Abstract: A flexible bag includes a female profile and a male profile cooperatively arranged to inhibit interlock-blockage caused by small substances. The female profile includes first and second opposing legs. Each of the legs of the female profile includes a securing head at an extended end, a base adapted for attachment to the first panel section of the bag. A neck is between the securing head and the base. At least one of the first and second legs has a plurality of portions removed to form a first series of breaks. The portions removed include the securing head and the neck. The male profile is adapted for attachment to the second panel section of the bag, and is arranged to interlock with the first and second legs. A method of constructing a flexible bag, and a method for using a flexible bag are also described.

Abstract: A belt buckle for a seat belt connected to a fitting part having an insert tongue, the buckle includes a load-bearing frame comprising an upper part and a lower part substantially parallel thereto, between which an insert tongue of said fitting part can be received and which are formed by bending of an elongated plate-type part. The upper and the lower parts each having a free end and side edges and being interlocked with each other in the region of their free ends by at least one portion of one of the upper part and the lower part being bent around an adjoining portion of the corresponding other part at each of the two side edges.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a metal frame for an article of furniture which includes a base portion made up of four peripheral edge members disposed in a rectangular arrangement. The frame also includes a back frame portion and two arm frame portions each having at least three peripheral edge members which are interconnected to each other at right angles. Each of the base frame portion, the back frame portion and the two arm frame portions includes at least one strip of longitudinally corrugated metallic sheet material which has at least one generally U-shaped longitudinally extending rib therein. Bend locations are provided for bending the strip of longitudinally corrugated metallic sheet material at right angles. A combination of corresponding strips of velcro, hooks and loops are used in conjunction with J-strips to removably attach upholstery to the frame.

Abstract: A dental press apparatus for removing and installing a dental handpiece bearings includes a press having a frame having a base with a plurality of apertures therethrough for supporting a dental handpiece thereon and a push plate supported on the frame for pushing against items placed on the press. A spindle ram is attached to the push plate for removing the spindle in a dental handpiece turbine positioned on the base. A bearing ram is attached to the push plate for attaching a bearing to the dental handpiece turbine positioned on the base. A parts tray having an angled surface is removeably supported on the frame below the base for catching a turbine spindle passing through said base aperture after being removed from a dental handpiece turbine, so that a dental handpiece turbine bearing can be rapidly removed and replaced in press. The press includes a removable turbine chuck protector for the spindle ram. The frame has a plurality of suction cups and a drawer built thereinto to hold parts therein.

Abstract: A tool for and method to facilitate the replacement of wheels on track-and-wheel vehicles and equipment by lifting the track from the road-wheels in a quick, safe and efficient manner. A tool with an elongated section and two forked ends, each fork having a long prong and a short prong, the long prongs of both ends not being on the same side of the tool. In operation, one forked end is placed in notches in the lower track, and the other forked end is placed in notches in the upper track. The vehicle is then driven in a direction so that the tool acts as a wedge lifting the upper track off of the road wheel.

Abstract: A method for providing an article of manufacture is described such that the article has a bracket with a pair of parallel, spaced-apart arms affixed thereto, with a hole in each of the arms, the holes being aligned with each other and precisely spatially positioned relative to a fixed reference point on the article of manufacture which is external to the bracket in which the holes are made. In this manner, the cumulative imprecisions inherent in welding the bracket to the article and punching the holes in the bracket are not necessarily additive and a more precise spatial orientation of the holes with the reference point may be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members can be adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. Releasable securing members are provided on the frame structure to secure the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for a machine tool generally including a first housing having a bore provided with a lining formed of a structural polymer, a second housing disposed in the first housing bore in sliding engagement with the lining therein, a first spindle journaled in the first housing, a second spindle journaled in the second housing in axial alignment with the first spindle and operatively connected thereto for axial displacement relative thereto and rotational movement therewith and means for displacing the second housing relative to the first housing to correspondingly axially displace the spindles.

Abstract: A variable speed milling machine attachment, and a method for its use, that is efficiently configured for minimal reduction of the spindle-to-table distance of a milling machine, such as the well-known Bridgeport miller, and which when attached to a milling machine having a maximum spindle speed of approximately 5,000 rpm, allows an operator to perform high speed milling, grinding, drilling, and engraving functions at selected sustained spindle speeds greater than 5,000 rpm, up to and including sustained spindle speeds in excess of 20,000 rpm. The attachment also has a visual display that provides an operator with indications of actual spindle speed for precise initial selection of the proper spindle speed for an intended machining task.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed abut the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension sxtends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped wherein the sheet is held about the pot by the crimped portion.

Abstract: A method for attaching a seat belt cutter to an area adjacent a driver's seat is provided. The seat belt cutter comprises a blade and hammer provided in one grip member. A device for attaching the seat belt cutter is provided with restraining holes and insert holes, respectively, on opposite ends and opposite sides. A tape having hook-like projections on a downward surface is inserted between the insert holes and is fixedly attached to a pad having loop-like projections on an upper surface to affix the device in place. Alternatively, a screw is threaded into the restraining holes and is fixed to an ordinary pad to hold the device in place.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of forming a vented rotor for caliper disc brakes and the like. Such a vented rotor includes an outer friction portion having one or more ring sections with opposed friction surfaces adapted to interface with associated friction members. The vented rotor is formed by first casting a rotor to the desired configuration including at least the ring section. This initial casting is formed in such a manner that one or more depressions are provided a surface of the ring section. Then, material is removed in one or more machining steps from portions of the friction surface opposite the friction surface having the depressions, to the point that the depressions extend completely through the ring section to form the vents.

Abstract: A brush holder apparatus and method for biasing a brush outwardly of a brush box. A brush box cover is slidingly disposed over an electrical cable along with a coil spring. Next, a brush shunt is electrically secured to an end portion of the electrical cable by a crimp member. The brush box cover is then slidably urged towards a brush secured at a terminal end of the brush shunt. This causes the brush shunt to be folded so as to place it in general longitudinal alignment and parallel with the electrical cable. The brush box cover is then further slid along the electrical cable, thus urging the spring over the brush shunt and into engagement with the brush electrically secured at the terminal (i.e., outer) end portion of the brush shunt. The brush box cover is further slid along the electrical cable until the crimp member and a portion of the brush shunt become wedgingly engaged in a portion of the brush box cover, to thereby hold the spring in a compressed condition between the brush box cover and the brush.

Abstract: A method for forming a magnetic transducer structure. There is first provided a substrate. There is then formed over the substrate a lower magnetic pole layer. There is then formed upon the lower magnetic pole layer a gap filling dielectric layer. There is then formed at least in part upon the gap filling dielectric layer a patterned positive photoresist layer employed in defining through a plating method an upper magnetic pole layer formed at least in part upon the gap filling dielectric layer. The patterned photoresist layer has a first region defining a pole tip of the upper magnetic pole layer and a second region defining a magnetic coil region of the upper magnetic pole layer. The first region of the patterned positive photoresist layer is photoexposed either before or after forming through the plating method the upper magnetic pole layer defined by the patterned positive photoresist layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing degaussing coils designed to be mounted on the glass panels of cathode-ray tubes used to display color therein, the link between the ends of the winding of the degaussing coil and the conductors providing connection to the electrical supply circuit is encased by the injection, into a mold, of an insulating thermoplastic material. The method can be applied to degaussing coils for color television receivers.

Abstract: A hammer for forming bulges in an array of compliant pin blanks by compressive deformation to thereby attach the array of pin blanks to a printed circuit board is provided. Each of the compliant pin blanks has a substrate engaging portion and a compliant section spaced from the substrate engaging portion projecting from the printed circuit board. The compliant section of each pin blank defines at least one protrusion extending outwardly farther than the remaining portions of the compliant section of the pin blank. The circuit board has a plurality of holes receiving the pin blanks. A hammer is provided which has a body defining a substrate facing surface for facing the printed circuit board and defining a plurality of holes extending from the substrate facing surface for receiving the compliant sections of the pin blanks. The holes in the substrate facing surface have a bulge cavity larger than the cross-section of the portion of the pin receiving blank therein.

Abstract: A chip mounting apparatus capable of permitting a chip mounting operation to be executed at an increased speed and ensuring continuous running of the apparatus over a long period of time. The apparatus includes a chip observing camera mounted on the side of a chip mounting head, a lighting unit mounted on the side of the chip mounting head to light a background of a chip held on a chip suction nozzle of the head, a reflection unit mounted on the side of the chip mounting head to input an image of the chip to the chip observing camera, feeder and stocker sections each adapted to replaceably held a chip storage package therein, and a package replacement mechanism for carrying out replacement of the chip storage package between both sections.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a carrier for testing an unpackaged semiconductor die is provided. The carrier includes a carrier base for supporting the die; an interconnect for establishing a temporary electrical connection with the die; and a force distribution mechanism for biasing the die and interconnect together. In an illustrative embodiment the carrier is formed with a laminated ceramic base. The ceramic base includes internal conductive lines that are wire bonded to the interconnect and metal plated external contacts that are connected to external test circuitry. In an alternate embodiment the carrier is formed with an injection molded plastic base and includes 3-D circuitry formed by a metallization and photolithographic process. In either case, the carrier is adapted for testing different die configurations by interchanging different interconnects.

Abstract: Resilient contact structures are mounted directly to bond pads on semiconductor dies, prior to the dies being singulated (separated) from a semiconductor wafer. This enables the semiconductor dies to be exercised (e.g., tested and/or burned-in) by connecting to the semiconductor dies with a circuit board or the like having a plurality of terminals disposed on a surface thereof. Subsequently, the semiconductor dies may be singulated from the semiconductor wafer, whereupon the same resilient contact structures can be used to effect interconnections between the semiconductor dies and other electronic components (such as wiring substrates, semiconductor packages, etc.). Using the all-metallic composite interconnection elements of the present invention as the resilient contact structures, burn-in can be performed at temperatures of at least 150.degree. C., and can be completed in less than 60 minutes.

Abstract: A method of supporting an electrical circuit on an electrically insulative base substrate comprises embossing a first circuit pattern on the substrate, and plating or etching a second circuit pattern over the first circuit pattern such that the first and second circuit patterns are in physical contact with each other for electrical communication therebetween. Plated through-holes are provided for facilitating support of a twisted pair of electrical conductors on a base substrate.

Abstract: A compressor housing is sealed around the bolt head without the use of an intervening sealing washer. Instead, the bolt hole is machined through the compressor housing in such a way as to assure that the sharp circular edge of the bolt hole always has a degree of radial overlap with the rounded corner that makes the transition from the body of the bolt to the flat undersurface of the bolt. Then, when the bolt is tightened, it is assured that the sharp corner of the bolt hole will be hit and be rounded over by the rounded corner of the bolt head into a closely matching configuration. This assures good, close contact and a tight gas seal. It also allows for over tightening the bolt head, because the ideal sealing pressure will still be attained at some point moving radially inwardly along the interface between bolt head round corner and the deformed bolt hole edge.

Abstract: An inexpensive flat electric wire for a wire harness and an inexpensive wire harness utilizing the flat electric wire can be produced. A flat electric wire (P) is produced by juxtaposing a plurality of insulator-sheathed electric wire elements (a), each having a single core, on a plane; and by applying a reinforcing tape (51) on the juxtaposed wire elements (a) at a desired position over the width of the elements (a), whereby the wire elements (a) are secured together to each other by the tape (51) to form the flat electric wire (P) for a wire harness.

Abstract: A method for connecting piping system components, such as a valve and a pipe fitting, using a pair of half-height nuts in place of a single full-height nut on each stud. Each first half-height nut is torqued on its associated stud while a stud tensioner exerts an axial pull on the stud. Each second half-height nut is torqued onto the stud, using a standard torque wrench, after the stud tensioner is removed. The two nuts together produce a combined nut strength capable of withstanding the tensile force on the associated stud.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a forged connecting rod of the type including a big end, a shank and a small end. A connecting rod rough forging, free of lateral flash and including at least one bore initiator on the big end and on the small end, is manufactured by forging. The connecting rod rough forging is sized, content-wise, by plating the connecting rod rough forging between two inserts inside a die in order to obtain a sized connecting rod rough forging.

Abstract: The disclosed gear system provides distinctive forms of gearing for directly transmitting substantially constant velocity between two shafts, while allowing the angle between the shafts to vary (e.g., by even more than 80.degree.) in any plane during operation. Several forms of gear teeth appropriate for the system are specifically detailed and applied in the design of constant-velocity joints.

Abstract: A method for forming a toothed wheel which comprises the steps of providing a circular sheet metal blank of uniform thickness, cold forming an outer peripheral portion thereof into a thickened rim of uniform generally rectangular cross-sectioned configuration having (1) an outer periphery which does not exceed the outer periphery of the toothed wheel to be formed by more than approximately two percent (2) a radial thickness at least 2.0 mm greater than the tooth height of the toothed wheel to be formed, and (3) an axial thickness at least twice the uniform thickness of said blank, the cold forming comprising progressively moving a predetermined marginal peripheral portion of the metal blank having a cross sectional outline radially inwardly and axially outwardly while the integral integrity of the metal within the cross sectional outline is maintained without merging portions of the cross sectional outline together, and cutting a series of teeth in the periphery of the thickened rim by a hobbing operation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a machine bearing comprising an elastic spring element made of rubber, in which the elastic spring element is affixed to a ring element made of an elastically deformable material is disclosed. The ring element is produced from a lamellar section of a sheet metal and, after being transformed into the shape of a cylinderical ring, is further transformed into the final shape of the ring element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dynamic groove bearing having parts rotatable relative to one another. The bearing parts include cooperating bearing surfaces and a pattern of grooves by means of a metal-removing tool. A first bearing part is fastened to a rotatable support of a machine tool, which is rotated in a constant direction. The tool is periodically displaced relative to the first bearing part parallel to a direction transverse to the bearing surface of the first bearing part by a positioning device with a frequency which is determined by a product of a rotation frequency of the support and a number of grooves on the bearing surface of the first bearing part. The tool is periodically displaced in a sinusoidal movement and the positioning device may include a piezoelectric actuator (95). A data storage unit including dynamic groove bearings is also provided.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a component on which in-service stresses are imposed by in-service loading conditions. The process generally entails fabricating the component such that residual stresses are induced in the component that substantially offset one or more primary stresses which would otherwise limit the maximum service life of the component. The residual stresses are induced by creating compressive stresses in the component that extend sufficiently beneath the working surface of the component during fabrication. In order to appropriately attain the necessary residual stresses, the process of this invention includes developing a model of the component, and then applying the in-service loading conditions to the model to determine the in-service stresses on the component. Thereafter, at least one of the in-service stresses is identified as being critical, i.e., a stress that establishes the maximum service life of the component.

Abstract: A new bottle foil cutter for shearing foil or other material wraps on the necks of bottles. The inventive device includes a housing with an inner surface defining a bore through the housing, and a cutting member disposed within the bore. The inventive device is designed to be mounted onto a neck of a bottle and rotated so as to shear material wrap thereon. The inventive device can be coupled to and used in conjunction with a corkscrew apparatus.

Abstract: A tool and method are provided for manually cutting twine wrapped around a bale. The tool includes a stem having a handle attached to one end and a hook at the other end. The hook opens reversely toward the handle. The hook includes an outer edge sharpened for cutting through ice and twine. The hook also includes an inner dull surface facing toward the handle for selectively engaging the twine upon placing the hook between the bale material and twine. The dull surface permits a user to pull the twine away from the bale without severing the twine. This allows the user to easily grasp the twine in his hand, and then cut the twine using the outer edge of the hook.

Abstract: The invention is a cutter bar for a chain saw which permits quick and convenient trimming of hedges and shrubbery. The cutter bar is of conventional design, being relatively thin and elongated, and supporting a cutting chain which extends around its periphery. Additionally, the cutter bar of this invention has a plurality of spaced-apart tines which extend transversely out from the top and/or bottom of the cutter blade. The tines are fastened to or extend from a side or edge of the cutter blade, optionally by rivets passing through a shim or spacer--the tines are not connected to each other by a web or common casting other than the cutter blade. This way, the web or common casting does not add to the size, bulk, or weight of the cutter blade, allowing it to remain less burdensome and less interfering during cutting. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing on the cutter bar between tines varies so that branches or limbs of varying diameter may be accommodated by the cutter blade while cutting.

Abstract: A folding knife that is self opening when removed from a container such as a holster or pocket. The knife includes a handle and a knife blade with the blade hinged to the handle for folding from an extended, use, position to a stored position in a slot in the handle. A pin is formed on the knife blade adjacent to the hinged end, extending away from the blade when the blade is folded. When the knife is pulled from a container, the pin will snag the container just before the knife is fully removed, causing the blade to unfold to the use position. Preferably, the pin is hook-shaped with an end extending along the blade towards the blade tip. A releasable locking arrangement to lock the blade against folding while in use and for releasing the blade when desired for folding is preferably included.

Abstract: A fixed blade utility knife has a housing provided by a lower handle portion, an upper lever portion, and a nosepiece at one end thereof which seats one end of the handle and lever. The lever is pivotably supported on the nosepiece, and a blade holder in the nosepiece is pivotably supported on the handle. The blade is seated in the holder and extends outwardly of the nosepiece, and a blade guard of generally U-shaped cross section extends about the cutting edge and is slidable in the nosepiece to extend outwardly to sheathe the cutting edge and to be withdrawn into the nosepiece to expose the cutting edge. A manipulatable element slidably seated in the nosepiece is engaged with the blade guard to effect its sliding movement. Pivoting of the lever into an open position releases the blade from engagement in the holder so that it may be easily replaced.

Abstract: An apparatus for comparing compliance of a grade to a predetermined slope includes a block and a level. The block has at least one notch positioned at a distance from a first end of the block such that when the method of this invention is practiced, a level indicator will indicate whether a grade on which the apparatus is resting matches a predetermined grade. A method of this invention includes the steps of inserting an arm of predetermined length into the notch and placing the joined block and arm on a grade. A level is placed at the arm to thereby compare compliance of the grade to a predetermine slope.

Abstract: A high visibility gun sight system is described for detachable mounting on a gun barrel (e.g., a shotgun). The system includes a base member for detachably mounting to a gun barrel, and an elongated light-gathering plastic rod which is detachably mounted to the base member. Preferably the base member includes downwardly extending flanges for engaging the gun barrel. The flanges can include opposing fingers for self-aligning of the base member on the barrel. Magnets can be included in the base member for retaining the base member on the gun barrel.

Abstract: A rifle scope vertical alignment apparatus includes first and second plates, each with a bottom surface shaped as an inverted V. A vertically oriented elongate slot is formed in one of the first and second plates and a receiving channel is formed in one of the first and second plates to slidably engage the other of the first and second plates. A level is positioned on one of the first and second plates such that it is visible from a rear surface of the apparatus. A threaded screw extends through the slot and into a threaded bore on the other of the first and second plates so that the plates can be held in a selected position relative to each other with the inverted V bottom surfaces aligned. The alignment method involves positioning the inverted bottom V of the first plate of the alignment apparatus atop the rifle barrel just in front of the objective end of the scope, placing the inverted V bottom surface of the second plate atop the scope barrel and then tightening the threaded screw.

Abstract: The device comprises a pipe (1), in which a shaft (20) of a marking component (2) can be moved. The pipe (1) has a soil anchor (4) at the bottom. The component (2) has a head (21) at the top and can be lifted from a lowered position, in which the head (21) lies next to the top face (14) of the pipe (1) into the lifted position shown against the force of a spring (3). In the lifted position, the component (2) can be stopped by means of a bayonet lock. The device is inserted into the ground vertically at a measuring, e.g., on a soccer field, such that in the lowered position, the top (25) of the head (21) is flush with the ground surface. If the markings on the field need to be renewed, the corresponding components (2) are lifted and stopped. A cord is stretched between two components (2), along which cord a straight line can be marked, or a circle can be drawn with a cord around one of the components (2). The marking of the field can thus be rationalized and expensive re-measuring can be avoided.

Abstract: An arrangement in an apparatus for drying a fiber web, in which apparatus the fiber web (5) is dried between two tight bands (1, 2) moving in the same direction and turning around turning rolls (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b). The first band (1) is heated by means of a pressure chamber (9) and the second band (2) is cooled by means of a water chamber (10). The fiber web (5) is led together with at least one felt or wire (3, 4) through a drying zone formed by the bands (1, 2) in such a way that the fiber web is in contact with the surface of the first band (1) and the felt or wire (3, 4) is between the fiber web (5) and the second band (2). The arrangement comprises means for supporting the wire or wires (3, 4) in such a way that the fiber web (5) is exposed to a compression pressure by the effect of the wire or wires (3, 4) substantially immediately upon coming into contact with the first band.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are indicated for a paper-making machine, for delivering liquid from a first level in a first space, through a line into a second space on a second, higher level, under the action of a difference in the gas pressures over the liquid in the first space and in the second space. A throttle valve in the line is controlled, to regulate the fluid flow, in such a way that the throttle valve is at least partly closed when the gas flow through the line rises, and is opened when there is little gas flow through the line. This guarantees continuous delivery of liquid, stable flow conditions prevail, and a delivery that is largely free of pulsation is achieved with a low proportion of gas (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A modular food dehydrator utilizing a heater blower assembly located on a top surface of a dehydrator module. The heater blower assembly includes a motor driven fan, a heating element and an air distribution portion for directing heated air across the support surfaces. The heater blower assembly is preferably releasably attachable to the dehydrator module. In a first embodiment, the dehydrator module has a central opening extending generally vertically through the support surfaces in fluid communication with the heater blower assembly for directing heated air radially outward across the plurality of support surfaces. The dehydrator module preferably includes outlet vents on an outer perimeter surface for exhausting the heated air. At least one outlet vent is preferably located between each of the plurality of support surfaces.

Abstract: A wood drying kiln and airflow controlling process is described in which the kiln includes an structure with a charge receiving chamber, and a door accessible opening to allow passage of a charge of lumber for drying. Circulating fans in the structure produce airflow that is directed by baffles in a prescribed path through the charge. At least one row of elongated resilient brush bristles within the structure are positioned therein to yieldably engage the charge of lumber placed within the charge receiving chamber. The brush bristles are provided with sufficient density to limit passage of air laterally through the row.

Abstract: A fluid filled insole comprises a fluid tight bladder having upper and lower layers and a generally foot-shaped, planar configuration, with proximal forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions; a heavy, viscous, sterile liquid substantially filling the bladder; at least two but no more than six transversely spaced forefoot flow deflectors joining the upper and lower layers in the proximal forefoot region of the bladder; at least one but no more than five transversely spaced hindfoot flow deflectors joining the upper and lower layers in the hindfoot region of the bladder; flow passages matched to the anatomical structure of the foot between the forefoot and hindfoot flow deflectors and the medial and lateral and peripheral margins of the bladder; a flow controller matched to the border between the lateral and medial longitudinal arch, whereby liquid flows from the hindfoot region to the forefoot region and vice versa.

Abstract: A toe protector, or a metatarsal protector, or a combined toe and metatarsal protector for safety footwear are molded from plastics material either integrally or separately and then attached to one another for storage and incorporation into the finished footwear. Each part of the respective protector comprises a generally U-shaped body provided at the central part of its top outer surface with two mutually facing, spaced surfaces extending outward therefrom and bounding between them a central part of the top portion. A force receiving plate overlies the respective central part with its lower surface spaced from the central part, is of concave shape toward the central part, and has two spaced edges engageable with the two surfaces. In an integral structure the adjacent surfaces and edges are constituted by corresponding integral junctions.

Abstract: A protective overshoe which reduces the risk of injury from industrial impact, compression, chemical, puncture, and electrical hazards and simultaneously protects both a foot and a street shoe worn by the foot is described. The overshoe may include a protective sole, a protective upper, and a toe box. The protective sole is made with conventional materials such as butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, nitrile, and combinations thereof. An optional puncture guard in the sole protects against punctures. The protective upper is large enough to substantially cover the upper of the street shoe. Protective uppers are made of the same or similar materials as those used in the protective soles. The toe box, which substantially covers and protects the user's toes, is formed of a conventional rigid material such as steel, rigid plastic, or fiberglass.

Abstract: The sports footwear described comprises a first and a second footwear element (4, 5) such as an outer upper portion and an inner shoe, one of the elements having, on the corresponding surface facing the other element, at least one localized projection (22-27) which can be housed substantially with shape coupling in a recess (12-17) localized in a corresponding position in the other element so that the elements are connected to one another by the coupling of each projection in the corresponding recess.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe is disclosed for use with a clipless pedal. The bicycle shoe has an upper peripheral portion with a sole portion coupled thereto and an inner sole portion or cushion overlying the inner surface of the sole portion. The bicycle shoe can either be designed for use with a road bicycle or a mountain bicycle. In other words, the sole portion can be either a substantially hard, rigid member or a substantially flexible, resilient member. In either case, the sole is provided with one or more attachment apertures for attaching a low profile cleat thereto. In particular, the attachment aperture or apertures are longitudinally arranged such that the fasteners which couple the cleat to the shoe sole portion is located in front of and behind the pedal shaft. Preferably, the attachment aperture or apertures is spaced from a center line extending between the center points of the toe portion and the heel portion of the sole.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for a musical water ball provides a waterproof effect and enables the decoration of the water ball to rotate more smoothly and accurately. The driving mechanism includes a seat member, a silicone gasket, a central shaft rod, a fastening plate, a spring and a driven perforated disc. The silicone gasket is disposed in an inner hole seat of the seat member. The silicone gasket is formed with inner and outer rings that define an annular groove. When water flows into the annular groove, a fastening pressure is formed to bind the gasket to the central shaft rod. Water is thus prevented from infiltrating back so as to avoid rusting of the driving mechanism. Each of upper and lower ends of the shaft rod is formed with engaging teeth for engaging with a corresponding structure of the rotary tray and a corresponding structure of the central hole of the driven perforated disc. A spring is fitted around the shaft rod to abut against the fastening plate to provide a buffering effect.

Abstract: A vehicle billboard which permits the removable attachment of a sign-bearing billboard to the existing license plate frame of a vehicle. The billboard is fixedly mounted to a supporting frame and has a flat surface upon which a design may be affixed, drawn or otherwise displayed. A pair of brackets join the supporting frame and billboard to a license plate frame via screws or rivets. The billboard and supporting frame may be interchanged with other billboards and the entire apparatus including the mounting brackets may be easily attached to or removed from a vehicle.

Abstract: A sign assembly includes a sign and a bent wire bail for ground insertion. The sign is formed from a blank with adhesive strips for securing its inner surface together in a folded position.