Abstract: An article of footwear for increased athleticism utilizing independently articulating toe platforms. The footwear includes a first toe platform and a second toe platform disposed in a toe portion of the footwear that are either physically separated from one another via a cut in the toe portion or a flexible segment extending through the toe portion. A toe post is configured to engage between a first toe of a user's foot and a second toe of the user's foot. The first toe is configured to contact the first toe platform and the second toe is configured to contact the second toe platform. Additional toe platforms and/or toe posts may be utilized. The footwear may include a topsole, a midsole and an outsole. A stiffening agent may be disposed between the midsole and the outsole for resisting bending of the footwear and/or for helping protect the user's foot from external objects.

Abstract: An article of footwear for increased athleticism utilizing independently articulating toe platforms. The footwear includes a first toe platform and a second toe platform disposed in a toe portion of the footwear that are either physically separated from one another via a cut in the toe portion or a flexible segment extending through the toe portion. A toe post is configured to engage between a first toe of a user's foot and a second toe of the user's foot. The first toe is configured to contact the first toe platform and the second toe is configured to contact the second toe platform. Additional toe platforms and/or toe posts may be utilized. The footwear may include a topsole, a midsole and an outsole. A stiffening agent may be disposed between the midsole and the outsole for resisting bending of the footwear and/or for helping protect the user's foot from external objects.

Abstract: An ignition assembly for use in pilots for flaring, incineration, and process burner applications, includes a hot surface igniter assembly specifically located in the pilot head or combustion chamber of a flame front ignition system for providing a pilot ignition source. The pilot head is positioned proximally to the exhaust exit of a flare gas stack. The hot surface ignition assembly is positioned proximally to the pilot head. The hot surface ignition assembly passes electric current through a ceramic-insulated element in order to produce heat by induction sufficient to ignite said pilot gas. A thermocouple, or other form of flame sensor, is provided for detecting and a sensing the existence of pilot flame and for controlling the ignition sequence.

Abstract: A sandal with an elongated sole configured to the profile of a human footprint with a toe end and a heel end, employs a toe strap connected at two anchor points to grip the forward part of user's foot and a heel strap connected at two anchor points to grip the ankle of a user's foot with a lateral strap connected between the toe strap and the heel strap which is located on the outside of the sole and parallel to its surface so it is operable to stabilize the other straps and to maintain essentially constant tension in the individual straps as the sole flexes, with the toe and heel straps being infinitely adjustable so the wearer can cinch the sandal to his foot by adjusting said straps in a manner that it will not be dislodged during rigorous activity.

Abstract: Novel sandal construction including a convertible heel harness to minimize foot slippage in its closed rearward position, and to become a part of a frontal ankle strap in its alternate, forward portion. Thus, the sandal may be slipped into and worn with an open back, or may be placed upon the foot with the harness engaging the heel.