Abstract: A midsole of a shoe has a low elastic part 20, a high elastic part 22 and an inclined surface 24. The low elastic part 20 and the high elastic part 22 include air bubbles. An ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) is used as a base polymer in the low elastic part 20 and the high elastic part 22. The inclined surface 24 is inclined upward from the inside to the outside. The low elastic part 20 is located to the inside of the inclined surface 24. The high elastic part 22 is located to the outside of the inclined surface 24. An inner high elastic part 26 is located to the inside of a low elastic part 20. The thickness of the low elastic part 20 becomes gradually larger from the outside to the inside along the inclined surface 24. The thickness of the high elastic part 22 becomes gradually larger from the inside to the outside along the inclined surface 24. The width Wa of the inclined surface 24 in left and right direction is 5 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a central member of a first material having a first density with its medial and lateral sides having surface irregularities. A medial member extends along a medial side of the central member and beneath a portion of the central member, and has a surface irregularity configured to mate and interlock with a surface irregularity of the central member. The medial member is formed of a second material having a density greater than the first density. A lateral member extends along a lateral side of the central member and beneath a portion of the central member, and has a surface irregularity configured to mate and interlock with a surface irregularity of the central member. The lateral member is formed of a third material having a density greater than the first density.

Abstract: The effective friction of a shoe is adjusted by changing the angle of a portion of the sole, relative to the shoe centerline. In one embodiment, the heel is effectively hinged and an adjustment device is spaced from the hinge axis, whereby the wearer can hold the shoe in one hand and manually adjust an actuator connected to a drive member that increases or decreases the angle of the hinge. The hinge axis can be perpendicular to the centerline, either in the front of the heel with the drive member embedded in the back of the heel, or in the back of the heel, with the drive member embedded in the front of the heel. Angulation can be effected in the foresole, about an axis perpendicular to the shoe centerline, or about an axis that is parallel to but offset from the centerline.

Abstract: An insole providing cushioning and control of foot motion. The insole includes a base. A lateral border and a medial border cooperate to align and support the foot. The lateral border and medial border are firmer than the base.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved spike installed in a sole of a shoe and consists of a receptacle having a base and several connecting seats integrated around the edge of the base in one piece flexibly moving in proportion to the base. Several spikes are installed unto individual connecting seats extruding the sole. Accordingly, each connecting seat and partial spikes are wrapped up by the flexible sole. When spikes receive an external force causing connecting seats to deviate slightly and simultaneously, the elasticity of the sole material and elastic recovery of each connecting seat are used ingeniously to create proper grip.

Abstract: The present invention teaches that an improved shoe insert may be made in a smaller size and of a material which is firmer and more resilient, yet flexible than in prior art devices. An advantageous trapezoidal planform is also taught, in which the rear edge is shorter than the parallel front edge. The device may have a rear edge having a thickness of a few millimeters (up to ? inch) while the thickness of the device decreases regularly to the front edge, at which point the thickness reaches zero. The size of the device may advantageously be in the range from 1 inch in rear length to 1.5 inches in rear length, 1.25 inch in front length to 1.75 inch in front length, and from 1 inch in width (defined as the distance separating the parallel rear and front edges) to 1.25 inches in width.

Abstract: A directionally flexible shank for an article of footwear is disclosed, which provides support to the bottom of a user's foot while providing flexibility for foot movements in one or more particular directions. The directionally flexible shank may also support the arch of the foot. The directionally flexible shank may include a plurality of articulatable segments that can easily rotate with respect to each other in a first direction and thereby permit the directionally flexible shank to flex away from the foot, while limiting articulation in an opposite direction. The articulatable segments are connected to each other via hinge structures, which may include living hinges formed of a thermoplastic material. The hinge structures may also be formed from a flexible sheet attached to a bottom portion of the directionally flexible shank. Methods are also disclosed for manufacturing the directionally flexible shank.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure may include a flexible arch support adapted to provide support for a user's arch while permitting the arch to flex away from the user's foot. The flexible arch support may include a plurality of articulatable segments that, from a resting position, can rotate with respect to each other away from the user's foot, while resisting articulation in an opposite direction. The upper may include articulatable straps that secure the article of footwear to the user's foot while providing flexibility for foot bends or other movements.

Abstract: A Golf shoe which has an air pad including a plurality of supports and an inclined angle and thereby, enables a golfer to naturally take a stable address pose and to make an appropriate swing when the golfer wears the golf shoes is provided.

Abstract: The application relates to a sole (20) for footwear (10) which has a toe part (70) being made of a substantially inflexible material, a ball part (80) being made of a flexible material, and an instep-heel part (90) being made of a substantially inflexible material. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the substantially inflexible material is carbon fibre in a thermoplastic epoxy resin and the flexible material of an aramide fibre in a thermoplastic epoxy resin. The application also teaches a shoe made with this sole and a method for the manufacture of the shoe.

Abstract: For virtually any kind of shoe, regions at the front and/or back of the heel and/or forsesole can be raised or lowered relative to the remainder of that bottom surface. In this manner, one or both of a friction or pronation adjustment can be made at the front, back, or lateral side of the foresole or heel. An adjustment device is operatively associated with one region in one of a first (foresole) or second (heel) weight bearing bottom surface, for raising and lowering the region relative to the bottom surface surrounding the region, thereby adjusting the overall texture of the weight bearing bottom surface.

Abstract: A dipper including a dipper door and an impact actuated jaw having a “C” shape defining a lip and a chin. The jaw is rotatably mounted on the dipper door for rotation between a door-opened position and a door-closed position and positioned so that when the jaw is in the door-opened position, the jaw chin can be impacted by the dipper body when the door pivots to the door-closed position. The dipper also includes a hold open mechanism for releasably holding the door latch in the latch open position when the latch is in the open position, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the latch when the latch is in the door-closed position. The locking mechanism includes one bar pivotally attached to the door, and another bar pivotally connected to and extending between each of the one bar and the latch.

Abstract: An attachment for a heavy equipment vehicle, which comprises four different functions. The attachment can serve as a box blade, grapple, ripper, or bucket with front cutting edge. It is highly convenient for a user who wishes to accomplish multiple tasks without having to change the attachment on the vehicle, thus saving time and money on the worksite. The attachment is hydraulically controlled, similar to any other vehicle attachment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various aspects of an improved snow or material pushers for use with loaders, backhoes, agricultural and larger home and garden tractors and the like for moving snow or other materials on generally flat areas such as parking lots, driveways, feed lots, runways, and loading areas. The improvements include, among others, a reversible design, extended side plates and/or wear shoes as well as improved scraping edge configurations so as to provide added functionality and versatility to pushers. As described the various features may be employed alone or in combination to provide the capability for snow and ice removal while minimizing the potential for damage to surfaces and objects thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various aspects of an improved snow or material pushers for use with loaders, backhoes, agricultural and larger home and garden tractors and the like for moving snow or other materials on generally flat areas such as parking lots, driveways, feed lots, runways, and loading areas. The improvements include, among others, a reversible design, extended side plates and/or wear shoes as well as improved scraping edge configurations so as to provide added functionality and versatility to pushers. As described the various features may be employed alone or in combination to provide the capability for snow and ice removal while minimizing the potential for damage to surfaces and objects thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting tooth for a ground working implement, particularly for a cutting wheel of a trench wall cutter, with a dedendum for reception in a holder of the ground working implement and at least one main cutting element for working the soil located at the top on the dedendum. For widening the working cross-section of the main cutting element at least one further reaming element is provided at the top on the dedendum and which, compared with the main cutting element, has a different cutting edge design.

Abstract: A ground engaging tool retainer assembly includes three components: a pin, a washer, and a bolt. The bolt includes a threaded shank. When assembled, the threaded shank passes through a central bore in the washer and engages a matching threaded bore in the pin. The washer is trapped in a pocket between the ground engaging tool and the work machine. When the bolt and pin are attached to the washer, they are also trapped on the ground engaging tool and the work machine. When installed, the pin acts as a shear pin preventing the ground engaging tool from being removed from the work machine.

Abstract: An article to be worn, such as a badge, displays indicia such as identification and advertising. The article includes a housing, a first indicia member positioned on the first indicia portion of the housing and a second indicia member positioned on the second indicia portion of the housing. The first and second indicia portions are discrete from one another and can receive interchangeable indicia members. The invention further includes a method of identifying a wearer of the article, such as a sales clerk or food service preparer, and advertising a product or service, all with the same badge.

Abstract: A process for forming a multipurpose predetermined size and shape stone plaque and marker with a display face for preserving and depicting means of the desired information and embellishments comprising the steps of: pouring cementitious material into a selected one of a group of mold forms; choosing the optional mounting step to convert the said plaque into the said marker; using a stencil system and method thereof for applying the said desired information and embellishments upon and into said display face of the wet concrete tablet in simulated sculptural relief; thus leaving the processing said wet concrete tablet to cure and harden, then subsequently thereafter, adding finishing technique means thereof.

Abstract: A seat identification system for passengers in a cabin of a commercial airliner. Four sign components, identified as the aisle, mile, row and seat components, are arranged and positioned throughout the airplane in a configuration that allows the passengers to receive information about their seats when needed. The aisle signage markers direct the passengers down the appropriate aisle which leads to their seat. The interval row markers or mile markers provide a general location of the particular row in the aircraft for the passenger's seats. The individual row markers are preferably located in the passenger service unit modules and in viewing channels in order to allow the markers to be visible from the aisle. The seat markers are located preferably on the headrest on each seat and are the final vindication that the passenger is in the correct seat.

Abstract: An air freshener device comprises one or more planar elements that can move relative to a base, where each planar element is connected to the base by a flexible connector, and where each planar element releases a fragrance. The planar elements and the flexible connectors are disposed in a plane. The planar elements may be made of an inexpensive paper material and may bear images or text. The air freshener device imparts fragrance to an area and has moving parts that entertain viewers and also attract the attention of viewers. When mounted in an automobile, for example, the device can entertain child or adult passengers. The device can also convey a statement, using images or text, to drivers of nearby automobiles, who will notice the device because of its motion.

Abstract: A simulator for providing a user with a simulated burning log display having a generated flickering flame image. The flame image is generated by rotating a shaft with a helically wound light array such that the lights reflect off of a flame shaped mirror onto a partially transparent screen so as to give the impression to a viewer of flickering flames appearing on a front side of the screen and behind a non burning pile of logs.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing one or more images of flames. The flame simulating assembly includes one or more light sources for producing the image of flames and a screen with a front surface and positioned in a path of light from the light source. The screen is adapted for transmission of the images of flames through the screen. The assembly also includes one or more simulated interior fireplace walls positioned behind the screen, a first simulated fuel bed positioned in front of the screen and a second simulated fuel bed positioned behind the screen and at least partially viewable through the screen. The screen is adapted to permit observation of at least part of the simulated interior fireplace wall.

Abstract: A display and messaging sign includes a number of pixels and a hooded face plate. The hooded face plate includes a number of hooded apertures, with a hood over each of the pixels. Each pixel is aligned with an aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an advertising device, which can be implemented in the field of advertising through exposing on public places of big format full colour images (as posters, billboards etc) of goods and/or services being advertised. The device is formed as a vertical regular n-angular prism, n being freely optional number, rotating around its longitudinal axis of symmetry and a possibility is also provided for mounting the whole device on a lorry platform. The vertical rectangular walls of the prism are performed as observing windows (1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.n) whereon can be watched the consecutive appearance of independent images, printed on a flexible tape. The advertising device is carried out as a set of several kinematically independent contours (modules) mounted on a common internal frame (6) where the observing windows of the particular modules form the outside visible walls of the device.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sign includes a plurality of spaced cutouts that either cut out at least a portion on or near the edge of at least one alphanumeric character or symbol in the indicia or are disposed within at least one alphanumeric character or symbol in the indicia, the cutouts being disposed with gaps therebetween and configured such that the corresponding at least one alphanumeric character or symbol is more legible when viewed in bright sunlight, esp. in situations of sun blindness.

Abstract: A message display system includes a support base removably mounted to a window using suction disks and a rod. The rod supports a message device (such as a banner) and is preferably secured to a rod support. The rod support is pivotably secured about the support base using a fastener such that the orientation of the rod may be easily made level. The fastener preferably includes a threaded fastener that engages a cap or the like. The rod may optionally be telescopic such that the length of the rod may be adjusted. The message device preferably includes a cavity disposed along an outer edge that is sized and shaped to accept at least a portion of the rod.

Abstract: A reusable real estate sign display apparatus comprising a cross-arm for supporting a real estate sign, a plate-like member attached to one end of the cross-arm, and a pair of oppositely facing L-shaped engaging members disposed on opposite sides of the plate-like member. The apparatus attaches to a post when the engaging members are aligned to receive the post, and the cross-arm is turned 90 degrees in an engaging direction.

Abstract: A collapsible portable structure and method for same that includes at least three collapsible frame members, a resilient material substantially covering each collapsible frame member to form a side panel for each collapsible frame member, and a hinge portion hingedly connecting each of the collapsible frame members. Each collapsible frame member has a collapsed position and an expanded position. Each collapsible frame member has three or more edges defining a continuous loop in the expanded position. A first edge of each collapsible frame member is hingedly connected to a second edge of a first adjacent frame member, and the second edge of each collapsible frame member is hingedly connected to the first edge of a second adjacent frame member.

Abstract: An information display folder is provided herein.

Abstract: A frame for insertion of a photograph having a folded structural element with a first portion incorporating a backing and a second portion connected to the first portion having two spaced lateral elements folded onto and rising from the backing. The first portion and second portion cooperatively form an aperture perpendicular to the spaced lateral elements for receiving a photograph to be held between the spaced lateral elements. A face structural element overlays the two spaced lateral elements and is spaced from the backing thereby to engage and support the photograph opposite the backing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a picture frame system for displaying a picture. The system comprises a substantially planar mat that comprises an engravable material. The planar mat defines an opening therein and a substantially transparent pane overlying the planar mat and opening. The frame system also comprises a picture frame adapted to mount the planar mat and the transparent pane therein.

Abstract: A locking system for firearms including a locking ring rotatably mounted to a bolt. As the bolt is moved through a bolt slide, the locking ring engages a cam member, which causes the locking ring to rotate about the bolt, which can remain fixed against rotation.

Abstract: A magazine aligner is positioned inside a pistol magazine loader for centering the open side of magazines of different widths and depths when mounted into the loader to be in line with a round-inserting plunger of the loader. The aligner comprises an inverted “V”-shaped element adapted to accept the open side of magazines from below and includes a spring for keeping tension on the magazine.

Abstract: Aiming device for firearms that comprises a retro reflective lenticular element, which collects and reflects ambient light beams and/or beams originated from a light source, and which is seen by the shooter as having a first bright color when the aim line has a desired orientation and having a second color, or no color, when the aim line does not have the desired orientation.

Abstract: There is provided a fishing apparatus and a method for fishing. A fishing rod having a proximal end and a distal end are provided. A fishing line contacts a portion of the distal end of the fishing rod. Fish bait is connected to the free end of the fishing line. A mechanism is provided for imparting a vibration to the fishing rod so that the fishing line and the fish bait may be caused to vibrate.

Abstract: A rotating artificial bait in body of artificial bait, it is put together with half-sectioned bait shell, isolated layers with proper room are formed inside, isolated layer and block & arc slot at center of shell can embed in tip of mandrel of passive vane and active rotating vane with mandrel, so that passive vane is built in middle of spacial groove, active rotating vane is fixed in two sides of shell so as to make a coaxial core but not communicating each other, in addition, put several ball beads inside spacial groove so that ball beads can move close to vane of passive vane, magnets are fixed at end of passive vane and active rotating vane respectively; these magnets can produce mutual magnetic attraction so that active rotating vane can drive passive vane to rotate synchronously and let vane of passive vane collide ball bead successively, the collision may produce sound frequency to attract fish and eye-like vivid effect, therefore, it may promote possibility of attracting big fish to eat bait.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure with an adjustable weight has been developed. The artificial fishing lure includes a body with a hollow slot. A weight is inserted into the slot to control the buoyancy of the lure. The weight may be removed and replaced with a larger or smaller weight as desired.

Abstract: A fishing aid including a fishhook having an eye and a barb respectively positioned at its opposed ends. A rattle is releasably secured to the fishhook. The rattle has a catch that extends from one of its opposed ends with an open-loop portion for grasping the eye of the fishhook. The rattle also has a sharpened point at the other of its opposed ends for easy insertion into a soft plastic bait.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for affecting movement of an insect with respect to a specified location. One generates an electromagnetic field adjacent the location and exposes the insect to the field. Preferably the insect is a crawling insect such as a German cockroach, earwig, firebrat, or a silverfish. To attract insects, the strength of the field is not so high as to be repulsive to the insect, yet sufficiently strong as to be attractive. Such field generators are preferably incorporated into insect traps and insect bait stations.

Abstract: Taught herein are solar-panel powered apparatuses for attracting and eliminating insects comprising a frame; means for attracting insects, said means for attracting insects being mechanically connected to said frame; a battery; and one or more solar panels. The apparatuses provide the advantages of efficient attracting and eliminating insects, low or no environmental pollution, and low cost.

Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its corners and at a lower portion for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.

Abstract: Commercially available rose saplings have been conventionally grafted a rose scion on a wild rose stock, however shoots grown from a single wild rose rootstock are effectively used to graft many kinds of roses so as to bloom various flowers. The invention provides a method of grafting many kinds of roses on a single wild rose stock to bloom various flowers by paying attention to lateral buds formed on one or several shoots grown from a wild rose rootstock and grafting many kinds of perpetual rose scions on each notched opening with a lateral bud, which makes it possible to enjoy roses planted in a pot even in a small space, and rose saplings thus produced.

Abstract: A flexible edge strip for insertion into the ground around plants to prevent roots of the plant and the roots of surrounding plants from mixing together, methods of use and manufacture thereof. The edge strip is of a flexible C-shaped cross-section with an elongate vertical leg having opposite ends which interconnect to form a looped configuration, and top and bottom edges each with a dependent horizontal flange co-extending therealong at substantially a right angle thereto. The horizontal flanges are divided into a plurality of individual tabs separated by respective slots adapted to facilitate bending of the edge strip. The ends of the vertical leg respectively include a retaining tab and a mating vertically disposed retaining slot to receive the retaining tab therethrough to retain the retaining tab therein. The edge strip may be shortened at a plurality of perforated separation lines that extend transversely thereacross.

Abstract: A root ball display device comprises a ball-supporting frame and a ball-positioning frame, which frames are joined at elevated junctions. The ball-supporting frame comprises at least three radially extending support members, each of which comprise a proximal support end and a distal support end. The distal support ends extend upwardly from the proximal support ends. The ball-positioning frame comprises at least three positioning members, each of which comprises an upwardly-extending vertex portion and laterally or peripherally adjacent periphery-forming end portions. The periphery-forming end portions are selectively joined to one another to form a common positioning periphery and the distal support ends are joined at the vertex portions for forming at least three ball positioning junctions. The ball-positioning junctions cooperate to position a root ball or similar other spherical body upon a display surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting spent water-based drilling mud into fertile indigenous top soil at a well site or location. The fertile indigenous top soil is produced by the steps of: admixing, at a well site, effective amounts of spent water-based drilling mud, mature compost, organic fertilizer, and top soil from the well site to provide a mixture containing spent water-based drilling mud, from about 30 to about 150 volume percent mature compost, from about 5 to 20 volume percent organic fertilizer, and from about 5 to 20 volume percent top soil from the well site wherein each of the volume percents is based on the volume of the spent water-based drilling mud present in the mixture; stirring the mixture for a period of time effective to form a substantially homogenous mixture; and drying the substantially homogenous mixture so as to provide fertile indigenous top soil possessing similar microbial and enzyme characteristics as the top soil at the well site.

Abstract: A self watering legged sheet includes a flat board, a plurality of leg, the legs extending downwardly from/or connecting to the flat board, the legs have a side wall, the shape of the flat board and the legs can be vary, a plurality of air vent hole disposed on the board. Further, a bottom wall may be dispose on each leg, at least one hole disposed on the bottom wall or on the side wall of the leg near the bottom wall, at least one connecting part disposed on the side of the sheet. Furthermore, the sheet having a side wall extending upwardly from side of the flat board, at least one connecting part disposed on the side wall. Yet, a movable connecting part can be used instead of the fixed connecting part either on the side of the flat board or on the side wall.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and the pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for heating a cylindrical component of given diameter, by means of hot gas, characterized in that it comprises at least two heaters (310, 312, 314) each delivering a stream of hot gas and emerging in an annular chamber (316), the inside diameter of which is slightly greater than said diameter. This device is used in particular for heating a metal journal (111) in which a bearing ring (123) for an inter-shaft bearing in a double-body turbomachine is mounted.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fuel reformer can comprise: a mixing zone capable of mixing a fuel and an oxidant to form a fuel mixture and a reforming zone disposed downstream of the mixing zone. The reforming zone comprises a primary substrate and a secondary substrate. The primary substrate is disposed upstream of the secondary substrate and has a primary thermal mass that is greater than a secondary thermal mass of the secondary substrate. One embodiment of a method for operating a fuel reformer can comprise: mixing an oxidant and a fuel to form a fuel mixture, combusting the fuel mixture, heating the secondary substrate above its light-off temperature, changing an air to fuel ratio of the fuel mixture to a reforming mixture, producing an exotherm and a reformate at the secondary substrate, heating a primary substrate with the exotherm to above its light-off temperature, and producing a reformate.