Abstract: A fastening apparatus for a shoe including an adjustable gap with two sides and a fastener with two elements, wherein one fastener element is attached to the first side of the adjustable gap. At least one lace is threaded through holes along the two sides of the adjustable gap, and two ends of the lace are fastened together between the second fastening element and the second side of the adjustable gap. The lace is threaded at one end through an opening in the second fastener element and forms at least one lace segment that extends from the second fastener element to the second side of the adjustable gap, and at least one lace segment extends from the second side of the adjustable gap to the first side of the adjustable gap. The two ends of the at least one lace may be fastened together by a knot. For tightening the shoe, the second fastener element is pulled towards the first side of the adjustable gap, and is attached to the first fastener element for keeping the shoe fastened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fitted, supportive, comfortable shoe upper with a laceless closure device comprising one interlaced strap capable of rapid adjustment in multiple planes of movement.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert.

Abstract: A stability device that increases foot security on the footbed of a shoe, provides lateral or medial stability, shock dampening, and optimizes flexibility. The stability device includes a resilient bladder insert having a horizontal sole portion underneath a wearer's foot, and a foot portion positioned along a lateral or medial side edge of a wearer's foot. The sole portion and the foot portion are in fluid communication. The stability device can be generally L-shaped to cradle a portion of the foot. The stability device can also include a plurality of finger-shaped elements that encircle the top of the foot and expand down onto the foot due to an increase in fluid pressure therein.

Abstract: An athletic shoe particularly suited for kicking sports comprises an outsole, and upper section and an insole. The insole has at least three compressible layers, the outsole has relatively straight inside and outside edges, as well as a grooved bottom surface. The inner and outer sides of the upper section may also be relatively flat. The shoe may further comprise a padded inner tongue and a flat outer tongue.

Abstract: An article of footwear can receive an insert having ball control elements. The ball control elements protrude through a tongue of the upper to engage other surfaces. The inserts may be purchased separately from the article of footwear and interchanged to be used in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: An article of footwear can receive a bootie. The article can include an upper to receive the bootie. Ball control elements may be provided on the bootie and the ball control elements can extend through the upper. The ball control elements can be configured to aid kicking or to interact with various surfaces. The upper can receive different booties having different ball control elements.

Abstract: A footwear accessory system is presented. The system includes a shoe including an exterior surface upon which an individual may desire to customize. An interchangeable article is provided having an appearance that the individual desires to place on the exterior surface of the shoe. The article further includes a contour to match a contour of the exterior surface of the shoe. A means for attaching the interchangeable article to the shoe is provided. When attached to the shoe, the article remains in place during normal use of the shoe by the individual. The individual, for replacement by another interchangeable article, can easily remove the article.

Abstract: A shoe (100) provides a sole (105) under the ball of the foot (110) but none below the arch (112) or heel (113). An upper (104) encircles the metatarsal bones and the distal end of the tarsals. An inelastic ankle band (102) shaped as “C” holds the shoe on the foot. Support is mainly longitudinal, includes over the arch, may be adjustable, and is provided without causing foot distortion. Sensation from exposed parts of the foot promotes kinaesthetic procedure for teaching and learning dance. Variations enclose the dorsal part of the foot, some enclose the toes, and one optio is a toe box for en pointe.

Abstract: An article of footwear with primary cleats and secondary cleats is disclosed. The primary and secondary cleats are preferably disposed on an outer peripheral zone of a forefoot portion of a sole and present a walled cleat system on a portion of the outer peripheral zone. The article of footwear also includes bladed toe cleats.

Abstract: A boot including a sole and an upper, the boot extending length-wise from a heel to a front end, and height-wise from the sole to an upper end, the boot having an opening for foot insertion, and including a lateral portion, a medial portion, as well as a tightening device, the tightening device including a first linkage, a second linkage, as well as connections of the linkages to the upper. The first linkage runs from one portion to the other, in the area of the instep. The second linkage passes through an initial sliding connection located on one of the portions, then through a first intermediate sliding connection located on the other portion, then extends along the upper by going around the heel, between the sole and the upper end, so as to arrive at a fixed end connection located on that of the portions which carries the initial connection.

Abstract: An article of footwear with heel traction elements is disclosed. The heel traction elements enhance traction and stability when backpedaling or moving laterally. The heel traction elements may be disposed on a heel wrap. The heel traction elements may be disposed so they are in line with each other.

Abstract: An exercising device for securely receiving a user's shoe. The device comprises an elevated sole member, a cover member above the sole member open at its rear end for receiving the shoe, a means for securing the shoe, a means for providing grip to the shoe, and a means for providing traction to the device during use. The cover member is of sufficient thickness and length such that the heel of the user's shoe is elevated off the ground when the user's shoe is securely received. The cover member has elastic and non-elastic portions.

Abstract: An exercising device for securely receiving a user's shoe. The device comprises an elevated sole member, a cover member above the sole member open at its rear end for receiving the shoe, a means for securing the shoe, a means for providing grip to the shoe, and a means for providing traction to the device during use. The cover member is of sufficient thickness and length such that the heel of the user's shoe is elevated off the ground when the user's shoe is securely received. The cover member has elastic and non-elastic portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cleated shoe protection system having a sandal member for receiving a shoe with a plurality of gripping members and a disposable insert member configured to fit within the sandal member. The disposable insert member has a deformable top layer to form a plurality of recesses by pressing the gripping members of an athletic shoe into the insert member so as to accommodate different patterns of gripping members. The present invention is also directed to a kit containing the cleated shoe protection system as well as extra disposable insert members and a display rack or bag.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole element, an upper sheet, and a lower sheet. The midsole element has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. In addition, the midsole element defines a plurality of bores extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The upper sheet is secured to the upper surface and extends over at least a portion of the bores. The lower sheet is secured to the lower surface, and the lower sheet is positioned to correspond in location with the upper sheet and extend under the portion of the bores.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermoplastic polyurethane which is comprised of the reaction product of (1) a hydroxyl terminated intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, and (3) a glycol chain extender selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol; wherein the hydroxyl terminated intermediate is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl terminated polyether intermediates and hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediates; wherein the hydroxyl terminated intermediate is comprised of repeat units that are derived from a branched glycol or is comprised of at least 2 different repeating units; wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane has a weight average molecular weight of at least 100,000 Daltons; wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane includes hard segments that are the reaction product of the polyisocyanate and the glycol chain extender; and wherein the hard segments represent from 10 to 40 weight percent of the total weight of the thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an underwater sediment evacuation system. The invention uses a suction pile and one or more pumps, valves, and lines to evacuate sediment contained within the internal volume of the suction pile.

Abstract: A cover for temporary license plate provides a temporary license plate that is durable, that cannot be doctored or counterfeited, and that must be registered with the state.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a single-use beverage container assembly having a beverage container which includes an inner surface defining a chamber capable of receiving a liquid, an opening configured to provide access to the chamber and an outer surface comprising a receiving cavity. In certain embodiments, the beverage container further includes an informational attachment including promotional information. The receiving cavity can be configured to receive the informational attachment such that the informational attachment can be stowed in the receiving cavity. The beverage container assembly can also be configured to permit the informational attachment to be at least partially removed from the receiving cavity such that the informational attachment can be separated from the beverage container.

Abstract: A LED signboard includes a transparent base panel carrying a design of a fluorescent substance and having a groove formed in the back side and extending around the border, and a programmable controller-controlled LED light set mounted in the groove of the transparent base panel to hold LEDs in a parallel manner relative to the extending direction of the transparent base panel so that the LEDs emit light into the transparent base panel to illuminate the design in the transparent base panel subject to a predetermined order and frequency and at the same time the glow of the LEDs goes to the outside of LED signboard to show an lacing lighting effect.

Abstract: A user authorization system including printing a human cognizable digital image of a user onto an article. The article being a bracelet, a pass key, a placard, a legal citation, a vehicle rental agreement and a tag. The human cognizable image optionally being stored in a computer memory in combination with personal user information, the memory to be accessed to verify user authorization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blank sticking dedication card for a replaceable gift that comprises a self adhesive label having a base layer and a dedication card layer wherein between adhesive material is spread between the layers. The label is provided with a personalized area where a user can fill out a personal dedication. A separable portion is further associated with the self adhesive label so as to identify the gift when replacement is in order. The receiving user can adhere the dedication card on the original gift or on the replaced gift.

Abstract: A method wherein an indicia is selected from one of diverse indicia sources that promotes an informational application, a holder may be selected from a holder source specialized for the given application, and a display is selected from a display source. The indicia is placed in a suggested manner in the display or the indicia and holder unit are placed in the display such that the desired information is displayed. The flap portions of the display are manipulated to expose or conceal releasable, reusable adhesive portions, to suit the carrying of the display appliance, as in a book or bag, or the display of the display appliance from either side in a vertical or horizontal position, as on a cabinet, or wall. An easel insert oir easel attachment allows for a standing position on a counter top or table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a luggage tag which comprises a card case (1), a connecting part (3) and at least one cover (2), wherein a first end of the cover (2) is disposed with an engaging means (21), the engaging means (21) is slightly larger than the body (22) of the cover (2), two sides of the body (22) of the cover (2) each forms a locking corner at a position to which the engaging means is connected, the engaging means (21) is disposed with a groove or a pressed line (25) which connects with the two sides thereof, the cover (2) is divided along the groove or the pressed line (25) into two parts, namely, the engaging means (21) and the body (22), the groove or the pressed line (25) forms a thinner folding area on the cover (2), therefore, the body (22) can be movably lifted up along the groove or the pressed line (25); the card case (1) has at least one open face (12), a first end of the open face (12) corresponding to the engaging means (21) is disposed with an engaging cavity, the engaging cavity

Abstract: A display device including a display case for displaying an item, and a frame disposed around a perimeter edge of the display case, the frame comprising at least one magnetic frame element. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple display devices are arranged to form a modular display device. In another exemplary embodiment, multiple display devices may be arranged in a modular display device album.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-shot rifle, comprising a receiver (1), a barrel (6) which is attached to the receiver (1), a bolt (8) housing a firing pin (24), located in correspondence with the back end of the barrel (6), wherein the bolt (8) and the back end of the barrel (6) are configured such that the bolt (8) can be coupled to the back end of the barrel (6) by means of a sliding movement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, such that the bolt (8) can travel between a loading position in which it leaves the back end of the barrel (6) clear such that the user can introduce a bullet in a chamber of the barrel (6) through said back end of the barrel (6), and a firing position in which said chamber is locked by said bolt (8), the barrel (6) and the bolt (8) being attached by means of at least one rib (61) entering at least one channel (81).

Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for mounting one or more accessories to a rail of a firearm. A mounting member may be utilized for attaching the one or more accessories to the rail. Embodiments further include a method and apparatus for protecting a user from a discharging portion of a firearm. Some embodiments include a foregrip having a gripping portion and a guarding portion which may be used for protecting the user. In some embodiments, the guarding portion has a larger outer diameter than the gripping portion so that the guarding portion acts as a stop for the user's body parts.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include a housing, at least one optic supported by the housing, and a fiber supported by the housing and selectively supplying light to the at least one optic. A sleeve may be supported by the housing and may include an opening that selectively exposes the fiber to vary an amount of light supplied to the at least one optic and a cover extending over the opening and movable with the sleeve relative to the fiber.

Abstract: Digital photography and a dye-sublimation process are used to generate and affix, in sequence, each of a succession of photographs of a particular environment onto one or more fabric panels that form a camouflage hunting blind whereby the sequence of the photographs generate a 360° continuous panoramic view or realistic pattern that replicates the actual outdoor environment in which the blind is placed, such as a replication of the actual trees, bushes, and like foliage of the setting in which the blind is to be placed.

Abstract: A fishing lure and spinner apparatus that includes first and second fin elements, a flexible medial band disposed between the first and second fin elements, first and second corner portions, one each disposed between and connecting the first and second adjustable fin elements to the medial band, first and second adjustment creases, one each interposed between the flexible medial band and the first and second adjustable fin elements, and a fastener assembly to secure said apparatus to a live or dead bait fish.

Abstract: A fish harvesting head with a rotatable barb device that is held in place with a piercing tip and is configured to move between fish piercing, fish retaining and fish releasing positions. The fish harvesting head is formed from a fish harvesting body having a barb receiving slot positioned in the forward portion of the fish harvesting body that extends along a longitudinal axis of the fish harvesting body. The barb receiving slot enables the barb to be quickly replaced or removed. The fish harvesting head may also include a piercing tip retaining device positioned in the barb receiving slot and in contact with an inner surface of the piercing tip for increasing resistance to movement of the piercing tip relative to the fish harvesting body and prevent accidental loosening of the tip.

Abstract: A fishing net includes a hoop having a net defining a catch area and having an array of illumination elements on the hoop. A bracket connects first and second ends of the hoop and defines a passage therebetween. The fishing net includes a handle coupled to the bracket and movable through the passage between use and storage configurations. A lantern is coupled to a distal end of the handle relative to the hoop, the lantern being movable between retracted, extended, and offset configurations relative to the handle. The fishing net includes a flexible shaft having a light element and that is movable between a retracted configuration in the handle and an extended configuration extending from the handle adjacent the hoop for illuminating a specific area.

Abstract: A fishing lure device. The device has a weighted head member configured as a fish head. In a specific embodiment, the weighted head member comprises primarily of a metal material. The weighted head member has a first end forming an apex extending to a second end. In a specific embodiment, the device has an elongated body member attached to the weighted head member at the second end. The elongated body member comprising a shaped wood material, which is buoyant. In a specific embodiment, the elongated body member extends from the second end to a tail end. The device also has a triangular cross-section characterizing a portion of the elongated body member. The triangular cross-section comprises a first side region, a second side region, and a base region. In a specific embodiment, the base region is a bottom portion of the elongated body member.

Abstract: A fishing sinker with a curved bottom surface in which concavity(s) is formed in the upper part for attaching bait or simulated bait, thus having a shape that the upper part of the sinker is lighter and the lower part is heavier. A tapered through-hole that passes through the concavity at an angle with respect to the centerline passing through the center of gravity of the sinker is provided in the sinker, and also a detachable fish luring member and underwater fin are attached to the sinker.

Abstract: In a method of attracting mosquitoes using a mixture of carbon dioxide and a mosquito attractant, the improvement of maximizing attraction by preventing or substantially minimizing absorption of moisture into the attractant that would distort the weight of the attractant left after effusion of attractant in a plume, comprising: a) regulating flow of CO2 through an inlet containing a desiccant into a confined chamber; b) allowing CO2 from step a) to admix with an attractant vapor emitted from a wick extending through an opening in an enclosed vial containing a liquid attractant in the confined chamber; c) emitting an admixture of desiccated CO2 and attractant as a plume through an outlet of the confined chamber to lure mosquitoes for a predetermined time; and d) weighing the amount of liquid attractant left in the enclosed vial to ascertain the amount of vaporous attractant emitted in the plume to ascertain the number of mosquitoes attracted per amount of attractant.

Abstract: A device for illumination and insect extermination for use with a conventional electrical wall outlet features a light source and an electrocution grid both operatively connected to electrical connectors through which power is supplied. The light source and grid are arranged such that the grid does not interfere with the transmission of light in at least one direction. A housing and a perforated translucent guard positioned about the light source and grid allow a substantial portion of the light emitted to leave the device while preventing accidental human contact with the electrocution grid. A switch allows the grid to be manually disabled while removal of the guard causes automatic disabling. A photoelectric sensor prevents wasteful energy use by activating the light source only when the surrounding environment is substantially dark.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a) a bait box which is adapted to the use of bait-containing blisters; b) a system for the use of bait-containing blisters in pest control, consisting of a bait box and bait-containing blisters; c) the use of the bait box or of the system; and d) methods for controlling pests.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insect control apparatus. The insect control apparatus comprises a gun member and a pair of opposable pad members. The gun member comprises an elongated barrel, a gripping handle, and a trigger mechanism. The elongated barrel is configured with a plunger mechanism capable of a movement in a lateral direction. The gripping handle is adapted to extend from the elongated barrel at an angle to an axis of the elongated barrel. The trigger mechanism extends from the gripping handle and is operably coupled to the plunger mechanism for triggering the movement of the plunger mechanism. The pair of opposable pad members is operably coupled to the gun member. Each opposable pad member comprises an arm extension capable of being actuated by the movement of the plunger mechanism in the lateral direction for pressing opposable pad members against each other and retracting opposable pad members from each other.

Abstract: A process of upgrading a highly aromatic hydrocarbon feedstream comprising (a) contacting a highly aromatic hydrocarbon feedstream, wherein a major portion of the feedstream has a boiling range of from about 300° F. to about 800° F., under catalytic conditions with a catalyst system, containing a hydrotreating catalyst and a hydrogenation/hydrocracking catalyst in a single stage reactor system, wherein the active metals in the hydrogenation/hydrocracking catalyst comprises from about 5%-30% by weight of nickel and from about 5%-30% by-weight tungsten; and (b) wherein at least a portion of said highly aromatic hydrocarbon feedstream is converted to a product stream having a boiling range within jet or diesel boiling ranges.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel composition for internal combustion engines comprising a trialkylamine. Specifically, the fuel composition for internal combustion engines is prepared by adding a tertiary amine of trialkylamine to a gasohol which is a mixture of anhydrous or hydrous ethanol and naphtha, wherein the hydrous ethanol contains up to 10% by volume of water and shows an improved inhibition of a phase separation and corrosion.

Abstract: The essential oils of Eupatorium capillifolium (Dogfennel) and Eupatorium compositifolium (Yankeeweed) may be isolated in unexpectedly high yield by steam distillation of the whole or leafy parts of the plants. Such oils may be used as motor fuels in gasoline and diesel engines in unrefined and refined form. Eupatorium oil is amenable to separation into lower boiling and higher boiling fractions better suited to gasoline and diesel fuel use, respectively. It is also amenable to refining by hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, reforming, cracking and alkylation of the whole oil or isolated components thereof.

Abstract: A method is presented for production of a cetane-index improvement additive for diesel oil produced from biodiesel from castor bean oil. Said method employs nitration at the site of the hydroxyl functionality already forming part of the natural molecular chemical structure of the fatty acid ester generated in the production of biodiesel obtained from castor bean oil. The present method is advantageous through having a lower number of processing stages, lower rate of undesired nitration of unsaturations, lower consumption of nitrating mixture, reduction in the level of attachment of NO2 to the molecules of the additive and consequent reduction in undesirable environmental impacts caused by NOx, and utilising a raw material from a renewable source. The present cetane improvement additive may be employed as an additive to diesel oil of mineral origin, biodiesel, or synergetic mixtures thereof in any proportion.

Abstract: The method of adding to gasoline which has been stored in a container, of relatively small size for a substantial period of time to cause substantial loss of the more volatile gasoline components, an additive composition which comprises a flammable organic liquid having a Reid vapor pressure of 2 to 18 psig, to improve starting capacity of a motor fueled by said gasoline.

Abstract: A direct-burning grill smoking composition for imparting the flavor of a selected hardwood to a grilled food product contains a quantity of particles of the selected hardwood distributed in a solid matrix formed by partially dehydrating a slurry containing the hardwood particles and a binder dispersed in water. Following ignition, the grill smoking composition continues to smolder without the need for application of further heat until the grill smoking composition is reduced to ashes.

Abstract: A device for converting carbonaceous matter into synthesis gas includes a plasma head and a reformer connected to and extending downwardly from the plasma head. The plasma head may include a vortex zone, a plasma zone positioned beneath the vortex zone, and an oxidant input adjacent an upper portion of the vortex zone for inputting oxidant into the vortex zone. The plasma head may also include a high voltage electrode positioned to extend through a medial portion of the vortex zone and having a termination in the vortex zone so that high voltage discharge strikes are emitted into a lower portion of the vortex zone, a carbonaceous matter input for inputting carbonaceous matter into the plasma zone, and a plasma zone exit. The reformer may include a post plasma zone positioned beneath the plasma zone, a thermal barrier protective layer adjacent an uppermost portion of the post plasma zone adjacent an exit of the plasma zone, a catalyst carried by the post plasma zone, and a synthesis gas output.

Abstract: The invention describes a system and method for hydrogen sulfide decontamination of natural gas using a scavenging reagent. The system uses a scavenging reagent within two reactors wherein the consumption of scavenging reagent is optimized by the control of flow of clean and partially-consumed scavenging reagent within and between the two reactors.

Abstract: The present invention, in one configuration, is directed to producing a methane-containing gas from a hydrocarbon fuel energy source extracted from an in-situ recovery operation, such as a SAGD or HAGD operation, and subsequently converting at least a portion of the gas into steam, electrical power and diluents for subsequent use in the aforementioned in-situ recovery operation while emitting only controlled amounts of carbon dioxide into the environment.

Abstract: A conductive movable body opens and closes an opening portion formed in a conductive opening forming body. The movable body has a front edge portion positioned in a front side in the closing direction of the movable body. The opening portion has an opposed edge portion opposed to the front edge portion. The sensor is arranged in a layout body corresponding to one of the opening forming body and the movable body, and is arranged in one of the front edge portion and the opposed edge portion. The sensor is capable of detecting a conductive object-to-be-detected on the basis of a change of a capacitance between a sensor electrode and the object-to-be-detected coming close to the sensor electrode. A guard electrode is provided between the layout body and the sensor electrode. An electric potential of the guard electrode is kept equal to an electric potential of the sensor electrode or kept at a fixed rate with respect to the electric potential of the sensor electrode.

Abstract: A movable barrier drive case (300) and a clamp (301) wherein the clamp can be configured and arranged to securely and non-temporarily attached the movable barrier drive case to a mounting channel (100). The movable barrier drive case can be configured and arranged to attach securely and non-temporarily to a movable barrier drive assembly. By these teachings, this movable barrier drive case can further comprise an installation safety latch (402) that is configured and arranged to securely and only temporarily maintain a selected disposition of the movable barrier drive case with respect to the mounting channel during installation of the movable barrier drive case. So configured, the installation safety latch can serve to maintain the movable barrier drive case in an installer's selected position with respect to the mounting channel during installation prior to using the clamp to non-temporarily attach the movable barrier drive case to the mounting channel.