Abstract: An illuminating fire hose includes a fire hose having a first end, a second end, an interior wall and an exterior wall remote therefrom. The hose includes a sleeve secured over the exterior surface of the fire hose, the sleeve carrying at least one light emitting element adapted for selectively emanating light. When an individual is fighting a fire, the illuminating fire hose emanates visible light that enables the individual to locate the hose in a dark and/or smoke filled environment.

Abstract: An illuminating fire hose includes a fire hose having a first end, a second end, an interior wall and an exterior wall remote from the interior wall. The fire hose has at least light emitting element exposed at the exterior surface of the fire hose for selectively emanating light. The light emitting element is preferably attached to the exterior surface of the fire hose using an adhesive or securing threads for sewing the light emitting element to the exterior surface of the hose. The light emitting element may include a fiber optic cable, a chemiluminescent cable or a series of light emitting diodes. The light emitting element is activated during a fire to provide fire fighters with a visible marker that may be seen in a darkened and/or smoke-filled enclosure.

Abstract: A boot having a shoe shaped shell member and a cuff member having a section overlapping the shell member. The cuff and shell members are pivotally connected together for pivoting movement in response to pivoting of the individual's leg relative to the individual's foot. An elastomeric material is disposed between said shell member to pivotally connect the two members together.

Abstract: A boot having a shoe shaped shell member and a cuff member having a section overlapping the shell member. The cuff and shell members are pivotally connected together for pivoting movement in response to pivoting of the individual's leg relative to the individual's foot. An elastomeric material is disposed between said shell member to pivotally connect the two members together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite shoe bottom that has a lower shaped support layer with a lower surface and an increased height around the periphery of the heel area and an irregular contoured upper stabilizing surface for the wearer's foot; a shoe upper superimposed upon the upper surface of the lower layer; an upper cushioning layer of a material that is softer than the lower layer, the upper layer having a varying thickness which is pre-shaped to a contour complementary to the bottom surface of the wearer's foot and having an increased height around the periphery of the heel area and in the arch area to form a raised arch support and to provide an irregular contoured upper stabilizing surface for the wearer's foot; and means for forming an outsole secured to at least a portion of the lower surface of the lower support layer and comprising at least one strip of a wear resistant material which is positioned upon the lower layer in an area which will experience abrasion or shock.

Abstract: A composite shoe bottom is disclosed comprising a lower layer of firm material and an upper softer layer superposed thereon. Each layer has an upper contoured surface such that the total compressibility of the shoe bottom, as determined by the relative thicknesses of the layers, is predetermined and differs along the surface. The upper layer has an uppermost surface which is shaped to fit against and be complemental to the bottom of the foot of a wearer.

Abstract: A composite shoe bottom is disclosed comprising a lower layer of firm material and an upper softer layer superposed thereon. Each layer has an upper contoured surface such that the total compressibility of the shoe bottom, as determined by the relative thicknesses of the layers, is predetermined and differs along the surface. The upper layer has an uppermost surface which is shaped to fit against and be complemental to the bottom of the foot of a wearer.

Abstract: A slip-resistant shoe sole comprising an outsole layer having a bottom surface defining a region of contact between the sole and the ground, the outsole layer bearing a plurality of channels opening onto the bottom surface to define a pattern of elongated gaps across the contact region, the ratio of the area of the gaps to the surface area of the contact region and the configuration of the gaps being arranged to effectively cause liquid between the contact region and the ground to be conducted away while enhancing the slip resistance produced by the contact region engaging the ground.

Abstract: The heelpiece (10) of a water ski binding is composed of a heel base (18) formed with a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart slots (72) for receiving posts (22) extending upwardly from water ski (14). A cam latch (20) is rotatably mounted to the upper end of each post (22) for selective engagement with detents (78) arranged in rows (74) and (76) extending along opposite sides of each slot (72). Cam latches (20) are rotatable from an unlatched position wherein the latches are spaced upwardly from detents (78) to enable heelpiece (10) to freely slide along ski (14) into desired position, to an "over center", locked position wherein the cam latches (20) clamp the heelpiece (10) downwardly against the ski to prevent movement thereof. The cam latches 20 also shift the heelpiece forwardly into snug engagement with the skier's foot as the latches are rotated into latched position.

Abstract: An improved athletic shoe having an injection-molded intermediate portion bonding a fabric upper portion and a rubber outsole portion, for improved fit and comfort, and decreased injury-causing fatigue, particularly adapted for use in the playing court-type sports such as basketball is disclosed. The injection-molded intermediate portion conforms to and partially envelopes the metatarsal area and the heel area of the wearer's foot, and has an intermediate portion which gives lateral support to the instep area of a wearer's foot, such that the shoe moves as a unit together with the wearer's foot. An elastic band is provided about the ankle opening, which is disposed in the area of the subtalar ankle joint, put into tension to retain the shoe upon the foot of the wearer as the shoelace is tied.