Abstract: Winter boots and shoes can be equipped with a removable traction attachment that facilitates easy non-slip motion on ice, snow, dirt, gravel, etc. The traction attachment can include an elastomeric panel fitting the sole of the boot or shoe, an integral front strap system fitting over the toe of the boot, and an integral rear strap system fitting snugly on the heel of the boot. The panel and strap systems have controlled elasticity, so that a given size attachment can fit a range of different size boots or shoes. Replaceable metal cleats are carried on downwardly protruding sections of the elastomeric panel, to provide traction assistance.

Abstract: A cash-equivalent card-based purchasing system and its method of operation, in which an information processing computer has a plurality of records stored in an associated storage device, each record including a unique cash-equivalent card number linked to a card value. A cash-equivalent card is provided to a user, the cash-equivalent card having encoded thereon one of the cash-equivalent card numbers stored in the storage device, the cash-equivalent card provided in exchange for consideration equivalent to at least the value linked to the cash-equivalent card number encoded thereon. Neither the cash-equivalent card nor the storage device has any information regarding the identity of the user.