Abstract: A cushion, generally indicated, comprises a foam portion and a gel portion. The foam portion has a rear section defining a cavity, while the front section is shaped to support the users' thighs. The gel portion comprise a gel sac, which substantially fills the cavity and an overlay that extends over the gel sac and the front section of foam. The overlay is attached to the bag to maintain their relative portions, but gel cannot flow between them.

Abstract: A baby pillow includes a base plate and two frames connected to two sides of the base plate. A cotton body surrounds each frame, and a layer of cotton cloth is made to cover the base plate and the two side cotton bodies. A soft cushion layer is formed with a cotton bag filled with cotton and then sewed with a side of the cotton cloth of the base plate, and then folded to overlap the base plate. The head of a baby may be laid on the soft cushion layer overlapped on the base plate, with the two side cotton bodies folded up to two sides of the head of the baby to help prevent the head from turning to a side, keeping it in a normal position, and preventing noise from reaching the ears of the baby to permit it to sleep soundly.

Abstract: An alternately inflated/deflated air bed being made by an arrangement of many air bag sets, each of them provided therein with a first air bag which is further provided therein with a second air bag. The first air bag thus is divided into two air chambers. An air pipe is provided on the first air bag for air intake and discharge. The second air bag is constantly kept inflated. The air bag sets are arranged in series. When the air bag sets of the odd and of the even numbers are alternately inflated/deflated by simultaneous discharge or intake of the two air chambers, the first air bags are inflated/deflated twice as much, so that a patient lying on the air bed obtains adequate ventilation by alternately changing contact points of his body with the air bed. When there is a power loss or machine failure which causes the first air bags to discharge, the second air bags support the patient to still feel comfortable.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool comprising a fish hook screwdriver is provided to quickly and accurately trace electrical wires. The user-friendly fish hook screwdriver has a screwdriver blade to move, separate or spread a bundle or harness of wires and has a hook which can conveniently slide along the wire being traced. Advantageously, the hook can also hook, pull and lift the wires being traced, as desired. The hook can be an internal hook which extends into the blade or shank. The hook can also be an external hook which extends outwardly from the blade or shank. The hook can have different configurations and sizes to accommodate different size wires.

Abstract: Footwear, in particular sports footwear, which includes a vamp associated with a substantially flat foot-supporting lower part or sole unit. This latter includes at least one portion formed of woven composite material having a part positioned in correspondence with the metatarsal region of the user's foot and a part positioned corresponding with the arch region of the user's foot, wherein the part of the portion present in the metatarsal region is flexible and enables the sole unit to flex during the use of the footwear and wherein part of the portion present in the plantar arch region is rigid.

Abstract: An energy dissipator for interposition between parts of a structure, for example, between a support structure and a deck of a viaduct, protecting the structure in the event of an earthquake in an effective and consistent manner which conforms to expectations even a very long time after installation and also in the event of repeated operation, comprises an electrical generator interposed between the parts and operated by relative movement between the parts as a result of the earthquake.

Abstract: A holder for releasibly clamping a mophead to a mop handle includes an elongate clamping member which is hinged at one end and snap fits at the other. The clamping member extends about a mop strand bundle. The clamping member has a brush or scrub pad fitted to its underside for scrubbing.

Abstract: This invention is a foldable material having a surface appropriate for manual, contact maintenance, such as a cloth, of such size as to enable the folding of the cloth into parallel panels, each of which is approximately hand-sized. Each of the panels can be visually discriminated from the others by a line imprinted on the panel surface, and each of the panels is sequentially numbered. The foldable material is folded in half and sewn along the long end forming a sleeve. The invention also includes the method of using the foldable material by following a series of directions as to how to fold the material and then using each of the panels in a preferred order of use, thus maximizing the use of the surface area of the material and eliminating waste or contamination.

Abstract: The bore of an MRI machine is sanitized by using a pair of sponge elements attached to an elongated handle. The first sponge element has an arcuate surface which is a segment of a sphere having a radius substantially equal to the radius of the bore, the arcuate surface having a first dimension longer than a second dimension. The first sponge element is mounted on an elongated handle having axis which is transverse to the first dimension of the sponge element when the sponge element is used for sanitizing arcuate side walls of the bore and transverse to the second dimension when the sponge element is used for sanitizing the ceiling of some bores. A second sponge element with a planar surface is used for cleaning the floor or track of the bore. Disposable cleaning covers are provided for mounting on the sponge elements.

Abstract: A combination mop bucket and wringer unit uses a thin walled plastic mop bucket with a cap-like wringer body which fits securely over the top of the bucket to form a unitary structure. The wringer body adds rigidity to the thin walled mop bucket so that it is able to resist the downward force of the wringer handle lever without buckling. The bucket may be lifted or otherwise moved using only the handle lever. The combination or unitary structure lifting a wringer, a bucket, a mop handle and a mop. Use in small cleaning areas where the combination bucket and wringer is carried from area to area is ideal for this device.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an electric motor driving an air impeller for creating suction and a pump impeller which is located in the tank and draws liquid material from the bottom of the tank and expels it from the tank. The vacuum cleaner may have an electrical or mechanical shut-off apparatus which turns off the electric motor if the water level in the tank is too high. The shut-off switch may be bypassed by a user to allow the motor to continue driving the pump impeller to remove liquid from the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface is described. The apparatus has a frame and a cleaning member with a brush that rotates on the frame to clean a floor. The apparatus also has main support wheels drive unit, and an auxiliary drive unit with an auxiliary wheel to improve the mobility of the apparatus.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly to be used in a floor surface cleaning machine having an elongated squeegee body, a pair of flexible front and rear blades forwardly/backwardly spacedly arranged in parallel relation on the squeegee body, and a blower for applying a sucking function to an interval between the pair of flexible blades so that a dirty liquid gathered by the pair of flexible blades is sucked up from a floor surface for collection, the squeegee assembly being characterized in that a floor contact surface of the flexible front blade in a progressing direction of the cleaning machine is formed in a serrated configuration by continuously arranging generally triangular blade surfaces in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock for use with a motor vehicle door hinge having two hinge halves connectable, respectively, with two parts of a door assembly, a door and a door pillar, and pivotally connected with each other by a hinge pin, the door lock including a cylinder housing fixedly connectable with one of the two hinge halves connectable with one part of the door assembly, a cylinder stem received in the cylinder housing and fixedly connectable with another of the two hinge halves connectable with another part of the door assembly, and at least one locking member arranged in the cylinder housing or the cylinder stem with a possibility of a radial adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small, cylindrical hinge, or pivoting pin, which can be configured to produce various profiles of torque versus angle. The desired profile of torque versus angle is achieved by the shapes of the hinge shaft and the spring plates of the hinge. Detents at one or more angular positions can be achieved, with or without frictional damping torque at other angles. The friction of our hinge is produced symmetrically about the hinge axis, eliminating the problems associated with asymmetric construction.

Abstract: A carding machine includes a main carding cylinder having a cylinder axis and a cylinder clothing; and traveling flats cooperating with the main carding cylinder along a circumferential length portion thereof. The traveling flats include a plurality of flat bars each having a flat bar clothing cooperating with the cylinder clothing; and a drive for moving the flat bars in unison in an endless path having a working leg in which the flat bar clothings cooperate with the cylinder clothing and a return leg. The working leg extends circumferentially about a portion of the main carding cylinder. The carding machine further has a flexible bend having a convex surface and being supported on the machine frame laterally of the main carding cylinder; and a slide guide supported on the flexible bend. The slide guide has a convex surface supporting the flat bars for sliding motion thereon along the working leg.

Abstract: A clamping collar constituted by a rolled-up first metal strip portion referred to as an "inner" portion and having two radial folds in the vicinity of one of its ends forming a "lug", and by a second strip portion referred to as an "outer" portion, which is fixed at its first end to the outside face of the inner portion, which has an undulation forming a reserve of resilience, which is provided at its second end with a hook suitable for engaging behind the lug while the collar is being clamped, and which includes an "intermediate" part situated between the undulation and the hook and extending substantially along the periphery of the inner portion which thus has a covered zone covered by said intermediate part. The collar includes first and second abutment means formed respectively on the intermediate part of the outer portion and on the covered zone of the inner portion and suitable for co-operating with each other to set a limit on use of the reserve of resilience.

Abstract: A strap connector for connecting a strap to a goggle frame includes a first end having a longitudinal slot defined therein and a second end having a transverse slot defined therein. The second end further includes a wedge that tapers toward an end edge thereof, the wedge having a maximum width greater than a width of the longitudinal slot. The strap connector is bent so as to be connected to the goggle frame at a section between the first end thereof and the second end thereof. The wedge is partially received in the longitudinal slot of the strap connector. The strap is wound through the longitudinal slot, the transverse slot, and the longitudinal slot in sequence.

Abstract: My invention is a device for preventing children from untying their shoelaces. It can be quickly and easily installed and removed by adults of any age.A snap-fit cap, attached to a well, forms the main body of the device. To install, the device (in an open position) is slipped between the knot and the shoe, using a slot incorporated into the well.The knot and lace ends are placed into the well, and the cap is then fitted over the well, to securely contain the knot and lace ends and prevent removal. The cap may only (and then may easily) be removed when a indicator tab on the cap is aligned with the slot in the well.Removal is basically the reverse of installation, except that the cap is rotated to line up its indicator tab with the slot in the main body of the device. The cap may then simply pulled off in one quick, easy motion. The device is then slipped off the shoe and laces.There are several advantages of this invention over the prior art.

Abstract: A fabric detwister comprises a housing with a bi-directional rotating cylinder contained therein. A chain and sprocket or equivalent drive mechanism rotates the cylinder in either direction as needed to remove a twist previously imparted to a continuous, elongated, flaccid fabric. Gutters are positioned on either side of the frame in order to effectively drain fluid squeezed from the fabric by a series of non-powered and powered rollers. Air jets positioned proximate the non-powered rollers inflate the fabric causing it to impinge upon the interior surface of the cylinder to effectuate proper detwisting.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator is provided which is formed of an element piece. This element piece further includes a piezoelectric material and an electrode formed on the surface of the piezoelectric material. A plug for mounting the element piece and a case for housing said element piece in an air-tight manner are also provided. The surface of the element piece is coated with a resin film formed from an excited active species of an organic compound generated through a gas discharge in a predetermined discharge gas at approximately atmospheric pressure. A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric resonator is also provided, which comprises the steps of first mounting the element piece on the plug. Next, a gas discharge in a predetermined discharge gas is produced at approximately atmospheric pressure and an excited active species of an organic compound which is a liquid or a gas at room temperature is generated as a result of this gas discharge in a gas discharge region.

Abstract: A shell is constituted by an outer shell and an end plate. The end plate has a port in communication with a liquid chamber. A bladder divides an internal space of the shell into a liquid chamber and a gas chamber. A gas is introduced into the gas chamber without the provision of a gas inlet hole in the outer shell located on the side of the gas chamber. For example, an accumulator is assembled by combining the outer shell, the end plate and bladder under atmosphere of a high pressure gas.

Abstract: Tooling for mounting angular sectors (8) of a distributor vane grid in a turbo aero engine casing (1), especially for a low pressure turbine. The mounting edge of the sectors (8) includes projections whose disposition requires a particular extremely precise movement to embody mounting. This is effected by using a set of tools including the support plates (58) of the sectors (8) suspended by connecting rods (60 and 61) from a circular plate (51) able to move vertically so as to start the engagement of the sectors (8) in their throat (84). The connecting rods (60 and 61) are disposed so as to enable the support (58) to move backward and be slanted and thus move back the projections of the uneven sectors (8) of the casing (1) and then engage them in the throat.

Abstract: A shoe rack includes a stand supporting at least one shoe mount over a removable bin. Each shoe mount may be connected to the stand by a strut so that the sole of a shoe placed around a shoe mount is presented in a position convenient for removal of cleats. A shoe mount is shaped so as to prevent substantial rotation of the shoe in reaction to the turning of a cleat. Removed cleats and debris collected in the bin may be disposed by removal and emptying of the bin. Several shoe mounts may be used to accommodate shoes of different sizes.

Abstract: A system for loading parts to a workpiece clamp-up position on a floor assembly jig that holds the parts in position for fastening together into a large mechanical structure includes a frame mounted on slides adjacent to the floor assembly jig, and a mounting structure for temporarily mounting the parts on the frame. A powered lifting mechanism such as a crane lifts the parts onto the frame and then the frame can be slid laterally toward the clamp-up position on a floor assembly jig to position the parts for easy transfer onto the jig.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing lamina stacks used to form rotor or stator cores for electric motors. In the process of forming a plurality of blanked lamina, a blanking and tacking machine forms dimples in the laminas prior to coaxially stacking the laminas. The lamina may also include interlocking portions so that the lamina stack may be interlocked. The dimples are located at offset positions relative to adjacent laminas to cause the laminas of the stack to be spaced apart. The spaced apart stack may be subject to annealing which relieves metal stress in the stack and causes the formation of a desired non-conductive layer on the surfaces of the laminas. The annealed lamina stack may then be compressed to bring the laminas into abutting relation to be subsequently manufactured into rotor or stator cores.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a salient pole electronically commutated motor includes associating a plurality of bobbins between base and tip sections of a plurality of salient pole pieces, winding the bobbins with an insulated conductor, disposing the salient pole pieces on preselected pitch axes so as to extend generally outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of a yoke section for the motor, and securing the base sections of the salient pole pieces to the yoke section against displacement therefrom at least generally adjacent the outer circumferential surface.

Abstract: A switchable circuit breaker having a housing, stationary and moveable contacts, switching means for actuating the contacts to assume a first condition in which the contacts are open and a second condition in which the contacts are closed, and breaker means disposed within the housing to interrupt current flow through the contacts in response to said current flow exceeding a predetermined level. The switching means includes a pusher member moveable between an advanced position in which the pusher acts on the contacts to assume a contact opening condition and a retracted position in which the pusher releases the contacts to assume a contact closing position. The pusher is guided within the housing so as to convert a linear motion of its drive end into a step-like motion of its active end in order to provide a snapping transition between said closing and opening conditions of the contacts, thus assuring "non-tease-ability" in the switching operation.

Abstract: A jig for dual-side mounting PC boards is composed of a board table which has a board supporting surface, a component receiving hole and a board sucking holes, spacers for placement in the component receiving holes, and a platform having a pressure-reducing space communicating with the board sucking holes. The spacers each have a protrusion for engagement with a spacer positioning hole made in the bottom of the component receiving hole.

Abstract: A method for selectively marking integrated circuit chips (205, 210) formed on a wafer (200) includes the steps of testing the integrated circuit chips (205, 210)) of the wafer (200) to determine whether the integrated circuit chips (205, 210) are functional, dispensing underfill material (215) only on functional integrated circuit chips (205), and separating, subsequent to the dispensing step, the wafer (200) into individual integrated circuit chips (205, 210). The functional integrated circuit chips (205) are marked with the underfill material (215), while nonfunctional integrated circuit chips (210) are not marked with the underfill material (215).

Abstract: A method is presented for forming a bumped substrate and for forming an electrical circuit which includes the bumped substrate. The method of forming the bumped substrate includes forming at least one electrically conductive polymer bump on each of a first set of bond pads of the substrate. At least one electrically conductive polymer bump is then formed on each of a second set of the bond pads of the substrate. The circuit is formed by selectively forming an organic protective layer around the bond pads of a second substrate by laser ablation of an organic protective coating polymer bumps on the first and second portions of the bond pads of the first substrate are then contacted with the bond pads of the second substrate, thereby forming the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A wire harness consists of electrical wires, a first resin sheet and a second resin sheet. The first resin sheet includes a recess formed so as to extend along a predetermined "three-dimensional" wiring route of the electrical wires. In order to manufacture the wire harness, at first, the recess is formed in the first resin sheet. Then, the electrical wires are arranged in the recess. Next, the second resin sheet is arranged on the first resin sheet so as to cover the recess and air contained in a space defined between the first resin sheet and the second resin sheet is sucked to the outside. Finally, the first resin sheet and the second resin sheet are joined to each other. Owing to the provision of the three-dimensional recess, it is possible to realize the wire harness having a three-dimensional configuration following to the actual wiring route of the electrical wires, so that the assembling property can be improved.

Abstract: An Al alloy tappet used in an internal combustion engine has a spiral groove on the outer circumferential surface of a tappet body. The spiral groove is formed by pushing a cutting tool against the outer circumferential surface and feeding it in an axial direction. Near the lower end of the tappet body, feed rate is decreased, and the cutting tool is moved away from the tappet body to form a smaller spiral groove which increases in diameter downwards. The outer circumferential surface of the tappet body is covered with a coating layer such as Fe, and the lower end which has the smaller spiral groove is chamfered.

Abstract: A method of producing a valve lifter to be used in a valve operating mechanism of an automotive vehicle. The valve lifter includes a skirt section, a crown section formed one end of the skirt section so that a cam of a camshaft is slidably contactable with the crown section, and a contacting section formed at an inside surface of the crown section and contactable with a valve stem of an engine valve.

Abstract: Circular recuperators are used to increase the efficiency of gas turbine engines. The present circular recuperators is made of a plurality of cells. Each of the plurality of cells includes a plurality of components, such as, a plurality of sheets, a plurality of bars and guide strips. To more efficiently utilize the configuration of a primary surface circular heat exchanger or recuperator, the plurality of cells are manufactured to have a involute configuration. A fixture is used to position, hold and form the involute configuration. The fixture includes clamping device which positions and holds a base edge and the plurality of bars in a preestablished position and a forming member forms the remainder of the individual cells into the involute configuration. Corresponding ones of the base edges of individual cells form an inner diameter of the recuperator.

Abstract: A shaving system includes a replaceable shaving cartridge and a shaving razor handle. The replaceable shaving cartridge has a housing carrying blades, a guard, a cap, and a camming surface. The cartridge includes an interconnect member having a pivotal support structure that pivotally supports the housing and a base structure adapted to be removably and fixedly attached to the handle. A shaving razor handle has an elongated hand gripping structure and a cartridge support structure extending from an end of the hand gripping structure. The cartridge support structure has an extension with outer side surfaces that mate with inwardly directed surfaces of a recess on the cartridge and an end surface with an opening. The extension has an asymmetrical shape to ensure proper orientation. A spring-biased plunger is retained in the cartridge support structure and extends through the opening of the cartridge support structure.

Abstract: A hand held power assisted shears has a piston located in a cylinder formed in a pistol grip body. A trigger controls the position of a hollow shuttle spool rod which slides longitudinally within a hollow piston rod connected between the piston and the blades. The hollow shuttle spool rod carries pressurized working fluid to the piston where it is directed to the space above or below the piston. The piston drives the blades through the piston rod to a position corresponding to the position of the trigger allowing the operator to continuously control the position of the blades and the extent and rate of closure during cutting. The relative position of the shuttle spool rod and the piston rod controls whether the working fluid is directed above or below the piston to open or close the blades. One end of the shuttle spool rod acts as a piston which causes the blades to open automatically when the trigger is released.

Abstract: A hand-held power-operated blade-actuating or other work member actuating device, especially useful as shears for processing comestible products such as fowl. A servo mechanism and linkage connected with a movable blade and a finger control causes controlled powered movement of the blade in coordination with the finger control. A fixed blade and a pivoted blade are insertable and removable as a unit from a hand-held frame in which the fixed blade is restrained against rotation relative to the frame. The blades and frame are constructed so the blades are insertable or removable only when closed. In a preferred embodiment the fixed blade is retained in part by two load bearing pins extending from the frame and located substantially diametrically opposite each other relative to the pivot axis of the movable blade.

Abstract: A rescue knife, the edge (1) of which is fixed in a slanted cutting slot (3) of a holder (2) with rounded corners, having a quick-released fastening unit, provided with an adjustment mechanism for suspension on the seat belt (6). The fastening unit may be formed of parallel guides (4, 5) integrated in the holder (2) and bevelled at their ends, and comprising two set bosses (7, 8) situated symmetrically on a part of their length to be used as the suspension adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: An improved design drawing device for drawing amorphous patterns is disclosed. The drawing device contains a segmented flexible guide comprised of segments covered with a soft plastic or rubber or rubber type surface piece. The segments each consist of a male ratchet and a female ratchet, which snap together, wherein the size of the designs created are determined by the number of segments used to create the design. When the segments are attached together, they ratchet relative other so as to lock their positions in place.

Abstract: A sight having a foresight includes a main body that has an internal bore therethrough such that the main body can receive the barrel of a firearm. A spring-biased body located in the main body includes at least a portion thereof biased towards the internal bore of the main body so that it can engage an indentation formed on the barrel of the fire to secure the foresight on the barrel. The sight may also include a rearsight which may be releasable fixed to the barrel.

Abstract: A nail clipper includes a gauge which determines the length of the nail being cut. The gauge is held by friction against one of the jaws of the clipper, and can slide back and forth to a desired position. The gauge includes a flange against which the fingertip is brought into abutment. In another embodiment, the flange includes a recess which mates with a fingertip. The latter embodiment prevents accidental cutting of the fingertip, and is especially suitable for use in cutting children's fingernails. In still another embodiment, the nail clipper resembles a guillotine, and a U-shaped gauge member slides back and forth in a holding device to determine the length of the nail to be cut. A finger holder connected to the gauge member provides secure contact between the fingertip and the gauge member. The invention substantially improves the efficiency with which artificial nails can be cut precisely to a desired length.

Abstract: A sliding plate (16') is provided at its surface with grooves (38) expanding according to a V-shape with pressurized air being fed at the narrow end of the groove so that onto a material under test (12) guided via said sliding plate a suction force is exerted (FIG. 3b).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the width of the mouth of a horse or other domesticated farm animal so as to allow one to select a bit of suitable width. The apparatus includes a crossbar having first and second ends, a first annular stop received on the crossbar adjacent the first end and a second annular stop received on the crossbar adjacent the second end. At least one of the stops slides along the crossbar. The width of the horse's mouth is measured by engaging a first side of the mouth of the horse with the first stop and a second side of the mouth of the horse with the second stop and measuring the distance therebetween along the crossbar. Central openings in the annular stops receive and accommodate any wrinkled flesh around the margin of the mouth are the apparatus is positioned to complete the measurement of the mouth. This insures accurate width measurement.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine carries a modular touch trigger probe 100, via an adaptor 200, on its movable arm 10. The probe 100 consists of a retaining module 102 which is mounted to the adaptor 200, and a stylus module 104 which is magnetically connected to the retaining module 102 in a manner which enables the exchange of one stylus module 104 for another. The adaptor consists of a pair of coupling members 202,204 which are urged into mutual engagement by magnets 212. Automatic exchange of stylus modules occurs by using movement of the arm 10 to disengage a stylus module 104 from the retaining module 102. Similarly, the exchange of one probe for another is carried out by using movement of the arm 10 to disengage the lower coupling member 204 from the upper coupling member 202.

Abstract: A device for drying wet interior surfaces of a hollow container having an opening for access which employs an elongated hollow flexible moisture and air permeable member closed at both ends. One member end terminates in a long relatively thin extension. A plurality of small beads are disposed moveably in the member. The beads collect and store moisture when the member is inserted through the container opening into said container and is moved into contact with the surfaces. The beads release the moisture into ambient air thereby drying the beads after the member is removed from the container by pulling on the extension and is then exposed to ambient conditions.

Abstract: A metering system for metering the consumption of electrical energy to provide time-of-use and demand metering in the presence of at least one power outage event includes an encoder device for transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal and a interrogate/receiver device for receiving the radio frequency signal transmitted by the encoder device. The encoder device has apparatus for sensing electrical power consumption and for sensing a power outage. Additionally, the encoder device has apparatus for periodically generating an encoded RF signal for transmission by the encoder device. The signal has a plurality of discrete components, each of the components being related to electrical power consumption over a selected interval of time. The signal further has a power outage flag associated with each discrete component, the flag being set for any interval of time during which a power outage is sensed. A meter counter for incrementally increasing a count as a function of time is included.

Abstract: This invention relates to a product built into the sole of a shoe that will cool and dehumidify one's feet, providing superior comfort to the feet of the person wearing the shoe. The invention comprises two layers, one of which has a liquid-filled area with a liquid powered turbine and the other layer containing a built-in air fan or fans or other turbines which are powered by the liquid turbine responding to the liquid movement in the other layer. These two layers are molded or otherwise connected to a shoe sole.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe structure, which includes an outer layer, a lining with a waterproof but water-vapor permeable functional layer, a lining sole, an insole and an outsole. The lining which contains the functional layer has a lower end area which is turned back to the inside and positioned parallel to the outsole. The shoe structure includes: the lower end area of the lining which is turned back lying at the same level as the lining sole, the outer edge of the lining sole at least approximately parallel to and connected to the inner border of the lower end area of the lining which is turned back, the insole bonded from below in a waterproof manner to the functional layer in the lower end area of the lining which is turned back, and the insole waterproofed at least on its surface which faces towards the inside of the shoe structure.

Abstract: A sports shoe insert is provided which includes a plurality of elastically deformable elements which extend vertically within a heel portion of a shoe wherein the deformable elements are shaped such that a substantially horizontal plane cross-section taken through each of the deformable elements is of a polygonal shape and a plurality of arm members respectively interconnect the deformable elements. The maximum cross-sectional area of the deformable elements is located in a central region thereof and at least the top portion of the deformable elements as a group form a concave seat for contact a heel portion of the person wearing the shoe. The arm members lie in a single substantially horizontal plane and interconnect the central portion of each of the deformable elements. The arm members and deformable elements form a plurality of interconnected triangular-shaped groupings as viewed from above. In addition, both the top portion and bottom portion of the deformable elements as a group may form a concave seat.