Abstract: An improved bed enclosure is provided with an unique supporting structure which increases the vertical stability of the bed enclosure. The bed enclosure includes a frame having at least four upright side posts, each including an upper portion and a lower portion. The frame further includes upper frame support members interconnecting the upper portions of the side posts together, and lower frame support members interconnecting the lower portions of the side posts together. The frame defines a pair of generally vertical side walls of a predetermined length and a pair of opposed end walls of a predetermined width, the predetermined length being greater than the predetermined width. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, at least one support leg is associated with each of the side walls and is secured to the lower portions of the side posts and is engageable with the floor at a point spaced outwardly from the respective side wall.

Abstract: A litter apparatus including an expandable framework is arranged to have secured thereon a cover. The framework includes spaced parallel first tubular bodies, each having a second tubular body, with each second tubular body having a retractable third tubular body that in turn includes a fourth tubular body, wherein the tubular bodies are expandable relative to one another, with first and second forward expandable tubes mounted orthogonally between the first tubular bodies and first and second expandable rear tubes mounted orthogonally between the fourth tubular bodies, whereupon the actuation of plungers within the first tubular bodies permits release of the tubular bodies relative to one another in an expanded orientation relative to one another.

Abstract: A security rail attachment for a bed comprises a post with an adjustable foot at the lower end, a rail portion mounted within the post and rotatable about the vertical axis of the post and an attachment rail which extends across the end of the bed and includes clamping elements for clamping to angle irons along the sides of the bed. The rotatable rail portion can be latched at four 90.degree. spaced positions by notches in the base of a vertical post of the rail portion which cooperate with a transverse pin in the post. The rail portion can therefore project outwardly from the bed at right angles thereto for assisting the occupant in standing or can lie along the side of the bed to assist the occupant by preventing falling from that side of the bed.

Abstract: A valve member which is suitable for use in a fluid control valve in a swimming pool cleaner, which is made from a resiliently deformable material and which has a tubular core with a fastening formation near one end and a substantially mushroom-shaped annular flexible component at an opposed end.

Abstract: A cleaning pig for use in a pipeline to be moved through the pipeline by the flow of fluid therethrough, the pig being formed of a cylindrical body of foam plastic material, the body having a cylindrical surface and the cylindrical surface having shallow depth channels formed in parallelled spiraled patterns. An elongated cleaning member is positioned in each of the channels. Each of the cleaning members has an integral substratum of a width less than the width of a channel and each of the cleaning members has integral upstanding spaced apart studs projecting from the substratum upper surface, the studs each having a top surface that extends above the pig body external cylindrical surface, the substratum lower surface being bonded to the cylindrical body. The upstanding studs each has a top surface to non-abrasively contact and clean the interior surface of a pipeline.

Abstract: A broom with a flexible coupling in the handle comprising a head having a threaded aperture therein. A handle is formed as a long upper section adapted to be held by a user and a shorter lower section being provided with screw threads for releasably coupling with the threaded aperture in the head. A coil spring couples the lower end of the upper section with the upper end of the lower section with the spring encompassing a space between the lower end of the upper section and the upper end of the lower section. The coupling may further include an adhesive in a rupturable membrane to provide a more secure attachment and a dye in a similar membrane for indicating proper attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus dislodges material from a rotating brush having a brush axis and elongated bristles extending outwardly therefrom. The apparatus includes an obstruction device for temporarily obstructing free rotation of the bristles about the brush axis such that the bristles are placed in spring tension as the brush rotates. The obstruction device releases the bristles when sufficient spring tension exists therein.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for vehicles with a windshield having a curved surface with a curvature across the width of the vehicle is disclosed, The system comprises at least one driven wiper arm. A wiper blade assembly is mounted on a free end of the wiper arm. The wiper blade assembly defines a longitudinal axis and it is mounted pivotally about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. An oscillating drive oscillating the wiper arm across the windshield. A pivot drive is connected to said wiper blade assembly and it is adapted for driving the wiper blade assembly in accordance with an oscillatory movement of said wiper arm. The pivot drive includes a cam follower for pivoting the wiper blade assembly relative to said wiper arm and for maintaining a substantially constant attack angle of the wiper blade assembly relative to the windshield surface during the oscillatory movement of the wiper arm.

Abstract: A pants cleaning and sterilizing apparatus, which includes a housing for receiving the user's leg, two rotary brushes turned in reversed directions by a motor drive to remove dust from the bottom of the pants upon the insertion of the user's foot, a sterilizing device for sterilizing the pants, a dust collecting drawer disposed inside the housing at the bottom for collecting dust, and an induced-draft fan for drawing away air from the housing to let dust be gathered in the dust collecting drawer.

Abstract: A process for improving the regulation of a draw frame wherein measuring signals indicating thickness of a fiber sliver are detected at the input and output of the draw frame by measuring elements and processed by the regulating system of the draw frame comprising interfacing a fuzzy controller with the regulating system of the draw frame. The measuring signals indicating the thickness of the fiber sliver are inputted into the fuzzy controller. Various influencing factors which are not compensated for by the regulating system are also inputted into the fuzzy controller, the influencing factors having an effect on the measuring signals. The influencing factors are linked and weighted with respect to the measuring signals in the fuzzy controller in accordance with fuzzy inference rules based on empirical data established in the fuzzy controller.

Abstract: In a clip device having two clip legs (1,2) connected via a spine (3), one (1) of the two clip legs (1,2) consists of two sections (1a, 1b) which are connected together via a joint (4). The section (1a), facing the spine (3), of the one clip leg (1) is connected via a further joint (5) to the spine (3) and, via an elastic web forming a spring (6), to the other clip leg (2). In order to receive an article to be clipped (7) the section (1b), facing away from the spine (3), of the one clip leg (1) is first folded upwards in the manner of a pivot lever and, after introduction of the article to be clipped (7) between the clip legs (1,2), folded back into its starting position in which it presses the article to be clipped against the clip leg (2) without joint by means of a clip strut (8) assuming an engagement position.

Abstract: A pipe-clip is provided with a lining of an elastomeric material. A first flange of the pipe-clip has an outwardly opening slot for receiving a shank of a fastening screw, whereas an auxiliary flange is provided on a side of a second flange that is turned away from the first flange, the auxiliary flange having a nut for the fastening screw. The auxiliary flange having a lying against the side of the second flange that is turned away from the first flange, but may, against a spring action turn through a certain angle away from the second flange about an axis located adjacent a transition between the annular clip body and the second flange. The auxiliary flange, having the fastening nut, and the lining are formed of one piece of elastomeric material transverse slit is formed at the transition between the lining proper and the auxiliary flange through which the second flange extends.

Abstract: Fishplates for welded wire trellisworks which include an angled member having a first arm forming two segments which are separated by an open space with each segment having a clip-shaped profile. A second arm has four tongues therein which are each undulated to form recessed passages with the tongues being separated from one another by open spaces so that one of the open spaces therebetween is opposite the open space between the segment of the first arm.

Abstract: A clip securement assembly includes a hairpin-shaped clip made of a continuous strip of resiliently flexible flat stock and having an elongated base member, an attachment member and an auxiliary clip member for removable insertion on the top and bottom surfaces of an edge portion of a table top so as to retain a tablecloth thereon. The clip securement assembly also includes a pair of complementary detachable fastening elements for releasably attaching the base member of the clip to a bottom side of an article of dinnerware, such as a plate, for anchoring the plate on the tablecloth on the top surface of the table top. One of the pair of complementary fastening is attached on a terminal end portion of the base member of the clip, while the other of the pair of fastening elements is attachable on the bottom surface of the plate. The fastening elements are aligned and pressed together to anchor the plate firmly to the base member of the clip and thus on the top surface of the table top.

Abstract: The fixing element for fixing a mat to a floor part in a vehicle consists of a bottom part anchorable to the floor part to which the mat is to be secured and a top part having a clamping device and securable to the mat via the clamping device. The top part and the bottom part each have a disk-shaped flange with a coupling face. The coupling faces of the disk-shaped flanges face each other and have a plurality of identical coupling elements which cooperate by interlocking when the top part engages the bottom part. The coupling elements can be rows of pins having heads. The heads of the pins on the top part engage with those on the bottom part when the top part engages with the bottom part.

Abstract: A device for attaching a heat sink to an electronic package comprises a pin having a compressible point, the point being adapted to pass through aligned holes in a heat sink and a printed circuit board so that the point compresses as it passes into two holes and flexes back to an expanded position after it exits the printed circuit board hole opposite the heat sink thereby holding the heat sink to the board with the electronic package therebetween.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the fastening of a length of material to the cold-rolled profile tube (1) of a canvas-blind tube, the wall of said profile tube has formed therein an essentially tangentially extending first recess by folding the wall of said profile tube first inwards onto itself and by bending it then back into an L-shape, the long leg portion (9) extending in parallel spaced relationship with said double-folded wall and the shorter L-leg portion (10) extending towards the outer surface of said profile tube (1) and delimiting the opening of said first recess. Furthermore, a second, radially extending recess is provided subsequent to said shorter L-leg portion (10) by bending the wall inwards in a U-shape. These recesses have inserted therein a strip of plastic material comprising a tongue, which extends into the first recess, and a foot portion, which follows said tongue and which extends into the second recess (11), the length of canvas-blind material being placed round said tongue.

Abstract: A closure device, preferably made of plastic, serves for closing bags. It consists of a male section (1) and a female (2, 5 and 6), which are respectively joined to film (3 and 4) and may be detachably connected together. In order to ensure that such a closure device may be readily closed while at the same time being simple and cheap to produce, at least two spaced continuous projections (8) are provided on the side of the film (3) opposite to the male section (1). Similar projections (9) may advantageously be placed on the opposite side of the female section.

Abstract: A snap-hook comprises a roller rotatably mounted in a first curved area of a body and cooperating with a finger to prevent opening of the finger in all angular positions of the roller except for an unlocking position in which it enables opening of the finger. The locking roller is rotated by the attachment line. Traction on the line locks the snap-hook automatically. Unlocking is achieved by pivoting the snap-hook body relative to the line.

Abstract: In order to decrease the resistance to the pulling of a nonwoven web in an apparatus for needling nonwoven webs, a perforated plate is proposed, in which at least those through holes which are formed in the perforated plate at least adjacent to its upstream end have downstream edge portions which are disposed in recesses, which are formed in that surface of the plate which faces the nonwoven web and which gradually taper to said planar surface of the plate in the downstream direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing drilled needle blanks from a spool of coiled stock wire may include a laser for drilling a bore in the end of the stock wire and a cutting device for cutting the drilled wire into needle blanks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat section and a back section, preferably pivotably arranged in relation to each other, whereby the seat is inwardly and outwardly foldable and in its outwardly folded position the two sections can be arranged in substantially perpendicular positions for use as a seat, or with the two sections in substantially parallel positions for use as an armrest, whereby said seat section is provided with widening means so that the width of the seat section can be adjusted.

Abstract: A stack of plastic articles and a process of forming the stack are disclosed. Preferably the stack is of heat-fusible plastic slide elements for use in a diagnostic analyzer, the elements being temporarily and non-destructively fused together so that the stack can be used free of a cartridge. In another embodiment, the stack can be of any plastic article temporarily fused to adjacent elements, one side edge of each element bearing a colorant and another bearing no colorant, so that a bar code for the stack is inherently formed simply by rotating each element to project outwardly the colored side edge or the side edge lacking colorant, prior to fusing the elements together.

Abstract: An assembly of two components comprises a male member and a female member, the latter having a shoulder, with the male member abutted against the shoulder in back-to-back relationship. The female member has a groove. The male member is worked so as to cause its material to invade at least part of this groove in plastic flow. The groove is located beside the periphery of the shoulder having the larger diameter (i.e. the outer periphery of the shoulder), so that the plastic flow of the material of the male member takes place radially outwardly. Arrangements are also provided for sealing the assembly of the two components. The invention is applicable, for example, to torsion dampers for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A torque transmitting structure for an automatic transmission has an inner hub for rotating the structure and an outer annular shell. The annular shell has an internal radial spline portion, an external brake surface, a torque tube and an axially facing drive connecting surface. The annular shell is manufactured in a flow forming process, wherein a cup-shaped blank is secured on a mandrel which has a shape complementary to the internal shape of the shell. Forming rolls engage the outer surface and are moved axially relative to the mandrel in a manner to form the desired outer contour of the shell. After the flow forming operation, the shell is removed from the mandrel, the axial drive connection is formed by metal removal and the hub is bonded to the shell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for machining a component using a CNC or an NC machine. The method includes the steps of mounting the component at a location on the machine and providing a pair of datum points, e.g., "locating holes" or dowels, on the component. A first base line is defined to extend through the datum points and a second base line is defined to intersect the first base line at an intersection. While retaining the component at its mounting location, such component is machined using dimensions measured from the base line intersection. The new method avoids the inaccuracies, e.g., tolerances and tolerance "buildup," that often results from the use of jigs, fixtures and the like. In other words, the component itself becomes the reference for machining. The method is particularly useful in making parts such as detachable, unevenly-wearing gear segments which can be turned end-for-end for greatly improved service life.

Abstract: The present invention is an anisotropically loaded helix assembly for use in a traveling-wave tube, and the corresponding method for making the same. The present invention includes a helix circuit concentrically supported within a conductive cylindrical housing by a plurality of dielectric support members. The present invention effects an improved efficiency and bandwidth in the performance of TWT by the material used to form the dielectric support members, the shape of the dielectric support members and the manner by which the anisotropic load is affixed to the dielectric support members.

Abstract: A method of connecting an integrated circuit chip to a wiring substrate having a wiring pattern formed thereon. The method is intended to make a connection between fine connecting portions on the substrate and connecting pads on the chip easy and reliable. The connecting method includes connecting a plurality of connecting portions formed on a major surface of a wiring substrate to a plurality of connecting pads formed on a major surface of an integrated circuit chip through metal bumps and adhering portions of the major surface of the wiring substrate which have no connecting portions to portions of the major surface of the integrated circuit chip which have no connecting pads by means of a photothermosetting resin film selectively opened at the connecting portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new structure and a method for repairing electrical lines, and more particularly, the invention encompasses a structure and a method for repairing electrical lines on a ceramic or a semiconductor substrate. On a substrate that has an open or an electrical discontinuity, one or more trenches or grooves are made next to the open, or discontinuity and using standard deposition process one or more metals are deposited in the open to provide or restore electrical continuity while the excess deposition material is allowed to drain or propagate into the trench.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a guide plate for use in a chip carrier socket or other electrical connector provides the precision required for close-center line spacing while minimizing the cost associated with production. A block of ceramic or the like is ground to the precise outside dimensions required. Grooves are then cut in the block of ceramic, and the ceramic is then sliced into respective guide plates. The guide plates are inserted into openings provided in the electrical connector an retained therein. The grooves are dimensioned to cooperate with contact pins of the electrical connector to precisely maintain the pins in position, whereby when a chip is positioned in the electrical connector, the pins will be in position to make an electrical connection with the pads of the chip.

Abstract: A method of replacing IC chip package wiring having an interposer comprising removing an interposer having a plurality of adhesively laminated interposer layers from the package, delaminating and replacing at least one interposer layer with a corrected interposer layer, relaminating the interposer layers with adhesive thus producing a replacement interposer and remounting the replacement interposer to the IC chip package.

Abstract: A component mounting device including a measuring station where the length of the component is measured in two different angular positions so as to permit calculation of the corrective factors necessary by the displacement of the point of pick up of the component by the gripping device from its center so as to permit accurate positioning of the component on a substrate. The device operates to begin movement of the component toward its mounted position before the measuring has commenced.

Abstract: A method of producing a magnet roll in which a magnetic property comparable to that obtained by an injection molding can be obtained in spite of an extrusion molding. According to a first embodiment, the yoke width of the magnetic-field extrusion die is varied along an extrusion direction. According to a second embodiment, a pipe filled with resin bonded magnet material is used as a shaft. According to a third embodiment, a shaft having a groove which is filled with magnet is used. According to a fourth embodiment, a shaft provided with surface magnetic charge is used. According to a fifth embodiment, a magnetized region of a shaft is set to be shorter than the length of a main magnet. According to a sixth embodiment, an extruded matter is moved while stored in a sizing metal mold having a magnetic circuit structure.

Abstract: A torque converter has an end cover or input shell which is stamped from a sheet metal plate and has a stiffening fluid portion and an outer flow formed annular rim. The impeller, turbine and stator are assembled along with a torque converter clutch after which the rim portion of the end cover is welded to the impeller. The impeller and the cover have a flange or radially extending portion that is selectively trimmed to control the dynamic balance of the assembly. The turbine member is cast with the outer core and blade portions integral and an inner core member is welded thereto. This is completed prior to assembly within the torque converter.

Abstract: A hollow core fan blade for a gas turbine engine, having a continuous leading edge, is fabricated using a four-sheet superplastic forming/diffusion bonding process which results in a cost-efficient and lightweight, yet strong, structure. The rotor blade is comprised of a face sheet which has a 180 degree bend therein so that the two face sheet ends are aligned. Bonded to opposing sides of the face sheet are first and second core sheets, between which is the hollow core. To fabricate the blade, a core sheet assembly is inserted inside the prepared face sheet, thereby forming a Ti-Pack (titanium pack) assembly having a plurality of pressure-tight cells. The Ti-Pack is inserted into a cavity within a die, after which the rotor blade, having predetermined design characteristics, is superplastically formed by heating the die and selectively pressurizing the plurality of cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved nail clipper having ring members for accommodating the thumb and a finger of a user or alternatively two fingers of a user so that the user can obtain a firm grasp of the nail clipper during use thereof. The ring members are movably mounted to the nail clipper so as to allow them to assume a variety of different positions relative thereto. Preferably, the ring members are mounted to the nail clipper by rotatable pin members, each having a groove machined therein for receiving a respective ring member.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaving that contains a rectangular dispenser detachably connected between a razor handle and a disposable blade carrying head. The dispenser includes a reservoir that may be divided into open compartments that are in direct communication with separate conduits in the blade head that extend adjacent to the blades carried by the disposable head. Once installed, placing the apparatus's beneath a running faucet fills the reservoir and the internal baffling structure retains the water in the apparatus until contact with the user's face. The user applies a water soluble lubricant to the face and allows the lubricant to dry into a film. Shaving foam may also be applied to the face over the dry lubricant. When the blades are placed against the user's face, the water flows from the reservoir onto the blades and the user's face adjacent thereto to reactivate the lubricant just prior to the passage of the blades thereover.

Abstract: A shearing apparatus coupled to an excavator or similar heavy machinery for severing metal structural materials has a fixed blade attached to a boom and a cutting blade pivotably attached to the fixed blade. An outrigger is secured to the fixed blade in a position to support an end of the material during shearing. The outrigger transfers a rotational torque to the fixed blade to urge it toward the movable blade so as to prevent blade separation during shearing.

Abstract: A knife has a hollow body, a blade movable longitudinally on the body between an extended position projecting from the body and a retracted position substantially wholly contained within the body, a biasing element engaged between the body and the blade for urging the blade into the retracted position. A latch device is transversely engageable with the body in a latched position for holding the blade in the extended position and is out of engagement with the body in a release position permitting the biasing element to draw the blade into the retracted position. An electronic circuit in the body including a microelectronic accelerometer generates an output when the body is subjected to an acceleration exceeding a predetermined acceleration threshold. An actuator between the circuit and the latch puts the latch means in the release position when the detector generates the output.

Abstract: A rotative drawing template, used to draw various sizes of circles. The template is circular in configuration and is held at its periphery by equally spaced balls running in between two bearing races; one located in the periphery of the template and the other race, located in the surrounding template support. This enables the template to freely rotate without lateral movements.

Abstract: A solid, non-adjustable checking fixture adaptable for use in checking distances at selected angles off vertical to each of the tires and fenders or other type guards over the tires of all vehicle models. The fixture serves to permit fast and efficient manual checking of such distances in order to comply with E.E.C. "European Tire Coverage Standard." The fixture includes plates mounted on a base at the specified angles, and markings on the base having scales proportioned horizontally to heights of respective points along the angled plates corresponding to the vertical heights of the centers of the wheel axles.

Abstract: A bow sight includes an elevation block which may be operably coupled to and uncoupled from an adjusting screw by a locking member which need not be held manually in either its locking position or its unlocking position. The elevation block is supported rigidly on the frame of the sight by a three-point suspension and carries a windage block which also is rigidly supported by a three-point suspension. The outer end of the windage block is formed with a half-dovetail connector which coacts with a complementary half-dovetail connector on a sighting device to enable the sighting device to be clamped rigidly to the windage block by a single screw.

Abstract: A square is disclosed which is especially adapted for the marking of angular dimensions on, or the transfer of angular dimensions from, rafters or other building materials and the like in that only one adjustment is needed to vary the angle being marked or measured. The disclosed square has a first elongate arm, a second elongate arm, and an elongate base having a distal and a proximal end, and a first elongate slot extending longitudinally intermediate its distal and proximal ends. The first elongate arm has a proximal end and a distal end which is pivotally attached to the proximal end of the base. The second has a proximal end, a distal end which is pivotally attached to the proximal end of the first elongate arm, and a second elongate slot extending intermediate its distal and proximal ends for intersection with the first slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper remoistening apparatus of the type which drives a strip of paper along a predetermined path within a sealed enclosure, into which nozzles for spraying a moistening mist open and which communicates at a place remote from the spray nozzles with the inlet of a suction device having its outlet opening outside the enclosure.

Abstract: A bulk material dryer of the through flow type is equipped with an air permeable bulk material conveyor for carrying the bulk material through a dryer housing. The inlet and outlet ends of the dryer housing are sealed by paddle wheels, the paddles of which dip into the layer of bulk material on the bulk material conveyor. A moving filter belt is arranged in the dryer housing in such a position that dust laden air that has passed through the bulk material must also pass through the moving filter belt for the continuous cleaning of the drying air. One or more cleaning devices are arranged along the moving filter belt for in turn cleaning the filter belt, thereby assuring a continuous drying operation.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole extending from a toe to a heel. An upper is secured to the sole. The upper is formed of flexible material shaped to conform to a foot. The upper has opposing edges which define an ankle opening and a slot extending from the toe portion to the ankle opening. A flap is secured to the sole and sized to cover the slot. Adhering tabs are used to adhere the flap to the upper. The flap includes a raised end at the toe portion.

Abstract: New and improved boots for outdoor use by sports persons and the like comprising, in combination, an upper formed of an instep section, a back ankle section, a lower forward peripheral section and with an opening along the upper front with a tongue within the opening, a plurality of eyelets formed along the upper front opening with lacings extending through the eyelets above the tongue for enclosing the opening during use, a plurality of metallic rings extending in vertical lines adjacent the back ankle section from below the ankle to above the ankle with lacings extending through the rings for providing additional support to the rear a wearer's boot and lower leg; and a sole having an intermediate layer as an extension of the upper with a layer of flexible material thereabove and a sponge rubber sole therebelow in the forward portion and a rubber heel therebelow in the rear portion, the rubber heel being formed with a peripheral ridge and linear projections extending forwardly and rearwardly thereof along th

Abstract: A pin locking device for preventing an involuntary unlocking of a pin which is bent back on itself to form a spring, the pin having a pointed end section and a clasp mechanism mutually adjacent each other, the clasp mechanism retaining the pointed end section in a clasped condition against the urging of the spring. The pin locking device includes an elongated lock member having a body of a finite length made of a non-compressible material and having first and second spaced and parallel holes extending transversely through the body. An axially outwardly opening slot is provided in one end face of the lock member and extends entirely across the end face parallel to and opens into the first one of the transversely extending holes. The pointed end section of the pin extends through the second hole.

Abstract: A sole having an articulated forefoot includes a flex joint extending generally longitudinally between the hallux and the second toe and at least one additional flex joint extending transversely across the sole. The flex joints can intersect with each other to form substantially separated sections in the sole by for facilitating relatively independent movement of selected toes.

Abstract: Orthopedic shoe with flat bottom and plantar insole, provided with a silicone insert fitted between the bottom and the plantar insole which extends from the heel towards the tip of the shoe as far as the end of the plantar arch of the foot, said insert consisting, in correspondence of the heel, of a sector embedded in the heel and having upper flat surface, wherein an annular upwardly open cavity is provided to define an inner cylindrical yielding body for the support of the calcaneum and consisting, in correspondence of the central part of the bottom, of two longitudinal projections placed along the inner and outer sides, respectively, of the shoe for supporting the plantar arch.