Abstract: A security device which includes a locking member, a ratchet member, and a plurality of cables. The cables extend through both a fastener and a base of the locking member and are wrapped around all six sides of a book or box-like structure. The fastener is releasably snap-fitted into the base and secured therein by a pair of metal tines. The ratchet member includes a housing containing a gear and bearing member which are latched together in a spaced relationship to form a reel and a pawl. A bottom plate encloses the contents of the housing. The gear includes a multi-sided key hole, a plurality of openings to secure enlarged ends of the cables therein, and a plurality of teeth. The gear and bearing member each include an annular nub which sits in and rotates around a corresponding bearing surface of the bottom plate and housing, respectively. The pawl has a catch and a resilient spring and communicates with the gear to allow the ratchet member to be turned only in one direction.

Abstract: A key with a blade portion which is bitted for actuating the tumbler pins of a cylinder lock has improved cross-sectional strength despite deep cut bittings which extend well into the thickness of the blade. The key is generally flat with upper and lower surfaces and opposite short side edges. The bittings are cut across at least one of the surfaces so as to extend arcuately through the thickness of the blade and one of the side edges. The volume of key blank material which is adjacent the deep cut bittings after the key is cut is substantially more than conventional keys and provides the key blade with increased strength to prevent breakage. The bittings are cut into the key blade by a rotary cutter wheel which is dimensioned to form an arcuate bitting surface rather than a flat surface.

Abstract: A latch assembly (90) is disclosed having structure for controlling (76) and restricting (70) the rotation of a bolt (48) carrying arm (36). The structure facilitates securement together of first and second members, e.g., an equipment case lid (22) and body (24), by preventing inadvertent abutment between the bolt and a latch striker plate (32). The structure also reduces the hazard of an uncontrolled arm.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole for facilitating rotation about an axis of rotation normal to the sole in response to the application of a moment about the axis of rotation. The sole contains flexible engagement means which comprises: flexible members radially spaced from the axis of rotation and guide means for impeding the flexing of the flexible members in response to forces which do not create moments about the axis of rotation, while allowing flexing of the flexible members in response to forces which do create moments about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible gymnastic shoe is disclosed. The shoe includes an upper formed of a lightweight synthetic fabric. A relatively broad closure strap has a first end fixed to a medial inside surface of the upper in the area of the arch and a second free end for detachable attachment to the medial outside of the upper. A hook and pile fastener selectively fastens the second end of the closure strap to the upper. A sole is attached to an outer bottom surface of the upper, and is formed of a relatively thin resilient material located only below the toe, ball and heel areas. A liner is located inside the upper and extends along substantially the entire length of the inside top surface of the upper. The liner is formed of a relatively low density cushioning material. A metatarsal pad is located along the liner only in the area of the first and second metatarsal heads of a wearer's foot, and a heel pad is located along the liner in the heel area.

Abstract: A fastening mechanism for joining together separable portions of an article including, for each portion, a track with sliders connected together by bridge connectors to limit the movement of the sliders along the track, the sliders and/or bridge connectors on opposite tracks being connected by adjustable lacing means.

Abstract: A sports shoe or boot has a sole of flexible plastic material, with gripping projections or studs of a wear-resistant material thereon; disposed between the sole and a bearing surface on the projection is a compressible ring member, to produce a cushioning effect.

Abstract: A shoe sole for application to the underside of a shoe includes a sole element having substantially convex upper and lower surfaces. The sole element may have a toe portion at one end thereof and the thickness of the sole element adjacent to the toe portion may increase toward the one end.

Abstract: Improvements in protective footwear, including work boots or shoes, are disclosed. The improvements include a new heel filler for the heel portion of the sole, the filler being formed of a light-weight moulded plastic material. The heel filler may be easily located in the heel area prior to the final boot forming step. When a shank or protective mid-sole is to be used the appropriate element is provided with a slot or other locating device which may be secured to a cooperating projection on the heel filler so that the two components may be positively located together prior to the final boot forming step. The boot is strengthened by providing a longitudinally extending rib or ribs in the arch region of the shank or mid-sole. The boot is less expensive to produce because there is less possible wear or damage in the production equipment. In addition there are fewer production rejects and the resulting boot is stronger than prior art boots.