Abstract: A process for producing a honeycomb body includes a) producing a tubular casing from sheet metal; b) introducing a hole, delimited by a rim, into the sheet metal; c) fitting a flange piece for a measurement sensor to the hole rim; d) introducing a honeycomb structure into the tubular casing; and e) joining the tubular casing to the honeycomb structure and the flange piece by brazing or welding in a single, common, heat treatment process. Steps a), b) and c) are carried out in any desired order. A honeycomb body includes a honeycomb structure. A tubular casing surrounds the honeycomb structure, has a hole delimited by a rim, and has a necked region surrounding the hole. A flange piece for a measurement sensor is brazed to the hole rim. The process allows a flange piece to be connected to the tubular casing in an advantageous manner as part of an on-going heat treatment process, resulting in a simple and fast production and consequently a reduction of costs.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a float valve apparatus including a valve case, an upper lid incorporated into this valve case to form a valve chamber, and a float valve liftably arranged inside the valve chamber, the upper lid being provided with a lead-out pipe connected to piping of the outside, an exhaust hole which communicates with this lead-out pipe and is opened in an inner surface of the upper lid, and a seal cap which is mounted so as to enclose this exhaust hole and forms a valve seat on which the float valve abuts, the seal cap is welded to an inner surface of the upper lid by spin welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing die-cast parts, in particular wheel rims or wheels for vehicles, in addition to a diecasting device therefor. To produce high quality wheel rims or wheels, the starting materials are heated in stages in a casting cell and are transferred in a semi-solid form to a die casting machine, where they are formed into die-cast parts.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for fabricating a driving and locking mechanism. The present invention provides a bearing device having a first end and a second end, where the first end has a curvilinear shape. The present invention also provides a strip of metal material with a predetermined length, conforming the strip of metal material to the curvilinear shape of the first end and attaching the strip of metal material to the first end.

Abstract: A razor system is provided for shaving facial and body hair, the razor system having a handle and a razor cartridge. The razor cartridge has a primary group of blades and a second group of blades, such that the primary group of blades makes a first common plane and the second group of blades makes a second working plane. The first common plane and the second working plane are directionally-opposed. The present invention further relates to a method of shaving with the razor system.

Abstract: A device for tapping a conduit, which conducts a flowing fluid, comprises a housing, which has a principal part, a fixing part running flush with the principal part for fixing to the conduit and an outlet part for discharging fluid from the tapped conduit. A rotating cutting device is provided in the principal part, said device being displaceable from a retracted first position into an extended second position, in which a section of the wall is cut out of the conduit. A telescopic shaft, which is fixed on one side to the principal part and on the other side to the cutting device, is provided. The telescopic shaft has at least two segments that can be displaced in relation to each other in a sealed manner and is fixed to the principal part in a sealed manner. The telescopic shaft does not protrude beyond the principal part as a result of its axial extensibility or retractability, thus ensuring a compact construction and ease of use.

Abstract: A vegetation pruning device (2) includes a pair (4,6) of pivotally coupled arms. A motor bracket (36) with a rotary output drive (34) provides drive to a cutting element (8) which is coupled to the rotary output drive (34). The cutting element (8) is arranged for cutting vegetation (44) presented thereto.

Abstract: A vegetation pruning device (102) includes a pair (114, 116) of pivotably coupled handles and a motor having a rotary output drive (130) for driving an endless flexible cutting chain (108). A guard (162) is moved relative to the chain (108) by means of pivoting of the handles (114, 116) relative to each other to grip vegetation between the guard (162) and the chain (108). Distal ends of arms (104, 106) touch each other when the handles (114, 116) are in the closed position, and the arm (104) is pivotably mounted to the body (103) about axis (160).

Abstract: A combination tool for measuring and cutting materials such as drywall is disclosed. The tool includes a mount formed by first and second housing portions, the first and second housing portions defining a path terminating at an opening at one end of the mount. A tape measure blade receiving slot opens into the mount adjacent to the path and is located and oriented so that the slot and the path are substantially coplanar. A knife blade shuttle is movable along the path and a saw blade is pivotably connected in the mount. An exterior surface of one of the housing portions includes a plurality of rasp teeth formed thereon for filing cut material.

Abstract: A trimmer starter has a cutting-head engaging structure in mechanical communication with an electric motor. Operation of the electric motor causes the cutting-head engaging structure to rotate on its axis, which may drive a cutting head of a trimmer when engaged thereto, thereby forcing the gasoline engine in the trimmer to turn over and eventually start.

Abstract: A shield apparatus for use with a powered vegetation trimmer of the type including a trimmer head assembly having an output shaft and a cutting mechanism rotatable with the output shaft. The shield apparatus is mounted coaxially about the output shaft between the cutting mechanism and a head portion of the head assembly. The shield includes first and second outer walls coaxially disposed about the axis of rotation of the output shaft. The first outer wall circumscribes at least a portion of the cutting element to define a distal annular gap. The second outer wall circumscribes at least a portion of the head portion of the head assembly to define a proximal annular gap. The shield isolates the output shaft from the area surrounding the cutting mechanism so as to prevent vegetative matter from contacting the output shaft, or at least minimize such contact.

Abstract: A portable motor chain saw comprises a machine body (1) which a driving unit, a rear handle (2), a front handle which extends over the machine body, a guide bar (6), and a dog device (15) provided such that it can be pressed against the object to be worked by means of the machine, said dog device forming a centre of rotation for turning the guide bar in the plane of the guide bar. The characterising features are that the dog member (15) is provided in front of the front handle (3), approximately on a level with that part (4) of the front handle which extends over the machine body, and is connected to the front handle, and that at least that part of the dog device which is provided to engage the object to be worked, consists of a polymeric material. Preferably, the height of the dog device over the guide bar corresponds to two to three times the vertical width of the guide bar.

Abstract: A tree harvesting guide bar adapted for treating stumps with a treatment material as the tree is being harvested is provided, and more particularly a valve arrangement for enabling connection of the guide bar inlet to treatment material sources on a variety of different harvesting machines is disclosed, such that the inlet not connected to the treatment material source does not need to be independently and manually plugged to prevent undesirable oufflow.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a useful technique for achieving weight reduction of the counter weight while reducing vibration in the reciprocating power tool. According to the invention, representative reciprocating power tool may include a motor, a tool bit, a slider, a motion converting mechanism, a counter weight and a component part of the motion converting mechanism. The tool bit performs a predetermined operation by reciprocating. The slider reciprocates to drive the tool bit. The motion converting mechanism converts a rotating output of the motor into a reciprocating movement of the slider. The counter weight reciprocates in a direction opposite to the reciprocating direction of the slider to reduce vibration caused by the reciprocating movement of the slider. The component part includes component of motion in a direction parallel to the reciprocating movement of the slider. The component part performs vibration reducing function together with the counter weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absolute angle detecting device capable of achieving a resolution of 1.5 degrees or less by which 360 degrees can be divided without a remainder, using two code pattern rows and eight detecting elements. The absolute angle detecting device comprises a rotary disk 1; a first code pattern row 2 and a second code pattern row 3, each provided on the circumference whose center is the center of rotation O of the rotary disk 1; a first detecting element group 10 consisting of five detecting elements 4 to 8 that are arranged at equal intervals opposite to the first code pattern row 2; and a second detecting element group 14 consisting of three detecting elements 11 to 13 that are arranged at equal intervals opposite to the second code pattern row 3. Both a gray code obtained by combining five codes supplied from the first detecting element group 10 and a gray code obtained by combining three codes supplied from the second detecting element group 14 are cyclic codes.

Abstract: A carpentry gauge of this invention includes a first and second face surface that abut interior surfaces of vertical and horizontal frame members for the window or door opening. Extending from those faces are the lip portions. The lip portions overlap the outer surface of the vertical and horizontal members of the doorframe and provide the correct distance for a desired setback. The carpentry gauge of this invention is small, compact and easily placed and carried within a shirt pocket. No adjustments are required to be made to the gauge and only one dimension is provided in each gauge eliminating possible confusion during marking for a specific window or doorframe.

Abstract: A method for measuring and aligning front and rear wheels of a four wheel vehicle, including measuring alignment properties of the front wheels, and correcting alignment properties of the rear wheels if all of the measurements of the alignment properties of the front wheels are substantially equal to the manufacturer-specified alignment properties for the front wheels. If all of the measurements of the alignment properties of the front wheels are not substantially equal to the manufacturer-specified alignment properties for the front wheels, then the alignment properties of the front wheels are corrected prior to correcting alignment properties of the rear wheels. The measurements of the alignment properties can be made using a computer-aided, three-dimensional machine vision alignment apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved laser level. In one embodiment, the laser level comprises a housing having a base. The laser level further comprises any combination of an anchor assembly, a suction assembly, or a magnet to be used for attaching the laser level to a surface. An adjustment assembly provides control and precision by allowing leveling or plumbing of the laser level after it attaches to the surface and by converting a relatively large rotation of an adjustment handle into a finer leveling adjustment of the laser level. In an embodiment, the laser level attaches to an auxiliary base that allows leveling of the laser level in two perpendicular planes and allows the laser level to attach to a tripod for use horizontally, vertically, and angles in between. In an embodiment, a rotary part allows selection from multiple lenses the one appropriate lens for the desired task.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus includes a central leg element and one or more secondary support leg elements in operative communication with the central leg element for providing support thereto. A sighting device rotatably attached to the central leg element includes an optical device having at least one optical element therein for permitting a user to view an area of interest in the direction of an optical device axis of sight and a laser-emitting device for emitting a laser beam along a laser axis of projection. The laser axis of projection is parallel to the optical device axis of sight. A method of aligning an underground structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light detector which includes a housing having front and rear walls, a light receiving section disposed on the front wall, and displays disposed on the front and rear walls for showing the location of received light relative on the light receiving section. Also disclosed is a laser level including a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, a housing fixedly disposed on the shaft, the housing having a bore therein, a barrel pivotally connected to the housing, a laser diode module disposed within the barrel, and a screw disposed on the housing and contacting the barrel for adjusting the pivotal position of the barrel.

Abstract: A compact navigation system for a rover is provided. The navigation system includes a housing configured to be transported by the rover; a gimbal system having two or more gimbals that includes at least an outer gimbal connected to the housing and an inner gimbal nested in and connected to the outer gimbal; a solid state three-axis gyro assembly mounted on the inner gimbal; a solid state three-axis accelerometer assembly mounted on the inner gimbal; a gyro logic circuit responsive to the three-axis gyro assembly for producing an inertial angular rate about each gyro input axis; an accelerometer logic circuit responsive to the three-axis accelerometer assembly for producing a non-gravitational acceleration along each accelerometer input axis; and a processor responsive to the gyro logic circuits and the accelerometer logic circuits for determining the attitude and the position of the housing to provide for long term accuracy of the attitude and the position for navigation of the rover.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a magnetic shield included in a compass-based indicator tool. The indicator tool utilizes a compass to indicate a device setting of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device may include a target that creates an internal magnetic field for the compass to interact with. External magnetic fields, specifically earth's magnetic field, may interfere with the compass and create an incorrect device setting indication. The magnetic shield blocks the external magnetic fields from influencing the accuracy of the device setting measurement.

Abstract: An omnidirectional borehole navigation system is provided which features a housing for traversing a borehole; a gimbal system including at least one outer gimbal connected to the housing and at least one inner gimbal nested in and connected to the outer gimbal; a solid state three-axis gyro assembly mounted on the inner gimbal; a solid state three-axis accelerometer assembly mounted on the inner gimbal; gyro logic circuits on the inner gimbal responsive to the three-axis gyro assembly to produce the inertial angular rate about each gyro input axis; accelerometer logic circuits on the inner gimbal to produce the non-gravitational acceleration along each accelerometer input axis; and a microprocessor responsive to the gyro logic circuits and the accelerometer logic circuits for determining the attitude and the position and velocity of the housing in its borehole.

Abstract: A level and protractor tool (100) includes a body (102) with three sections. The first section (106) includes a spring clip (108) mounted on the body. The spring clip is adapted to be attached to an item that is to be bent or otherwise measured with the level and protractor tool (FIG. 6). The second section (128) is contiguous with the first section. The second section includes a mounting pin (132) defining a rotational axis for both a pointer (134) and a degree wheel (136) having a pendulum weight (306). The degree wheel and the pointer are positioned with respect to the mounting pin for rotational movement about the mounting pin independent of one another. The third section (142) includes a bubble level or spirit vial (144) and is attached perpendicularly to the second section and parallel to the mounting pin.

Abstract: Clearance between a support contour of a seat cushion and an adjacent pelvic and proximal thigh anatomical portion of a person is evaluated with a clearance measurement device that deforms in response to force applied thereto. The clearance measurement device is located on the support contour at a predetermined location where the clearance is to be evaluated. A person sits on the cushion with the clearance measurement device. The clearance is related to the extent of deformation. Impression foam, a malleable putty-like substance, or a fluid cushion are examples of clearance measurement devices.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) capture method and system having a 3-D contour capture device for capturing a surface contour of an object, a contoured support device for placing between the surface and the 3-D contour capture device that provides additional support to at least a portion of the surface, wherein a first contour captured by the 3-D contour capture device is modified based on a second contour captured with the contoured support device placed between the surface and the 3-D contour capture device to provide a resultant 3-D contour.

Abstract: A plug gauge for testing the mouth of a container includes a spring carried by a support, a rod having one end coupled to the spring, and a gauge plug coupled to the other end of the rod. A control mechanism supports the rod and is coupled to an electric motor. Motion of the control mechanism by the motor lowers the rod and plug into the container mouth under force of the spring, and thereafter lifts the rod and plug out of the container mouth. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring takes the form of an air spring. A stripper is operatively coupled to the control mechanism in the preferred embodiment of the invention for lowering against the container mouth, as the rod and plug are lowered by the spring and the motor, for holding the container mouth as the rod and plug are lifted from the container mouth.

Abstract: A scanning probe (1, 10) according to the present invention includes a measurement stylus (stylus) (6) movably supported via elastic members (5D, 5E, 5F) on a probe body (4), fine feeders (3, 7) for moving the probe body (4) and the measurement stylus (6) against a workpiece within a fine range, a contacting force detector (5G) for detecting a contacting force between the measurement stylus (6) and a surface of the workpiece, and a contacting force adjuster (8) for adjusting the contacting force by removing the inertial force acting to the measurement stylus (6) because of acceleration from the contacting force. Because of this feature, a measuring force can be adjusted by providing feedback controls to the fine feeders (3, 7), so that the tracking capability is ensured to provide a high response rate and high precision in measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for making impressions of edges and profiling the edges using a profiling machine. The apparatus allows the impressionable material used for forming the impression to be held in a fixed position while the impression of the edge is formed, and then allows the impression to be withdrawn in a manner that leaves the impression substantially unchanged and substantially true to the profile of the edge. The apparatus also comprises fittings to make the apparatus compatible with a profiling machine and allows the impression to be positioned in the profiling machine in substantially the same orientation every time an impression is taken.

Abstract: A positioning aid for aligning a heavy machine is fitted to the underside of the heavy machine and is to be brought as desired into contact with a base support or floor. The positioning aid includes at least one aligning element for floatingly mounting the heavy machine in one plane when the positioning aid contacts the floor. A heavy heavy machine has a first movement system and the positioning aid. A method of aligning a heavy machine with a first movement system and a positioning aid includes coarsely positioning the heavy machine with the first movement system on a floor. The positioning aid is extended, so that the first movement system loses contact with the floor and is then floatingly mounted. The heavy machine is freely rotated and displaced on the positioning aid. The heavy machine is lowered onto immovable adjustable feet when reaching the desired position of the machine.

Abstract: A strengthened blade tape measure includes a tape casing, a retraction unit, and a ruler blade, having an inner end attached to the retraction unit and an outer end stopped at a guiding opening of the tape casing, adapted to slidably fold between a storage position and a measuring position. In which, at the storage position, the ruler blade is retracted to receive in the tape casing in a coil flattened configuration manner via the retraction unit, and at the measuring portion, the outer end of the ruler blade is slidably pulled to extend the ruler blade in a concave-convex configuration out of the tape casing through the guider opening, wherein the ruler blade is capable of standing out from the tape casing with a measuring length at least 10 feet in a self-sustaining manner so as to prevent the ruler blade from buckling by its own weight.

Abstract: A strengthened blade tape measure includes a tape casing, a retraction unit, and a ruler blade, having an inner end attached to the retraction unit and an outer end stopped at a guiding opening of the tape casing, adapted to slidably fold between a storage position and a measuring position. In which, at the storage position, the ruler blade is retracted to receive in the tape casing in a coil flattened configuration manner via the retraction unit, and at the measuring portion, the outer end of the ruler blade is slidably pulled to extend the ruler blade in a concave-convex configuration out of the tape casing through the guider opening, wherein the ruler blade is capable of standing out from the tape casing with a measuring length at least 10 feet in a self-sustaining manner so as to prevent the ruler blade from buckling by its own weight.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing vapor within a heat pipe. A predetermined amount of working fluid is injected into the heat pipe. The opening of the heat pipe is communicated with a vacuum environment. By controlling the working fluid to be evaporating instead of being boiling, the vapor is exhausted. The apparatus includes a valve, a vacuum apparatus and a vacuum conduit serially connected between the vacuum apparatus and the valve. The valve has one end distal to the vacuum apparatus connected to the heat pipe. The valve is normally off and intermittently switched on and off.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated, crosslinked, and dried fibers. In accordance with the process, a feed pulp containing a crosslinker is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be further treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl, and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: A method for using large chambers, located deep within the earth, for the disposal of processed waste is disclosed. In this context, waste includes solid waste from sewage, and other organic-waste materials from urban, agricultural or industrial sources. These wastes will be processed by mechanical pulverization and hydration to produce a slurry, which will be injected into the well's chamber. The anaerobic condition in the chamber will be conducive to the production of gases, especially methane which will be harvested as a source of industrial fuel. Hydrogen, ammonia and other gases will also be harvested. This system will alleviate the acute problem of disposal of wastes from urban agricultural and industrial sources. It will decrease pollution of the air with greenhouse gases and pollution of the land area water with organic wastes and also release of disease-causing pathogens. The system may be adapted to facilitate the disposal of nuclear wastes.

Abstract: A drying apparatus including a body portion including an upwardly extending drying member which has an upper portion for holding an item of apparel, and a platform coupled to the body portion. The platform can be moved into a first, generally horizontal position over the drying member and can be moved into a second, non-horizontal position not over the drying member such that a user has access to the upper portion of the drying member. The drying apparatus can include an air freshener.

Abstract: In a method of drying flat objects such as plate-shaped data storage media or semi-finished products thereof, in particular slices of gallium or silicon or like substrates, in a closable process chamber (30, 61) for receiving a carrier (12) that holds the substrate(s) (10), the substrates (10) are dipped into a bath (20) and can be moved within the spraying region of nozzles (50, 51, 52); the slice(s) (10) or the like is/are dipped into the bath (20) consisting of high-purity treatment liquid as separation medium (Q) and specifically lighter water, and a transverse current is generated by the separation medium at the bath surface (21) and the residual moisture is pushed off the bath surface. Moreover, the treatment liquid or the separation medium (Q) is cooled at room temperature; the temperature of the slice (10) or the like is kept above the ambient temperature, in particular about 5° C. above room temperature.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for collecting particles suspended in an air flow in grain drying machines. The assembly has a tubular structure formed by a primary cyclone and a secondary cyclone, wherein the primary cyclone has an inlet portion connected to a respective dryer air outlet and an outlet portion where an air particle separation zone is defined, and wherein the primary cyclone has a first outlet for air free of particles, and a second air outlet for air with particles to flow towards the secondary cyclone, with the particles separation zone including an inner cylinder defining a chamber for conducing particles to the secondary cyclone.

Abstract: Thin, lightweight footwear made of a polyethylene material that is composed of a top part and a sole part that are sewn together such that when fitted properly to the wearer's foot the footwear encompasses the foot and extends to the level of the ankle. The top part is porous allowing the ingress and egress of soap and water. The sole has slip resistance properties due to the material from which it is made and the texture of its outer surface. The finished product can be folded and compressed for storage, then later unfolded and worn without the folding adversely affecting its intended function of providing a barrier between the wearer's feet and the tub or shower floor on which the wearer stands while the wearer showers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a custom-fitting, asymmetric ballet shoe with a shell (9) and liner (13) that enables the dancer to stand en pointe and perform the extreme movements required by ballet choreography with minimal discomfort, pain, and injury to the foot caused by the various aerial ballet maneuvers called for by both traditional and modern choreography. The shoe of the present invention is designed to redistribute the dancer's weight and the ground force reactions associated with dancing en pointe evenly across the toes while translating some of the force away from the distal aspect of the dancer's toes to the rest of the foot. The shoe has a removable cosmetic cover (18) to enable, inter alia, the color and design to be varied according to costume design and the cover's replacement when the fabric is worn, thereby extending the useful life of the remainder of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a fluid system having a pump chamber and an inflatable pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is configured to extend at least partially around the pump chamber to limit the pressure of a fluid within the pressure chamber. The relative elevation of the pump chamber and pressure chamber may be selected, for example, such that the pump chamber is within an elevation defined by the upper and lower surfaces of the pressure chamber. The fluid system may be substantially formed from a pair of polymer layers that are bonded together to form the pump chamber and the pressure chamber, and the fluid system includes valves located between the layers.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable inner sole for footwear which has a flexible, inflatable enclosure with an inflation system that preferably includes an on-board air pump and a pressure relief valve. In this invention the inner sole has a sheet and/or foam cover or surround on the flexible enclosure for enhanced comfort. Useful sheet covers can be plastic, including rubber, films in solid or foamed state, or fabric which are applied against the upper, wearing surface of the inflatable enclosures. The covers can be bonded only to the edges of the inflatable enclosures to permit relative movement between the covers and enclosures, or can be bonded to the top surface of the enclosures, or formed as surrounds which encapsulate the inflatable enclosures.

Abstract: A new design, applicable to most shoe types, having isolated, compressible rubber cushions as the only contact points with the ground. These cushions, usually 4 in number, are attached at only key points to an overlying flexible skeleton, made of a durable but bendable support structure. The ‘skeleton’ in turn is affixed to an overlying compressible ‘mattress’. This entire structure, consisting of compressible mattress, skeleton, and cushions duplicates the arch of the foot. Under the force of walking, running, etc. the rubber cushions will compress to absorb the force of the step. The overlying skeleton will also absorb energy by bowing convex downward at the toes, middle, and heel of the foot. Similarly the air space of the overlying mattress will also be compressed, absorbing pressure. Upon lifting the foot, the opposite actions will occur, releasing energy in an upward and forward direction, and thereby both lifting and propelling the foot.

Abstract: A footwear construction including an articulated welt. The footwear includes an upper and an outsole secured together with a welt in the forward portion of the footwear. The welt terminates short of the heel region of the footwear. In one embodiment, the outsole in the heel region is secured to a heel cradle which is further secured the upper. The footwear provides the durability of a welt construction in the forward portion of the shoe and the comfort and cushion of an athletic construction in the heel region of the shoe. A method for constructing the footwear includes securing an outsole to an upper with a welt in a forefoot and/or arch region of the shoe but not the heel region of the shoe. Optionally, a heel cradle is disposed in the heel region of the shoe and the outsole is secured to the heel cradle and/or upper in the heel region.

Abstract: A shoe has a bottom including an expansion mechanism for expanding the bottom laterally underlying the metatarsals. An upper is carried by the bottom. A chassis is carried by the bottom for underlying the foot. In one embodiment, the expansion mechanism of the bottom includes a base portion and an expansion portion, the base portion having a plurality of slots extending generally longitudinally in the mid-foot region defining the expansion portion, the expansion portion formed of a material allowing lateral expansion of the bottom. In one embodiment, the upper has an expanding and contracting mechanism for expanding and contracting the upper therein stabilizing holding the foot as the foot moves. In one embodiment, the expanding and contracting mechanism is an elastic omega seam interposed between two pieces of leather at a seam wherein the omega opens and closes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe having a canopy and laterally mounted tightening apparatus. The canopy has a fixed end attached to the shoe and a free end not attached to the shoe. The free end of the canopy has lobes (or the canopy is a plurality of straps) that are moveable relatively independently of each other such that a lace attached to a tightening apparatus and the free end of the canopy tightens the shoe allowing the free ends of the canopy to facilitate the canopy molding the foot of the user.

Abstract: A shoe fastening device for providing releasable securement for shoes and having a continuous movement between open and closed positions as well as memory for predetermined adjustable tightness.

Abstract: An integrated article of footwear including a waterproofing membrane direct attached to an upper of the footwear. An outsole is further secured to the membrane and/or the upper. In one embodiment, the membrane includes a visible aesthetic bead in the footwear forefoot region, but not the heel region. The membrane may be of greater thickness in the forefoot region to provide added rigidity. A heel cradle is positioned in the footwear heel region between the upper and the outsole. The footwear provides the durability of a direct attach construction in the forefoot and the comfort and cushion of an athletic construction in the heel of the shoe. A method for constructing the footwear includes direct attaching the membrane to an upper of the shoe. Optionally, a heel cradle is disposed in the heel region of the shoe, and the outsole is secured to the heel cradle and/or upper there.

Abstract: A two-piece covering for athletic shoes having spikes, cleats or other protrusions extending from the soles of the shoes. The covering comprises a toe member that wraps around a front part of a shoe, and a heel member that is positioned around a back part of the shoe. The toe member comprises two flaps that open up to accept the toe of the athletic shoe and a front bottom member attached to the flaps that prevents the cleats or spikes on the front of the shoe from contacting the ground. The heel member comprises a cup portion that fits around the heel of the shoe and a back bottom member attached to the cup portion that prevents cleats or spikes on the back of the shoe from contacting the ground.

Abstract: A decoratable shoe, and methods of making and decorating the shoe, are disclosed. The decoratable shoe comprises a shoe having a surface and a chalkboard marking surface disposed on the surface.