Abstract: A foldable footwear for easy storage, comprising an upper; an insole having a top surface and a bottom surface; the insole defining a first folding member comprising a U-shaped indentation in the top surface; a padding layer positioned on the top surface of the insole; and an outsole attached to the bottom surface of the insole and the upper, the outsole defining a second folding member, wherein the first and second folding members are positioned at an approximate middle section of the footwear and act together to ease folding of the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly that is operably coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes a first portion and a second portion that are separated by a groove. Also, the article of footwear includes a biasing structure that is elongate and nonextendable. The biasing structure is operably coupled to the sole assembly to bias the first and second portions of the sole assembly generally toward each other.

Abstract: A cleat for use with an article of footwear is disclosed. The cleat includes a projection, a curved portion with a beveled edge, and a lever arm. A centipede cleat assembly can be formed from a plurality of cleats. The centipede cleat assembly attaches to an outsole of an article of footwear.

Abstract: Methods and systems for aiding with dynamic compression of venous tissue enable improved blood movement, reducing edema, reducing leg cramping, treating plantar fasciitis in the extremities, and/or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a therapy shoe entirely contains a therapy device which provides a compressive force to the venous plexus region of the foot. The system may assist blood circulation which may reduce the occurrence of undesirable complications such as deep vein thrombosis, ulcers, and the like.

Abstract: A contoured snow shovel facilitates the removal of snow and ice. The contoured snow shovel is constructed with a handle attached to an arm portion which, in turn, extends to a shovel segment. The shovel segment comprises a contoured converging blade. Vertical side walls of the contoured converging blade are joined together to form a narrow apex. Due to the narrow apex, the shovel head easily cuts through snow layers and ice. Broken-up particles of the snow and ice collecting along either side of the shovel head, are moved substantially simultaneously in opposite, lateral directions, and plowed from the pathway being shoveled. Walkways and motor pathways are thereby cleared quickly, at low cost in a reliable, efficient manner.

Abstract: A saddle block assembly including a main body having a shipper shaft opening through the main body bottom end, and an eccentric pin opening in the main body top end, an eccentric pin received in an eccentric pin opening in the top end of the main body, and a wear plate support. The wear plate support has a pin receiving opening, the eccentric pin being received in the pin receiving opening. Wear plates are mounted on the bottom end of the wear plate support and are adapted to bear against the top of a dipper handle.

Abstract: A wireless greeting card or post card includes memory for storing digital content and a wireless transceiver for transferring the digital content to a recipient user device in close proximity to the wireless paper stock card.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an improved electronic greeting card, which includes an automatic power-on device that can play pre-recorded message of the sender as soon as it is opened to surprise the receiver of the card. It also includes a slidable USB connector, which provides facilitates for users in transferring or re-recording digital data from/to the electronic greeting card.

Abstract: A flowguide decoration has a viewing vessel filled with fluid and decorative particles. The flowguide decoration also contains a flowguide positioned within the viewing vessel. The flowguide in combination with the viewing vessel defines a flow path for movement of the fluid and the decorative particles within the viewing vessel. A motor-driven impeller is also contained within the flowguide decoration, which imparts motion to the fluid and the decorative particles along the flow path when the impeller is rotating. A light that illuminates one or more of the viewing vessel, flowguide, fluid, and decorative particles; a speaker that plays one or more of songs, sounds, and voices; a battery that powers one or more of the light, speaker, and motor-driven impeller; and/or circuitry that controls one or more of the light, speaker, and motor-driven impeller may also be included.

Abstract: A sign support includes a mounting bracket and a sign holder. The mounting bracket selectively engages an associated fixture. The sign holder has a mounting bracket engaging member and a sign holding member that engages and holds a sign. An adhesive fastens the mounting bracket engaging member to the mounting bracket. The adhesive is an upstream adhesive such that the user receives the mounting bracket already bonded to the sign holder.

Abstract: A mounting system and method for tautly mounting a flexible material sign includes a plurality of mounting springs affixed to an associated sign structure. Each of the plurality of mounting springs includes a base portion, a grasping portion and a spring portion. The base portion is adapted to be secured to an associated sign structure, such as a structure to which the flexible material sign is to be mounted, a frame or similar structure surrounding the flexible material sign, etc. The grasping portion includes a finger adapted to be received within an aperture of the flexible material sign. The spring portion is disposed between the base portion and the grasping portion for applying a tension to the flexible material sign.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for securing signs at select positions along the length of a concrete barrier is provided by forming a longitudinally extending groove within one side of the barrier and slideably positioning a bolt within the channel so that the bolt is captured within the channel for longitudinal movement relative thereto and extends through the groove and to the exterior of the barrier. The bolt extends through a sign support on the exterior of the barrier. A nut engaged with the bolt draws the sign support into secure engagement with the exterior surface of the barrier.

Abstract: A sign support includes a mounting bracket and a sign holder. The mounting bracket selectively engages an associated fixture. The sign holder has a mounting bracket engaging member and a sign holding member that engages and holds a sign. An adhesive fastens the mounting bracket engaging member to the mounting bracket. The adhesive is an upstream adhesive such that the user receives the mounting bracket already bonded to the sign holder.

Abstract: An advertising display mounting device is provided for attaching promotional displays to a price channel mounted on the edge of a grocery or other retail store shelf. This mounting device is made from a flat piece of paper stock having score lines for folding. Die cuts that form clips when pushed out from mounting flaps of the device are adapted to mate with the price channel of the shelf. The device, when folded and mounted to the price channel has a center portion that extends outwards from the price channel. A die cut where the center portion meets the center portion causes a gap thereat, which enables the center portion to descend vertically from the price channel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for converting a magazine capable of holding live rounds to being capable of only holding blanks at the bottom of the magazine. A magazine safety device includes a spacer and a follower in one embodiment. The spacer can be sized and shaped so as to be placed generally between the front and rear walls of a magazine, with a portion of the spacer being disposed adjacent to a round loading opening of the magazine. Embodiments of the magazine safety device can allow a user to quickly and efficiently inspect the magazine to confirm the magazine is not loaded with live rounds. In one embodiment, the magazine safety device includes a highly visible spacer that can allow a user to confirm the magazine is loaded with blanks. Additionally, embodiments of the magazine safety device can prevent the magazine from being loaded with a plurality of live rounds.

Abstract: A two piece upper receiver for a firearm including a first piece having a front end, a rear end, a top, and a bottom, the first piece constructed to operatively carry a bolt carrier and bolt, and to have a barrel coupled to the front end. The bottom is constructed to have a lower receiver coupled thereto. The first piece includes a backbone extending along the top between the front end and the rear end, the back bone having upwardly directed indexing surfaces. A second piece overlies the backbone and includes mating surfaces engaging the indexing surfaces, aligning the second piece with the first piece. A receiving structure is opposite the mating surfaces for receiving accessory devices mounted thereon. Fasteners fixedly attach the second piece to the first piece to form a complete upper receiver.

Abstract: Embodiments of the application can include an integrated rail system construction for a firearm with transverse ribs or tabs (e.g., picatinny rail) to include an undercut or slot at a front and/or rear face to cooperate with mounting structure for a detachable accessory. Embodiments of a rail structure can include a channel to pass wires used to power accessories mounted to the rail. Embodiments of the application can include methods for manufacturing an integral rail system.

Abstract: A weapon accessory mounting adapter that increases the accessory mounting capacity of a weapon by utilizing a bipod stud or picatinny rail to attach accessories. This in turn, makes the weapon and its operator more responsive to changing shooting scenarios. The weapon accessory mounting adapter utilizes the bayonet mounting lug and flash suppressor of the weapon for temporary attachment of the accessories. This configuration allows the retention of weapon ergonomics when the weapon accessory mounting adapter is attached and maintains a low weapon weight when detached. Good ergonomics and low weight are important considerations in regard to effective weapon handling.

Abstract: Bipods and mounting devices for attaching to and supporting firearms, more specifically, bipods which allow independent tension-adjustable movement around two axes. For example, the bipod assembly can be tension-adjusted with a first cam lock for cant movement and can be tension-adjusted with a second cam lock for pivotal movement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tip-down devices used in fishing and particularly adapted for use in ice fishing. In various exemplary embodiments, the tip down includes a pivoting rod holder wherein the fishing rod pivots between two positions and automatically moves away from intermediate positions, the two positions differing in the tip of the fishing rod being held upward or downward. In various exemplary embodiments, the disclosed tip-down includes a line clip, which is used to temporarily hold the fishing line in place (e.g., at a point between the reel and the first eye of the fishing rod). The disclosed tip-down the fishing rod to be set up in a way that allows a fish to take the bait and attempt to swim away without resistance from the fishing line or rod while still indicating a strike and allowing the user, who may be remote from the fishing rod, time to respond.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure that has a sleeve extending over the lure to create a water resistant cavity. Wherein the sleeve is made to elastically constrict around at least the head to hold the sleeve thereto. The sleeve may have a diving lip mounted to the front to regulate the depth of the lure while being pulled through the water. The sleeve may have at least one appendage mounted thereto. The cavity may be used to place fish scent attractant material, weights, air or other desirable material therein. At least one hole may be mounted through the circumscribing wall in a location juxtaposing the cavity. The sleeve may also contain at least one partition positioned in the cavity.

Abstract: A bottom fishing lure having a lure body and a hook. The lure body includes a head portion and tail portion. The tail portion has a hook attached thereto. The hook includes a shank secured to the tail portion of the lure and a hook end. An eyelet is secured to the head portion of the lure and provides a point at which a fishing line can be secured to the lure. A center axis extends along the length of the lure and a plane extends along the center axis. The head portion of the lure contains a substantial mass or weight and is positioned below the plane extending along the center axis. This positions the hook above the bottom of a body of water and prevents the hook from snagging any objects on the bottom.

Abstract: A device attachable to an artificial fishing lure to prevent an artificial trailer bait from sliding down the lure's fish hook comprises a piece of wire that is preformed into a generally U-shape exhibiting a pair of legs joined by a base segment and where the terminal portion of each of the legs is turned inward towards its opposed leg. Depending on the type of artificial lure employed, the base segment of the U-shape piece of wire is formed to suit the application.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fishing sinker for preventing a loss thereof, and capable of preventing the contamination of fresh water or seawater and easily adjusting the height of the fishing sinker. The fishing sinker comprises a weight, an environment-friendly resin layer made of a biodegradable polyester and laminated on an outer surface of the weight in a predetermined thickness, and a plurality of linear protrusions formed at an outer surface of the environment-friendly resin layer.

Abstract: The invention is a tackle container that incorporates interchangeable and removable inserts. The inserts secure different kinds of fishing lures and baits. For example, the inserts hold segmented lures within notched upright posts. In this regard, the inserts may be suitably structured to hold spinner bait lures, buzz bait lures, or other fishing lures with segmented bodies. Moreover, the inserts are interchangeable to facilitate a wider variety of uses for the tackle container.

Abstract: An animal trap includes a housing having an opening, a door coupled to the housing, and a latch mechanism. The door is movable between a closed position in which the door obstructs the opening and an open position in which the opening is unobstructed. The latch mechanism is coupled to either the housing or the door and is configured to enable the door to be opened after a period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to deterring pests using a user-customizable array of spikes buried under the surface of the ground. A system is provided for deterring pests using a user-customizable array of spikes buried under the surface of the ground. The system includes a lattice sheet with one or more interconnected segments, where each interconnected segment includes various recipient nodules configured to receive pest deterring spikes. In this way, the lattice sheet comprises a user-customizable array of pest deterring spikes. The pest deterring system also includes various pest deterring spikes, each of which is fastened orthogonally to at least one of the recipient nodules on the lattice sheet, so that the pest deterring spikes are positioned toward the ground surface.

Abstract: Electrical deterrent systems are presented. A deterrent system can include electrical deterrent tracks comprising an insulator base and a conducting strip affixed to a top surface of the track. The bases can include one or more base connectors that allow tracks to be joined together in various configurations including area covering arrays. The conducting strips can be woven, non-woven, meshes, or other types of conductors.

Abstract: A device used with nectar type bird feeders that acts as a barrier to prevent ant contamination. The device is positioned between the nectar feeder and the feeder support or is adapted to fit directly on a feeder or feeder support. The device is configured to hold a tacky polymer insert that is located to be in the only path available to the ants attempting to crawl to the feeder. The ants are prevented from entering and contaminating the nectar-feeder as they will not cross over the tacky polymer insert. The elastic, shape retaining tacky polymer insert is very easy to remove and can be handled directly where it can be cleaned with liquid soap and water if it become dirty or dust covered. The ant barrier device with the tacky polymer inserts can perform effectively as an ant barrier for several feeding seasons. Alternatively, a unitary structured, tacky polymer barrier may be constructed for direct attachment to a nectar-type birdfeeder or feeder support structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing a mixture of cellulose/plastic waste particles comprising cellulose and thermoplastic materials. The thermoplastic material constitutes at least 10 weight% of the total weight of the waste mixture The cellu-lose/plastic waste mixture is first dried by treatment with a medium with a temperature in the range of 50 to 150 ° C., wherein the exit temperature of the drying medium has a temperature of 115 ° C. or less. The dried cellulose/plastic waste mixture is then fed to a purification stage, and subjected to the operation of the purification stage. The purification stage comprises at least one separator selected from the group of: wind separator, sieve, metal separator, separator for separating out chlorine- containing components, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An artificial fireplace log made of combustible or noncombustible material which due to its shape and method of manufacturing provides and internal combustion chamber. Combustible material is introduced into the combustion chamber where it is burned. In the wall of the body which forms the artificial fireplace log are vents which allow for the introduction of air and the exhausting of combustion gases and flames which cause the appearance of a log burning. In the wall of the log body are openings in the shape of an intended message or image which when illuminated by the combustion occurring in the combustion chamber present a message or image to the viewer.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe an apparatus and method to convert carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources which are remotely located, into a high performance solid fuel. This method, and the apparatus described as the means to accomplish this method, provides a continuous process which can be completely powered by the energy contained in the biomass. The heat, mechanical power and electrical power are provided from the energy in the biomass, through the methods described. In this way, the apparatus is free to operate in remote locations, where no power or auxiliary fuel sources are available.

Abstract: A greenhouse comprising at least one elongate self supporting tube having a wall defining an interior space. The at least one elongate tube is formed from a light transmissive material to permit plant growth within said interior space. The at least one tube is supported by a base support system. A plurality of tubes may be arranged into an assembly shaped like a pyramid. Growing medium and/or at least one solar panel may be disposed in the interior space of the topmost tube. One or a plurality of assemblies may be attached to a building to form a facility. A plurality of facilities may be arranged in proximity to one another.

Abstract: A trunk mounted Christmas tree water level measuring and alarm device includes a housing configured to be mounted to the tree trunk of a Christmas tree through at least one variable length attaching strap. A first water level sensor rod extends down from the housing and configured to extend into a water reservoir of a tree stand supporting the Christmas tree at a low water level. Another sensor rod may extend to a high water level. The housing including a power supply and at least one water level alarm configured to activate when the sensor rod(s) indicate a water level in the water reservoir below the low water level or, optionally, above the high water level. The housing further includes a light sensor and an alarm override wherein the alarm is overridden when the light sensor indicates the presence of less than a preset threshold of light around the housing.

Abstract: A fertilizer delivery device which includes a fertilizer chamber having an open top and an enclosed bottom having a plurality of openings, and a hollow compartment (having an open top and an opened bottom end) that is contained within, and completely surrounded by, the fertilizer chamber. A fertilizer delivery kit is also disclosed which includes the fertilizer delivery device and one or more containers that fit into the hollow compartment of the fertilizer delivery device. In addition, a method of for enhancing and accelerating the production of produce on produce bearing plants is disclosed.

Abstract: Plant-aeration systems, methods for plant aeration, plant-aeration cells, methods of environmental remediation, systems for algae cultivation, and apparatuses for algae aeration.

Abstract: A multipurpose window having various functions including ventilation, lighting, and security is provided. The multipurpose window includes: a frame; a plurality of doors configured to be arranged in a row in the frame; and a pair of link assemblies configured to be installed on both sides of each of the doors, configured to link the doors and configured to open or shut the frame by being folded or unfolded.

Abstract: The electrical door driving device mainly contains a shaft having threads with a smaller pitch at the two ends and a larger pitch in the middle. A guiding element is configured on the shaft with a guide pin running vertically through the guiding element and into a groove of the shaft. An end of the shaft is connected to a motor and a leaf is connected to the guiding element by a vertical rod. When the motor engages the shaft to spin, the guiding element, and thereby the leaf, is moved as the guide pin traverses the groove of the shaft. As the threads of the shaft are denser at the ends of the shaft, the leaf moves slower when the door starts to close (or when the door starts to open) and when the door is about fully closed (or when the door is about fully opened).

Abstract: A door assembly includes a track, a track header, a fixed door panel, at least two sliding door panels, a pivot mechanism, and a lock arrangement. The sliding door panels are slidably movable on the track between (1) a closed position wherein the sliding door panels are extended across the track, and (2) an open position wherein the sliding door panels are constructed and arranged to be in a compact, overlapping relationship with each other and the fixed door panel. The pivot mechanism is constructed and arranged to enable pivotal movement of the track with fixed door panel and the two sliding door panels mounted thereon about a pivot axis from a normal configuration to a breakaway configuration. The lock arrangement is constructed and arranged to releasably lock the track with respect to the track header to prevent pivotal movement of the track away from the normal configuration.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a rope member, provided with a rope of a bundle of synthetic fibers and a clamping member fixed to the rope and forming a portion with which the rope is to be connected or fastened to an external member, wherein a filler having permeability to the rope and containing a liquid and particles of an inorganic material dispersed in the liquid is made to permeate into a part of the rope, and the clamping member is fixed to the rope by installing the clamping member to cover the part of the rope permeated with the filler and by tightening the clamping member. The liquid is evaporated and only the inorganic material particles remain between the fibers of the rope. The clamping member is prevented from slippage even when a high load is applied to the synthetic fiber rope having high tensile force.

Abstract: A closing device for an aperture in a building includes a guide structure provided with a vertical pair of guide rails and/or an apron in the form of a flexible curtain, movable in the guide structure between an opening position of the aperture and a closing position under the effect of the action of a motorized drive unit including traction cables. The lower part of the apron is formed by a rigid blocking wall to which the traction cables are attached. The upper part of the apron is formed by a flexible blocking wall and is attached by its horizontal lower edge to the rigid blocking wall and by its horizontal upper edge to the lintel of the aperture. In the opening position, the apron is folded onto itself in the upper part of the guide rails, whereby this upper part is horizontal or inclined relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: A support post includes an inner post that supports rotation of an outer post. The inner post includes a journal assembly that supports and facilitates rotation about a central axis. The journal assembly that supports the outer post on the inner post includes a single ball bearing disposed along the axis of rotation. The inner post is fixed and supports a central post on which the ball bearing is supported. The outer post includes a sleeve that fits over the ball bearing and the central post. Support of the outer post along the central axis provides for improved mounting and gate support. An actuator can be utilized to automatically or remotely open the gate. The actuator is disposed within the inner post that drives rotation of the outer post. The outer post remains supported by the journal assembly and is rotated by the actuator with the inner post.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator (1), comprising an output member (6); a resilient element (8) connected to said output member (6) so as to urge it in a first direction; and an hydraulic rotation damper (5) with a closed cylinder cavity, a rotational damper shaft which extends into the cylinder cavity, and a piston dividing the cylinder cavity into a first side and a second side. Within the rotation damper (5), the rotational movement of the damper shaft is converted into a translational movement of the piston along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. A restricted fluid passage communicates said first and second sides. The damper shaft is connected over a gearing (10, 15, 17) to the output member (6) and resilient element (8) of the actuator for damping movement of said output member (6) in said first direction. The present invention relates to both rotational and linear actuators as well as to a closing mechanisms for hinged members, such as doors, gates, or windows, comprising such actuators.

Abstract: A protective device which closes and seals the gap which forms between a pivotally mounted door and its jamb. The protective device generally spans the door and jamb, and occupies and generally does not extend outside the gap. The protective device may include an elastic or resilient or expansive material or member, and a fastener securing the protective device in place relative to the door and the jamb.

Abstract: Composite bi-fold doors and other composite closures having improved assemblies are described, wherein the assemblies provide enhanced strength and durability of the doors and their construction while simultaneously maintaining their aesthetics. Additional improved bi-fold door and semi-solid door assemblies are also provided, which allow for the dimensional adjustment of the height of the doors by the installer as necessary, while simultaneously maintaining the structural integrity of the doors following the height adjustment.

Abstract: A roof has an outer surface with a first color under a first environmental condition and a second color under a second environmental condition. The outer surface is capable of both changing from the first color to the second color and from the second color to the first color.

Abstract: A roof comprises shingles of asphalt construction and has a color changing outer surface. The color changing outer surface can have a first color under a first environmental condition and a second color under a second environmental condition. The color changing outer surface is capable of both changing from the first color to the second color and from the second color to the first color.

Abstract: An entertainment structure and apparatus principally comprising a 360-degree 2D and/or 3D cinematic theater. Seating for audience members is arrangeable on a circular motion base platform. A compound curved screen may lower from above to surround the theater upon a circular motion base platform, providing seamless media. A 2D/3D projection system is oriented within the structure to provide 2D/3D images on the screen through projection overlap for edge blending. A control system is used to rotate, pitch and roll the motion base platform. The control system can be synchronized with the media presentation. The structure includes a number of variations such as a variety of seating orientations, a stationary screen, a variety of screen configurations, and modular tracking seating.

Abstract: This invention, ‘The Gutter Claw’, enables a typical do-it-yourself home or business property owner to more easily maintain and upkeep a rooftop gutter run-off system. By adding ‘The Gutter Claw’ to all down pipes/leader pipes (drainage down pipes that typically get clogged below ground due to seasonal debris accumulation), removal of debris from within the down pipe can be done more easily and conveniently. There an many advantages to the application of this invention, including where it can be located on any given down pipe at eye level, which works well with the easy remove and replace features on the molded parts' design.

Abstract: An affordable, sustainable building, comprising substantially entirely mass-produced, prefabricated constituent parts manufactured off-site, the prefabricated constituent parts comprising a foundation, a frame module comprising a plurality of frames, wherein the frame module is secured to the foundation, a reversible connector to connect the plurality of frames to form the frame module, a wall panel configured to be mounted onto the frame module, a floor panel configured to be mounted onto the frame module, and a ceiling panel configured to be mounted on to the frame module. Each constituent part forms part of a library of parts from which the constituent parts are selected. The constituent parts are preferably made in standardized sizes to facilitate efficient mass production. The constituent parts are predominantly made of recyclable material so as to be environmentally friendly.