in which a plurality of grooves are formed centered on a crack, criss cross grooves are also formed to further weaken the layer of the wall material, a trough is gouged out, netting is placed in the trough, and compound or plaster is spread into the trough.

Abstract: A handsaw includes a blade having a toothed cutting edge pivoted to a handle. The handle includes a frame and a tooth protecting element. The tooth protecting element is pivoted to the frame to be swung between a working position and a retracted position. Each of the frame and the tooth protecting element includes a gap, whereby when the tooth protecting element is in a retracted position, the gaps are aligned to receive the blade. When the blade is in a retracted state, a portion of the cutting edge is exposed to enable purchasers or users to know what type of cutting edge is provided on the blade without having to move the blade to a working position.

Abstract: A device and method to quickly and easily layout various features of a basketball court, including the key area, free throw line, jump circle and three point line, in relation to the location of the backboard, including two cord-like members interconnected by a ring-like member having additional ring-like members at each end of the cord-like members. The cord-like members are flexible, facilitating easy transport and storage of the device, and inextensible. The various ring-like members can be colored or otherwise made to be distinguishable from each other to simplify the process of laying out the various basketball court features. A pivot tool is also provided to facilitate the user's use of the device. Additional cord-like and ring-like members can be provided to assist locating and designating the end and side lines.

Abstract: A laser beam direction correcting optical system for a surveying instrument comprises a laser light source (1) for emitting a laser beam, an exit angle correcting system (17) for correcting an exit angle of the laser beam emerging therefrom in accordance with an inclination of an instrument main body so that the laser beam is oriented in a specific direction, and an incident angle correcting system provided between the laser light source (1) and the exit angle correcting system (17) to correct an incident angle of the laser beam incident upon the exit angle correcting system in accordance with the inclination of the instrument main body. The exit angle correcting system (17) comprises an objective lens (19), the objective lens (19) being constituted by a variable-focus lens in which a position of a principal plane thereof on an optical axis thereof is fixed and also which can vary a position at which an image of the laser beam is formed.

Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism for use with a multi-joint manually positionable measuring arm of a three dimensional coordinate measurement system provides a reversible and adjustable counterbalancing force to offset the weight of the arm and facilitate its movement. The counterbalance mechanism of the present invention acts within the plane of the joint minimizing the moment arm created by the joint and allowing for low overhung loads transmitted from the arm to the base.

Abstract: A combined measuring device for indicating both the ring size of a user and the size of a gemstone, includes an elongate housing having a hollow interior and a first measurement scale located along a length of the housing. The first measurement scale includes indicia representative of different ring sizes. An indicator is slidably mounted on the housing for movement along the measurement scale, with at least a portion of the indicator extending into the hollow interior of the housing. A flexible measuring band has a first end removably connected to an end portion of the housing and a second end connected to the indicator portion within the housing. The flexible measuring band forms a measuring loop outside of the housing such that movement of the indicator along the housing changes the size of the measuring loop to thereby adjust to the size of an object to be measured. A second measurement scale is located on a length of the flexible measuring band and includes indicia representative of distance.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for determining the position for translating, rotating and complex motion generating shaft elements are provided. A layer may be deposited over an exterior surface of the shaft element containing a known surface geometry to provide for monitoring displacement using one or more proximity sensors. The proximity sensor detects any change in the distance between the sensor and the exterior surface geometry of the shaft element. The shaft element may alternatively be magnetized for use with magnetic sensors. The gap dimension is proportional to and/or indicative of the absolute position.

Abstract: A fishing rod and reel is provided with a line having conductive portions spaced at regular axial intervals. A conductive sensor is mounted to the rod along the line's path. A counter is connected to the conductive sensors to count the number of conductive portions that pass by the sensors and complete a circuit therewith. Based on the number of counts and the length of the interval between the conductive portions, the overall length of line that is unwound from the real, that is, passes by the sensors, is calculated and displayed.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning and drying workpieces in a treatment vessel in which a reduced pressure can be provided. During the cleaning process, a liquid bath is formed in the treatment vessel (1), said liquid bath at least partially surrounding the work pieces, and cleaning fluid and optionally a gaseous medium are introduced into the treatment vessel under excess pressure via a spray unit. The workpiece support moves up and down or rotates so that the work pieces are subjected alternately to different cleaning processes in the liquid bath and a gas space located above said liquid bath.

Abstract: Spray drying is performed at increased pressure whereby advantages are obtained as to product characteristics and production capacity. Particulate materials of an amorphous structure and non-dusting high-bulk density powders can be obtained.

Abstract: A system that employs thermophoresis to protect lithographic surfaces from particle deposition and operates in an environment where the pressure is substantially constant and can be sub-atmospheric. The system (thermophoretic pellicle) comprises an enclosure that surrounds a lithographic component whose surface is being protected from particle deposition. The enclosure is provided with means for introducing a flow of gas into the chamber and at least one aperture that provides for access to the lithographic surface for the entry and exit of a beam of radiation, for example, and further controls gas flow into a surrounding low pressure environment such that a higher pressure is maintained within the enclosure and over the surface being protected.

Abstract: A multi-chamber fluidized bed classifying apparatus comprising; a main chamber having a fluidized bed arranged on wind boxes, through a perforated gas distributing plate is divided into a drying chamber and a classifying chamber by a partition plate, and a communication passage is defined under the plate. The wind boxes have respective lower ends connected to discharge devices respectively. The wind box is connected to a processing fluidization gas supply system for supplying the fluidization gas into the box, while the wind box is connected to a classifying fluidization gas supply system for supplying the fluidization gas into the box. The classifying fluidization gas supply system is provided with a flow control unit which adjusts the quantity of gas supplied into the classifying chamber to control the size of classified particles. The processing fluidization gas supply system is provided with a control unit, which adjusts the gas quantity and/or the temperature of gas supplied into the drying chamber.

Abstract: A shoe sole for supporting a wearer's foot. The sole has a main sole portion and at least one cushion associated with the main sole portion. The cushion includes first and second hollow tubular portions, preferably with resilient load-bearing first and second hollow walls that have a thickness, material, and shape providing sufficient strength for supporting and cushioning the sides of a corresponding foot region of a wearer's foot. The first wall is disposed on first side of a sole region of the sole, and the second wall is disposed on a second side of the sole region opposite from the first side. At least one of the first and second hollow walls extends along a third side of the sole region. A central portion of the cushion is disposed between and joined with the first and second tubular portions, and preferably has a thickness, material, and shape providing sufficient strength for supporting and cushioning a generally central part of the foot region between the first, second, and third sides.

Abstract: A snowboard boot for use with a snowboard boot strap that is attachable thereto. In one aspect, the boot comprises a foot-shaped outer surface; and a strap mounting member that includes an attachment feature adapted to mount a portion of the strap to the snowboard boot the strap mounting member including a raised portion that protrudes beyond the foot-shaped outer surface of the boot, the raised portion including the attachment feature. In another aspect, the snowboard boot includes a boot upper having an outer surface, a sole, and an adjustable strap that is mounted to the outer surface of the boot upper, the strap being adjustable so that the strap can be selectively tightened and loosened over the outer surface of the boot upper. The outer surface of the boot upper is formed from at least first and second materials, the first material having a lower coefficient of friction than the second material, the first material being disposed to underlie a portion of the strap that is movable to tighten the strap.

Abstract: A spike structure consists of a spike body made of a plastic material, and a self-tapping screw 3 made of a metal. The spike body 2 is comprised of a flange-shaped portion 4 and a threaded stud which has a thread on the outer surface thereof and extends from one surface of said flange-shaped portion 4. An axial bore is formed through the flange-shaped portion 4 and the threaded stud 5, while slits are formed in said threaded stud 5, extending to the free end of said threaded stud. A self-tapping screw 3 is inserted with tapping into the axial bore to be fixed to said spike body. Said self-tapping screw 3 is configurated to stretch said threaded stud radially outwardly when inserted into the axial bore of spike body.

Abstract: A relaxation insole having, in combination: a supination-providing heel cup; a heel-bone support; a support beneath the first two metatarsals; and a support beneath the last three metatarsal heads.