Abstract: A method is provided for making a microcellular shoe stiffener has first and second adhesive layers coextruded on opposite first and second surfaces of a stiffener core. The stiffener core may include a recycled polymeric material. Nitrogen in a supercritical fluid state is introduced into the extruder for the stiffener core to produce a closed cell foam with a gaseous component. The gas reduces the weight and cost of the stiffener without significantly reducing stiffness and resiliency.

Abstract: A microcellular shoe stiffener has at least one adhesive layer coextruded with and carried on a stiffener core. A liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, is introduced into the extruder for the stiffener core to produce a closed cell foam with a gaseous component. The gas reduces the weight and cost of the stiffener with out significantly reducing stiffness and resiliency.

Abstract: A fence post having a front flange section, a back flange section, and a connection section interconnecting the front and back, wherein the fence post is generally a Z-shaped configuration. Each flange section has three sets of holes in a zig-zag configuration, wherein the holes have a hole-to-hole distance. A method of installing a gate using the post as a gate stop, wherein a flange section is affixed to a gate stop length of fencing, and the opposite flange makes contact with the gate and serves as a metallic gate stop.