Abstract: A collapsible wheelchair assembly is provided that may be folded for storage with attached toilet seat. A waste pan is interlocked with wheelchair braces to sit under a flexible plastic seat, having a toilet opening, that hinges when the wheelchair is folded. Thus, a portable collapsible toilet facility is afforded incontinent patients for use in transit whenever necessary.

Abstract: A wave generating system for a wave pool utilizing a rotary valve to control the pneumatic flow to the wave generator. A rotary sleeve valve particularly adapted to high volumetric, relatively low pressure applications wherein a plurality of concentric sleeves rotatably located within a valve body provide for both porting adjustment and directional flow of the media. External control devices allow for adjustment of the porting and the timing of the directional flow by means of simple variable speed rotating devices such as an electric motor. The construction of the valve creates a very durable, strong unit which particularly avoids breakage and reliability problems associated in wave pool controls.

Abstract: An apparatus including a pickup head mounted to a shower stall floor and selectively over the drain thereof is operative through a storage tank assembly to direct fluid from the shower stall floor into the storage tank for subsequent pressurized flow to an auxiliary shower head by way of an auxiliary shower head conduit to permit the recycling, heating, and filtering of water directed to the shower stall floor.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for a swimming pool skimmer. The sealing assembly includes a face plate having either one of a laterally extending, raised bead or an outwardly extending flange around the periphery thereof. A flexible cover element includes a peripheral lip for sealably engaging the raised bead or the flange of the face plate. The flexible cover element also includes a planar portion which bears against the flat surface of the face plate around the central opening therein to provide secondary or primary sealing.

Abstract: A flexible bathing fluid permeable mesh sheet is attached to a rectangular frame. A flexible and collapsible bathing fluid impermeable sheet is attached to the frame below the mesh sheet and spaced apart therefrom for forming an open fluid receptacle. The mesh sheet is attached to the frame with straps which may be adjusted for allowing the patient to be placed substantially coplanar with the frame and away from the fluid collected in the impermeable sheet or lowered toward the impermeable sheet to provide an immersion bath.

Abstract: A toilet training system and method which includes a plurality of sheets with patterns adapted to dissolve when contacted with urine, at least one chart for recording the child's use of a toilet, instruction for positioning one of the sheets in the toilet such that the patterned sheet is contacted by the child's urine and therefore dissolves, and instructions for recording the child's toilet training progress on the provided chart. Optionally receiving means are positioned in the toilet to hold the sheet out of the water and in line with the child's urine stream. The sheet is preferably formed of carboxymethyl cellulose and sized to dissolve when contacted with 30 cc of urine. In the preferred embodiment this toilet training system and associated method of encouraging child to use the toilet is in a booklet form.

Abstract: A water mattress configuration is provided which includes a tray having a peripheral flange having a downturned edge. A load placed atop the flange causes side walls of the tray to deflect, providing a cushion effect.

Abstract: A mattress pad or cover is disclosed for a conventional inner-spring or foam type mattress. The mattress cover has a quilted cover portion and a downwardly depending peripheral skirt that wraps around the mattress to hold the cover portion in place. The skirt has elastic sewn around its lower peripheral edge to keep the skirt tucked under the mattress. The cover portion has a first thick layer of fiberfill and a second conterminous thin layer of fiberfill. A metalized film is needle-punched to the thin fiberfill layer and a fabric cover envelops a fiberfill and film layers.

Abstract: A combination tool device having a double ended socket wrench, a handle with a screwdriver tip, and a file disposed in the handle is provided. The file may be removed from the handle and used as a separate tool, or may be first removed and then releasably reconnected so that the other components function as a file handle. The file may also be disposed so that it is stored in the handle and may be extended and releasably fixed in extended position for use.

Abstract: The treatment of a material web (2) ensues in a U-shaped shaft comprising two shaft limbs (3, 4) and a connecting area (5) between both the shaft limbs. The shaft is filled with a treatment liquid, the feed of fresh treatment liquid and also the circulation of treatment liquid ensuing beneath the surface of the liquor within the shaft limb. The effect is a particularly intensive charging of the material web, with extremely economic use of treatment liquid. Foaming of the treatment liquid is prevented, also in the case of heavy turbulence.

Abstract: An appliance electronic control system which tends to maintain a constant total cycle time, and thus an accurate "Time Remaining" display, notwithstanding variations in the actual time required for a water fill operation. The control system includes a count down timer and a time remaining display indicating cycle time remaining based on the state of the count down timer. The count down timer is initialized to a state representing nominal total cycle time, which includes the sum of a nominal fill time for water filling operations, a nominal time duration for each of several pause intervals, and the time durations of operational modes under the direct control of the control system, such as agitate time and spin time. During operation, the count down timer is decremented at regular predetermined intervals. The first time the machine fills, the actual time for the filling operation is measured.

Abstract: A shoe with a waterproof lining (16) comprises a shaft (12) connected to a marginal strip (12b) made of a material which does not conduct water. The marginal strip (12b) is attached to the insole (10). A seal (24) is arranged between the marginal strip (12b) and the lining (16). The sole structure (14) is not attached to the marginal strip (12b). The seal (24) is made of a sealing material which is introduced between the marginal strip (12b) and the waterproof lining (16) independently of the sole structure (14).

Abstract: A by-pass valve is affixed to the housing of a self-propelled submersible swimming pool cleaner. The pool cleaner includes a head having a suction chamber in which a propulsion mechanism is located for operation by water flow into the suction chamber. The head incorporates a by-pass inlet to the suction chamber downstream from the propulsion mechanism. A leaf spring biases the closure member over the by-pass inlet. The tension of the spring is overcome by the suction in the suction chamber when water flow into the chamber is blocked. Water flow is thus allowed into the suction chamber via the by-pass inlet. By placing the spring controlled by-pass inlet into the system flow stream between the cleaner propulsion mechanism and the system weir in the typical pool system, there is a small probability of the by-pass becoming blocked.

Abstract: Brushing apparatus for cleaning and polishing farm produce includes three rotating cylindrical helical brushes forming a brush channel. The brushes rotate in the same direction but at different speeds to clean and polish the produce, and to "walk" it along the brush channel. The brush bristles are the only things touching the produce, and the sole way by which produce is moved along the brush channel. The brushes and brush channel are adjustable up or down from the horizontal to control the throughput rate of articles of produce.

Abstract: A desk top cleaner for cleaning dust from the top of a table includes a crankshaft rotatably supported in a frame. A broom is formed with an elongated slot to engage with the crankshaft and has its upper end portion fitted in a supporting portion formed in the frame and its lower end portion equipped with a brush. A drive mechanism is provided for transmitting a rotating force from a drive source to the crankshaft. A dust case for accommodating the dust swept by the broom is included in the frame.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner having a transmission assembly that selectively drives the vacuum cleaner in both forward and reverse directions. The transmission arrangement includes a first stage of speed reduction in the coupling of a drive motor and a transmission input shaft interconnected by sprockets and a primary drive belt. A pinion on the input shaft drives one of a pair of meshed counter-rotating gears. A clutch/sprocket is associated with each of the counter-rotating gears and a belt couples both of these clutch/sprockets to a common sprocket which through associated elements drives the wheels of the appliance. The input pinion, counter-rotating gears, respective clutch/sprockets and common output sprocket all rotate about axes parallel to the motor shaft. An actuating mechanism selectively energizes one or the other of the clutch/sprockets for forward or reverse propulsion of the appliance.

Abstract: An assist strap is made of a flexible exoskeleton of a tubular shape which overlies a high density foam core to provide a strong yet cushioned strap. Opposite ends of the strap are held by clamps which in turn are secured to a vehicle for attaching the strap to a vehicle.

Abstract: A bale opener for removing fiber tufts from top surfaces of fiber bales assembled in a series includes a carriage for travelling back-and-forth along a generally horizontal, first path of travel along the fiber bale series; a tower mounted on the carriage for travel therewith; a fiber tuft detaching device extending from the tower and movable relative to the tower along a generally vertical, second path of travel; and an incremental rotary displacement signalling device including a shaft; a toothed rotary element mounted on the shaft; a counter element meshing with the rotary element which is movable relative to the counter element; and a signal generator coupled to the toothed element for generating signals as a function of rotary displacements of the toothed element.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing sliver in a can. The sliver is introduced from above and is deposited continuously in the can in layers one above the other from bottom to top. The sliver is guided by a guiding device. The device includes rollers contained by an annular device. At least one of the rollers has a conical shape. The rollers make contact with and draw the sliver into the can. The guiding device includes a funnel which is movable in a radial direction such that the sliver is deposited in successive spiral paths in the can. A counterbalancing device is provided so as to counteract the movement of the funnel. The sliver is guided such that the spiral path runs alternately from an outer radial position to an inner radial position approximately adjacent the can center and from the inner radial position to the outer radial position adjacent an inner wall of the can.

Abstract: A web of fibers (4) is conveyed by conveyor-belts (2, 5) which pass around rollers (32 to 43, 60 to 69). Some of these rollers are carried by main carriages (10, 14) which are capable of displacement in reciprocating motion above an apron (8) which moves in a direction parallel to the axes of the rollers and collects the web (4) in the form of a lap. Auxiliary carriages (16, 18) are provided for maintaining the length of the paths of the conveyor-belts (2, 5) at a constant value in spite of the reciprocating movements of the main carriages (10, 14). Each auxiliary carriage (16, 18) is located within a bottom passageway (70) which extends beneath the apron (8) and is separated from the apron by at least one partition-wall (72).The invention is applicable to the manufacture of nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: A buckle for a belt or harness comprising a ring member defining a hollow interior space, a slidable bar, and releasable securable lock. The ring member has a first and a second side section, and a first and a second end section, which are connected to one another. The slidable bar is mounted between the side sections and is movable between a position immediately adjacent the first end section and a position immediately adjacent the second end section. The first end section of the buckle is securable to one portion of a web of the belt or harness. A free end portion of a web of the belt or harness is arranged to extend through the ring's interior space between the first end section and the slidable bar, around the bar, and through the space between the bar and the second end section, from which it exits beyond the second end section of the buckle.

Abstract: An integral polymeric clamp device is disclosed. The clamp device is comprised of a base portion to which is hingedly connected a two arm clamping assembly actuable from an open position to a closed position wherein a component of a second arm of the assembly clampingly engages a stop surface formed on the base of the assembly. The arms are locked in clamping position when a hinged connection between the arms shifts from a first to a second side of a line extending between the stop surface and the hinged connection of the first arm to the body portion Movement of the clamp member into engagement with the fixed stop portion on the body of the clamp is assured by a locator link hingedly interposed between the body portion and the arm carrying the moving component of the clamp assembly.

Abstract: A snap fastener having a stud with a pear-shaped head has a grommet assembly for removable mounting on the stud with the grommet assembly comprising a metal tooth cap and an annular plastic retainer with the fabric squeezed therebetween and prongs of the cap extending through the fabric and clinched over the retainer, and with the head of the stud disposed between the cap and retainer and with the fabric extending uninterruptedly over the head of the stud. Tooling is shown for quickly assembling the tooth cap and retainer to the fabric.

Abstract: A heavy, roller-mounted base plate has thereon a conventional pile carpet trimmer having a shearing head disposed to be swung into and out of a pile access opening in the base plate either to trim the pile of a carpet by sliding the plate on top of the pile, or to bevel the carpet edge by sliding the plate beneath and along one edge of the carpet. Attached to the plate adjacent opposite ends of its pile access opening are two, linearly aligned guide members, which slidably engage a carpet edge during a beveling operation. A retention bracket projects from one of the guide members to overlie the pile surface to prevent any bunching or folding of the carpet edge during the edge-beveling operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating electronic devices from mechanical shock and thermal environments utilizes a metal outer protective shell surrounding the electronic device to be protected. Interposed between the protective shell and the electronic device are a thermal insulating layer, a layer of phase change material and a layer of mechanical shock absorbent material.

Abstract: A paper pulp screening apparatus wherein a modular cylindrically-shaped screen plate is formed of a thin material of uniform thickness bent to form an undulating shape to increase the screening area, and the screen plate is supported by cylindrical-backing members to give the plate strength, with the plate being formed into various complex shapes. Manufacturing methods for forming the undulating shapes are disclosed.

Abstract: A hose coupling, ferrule therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the method of making the hose coupling comprising a ferrule having opposed ends and an insert interconnected to one of the ends of the ferrule so that an end of a hose can be inserted into the other end of the ferrule and over the insert to be subsequently clamped between the ferrule and the insert, the method comprising the steps of forming the ferrule from a length of tubular stock that has opposed ends by rotating the stock, inwardly swedging the stock at a predetermined location thereon to define the one end of the ferrule while the stock is rotating, and then cutting off a portion of the stock at a desired location thereon that is spaced inwardly from that one end of the stock to form the ferrule.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a pushnut fastener on a rod or stud comprises a body having a guideway extending axially thereof with a pushrod mounted in the guideway and having a sleeve-like end portion movable between a first position extending out of the body and a second position within the body. A radially resilient tubular chuck having an open inlet end and open outlet end is joined to the body for holding a fastener in axial alignment with the sleeve-like end portion of the pushrod when the pushrod is in the first position. An air cylinder functions to move the pushrod from the second to the first position when energized and to return the pushrod to the first position when de-energized. A feed line supplies pushnut fasteners to the inlet end of the chuck when the pushrod is in the second position and a drive assembly is operable when the air cylinder is energized for driving the pushrod from the first position to a third position inwardly beyond the second position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic inductor for generating a rotating field for stirring the core of a metal casting while the core is still liquid, which metal casting is to be cooled by external water circulation. The excitation winding which is to be mounted on each of its pole pieces must, prior to this, be fixed around a tubular winding support so as to form an annular winding block. The block is then fitted on the pole piece and locked thereto in reversible manner. The inductor may be used in facilities for continuous casting of steel products.

Abstract: A decrease in the quality of parts constituting the magnetic head structure of a magnetic disk device is prevented and the degree of freedom of design for oscillation characteristics is increased.A magnetic head support structure 10 comprising an attaching base portion 12 for a magnetic head at one end and a gimbals spring 14 at the other end which are connected by a load beam 13 is integrally produced by rolling a linear steel material to form a ribbon of profile cross-section, which is then punched or pressed from the lateral surface thereof.

Abstract: This method is practiced by first providing a plurality of spools of amorphous steel strip in each of which the strip is wound in single-layer thickness. Then, in a pre-spooling machine, the single-layer thickness strips are unwound from said plurality of spools and combined to form strip of multiple-layer thickness which is wound onto a plurality of master reels, on each of which the strip is wound in multiple-layer thickness. These master reels are then placed on a plurality of payoffs, and the multiple-layer thickness strip is unwound from these payoffs and combined into a composite strip that has a thickness in strip layers equal to the sum of the strip layers in the combined multiple-layer thickness strips. Then the composite strip is cut into a plurality of sections, or lengths, of composite strip, and with these sections a hollow core form is constructed, which form has a window about which the sections are wrapped.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system for producing and distributing index coded hangers to a plurality of locations, wherein the index indicia is correlated to the characteristics of the garment to be hung from the hanger at each of the plurality of locations. A unique hanger and index cap is disclosed, along with a method and means of making the same that is particularly adapted to high volume semi-automated operation. A device for assembling the index cap and hanger at the time the garment is hung is also disclosed.The system contemplates the localized production of the index caps for improved control of batch color and other characteristics, with remote molding and assembly of the hangers at said plurality of remote locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to the joining of one web, e.g., of camouflage material to a carrier net or the like with the aid of fastener devices comprising male fastener parts (10) provided with pins or like elements which are hammered into complementary holes in female fastener parts (12). The female and male fastener parts are banded together by means of plastic wires moulded along the sides of the fastener parts and are separated subsequent to being brought to a fastener applying position (40) from a respective magazine (30,41). the male fastener parts are banded with the pins positioned in the direction of the band, while the holes provided in the female fastener parts face at right angles to the band direction. The bands are advanced by means of pawl-mechanisms (32-36 and 43-48) respectively). The invention relates to the banded fastener devices, a method of manufacturing the devices and a machine for applying the devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting an expander ring into an inner circumferential groove of a split piston ring includes a first magazine for storing a stack of piston rings; and a second magazine for storing a stack of expander rings. The second magazine has a discharge end and a longitudinal axis coinciding with a longitudinal axis of the expander ring stack. There are further provided a device for displacing a piston ring from the first magazine into axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the second magazine at the discharge end thereof; a spreader device for radially outwardly spreading the piston ring positioned at the discharge end; and a pusher for pushing an expander ring from the second magazine parallel to the longitudinal axis into the piston ring spread-open by the spreader device.

Abstract: The method of processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to strip sheathing from the wire to expose wire ends at opposite ends of the sections, and by operation of wire feed means and cutter means, the steps that include operating the feed means and cutter means to displace the wire endwise along an axis to a first position; sever the wire thereby to form wire forward and rearward sections, the forward section having a rearward end portion; and, the rearward section having a forward end portion, and; stripping sheathing from the forward section rearward portion and from the rearward section forward portion thereby to expose wire ends at the portions; the cutter means including three blade pairs, each pair including two blades located at opposite sides of the axis, both blades of one pair being displaced toward the wire to sever the wire, and both blades of the remaining two pairs being displaced toward the wire sections to strip sheathing from the rearward and forward portions during controlled endwise

Abstract: Pre-fired ceramic substrates are elected according to the desired electrical performance of the filter. If necessary for enhanced performance, the surfaces of the substrate may be lapped to assure that their top and bottom surfaces are parallel and their surface finish is smooth. The top surface of a lower layer is coated with a conductive film using thick film techniques then patterned to define the filter trace pattern. For precise dimensional control, photolithographic techniques may be used. The bottom and the sides of the lower layer are coated with the same conductive film. A seal glass which has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is matched as closely as possible to that of the ceramic substrate is screen printed onto the top surface of the lower layer. The top of the upper layer is screen printed with the conductive film and the bottom of the upper layer is coated with the seal glass. The upper and lower layers are bonded together by clamping them together and firing the seal glass.

Abstract: A process and configuration are described which enable the I/O metal fingers of any high density interconnect (HDI) module to be extended over the edge of a substrate at the end of circuit fabrication, thus enabling fabrication of circuits for arrangement in three-dimensional stacks. The module includes a first dielectric layer covering one or more electrical conductors on a substrate. The first dielectric layer is ablated to expose a portion of at least one electrical conductor and a second dielectric layer is then applied over the first dielectric layer and the exposed portion of the electrical conductor except for an extremity of the conductor. A second electrical conductor is subsequently applied and patterned to cover a portion of the second dielectric layer, the extremity of the conductor, and at least a portion of one edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A method and system for machining a contoured surface of a part, such as a vane of a vane segment of a nozzle ring in a gas turbine engine. A plurality of original data points from the original surface of the vane are sensed. The system comprises an algorithm for creating a matrix of data and for generating a revised contour profile corresponding to the cross-sectioned contour of the vane for points which lie in a common plane. The original contour may have missing sections in its profile or may have areas where brazing material has been applied to the vane. The revised contour profile is adjusted in accordance with certain predefined parameters. The revised contour profile is also adjusted so that all of its points lie on or inside the perimeter shape defined by the original data points. All of the revised contour profiles associated with each cross-section of the vane is compiled to generate one machining contour.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a four-piece hollow airfoil. Four metal sheets are preformed into initial shapes. The sheets are sealed together into two pairs or sub-assemblies. Internal cavities are formed in one sheet from each pair prior to sealing. Each sub-assembly is subjected to high temperature and pressure in order to diffusion bond the sheets together at selected points. The cavities of each sub-assembly are then subjected to internal pressure in order to inflate and superplastically deform the sub-assemblies. The inflated sub-assemblies are combined to form a single assembly and the cavities are again subjected to internal pressure in order to bond the sub-assemblies together. The assembly is then exposed to hot isostatic pressing, after which, excess material is machined off.

Abstract: A carton opener has a blade holder for receiving and holding a single edged razor blade. A sheath has a body portion including two side walls closely fitted about the blade holder in which the blade holder is capable of sliding within the sheath between a blade retracted position to at least one blade extended position. A slot is formed on one of the side walls longitudinally along the length of the sheath. A moving member is attached to the blade holder and extends from the blade holder through the slot and is in registry with the slot for moving the blade holder longitudinally with respect to the sheath. The moving member includes a detent biased to a side of the slot having recesses for releasably engaging the recesses when the detent is adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A cutter can rapidly and safely cut the edge of a variety of paper products and a variety of strings and other materials used for packaging. The cutter has a pair of holders laminated to each other, a pair of open-close bodies which are rotatably supported at edge portions of the holders, respectively and form a cutting area through which a paper product can be passed, and a cutting blade which is mounted to the edge portions of the holders and has a cutting edge protruding into the cutting area.

Abstract: A hand tool or grooving or cutting pipes has an aperture for receiving a portion of pipe, and adjustable support means. A cutting or grooving wheel is displaceable along a predetermined path to cause it to move radially relative to the pipe, as the tool is manually rotated round the pipe.

Abstract: A business card letter opener having printed indicia on one surface and a recess in the opposite surface sized to accomodate a business card and covered by a transparent cover lens which slides over the recess and is snap locked into place over the recess to protect the card and allow it to be viewed through the cover lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gauge or set of gauges for determining whether the bend angle, bend diameter, and end extension dimensions of a bent steel reinforcing bar used in structural concrete construction are within established allowable limits. The gauge comprises at least the outer marginal portion of a section of a circular disc, the disc having an outer perimeter which defines a diameter approximating the minimum bend diameter for a particular bar size and bar bend, the perimeter taking into account the deformations on said bar and indicating the starting and ending points of the bend, i.e., the points of tangency. Also included are methods of using such a gauge to determine whether a bar bend has less than the minimum bend angle and diameter and whether the end extension of such bend is less than the minimum allowable length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tridimensional multifunction plotter, comprising a support of a tool which can move with a high precision following a predetermined tridimensional surface.The mobile part of the machine comprises a multifunction head to which several devices like laser distance measuring devices, digital and analogic probes for the surveying and digitizing of a bidimensional and/or tridimensional surface, or tools of various kinds for making a tridimensional model starting from a surface defined through a CAD system.A hardware-software subsystem is provided, parallel connected with the CPU of the machine, to obtain an integrated system which allows a direct connection of the machine with a CAD system so allowing the operator to input the various working parameters directly to the plotter, without the need of an external processing the data file generated by the CAM system, to convert it into a file compatible with the numeric controls of the machine.

Abstract: A device for making an arc of a predetermined radius at a square corner of a workpiece includes a positioning member having first and second edge members which are joined together at a right angle so that the positioning member may be seated against the square corner and an arc member extending across a portion of the right angle formed between the first and second edge members. The arc member is planar with the positioning member disposed on and extending from the arc member. The device may also include multiple positioning members and multiple arc members having different arc radii.

Abstract: A dryer assembly dries waste materials to a predetermined moisture level. The dryer includes a drum having an inlet where waste materials and hot gasses are simultaneously introduced, and an outlet where dried materials and hot vapors are transferred out of the dryer. The drum presents a plurality of preheat baffles in which the material is heated by but does not contact the gasses, thereby avoiding premature combustion of the material. Baffle sections located downstream of preheat baffles uniformly distribute material downstream into a primary drying section of the drum, where the material is mixed with the gasses to uniformly dry the material to the predetermined moisture level. The primary drying section includes alternating baffle sections which dry the material and which recycle material that is not yet dried back into the preceding baffle sections, respectively.

Abstract: An oven 1 includes a nozzle module 4 which is constructed such that a plurality of nozzle units 6 are alternately connected to an opposing pair of air chambers 5 arranged on the opposite sides of a conveyor 2. Each nozzle unit 6 has an upper nozzle 10 and a lower nozzle 11 both of which base end sides are pivotally supported to turn about support shafts 13 and 15 and of which foremost end sides are operatively supported by opening/closing units 16. Each opening/closing unit 16 has an elongated flexible member 17 suspended from a sprocket 18, and the opposite ends of the elongated flexible member 17 are operatively connected to the foremost end sides of the upper and lower nozzles 10 and 11. As the sprocket 18 is rotated, the upper and lower nozzles 10 and 11 are turned in the upward/downward direction, whereby each nozzle unit 6 is opened or closed in the vertical direction. A radiator 7 is arranged on the conveyor 2 side relative to each air chamber 5 while extending in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A protective insole for use in safety footwear comprising a protective layer composed of plastic and including a flexible forepart portion having an insole board bonded to its bottom surface and a fabric liner bonded to its top surface during the process of molding the protective plastic layer. A fabric mesh may be embedded in the plastic layer for reinforcement. A further embodiment provides a steel forepart plate anchored to a plastic shank and heel about the region of greatest flexure.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing footgear with comfortable individualized custom support, said apparatus comprising mechanical means to selectively and seperately change the position of multiple areas of the inner sole of said footgear, said areas corresponding generally to the areas of the foot described as the inner heel, the lateral arch, and the metatarsal area, and, whereas such changing of positions involves movement in two different directions: (1) upward and downward, (2) forward and backward, said changes in position are achieved by two different and seperate structures, wherein the movement of each of said structures is controlled by the selective turning of a screw, the heads of said screws being located on the outside of said footgear, where they can be selectively turned at any time.