Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe lacing configuration where short straps attached to sides of an article of footwear are formed with loops. A secondary lacing strap includes loops through which a lace extends. The lace extends through lacing means formed on opposite sides of a boot and further extends through the loops in the secondary lacing strap. The secondary lacing strap has the effect of doubling the force applied to the lace on the opposite sides of the boot in a manner similar to that of a block and tackle thus improving the lace tightening characteristics of the article of footwear.

Abstract: In one embodiment, in a multi-plate clutch (100), drive plates (7) and driven plates (8) and (8') are interposed between a flywheel (2) and a clutch pressure assembly (10). The driven plates (8') having contact portions (51) each extending further from projections (27) and further extending radially inwardly therefrom, and contactable at both end in the axial direction of the second cylindrical portion (13). In an alternate embodiment, only one driven plate (8') is provided and a plate member (55) is fixed to a hub flange (6) to limit axial movement between the driven plate (8') and the hub flange (6). In another embodiment a multi-plate clutch (200) includes a cushion ring (60) is disposed between the pressure plate (29) and a diaphragm spring (30). Further, the diaphragm spring (30) has inner circumferential slits (66) and outer circumferential slits (67) to improve air flow therethrough for cooling.

Abstract: In one embodiment, in a multi-plate clutch (100), drive plates (7) and driven plates (8) and (8') are interposed between a flywheel (2) and a clutch pressure assembly (10). The driven plates (8') having contact portions (51) each extending further from projections (27) and further extending radially inwardly therefrom, and contactable at both end in the axial direction of the second cylindrical portion (13). In an alternate embodiment, only one driven plate (8') is provided and a plate member (55) is fixed to a hub flange (6) to limit axial movement between the driven plate (8') and the hub flange (6). In another embodiment a multi-plate clutch (200) includes a cushion ring (60) is disposed between the pressure plate (29) and a diaphragm spring (30). Further, the diaphragm spring (30) has inner circumferential slits (66) and outer circumferential slits (67) to improve air flow therethrough for cooling.

Abstract: An elastic member made of, for instance, a rubber material, is fixed to a piston member of a lockup clutch. A wet friction facing is fixed to the elastic member. The elastic member provides a cushioning effect when the lockup clutch is engaged for controlled slippage.