Abstract: An automatic tying shoelace is disclosed. Thereby, the user does not need to tie the shoelace body is disclosed. The shoelace body can be fixed by two positioning devices at the lateral and rear sides. The shoelace has a long shoelace body and at least two positioning devices. A first positioning device and a second positioning device; one free end of the shoelace body has respective release-proof devices. A position of the first positioning device is lower than that of the second positioning device. The first positioning device serves for being inserted by the free end of the shoelace body and then after the shoelace body is tightened. The shoelace body is released in the second positioning device.

Abstract: A laced shoe having a shoelace which is conducted along guide elements disposed on opposing flaps of the shoe. The shoe includes spacers, disposed between the flaps, to serve as limiting stops to define the gap between the flaps. In this way, the tightness of the lacing in various sections of the shoe can be individually limited. The spacers may be tubes or helical springs threaded or clipped on sections of the shoelace.

Abstract: A high-top shoe having an integrated internal ankle brace allows substantial forward and rearward movement of an ankle while substantially limiting side-to-side motion of the ankle. The ankle brace includes a semi-rigid orthotic plate shaped to receive a wearer's ankle thereon and having a rear support portion. A longitudinally extending blade element is fixedly attached to the rear support portion at a proximal end thereof and substantially fixed relative to a leg of the wearer by at least one support member at a distal end thereof. The support member may be the shoe upper itself, or a separate element. The blade element has an axial length, a thickness T extending in a fore/aft direction of the orthotic plate corresponding to a fore/aft direction of a wearer's foot, and a width W. The axial length extends beyond the wearer's ankle, but should not extend beyond the shoe upper, such that the internal ankle brace is not exposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ladies accessories. More particularly it relates to footwear and handbags having interchangeable portions. The object of the present invention is to provide an improved securing method adapted to various interchangeable portions, so that the appearance of footwear and handbags may be changed quickly and easily by replacing only the interchangeable portion of said footwear and handbags.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fashion accessories. More particularly it relates to footwear and handbags having interchangeable portions. The object of the present invention is to provide an improved securing form adapted to various interchangeable portions, so the appearance of footwear and handbags may be changed quickly and easily by replacing only the interchangeable portion of said footwear and handbags.

Abstract: An athletic shoe sole structure includes a midsole body that extends from a heel region to a forefoot region of a shoe, and an outsole body that is disposed under the midsole body, extends from the heel region to the forefoot region of the shoe, and is formed of a harder material than the midsole body. A heel portion of the outsole body includes a corrugation. The sole structure further includes a lower midsole disposed under the heel portion of the outsole body, an outsole heel portion attached at a lower surface of the lower midsole, and cleats provided at a lower surface of the outsole body. The sole structure having only two layers with the outsole and the midsole decreases the weight of the shoe, simplifies a manufacturing process, and reduces a manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A shoe insert of the orthotic type made of a flexible material so that it can repeatedly flex without cracking and having a built-in step indicating device made of a stiff material that indicates to the user the posture or orientation of the foot at initial heel-to-ground contact through final toe-off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for working a snow surface, comprising an endless flexible band, snow-working members arranged on the outside of the band, support means for supporting and guiding the band, drive means capable of moving the band around the support means. The invention is characterised in shaping means arranged and designed such as to be capable of changing the shape of the part of the band that is in contact with the snow-surface during work.

Abstract: The automation mechanism comprises of three rubber discs, two of which are connect to a swivelling bracket. The bracket is directed by two cables and two cable leavers, each one connected to each handlebar. The swivelling bracket consists of two rubber discs that makes contact to a disc at the left side of the shroud. This disc is connected to the rotating snow auger inside the shroud, which is the driving force for this invention. When one of the rubber discs makes contact with the rotating rubber disc at the centre, it rotates a drive chain that is connected to a sprocket near the discharge shoot. The sprocket rotates a clutch that rotates a worm gear, and in turn, rotates the discharge shoot. Once the discharge shoot reaches its maximum rotating limit, the clutch disengages by slipping. The operator can move the shoot either right or left by pulling on either the left or right leaver on the handlebars and while operating the snow blower at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a trench in a seabed for burying a line generally consisting of a main frame, at least one buoyancy tank mounted on the main frame, a pair of endless track assemblies, each engageable in gripping relation with a side of the line for propelling the frame along the line, a pair of jet legs mounted on the main frame and communicable with a source of fluid under pressure, for ejecting high velocity streams of fluid to dislodge portions of the seabed when the track assemblies grip the line and propel the main frame along the line to form a trench and allow the line to fall therein.

Abstract: A dredge system, method, and apparatus, are provided that, according to one example embodiment of the invention, applies weight to a roller for dredging rock in a unique manner using the weight of a dredge unit that is supported by a floating support unit.

Abstract: A soleplate for a clothes pressing iron, composed of: a metal sheet having a lower surface that will be directed toward fabrics to be ironed, a lower surface layer that extends form the lower surface and an interior region that is separated from the lower surface by the lower surface layer, the lower surface layer being mechanically hammer-hardened, or work hardened, to have a hardness greater than the hardness of the sheet prior to being mechanically hardened; and a coating that is hard and resistant to scratching covering the lower surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flash iron comprising a water reservoir (2), a flash chamber (32) and a drip device having an axially mobile rod (4) whereof the total stroke comprises a first travel enabling the steam to flow towards the orifice (520) of a module (5) and a second travel moving the module (5) by opening a wider orifice (220) for water passing from the reservoir (2) to the flash chamber (32). The invention is characterised in that the tightness between the reservoir (2), the module (5) and the flash chamber (32) is provided by a first compressed seal, and the tightness between the rod and the module is provided by a second compressed seal, the two seals being parts of one and the same elastomeric component (52) borne by the module (5).

Abstract: A system and method for providing a token with a complimentary coupon for distribution to patrons of different entities and events. A small and relatively inexpensive complimentary item may be mass produced for mass distribution to patrons or prospective patrons of different entities or events. The comp items may serve as an advertising or promotional tool as well. Each comp item, however, will include a removable comp coupon which will indicate a more valuable gift than the comp item itself. Furthermore, the comp item includes identifying marks and logos so that the patron or prospective patron will have an immediate remembrance or indication of the provider of the comp item. Additionally, the comp coupon is provided on the comp item in a tamper or pilfer resistant manner so that it is not easily removed yet removable by a patron who receives the comp item.

Abstract: A plant and flower identification display card includes a preprinted area for displaying photographs and graphics pertaining to plants and flowers and a blank area adjacent thereto which can receive customized self-adhering labels which can be printed at the retail facility and applied to the cards. The blank area has index marks in a preferred embodiment for aligning corners of a pre-sized printable label.

Abstract: An identification labeling system comprising a faceplate with a recess and a label cover that may be retained within the recess. The label cover may have compartments for retaining identification labels. The label cover has latching legs and the recess has a complementary retention ledge. A lift slot may be provided to facilitate removal of the label cover. The recess may contain holes to accommodate individual molded identification icons. The recess may include tapered corners to accommodate strip labels of different widths and lengths, such labels being positioned by the tapered corners of the recess and the label cover. The recess includes end configurations that prevent a label from passing through the surface of the faceplate. The label cover has a thickness so as to be flush with the faceplate. The label may be the same color as the faceplate.

Abstract: The Winter Dome uses air to circulate snow material from a base into a clear dome where it softly falls on winter scenery and builds up and falls through holes that funnel it to the base where it is picked up to be cycled to the dome repeatedly until turned off.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accessory for wheels, including a body, two appendages extending from the body, each of the two appendages having a securing mechanism and an aperture, and each of the two appendages being wrapped around a diameter of a spoke and the securing mechanism being placed in the aperture, thereby securing each of the two appendages about the spoke.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic display associated with a floor. The electronic display is provided with a sturdy protective cover to prevent damage to the display due to foot traffic or other factors. The protective cover in turn is provided with a device for at least one of preventing damage to the protective cover and for removing dirt from over the electronic display that may obscure the display.

Abstract: A display sign for suspension from a ceiling has a ceiling mount with a passage extending therethrough. A turntable is rotatably held in the passage, with a graphic holder attached to the turntable and thereby rotatably mounted below the sign mount. The display sign may be mounted in a ceiling below a light fixture so that the display holder will be illuminated.

Abstract: A multi-layer, multi-web, laser printable, form with an identification band blank comprises a multi-layered web die cut with a first paper label portion for receiving a printed image and an adhesive backed transparent film layer approximately twice the width of the paper layer so that upon separation from a carrier, the transparent film may be folded over and completely encapsulate the paper layer to moisture proof it and protect it. The transparent film layer includes a pair of adhesive backed tabs at the ends to facilitate its attachment about a patient's wrist or ankle. Multiple wristbands, or identification band blanks, are included on the same sheet to provide a form that is particularly suited for a pediatric admission. In an alternate embodiment, a panel is die cut into the transparent film layer so that upon separation of the wristband from the form, the panel remains adhered and it pulls away to form a window.

Abstract: A device for displaying and exchanging a plurality of documents of various shapes and sizes and for organizing the same. The device of the present invention comprises at least two layers of pliable sheet material. If multiple sheets are used, the sheets may be nested together. The sheets may then be inserted into a binder mechanism where the binder mechanism compressibly engages the layers to create a pressure region adjacent thereto. The frictional force between the sheet material and the inserted document retains a document inserted into the pressure region formed between two adjacent layers.

Abstract: A package for the sale of image-quality printing paper facilitates digital image printing by providing blank sheets of image-quality printing paper pre-cut to accommodate image printing sizes for personal use. A rigid container is constructed and arranged to provide convenient protection, storage, display, and transportation of the blank sheets and the images subsequently printed thereon. The container may be provided with a multifunctional stand therein. Alternatively, or in addition, the container may be provided with a frame for surrounding, displaying, and holding the container.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, lightweight and thin frame made from a single sheet of formable material such as printed and embossed paper and a flexible transparent cover. The cover is countersunk into and held flat against a mat region in the center of the front of the frame, leaving the surrounding frame region free for whatever two- and three-dimensional ornament is desired. An article holding recess is further countersunk into the center of the mat region such that when an item is placed therein the cover may still lie perfectly flat and away from the item. The article holding recess may be accessed by pulling the cover up from one side of the mat region, where it is held with restickable adhesive, while the other side remains firmly in place, held with permanent adhesive. An article for display, such as a photo, may then be fixed against the back of the article holding recess, which is also covered with restickable adhesive, and the cover then smoothed back down flat.

Abstract: Apparatus for correcting the rotation of canted reticle cross hairs in the sighting scope of a firearm is disclosed and is comprised of a vertical reference sub-assembly and a separate firearm level sub-assembly which are utilized together to properly position and orient the firearm prior to rotation of the firearm sighting scope sufficiently to eliminate the included cant of the reticle system cross hairs.

Abstract: A decoy for attracting waterfowl having an upper body portion adjustably pivotally connected to a keel by an attachment device. The attachment device allows the keel to be alternatively oriented and locked into a variety of desired positions and orientations. This allows the decoys to maintain a non-parallel orientation between the keel and the upper body and allows the decoy to maintain a desired orientation within a body of water when acted upon by a wind or water current. An anchor connected to the keel provides a means for maintaining the decoy in a generally fixed location. This combination of features allows the orientation of a group of decoys to be varied so as to provide a desired natural looking presentation.

Abstract: A weedless fishing lure of hard bodied design of multiple embodiments, which is adapted to be connected to a fishing line, the one single hook of which is connected to the lure body by a through shaft and rotates about the shaft, said body containing a cavity large enough to completely house the hooking point of the hook while it is being fished, and having a mechanism to keep the hook hidden until deployment is desired, said hook being deployable to the hooking position by back pressure against the attached fishing line and said hook remaining deployed by back pressure against the attached line.

Abstract: A technique is provided for keeping rodents and other pests out of warehouses and other buildings. A pest control device or guard is provided which is attached or fixed near the bottom surface of a door, such as an overhead door. The pest control device can adjust to uneven ground surfaces so that a fence or guard is provided to prevent pests, such as rats from entering buildings. The pest control device may be comprised of first, second, and third brackets which are connected together and can be mounted to a door. The brackets may be L-shaped. A plurality of pins is connected to the first, second, and third brackets so that each of the plurality of pins can move with respect to the first, second, and third brackets.

Abstract: This invention describes a cellulose bait that is hermetically sealed with a non-biodegradable material through which termites can tunnel or chew. The envelopes of the subject invention are preferably made of a soft/flexible material. Because the bait is hermetically sealed (“HS baits”) in a weather-resistant enclosure, it can remain in the environment for extended periods until termite feeding occurs. Not only is the bait protected, the environment is also protected from the toxicant because the toxicant is completely sequestered until it is encountered by the foraging termites. This novel bait system does not require monitoring. Such baits can be placed in large quantities in places where monitoring is not practical and/or economical. The subject bait packs can be distributed in large quantities in agricultural fields or in large areas such as an entire city for area-wide population management of subterranean termites.

Abstract: Compounds which contain one or more groups of the formula (I)

Abstract: An alternative fuel source, preferably for use in a boiler, is provided. The fuel source is comprised of a partially hydrogenated vegetable oil and diesel fuel. Preferably, the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil has a Iodine Value (IV) ranging from approximately 50 to approximately 120.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method to clean up or keep clean the fuel system of a direct injection spark-ignited engine by operating the engine with a fuel composition that includes a liquid fuel and a fuel additive composition.

Abstract: The novel seedling bud capping device is easily deployed on a bud of a seedling due to the use of adherent on either edge (rather than a staple), and more particularly due to its predefinedly selective use of adherent to form an inverted conic space around the bud for receiving sunlight and for capturing the bud stem near its base. The paper stock or the adherent used in the bud capping device may be impregnated with a repellent scent to further ward away browsers to protect the seedling. Preferably, the bud capping device is made from a small, e.g. ˜5 inch, square piece of water-repellent paper stock having a layer of glue adjacent at least one edge. The stock is protected on the adherent side by another layer of material to be selectively removed. This protective layer is scored and a free segment of the protective backing layer is removed to expose a region of adherent.

Abstract: A system and method for anchoring a tree is disclosed. A free end of an anchored guyline is looped around a tree. The guyline has been received through openings in the tension bar such that the tension bar is located between the anchored end of the guyline and tree. Tension is created within the guyline by pulling the tension bar. The tension bar and guyline are squeezed together and the guyline tied off at the tension bar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an irrigation device and irrigation system. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a weep or tear type irrigation device and irrigation system.

Abstract: A packaging for flower nutrients or flower food substrate. Said packaging is designed like a stick (1), to be used as a stirring device to dissolve its content in water for cut flowers kept in a vase. The dissolution of said nutrients is by use of said device forcefully enhanced in order to extend vase life-length of the flowers.

Abstract: A cover/wrap system for flower pots and the like allows the use of any sheet of material to cover a pot and be held in place by a sleeve. A transparent sleeve can be used, and colored or patterned material will decorate the pot; and, if the material is subject to moisture damage, an inner sleeve acts as a moisture barrier. The sleeve can be set down, the sheet of material placed over the sleeve, and the pot simply placed on the sheet of material. The pot will sink into the sleeve and will urge the sheet of material around the pot, then hold the material in place.

Abstract: An electronic position sensor for use with a power operated vehicle accessory, such as a power liftgate. The position sensor includes an elongated resistive circuit that is mounted such that it is stationary and extends along the path of a track portion of the power operated accessory. The position sensor further includes a contact nub mounted to a link member that moves within the track portion such that the contact nub is slidingly biased against the elongated circuit. As the link member moves under the force of a motor-driven output gear, the contact nub slides along the surface of the resistive circuit, thereby affecting the overall resistance of the circuit. The position sensor uses the overall resistance to provide an electronic position signal to an ECU, wherein the signal is indicative of the absolute position of the power operated accessory.

Abstract: The outdoor window includes: sealing member provided between each sliding sash and sill so that a sealing portion is pressed when a wind pressure is applied to the sliding sashes from the outdoor side; drain grooves provided on a top surface of the sill; water collecting grooves having a width wider than the width of the drain grooves and being provided immediately below the drain grooves; drain ports provided at a bottom of the water collecting grooves; a guiding hollow portion provided immediately below the drain ports for guiding rainwater outdoors; and an outdoor drain port provided at an outdoor side of the guiding hollow portion. The water collecting grooves and the guiding hollow portion communicate with outside air.

Abstract: A weather strip for a sliding type rear door is applied to a car which is unfurnished with a center pillar, and is furnished with a front door turnable about hinges provided at the front end thereof and with a sliding rear door which slides back and forth. The weather strip is attached to the front end of the rear door and includes a tapered lip portion extending toward the front door. The tapered lip portion is formed on a molded portion of the weather strip formed at the upper end portion thereof. The tapered portion elastically contacts an opening seal attached to a roof side of a car body and a weather strip attached to a rear end of the front door when the rear door is closed. A guide portion is formed at the lower half of the lip portion. The guide portion is thicker than the lip portion, and it contacts the opening seal and the front door weather strip immediately before the tip end of the tapered lip portion contacts the opening seal and the front door weather strip.

Abstract: There is provided a weather strip for use on a sunroof which can be firmly built in a seal holder even if there occur variations in molding dimensions.

Abstract: A door shell for a motor vehicle door with a one-piece or multi-piece profile frame of metal. The profile frame has a profile cross-section changing over the length of the profile frame at least in sections, in particular in the region of an edge of the door shell running essentially vertically. Preferably the profile frame has a hollow chamber and in particular this hollow chamber has a profile cross-section that changes over the length of the profile frame. Further preferably the profile frame is designed as an extruded profile of a light metal or light metal compound, in particular aluminium or an aluminium compound, as a tube of a light metal or light metal compound, in particular aluminium or an aluminium compound welded on a longitudinal seam, as a tube of steel welded on a longitudinal seam or as a tube of steel produced seamless. The profile cross-section of the profile frame is adapted to and follows the form of the inside door panel.

Abstract: A shade assembly including reflective shade panels suspended above a roof or along an exterior wall of a building. The assembly also includes a shade box, such as one including an assembly of upright support posts and attached cables to which dark or reflective water-absorbent shade panels are attached. The shade box covers a rooftop fixture. The shade box can also include a water distribution system which dispenses water substantially onto the dark shade panels when they are included in the shade box. The shade assembly may also be used in a method for cooling the exterior surface of a building. The shade assembly may be used in a method of obtaining government economic incentives for energy efficiency such as emission reduction credits. A shade assembly including reflective shade panels suspended above a structure on or near the ground, such as a parking lot.

Abstract: A shade panel assembly that covers the top and sides of a storage tank. Such assemblies might also include a water dispensation system to dispense water mist substantially in the area of the shade assembly in the region between the assembly and the tank or substantially onto the shade panels. The panel assembly, when in an operative position over a storage tank, serves as a pollution control technology and, as such, may qualify for such environmental incentives.

Abstract: A panel assembly for decreasing reflection of solar radiation by the exterior of a building, such as a white roof. The assembly includes dark or radiation absorbent panels suspended above the roof or walls of a building by attachment to cables, upright support posts or other support mechanisms. A method for warming a cool roof includes covering the roof with an array of dark panels. Various environmental incentives and benefits may be obtained by use of the panel assembly.

Abstract: A new mounting system for elevating and supporting objects such as solar panels and satellite dishes either upon the roofs of commercial buildings. The mounting system utilizes a modified “C” channel having a plurality of longitudinal grooves for engaging mating flanges. The purpose of this equipment is to provide a rigid, stable platform for mounting equipment upon commercial buildings which have rafter spacing much greater than for residential roofs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is used to interchange certain seating areas within a sports stadium or arena with an entertainment stage on a temporary basis to support an alternate use of the facility such as for a religious event, civic gathering, or musical concert. Loss of revenue producing seats for a concert due to poor viewing access is minimized, since none of the remaining seats are blocked from viewing the entertainment stage. The seating sections are provided in self-supporting modules or risers of approximately one hundred seats (or equivalent bench seating area). The seating sections are moved with the aid of a mobile crane and specially designed trailers. These seating sections are stored on elevated landing racks located outside of the stadium. Entertainment stage sections with equivalent “footprint” configurations are stored on these same landing racks when they are not in use in the stadium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a flashing configured to reduce moisture intrusion in a building structure at a foundation and exterior treatment interface. The flashing includes an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a back surface and a front surface and is formed and configured to be positioned against a wall positioned on the foundation. The middle portion includes a bottom surface and a top surface extending from the upper portion and is formed and configured to be positioned against a top surface of the foundation. The lower portion includes a back surface and a front surface extending downward from the middle portion, wherein the lower portion is formed and configured to be positioned against a face surface of the foundation a distance to reduce moisture intrusion from entering behind the lower portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that provides a flashing member configured to reduce moisture intrusion in an upper portion of a wall proximate a vent in an eave portion of a building structure. The flashing member includes a upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion extending to the lower portion. The upper portion is formed and configured to be positioned adjacent a portion of a roof structure above the eave portion so as maintain air circulation through the vent into the roof structure. The lower portion is formed and configured to be positioned against the wall of the building structure and configured to extend below the vent. In this manner, the lower portion and the upper portion act in conjunction to facilitate reduction of moisture intrusion into the upper portion of the wall in the building structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a flashing member configured to reduce moisture intrusion into a building structure at a foundation and exterior treatment interface. The flashing member includes a j-channel portion having a wall flashing portion and a channel portion. The channel portion is configured to receive a bottom portion of the exterior treatment and the wall flashing portion is configured to be positioned against the exterior treatment. The flashing member also includes an extension member having a foundation contacting portion. The extension member extends downward from the channel portion of the j-channel portion so that the foundation contacting portion is configured to be positioned against a face surface of the foundation to reduce moisture intrusion from entering behind the foundation contacting portion.