Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in securing a specimen (S) in a folding specimen holder (58) having an arm blade (12). A spring clip (26) releasably secures the grid (58) to the arm blade (12) so that one or more specimens may be loaded into the holder (58). A slider (22) mounted on the arm blade (12) operates to fold the holder (58) upon itself in order to secure the specimens (S) in the holder (58). The spring clip (26) is thereafter operated to release the holder (58) after the holder (58) has been transferred from a first workstation (48) to a second workstation (62).

Abstract: A laced shoe (10) having a left quarter (20) and a right quarter (18) has first and second sets of eyelet pairs (38) and (42) mounted respectively on said left and right quarters (20) and (18). The sets (38) and (42) include a set of large eyelets (62) and a set of small eyelets (68). A pair of large eyelets (62) are interposed between pairs of small eyelets (68).

Abstract: A midsole (18) is formed from a first, interior member (26) and a second, exterior member (28) molded around the top and sides of the first member (26). The first and second members (26) and (28) are formed of cushionable material and the second member (28) has a higher hardness and resiliency than the first member (26).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe (10) includes joining a toe bottom sock portion (54) on a join line (56) to a toe portion (46) of an upper (12) to form a shoe sock (57). The join line (56) is near toe portion bottom margin (60) and the front perimeter of sock portion (54), and extends from a first side (50) of shoe (10) around the front (51) to a second side (52). A sole (30) is joined to the shoe sock (57) to complete the shoe (10).

Abstract: A pad (30) for the protection and support of the Achilles tendon of the foot is provided for an over-the-ankle shoe (10). The pad (30) is formed of resiliently yieldable material and is disposed between the exterior upper (26) of the shoe and an interior linear (28). The pad (30) extends vertically from the top (38) of the shoe downward sufficiently to cover the most exteriorly prominent section of the Achilles tendon, and extends horizontally at least far enough to protect the Achilles tendon from strain or injury, while allowing for flexure of same.

Abstract: A stabilizing strap (80) for external use with a shoe (98) includes a plantar strap (82), a first dorsal strap (84), a second dorsal strap (86) and an Achilles strap (94). Dorsal strap (84) is attached at one end to the medial end of plantar strap (82) and at one end thereof dorsal strap (86) is attached to the lateral end of plantar strap (82). Achilles strap (94) is attached at one end thereof to the medial end of plantar strap (82). A ring clasp (96) is attached to the lateral end of plantar strap (82) for receiving the free end of Achilles strap (94) and for cooperating therewith to enable adjustable tensioning of the strap about shoe (98). Eyelets (88) are provided along the edges (90, 92) of dorsal straps (84, 86). A lace (106) is provided to extend between edges (90, 92) of dorsal straps (84, 86) and to be received in eyelets (88) to thus adjustably tension the dorsal straps about shoe (98).