Abstract: A cufflink for a button shirt has an inner piece configured to be disposed on an inside of paired shirt sleeve cuffs, and an outer piece configured to be disposed on an outside of the paired shirt sleeve cuffs. At least one of the inner piece and the outer piece has a male portion preferably having a male engagement device thereon. An opposite one of the inner piece and the outer piece has a complementary female engagement device therein. The male engagement device and the female engagement device are configured to be releasably coupled to one another. Preferably, the male engagement device includes a pin configured to pass through the inner cuff button hole and then the outer cuff fabric before engaging the female engagement device. Preferably, the outer piece inner surface has a recess therein configured to encompass the shirt sleeve button.

Abstract: A pants cuff clip comprising: a first arm having a first proximal end, a first distal end, and a first arm portion adjacent the first distal end; a second arm having a second proximal end, a second distal end, and an elbow adjacent the second distal end, the elbow having a convex bend directed toward the first arm portion adjacent the first distal end of the first arm; an arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion, the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion connecting the first proximal end of the first arm and the second proximal end of the second arm, the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion biasing the convex bend of the elbow of the second arm toward the first arm portion adjacent the first distal end of the first arm one to the other; a fabric covering the first arm, the second arm, and the arcuate shaped tensile connecting portion.

Abstract: A cord lock includes a female member with a cylindrical shape, a male member movable along an axial direction of the female member and receiving a part of the female member, and an urging device for urging the male member in a direction to project from the female member. The female member and the male member have holes for passing a cord therethrough, respectively. An attaching portion made of an attachable material is disposed on the female member. The attaching portion may be provided with a thin portion, so that the cord lock is attached to an attaching object through the thin portion. Accordingly, it is easy to attach the cord lock to the attaching object.

Abstract: [PROBLEM] To provide a interlocking device and a packaging bag therewith wherein the interlocking device has sufficient heat stability against retort sterilization treatment and deformational change after said treatment small enough not to be impaired its reopenability. [SOLUTION MEANS] A interlocking device having a pair of male and female profiles wherein: said male and female profiles have non-heat-sealing part to bag body and heat-sealing part to bag body; where said non-heat-sealing part consists of polypropylene type resin composition (A) having main melting peak temperature observed by differential scanning calorimetry less than 150 degree C. and the melt flow rate at 230 degree C. from 0.5 g/10 min to 20 g/10 min; and said heat-sealing part consists of polypropylene type resin composition (B) having main melting peak temperature observed by DSC, not less than 140 degree C. and the melt flow rate at 230 degree C. from 0.

Abstract: An interlocked clamp for an elongated member such as a pipe, tube cable, or the like is provided. The two-part clamp is interlocked on one end and is secured by a fastener to a supporting surface on an opposite end. The two parts are interlocked by a T-shaped distal end of one of the clamp members that is received in an elongated slot formed in the other clamp member. A finger is provided that extends across the slot and secures the T-shaped distal end within the slot.

Abstract: Vehicle body restraint systems including buckles for latching and retaining latch plates associated with safety belts wherein the buckles includes latching mechanisms having oppositely oriented release mechanisms which are operative in such a manner that any force applied to one release mechanism which would act to release a latch plate creates an increased force on the opposing release mechanism to retain the latch plate in a locked position. Release of the latch plates can only occur upon the simultaneous activation of the opposing release mechanisms by manual force applied in opposite directions.

Abstract: A funerary article comprises a container having a pair of side wide walls, a pair of end walls and a bottom wall. The container is adapted to contain remains of a deceased. A lid is closeable upon the container. The container has external surfaces defining an exterior of the container. A light source is mounted to the container exterior. The funerary article can be a casket or a cremation urn.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an inkjet head at a low cost is provided. The inkjet head has a passage unit. A plurality of plates are laminated together to form the passage unit. The passage unit has individual ink passages that extend in the plate laminating direction. When the passage unit is to be manufactured, communication holes that will become individual ink passages later will first be formed in the plurality of plates that form the passage unit. All of the plates in which the communication holes are formed will be laminated together with a thermosetting adhesive. The laminated plates will be heated and pressure will be applied thereto. In this way, all of the plates will be simultaneously adhered. An ink passage unit can be manufactured in one adhesion step. The manufacturing costs of the ink passage unit can be reduced. Components such as actuator units, an ink supply unit, and the like will be attached to the manufactured ink passage unit to complete an inkjet head.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric element includes the steps of forming a first electrode above a substrate, forming above the first electrode a piezoelectric layer composed of a piezoelectric material having a perovskite structure, and forming a second electrode above the piezoelectric layer, wherein the step of forming the first electrode includes forming a lanthanum nickelate layer that is oriented to a cubic (100) by a sputter method, and a ratio of nickel to lanthanum (Ni/La) in a target used for the sputter method is greater than 1 but smaller than 1.5.

Abstract: A variable capacitor having a groove portion formed in an insulating substrate, two upper portions of the substrate located on either side of the groove portion forming two lateral edges, a conductive layer covering the inside of the groove portion, a flexible conductive membrane, placed above the groove portion by bearing on the edges, a dielectric layer covering the conductive layer or the membrane to insulate the conductive layer and the membrane, and terminals of application of a voltage between the conductive layer and the membrane, and such that the depth of the groove portion continuously increases from one of the edges to the bottom of the groove portion, and that the conductive layer covers the inside of the groove portion at least to reach one of the two edges, that it may cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1) comprising a housing (2) having at least one opening (4) into its inside, which is preferably the engine-oil feed inlet, and with a camshaft (5), mounted inside the housing for rotation about its geometric shaft. The camshaft (5) and the housing (2) have means cooperating with each other and with a device for locking a turnable shaft (6) with respect to the housing, insertable through this opening. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the device consists of a rod (6), the cooperating means in the housing consist in a bore (7) for receiving an end of the rod (6), and the cooperating means on the cam shaft consist of a notch (9) made in the surface of the shaft, which cooperates with the rod. In this way, when there is a need to adjust, repair and/or replace engine (1) components, the rod (6) is inserted through the opening (4) and locked in this bore (7) of the housing (2).

Abstract: The magnetic tape cassette has a base with an opening for forming a transparent window and a transparent resin-made window member to be installed in said opening. The window member is provided with an engaging unit which is to be fitted into the base at an angle and the base is provided with an engaging portion that is formed at an angle in correspondence to the engaging unit and the window member is installed in the opening by being fitted in at an angle.

Abstract: An extraction apparatus (40) for the removal of a riveted fastener (12) from a structure (10) includes a shaft (42) and a cutting element (62). The cutting element (62) is mechanically coupled to the shaft (42) and is configured to cut a portion of the riveted fastener (12). The shaft (42) and the cutting element (62) are configured for insertion through an inner channel (24) of the riveted fastener (12). A method of replacing the riveted fastener (12) from the structure (10) includes inserting the extraction apparatus (40) through the inner channel (24). The extraction apparatus (40) is rotated. A portion of the riveted fastener (12) that extends through the structure (10) is removed. A head (20) of the riveted fastener (12) is also removed from the structure (10).

Abstract: A gimbal unit for increasing the number of degrees of freedom of a positioning apparatus has three perpendicular rotary joints and drive motors for driving each joint independently for rotation about x, y and z rotary axes, a first adapter for securing one end of the unit to a transportation device such as a gantry slider or a robotic arm, and a second adapter for securing the opposite end of the unit to a gripper or a tool. When the gimbal unit is secured to a slider of a gantry unit having three perpendicular translational axes, and a gripper or tool is secured to the gimbal unit, a controller can control movement of the gripper or tool along the three translational axes and about the three rotational axis for suitable positioning at one or more work stations on a work table of the gantry.

Abstract: A system for reducing the diameter of a stent comprises a stent contracting assembly. The assembly comprises a plurality of blades, which define a diameter reduction chamber. The chamber has an open diameter configuration and a closed diameter configuration. The plurality of blades comprises active blades and floating blades, wherein each active blade is engaged to an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is constructed and arranged to move each active blade from the open diameter configuration to the closed diameter configuration. Each floating blade is moved from the open diameter configuration to the closed diameter configuration only as a result of the movement of the active blades.

Abstract: A stack arrangement has a first plate-shaped workpiece (12), at least one another plate-shaped workpiece, and an eyelet (14; 34) that connects the first workpiece (12) and the at least one another workpiece (13), with material of the first workpiece (12) being drawn through a through-opening (15) in the at least one another workpiece (13), and with a rim (17) of the through-opening (15) of the at least one another workpiece (13) conically narrowing in a direction of the first workpiece (12).

Abstract: Grooves are formed in a supporting plate around element-arrangement areas in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements are to be arranged respectively. After forming the grooves, the piezoelectric elements are formed in the element-arrangement areas respectively by making particles of a piezoelectric material to be deposited on the element-arrangement areas in an amount which is more than an amount of the particles of the piezoelectric material made to be deposited on areas formed with the grooves. Accordingly, there is provided a method of producing a piezoelectric actuator and a piezoelectric actuator which make it possible to easily form the piezoelectric elements arranged densely.

Abstract: A block for coating film formation and a block for a development process are stacked. A delivery stage to effect delivery of a substrate with a transportation unit for use in a block is provided for each process block at the carrier block side to constitute a shelf-type delivery stage group. A vertical transportation unit is provided to transport a substrate between the delivery stages in the delivery stage group. A substrate inspection unit is disposed at an upper empty space of the carrier block. A substrate is input to the substrate inspection unit directly by the vertical transportation unit or via a delivery stage in the delivery stage group. The substrate inspection unit may be disposed in the delivery stage group.

Abstract: Double photolithography is used to produce an under-layer of protective and filtering photoresist over a substrate that will have channels milled with a FIB. Secondary layers are applied with precision on top of the first layer in order to define the precise patterns to be milled and to provide targeting and alignment fiducials.

Abstract: A method of making a piezoelectric transformer (100) comprising a primary plate (4) and a secondary plate (8), in which a step a) is implemented during which, on the basis of an equivalent model of the transformer (100), a geometrical parameter for the plates or a physical parameter for a material constituting the plates is determined, while taking account of an expression for the heat dissipated by losses in the transformer.

Abstract: A storage battery is provided in which an expand grid is improved with respect to the widths of grid wires 1b, the sectional areas of nodes 1e, and the shapes of meshes 1c, whereby the productivity of the expand grid can be enhanced and the life performance can be improved. As means for attaining the object, a storage battery in which an expand grid is used as a battery plate, the expand grid being a grid member which is formed by expanding a side portion of a collector frame portion 1a of a metal sheet 1 to connect a large number of grid wires 1b to one another in a net-like shape, is configured so that widths of grid wires 1b of a row which is directly connected to the collector frame portion 1a of the expand grid, and a lateral end row are larger than widths of grid wires 1b of at least one of intermediate rows.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for processing a container body into a heat dissipating device includes: a support for supporting the container body thereon; an elastically deformable member covering a periphery of an opening in an upper wall of the container body and defining a cavity in fluid communication with interior of the container body through the opening; a vacuuming device connected to the elastically deformable member for vacuuming the inner space; a working fluid-loading device connected to the elastically deformable member for filling a predetermined amount of the working fluid into the container body; a depressing device including opposite upper and lower pressing members; and a driving mechanism for driving movement of at least one of the upper and lower pressing members.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical tool for disengaging an electrical plug from an electrical socket when the socket is provided with a cap and a retention tab which engages and retains the plug in place. The tool includes a handle portion and a grasping portion with the grasping portion having spaced apart legs and perpendicular stems. The legs of the grasping element are passed on either side of the plug and a skirt provided on either leg engages and moves upward the cap on the socket to disengage the socket tab from the plug. The plug can then be removed from the socket by forcibly levering the tool against the socket to extract the plug therefrom.

Abstract: A circuit board for a surface-mount device to be mounted thereon is provided. The surface-mount device includes a set of first pins and a set of second pins. The circuit board includes a substrate, a set of first conductors, a set of second conductors, and a hole. The hole is formed through the substrate and adjacent to the set of second conductors. The mounting of the surface-mount device is performed by the steps of: (a) disposing the surface-mount device on the substrate; (b) soldering the set of first pins on the set of first conductors and the set of second pins on the set of second conductors by reflowing; (c) checking whether each second pin is electrically-connected with the corresponding second conductor; and (d) re-soldering the second pin that is electrically-disconnected with the corresponding second conductor by a welder through the hole.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a tool adapted to facilitate the installation of coaxial cables such as on a television, cable television box, or satellite box. The tool is generally cylindrical in shape and is adapted to receive the coaxial cable and a hexagonal nut on its distal end.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a multi-fluid cartridge for holding multiple fluids in segregated containment localities. The cartridge body contains fluid supply paths in fluid flow communication with the containment localities. A nozzle plate is attached to a device side of each of a plurality of defined ejection head substrates on a semiconductor wafer. Each of the ejection head substrates has a fluid supply side and two or more fluid flow paths therein for supplying fluid from the supply side to the device side thereof. The fluid flow paths in the ejection head substrates have a flow path density of greater than about 1.0 flow paths per millimeter. The wafer is diced to provide a plurality of micro-fluid ejection device structures. A circuit device is attached to the device side of each of the substrates. An adhesive is stencil printed with a bond line density of at least about 1.2 mm?1 on the micro-fluid ejection device structures or on the cartridge body.

Abstract: A method (50) for making a heat pipe (10) includes the following steps: a) providing a screen mesh (30) in the form of a multi-portion structure with at least one portion having an average pore size different from that of the other portions; b) rolling the screen mesh into a hollow column form; c) inserting the screen mesh into a hollow pipe body (22) of the heat pipe; d) sintering the screen mesh received therein at a predetermined temperature; and e) filling a working fluid into the pipe body and sealing the pipe body. The portion with large-sized pores is capable of reducing the flow resistance to a condensed fluid to flow back, whereas the portion with small-size pores is capable of providing a relatively large capillary pressure for drawing the condensed fluid from the condensing section to the evaporating section of the heat pipe.

Abstract: A method for making a heat dissipating device includes the steps of: preparing a container body that has a fluid passage and opposite upper and lower walls, the fluid passage being in fluid communication with an inner space in the container body; vacuuming the inner space through the fluid passage; filling the inner space with a predetermined amount of a working fluid through the fluid passage; and depressing a wall portion of a selected one of the upper and lower walls in such a manner that the depressed wall portion is deformed toward the other of the upper and lower walls so as to form a depression in the selected one of the upper and lower walls, and so as to form a sealing mechanism that functions to isolate the fluid passage from the inner space.

Abstract: A method for making a heat dissipating device includes the steps of: mounting an elastically deformable member on a container body in such a manner that the elastically deformable member covers a periphery of an opening in the container body and that the elastically deformable member cooperates with the container body to define a cavity in fluid communication with an inner space in the container body through the opening; vacuuming the inner space in such a manner that air in the inner space is drawn through the opening and the cavity to the outside of the container body; filling the inner space with a predetermined amount of a working fluid through the opening and the cavity; and forming a sealing mechanism that functions to isolate the inner space from the opening.

Abstract: A compound (1) is manufactured which has a metal outer part (3) having a hollow space (2) and a content material (4) formed in the hollow space (2). Namely, manufacture is made by including an outer part forming step to form an outer part and a content material forming step to form a content material (4) in the hollow space (2) by using a metal matrix melt to be die-molded and a filler contained in the melt. The outer part (3) has a desired exterior form. Meanwhile, the content material (4) is formed in a state the hollow space (2) is filled in order to lighten the weight and improve the strength of the compound (1).

Abstract: A pair of hairdressing scissors, wherein a connecting block is mounted in the hairdressing scissor, on a first wall surface of the connecting block is protrusively formed a rib portion having a retaining ear thereof, and on a second wall surface of the connecting block is defined with a perforation thereof for engaging with the retaining ear, and an elastic member is mounted in the connecting block. Therefore, when the retaining ear of one pair of hairdressing scissors is engaged in the perforation of another pair of hairdressing scissors, the elastic member presses against the retaining ear, in this way, the pairs of hairdressing scissors can be coupled and positioned relative to one another firmly.

Abstract: Steel strip cutters include a first and a second cutting body and two handles. The first cutting body has a hole for the second cutting body to extend through. A cutting edge is formed at one side of the hole, and a lower step is formed beside the cutting edge. Two pressure-enduring edges are formed on one side of the hole and on the lower step. The second cutting body has a recess in the bottom, and a cutting edge is formed at one side of the recess. Two clamping edges are formed beside the recess and the bottom edge of the outer side, respectively. When used for cutting steel strips, cutting edges of the two cutting bodies carry out a cutting action through a user pressing the handles inward and the clamping edges clamp the two ends of the cut steel strip, to thereby prevent the cut ends of the steel strip from bouncing resulting in greater safety for a user.

Abstract: In a portable electric circular saw (portable cutting tool) including a cutting tool body having a motor serving as a driving source and a saw blade (cutting tool) driven to rotate by the motor and a base guiding the cutting tool body along a surface of a material to be cut, and allowing a parallel ruler to be mounted on the base, guide bars respectively inserted through insertion holes formed in the base are provided with a dust guard that can slide parallel to an end face of the saw blade and can abut against the end face of the saw blade.

Abstract: Provided is a hacksaw comprising a front cavity in a tang of the frame, a resilient member having one end fastened in one side of the cavity, a handle for receiving the tang and a top opening aligned with the cavity, a pivotal lock lever disposed in the opening and comprising an arm and an end urging member (e.g., cam), a blade inserted through the cavity and the tang into the handle. A thin portion of the urging member is disposed proximate the resilient member and the resilient member is disengaged from the blade when the arm is disposed in a forward position. To the contrary, a thick portion of the urging member is pressed down on the resilient member for fastening a back of the blade when the arm is disposed in a rearward position.

Abstract: A protractor for measuring and constructing angles includes a body having a base member and an arcuate member connecting opposed ends of the base member. A bottom surface of the base member and a bottom surface of the arcuate member are disposed in a substantially identical plane. A degree scale is engageable with a predetermined portion of the arcuate member and an elongated arm has a first end rotatably attached to the base member and has a second end disposed in close proximity to the degree scale. A laser is attached to the second end of the elongated arm and is capable of generating a light beam.

Abstract: A method of sensing tilt includes applying an electrical signal, such as voltage, current, a constant signal, or a time-varying signal to at least one electrode of a first set of electrodes and measuring an electrical parameter using at least one electrode of a second set of electrodes. The electrodes are disposed in a conductive medium within an envelope. The electrical parameter represents tilt relative to a first axis. The electrical roles of the first and second sets of electrodes are reversed to determine tilt relative to a second axis. No more than four electrodes are used to determine tilt relative to two axes. A tilt sensor includes an envelope, conductive medium in the envelope, and four electrodes. A method of making a tilt sensor includes providing at least four electrodes, forming an envelope to receive at least a portion of the electrodes, placing a conductive medium into the envelope, and sealing the conductive medium in the envelope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic measuring device for measuring the dimensions of a tool for a machine tool comprising a spindle (10) for receiving a tool (2) which is capable of being moved in order to interact with the device (1) in order to deduce, according to a measuring system specific to said spindle (10), the dimensions of the tool (2), characterized in that it consists of a bar (3) made of a material having highly elastic properties, one of these ends of which is fixedly attached to a yoke attached to a fixed frame (5) and its opposite free end is in contact with two detectors (6 and 7) placed perpendicular to one another and to a yoke (8) capable of sliding on the flexible bar (3) that is overhung by a platform (9) on which said tool (2) to be measured is capable of resting.

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 static removal apparatus that is placed inside a laundry dryer which contains an assembly of a stainless steel housing plate. Inside the housing are 2 cylinder shaped magnets, a single screw, nut and a stainless steel cap in rear of assembly that is to secure the screw, nut and stainless steel housing plate together. In addition, the rear of the apparatus is open to expose one of the magnets so the device can be attached to the inside face of a laundry dryer door or against the back of the dryer drum.

Abstract: A hair dryer (1) comprises a housing (2) having a substantially cylindrical air tunnel (3), a fan (6) provided in the air tunnel (3), a motor (7) for revolving the fan (6), and a heater (5). The fan (6) is a centrifugal fan having a revolution shaft (61), a circular disc (62) perpendicular to the revolution shaft (61), and a plurality of impeller blades (63) each provided substantially perpendicular to the circular disc (62) but curved with respect to a radial line passing the center axis of the revolution shaft (61). The outer diameter D1 of the fan (6) and the inner diameter D2 of the outlet (9) of airflow of the air tunnel (3) are selected so that the value D1/D2 in the region equal to or larger than 1.0 and equal to or smaller than 1.45, (1.0?D1/D2?1.45). Thereby, the hair dryer (1) can generate strong airflow with a constant volume without increasing rotation number of the motor (7) and without enlarging the outer diameter of the fan (6) by reducing the pressure loss due to the air tunnel.

Abstract: An improved rotary shell or drum dryer (10) is provided having an elongated, horizontally disposed, axially rotatable shell (12) with product and air inlets (14, 18) and an outlet (16) at opposite ends of the shell. Internally, the dryer (10) includes axially spaced apart first and second drying sections (26, 28) each having a turbulator (30, 32) and a downstream serpentine flow section (34, 36). The turbulators (30, 32) are designed to divert portions of a product/airstream in different directions respectively to achieve the intense mixing similar to that obtained in an impingement dryer.

Abstract: The pressing device has at least one vertically extending guiding member and a pressing member extending horizontally above a lumber stack loading area. The pressing member is slidably connected to the guiding member in a manner to be movable into contact with the stack of lumber to apply a downward compressive force to it.

Abstract: A washing process to sufficiently remove contaminants attached on the surface of an optical film is proposed. Specifically, disclosed is a method of manufacturing an optical film, wherein the method possesses the steps of spraying onto at least one surface of a transparent film a solidified blast material via cooling that is a gas or a liquid at normal temperature and pressure, washing the at least one surface of the transparent film, and coating at least one optically functional layer on the washed surface of the transparent film.

Abstract: A system (18) for treating a work piece (12) with pressurized gas (16) from a gas source (14) includes a holder (49) for holding the work piece (12), a knife (52A) that is in fluid communication with the gas source (14), and a support (54A) that allows for movement of the knife (52A). The knife (52A) includes an outlet (64) for discharging the pressurized gas (16) towards the work piece (12) and impinging upon the work piece (12). The support (54A) allows the knife (52A) to move laterally relative to the work piece (12) while the knife (52A) is directing the pressurized gas (16) toward the work piece (12) with the work piece (12) being maintained substantially stationary.

Abstract: A flow-through dryer for drying webs of material comprising a rotatable drying drum having a cylindrical drum face and section flanges on the drum ends that enclose an interior space. The drum face is configured as a series of spaced pleated vent plates mounted circumferentially about the outside of drying drum. The pleated vent plates are perforated to allow air flow into the interior space and have an outer edge that is adapted to support the web of material about the drying drum.

Abstract: A flip-flop shoe comprising a base having a foot engagement body joined to the base, and having combined ribbon strips tied and adhered to the foot engagement body, and coated in a hairspray. A method of making a flip-flop shoe comprising providing a base and providing a foot engagement body and joining the foot engagement body to the base, and providing combined ribbon strips and tying the combined ribbon strips to the foot engagement body with knots, and applying an adhesive to the knots and coating the combined ribbon strips with a hairspray, and trimming the combined ribbon strips.

Abstract: A footwear structure including an outsole, an upper and a midsole, each including a shank interlock portion. The upper may include separate top and bottom portions. The bottom portion upper may be disposed between the midsole and outsole and may include separate first and second sections.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is provided with a selectively adjustable shock-absorbing element. In one preferred aspect, a plate is provided with a plurality of independently moveable portions in contact with the shock-absorbing element. In another aspect, a plate is provided at an angle relative to a coil spring. A method is provided for adjusting a shock-absorbing spring.

Abstract: A midsole includes a thick plate-shaped or column-shaped cushioning portion. A plurality of grooves is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cushioning portion. The respective grooves are helically formed around a substantially vertical line. The respective grooves are arranged substantially parallel with each other. A range ? in which each of the grooves is formed is larger than a range of 15 degrees around the axial line and is smaller than a range of 180 degrees around the axial line.

Abstract: A footwear insert. The footwear insert includes a base portion and a second portion adhered to the base portion. The second portion comprises a material for providing comfort to a user of the footwear insert, and a sublimation ink positioned within the material.