Abstract: A cleaner having a brush includes a suction motor mounted in a main body, and generating a suction force; a filter for collecting dust or filth sucked by the suction force generated at the suction motor; a suction head connected with the filter by a suction pipe, and having an inlet through which dust and filth on a floor are sucked; and a brush rotatably mounted at an inside of the suction head. The inlet is partitioned off into a first section and a second section by a belt cover for protecting a belt winding around the brush, and a flow passage unit is formed at the brush so that air can flow between the first and second sections. Accordingly, air can flow smoothly at a portion, which is blocked by the belt cover, and thus cleaning performance can be improved.

Abstract: A brake mechanism includes an input, a chassis, a lock and a release mechanism. The input is an axially extending input having first and second ends. The chassis interfaces with the input such that the input is movable relative to the chassis. The lock is coupled to the chassis for constraining movement of the input relative to the lock. The release mechanism is coupled to the lock and is responsive to a force applied relative to the input and the chassis such that when the force is greater than a release force level the release mechanism allows the lock to disengage the input and such that when the force is less than the release force level the release mechanism does not allow the lock to disengage the input.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge structure comprising: a fixed plate; pivotal plates provided outside both side planes of the fixed plate for relatively pivoting in respect to the fixed plate; a hinge shaft inserted into the fixed plate and the pivotal plates for functioning as a central pivoting shaft and provided in one end with a head portion expanded beyond the diameter of the hinge shaft and in the other end with a coupling portion; a fixing member fitted around the other end of the hinge shaft and laterally movable for adjusting the degree of tightening the hinge shaft; and projected washers each integrally bulged from inner faces of the pivotal plates for forming frictional faces against the fixed plate.

Abstract: A decelerating device includes a bushing and a pin carried coaxially by the bushing. A first end of the pin is housed inside the bushing and a second end of the pin, opposite to the first end, projects axially in cantilever fashion from the bushing. Inside the bushing, between the pin and one internal side wall of the bushing, there are housed, alongside one another, at a pre-set axial distance apart from one another, one or more deformable annular gasket elements. Each deformable annular gasket element has in radial cross section, in undeformed conditions, a peripheral profile defining at least one concavity.

Abstract: The hinge device comprises a rotating shaft, a cylinder and a liner tube. The cylinder contains a cylindrical body having a passage therein, a fixing member and a positioning groove. The liner tube includes at least two pieces of liner portion with a hole therein, or it includes a liner member having a hole therethrough. A positioning flange is projected on the end of the liner tube so as to engage with the positioning groove. At both sides of the liner tube are formed curved portions respectively. While a shaft portion of the rotating shaft is pivotally inserted into the hole, between the curved portion and the cylindrical body is left some space for expansion; therefore, as the rotating shaft turns clockwise or counterclockwise, the rotation of the present invention is made smoothly which further results in hard wear and durability.

Abstract: An improved shoe for a casement window hinge is disclosed. The hinge has a base with a front end and a rear end and two sides. The base has a ridge on the rear end for securing the base to a track and a tongue extending from one of the sides. The tongue has a plurality of teeth extending from a side of the tongue. A gear wheel is adapted to be rotatably secured to a track. The gear wheel has a plurality of teeth about its circumference which mesh with the teeth on the tongue. The rotation of the gear wheel causes the base of the hinge to move longitudinally in relation to the track.

Abstract: A holder (4) holds a cord fastener (3) on an adhered object (1), the cord fastener (3) being equipped on a cord (2) of the adhered object (1). The holder (4) has a mounting part (40) attached to the adhered object (1), and a housing part (50) provided on the mounting part (40), and holding the cord fastener (3) so as to allow the cord fastener (3) to be housed therein. The housing part (50) holds the cord fastener (3) so as to allow the cord fastener (3) to be housed therein, with an operation part (31) of the cord fastener (3) being exposed. Also, the holder (4) has a third cord insertion hole (41, 57) which continuously communicates with a first cord insertion hole (12) of the cord fastener (3) when the cord fastener (3) is housed in the housing part (50).

Abstract: A strap-adjusting device includes a base frame, a cover member, a strap holder, and a biasing member. The cover member cooperates with the base frame to form a strap-operating space, and is formed with a strap hole unit. The strap holder is movable in the strap-operating space between a strap-retaining position and a strap-releasing position, is accessible via an opening in the base frame, and forms a strap passage unit in the strap-operating space. The biasing member is disposed in the strap-operating space to provide a biasing force for urging the strap holder to the strap-retaining position. A strap is extended into and out of the strap-operating space via the strap hole unit, and extends along the strap passage unit. The strap holder is able to clamp the strap when the strap holder is at the strap-retaining position.

Abstract: A clip for attaching a second member such as an insulator to a first member such as a car body, includes a first clip component attached to the first member and a second clip component working with the first clip component to support the second member. The first clip component has a flange for contacting the first member, a leg extending from the flange for insertion into a mounting hole in the first member, and a shank extending from the flange in a direction opposite to the leg for engaging the second clip component. The second clip component has a flange for contacting the second member, a tube for receiving the shank, and pawls inside the tube. The end of the shank has a portion for engaging the pawls to clamp the second member between the flanges.

Abstract: A slider of a concealed type slide fastener and the concealed type slide fastener, wherein the slider engages/disengages respective fastener element rows of the concealed type slide fastener, in which fastener elements are continuously attached to folded-back pieces on a rear face side of respective folded-back side edge portions formed in a double structure created by folding back opposing side edge portions of a pair of right and left fastener tapes into a U shape; the slider has upper and lower blades connected through a connecting post, flanges provided at right angle to respective right and left side edges of the lower blade and approaching toward the upper blade, and between the upper and lower blades guide passages for guiding the folded-back side edge portions and the fastener element rows simultaneously.

Abstract: A zipper head assembly structure includes a fastening slider, a pulling piece, a horse-like hook, an elastic piece and a cap. The top of the fastening slider has a first fixing base and a second fixing base at two ends thereof, respectively. One end of the elastic piece is fixedly connected on the first fixing base of the fastening slider. The elastic piece abuts against the top portion of the horse-like hook. The cap covers the first and second fixing bases of the fastening slider, the end portion of the pulling piece, the horse-like hook and the elastic piece. The zipper head assembly structure of the present invention reduces efficiently the material cost, simplifies the manufacturing procedure much, and reduces the manufacturing cost. Further, the elastic piece is fixed on the fastening slider more firmly, so the elastic piece and the horse-like hook can abut to each other sufficiently.

Abstract: A fixing 26 for fixing a circuit board to a housing. The fixing comprising a first connector 10 having an axis, at one end of which is a portion adapted to be connected to a housing, supporting member, circuit board or component. At the other end of the first connector 10 there is a second portion 22 around which is moulded a damping means 12. The fixing further comprises a second connector 28 having an axis at the end of which is a portion adapted to be connected to a housing, supporting member, circuit board or component and at the other end of which is a second portion 22 around which the damping means 12 is moulded, The first is connector 10 is coupled to the second connector 26 by the damping means 12.

Abstract: According to the present invention, for a dead human body in which the blood contains a predetermined ratio or more of bilirubin, which causes discoloration of the body, before the primary embalmment processing employing the perfusion type antiseptic fixing method using a formalin solution, the body is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and the preliminary processing is performed. Specifically, a photo catalyst embalming solution containing a photo catalyst is injected into the vessels of the body, and after the photo catalyst embalming solution has been distributed to the capillaries in the dermis of portions of the body for which discoloration is to be prevented, the portions are irradiated by an electromagnetic wave (e.g., UV) to induce photo catalytic activity to locally, at the least, decompose bilirubin and reduce the amount in the body portions. As a result, the appearance of a body in a special state, wherein the amount of bilirubin is excessive, can be maintained so it is as natural as possible.

Abstract: An electrode tip dresser is disclosed which can dress a pair of electrode tips to a usable state while achieving a desired accuracy of a tip surface of each electrode tip including an angular portion at a peripheral edge of the tip surface, without separating each electrode tip from a welding gun. The electrode tip dresser includes a holder which is rotatable about a common axis of electrode tips, a pair of support shafts which are held by the holder, are arranged in parallel in an approach direction of the electrode tips, and extend in a direction orthogonal to the approach direction, and a pair of dressing rollers which are rotatably supported by the support shafts, respectively, to dress the electrode tips to a usable state.

Abstract: The present invention addresses an ATV clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a central body having a handlebar leg and a hand guard leg, a handlebar clamp pivotally connected to the handlebar leg and removably clamped to the ATV's handlebar and a hand guard member pivotally connected to the hand guard leg and removably connected to the hand guard. Also addressed is a motorcycle clamp assembly including a handlebar clamp removably connected to the motorcycle's handlebar and having a generally rectangular shape with rounded ends and having a tapered aperture configured to mate with handlebar's tapered portion, and a hand guard member connected to the hand guard and pivotally connected to the handle bar clamp. A method for manufacturing hand guards is disclosed. Using that method, one or more bends are cut in the X-Y plane and a bender is used to form at least one bend in the Z-axis.

Abstract: Improved process for manufacturing ring-type metal joints for high pressure ducts, characterized because it presents the following steps: a) oval bar manufacturing and b) ring-type metal joints manufacturing, wherein the oval bar manufacturing comprises the following steps: submitting a round metal bar to a sharpening treatment before it is drawn through a die and forming the oval bar; cutting, rolling, and bending the oval bar and welding the profile; submitting the joint to an electrolytic coating treatment.

Abstract: A method for making a protective device for guardrails comprises the steps of preparing a sheet (2) of flexible material; wrapping the sheet (2) of flexible material between at least one portion (3) of a longitudinal rail (6) of a guardrail (5) and at least one portion (4) of a lower longitudinal element (7), positioned between at least two guardrail (5) uprights (8) at a predetermined height, other than zero, from the ground, to form a smooth and continuous surface (11) which at least partly covers the guardrail (5). A protective device for guardrails comprises at least one flexible sheet (2) which can be wrapped between at least one portion (3) of a rail (6) of a guardrail (5) and at least one portion (4) of a lower longitudinal element (7), positioned between at least two guardrail (5) uprights (8), to form a smooth and continuous surface (11) covering the guardrail (5).

Abstract: A rotor of a vertical shaft impact crusher includes a vertical rotor wall segment having a first wall portion being substantially tangential in relation to the rotor and a second wall portion being angled in relation to the first wall portion. A tip holder for mounting at an outflow opening of such a rotor includes a holding part for holding a wear tip. A fastening mechanism is attached to the holding part. The fastening mechanism is adapted to extend along the first wall portion and through the second wall portion from one side thereof. A fixing mechanism is detachably fixable to the fastening mechanism at the other side of the second wall portion.

Abstract: A grating forming method for forming a fine grating with a grating period of at most 1 ?m on a surface of a blank material including (1) feeding realatively a diamond cutting tool and the blank material in a groove extended direction while rotating the diamond cutting tool about the axial line and (2) cutting the surface of the blank material with a blade tip part of the diamond cutting tool to form the grooves while rotating and feeding the diamond cutting tool. When the fine grating with the grating period of “P” ?m is formed and the feed amount per revolution of the diamond cutting tool is set to be “S” ?m, the feed amount per revolution “S”, with which the diamond cutting tool is fed in the groove extended direction while rotating the diamond cutting tool about the axial line, is set to satisfy the following conditional expression: S<2.9P3. This conditional are expression is applied to a blank material, a molding die, a molded product, and a master member for manufacturing a molding die.

Abstract: A continuous cable processing apparatus for producing cable sections with processed ends comprises a cable transport apparatus having at least one transport device for moving and holding the cable in the axial direction and, transversely thereto, a knife station. According to a special variant, two transport devices are arranged in the longitudinal cable direction on both sides of the knife station and, after the cable has been cut through, each hold one of the cable end regions produced on cutting, so that said end regions are movable in the longitudinal cable direction. At least one of these end processing stations is arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal cable direction, adjacent to the knife station and at least one transport device is movable transversely with respect to the longitudinal cable direction so that a cable end region can be fed to the end processing station.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for cutting material by means of a milling cutter and laser radiation. The apparatus comprises a milling unit, a work spindle, a milling cutter, a laser, deflecting elements, focusing optics, and a work table. According to the invention, a workpiece can be milled and lasered simultaneously or successively at the same cutting location in that the laser beam is coupled into a channel coaxial to the mill axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for easily and reliably neutralizing charge in an assembly process for an actuator head suspension assembly used in a magnetic disk device. In one embodiment, a head suspension assembly includes a wire trace that includes a laminated structure of a metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a conductor layer, and a second dielectric layer. The conductor layer includes an exposed portion exposed from the second dielectric layer. The suspension assembly also includes a head/slider supported by the metal layer. An actuator assembly includes an actuator arm and a flexible printed circuit board. The exposed portion of the conductor layer is immersed in a charge neutralizing solvent. The head suspension assembly is mounted to the actuator arm. A terminal of the wire trace is connected to a terminal of the flexible printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method for assembling electrical windings about an axis, the windings being strips and wound in alternating strata with their widths parallel with the axis, includes the steps: (a) Winding a first-wound winding in a winding path about the axis establishing a first stratum. (b) Arranging the first-wound winding to clear the winding path. (c) Winding one or more next windings to establish next-wound windings in the winding path until at least one next stratum is established. (d) Interleaving earlier-wound windings to establish the plurality of strata; the interleaving including the steps of: (1) rearranging a next-to-be-wound winding to realign with the winding path; (2) winding the next-to-be-wound winding in the winding path until a next stratum is established; (3) arranging the next-to-be-wound winding to clear the winding path; and (4) repeating steps (d)(1) through (d)(3) until the assembling is complete.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a thin-film coil assembly. The coil assembly includes a substrate, at least two layers of conductive material on top of the substrate, and one layer of insulating material between the two layers of conductive material, wherein the two layers of conductive material are in contact with two interconnects, respectively, which extends substantially vertical to the substrate.

Abstract: In the manufacture of an electric heater, means (24, 26) is provided for feeding and guiding a ribbon heating element (14) progressively into overlying edgewise relationship with a base (2). Means (6, 8) is provided for supporting the base (2) and for effecting relative motion between the base (2) and the feeding and guiding means (24, 26), such that motion of the base (2) is synchronised with feeding of the element (14) as it is fed and guided into the relationship with the base (2), to urge the heating element (14) towards the base (2) and cause an edge portion (22) of the heating element (14) to become embedded in the base (2).

Abstract: A semiconductor component includes adjustment circuitry configured to adjust selected physical and electrical characteristics of the component or elements thereof, and an input/output configuration of the component. The component includes a semiconductor die, a substrate attached to the die, and terminal contacts on the substrate. The adjustment circuitry includes conductors and programmable links, such as fuses or anti-fuses, in electrical communication with the die and the terminal contacts. The adjustment circuit can also include capacitors and inductance conductors. The programmable links can be placed in a selected state (e.g., short or open) using a laser or programming signals. A method for fabricating the component includes the steps of forming the adjustment circuitry, and then placing the programmable links in the selected state to achieve the selected adjustment.

Abstract: Core sand elements are rapidly and reliably retained by driving one or more smooth surface fasteners, such as staples, nails or brads, into the core elements. In production, after the core sand elements are assembled, the core assemblies are placed on a moving belt conveyor, movement of core assemblies on the moving belt conveyor is intercepted and momentarily stopped at a fastening station and the momentarily stopped core assemblies are lifted from the moving belt conveyor to a fastening position at which a plurality of smooth surface fastener guns are moved into position against the core assembly and located to simultaneously drive a plurality of smooth surface fasteners into the core elements of the core assembly.

Abstract: Each of one or more devices to be detachably attached to a mechanical substructure includes rails on opposed sides with insertion/extraction mechanisms. Each of a plurality of pairs of guides mounted on the substructure slidably receives and retains a respective set of rails upon attachment of the devices. The insertion/extraction mechanism includes one or more pivotable handles associated with each device for retaining the device with the substructure. A spring extending from a rail makes electrical contact with electrostatic discharge ground pads on the substructure to discharge existing static charge from the device prior to electrical engagement between an electrical connector on the device and an electrical connector on the substructure. An apertured plate of the substructure includes a plurality of apertures through which the devices are inserted/extracted.

Abstract: A die holding apparatus to form electrical contacts on individual dies is described. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device holder is used to hold individual dies for processing and reprocessing. The semiconductor device holder holds each individual die in a separate processing cavity configured to hold each individual die in a predetermined processing position. In one embodiment, a vacuum force is used to hold one or more dies in respective processing cavities with a predetermined level of force even if other adjacent die processing cavities are unoccupied by other individual dies.

Abstract: A tool for engaging a telecommunications connector within a slot so that a releasable latch of the connector is released by the tool. The tool may be used to remove a telecommunications connector from a mating opening of a receptacle or may be used to insert a connector within a receptacle.

Abstract: A method for feeding wires through a braided shield, comprises steps of wrapping the ends of the wires with tape to create a plug end; inserting the plug end into a flexible tube that is mounted to an insert tool having a tapered end; feeding the insert tool through the braided shield to pull the wires through the braided shield; removing the plug end from the flexible tube; and unwrapping the tape from around the wires.

Abstract: A method for registering a plurality of substrates that are retained on a workpiece carrier onto an exposure mask for carrying out a photolithography process has the steps of registering and immobilizing the exposure mask onto an alignment panel having precisely fitting passthrough orifices for reception of one substrate for each passthrough orifice and inserting into the passthrough orifices of the alignment panel the substrates that are retained on the workpiece carrier.

Abstract: A method for forming bonding pads on a printed circuit board (PCB) with circuit patterns is provided. A plurality of copper patterns are formed on the PCB which are electrically connected to the circuit patterns, and a filler is filled between the copper patterns such that an upper surface of the copper pattern is exposed. A plating layer is then applied to the exposed upper surface of the copper patterns. Protrusion of the plating layer at a lower portion of a copper pattern is prevented, thus reducing an interval between the wire bonding pad(s) and potentially increasing the number of bonding pads which may be effectively formed on a given PCB.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wiring board, including: providing a resin substrate on which is formed a metal layer including a first layer and a second layer formed on the first layer; forming an interconnecting pattern by etching the metal layer so that the interconnecting pattern includes the patterned first layer and second layer and a part of the first layer remains outside the second layer as a residue of the first layer; electroless plating the interconnecting pattern and the residue of the first layer; and then washing the resin substrate. The washing of the resin substrate is performed by using at least one of an acidic solution used for dissolving and removing the residue of the first layer and a metal deposited on the residue of the first layer by the electroless plating and an alkaline solution used for dissolving the resin substrate to remove an area which supports the residue of the first layer.

Abstract: Consistent excess conductive material is provided for plated conductors in integrated circuit metallization, regardless of the size and depth of trenches/vias into which the conductive material is deposited. Accordingly, subsequent processing (e.g., material removal) can be consistent and efficient for wafers with different feature sizes (particularly different depths), and for wafers at different metallization levels.

Abstract: A process for the production of a panel with a protective acoustic damping layer. The protective layer includes at least one porous core covered, on the one side, with a porous acoustic damping layer and on the other side with a total acoustic reflector. The porous damping layer is emplaced by striping or draping. The porous damping layer consists of parallel strips. Edges of the strips of the porous damping layer are positioned facing a strip deposited by striping or draping and containing a thermoplastic, thermosetting or thermofusible material adapted, by subsequent heating, to ensure the securement of the edges of said strips of the porous damping layer with the adjacent strip of thermoplastic, thermosetting or thermofusible material.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting workpieces adapted to engage the workpiece in at least four points of surface engagement. The apparatus has a clamping mechanism designed to be fastened to the workpiece. The clamping mechanism has a tool unit attached which includes adjustment means for displacing the tool unit relative to the clamping mechanism towards or away from the workpiece. The clamping mechanism has a frame element and arms extending from the clamping mechanism. Each of the four arms includes a bearing wheel. Each of the wheels may be used to engage a workpiece to retain its position while it is being cut.

Abstract: A chisel for breaking spot welds of a vehicle includes an elongate handle section with a grip and a slightly angled chisel section with blade faces on three sides and a rib generally parallel to a blade edge to limit insertion of a blade between vehicle body parts.

Abstract: A cutting device for trimming a coiled strand, such as an arterial, urinary or other intraluminal stent made from metal or plastic wire, has a pair of articulating arms connected at a pivot joint. One of the arms has a holding jaw for holding the coiled strand. A second of the arms has a jaw with a cutter. The holding jaw has a passageway through which the coiled strand may be threaded to aid in holding the coiled strand for cutting by the cutter. The holding jaw preferably has a guide channel formed by a pair of tapered walls that slide between adjacent turns of the coiled strand. In accordance with a method of the invention, an end of the coiled strand is introduced through the passageway in the holding jaw. The coiled strand is rotated to advance the coiled strand through the passageway until the coiled strand is positioned beneath the cutting jaw at the selected location. The lever portions and the jaw portions are then urged together, cutting the coiled strand at the selected location.

Abstract: A cutting head for a string trimmer is provided which accommodates any string gauge thickness and may be easily and quickly re-threaded upon failure of a string previously disposed therein. The cutting head has spring-biased clamping members which are each mounted within a rotatable clamp housing within the head, such that, as a string encounters a solid object, the clamping member and its associated housing are rotated about a generally vertical axis so as to obviate or minimize the development of a stress concentration in the string in the vicinity at which it is engaged by the clamp housing.

Abstract: A substantially circular slicer knife is provided having an interior base portion made of a first material and an outer edge portion made of a second material. The outer edge portion is metallurgically bonded to the interior base portion.

Abstract: A saw blade incorporates an integrated cant angle. The saw blade includes a cutting portion having a toothed edge and opposite edge. The toothed edge defines a cutting plane. A shank portion extends from the cutting portion and is laterally offset from the opposite edge of the cutting portion defining a step thereat. The shank includes an end portion including a mounting edge, the mounting edge and step define a mounting plane which is angularly offset from the cutting plane.

Abstract: A method may be employed to assure that a switch feel measurement system accurately measures a torque/angular displacement profile for a pivot switch. A procedure may be employed that aligns the pivot axis of the switch with the rotational axis of the measurement unit of the switch measurement system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stage device which is moved with high accuracy in an X-Y direction and a rotating direction using a planar motor. The invention is aimed at reducing the size of the stage device and at performing accurately measurement of a position of the stage to the base. The stage device comprises a scale unit having a scale part on the entire plane of the base, and three two-dimensional angle sensors disposed on a bottom surface of a movable stage part. The scale unit and the two-dimensional angle sensors form a surface encode. A position of the movable stage part is measured by the surface encoder.

Abstract: A leveling rod and a method of surveying utilizing the disclosed leveling rod are disclosed. The leveling rod comprises an elongated shaft and at least one tape with measurement graduations affixed longitudinally to the elongated shaft. The leveling rod also comprises an elongated side member slidably coupled with the elongated shaft, the elongated side member being extendable downwards. A stencil and an indicator are also included in the leveling rod. The stencil is attached to the bottom end of the elongated side member and is used to mark a surface. The indicator is attachable to the elongated side member and includes a pointer that points to the measurement graduations on the at least one tape. The indicator can slide longitudinally along the elongated side member until a predetermined position of the indicator is reached. The leveling rod further comprises a two threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A tool for inspecting a trailer kingpin and adjusting a fifth wheel hitch includes a plate having at least two mutually substantially perpendicular sides, one side having upper and lower generally rectangular tabs extending therefrom and separated by a space therebetween, the space being dimensioned to snugly receive a kingpin lower flange, the upper tab being dimensioned to be snugly received along a kingpin shank. Opposing this tabbed side is a side having at least one shaped recess for receiving a means for adjusting play in a fifth wheel hitch and transferring the application of torque thereto. The plate also includes a shaped aperture for receiving a kingpin, the shaped aperture having a substantially rectangular wide portion and a substantially rectangular narrow portion.

Abstract: A laundry drying machine includes a cabinet and a laundry holding drum rotatably supported within the cabinet for rotation. The drum includes a wall that is circumferential relative to the rotation and a drum hatch that is a section of the wall. The drum forms an enclosure together with at least one stationary end surface centred on the axis of rotation of the drum. A motor is connected to drive rotation of the drum and a fan provides a flow of air through the interior of the drum. The drum includes an outlet opening centred on the axis of rotation and an annular filter screen extending from the periphery of the drum outlet and rotating with the drum. The annular screen is connected along one circumferential edge to the drum. There is an annular sliding seal between the other annular edge of the screen and the outlet duct and an annular sliding seal between the outlet duct and the drum external to the annular filter screen.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to footwear where the tongue may be reversed in order to open and close vents in the upper of a shoe. Secondarily, the reversible tongue changes the aesthetics, coloration, indicia, or other appearance of the footwear. A shoe has an upper upon a sole. On the sides of the upper, generally vertical stripes have vent between them. The reversible tongue has a symmetric shape and it rotates upon a longitudinal axis. Placed within the upper upon a swivel, the tongue rotates to extend across the vents to close them and to retreat from the vents to open them. In rotating, the tongue changes the coloration, indicia, design, or other appearance aspects of the shoe. Rotation of the tongue occurs with shoe laces loosened or with removal of a foot from the shoe.

Abstract: A custom moldable insole comprising a first chamber containing a silicone base and a second chamber containing a catalyst. Both fluids are forced to pass though a shared static mixing channel where they will thoroughly mix and flow into a third chamber. The third chamber is a continuation of the mixer that opens up into a bag to hold the silicone as it flows to the arch and metatarsal areas of the foot in the upper layer of the insole. Within a few minutes as the user stands wearing the shoe the silicone cures to the shape of the bottom of the wearers foot providing increase support and comfort.

Abstract: An item of footwear is intended for sports practice and is used to protect the feet and legs of a user. The footwear includes: a first rigid shell defining a body (2) which is designed to receive the foot of the user and which extends in a horizontal direction (8); a second rigid shell defining a shaft (4) which is designed to receive the leg of the user and which extends essentially along a vertical axis (10); and a connection (6) which joins the body and the shaft and which is used to rotate the shaft in relation to the body along two essentially-perpendicular rotation axes (8, 12) and to move the axes of the connections in relation to the body, such that the axes of rotation of the aforementioned connection essentially coincide with the axes of rotation of the foot in relation to the leg of the user.