Abstract: A method for forming a composite sole to an upper of a shoe includes molding a blank midsole to an upper of a shoe while protecting the material of the upper from the heat involved in molding the midsole to the upper, and subsequently adhering an outsole having a desired traction surface to the blank midsole. The method requires less heat and less time than prior art vulcanization processes that form entire soles to footwear uppers, and also requires less equipment than prior art processes.

Abstract: A conversion device for ladies shoes which permits heels and straps to be changed. A heel (2) which is screwed into a heel chamber (8) is secured by a stretch strap (6). Stretch strap (6) is snapped into position at the intersection of a receptor (10) and a connector (15). A screw top (5) is housed in a rubber filler (4). Rubber filler (4) is topped by a protective strip (3) and a leather sole (9).

Abstract: A quick adjusting shoe lacing system. The system has a cinch plate having eyelets which are spaced apart to about the same distance as eyelets formed in the lacing area of the shoe. The shoe laces are laced through the cinch plate eyelets along with the eyelets in the lacing area of the shoe. A strap, fixably attached at a lower end to the shoe and loopable at an upper end through a slot in the cinch plate is used to adjustably pull the cinch plate and the shoe laces looped through its eyelets downwardly and thus increase the shoe lace tension. Alternatively, a latching buckle linked to the cinch place via a wire loop can be used to affect changes in lace tension. These changes in lace tension can be affected even after the shoe laces are laced and tied up, offering the ability to make quick and fine adjustments to shoe laces.

Abstract: A bag pack (10) of handle bags (14) for suspension on a bag rack (12) comprises a plurality of stackable handle bags (14) having a front wall (24), a rear wall (26), a pair of laterally spaced handles (28), and an adhesive (16) positioned between the rear wall (26) of each bag (14) and the front wall (24) of each successive bag (14) in the bag pack (10). The front wall (24) is joined opposite to the rear wall (26) and defines an enclosure having an open top (30), opposed sides (31), and a bottom (33). The handles (28) extend upwardly above the open top (30). Each bag (14) also has a center mount (34) capable of releasably supporting the center of the stackable bag (14) on the bag rack (12).

Abstract: Adaptable flexible protective leggings for protecting motorcycle and bicycle riders from the deleterious effects of rain storms and wet roads is disclosed. The leggings includes a molded flexible leg material that conforms generally to the shape of a rider's leg having an open area in back where at least one strap with Velcro type fasteners connects the leg material to the rider's leg. The leg material can run from just above the knee cap to the ankle of the rider where it is connected to a molded flexible shoe material that conforms to at least the front portion of the rider's shoes. The shoe material can be sized to fit over boots, shoes, sneakers, moccasins and the like. The shoe material is generally designed to leave the heel and rear of the shoe exposed.

Abstract: This invention relates to packing methods and materials for packing electrolytic capacitors and the like. This invention provides packing methods whereby capacitors are held in a container tray with a good order and with no rotational movement of capacitor and packing materials wherein packing of electrolytic capacitors solves the problem of capacitor rotation and allows the capacitors to be easily taken out of the container tray. According to this invention, an electrolytic capacitor loaded container tray is taken out of a receptacle and the electrolytic capacitors held in the container tray in an orderly manner can be smoothly picked up for automatic mounting on printed wiring boards.

Abstract: An accessory for footwear including a thin, flexible, dish-shaped soleplate strapped to each sole of a pair of footwear. The soleplate contains metal spikes which extend from the lower surface of the soleplate. Each spike has a broad base embedded within the soleplate to firmly secure the spike to the soleplate. At least one pair of straps passes over the top of the footwear, and at least one strap passes around the heel of the footwear to secure the soleplate to the footwear using buckles, laces or other similar structure.

Abstract: A compact disc storage container for single compact discs, having storage locations for identifying graphics and a graphics in booklet form. The compact disc storage container includes a flexible sheet, preferably transparent, which is cut to form a flap, the cut terminating at two ends and having arcuate regions adjacent the ends. The arcuate regions resist tearing as the flap is opened to insert and remove the compact disc from the compact disc storage container.

Abstract: A novel composite package including a rectangular, outer, paperboard box and a rectangular, thin-walled, lightweight, molded plastic bottle within the box suitable for use with hazardous liquid materials. At its upper end, the bottle has a pouring spout adjacent its front wall and an elongated hollow handle extending from the pouring spout to the rear wall and defining an air passageway between the pouring spout and the liquid containing chamber within the bottle. A vent spout is provided at the rear of the hollow handle. The top flap assembly of the box includes knock-out flap portions which overlie the pouring spout, the hollow handle, and the vent spout, those knock-out portions being removable when it is desirable to pour liquid from the package. A pair of paperboard reinforcing pads are placed between the underside of the top flap assembly and the top of the plastic bottle, the pads enhancing the crush resistance and impact strength of the package.

Abstract: A decorative attachment for a lace-up type shoe which simulates a fold-down shoe tongue. A tongue simulating portion, having a top surface and a bottom surface, a top end and a bottom end, substantially covers a lace and knot portion of the shoe. The tongue simulating portion is preferably tapered to be narrower at the bottom end than at the top end. A decorative indicia is silkscreened to the top surface of the tongue simulating portion, and preferably represents a foot of a mascot for an athletic team. A strap extends from the end of the tongue simulating portion and is folded under the laces of the shoe. The strap has an upper surface which lies adjacent the lower surface of the tongue simulating portion when the strap is folded under the laces of the shoe and sandwiches the laces between the bottom surface of the tongue simulating portion and the upper surface of the strap. The tongue simulating portion and the strap are cut from a single sheet of leather, canvas or plastic material.

Abstract: A footwear device suitable for interfacing with a sports implement, such as a snow ski, ice skate blade or in-line skate wheel system, is provided. It comprises a rigid base (2100), a heel counter (2300), a medial forefoot counter (2201) and a forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400). In one embodiment, the medial forefoot counter (2201) is adjustable in a direction medially/laterally with respect to the foot of a user into different positions relative to the rigid base. In another embodiment, the heel counter (2300) is adjustable in a direction anteriorly/posteriorly with respect to the foot into different positions relative to the rigid base. In a further embodiment, the forefoot/midfoot compression member (2400) comprises an instep counter (2420) and a support member (2410) for the instep counter.

Abstract: An inner bag made of an acrylonitrile-type thermoplastic resin film and having a volatile substance hermetically sealed therein is packed and sealed in an outer bag made of a gas-permeable film to provide a package packed with the volatile substance, which can keep the volatile substance from escaping therefrom during storage thereof, but permits the volatile substance to escape therefrom in service.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic shoe with a detachable sole having an electronic sensing and breakaway system. An upper sole member is detachably connected to a lower sole member which may have a plurality of cleats attached to the bottom of the lower sole member. There are a series of latch mechanisms which detachably hold the upper and lower sole members together, which protrude from the upper sole member and terminate in recesses in the lower sole member. The latch mechanisms are spring-biased toward a retracted position and are held in the extended latching position against the spring force by a system of pressurized fluid. Additionally, there are a number of strain gauges or sensors in the upper sole member and extend into recesses of the lower sole member. These strain gauges continuously sense the shear force applied to the cleats or sole when in use and emit a signal to a trigger mechanism located in the upper sole member when the shear force exceeds a pre-set level.

Abstract: An outer package for a thermoformed blister package, wherein the blister package has an outwardly extending flange. The outer package has foldably connected inner flange support members to support the outwardly extending flange of the blister package and stiffen the package.

Abstract: A storage bin for compact discs in their native crystal boxes has an open top to permit viewing of the labels through the edges of the boxes, a forward sloping front wall to enable the boxes to be flipped for viewing the faces of the boxes, a guide extending downwardly from the base of the box dimensioned to be slidably received between the side walls of a like box so that the boxes can be stacked and slid with respect to one another, and an integral extension of the base for supporting a handle and a label frame. An optional divider partitions the bin to store two rows of tape cassettes.

Abstract: A storage box for documents, files or the like, and having a generally rectangular body (2) with one open side for access which is sloped or angled, relative to the opposite side. Three of the side edges of the opening are also inwardly flanged, and a slightly smaller lid (4) of co-operating shape is hinged to the fourth edge (6) or to the edge of an insert (30) which divides the interior into sections. The insert may divide the interior into two or more such sections depending on the application.

Abstract: A light-weight, portable, container which facilitates the storage and retrieval of flexible, elongated elements, such as line, cord, rope, hose, wire and the like is disclosed. The line storage device incorporates a base portion which enables the device to stay in a stationary position while in use. Extending from the base portion is a conically-tapered, flexible, body portion that terminates in a closeable aperture. The aperture provides an opening into the interior of the line storage device through which a first end of the line or other elongated element is passed as it is stored or retrieved. The line is linearly fed or "stuffed" into the device by the operator through a "bottle-neck" that is created by grasping the body portion near the opening of the container. As the line enters the container through the bottle-neck, it is effectively wiped clean and dry.

Abstract: A layered cushioning system for a shoe sole for women's pumps is characterized by a flexible polyurethane outsole containing a recess in the upper forepart thereof within which is molded a shock-absorbing foam insert. A rigid insole tuck having a steel shank and a contoured configuration is mounted on the outsole and extends from the heel to the arch. A shock-absorbing heel pad is connected with the upper surface of the tuck in the heel area. Mounted on the insole tuck is a socklining including a lower shock-absorbing foam layer and a urethane coated cover. A further shock absorbing foam insole is provided for the forepart area. The sole thus has superior cushioning, flexibility in the forepart region and stability in the rear.

Abstract: An improved boot for snowboarding. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a generally resilient upper boot portion mounted to a generally rigid lower boot portion. The lower boot portion extends substantially upwardly from the sole, over the foot, and ends proximate to the tarsal bone of the lower ankle. A calf support member is mounted at the heel of the boot and relatively perpendicular thereto. A lip extends from the toe and heel of the boot lower portion. Upon cooperation of the lip with plate bindings on a snowboard, the boot is releasably secured thereto.

Abstract: A waterproof foot covering such as a shoe, boot or the like has a molded-on (foamed-on) outersole and an upper that is lined with a waterproof but water vapor-permeable layer. The lower welt region of the upper is connected to the lower welt region of the waterproof layer and to the outer welt region of the inner sole via an upper band, a lower band, and a multiplicity of tensile-load-resistant straps connecting the upper and lower bands to one another. The lower welt region of the upper is stitched to the upper band. The lower welt region of the waterproof layer and the outer welt region of the inner sole are stitched to the lower band. The straps and the lower band are embedded in the material forming the outersole. This material is connected, in this embedding region, to the waterproof layer in a waterproof manner by molding-on (foaming-on).