Abstract: A shoe with increased air circulating properties that includes an upper, a sole assembly, waterproof layer and a footbed. A shank that includes at least one vent is incorporated into the sole assembly. A plurality of air circulation channels are also provided in the sole assembly that are placed in fluid communication with at least one vent of the shank. Ventilation holes are further provided in the footbed and the footbed is located over the waterproof layer which is located on or in the shank to provide a liquid barrier.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a frame having a plurality of elongate members formed of a first polymer. A plurality of links is formed of a second polymer, with a portion of each link co-molded about a portion of at least one elongate member, and at least one link movable with respect to a corresponding elongate member.

Abstract: A transparent heel and sole assembly comprises a sole, a heel and a connecting sheet. The sole is formed in a surface thereof with a locating hole. The heel is made of transparent material and formed on the top surface thereof with a protruding closed wall that defines a locating groove. The protruding closed wall is to be engaged in the locating hole of the sole. The connecting sheet is made of transparent material and formed in a surface thereof with an engaging column that is to be inserted in the locating hole of the sole and then to be engaged with the protruding closed wall of the locating groove of the heel.

Abstract: A shoe having an open interior, a plate positioned between the bottom of the shoe and a portion of the upper, and at least one opening extending from the bottom of the shoe into the midsole for providing air communication with the interior of the upper. In one embodiment, the opening has a height as measured from the bottom of the shoe along a vertical central axis that is greater than one-half the thickness of the rear sole. In another embodiment, the opening extends through the plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe sole for triple-time stepping that includes: a front portion having a front end gently inclined upward, and a bottom portion in even contact with the ground; a rear portion having a second cutout inclined upward at an angle of about 15 to 17° from a rear end of the front portion, and a first cutout inclined upward at an angle of about 15 to 25° from a rear end of the second cutout; a first recess formed upward in a predetermined depth on a boundary portion between the front portion and the second cutout; and a second recess formed upward in a predetermined depth on a boundary portion between the second cutout and the first cutout.

Abstract: An article of equipment or apparel, such as footwear, is disclosed that includes an exterior surface having misleading depth cues that form a reverse perspective structure. The reverse perspective structure may have a three-dimensional configuration that includes a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is located closer to an interior of the article than the second edge, and the first edge has a greater length than the second edge. The reverse perspective structure may alternately or also include a pair of non-parallel perspective line edges with first ends and second ends. The first ends are located closer to the interior of the article than the second ends, and the first ends have a greater spacing than the second ends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sole for a footwear item. The invention essentially comprises a sock lining (1), an insole (2) and an outsole (3) as well as a shock-absorbing device (4).

Abstract: A shoe includes a protective wrap disposed inside an upper and includes a sole portion disposed removably on a sole unit, and two side portions extending upwardly and respectively from two sides of the sole portion and connected to a fastening unit. When the fastening unit is tightened, the fastening unit pulls the side portions, and the side portions lift the sole portion so that the protective wrap is wrapped tightly around the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: The first illustrative embodiment includes a lace or strap which runs behind the heel down the sides of the foot, under the sole of the foot, crosses to opposite sides of the foot, comes up over the toes ending in a cinch. Loops and slots are provided in the shoe to accommodate the additional strap. The second illustrative embodiment includes a heel strap which runs behind the heel, down the sides of the foot where it engages a loop near the bottom of the foot and loops over to the top of the foot where it engages opposite sides of a conventional lace. Tightening of the conventional lace causes a tightening of this heel strap. The second embodiment also includes a toe strap which is attached to opposite sides of the sole, crosses over the sole to opposite sides of the toes, loops over the toes and engages the bottom of a conventional lace. Tightening of the conventional lace causes a tightening of the toe strap.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first shell portion, and a second shell portion complementing the first shell portion to form an upper. The second shell portion is more flexible than the first shell portion and is mechanically connected to the first shell portion. The first shell portion includes a surrounding wall of substantially U-shaped cross-section which is adapted to extend around the wearer's heel. The surrounding wall includes two opposite side wall sections that have frontmost ends posterior to the ball of the foot and anterior to the plantar arch of the foot.

Abstract: A sole for walking has a ground contacting face referred to as the bottom part, and a top part being opposite the bottom part. The sole has the bottom part with a number of recesses. The recesses are closed off by the top part and are for trapping a portion of a material on which a person moves. Each recess is provided with at least one decompression channel producing a free junction between an interior of each recess and an external perimeter of the sole.

Abstract: Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety, protective or working shoe for professional use and the like equipped with a transponder designed to identify the item, with memorization of the number or name of the article, the class and/or other peculiar characteristics, the size, the color, the date of manufacture and any other data and also if need be to monitor the data relative to its being placed in use, treatments performed and other events, and also to allow identification of the user, said transponder being designed to supply the data to a reading and processing and/or reporting means, through a univocal code contained in the transponder.

Abstract: A trench excavating machine includes an excavating wheel on which are mounted spaced apart peripheral plates equipped with ripping teeth and spades. The ripping teeth are angled outward from the plates at an acute angle directed in the direction of rotation of the cutting wheel to attack the leading edge of a trench being excavated. Ripping teeth and spades are arranged at varying spacing on succeeding plates about the centerline of the cutting wheel. A transverse conveyor located within the circumference of the cutting wheel transports spoil to the side of the cutting wheel. A spoil deflector removes spoil adhered to the inside of the cutting wheel.

Abstract: A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.

Abstract: A wear assembly provided with a tapered opening and a complementary tapered lock wherein the lock can be pried into and from the opening to thereby eliminate the need for hammering. The lock is formed with a body and a latch that is movable between a hold position where the latch is engageable with a stop in the opening to releasably retain the lock in the opening and a release position where the latch disengages the stop.

Abstract: A quilting pressing table (1) having a frame (18), which is preferably a walker, and a pressing board (2), which is preferably an ironing board. The frame (18) has telescoping legs (6) which permit height adjustment. A folding release button (8) allows a user to fold the frame (18). Caps (10) are located on the bottoms of the legs (6) so as to prevent scratching and sliding of the frame (18). The pressing board (2) has a top side (3) and a bottom side (4) wherein the top side (3) of the pressing board (2) allows a user to press or iron material thereon and a means for securing the pressing board (2) to the frame (18) is located on the bottom side (4). When not in use, the frame (18) is folded and the pressing board (2) is secured to the frame (18) for easy transportation and storage.

Abstract: An ironing board includes a heat-resistant ironing board cover which can be placed thereon and includes elastic padding. The inventive ironing board includes a peripheral edge which projects past the surface of the ironing board and holds the padding in place.

Abstract: A promotional apparatus for use in holding badges and other forms of identification includes a first housing, a second housing, an extendable and retractable cord that tethers the first and second housings together, and a badge holder secured to the second housing. The cord is normally retracted within one of the first and second housings such that the first and second housings are in adjacent relationship with each other when the cord is normally retracted. The badge holder and second housing can be retractably extended away from the first housing by a user. When extended away from the first housing, the second housing is free to rotate about an axis. The first housing includes an attachment device that releasably secures the first housing to a user's clothing and allows a user to extend the badge holder away from the first housing without dislodging the first housing from the user's clothing.

Abstract: An article to be worn, such as a badge, displays indicia such as identification and advertising. The article includes a housing, a first indicia member positioned on the first indicia portion of the housing and a second indicia member positioned on the second indicia portion of the housing. The first and second indicia portions are discrete from one another and can receive interchangeable indicia members. The invention further includes a method of identifying a wearer of the article, such as a sales clerk or food service preparer, and advertising a product or service, all with the same badge.

Abstract: A collectible trading card (10) includes an outer card (12) and an insert card (14). The insert card (14) contains an insert card image (44). The outer card (12) includes a first region (38) and a second region (40). The first region (38) includes a card aperture (24) that receives at least a portion of the insert card (14). The second region (40) is moveable from a first position (41A) to a second position (41B). In the first position (41A), the insert card (14) is inhibited from being removed from the card aperture (24). In the second position (41B), the insert card (14) can be removed from the card aperture (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic button tag for tagging and identifying cattle and other animals, of the type which is intended to be placed on one of the ears of the animal. The inventive button tag includes a transponder which is enclosed in a shell. The shell is made from two half-shells, namely a lower half-shell and an upper half-shell, which are assembled together at a median plane. The transponder is fixed in place, without compression, between the two half-shells using a glue; and the two half-shells are assembled by a laser weld.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a memorial light device that can be personalized to provide additional impact and meaning to the memorial.

Abstract: A three-dimensional loyalty indicator that can further be utilized as a beverage holder upon inversion of same, wherein a face guard or guards can be extended to permit retention of beverages within the loyalty indicator. The loyalty indicator is window mounted for travel to-and-from a sporting event and can subsequently be inverted to hang from the window and support a plurality of beverage containers therewithin. In an alternate embodiment, a suitably dimensioned double-faced loyalty indicator is provided for use as a surface covering for a vehicle or stationary object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating an advertisement print comprising advertisement information, where the advertisement print is adapted for being positioned on a surface of a substantially plane print carrier, where the substantially plane print carrier has a predefined surface area. The method comprises the step of projecting the predefined surface area to a plane perpendicular to a line of sight between a predefined viewpoint and the print carrier, placing the advertisement information within boundaries of the projected predefined surface area and generating the advertisement print by graphically transforming the projected predefined surface area together with the advertisement information to an area similar to the predefined surface area of the substantially plane print carrier. The invention further relates to an advertisement print being printed on a substantially plane print carrier.

Abstract: In order to provide a display monitor, such as a thin design television or the like, in which its display unit is easily attachable and detachable from the stand structure and can be easily carried about, and where the place of installation of the display unit is not limited, a stand type thin design television includes a display unit (1), a joint body (15), a pillar (25) and a stand base (29). The joint body (15) is attached to the display unit (1) while the joint body (15) is free to be attached to and removed from the pillar (25) that is fixed to the stand base (29). In the first usage mode in which the pillar (25) and the stand base (29) are used, the joint (15) is inserted into the pillar (25). In the second usage mode in which the pillar (25) and the stand base (29) are not used, the joint body (15) itself is used as a stand.

Abstract: A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. The base member has one or more compartments so that liquid or solid ballast can be added to stabilize the sign stand in windy conditions. The upper and lower wall members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. Wheels are provided on one edge of the base member in order to allow the sign stand to be rolled and easily moved to different positions. Axle members secure the wheels to the base member. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.

Abstract: A method for protecting an advertising sign from weathering conditions is disclosed. The method includes the operation of providing a frame configured to hold a plurality of sign segments, the sign segments having a front side and a back side each configured to carry graphical images. The front and back sides of each sign segment can be covered with a substantially transparent covering configured to enable each sign segment to be essentially undamaged by weathering effects for a period of at least seven years. The plurality of sign segments can be configured to be stacked on top of one another within the frame. The frame can be configured to enable removal and replacement of one or more of the plurality of sign segments.

Abstract: A greeting card is suspended for multiple freedoms of movement from an overhead support mountable on different supporting surfaces.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label holder for mounting to both scanner plates and wire merchandise supports, such as wire racks or baskets, that are used in connection with retail merchandising. The label holder includes a holding portion for holding an ESL and a mounting portion that can be utilized for mounting to both scanner plates and wire racks. When mounted to scanner plates, the label holder can be oriented in different directions.

Abstract: A polymeric tag has a body and an integral insertion leg which is tapered to facilitate insertion either into the soil or into a slot formed in the edge of a pot. Spaced from the end on each edge of the leg and in alignment with one another along the longitudinal length of the leg are convex outwardly extending projections immediately adjacent a symmetrical concave indentation on a side proximate the tag body. The combination of the curvilinear convex projections and concave indentations provides an easily insertable mechanism for allowing the insertion of the tag into the slot of a pot, and, once the convex projection clears the edge of the slot, the tag is locked in position with the concave indentation engaging the edges of the slot and the convex projection extending beyond the edge of the slot and engaging the underside of the pot rim.

Abstract: A wreath or other decorative display which allows for attachment and removal of decorative items on the base of the display. Attached to the base are grasping clips which retain decorative items in their jaws such that the decorative items may be removed or changed when desired. The grasping clips may be attached to the base by fixed or articulable mountings or they may be selectively detachable from the base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved card holder comprising a pair of parallel arms connected to one another in a spaced apart relationship. A resilient gripping material is included, preferably as finger-like appendages, on at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the spaced apart arms, such that when an ID card or the like is inserted into the space between the arms, the resilient gripping material compresses sufficiently to allow insertion, but also provides a secure gripping for retention of the ID card or the like, thereby preventing slippage of the card from the holder. To remove the inserted ID card or the like, force adequate to overcome the gripping is applied to the card, thereby permitting removal of the card from the holder. The amount of force needed will vary with the nature and thickness of the card, the gripping material, and the like. The holding power will likewise vary.

Abstract: A vehicle identification and locator card for vehicle parking and servicing establishments includes an upper portion made of paper board and a lower portion made of synthetic paper. An ignition key tag is die cut from the lower synthetic paper portion, which retains its strength when wet. The lower portion has a backing of a dry release laminate patch. The lower portion may be attached to the upper portion by an adhesive tape or it made be attached by having a part of the dry release laminate patch extend beyond the lower portion and beneath the upper portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for firing a cartridge for firearms or a method and an apparatus for securing the firing of a cartridge for firearms. The present invention provides a cartridge comprising a securing mechanism. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the firearm reads an identity from the cartridge and calculates a cartridge password from said identity together with further data. Said cartridge password is transmitted to the cartridge. The cartridge itself decides whether it fires or not. Thus, the present invention provides apparatuses and methods with which a securing of a firearm against accidental and/or unauthorized use is provided. Furthermore, the apparatus and method according to the present invention not only allow a securing of the firearm, but also a securing of the cartridge against accidental, improper and/or unauthorized firing.

Abstract: A core structure of gun trigger lock comprises two embedded parts. A first embedded part includes a pit and a straight hole; a lock piece and a spring are disposed in the pit; the lock piece, having parallel ratchets formed on one side, is pushed by the spring and moves upward constantly. A second embedded part includes a core rod hole, and a straight core rod is disposed therein; the straight core rod includes a long keyhole at the open end, and a aspheric bump is placed at the bottom of the keyhole; a gear shaft, having parallel ratchets on one side, extends from the straight core rod and can be inserted into the straight hole of the first embedded part. Moreover, a key is also included in the present invention, having an aspheric pit at the front end which matches with the shape of the aspheric bump at the bottom of the keyhole of the second embedded part.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for use in a holster, gun safe, base station, recharging/docking station, gun rack, or other safety housing for a firearm or other item, including one or more retaining members that engage the trigger guard, barrel, or other part of the firearm to prevent withdrawal of the firearm from the safety housing by anyone other than an authorized user of the firearm. The securing mechanism includes a biometric identification mechanism such as a fingerprint sensor for scanning fingerprint information of a prospective user of the firearm, and a processor for comparing the scanned biometric information with stored biometric information of an authorized user and releasing the retaining member only if the scanned biometric information matches that of the authorized user.

Abstract: The present invention is a new type of optical mounting ring for a firearm that aligns the top and bottom sections of the ring more perfectly and symmetrically during and after installation based on two guiding systems. The rings will also hold their position without torquing on any of the three dimensions based on the locking system and guiding system. The present invention will not losing its grip on the optical sight based on two locking systems. The solid hold on the optical sight will allow for reliable shooting accuracy shot after shot and will create a more perfect bore sight alignment.

Abstract: A new and useful structure and method are provided that enable a coupling device to be integrated with an auxiliary device and to be effectively operated to securely couple the auxiliary device to a male dovetail rail (e.g. the male dovetail rail of a firearm). In addition, the structure and method of the present invention are designed to provide a range of adjustment over which the coupling structure can be effectively operated. Thus, the coupling structure can take up a range of tolerance variations in the manufacture of the male dovetail rail.

Abstract: A spray-on ultra violet light absorbing composition for application on bird decoys and related bird hunting and bird watching apparatus, and the process for making the composition. The composition is made in three phases each separately mixed and thereafter combined. In phase A, a thickener, optionally a preservative, a pH adjuster and distilled water are combined and mixed. In phase B, a disperser, a solvent, a film forming polymer and a pH buffer are combined and mixed. The mixtures of phase A and phase B are heated, combined and mixed. In phase C, a UV absorbent, a wetting agent, emulsifiers, and optionally a surface smoother, are combined and mixed. The mixture of phase C is heated and added to the heated phase A and phase B mixture. The mixture is thereafter cooled, diluted and homogenized.

Abstract: An indicator for fishing includes a detecting device for detecting the physical property of fishing line, an audio indicating device to alert an angler with sound, and a video indicator to alert the angler with light, according to the change of the physical property of the fishing line. The detecting device can detect the moment of a fish's striking a bait by detecting the tension of the fishing line or the temporal change of the tension of the fishing line held by the fishing line holder. The indicator further includes a fishing rod holder, a fishing line holder, and an illuminating device. The audio indicating device includes a sound producing device and signals the fish's striking by producing a predetermined sound. The video indicating device includes a first lighting device producing a light of a predetermined color, and a second lighting device producing a light of other predetermined color.

Abstract: A fishing float includes a housing having first and second portions. The housing first portion may contain a first light source and a first depth sensor. The housing second portion may contain a second light source and a second depth sensor. The housing may include a battery, orientation switch, CPU, and charging coil. An optional remote receiver unit includes a receiver and an interface. After the housing is cast, the orientation switch completes a circuit that automatically energizes the downward-facing light source (whether first or second). The corresponding downward-facing depth sensor (whether first or second) generates water depth data. The CPU may actuate the upward-facing light source to indicate the water depth data and may actuate the charging coil's transmission of this data to the receiver unit. The housing rotates when a hook is struck, flashing the downward-facing light source. Inducing current in the charging coil may recharge the battery.

Abstract: An aquatic life simulation apparatus having a highly detailed and life like finish. The apparatus further contains a waterproof component having a battery and sound chip combination capable of producing various patterns of acoustical signals. The sound chip may be activated upon impact of the apparatus with a body of water and repeat various desired patterns there after. Embodiments of the present apparatus contain LED's in the eye members and along the body of the lure. These embodiments are thought to be particularly useful in simulating live bait sun reflection features.

Abstract: A lure for use when angling with a fishing rod and line. The lure has a first structural member and a second structural member, said structural members enclosing at least one cavity, having a volume which is variable by means of a relative movement between the structural members, said relative movement bringing about a change of displacement of the lure.

Abstract: A soft bait fish lure includes an elongated body having a head and a rear along a longitudinal axis. The body tapers laterally to a reduced tail portion toward the rear, then flares laterally into an enlarged tail at the rear. Optionally, the reduced tail portion is flexible in a lateral direction. The enlarged tail may have a tapered top and tapered bottom, each formed from two intersecting faces, such that the enlarged tail forms a substantial diamond-shape in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Optionally, each of the faces includes a contour terminating in an edge proximate said rear such that fluid flowing over said enlarged tail forms a vortex at each said face. Optionally, the rear forms a distal surface including a lateral indentation at the intersection of the tapered top and tapered bottom.

Abstract: A fishing lure constructed from a swimming jig and a cover for the swimming jig. The cover having a pair of tilted fins which produce a unique fish attracting and catching action as the fishing lure is displaced through water.

Abstract: A bait box (10) has a housing (12) and a lid (14) which can be fitted to the housing (12). The lid (14) can be moved between a locked and closed position and an unlocked and open position. A locking means (34) is provided between the housing (12) and the lid (14) having one or more locking members (40) which can be releasably secured to the housing (12) or the lid (14). The or each locking member (40) and the other of the housing (12) and the lid (14) having interengageable formations (48, 90) which can be used to lock the housing (12) and the lid (14) to each other. The or each locking member (40) can be released from the housing or the lid and can be removed from the housing (12) or the lid (14) when the lid (14) is in the unlocked and open position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and/or controlling subterranean termites. A station at least partially receivable within a cavity has at least one opening therein to provide access by the termites to an interior volume of the station. The apparatus includes an aggregation base attractive to the termites and including at least one void for forming an aggregation site. The apparatus includes a replaceable container received within the interior volume of the station and positioned adjacent the aggregation base. The container has at least one opening in a surface thereof facing the aggregation base to permit the passage of termites from the aggregation base to an interior chamber of the container. The container is sized and shaped such that the container may be removed from the station with minimal disturbance to the aggregation base, thereby preserving any aggregation site formed by the termites.

Abstract: An insect capturing apparatus includes a Stirling engine to facilitate the generation of a gaseous flow for introducing insects within a receptacle. The Stirling engine acts with an external heat source that may produce insect-attractive chemical emissions as by-products of heat generation. The insect-attractant emissions may be utilized to attract insects to the apparatus for capture within the receptacle.

Abstract: A polymeric surfactant obtained by the reaction of: (i) a polyolefin oligomer functionalized with at least one group deriving from a dicarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof; and (ii) a polyoxyalkylene of linear oxyalkylene units. The polyoxyalkylene is linked to a long-chain alkyl group optionally containing one or more ethylenic unsaturations. The polymeric surfactant may be utilized to stabilize a fuel of an emulsion between water and a liquid hydrocarbon. The fuel has high stability over time, without forming carbonaceous deposits which adhere to metal surfaces.

Abstract: A lubricity additive for fuels with sulphur content of not more than 0.05 wt % is described herein. The lubricity additive comprises a polyol ester or a mixture of polyol esters derived from C8-C18 saturated and/or unsaturated fatty acids. The polyol esters is produced by: i) esterification of a C8-C18 saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, or a mixture thereof, with a polyhydric alcohol; ii) transesterification of an oil or a mixture of oils, with fatty acid composition comprising C8-C18 saturated and/or unsaturated fatty acids, with a polyhydric alcohol. The preferred fatty acids are unsaturated C18 fatty acids, more particularly, oleic acid whereas the preferred polyhydric alcohol is neopolyol, more particularly, trimethylol propane and its isomers. A fuel composition comprising a major amount of fuel with sulphur content of not more than 0.05 wt % and a minor amount of the lubricity additive is also described herein. The amount of the lubricity additive is not more than 0.1 wt %.