Abstract: A style of footwear, comprising a spring-suspension system, meant for impact absorption and the augmentation of metatarsal thrust. An angle spring affixes to the central pivot point and is external to the shoe sole. A guide and quick recoil are joined to the angle spring in a manner set to influence the central pivot point prior to the deflection of the angle spring itself. A type of resilient compression device is affixed below the ball area of the foot. This device receives the pressure of all aforementioned spring-loaded agents in conjunction with the user's weight transfer, metatarsal thrust, and any residual impact force. The timing of the compression device's load phase is such that it releases in tandem with the unloading of the angle spring. The result is an article of footwear, which works with the natural mechanics of the body to enhance comfort and ability.

Abstract: A foot mask structure includes an instep diaphragm that can be covered onto an instep of a user and a sole diaphragm that can be attached onto a sole of the user. Three lateral sides of the front ends of the instep diaphragm and the sole diaphragm can be connected with each other to allow the user's toes to be placed into a bag. The sole diaphragm includes a first wing extended from a side of the sole diaphragm and turned over for covering the surface of the instep diaphragm, and the instep diaphragm can be connected to the sole diaphragm at another side of the first wing, such that the first wing of the foot mask can adjust the width of the sole to fit a sole of different sizes, and attach the foot mask closely onto the sole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a footwear item that is designed for racket sports. The inventive item comprises a sole consisting of an outer face (1a) which is intended to come into contact with the ground and an inner face (2b) which is intended to come into contact with the foot of the user. According to the invention, the sole includes a dynamic element which can be used to store and release energy when said sole is subjected to lateral stresses. The aforementioned dynamic element comprises (i) a return element (3) which is positioned in the sole such that it expands at least partially beneath the area corresponding to the arch of the foot and at least partially beneath the area corresponding to the front part of the foot and (ii) at least two elastically-deformable lateral ground support parts which are located longitudinally on either side of the metatarsus support zone.

Abstract: An athletic shoe sole construction having a suspension system designed to resiliently support a foot and deflect downwardly upon foot imposed forces is provided. The athletic shoe includes a plurality of independent supports arrayed about the periphery of the suspension system. The supports, or pillars, may include a ground engaging section and a resilient section intermediate the ground engaging section and the suspension system. The suspension system may include a deflectable grid system, or it may include other resilient deflectable materials. The pillars may be constructed and arranged to deflect independently of an adjacent pillar.

Abstract: A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.

Abstract: An insole embedded with germanium includes a upper layer, a lower layer and a germanium-plated blade interposed between the upper layer and the lower layer. The germanium-plated blade includes a metal sheet covered by a germanium-plated layer. The germanium element of the germanium-plated blade can release drifting negative electrons to prevent breeding of microbes and improve blood circulation of user's sole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an item of footwear comprising a liner made of a flexible impermeable material and an outer layer. The liner is arranged to contact a foot and the liner and the outer layer are connected only at a cuff. In some aspects, the flexible impermeable material is sufficiently elastic to squeezingly conform to contours of the foot. The outer layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fiber materials, synthetic materials, and natural fiber and synthetic material blends. In some aspects, the item of footwear is a slipper or a bootie.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foot protection device adapted to protect feet when training and playing fighting games. The device includes an exterior cover (100). The exterior cover has an opening (10), an anterior hole (20) and a posterior hole (30) provided on a sole portion (A), toe insert parts (40) provided on a toe portion (B) and having toe holes (45), and an ankle securing means (150) provided at an end of an ankle portion (C). The device protects a wearer's feet, and is in maximally close contact with the feet due to its elastic force, and is light in weight, thus providing a sensation similar to that of a barefoot state. Further, a part of the foot is exposed to the outside, thus preventing the wearer from sliding on the ground surface, and allowing free movement of the foot, therefore affording a high level of power and quickness.

Abstract: A shoe having ankle support for preventing an unwanted ankle movement during a predetermined activity comprises a support piece having an ankle support and legs extending downwardly from the ankle support where the legs are removably inserted down in a pocket formed on an outer surface of an ankle side shoe portion. The shoe further comprising a heal support pad embedded in the foot cover member extending around the heel of a wearer, a cap covering the ankle support of the support piece, and a cover band extending over each pocket and cap to secure the cap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is footwear having an ankle support (200). The footwear has a sole (310), an upper (320), and a heel section (340). The ankle support is worn to surround part of the foot and part of the leg between which an ankle joint is located, wherein a lower portion of the ankle support is secured to an interior of the footwear. According to this invention, the wearer's ankle joint moves together with the ankle support without being constrained by the footwear, thus ensuring the flexible movement of the ankle, therefore allowing unrestricted motion. Further, the lower portion of the ankle support is attached to the interior of the footwear, thus allowing the wearer's ankle to be supported by both the footwear and the ankle support, therefore efficiently supporting the ankle, even when large shocks are applied to the ankle due to intense activity.

Abstract: A sole structure is provided that can improve bendability and cushioning ability of the sole forefoot portion. The sole assembly 1 is formed of an upper plate 2, and a lower plate 3 provided below the upper plate 2 and spaced apart from the upper plate 2 via a void S. The lower plate 3 has a plurality of protrusions 30 that protrude toward the upper plate 2. The longitudinal path length L1 of the lower plate 3 is longer than the longitudinal path length L2 of the upper plate 2. More specifically, the path length L1 of the lower plate 3 is 40-60% longer than the path length L2 of the upper plate 2.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shoe sole that solves the problems on weight saving in shoes, prevention of distortion, improvement in the fitting property and prevention of upthrust simultaneously. The reinforcing member 3 for reinforcing a part of the midsole 2 is arranged so that the top surface 36 of the second arch 3c and the bottom surface 29 of the first arch 2c are opposite to each other. At least a part of the bottom surface 29 of the first arch is not in contact with a part of the top surface 36 of the second arch in vertically spaced relationship to each other, thereby that the non-contact areas of the first arch 2c and the second arch 3c can be deformed independently from each other when impact load of landing is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying ribbons and badges on a garment wherein predetermined arrangements of awards can be quickly and reliably established using designated openings in a template. Using break-away portions, the template can be sized as needed and pin holes are preferably used to mount ribbons having a marking implement such as a pin to secure the ribbon to a uniform. A separate badge positioning section includes horizontal slots preferably slightly offset vertically with a portion of said horizontal slots co-linear.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for communication using a mailbox crown, wherein the mailbox crown is imprinted with sun-resistant ink on a weather resistant material having rounded safety corners. The mailbox crown is formed using a combination of scores and cuts, is folded utilizing these scores and cuts, is placed on a conventional mailbox and is secured to the mailbox.

Abstract: A rotatable sign which consists of at least one rotatably sign portion mounted upon an axle, a base to which one end of the axle is secured, and means for limiting the rotational speed of the rotatable sign portion, preferably in the form of braking means which applies an increasing braking force to the sign as the speed of rotation of the sign increases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural part for a structural arrangement (10), the structural part (10) including a generally rectangular frame formed of four resiliently flexible frame elements (12.1, 12.2) connected together at their ends by connector pieces (14) that form the corners of the frame. The structural part includes also a flexible sheet element that is securely located on the frame and that spans the frame. The structural part (10) is collapsible by performing a manual twisting and folding operation on the frame to thereby provide a compact storage configuration of the structural part. A structural part (10) as defined, by itself or in combination with other similar structural parts or other components, can form a part of various different structural arrangements including a display device, a gazebo, a carport, and the like, these arrangements all permitting collapse into a more compact storage configuration by collapse of the or each structural part forming a part thereof.

Abstract: A stabilizing apparatus and method according to which a force is applied to a line to place the line in tension and stabilize a component associated with the line, thereby facilitating the aiming of the component.

Abstract: A sighting system and method of using thereof, comprising: front 24 and rear sights 18, wherein center points of each opening D and E of each sight 24 and 18 are aligned on a line 61 parallel to a longitudinal axis 52 of the barrel 14 of a firearm. Surfaces of the front 24 and rear sight 18 facing a viewer 2 may have optional radially located marks, which are not illuminated by artificial light. The method of using the sighting system, comprising: providing a target and a barrel of a firearm; providing front and rear sights having first surfaces facing a viewer and oppositely directed second surfaces; and aiming the firearm at the target by aligning the points “D” and “E” of the front and rear openings of the front and rear sight, respectively, at the center T? of the target T.

Abstract: A weapon sight can be mounted on a weapon. According to a different aspect of the invention, the sight can detect a level of ambient illumination, and takes a selected action if the detected illumination level is below a selected level.

Abstract: A tubular fishing rod holder capable of being used from a portable ice fishing shelter, a bucket, a boat, or a lawn chair. The fishing rod holder having a rearward mounting end, and a forward holding end, wherein the holding end is of sufficient length and diameter to accommodate the handle portion of, for example, ice fishing, spinning, and jigging rods. The rearward mounting end comprises upper and lower mounting slots, communicating the rearward end with upper and lower apertures, which a portion of the upper and lower apertures are shaped to form upper and lower locking grooves, allowing the fishing rod holder to be removably mounted to bucket, and vertical or angled support in a cantilevered arrangement, positioning a fishing rod within easy reach of a fisherman.

Abstract: The adjustable spring activated fishing tackle device of the invention is a simple but effective device used inline with any fishing rod and lure that aids in the capture of fish. The device is comprised of a cylindrical shaped casing with an interior chamber which houses an adjustable, dual action, spring mechanism that automatically maintains a constant counter force on the fishing line against the tugs and pulls caused by the erratic movements of a caught fish, whereby not only helping to hook the fish but also preventing any slack in the fishing line that could cause the loss of said fish.

Abstract: A fishing sinker is comprised of a polyhedron body having a rectangular base and triangular sides with a common blunt vertex, adapted to generate a net upward lifting force during forward motion. The streamlined shape of the sinker also makes it more aerodynamic during casting and minimizes splashing during entry into water. A central channel is formed in the body for receiving an eyelet pin with a swaged end, a straight section extending through said central channel and an integrally formed eyelet portion protruding from the blunt vertex. A plurality of symmetrically arranged stabilizer fins extending along angles of intersection of each adjacent triangular side. The eyelet portion is a resilient eyelet with a slip-on opening biased into a closed position. The vertex makes the sinker quite aerodynamic, as it leads the way on casts through the air and into the water.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a fishing system capable of reducing loss due to entanglement with environmental obstacles. The most common form of device is a sinker. The construction of this system allows the user tension the line in different direction to extricate the fishing element from obstacles by easily reversing the direction of line tension.

Abstract: The 2.5? long funnel is built for catching and trapping flies, yellow jackets, ants and other flying/crawling insects that are attracted to the smell in the plastic jar. Insects crawl down the funnel into the jar and can't get back out. Insects fly/crawl around inside the jar until they are exhausted and fall into the liquid, causing them to drown. The funnel is made of ridged wire screen and is permanently attached under the screw on cap. There is no need to go and buy one insect trap for files, one for yellow jackets and one for ants; when all you need is “The Funnel 3 in 1 Insect Trap”. Tested for 2 years from models made at my home.

Abstract: A fan type debugging apparatus is provided in which the active ingredient impregnated body or mass is disposed in a wind inlet side of the fan type blower and is designed to provide a wind force resistance which in terms of the proportion of current consumption by the motor in the presence of the active ingredient impregnated body or mass to current consumption by the motor in the absence of the active ingredient impregnated body or mass, ranges from 5 to 25%.

Abstract: The invention provides graft copolymers obtainable by grafting an ester (a) of a C8- to C22-alcohol and acrylic acid to a copolymer (b) which contains from 3.5 to 21 mol % of vinyl acetate in addition to ethylene, and for their use as cold additives in fuel oils.

Abstract: A liquid fuel for internal combustion engine, comprising 2 to 85 wt % of an alcohol component of aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms per molecule per se or a mixture thereof and 15 to 98 wt. % of a hydrocarbon component. The liquid fuel for internal combustion engine contains an aluminum corrosion inhibitor in an amount capable of inhibiting the aluminum corrosion at predetermined given temperature. The aluminum corrosion inhibitor comprises at least one member selected from among methanol, glycol hydrocarbons, ketone hydrocarbons, ester hydrocarbons and aldehyde hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Modified charcoal briquets having a pillow silhouette when viewed from at least one side and configured to have less volume than similar unmodified pillow shaped briquets having the same dimensions are described. A random packing density for the modified briquets is between about 0.70 times and 0.92 times a random packing density for the unmodified pillow shape briquets. The random packing density for the modified briquets is between about 35% and 46%.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a hydrogen-enriched reformate. The apparatus includes a fuel processor for converting a fuel to a reformate having fluctuations in pressure and or flow rate, means for reducing the fluctuations, a compression unit for compressing the reformate and one or more of a purification unit and a storage unit downstream of a compression unit. Means for reducing the fluctuations in the reformate can include one or more of a buffer and a conduit for providing a controlled flow of a supplemental fluid to an inlet of the compression unit. The supplemental fluid can include the compressed reformate, a hydrogen-enriched reformate, and mixtures thereof. The apparatus can include means for regulating power to the compression unit that can incrementally increase power to the compression unit particularly during start up. The purification unit can include one or more of a hydrogen selective membrane and a pressure swing adsorption unit. Methods for producing hydrogen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for production of hydrogen comprises at least one steam reforming zone configured to receive a first fuel and steam to produce a first reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen using a steam reforming process. The system further comprises a mixed reforming zone configured to receive an oxidant to produce a second reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen, wherein the first reformate gas stream is sent to the mixed reforming zone to complete the reforming process.

Abstract: An opening mechanism having a base, a lever member movably mounted to the base and a housing is disclosed. The lever member has a first arm and a second arm, which pivot from a first position to a second position,. The movement of the arms from a first position to a second position causes one of the arms to cause an article to move from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A device for controlling a door operated by a motor includes an opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the door, and a gear mechanism that includes a plurality of tooth units each of which has different mesh and that conveys a torque of the motor to the opening/closing mechanism. The tooth units include a low-torque tooth unit that convey a relatively low torque, and a high-torque-tooth unit that conveys a relatively high torque. The torque conveyed to the opening/closing mechanism is changed by selecting a tooth unit based on a position of the door at the time of starting an opening or closing operation of the door.

Abstract: A door structure includes a door for opening and closing a door opening formed in a vehicle body. The door has a side impact bar extending in the backward and forward direction of the vehicle body and a window regulator for lifting and lowering a glass of the door. The window regulator is mounted on the side impact bar and is disposed within a sectional width area of the side impact bar in a vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A control device controls opening/closing of a sliding door of a vehicle by a motor in cooperation with a drive device that opens and closes the sliding door, and applies proportional plus integral plus differential control to motor speed based on a driving pattern of the sliding door. When a difference between a door speed and a motor speed exceeds a threshold, the control device judges that the vehicle is parked in a tilted state, and adjusts a sum of a proportional element, an integral element, and a differential element of a proportional plus integral plus differential control to a vehicle-tilted time element.

Abstract: A first judging unit integrates an increase in a corrected current when the corrected current is in a predetermined increasing state and judges that a first condition is satisfied when an integrated increase exceeds a threshold. A second judging unit integrates a decrease in door moving speed when the door moving speed is in a predetermined decreasing state and judges that a second condition is satisfied when an integrated decrease exceeds a threshold. A third judging unit integrates a decrease in motor rotation speed when the motor rotation speed is in a predetermined decreasing state and judges that a third condition is satisfied when an integrated decrease exceeds a threshold. A pinch judging unit judges whether pinch has occurred based on determination by the first, the second, and the third judging units.

Abstract: Opening and closing system for motor vehicle sliding door, which can be displaced along guide rails between an open position and a closed position, with a brake device for braking the sliding door. The brake device is designed in such that it is activated automatically during displacement of the sliding door when a collision state is indicated or signaled or exists during opening and/or when a jamming state is indicated or signaled or exists during closing (pre-crash situation). The opening and closing system can thus react without any time delay to a jamming or collision state and can rapidly brake the displacement of the relatively heavy sliding door. At the same time or with a time offset, a drive motor for the motorized movement of the sliding door can be braked and/or reversed. The opening and closing system can be used both for manually operated and automatic sliding doors.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a vehicle drop glass, with a transparent, in particular curved, pane, on the extremity of which a support part is to be attached, which cooperates with a drive and/or guide device for heightwise movement of the pane. In the method the pane is oriented and attached at plural predetermined points of its surface in a device adapted to its shape, a curable plastic material is deposited on the pane with aid of at least one tool in the region of the assembly with the support part and is fashioned, in a fixed position in the space inside the device, into a fashioned part which, after its assembly with the pane, defines the position of the support part in relation to the predetermined points. The plastic material is then cured. A window pane can be produced according to the method.

Abstract: A window or door includes a frame mounted to a building. The frame has first and second side jambs, a frame closure in the form of a window or door has a first side edge pivotally mounted to the first side jamb of the frame for opening and closing the closure member relative to the frame. The closure member has a second side edge which locates adjacent the second side jamb of the frame when the closure member is closed. The second side edge of the closure member includes a first lock part. The second side jamb of the frame includes a channel extending lengthwise of the frame. The channel has a channel mouth along its length, which faces interiorly of the frame. Undercut channel regions are provided to each side of the channel mouth. A slide bar is slideably fitted in the channel and a second lock part is secured to the slide bar.

Abstract: A weather strip includes a fixing base fixed to a periphery of a door that closes an opening in a vehicle body. A seal portion of the weather strip is unitarily formed with the fixing base, and the seal portion includes a hollow seal portion that seals between the door and a rim of the opening. A seal bridge of the weather strip is formed in the hollow seal portion and unitarily extends from the fixing base to an inside wall of the hollow seal portion where the opening rim contacts the hollow seal portion. The seal bridge of the weather strip is formed in a curved shape and divides the hollow seal portion into a plural space. The seal bridge reduces noise without significantly increasing the door closing force.

Abstract: A vitrified grinding stone includes an abrasive grain and a vitrified binder. The vitrified grinding stone has a porosity, a degree of concentration of abrasive grains and an abrasive grain diameter according to a preset processing efficiency and a processing precision of grinding.

Abstract: A composite diamond compact is provided which has a diamond compact (12) bonded to a cemented carbide substrate (10). The composite diamond compact is characterised by the second phase for the diamond compact (12) and the binder for the cemented carbide substrate (10) both being a nickel/cobalt alloy.

Abstract: A gutter cleaning shutter, made from a durable material, is disclosed. It consists of a rigid frame (1) with an internal sliding plate (2) The shutters are fitted to the ends of roof gutters (3) instead of gutter stop ends. The gutter cleaning shutter with sliding plate in place provides normal gutter operation. Opening the sliding plate provides an unobstructed outlet to enable gutters to be cleaned by propelling accumulated rubbish along the gutter and out through the open shutter frame. A strong jet of water from a garden hose would be the recommended method of propelling the rubbish during cleaning. Sealing plates (5) are placed over the tops of downpipes to prevent rubbish falling into the drainage system. When cleaning is completed the sealing plates (5) are removed, and the sliding plate (2) in the cleaning shutter frame (1) closed restoring the normal operation of the roof drainage system.

Abstract: A temporary railing may include a plurality of cable temporary supports spaced along the boundary of the building floor, and a plurality of vertically spaced apart cables carried by the temporary cable supports to extend along the boundary of the building floor. The temporary cable supports may include at least one dual-use corner pulley temporarily coupled to a respective vertical building member. The dual-use corner pulley may include a mounting bracket to be temporarily coupled to the respective vertical building member on either an inside corner or outside corner thereof, a yoke including a proximal end connected to the mounting bracket, and a wheel removably carried by the yoke and having an inner surface adjacent the proximal end of the yoke for rotatably supporting a respective cable in a tensioned condition if the mounting bracket is connected to the inside corner.

Abstract: A three piece modular wall system and an inventory display system and product and service marketing system are provided. The modular wall system includes “View Panels”, “Face Panels”, and “Slat-Wall Panels”. The display and marketing system include backlit sign boxes, billboards projected on the inside and outside of the perimeter walls, and inventory display towers.

Abstract: A safety system for a truck doorway such as a loading dock with an elevated platform provides an alarm that warns of a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway is protected by a barrier that can be opened or closed, the alarm can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some embodiments, the safety system includes a remote body sensor that detects when someone or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present.

Abstract: An elongated flange material for forming a flange and a method for use in sealing a non-flanged window, door, or other fenestration product in a wall opening, wherein the flange material comprises at least one top coversheet and at least one bottom coversheet with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer sandwiched between the two coversheets, wherein the coversheets occupy an appreciable width of the flange but do not extend across the entire width of the flange and thereby are offset with respect to each other thereby providing opposing first and second exposed surfaces of the pressures sensitive adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to modular flashing systems for use in the construction industry. It provides a plurality of modular flashing entities and modular trim flashing elements designed to be used in concert. The articles provide a unitary structure essentially impervious to atmospheric and environmental elements. The invention provides a modular flashing entity including a first surface, a second surface having a proximal edge and a distal edge removed from the proximal edge, as well as a left end and a right end, wherein the first surface joins the second surface along the proximal edge, and a third surface joined to the second surface along the distal edge thereof In many embodiments an additional fourth surface joined to a left end or to a right end of the second surface and further joined to the third surface. These are useful as drip caps and flashing pans when installing items such as doors and windows.

Abstract: A seismic isolation apparatus features damping characteristics equivalent to or better than prior art, without burdening the environment. In this seismic isolation apparatus, a cylindrical cavity portion is formed at the middle of an outer side laminated body, which has a form in which respective pluralities of resiliently deformable rubber rings and metal rings for maintaining rigidity are alternately laminated. A helically formed coil spring is disposed in this cavity portion so as to be snugly fitted. An inner side laminated body, which has a form in which respective pluralities of resiliently deformable rubber plates and metal plates for maintaining rigidity are alternately laminated, is disposed at an inner peripheral side of the coil spring.

Abstract: A cover, a board assembly and a method for protecting a board are provided. In an embodiment, one or more boards are adjacent lengthwise, as in a floor of a deck or wall. A top portion of each of the boards is trimmed proximate to lengthwise edges. In an alternate embodiment, the boards are trimmed prior to assembly of the deck to create a groove along each of the edges. A cover, constructed from a wood/plastic composite, is placed on each of the boards. The cover extends across each of the boards' top surface and into the grooves created by trimming of the board. The cover may be secured to the board via an adhesive and/or a fastener and limits direct contact between the board and, for example, ultra-violet rays and/or precipitation. Accordingly, a deck utilizing one or more covers may be used for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for allowing pets to ascend to and descend thereupon, through use of a foldable staircase having a plurality of stair treads operatively connected by articulating links in such a manner that the treads can be pivoted in unison from a stowed position of the staircase, in which the treads are substantially stacked upon one another, to a plurality of extended positions, in which the links position the treads in a spaced and parallel relationship to one another. A latch selectively secures the staircase in a selected one of the extended positions. The latch is configured for preventing further pivoting of the treads in either direction between the stowed and extended positions of the staircase, when the latch is engaged.