Abstract: A shoe having an anthropomorphic sole that copies the underlying stability, support, and cushioning structures of the human foot. Natural stability is provided by attaching a completely flexible but relatively inelastic shoe sole upper directly to the bottom sole, enveloping the sides of the midsole, instead of attaching it to the top surface of the shoe sole. Doing so puts the flexible side of the shoe upper under tension in reaction to destabilizing sideways forces on the shoe causing it to tilt. That tension force is balanced and in equilibrium because the bottom sole is firmly anchored by body weight, so the destabilizing sideways motion is neutralized by the tension in the flexible sides of the shoe upper. Support and cushioning is provided by shoe sole compartments filled with a pressure-transmitting medium like liquid, gas, or gel. Unlike similar existing systems, direct physical contact occurs between the upper surface and the lower surface of the compartments, providing firm, stable support.

Abstract: A shoe includes a rear sole support for receiving a replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. The shoe may also include a flexible plate supported by the rear sole support between the heel and the rear sole to reduce midsole compression and provide additional spring. A mounting member secures the rear sole to the rear sole support, and a locking member prevents rotation of the rear sole relative to the rear sole support during use. The replaceable rear sole and the flexible plate allow the shoe to be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to cushioning systems for athletic shoes that can be adjusted by a wearer. The systems include one or more cushioning inserts having anisotropic properties and are lockable in place in the shoe sole. The systems may also include structural support elements that provide additional stability and support to the wearer's foot. The wearer can adjust the degree of cushioning by rotating the insert within the shoe. The wearer can also remove the insert and replace the insert with a new and/or different insert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe sole, in particular for a sports shoe, where the sole includes a cartridge cushioning system that includes a load distribution plate and deformation elements disposed in a forefoot region of the sole to provide support and/or cushioning to the forefoot. The shoe sole may include a second cartridge cushioning system that includes a second load deformation plate and functional elements disposed in a heel region of the sole to guide the foot into a neutral position after the first ground contact.

Abstract: A sole component for footwear combining the desirable response characteristics of a fluid filled chamber and an elastomeric material. The chamber can be formed as a single bladder chamber in contact with an elastomeric midsole, or a single chamber formed by a sealing a void in elastomeric material. The interface between the chamber and elastomeric material is sloped and gradual so that the shape of the chamber and its placement in a midsole determine the combination of response characteristics in the sole component. The chamber has a relatively simple shape with one axis of symmetry with a rounded portion and a narrow portion. Varying the placement of the chamber in the elastomeric material can simulate the impact response of more complex and expensive systems with only a single chamber shape that needs to be stocked. The chamber has a relatively large volume, is devoid of internal connections, and has an internal pressure within 5 psi of ambient pressure, and preferably at ambient pressure.

Abstract: A shoe has an ergonomic foot pad disposed inside a cavity formed at an upper side of an outsole and connected to a bottom margin of an upper. The foot pad has a heel part which has a concave upper surface conforming to the contour of the bottom of the wearer's heel, and an upward flange extending along the periphery of the heel part. The thickness of the heel part decreases from the upward flange toward a mid part of the heel part.

Abstract: An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe having a sole. The attachment having a disk-like flange for fitting in a snug and gripping manner against the shoe's sole. This flange having a bottom surface opposite an upper surface. Extending down from the bottom surface are a number of bristles for supplying brushing surface for brushing an object. Extending up from the center of the upper surface is a threaded stud for removably attaching the attachment to the shoe.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outsole defining a reference plane, a stand projecting from the outsole and having an inclined upper surface that is inclined relative to the reference plane, a power generator mounted on the outsole and including a rotor, and a driving unit including a weight that has a pivot end mounted pivotally on the inclined upper surface, and a free end opposite to the pivot end. The weight is connected to the rotor, and is swingable by virtue of gravity as a result of swinging of the inclined upper surface of the stand so as to drive the rotor.

Abstract: For gripping and stretching fabric such as art canvas, a system of specially-shaped gripping members are attached to the material in line along each edge in a manner that in co-operative engagement with the frame via special frame channels, facilitates two-dimensional stretching and mounting as well as subsequent dismounting of the material from the frame, rolling up for shipping or storage, and reassembly and re-mounting onto the frame. The gripping members slide into the frame channels which then engage a fixed or adjustable frame; optionally the fabric may be stretched around the frame perimeter. The gripping members are attached in pairs: one on each sides of the fabric, arranged in line near the edge of the fabric and are made to slide freely in the frame channels to enable two-dimensional stretching of the fabric. The members of each pair are permanently attached together by wire staples or thread, gripping the fabric between interfacing surfaces which may be shaped to enhance gripping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet comprising a support; a first layer which is formed on one side of the support and is contactable with a slidable heating device; and a second layer which is formed on the other side of the support and is contactable with a hot-melt resin layer formed on a fabric. The sheet is interposed between the hot-melt resin layer and a heating surface of the slidable heating device, and a wrinkle in the hot-melt resin layer is smoothed out by sliding the slidable heating device under a load. The support may comprise a paper. The first and second layers may comprise a silicone compound. Further, the present invention provides a transfer kit comprising the sheet and a transfer sheet in combination, wherein the transfer sheet comprises a substrate and a transfer layer separable from the substrate, and the transfer layer is receivable an image and comprises a hot-melt adhesive particle.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing cards and envelops decorated with embroidered fabrics is provided. Various kinds of drawings are embroidered on a fabric with threads of different colors. Firstly, a paper is cut into the shape of this invention. The first sheet of card stock is folded into four portions. A part of the first portion of the card stock, the frame, is cut out of various shapes such as heart, square, and star. The embroidered fabric is cut into a certain size and adhered to the rear side of the frame, on which peel off glue is attached, without applying any heat or pressure. The front side of the paper frame is decorated with, including but not limited to, various kinds of paintings, pictures, phrases and emblems. The card of this invention may be used as, including but not limited to, a season's greeting card, a congratulatory card, a business card, an invitatory card, a post card, and an envelop for previously recommended cards.

Abstract: A collapsible object is provided having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. A pole coupled to the panel to support the panel.

Abstract: The present invention is a ceiling display that has a generally rectangular panel. A lip is attached generally around a portion of the perimeter of the panel. The lip is receivable by the grid of a suspended ceiling. An advertisement attached to the panel serves to promote the attributes of a product.

Abstract: An ornamental display apparatus that can be conveniently positioned on a flat surface such as a desktop, or alternatively can be hung on a vertical surface such as a wall. The display apparatus is uniquely molded from a moldable resin material and includes a generally planar front surface to which a plaque having an upraised pattern depicting an activity such as an athletic activity can be bonded. Additionally, the ornamental display apparatus includes a generally planar back surface to which a surface engaging support member can be removably connected when the apparatus is to be positioned on a desk or other flat surface.

Abstract: An extender for a bolt catch release lever on a bolt catch operating lever of a firearm equipped with a protective spare magazine carrier for holding a loaded spare magazine in a position of readiness for immediate insertion into operative engagement with that firearm, and an integrated bolt catch and extended catch release lever. The extended bolt catch release lever places an engagement contact face of an outer end in a position accessible for easy operation of the bolt catch release mechanism of a rifle when the spare magazine carrier is in place.

Abstract: An extender for a bolt catch release lever on a bolt catch operating lever of a firearm equipped with a protective spare magazine carrier for holding a loaded spare magazine in a position of readiness for immediate insertion into operative engagement with that firearm, and an integrated bolt catch and extended catch release lever. The extended bolt catch release lever places an engagement contact face of an outer end in a position accessible for easy operation of the bolt catch release mechanism of a rifle when the spare magazine carrier is in place.

Abstract: A casing for firearms, comprising a metal sleeve (15) on which is stably applied, through attachment means, a barrel (12), an inner element (14) made from polymeric material for the anchoring of said sleeve (15) and an outer shell (13) made from polymeric material, is realised through successive overmouldings in sequence of the inner element (14) on the sleeve (15) to form a sleeve—inner element group (11) and then of the shell (13) on the group (11) to form the casing (10).

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy system and method for attracting waterfowl to a particular location. The waterfowl decoy system comprises a waterfowl decoy and an instructional apparatus. The waterfowl decoy comprises a wing-shaped body made of corrugated plastic. In the method, the wing-shaped body is moved by a user to imitate waterfowl airing themselves out, thereby attracting approaching waterfowl to a particular location. The waterfowl decoy system comprises a standard size waterfowl decoy used when waterfowl are relatively close and a magnum size waterfowl decoy used when the waterfowl are relatively far away.

Abstract: A dynamic, wind powered decoy having a body member (with a longitudinal axis), rod means connected to the body member and extending longitudinally away from the body member, and a wing assembly rotatably mounted on the rod means. The decoy has pivot means in the body member defining a pivot axis at a selected angle from the longitudinal axis. When the decoy is pivotally supported, the wing assembly rotates about the longitudinal axis and the decoy rotates about the pivot axis to a heading whereat the body member is headed into the wind.

Abstract: A weight belt for maintaining the vertical orientation of a fish which has been rapidly taken from a significant depth and placed in shallow water without time to adjust the amount of air in its air bladder. The belt is placed around the fish between the dorsal fin and the pectoral fins, and has weights at the underside of the fish to maintain its vertical orientation by gravity.

Abstract: A fishing rod includes a stable arm and a moveable arm. The stable arm has a first stable arm end and a second stable arm end. The moveable arm has a first moveable arm end and a second moveable arm end. The moveable arm is pivotally coupled to the stable arm and the second moveable arm end is biased to a first position remote from the second stable arm end.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus comprises the combination of a fishing pole to which is engaged a fishing-line terminating with a fishing hook, the fishing line extending from the fishing pole for luring fish to the fishing hook; and a fish-strike indicator comprising an enclosure, an illumination device within the enclosure, a tether-line fixed at a distal end to the enclosure, and a line securement adapted for engaging the fishing line prior to a fish strike and further adapted for disengaging from the fishing line upon a fish strike.

Abstract: An umbrella fishing rig with collapsible teaser arms is described.

Abstract: A pest control device (10), and a method of suppressing a pest, which can be discretely and easily placed, serviced and removed from the proximity of areas where pests, including rodents and insects, are likely to frequent, including the area near the floor-wall juncture (54) behind shelving (44) and/or products (52) or equipment. The pest control device (10) has a pest suppression device (18) having an ingress for the pest and an elongate arm (20′) with an overhanging structure (56) having a proximate end (24) and a distal end (26), the proximate end (24) of the elongate arm (20′) connected to the pest suppression device (20′) communicating with the ingress and facilitating a pathway for the pest from the distal end (26) of the elongate arm (20′) to the ingress. The pest suppression device (10) may be mounted on a platform (12 or 14) and the elongate arm (20′) mounted instead to the platform (12 or 14).

Abstract: The Mongoose is intended to aid Police Officers by meeting the additional task of catching reptiles and animals in a convenient multi-purpose safety baton. Law Enforcement Officers encounter many obstacles on a daily basis, and thus must wear many hats. This tool will aid them in their personal safety, as well as the safety of others at the scene. It is not intended to turn police into animal control, however it provides a safe alternative to capturing animals/reptiles that pose a threat. It will also help the Police with public relations pertaining to animal rights, as this is a non-lethal alternative.

Abstract: An insect trap apparatus includes a trap housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. A source of suction is located within the housing and is in fluid communication with the inlet for drawing insects through the inlet. Carbon dioxide gas is disposed in the housing and includes a combustion chamber with a chamber outlet. An exhaust system is connected to the CO2 gas source for directing a flow of CO2 from the gas source to the at least one outlet. Insects are caught in a trap cup that is connected to the housing and disposed between the inlet and the source of suction.

Abstract: An insect trap is disclosed. The trap is adapted to attract insects of the type that tend to naturally congregate together such as lady beetles or box elder bugs. The trap is formed from a single blank manufactured from a light-colored material. The blank has tabs extending from it and has slits cut into it. Predetermined fold lines allow the blank to be folded so that the tabs engage in the slits to form a single chambered insect trap. The blank may have images of insects marked on its outermost surface to aid in attracting insects to the trap. The trap is designed to allow insects to freely enter and exit therefrom and may be either emptied or disposed of when a suitable number of insects are held therein. The attractants used to draw insects to the trap are the use of light-colored materials for the blank, the marking of images of the desired insect onto the exterior surface of the blank and pheromones naturally released by insects attracted by the other mechanisms.

Abstract: A tree shelter includes two semi-cylindrical cages having complementary coupling devices that secure the cages to each other into a cylindrical configuration. The cages are formed of a biodegradable material. Additives may be included in the material for added functionality, including a bittering agent, a deer repellant and/or a fertilizer. The tree shelter also may include a bird guard that prevents birds from entering the shelter. The shelter is easily and inexpensively manufactured and is easy to install in the field.

Abstract: A decorative floating planter simulating an island with recesses for above-water pot holders and a floating underside support from which hangers for a pot for an oxygenating underwater plant and a protective netting for surrounding the underwater plant is hung. The upper pot holders allow for seasonal changing of the plants by replacing the pots in their cavities. The pots may have either closed bottoms or bottoms with centrally located holes. The island may have passageways downward through the island structure to open into the water, allowing roots to reach the water. Cavities are formed in the island which function as “Frog Huts” for amphibious creatures. The floating planter is made of a closed cell plastic foam decorated with signs, moss, and other structures shaped and colored to simulate an island paradise.

Abstract: A floral sleeve having a flask-shape with a frustoconical body and a narrow neck. The sleeves may have various types of gusseted or non-gusseted lower end shapes, various types of neck shapes, and may be secured, or left unsecured about the floral groupings placed within the sleeves.

Abstract: A low cost preformed, shape sustaining pot cover and method for producing same from non-shape sustaining materials wherein the non-shape sustaining materials are a single ply film material having a thickness of less than about 0.9 mil, more desirably from about 0.6 to about 0.85 mil, which is capable of being heat sealed and which will not maintain or hold a predetermined formed shape under normal, usual conditions.

Abstract: A portable tree pod structure 10 includes a base 12 constructed and arranged to rest on a surface. The base includes forklift-engaging structure 20 constructed and arranged to be engaged by forks of a forklift to move the tree pod structure. A support frame 22 is mounted for rotation with respect to the base. A pod 24 is coupled with the support frame 22 for rotation therewith. The pod is constructed and arranged to receive and carry a root ball of a tree.

Abstract: The use of a settling aid in the reactor during acetylene production results in the by-product lime slurry being easier to handle and allows the acetylene producers to use different sources of calcium carbide as well as the calcium carbide manufacturers to use different sources of raw materials to make calcium carbide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmentally beneficial process using concentrated sunlight to heat radiation absorbing particles to carry out highly endothermic gas phase chemical reactions ultimately resulting in the production of hydrogen or hydrogen synthesis gases.

Abstract: Improved method for recovering hydrogen and carbon monoxide from hydrocarbon conversion processes are disclosed. A monolith catalyst reactor means is utilized in treating the waste gas stream from the hydrocarbon conversion process to assist in recovering hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the waste gas stream. The present invention also provides a method for improving the yield of hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a hydrocarbon conversion process utilizing a monolith catalyst reactor means.

Abstract: A system and method for decoupling a barrier from a barrier movement apparatus for the manual operation of the barrier. Advantageously, the decoupling is performed in response to a wireless signal and may be done only when the barrier is determined to be in a safe position.

Abstract: A door jamb protector has a protective sheet and four elongate spring strips that together function to protect the door jamb. The protective sheet includes a top surface and an opposing bottom surface bounded by a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, and a pair of opposing lateral edges. The first longitudinal edge is opposite the second longitudinal edge. Each of the four elongate spring strips has a convex surface, a concave surface, a first end, and a second end. Each of the four elongate spring strips has the property of self-coiling when either the first or second end is bent back over the convex surface. Each of the four elongate spring strips is associated with the protective sheet such that the first end is generally adjacent to the first longitudinal edge, the second end is generally adjacent to the second longitudinal edge, and the four elongate spring strips are generally parallel to each other.

Abstract: A building component for forming a roof. The component includes an ETFE foil cushion comprising sheets of ETFE foil which are held in a frame about their periphery, and which are inflated. The frame includes a release mechanism for releasing the cushion from the frame, for example, in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A flashing assembly used to construct a flashing around a building structure, such as a chimney. The assembly includes a pair of base flashing members including flexible end sections that can be deformed to adapt to the shape of a building structure around which the flashing is applied. Further, at least one of the base flashing members may also include a flexible center portion in order to allow the base flashing member to conform to a sloped surface or saddle positioned against one end of the building structure. The assembly further includes a number of conventional tin shingles that can be positioned between the base flashing members, and a number of counter flashing members that are positioned over the base flashing members and tin shingles to waterproof the flashing assembly.

Abstract: A safety rail assembly for an access hatch of a kind comprising a hatch frame which defines an opening, is adapted to extend around at least a part of a hatch frame thereby to safeguard personnel from inadvertent entry into the hatch opening, said safety rail assembly comprising guard members which in use extend at least in part substantially horizontally, elongate rigid interconnection members which in use extend substantially horizontally around the hatch frame, support members for supporting the guard members at a position elevated above the hatch framer said support members each having associated therewith a foot portion for resting in a free-standing manner on a support surface surrounding the hatch frame, and said support members each having secured thereto a connector device for securing an end region of one interconnection member relative to an end region of another of the interconnection members, and each said interconnection member having a spacer member secured thereto, between the ends thereof, ea

Abstract: An integrated rapid access entry/egress apparatus, system, and method for controlling and directing the movement of people or objects between unsecured and secured areas using a plurality of panels is provided. Sensors detect a person's approach and entrance into the system or apparatus. An approval means alerts a processor as to whether the person is approved or not approved. The panels move to direct approved persons to a secured area and not approved persons to an unsecured area so as not to impede the flow of traffic through the apparatus or system. The apparatus accommodates bi-directional traffic and provides an effective and efficient access system.

Abstract: A bird deterrent device comprising a base having spike elements extending thereabove, the base comprising alternating segments of differing widths having a scored or reduced thickness portion therebetween, and an elevated portion through which the spike elements are inserted into a channel formed in the bottom side of the base, the channel further having detents designed and constructed to hold the spike elements in place upon insertion.

Abstract: An erection anchor having a forged unitary body that includes a substantially cylindrical shank with one end embedable in a concrete panel and an opposite end extending into a recess in an end of the concrete panel. The forged unitary body also has a substantially cylindrical foot integrally formed with the one end of the shank and a shackle-engageable, planar head integrally formed with the opposite end of the shank. The planar head has first and second opposed substantially planar surfaces and a boss integrally formed with the planar head and extending outward from the first planar surface. The boss provides bearing surfaces that interlock the erection anchor with the concrete panel.

Abstract: An anchor for use in a concrete panel that has a shank with four sides forming a substantially square longitudinal cross-section. One end of the shank is connected to a foot and is embedable in the concrete panel. An opposite end of the shank is connected to a head and is locatable in a recess in the concrete panel.

Abstract: An opening in a building wall is closed by a building closure such as a window or door. A mounting part of the closure arrangement is received in a space between two countersupport surfaces formed by a U-channel or opposite L-members that protrude perpendicularly from the sill or jamb surface of the wall bounding the opening. Mounting brackets secure the U-channel or L-members to the wall. On one or both sides, a respective damping element is interposed between the mounting part and the respective adjacent countersupport surface. The damping element may be a plastically deformable metal strip. When an explosion force acts on the closure arrangement, the damping element is first plastically deformed to absorb energy, before the remaining force is transmitted into the building wall. The two damping elements on opposite sides damp forces from the positive and negative pressure waves of the explosion.

Abstract: The present staircase includes a permanent framing made of metallic stringers, one of which being typically secured to a half-timbering. Vertically extending step supports are secured along the stringers and each include upper and front flanges adapted to be secured respectively to a tread and to a riser of each step of the staircase. A temporary staircase may be easily obtained with the present kit for use during construction, wherein a number of L-shaped steel step units are laid onto the step supports to form a successive series of alternating risers and treads. Then, these L-shaped steel units can be removed and replaced by finished steps of various configurations. If the staircase has an exposed side, a finishing stringer is provided thereat to conceal the structural metallic stringer.

Abstract: In combination with a door in which the door includes two spaced apart solid plastic stiles and at least two spaced apart solid plastic rails and in which the two solid plastic stiles and the at least two solid plastic rails are connected together to form a rectangle having an opening defined by the distances between an inner edge of the solid plastic rails and the solid plastic stiles. At least one of a screen and a glass are dimensioned to cover such opening. Further, there is a means for fastening the screen and/or glass in a position to cover the opening. The improvement comprises at least one of the two solid plastic stiles and/or two rails having a lengthwise void formed at a predetermined location therein. A non-plastic reinforcing member is fitted in the lengthwise void.

Abstract: An improved structural combination for a free-standing panel wall system and comprises first and second pluralities of elongated channel members which meet one another at various locations along the length of the channel members to define an intersection, and a cap member overlying or underlying the intersections of the channel members, and means for anchoring the cap member to the intersecting portions of the channel members at their intersection. Preferably, the materials of construction of the channel member and the cap members are noncombustible.

Abstract: A piering member includes a generally tubular body that has a flarable end so that when the piering member is inserted into the ground, the flarable end of the piering member can be flared outward to increase the area of support for the foundation that rests upon the piering members. The flarable pier includes slits formed in the body to allow a flaring member to force the segments of body, formed by the slits, outward. The flaring member may be inserted from the top of the piering member or may include a conically shaped flaring member inserted into the bottom of the pier.

Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a single aperture disposed along the lower edge of the plastic block for alleviating pressure within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.