Abstract: A high heel shoe has an insole, an outsole, and a shank embedded between the insole and outsole, the shank comprising a heel portion with a depression to accommodate a user's heel, and a lateral ridge element in front of the heel portion that exerts pressure against the forward movement of a user's heel when worn. The shank further comprises a front portion sloping downward from the lateral ridge along the arch of the insole, which optionally is padded.

Abstract: A sleeved blanket useful for holding an infant features a sleeve, and a blanket spanning to one side thereof. The blanket has an extension reaching longitudinally beyond the sleeve to enable folding of the blanket extension across a torso anterior of the caregiver from the worn sleeve on one arm and over the opposing shoulder. Unique methods of transitioning an infant from a swaddled state to a laid down position are disclosed, along with unique nursing applications for the sleeved blanket. A neck strap is worn across the backside of the neck and over the unsleeved shoulder to help balance the worn position of the sleeve, and features stimuli for the infant, fastening or toy-carrying elements, and/or a burp/split-up cloth. The sleeve includes a shoulder portion to better maintain the worn position, and gripping elements are provided on the sleeve and/or blanket to help maintain useful positions thereof during use.

Abstract: A snowshoe with an integrated articulating link is provided, where a surface support structure and a foot connector plate are connected by a multi-axial articulating link. The surface support structure, the foot connector plate and the articulating link constitute a structural unit, a mono-construction. The multi-axial tilt motion in the articulating link is achieved by extension and compression in the material structure. The extension and compression in the material structure is controlled by one or more corrugations in the arms.