Abstract: The objective is to enable the formation of an outer circumferential layer by a filament winding process to be performed appropriately, and to achieve the weight reduction of a gas tank by reducing the weight of a mouthpiece. The gas tank comprises a mouthpiece attached to an end of a tank main body in its axis direction, and an outer circumferential layer formed over an outer circumferential surface of the tank main body and an outer circumferential surface of the mouthpiece by a filament winding process. On the end of the tank main body in the axis direction, a recess section, in which an outside end surface of the mouthpiece is embedded in the inner side from an outside end surface of the outer circumferential layer, is formed.

Abstract: An automated driver for tightening a fastener bolt includes a housing body including a handle. A chuck is rotatably connected to the housing body. An actuation system is operatively connected to the chuck for rotating the chuck. A tool element is held by the chuck, the tool element configured to engage the fastener bolt. An alignment tool is connected to the chuck. The alignment tool includes a chuck receiving portion having an opening extending therethrough in which the chuck is located and a bit receiving portion having an opening extending therethrough in which the tool element is located. An end of the tool element extends beyond an end of the bit receiving portion.

Abstract: A device (1) for connecting an instrument to a driver, the device comprising: a first connector (3) having at least two protrusions connectable, in use, to the instrument; a mechanism for moving the protrusions between a connected and a disconnected position; and a second connector (17) for connecting the device (1) to the driver, in use. A method of connecting an instrument to a driver.

Abstract: A method of attaching a head assembly having an annular hollow boss to an arm having a through hole of a carriage is provided. The head assembly includes a load beam of a head suspension and a base plate fixed to a base part of the load beam. The boss is formed on the base plate. The method includes steps of, inserting the boss into the through hole, thereby setting the head assembly to the arm of the carriage, supplying lubricant along the cylindrical jig to the caulking ball and pushing the caulking ball with the cylindrical jig to pass the caulking ball through an inside of the boss and diametrally expand and plastically deform the boss, thereby fixedly fitting the boss of the head assembly to the through hole of the arm of the carriage. The method causes no deformation of a flange formed on the base plate during caulking and is achievable at low cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing extra heavy pipe joints used in the off-shore industry, for example. In the method, all cutting processes are performed on planar, sheet metal-like parts, thus dispensing with the need for an expensive flame cutting machine for pipes.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing stator bar shape tooling. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for shaping an element. The method can include providing at least one constraining surface, wherein the at least one constraining surface is fabricated at least in part by selective laser sintering, and deforming an element with the at least one constraining surface to define at least an external shape of a formed element.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch includes a bilayer with first and second stable curved states. A transformation of the bilayer from the first state to the second state closes the switch.

Abstract: A secondary battery and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including an external surface, an electrolyte, a sealing tape including an adhesive layer attached to at least portion of an outer surface of the electrode assembly and contacting the external surface of the electrode assembly and a base sheet disposed on an adhesive layer and formed of a material having directionality, and a can receiving the electrode assembly, the electrolyte, and the sealing tape, wherein the base sheet loses directionality and is shrunk and deformed in shape by contact with the electrolyte, and at least portion of the base sheet contacts an inner surface of the can to prevent the electrode assembly from being freely moved within the can.

Abstract: An applicator device for attaching metal terminals onto electrical cables, of the type comprising a crimping assembly (4) equipped with a support (11) for the knife (6) for crimping the insulation of the electrical cable and for a blade (7) for cutting and detaching the metal terminal from the respective carrier strip, and equipped furthermore with a knife (5) for crimping the conductor of the same electrical cable, a load cell (10) being provided for detecting the crimping load on said terminal. The device of the invention comprises in particular means for the independent or selective transmission of the reaction F3 to the crimping thrust F1 onto the said knife (5) for the conductor of the electrical cable, these means consisting of a block (8) and a shaft (9) for transmitting the same reaction F3 onto the said load cell (10).

Abstract: Circuit arrangement embodiments that use relative groupings of energy pathways that include shielding circuit arrangements that can sustain and condition electrically complementary energy confluences.

Abstract: Circuit arrangement embodiments that use relative groupings of energy pathways that include shielding circuit arrangements that can sustain and condition electrically complementary energy confluences.

Abstract: This is directed to methods and apparatus for shielding a circuitry region of an electronic device from interference (e.g., EMI). A conductive dam may be formed about a periphery of the circuitry region. A non-conductive or electrically insulating fill may then be applied to the circuitry region within the dam. Next, a conductive cover may be applied above the fill. The cover may be electrically coupled to the dam. The dam may include two or more layers of conductive material stacked on top of one another. In some embodiments, the conductive cover may be pad printed or screen printed above the fill. In other embodiments, the conductive cover may be a conductive tablet that is melted above the fill.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing multilayer PCBs having n circuit layers, a double-sided flexible substrate strip is provided. The strip comprises a number of PCB units, each comprising m segments, wherein m=n/2 if n represents an even integer, and m=(n+1)/2 if n represents an odd integer. Each segment includes two foil portions. In a reel to reel process, the strip is treated to form n?2 foil portions of each PCB unit into traces, further remove one foil portion if n represents an odd integer. The other two foil portions are left untreated. Then the strip is cut to separate the PCB units from each other. The PCB unit is folded in such a manner that the traces are arranged between the other two foil portions. The folded PCB unit is laminated to form a multilayer substrate and traces are formed in the two foil portions.

Abstract: Methods are provided for automatically crimping terminals or connectors to wires wherein the terminals or connectors are provided in strip form and may be of varying sizes, shapes, and pitches. A method according to the present invention includes providing a plurality of terminal connectors, the connectors being secured to a terminal strip in side-by-side relationship with their axes extending laterally from the strip; moving a crimping die on a ram through a working stroke towards, and a return stroke away from, a crimping anvil to crimp an individual terminal connector located therebetween onto a wire during each working stroke of the ram; and indexing the strip between successive crimping operations thereby to locate a next leading connector on the strip between the die and anvil, wherein the strip is indexed by a drive mechanism contacting the strip through pressure-engagement.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a nozzle segment for use within a turbine nozzle assembly. The method comprises providing a nozzle segment including an outer band, an inner band, and at least one vane extending there between, wherein at least one of the inner band and the outer band is formed with a transition piece groove defined therein, positioning an inspection tool in contact with the nozzle assembly such that the inspection tool is aligned relative to the nozzle segment using at least one datum, and verifying an alignment of each transition piece groove using the inspection tool.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gear cluster from a first gear body and a second gear body comprises producing a first set of gear teeth on the first gear body such that each tooth on the first set of gear teeth has a first pitch point. The second gear body is axially aligned with the first gear body. A timing position for a second set of gear teeth on the second gear body is determined by dimensioning from the first set of gear teeth. A second set of gear teeth on the second gear body is produced based on the timing position and each tooth on the second set of gear teeth has a second pitch point. The gear cluster is inspected for timing position by measuring a reference dimension between the first pitch point and the second pitch point.

Abstract: In a method of making a shaped metal part for a motor vehicle component, a blank is made from a steel alloy containing, in weight percent: carbon (C) 0.18% to 0.3%, silicon (Si) 0.1% to 0.7%, manganese (Mn) 1.0% to 2.5%, phosphorus (P) maximal 0.025%, chromium (Cr) 0.1 to 0.8%, molybdenum (Mo) 0.1 to 0.5%, sulfur (S) maximal 0.01%, titanium (Ti) 0.02% to 0.05%, boron (B) 0.002% to 0.005%, aluminum (Al) 0.01% to 0.06%, balance iron and impurities resulting from smelting, The blank is heated to a temperature between 900° C. and 950° C., and formed in a press tool into a formed part which is quenched and tempered while still being in the press tool. At least one region of the formed part is then annealed to become soft by a heating operation within a time interval of less than 30 seconds to thereby provide the region with higher ductility.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a lubrication box includes a first portion, a shaving aid material, and a second portion. The first portion of the lubrication box has a skin-engaging surface and at least one sidewall that, together, form a cavity. The skin-engaging surface includes at least two holes therethrough. The shaving aid material, which is optionally distributed in the cavity in a series of layers, is ultrasonically compressed into the cavity such that it at least partially fills at least one of the holes in the skin-engaging surface and at least a portion of the cavity. The second portion of the lubrication box is attached to the first portion such that the cavity is substantially closed. A gap exists between in the cavity between the shaving aid and the second portion of the lubrication box to permit the shaving aid material to expand during normal use.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a lubrication box includes a first portion, a shaving aid material, and a second portion. The first portion of the lubrication box has a skin-engaging surface and at least one sidewall that, together, form a cavity. The skin-engaging surface includes at least two holes therethrough. The shaving aid material, which is optionally distributed in the cavity in a series of layers, is ultrasonically compressed into the cavity. The second portion of the lubrication box is attached to the first portion such that the cavity is substantially closed. A gap exists between in the cavity between the shaving aid and the second portion of the lubrication box to permit the shaving aid material to expand during normal use. The skin-engaging surface is askew relative to the shave plane of the blades.

Abstract: An improved structure of a cutting tool includes a body, a moving base, and a roller base. The body has a track groove whose one side is extended upward with a stopping wall. The moving base is disposed to slide in the track groove and mounted with a cutting wheel. The moving base is connected with a transmission element so as to move along the track groove. The roller base is disposed between the moving base and the stopping wall. More than one elastic element is disposed between the roller base and the stopping wall. The elastic elements generate a deviation when the roller base is under a force. The roller base has at least two rollers corresponding to the cutting wheel.

Abstract: A cutting tool for a pipe of specific diameter comprises a generally cylindrical body (1) defining a central bore (10) extending along a predetermined axis. The body is divided into two axially spaced half portions (2A and 2B) which clamp between them a cutting blade (8) that projects into the bore (10). The body has a progressively narrowing slot (12) extending from its outer circumference to the bore. At the bore (10) the width of the slot (12) is narrower than the diameter of the bore. The tool to one side of the slot (12) is flexibly resilient so as to flex away when a pipe of diameter equal to the bore is pushed along the slot into the bore and to resile when the pipe has entered the bore and so urge the pipe against the blade so that subsequent relative rotation between the tool and pipe will cause the pipe to be severed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a knife having a handle, a blade and a locking mechanism whereby the mechanism provides a pivot point between the handle and blade holder and at least two selective locking positions between the blade and the handle. In one embodiment the knife is a utility knife including a blade holder that houses the blade and pivots with the blade relative to the handle.

Abstract: A multi-function cutter includes a body composed of a first half and a second half, wherein the first and second halves are formed with indentations, concave portions, guides parallel to the concave portions and rows of positioning pits arranged along the concave portions; a blade holder sliding along the guides to jut out of the indentation and having a spring socket; and an adjusting device deposited in the spring socket and exposing outside the concave portions. Therein, an adjusting spring is arranged between the adjusting device and the spring socket, and the adjusting device is bilaterally formed with wedge portions for detachably engaging the corresponding positioning pits, so as to stretch the blade holder in multiple stages.

Abstract: A tool for removing unwanted plants from an area of soil is disclosed. A flexible two-edged blade bent back upon itself with both ends fastened to a common shaft. One edge acts as a knife to slice through soil and roots, moving parallel to the surface of the ground. The opposing blade edge has teeth to grasp, uproot and remove unwanted plants. The design facilitates the removal of unwanted plants or debris without touching said debris with the hands.

Abstract: A hand cutting tool includes a handle lock assembly configured to retain handles of the cutting tool in a closed position. The handle lock assembly includes a latch that pivots with respect to a first handle about a latch axis from a locked position to an unlocked position and a pin manually movable with respect to a second handle between an engaged position and a released position. In a latched position of the handle lock assembly, the latch is in the locked position and engages the pin in the engaged position to retain the second handle in the closed position, and in an unlatched position of the handle lock assembly, the latch is in the unlocked position and is disengaged from the pin in response to the pin being manually moved to the released position to allow the second handle to move toward the open position.

Abstract: The inventive concept is directed to a circular cutting device, especially designed or used in cutting circular wafer in an ostomy application. The device consists of a handle having at one end thereof a circular backup plate. On top of the backup plate is located a plastic cutting receiving plate. The circular backup plate has at its center a threaded rod to receive a circular cup thereon. The cup has at its lower circular edge a razor-like cutting edge which will cut a perfect wafer when screwed down onto the plastic cutting receiving plate by way of the threaded rod.

Abstract: A cutting assembly is slidably mounted on a T-Square. The T-Square may include a scale having multiple indicia for measured cutting based on the size of the wallboard sheet being cut. The cutting assembly is mounted on a slider which may be clamped at measured positions along the arm of the T-Square. The cutting assembly includes oppositely disposed knife blades which are slidably mounted in a housing and spring loaded on opposite sides of a pivot mount such that when not in use the cutting assembly is urged to level and rests with the two knife blades retracted. As the housing is rotated so as to lower one end, the corresponding knife blade extends from the housing to engage with and score or cut the surface of the wallboard material. The cutting tool may be rotated in the opposite direction to thereby extend from the housing the other blade of the pair of oppositely disposed knife blades.

Abstract: A non-stick knife for daily use comprises a handle; a metal piece attached to the handle; a wavy blade on the upper edge of the metal piece at the distal-end from the handle, with the section of the wavy blade being a wedge; a second blade at the bottom of the metal piece, with an arc shape part at the near-handle end for bone chopping; a crimped isolation groove above the center of the second blade on one side of the metal piece; and a slide for separating the materials which the knife cuts from the crimped isolation groove. This knife has the improved features of non-stick, bone cutting and chopping compared with the regular knives.

Abstract: A circular saw, in particular hand circular saw, is disclosed. The circular saw has a workpiece support surface, a saw blade and a protective cover, which covers the saw blade in a region above a workpiece to be processed. The protective cover has such a geometry and position with respect to the saw blade that a straight line, which originates from the first deflection of a tangent applied at the intersection of the saw blade circumference with the workpiece support surface from the protective cover encloses an angle of up to 30°, in particular up to 20°, with a line perpendicular to the workpiece support surface.

Abstract: A battery-powered portable cutting tool such as a chainsaw or hedge trimmer, comprising: a housing (1), a cutting element (2) supported by the housing, an electric motor (6) coupled to the cutting element (2) so as to drive the cutting element (2) to cut, a battery (5) electrically coupled to the motor (6) so as to supply electric current to the motor (6) and a control circuit (9) arranged to control the supply of electric current to the motor (6) from the battery (5), in which the control circuit (9) comprises a main switch (8) operable by a user and an auxiliary switch (10, 11) also operable by a user; in which the control circuit (9) has: an active state in which operation of the main switch (8) by the user allows electric current to flow to the motor (6) so as to cause the cutting element (2) to be driven; and an inactive state in which operation of the main switch (8) does not allow electric current to flow to the motor (6) and so the motor (6) does not drive the cutting element (2); in which operation o

Abstract: A space is provided in a front section of a handle. The space is located between side sections and extends along the longitudinal direction of a grip portion. A finger rest wall extending along the longitudinal direction is provided on each side section. The finger rest walls are provided to sandwich the space in the widthwise direction of the grip portion. Each finger rest wall is formed like a cantilever such that one of the ends in the thickness direction of the grip portion is a free end, and the other end is a fixed end. The space is opened between the free ends of the finger rest walls. The finger rest walls are attached to the side frame sections at the fixed ends. The side frame sections are formed of a material that is harder than the finger rest portion. The finger rest walls are deformed into the space when pressed toward the space.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a lubrication box includes a first portion, a shaving aid material, and a second portion. The first portion of the lubrication box has a skin-engaging surface and at least one sidewall that, together, form a cavity. The skin-engaging surface includes at least two holes therethrough. Additional shaving aid material is applied to the skin-engaging surface to assist in providing ample shaving aid during the initial use of the lubrication box. The shaving aid material, which is optionally distributed in the cavity in a series of layers, is ultrasonically compressed into the cavity such that it at least partially fills at least one of the holes in the skin-engaging surface and at least a portion of the cavity. The second portion of the lubrication box is attached to the first portion such that the cavity is substantially closed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for the reading of measures on a body for making cloths in general comprising an arm (2) and means (11, 13, 15, 18) to take measurements of the clothing and characterized by the fact that said arm (2) is telescopic in such a way to result selectively stretchable or retractable and comprising also means (6) to fix it at a chosen length in a way to allow to make in correspondence of said length, through said means (11, 13, 15, 18), a reading of at least a measure on the body.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a three-dimensional measuring instrument includes a spindle that moves an object to be controlled in a predetermined axis direction; and a controlling device that controls a position of the object to be controlled by controlling a position of the spindle. The three-dimensional measuring instrument further includes an absolute-type linear encoder that outputs an absolute position of the spindle. With this, it is possible to start measurement by the three-dimensional measuring instrument in a short period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) used as a laying aid for tiling work, comprising a base element (7, 8) having a support region (12) for laying flat on a surface to be covered with tiles (16), and a tile-supporting region (2) on which tiles (16) are placed. The tile-supporting region (2) has at least two web-like spacer elements (9) which extend perpendicularly with respect to a plane defined by the tile-supporting region (2) and which are arranged at an angle of an integer multiple of 90° relative to one another in said plane, and which have a thickness (10) corresponding to a desired joint spacing. To avoid the disadvantages of the known laying aids and to achieve uniform joint spacing and an even surface, whereby the laying aid is intended to be especially easy to handle, the base element (7, 8) is designed as a disk-like element having a base area that is smaller than a base area of the tiles (16) to be laid.

Abstract: A device for positioning photographs and the like with respect to each other so that they may be moved as a group as they are repositioned over (or removed entirely from) a workpiece such as a scrapbooking page. In alternative embodiments, the device also serves as a platform for other scrapbooking tools (cutting blades, pens, etc.) that can be applied to one or more of the photographs.

Abstract: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a caliper is configured to measure at least one physical dimension. The caliper has a display configured to present a first representation and a second representation of a measurement provided by the caliper. The format of the first representation is different from the format of the second representation, and the first representation is approximately simultaneously displayed with the second representation.

Abstract: An assembly including a substrate and a scale held on the substrate, wherein the scale has a measuring graduation, and the scale is held on the substrate by pneumatic suction. The scale is braced on the substrate via two-dimensionally distributed, spaced-apart supports, which are disposed facing a measurement area defined by the measuring graduation and wherein adjacent ones of the supports are spaced apart from one another at a mutual period that is less than a thickness of the scale. In addition, the supports have a structure such that a connection by optical contact bonding between the supports and the scale and/or between the supports and the substrate is prevented at least in the measurement area. A space between the scale and the substrate is sealed off from surroundings by a sealing structure.

Abstract: A tumble air dryer (10) comprises an rotatable container (12) which is unenclosed and thus open to the environment and which is adapted for holding clothes, a support (14) for rotatably supporting the container (12) for rotation at only one side of the container (12), and drive means (46) for rotating the container (12) on the support (14). The container has at least one air permeable side (36, 40), and is removably mountable on the support (14) so that it can double as a washing basket and be easily transported between a washing machine and the support. Preferably, a plurality of containers (12) of different sizes are provided so that the container (12) to be attached to the support (14) can be selected based on a washing load.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to pulse combustion dryer apparatus and associated methods. The pulse combustion dryer apparatus may include a combustor that defines a combustion chamber that is in fluid communication with a tailpipe passage defined by a tailpipe. An air inlet communicates air into the combustion chamber through an air inlet passage. A fluid diode disposed within the air inlet passage allows airflow into the combustion chamber through the air inlet passage, and may generally prevent backflow of heated combustion products from the combustion chamber through the air inlet passage.

Abstract: The method of timber drying including the blowing of timber with heating medium operation at atmospheric pressure and heating the timber to average volume temperature 80-100° C., impulsive (quick) vacuum treatment operation at pressure not more than 50 mm Hg during time not more than 10 s with pressing-out of free moisture from timber without water to vapour transition to reach stable constant value of limber temperature, vacuum relief to atmospheric pressure using heat recuperating air with temperature 150-300° C., and at manometer pressure not more than 0.07 MPa. The apparatus for timber drying comprises two drying chambers connected through pipelines with quick-response valves to cooled receiver, which is placed in series to the second one and connected to vacuum pump through pipeline with vacuum lock. The first receiver is equipped with spiral-shaped guide devices for vapour-and-drop flow direction, which are installed at a tangent to inner diameter of receiver body.

Abstract: The present invention reduces thermal stresses in a rotating, foraminous thin-shelled roll for drying permeable and semi-permeable webs by blocking axial flow of heated air through the axial channel formed between two corrugated layers in the shell. The axial channels extend between spaced-apart, parallel end members each having an inner face, and a plurality of alternating straight thin divider strips and bent thin strips extending axially between and evenly-spaced around the circumference of the inner faces of the end members to form an annular cylinder with radial channels therethrough. Affixing at least one impermeable into a radial channel so that it extends through the radial channel and across at least a portion of the faces of the two tiers of bent strips blocks the axial channel therebetween and prevents the passage of air therethrough to the end member.

Abstract: An athletic shoe system may include a substantially flat mid-sole portion extending from a metatarsal joint area to a mid-heel arch area, a toe portion tapering upwardly lengthwise from the metatarsal joint area to a front edge of the system at a first angle of 25-35 degrees and tapering upwardly widthwise from the metatarsal joint area to an area along an outer edge of the toe portion at a second angle of 29-31 degrees. The athletic shoe system also may include a heel portion tapering upwardly from the mid-heel arch area to a back edge of the system at an angle of 25-35 degrees. The substantially flat mid-sole portion may contact a surface when the system is in a stationary position. The toe portion and the heel portion may have substantially uniform curvature along a longitudinal axis of the system.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention includes a footwear assembly comprising: an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper. The sole assembly has a footwear assembly comprising a sole assembly connected to an upper. The sole assembly has a midsole made of a first material and having a forefoot portion, an arch portion, a heel portion, and a sidewall extending around a lateral side, a medial side, and a heel side of the midsole. A stiffener is connected to the midsole. The stiffener is made of a second material stiffer than the first material. The stiffener has a base portion adjacent to the arch portion and at least one of the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the midsole. The stiffener has a side stabilizer and a heel wrap coupled to the base portion. The side stabilizer is adjacent to the sidewall in at least one of the arch portion and forefoot portion. The heel wrap is adjacent to the heel side and at least one of the lateral side and medial side of the midsole's sidewall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a shoe insert that can provide overall improved foot comfort to a user and can specifically provide beneficial localized pressure relief improving foot health and mitigating painful and/or damaging conditions. The shoe insert can comprise a pressure moderator sheet and one or more pressure pads removably and replaceably attached to the moderator sheet. The insert may further comprise a cushioning material or layer.

Abstract: A variety of products may incorporate cultured leather, which is produced in vitro. Examples of products that may incorporate cultured leather include footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, furniture, handbags or any other consumer or industrial product that commonly incorporates conventional leather or synthetic leather.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include various first strands and second strands. The cutting and second strands may extend from an area proximal to lace-receiving elements to an area proximal to the sole structure. The first strands may have a substantially vertical orientation and the second strands may have a rearwardly-angled orientation. The first strands may be located in a midfoot region of the footwear and the second strands may be located in both the midfoot region and a heel region of the footwear. Angles between the first strands and the second strands may be at least 40 degrees. Additionally, the second strands may have at least fifty percent greater tensile strength than the first strands.

Abstract: An upper structure for a shoe includes an upper body and an outside upper member that overlaps the lateral side of the upper body to cover the foot's talus and that has a bottom edge portion fixedly attached to a bottom surface of the upper body. A rear end portion of the bottom edge portion is located rearwardly of the calcaneus load centerline. A rear edge portion of the outside upper member is separate from the upper body rearwardly of the talus. An instep edge portion of the outside upper member is connected to the shoelace. The upper structure includes a region that is expandable and contractible in a longitudinal direction. A top end of the region extends to the opening of the upper body, and a bottom end of the region is disposed in front of the calcaneus load centerline and below 55% of the foot's lateral ankle height.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole structure with openings formed therethrough is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper for receiving a foot of a wearer and a sole structure attached to the upper and positioned generally below the foot. The sole structure has at least one opening formed therein that extends through the sole structure. The at least one opening formed through the sole structure exposes the plantar surface of the foot of the wearer to a ground surface when the article of footwear is worn by the wearer, and is constructed so as to allow contact between the plantar surface of the foot and the ground surface.