Abstract: Footwear with a powerful arch spring made with spring boards that can be utilized by the heel and ball of the foot areas during impact for efficient energy storage and return during walking, running and other forms of self propelled locomotion. The spring boards can extend into the toe area of the footwear to create a toe spring with efficient energy storage and return. Embodiments of the present invention combine the spring boards which are excellent for storing and returning energy with a shock absorbing material which can also function as a secondary spring in order to achieve high efficiency energy returns while maintaining comfort and stability with the footwear.

Abstract: An anti-slippery footwear includes a sock, an insole, and an attaching structure formed on the attaching surfaces of the sock and insole. The attaching structure has a first attaching portion and a second attaching portion to provide anti-slippery effect while being attached with each other. At least one of the attaching surfaces of the sock and the insole has a recessed portion to accommodate at least one of the first and second attaching portions therein. The joining portions of the attaching structures are slightly lower than the attaching surface of the sock or the insole, such that when the individual wearing the sock is trying to put on a shoe that has the insole, the first and second attaching structures will not attach with each other before the shoe is properly worn by the individual. Instead, the first and second attaching structures will attach to each other only after the shoe is properly worn and a downward pressure is applied thereto.

Abstract: Footbeds (e.g., in footwear, socks, etc.) for engaging a plantar surface of a wearer's foot include one of the lateral or medial sides having a smooth or substantially smooth feel or surface while the opposite side has a textured feel or surface, e.g., by providing plural raised areas that define the textured feel or surface. Depending on the location of the texturing (lateral side or medial side) and/or the type of ambulatory activity (e.g., running or walking), lower extremity movement during the activity may be affected, e.g., to reduce pronation, reduce maximum eversion, reduce rearfoot range of motion, reduce eversion velocity, reduce plantarflexion when pushing off during a step, reduce inversion at heel strike, reduce eversion range of motion, reduce maximum internal tibial rotation, to increase stability during cutting motions, etc.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper that is at least partially formed from a base layer and thread sections that lie adjacent a surface of the base layer. The thread sections are positioned to provide structural elements that, for example, restrain stretch in directions corresponding with longitudinal axes of the thread sections. In some configurations of the footwear, a first portion of the thread sections may extend between forefoot and heel regions of the footwear, and a second portion of the thread sections may extend vertically. An embroidering process may be utilized to position the thread sections on the base layer.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper that is at least partially formed from a base layer and thread sections that lie adjacent a surface of the base layer. The thread sections are positioned to provide structural elements that, for example, restrain stretch in directions corresponding with longitudinal axes of the thread sections. In some configurations of the footwear, a first portion of the thread sections may extend between forefoot and heel regions of the footwear, and a second portion of the thread sections may extend vertically. An embroidering process may be utilized to position the thread sections on the base layer.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper that is at least partially formed from a base layer and thread sections that lie adjacent a surface of the base layer. The thread sections are positioned to provide structural elements that, for example, restrain stretch in directions corresponding with longitudinal axes of the thread sections. In some configurations of the footwear, a first portion of the thread sections may extend between forefoot and heel regions of the footwear, and a second portion of the thread sections may extend vertically. An embroidering process may be utilized to position the thread sections on the base layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe (1) with an outer shell (2) made of injection moulded plastic, in particular a ski shoe with at least one tightening means (12) arranged in the upper end section of the shoe collar (5) running ring-like around the upper end section of the shoe collar (5), and with at least one adjusting means (13) for tightening or limiting the width of the entry opening into the sports shoe (1) as necessary. For this a first and a further tightening element (15, 16) are arranged above one another in vertical direction within a section of the length of the tightening means (12), where the tightening elements (15, 16) run essentially parallel to one another. The first tightening element (15) is designed to bear against the peripheral sections of the comparatively flexible inner shoe (3) or its tongue (17) and the further tightening element (16) is designed to bear against the upper end section of the shoe collar (5) made of a relatively rigid plastic.

Abstract: A structural element for a sports shoe provided with a casing able to be selectively configured between a first rigid condition and a second flexible condition. The structural element comprises a tongue, shaped and provided at least with a first segment, or lower segment, attached to the casing, and a second segment, or upper segment, pivoted to the first segment, so as to be selectively taken to a first operating position in which the second segment is rigidly aligned with the first segment, and a second operating position in which the second segment is free to incline with respect to the first segment and substantially follows the movement of the tibial zone of the user's leg.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe is provided, having a display surface, preferably disposed on an insert, for the display of information when the insole is in place in a shoe. A shoe, for example a sports shoe, is also provided having a receiver disposed on its external surface. The receiver retains an insert having a display surface, visible when the shoe is being worn and adapted for the display of information. The display surface may carry a brand or other design and/or emit light or sound by means of a suitable emission device. An accessory for a shoe comprises a mount for securing to a shoe, the mount having a display surface adapted to be visible when the shoe is being worn. The mount preferably holds an insert of the kind mentioned above.

Abstract: A shoe with both functions of waterproof and ventilation includes an upper fabric including a ventilation film, on which a plurality of apertures are provided, a bottom fabric sewed on the upper fabric directly and an insole attached on the bottom side of the bottom fabric. The bottom fabric has two protrusion pieces on opposite edges, and the upper fabric has two portions associated with the protrusion pieces bent inwards to be attached on a margin of a bottom side of the bottom fabric and sewed thereon, such that the protrusion pieces are left at an inner side of the upper fabric.

Abstract: A snow plow includes a primary moldboard and auxiliary plow positioned behind the primary moldboard. The snow plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow. In the later case, the primary moldboard and auxiliary plow are attached to a drive frame that is rotatable about a frame. The frame is secured to the front of a vehicle by a frame and bracket, and controlled by hydraulic mechanisms. The auxiliary plow is operated independently of the moldboard by a pair of hydraulic cylinders and includes tines or a resilient blade for clearing snow and ice that is not taken up by the primary moldboard. The device also includes a mechanism whereby the scraping edge of the secondary plow follows the same path as the scraping edge of moldboard by sliding movement of the secondary plow relative to the drive frame, and the blade of the auxiliary plow may be formed by tines or a resilient blade.

Abstract: A reminder kit and method is disclosed having a pocket portion with an opening for receiving cards. The cards are used to write notes such as class homework assignments by subject. The pocket portion may be attached to a bag such as a backpack or purse for transport. The cards may be rewritable for reusing the cards as needed on subsequent occasions. The cards may be made of plastic which allows notes to be written or erased by an erasable marker. A sleeve added to the pocket portion can carry the marker or other writing implement.

Abstract: A product is sold at retail in an unusable state. Activation of the product does not require any steps be taken b y the retail seller. To activate the product, the purchaser uses a phone or personal computer to interact with a registration server for this type of product. Alter the consumer has provided sufficient identifying information, the registration server interacts with a qualification server that determines whether the purchaser meets the qualifications set for this type of product. For a weapon sale, this is typically a criminal background check. If qualified, the registration server receives an indication of qualification from the qualification server. The registration server and product communicate over a network to establish trust, store information in the product, and then activate the product. The product receives information via a network appliance, for example, a phone or personal computer. The receiver may sense sound from a speaker or light from a display of the network appliance.

Abstract: A gun is disclosed having conventional components and a holster. The gun has means for detecting removal of the gun from the holster, means for processing the output of the detection means, and means for authenticating the user of the gun. The gun has means for notifying remote authorities that the gun has been removed from the holster, means for receiving remote commands to lock the trigger and/or initiate a global positioning system. The gun has means for selectively locking the trigger from a remote location and means for selectively activating a global positioning system from the remote location.

Abstract: A weapon grip assembly for attachment to a forward portion of a weapon is provided. The invention includes a base assembly supported for operative engagement by a handle. The base assembly includes clamps adapted to be secured to a forward portion of the weapon and further includes a post having a clamp end adapted to retain the clamps for pivot motion with respect thereto. The post of the base assembly is received within a bore of the handle, a mandrel being interposed between the handle and the clamps of the base assembly. As the base assembly is drawn into the handle, by rotation of the handle about the post of the base assembly, the mandrel receives the clamp end of the post, with an upper free surface thereof engaging the clamps for pivoted closure about a portion of the weapon in furtherance of securing the weapon grip assembly thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling vibrations of a firearm barrel to increase firing accuracy and shot uniformity. A post is attached to the firearm barrel, and a locking bolt is screwed into the post. In the case of a rifle or similar weapon, the bolt preferably extends through an escutcheon which serves to attach the stock to the barrel.

Abstract: An accessory mount is removably affixed in place of a pre-existing tangent rear sight lever arm or leaf. The accessory mount is adapted for installation by a user without gunsmithing and includes an elongated body with a distal protuberance carrying opposing transverse trunnions or pins adapted to engage the tangent sight's base. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated body has an upper surface configured to accept accessories designed to clamp on a Picatinny-style rail, or a Weaver™ style rail and so provides a universal mounting surface for optical sights, scope rings or other accessories.

Abstract: A fish strike indicating apparatus is provided. The fish strike indicating apparatus includes a mounting unit for mounting to a rod holder, the mounting unit including a first portion and a second portion; an indicating unit for indicating movement of a fishing line, the indicating unit including a clip for connecting the indicating unit to a first end of the first portion of the mounting unit; and a detent unit for holding the indicating unit at a second end of the first portion of the mounting unit to a first end of the second portion of the mounting unit.

Abstract: A Fishing rod holder is disclosed for supporting a fishing rod. In whatever fashion needed to allow the fisherman to troll, or to free the fisherman to do other chores, or just to relax while the rod is set and poised to catch a fish.

Abstract: A jig-type fishing lure having a jig body with a hook extending from a rear portion of the body and a spinner-type fish attractant located forward of a front end of the jig body. A fishing line is attached to an attachment point located between the spinner-type fish attractant and the barb of the rearwardly extending hook.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a jig head used in spin fishing. According to the invention, the jig head comprises two symmetrical cut-off surfaces (3) and (3?) in the spherical part (1) of the hemisphere at both sides of the hook eye (4), whereas planes parallel to the cut-off surfaces intersect at an angle ranging from 65° to 30° and a cutting blade (5) is attached at their intersection. In addition, the jig head might be equipped with a spring (6) centrically embracing the hook (7), which at its one end is fixed to the bearing (8) which in turn is connected to the head via a bushing (9).

Abstract: An electronic mosquito racket includes a frame body holding a charged mesh, a grip accommodating a power control unit that is electrically connected to the charged mesh, and a shaft made out of a flexible material and connected between the frame body and the grip to enhance the swiping speed of the electronic mosquito racket and to provide a shock absorbing effect.

Abstract: A planting board system is provided for use in performing germination testing or planting within the flat of a seed type. The planting board system includes a housing, a lower panel disposed in the housing, said lower panel having a plurality of apertures disposed within the lower panel in a predetermined, spaced apart relationship and an upper panel disposed within the housing, the upper panel at least partially overlapping the lower panel and being moveable within the housing relative to the lower panel between first and second positions.

Abstract: This invention provides method and devices for receiving and/or delivering liquid to an object, devices for delivering liquid to a plant/seed/growing medium comprising: a conduit comprising: at least two about parallel plates one or more walls substantially sealing the plates and forming a substantially enclosed space, such that the devices are useful in hydroponic gardens. This invention also provides hydroponic gardens with such devices. The parallel plates and the walls can be rigid and hydrophobic.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and methods for providing liquid to a plant or a seed that can germinate into a plant, said system including: a liquid delivery device; an actuator; a vessel; and a vessel support; wherein said actuator is operable to cause said liquid delivery device to deliver said liquid to said plant or seed only when said vessel is brought into proximity with said vessel support.

Abstract: A modular, bottomless planter comprising a plurality of panels and at least one temporary fastener that is adapted for temporarily attaching at least one of the panels to another of the panels. The planter is configured to be temporarily assembled around the base of a stationary object, such as a mailbox post or tent stake, and filled with plants or other vegetation to produce a pleasing visual effect. In one embodiment of the invention, the planter includes four substantially planar panels that are configured to be stacked when the planter is in a disassembled configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating hydrogen gas using a catalyst or reagent and a boron hydride compound. The preferred hydrogen generation system includes a fuel cartridge and a hydrogen generation system balance of plant (BOP) module. Solid fuel is stored in individual fuel packets in a fuel chamber, and converted into a fuel solution. Fuel is pumped to a reactor where it produces hydrogen and borate. The hydrogen and borate product exit the reactor and are deposited in a hydrogen separation chamber separated from the fuel chamber by a moveable partition. Hydrogen is separated by a membrane and exits the generator. As fuel is consumed, the movable partition is disposed toward the fuel chamber and the borate product is deposited on one side of the movable partition. The controls are preferably contained in the BOP module.

Abstract: An explosion-venting door structure includes a doorframe having a top rail, a middle rail, and a bottom rail, a first door panel, which has a top mounting flange hinged to the bottom side of the top rail and a beveled bottom edge matching a beveled top edge of the middle rail, and a second door panel, which has a top mounting flange hinged to the bottom side of the middle rail and a beveled bottom edge matching a beveled top edge of the bottom rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passage barrier comprising at least one barrier element that can be swivelled around a swivelling axis inside a swivelling area, at least one sensor technology that detects the presence of a person in the swivelling area and that comprises at least one sending unit emitting detection waves as well as at least one reception unit and an electronic evaluation unit for evaluating the output signals of the sensor technology, wherein the sending unit and the reception unit are located such that a detection wave extending from the sending unit towards the reception unit extends through the swivelling area of the barrier element and wherein the barrier element is at least partially made of a detection wave transparent material. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a passage barrier according to the invention.

Abstract: A door assembly for a cooking apparatus is provided that prevents heat generated in a cooking chamber from being released to the outside while also being as thin as possible. The door assembly may include a glass support that supports a first glass panel on a front side, and a second glass panel on a rear side. The second glass panel may be supported by a seating protrusion and catching protrusions formed on the rear side of the glass support. A door frame may be coupled to the rear side of the glass support, with a third glass panel coupled to either a front or rear side thereof. A cover frame may be coupled to the rear side of the glass support to enclose the first, second and third glass panels and the door frame.

Abstract: An operable fenestration operating system for a structure including a window or skylight having a frame, an operable sash and presenting a resistance force opposing opening and closing of the sash. A motorized operator is coupled with the frame and the sash to selectively open and close the sash. The invention includes an operator control unit communicatively connected to the motorized operator. The operator control unit includes a processor, a sensor for sensing the magnitude of the resistance force, a pulse width modulation circuit for supplying electrical power to the motorized operator. The processor varies the torque output of the motorized operator using the pulse width modulation circuit in response to the sensed parameter.

Abstract: An adjusting system for a motor vehicle door is provided. The adjusting system comprising a window winder for adjusting a window, at least one guide area of the window winder for guiding the window along a direction of adjustment, a door lock and a lock support. The one guide area of the window winder and the lock support being fixedly connected to one another, such that the guide area and the lock support form a structural unit. The guide area which is combined with the lock support into a structural unit comprising at least one overlap area for a lateral window edge of the window to be adjusted and a further guide area of the window winder is provided, which is extended in the direction of adjustment of the window, and is positively engaged with a carrier being forcibly guided along the direction of adjustment of the window to be adjusted.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an automatic moving panel includes: a panel housing; a power source contained within the panel housing; a first motor contained within the panel housing and coupled to the power source; a second motor contained within the panel housing and coupled to the power source; a control circuit contained within the panel housing and coupled to the power source for controlling operation of the first and second motors; at least one first wheel extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the panel housing and coupled to the first motor, wherein the at least one first wheel is configured to be raised and lowered with respect to the bottom surface of the panel housing in response to mechanical forces generated by the first motor; and at least one second wheel extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the panel housing and coupled to the second motor, wherein the at least one second wheel automatically rotated in response to mechanical forces generated by the second motor, thereby moving the panel

Abstract: A door actuating system has a fractional horsepower motor mounted on the door adjacent its free edge, driving a clutch connected to a duplex capstan pulley that is wrapped by two tensioned flexible static lines, for opening/closing movement ‘along the line’. The motor also drives a gear that engages a rack projecting from the door frame, to displace the door relative to its frame. Rotation of the gear is read by a rotary encoder, which feeds a microprocessor, to continuously monitor the location, speed and direction of motion of the door, for both the ‘on’ and the ‘off’ condition of the electric motor. A latching clip over-rides action of the original door latch.

Abstract: An entranceway barrier comprises two telescoping L-shaped frame assemblies having a ratcheting locking system that allows the barrier to be quickly inserted in a doorway. A self-locking ratchet mechanism allows the barrier to move outward exerting a securing force against a frame gasket placed in a doorway until the ratchet is manually released. A severable panel slides into a channel and is secured with a gasket channel seal to provide flood protection. Another embodiment comprises two telescoping C-shaped frame assemblies with two panel sections that slide adjacent to each other to provide adjustability.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a glass run which corresponds to an outer peripheral configuration of a door glass. The glass run includes a body portion which is provided with a bottom wall portion and an interior side wall portion and an exterior side wall portion which extend from both edges of the bottom wall portion, respectively, and a pair or seal lips which establish seals between the door glass and themselves. Furthermore, with respect to a direction towards an inside or outside of a door frame, a foot portion of the exterior seal lip is positioned further on the outer peripheral side than an inner-peripheral edge portion of a molding member.

Abstract: An inflatable air beam having a laceloop assembly affixed thereto, a structure utilizing same and a method of constructing a structure is provided. In the structure, the fabric is laced to a structural support, typically, an air beam to position and properly tension the fabric thereon. The laceloop assembly includes spaced apart adjacent laceloops that are interconnected to secure the fabric panel to the structural support. In practicing the method, the laceloops are passed through fabric panels and through adjacent laceloops to interconnect the adjacent laceloops and secure the fabric panels to the structural support.

Abstract: A snow guard for preventing snow from sliding off a roof top having a longitudinal strap with an up-roof end and a down-roof end, a snow restraining barrier with a generally arcuate shape and supported by a brace, the snow restraining barrier and the brace are both coupled to the down-roof end of the strap, and a rim extending up-roof along the periphery of the snow restraining barrier to grip snow accumulating on the roof top.

Abstract: A system for dividing a workspace includes a wall designed to divide the workspace into a workspace and an area outside of the workspace. The wall includes a variety of features such as a slit extending horizontally across at least a portion of the wall at a level designed to provide individuals seated within the interior workspace with a constant view of the area outside of the workspace at both an immediate periphery of the wall as well as areas at a distance from the wall. Furthermore, the slit includes dimensions configured to provide individuals located in the area outside of the workspace with a view into the interior workspace when at a distance from the wall and restrict individuals located in the area outside of the workspace from views into the interior workspace when in close proximity to the wall. Also, the wall may include other feature such as a visual shield extending thereabove and a lining formed by a composite construction element.

Abstract: A building module has an exterior shape generally of a cuboid having side, end, top and bottom faces, and fabricated from metal, the module being hollow and defining a space of a size suitable for occupation by a person. The module includes fastening elements (21, 69) to allow the module to be fastened to another adjacent module and to allow for engagement by standard load handling equipment for handling freight containers. The module has an overall exterior width greater than 2700 mm and includes a first set of fastening elements (21, 69A, 69B, 69C, 69D) in the region of a first end of the top of the module and a second end of the top of the module. The fastening elements of each set include two fastening elements (e.g. 21 and 69C) spaced apart from one another at a centre-to-centre spacing (D) of about (2260) mm.

Abstract: A method for converting a worker housing module including a roof rafter to modify the appearance thereof, the method comprising: providing a worker housing module previously used to house workers in a dormitory style arrangement; exposing an outboard end of the roof rafter; and connecting a roof rafter extension to extend beyond the outboard end of the roof rafter to increase a roof eave projection on the structure.

Abstract: A low-harm spiked barrier for a structure such as a fence is disclosed which has a base having spikes. The spikes are spaced apart by a distance less than that required to obtain a finger grip or a foothold on the base between the spikes. The spikes are slightly rounded so the spikes will not likely cause permanent injury and the spikes also provide a psychological deterrent if someone attempting to scale the structure on which the spiked barrier is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention is a waste-tire foundation bag. Stackable bags suitable for containing soil are filled with 50% waste tire portions and 50% soil. The bag openings are closed to prevent the contents from falling out. The bags are stacked in piles in a building-foundation excavation pit. Concrete is poured over and between the piles, whereby the solidified concrete foundation rests on the piles of waste-tire bags.

Abstract: This swimming pool consists of a first sheet or layer of concrete (1) forming the foundation, on which general “C” profile prefabricated reinforced concrete parts (2a, 2b, 2c) are laid, which have tongues or clips (25, 26) projecting from the reinforcement, holes (22) to assemble side torque means (3, 31), vertical channels (23) which define a housing containing concrete filler (4) with expansive additives, and vertical bevels (24) to place sealing filler (5) of the joints. It also consists of a bed (6), which covers the front tongues or clips (25), an upper perimeter finish (7, 8) and a lining of tiles (9) applied directly on the prefabricated parts (2a, 2b, 2c) and the bed (6).

Abstract: A frame is constructed to support a roof. A plurality of panels can be slid into position on the frame from the ground. A mating channel joint is formed between adjacent panels that allows one panel to be slid over the adjacent panel into the proper position. The panels engage frame members to properly position the panels on the roof. The roof panels are formed with mounting structures located on the interior or underside thereof. The mounting structures include holes or other receptacles for receiving a rigid connector member. The frame members are also provided with receptacles for receiving the connector member. The connector member is inserted through the first mounting structure, through the receptacle in the frame member and through the mounting structure of the adjacent panel.

Abstract: The invention concerns an elevator system comprising an elevator car with a working platform arranged for carrying people or materials and which by means of the interaction between a gear wheel and gear rack can be moved along an elongated generally vertical mast constructed from a number of mast sections mounted on top of each other. To facilitate the erection, tearing down and anchoring of the mast to a nearby building structure, the moving unit comprises a passenger-carrying service and assembly platform, which, via a swing arm, is flexibly supported by the elevator car to allow a swivel action in a horizontal plane (C, D) relative to the elevator car.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steel-concrete hollow bodied slab or ceiling comprising concrete webs, which are arranged in between hollow bodies, and a reinforcing layer on top of the hollow bodies and a reinforcing layer underneath the hollow bodies, wherein a hollow body is embodied as a peripherally closed container which is devoid of any ascending force and which is open towards the bottom, whereby ventilation holes are provided in the covering wall thereof and the container comprises spacers. The aim of the invention is to obtain a low-cost hollow bodied slab/ceiling exhibiting good load-bearing behavior and an increased ability to discharge transversal forces according to local requirements. According to the invention, the concrete in at least one concrete web consists of high-tensile fibers and/or at least one steel strut, preferably a double wall anchor, and/or the hollow body which is devoid of ascendant forces has a conical or truncated pyramidal periphery whose uppermost end forms a dome-shaped arch.

Abstract: A decorative molding system and method of installation is provided that has a base piece and a crown piece that are adapted to be selectively engagable to each other. The molding system is easy to construct and allows for the separation of the base piece and crown piece for placing wiring or other materials behind the molding.

Abstract: A framing system has a plank member with ribs protruding therefrom and a frame member with a receptor pocket therein such that the rib of the plank member is resiliently engaged within the receptor pocket of the frame member to secure the plank member to the frame member. The plank member may also be laterally moved relative to the frame member such that the ribs slide within and engage the receptor pockets. The invention is also directed to a method for engaging the plank member with the frame member along with a method for fabricating the frame member.

Abstract: A refractory tile system is provided that includes a plurality of tiles adapted for assembly to cover the wall of the boiler. Each tile includes a main body has a front surface and a back surface and includes silicon carbide and a metallic phase including silicon. Each tile also includes an engagement structure with an engagement void for receiving a complementary stud structure extending from the wall of the boiler. Each tile also includes a void plane defined by a plurality of points within the engagement void that are closest to the front surface, and a hot face plane parallel to the void plane defined by a plurality of points on the front surface closest to the void plane, and Ds?0.25 Ta, where Ds is the shortest distance between the void plane and the hot face plane and Ta is the average thickness of the main body.