Abstract: Devices and methods for blocking a gap between an elevator cab and a landing platform to prevent objects falling into the elevator shaft when the cab is adjacent the landing platform and any doors therebetween are open. A plurality of bristles is attached to the cab substantially adjacent the floor or sides of the cab and extending substantially perpendicular to the exterior of the cab to impede passage of objects through the gap. The device comprises a plurality of bristles attached to a frame and optionally secured to the frame by a bristle assembly. The device includes means for fastening to the elevator cab so that the bristles are adjacent and substantially planar to the floor or sides of the cab. The devices and methods thus provide easier retrieval of items dropped over the gap and provide a visual cue to deter disposal of detritus or debris through the gap.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-display device by arranging adjacently a plurality of liquid crystal display panels includes: cutting the liquid crystal display panels along at least one edge to remove portions of the liquid crystal display panels respectively; arranging and fixing the liquid crystal display panels, in a state that a portion of the liquid crystal display panels is turned over, such that the cut edges face one another; removing a polarizer attached to a side of the liquid crystal display panel which will be turned over; and attaching a polarizer, which is of the same kind as a polarizer originally attached to the opposite side, to the side of the liquid crystal display panel from which the polarizer has been removed.

Abstract: A medical canister connector is presented for connecting to a medical canister, which has a patient port and a reduced-pressure port. The medical canister connector includes a first connection member that is coupled to a patient-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a patient port on a medical canister and has a patient-port opening with a first longitudinal axis. The medical canister connector also includes a second connection member coupled to a reduced-pressure-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a reduced-pressure port on the medical canister and has a reduced-pressure-port opening with a second longitudinal axis. A spacing member or pressure transport member may be used to couple the first connection member to the second connection member. The spacing member or transport member flexes and twists during connection. The medical canister connector may also help organize one or more pressure-sensing conduits. Methods are also presented.

Abstract: A method for attaching at least one connection part on a workpiece comprises the steps of: providing a premounted contact-making unit including a first attachment element and a holding unit on which the first attachment element is held rotatable relative to the holding unit; inserting at least one connection part into the holding unit so that the connection part makes contact with the first attachment element; and connecting the first attachment element to a second attachment element which is secured to the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detachably mounting different types of infant carriers on a support structure. The system includes a mounting platform provided on a frame of the support structure. The mounting platform includes a first and second coupling structure. The first coupling structure is adapted to engage with a first fastener structure of a first infant carrier, whereas the second coupling structure is adapted to engage with a second fastener structure of a second infant carrier. The mounting platform also includes a rotary support base that can be rotated relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the support base enables engagement of the first coupling structure with the first fastener structure. In the second position, the support structure enables engagement of the second coupling structure with the second fastener structure.

Abstract: A connector has first and second ends. The first end is configured to contact a door of the automated storage library when the door is in at least a first position. A safety stop is connected to the second end of the connector and adapted to move from a down position to an up position. The safety stop is in the down position when the door is in the first position. The connector is adapted to travel in a lateral direction corresponding to a similar movement of the door as the door is opened between the first position and a second position, causing the safety stop to move from the down position to an up position to prevent travel of the robotic accessor beyond the safety stop.

Abstract: A fastener installation tool and related method are provided for installing fasteners in boards, where the boards are installed immediately adjacent one another, without a gap established therebetween. The tool can include an alignment projection that projects a preselected distance downwardly from a lower surface of the tool. The alignment projection can be disposed between opposing corners of first and second boards to install a fastener without establishing a gap between the boards. This construction can be suitable for installing boards constructed from materials that shrink over time, such as wet, treated lumber or other materials, and even non-shrinkable boards where tighter spacing is desired. A related method of installation is provided.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

Abstract: A pressure crimper for crimping a centralizer to a metal tubular. The crimper includes a generally cylindrical body having a central opening sufficiently large to allow insertion therethrough of a centralizer end having an external diameter; a sidewall of substantially uniform thickness including an inner-facing surface directed to the central opening and an outer-facing surface onto which are formed a plurality of passages. A piston is retained within each passage for hydraulic actuation inward. A face of each piston faces radially inward and has an elliptical shape. When the pistons are actuated, they apply pressure to the outer surface of the centralizer end to secure it to the tubular.

Abstract: A method of joining a first and a second work piece, such as automotive closure panels, includes supporting the work pieces on a fixture, and then joining the work pieces to one another by a first solid state weld with a vibrating roller head of a tool assembly, such as a robotically-controlled ultrasonic seam welder. Next, a flange of the second work piece is hemmed about an outer periphery of the first work piece using the same or a different roller head with the work pieces supported by the fixture. The hemmed flange is then joined to the first work piece by a second solid state weld with the vibrating roller head of the robotically-controlled ultrasonic seam welder. A system for joining a first and a second work piece is also provided.

Abstract: A tool includes lower and upper members which are connected together so that the tool can be moved to an open position or to a closed position. The tool has a number of cutting blades and surfaces which allow a user to cut or strip a HDMI cable. The tool also has a pair of platforms which hold an associated laced wire guide and mated terminal block therein. The tool can be used to terminate the cut and stripped HDMI cable with the mated wire guides and terminal block.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an antenna device is provided. The manufacturing method includes forming an antenna circuit so that the resonance frequency of the antenna circuit will be lower than an oscillation frequency of the reader/writer and affixing a magnetic sheet to an antenna coil via an adhesive. The antenna circuit includes the antenna coil that receives the magnetic field transmitted from the reader/writer and a capacitor electrically connected to the antenna coil. The magnetic sheet is at a face-to-face position with respect to the antenna coil and is configured to change the inductance of the antenna coil. The adhesive is of a film thickness to change the inductance so that the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit will be coincident with the oscillation frequency depending on the spacing between the antenna coil and the magnetic sheet.

Abstract: A process for producing an acoustic device having a phononic crystal structure comprising inclusions produced in a first medium distributed in a matrix of a second medium, to block propagation of acoustic waves within a bandgap frequency band, includes: defining geometric parameters of said inclusions, which have walls contacting said matrix, making at least one non-zero first wall angle, to the normal of the plane of said structure, said geometric parameters including said first wall angle; determining a function relating to variation in frequency position of said bandgap with said wall angle or relating to variation in width of said bandgap with said wall angle; determining said at least first angle, for a selected frequency position and/or selected width of the bandgap, from the function or functions determined beforehand; and producing said inclusions having at least said first wall angle in said matrix formed by said second medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a passive component for an acoustic transducer, wherein a mixture of metal oxide filler with an epoxy resin is subjected to ultrasonic wave generated and followed by an addition of a hardener to cast the passive component for the acoustic transducer. Mixing the materials with the ultrasonic wave improves the dispersion of the metal oxide filler over conventional passive components, thus enabling the passive component to have uniform surfaces, resulting in improved sound velocity and attenuation characteristics with acoustic transducers that use the passive component manufactured by the present disclosure.

Abstract: A compression tool for terminating wires to a connector includes a frame that has a receiving space configured to receive the connector. A handle is rotatably coupled to the frame. A ram is held by the frame. The ram has an engagement end within the receiving space that is configured to engage the connector. The ram is movable between an initial position and a final position. A link is coupled between the ram and the handle. The link is variably positionable with respect to at least one of the handle or the ram to change the final position of the ram within the receiving space to control a shut height of the compression tool.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention comprise systems, methods, and apparatus for distributing electric power to a plurality of access points within a plurality of spaces. In particular, implementations of the present invention allow for the distribution of electric power from a centralized panel manager, to one or more access points without the use of zone boxes. For example, a panel manager for distributing electric power in accordance with an implementation of the present invention can include a housing configured to allow at least one main input therein. The panel manager can also include a plurality of planar connection interfaces secured within the housing. The planar connection interface can be configured to mate with planar electrical connectors for the distribution of electric power to the plurality of access points.

Abstract: A method of creating a single transaction card is disclosed and comprises embossing the single transaction card within a pocket to form embossed characters on a first surface of the single transaction card, filling the pocket with a fill panel to provide a substantially flush surface on a second surface of the single transaction card, wherein a third surface of the fill panel is in uniform, direct contact with an interior of the pocket. Another method is disclosed for machining a face pocket within a single transaction card and disposing a microchip therein. In various embodiments, a single transaction card is comprised of a continuous metal layer, such as, for example, titanium.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wiring board, which prevents electrostatic destruction generated in a mask pattern, by employing a structured exposure mask at a low cost is provided. The method can comprise the steps of forming a photosensitive resin layer on an insulating layer located underneath a predetermined conductor layer, forming a plating resist by exposing and developing the photosensitive resin layer with an exposure light while an exposure mask is disposed on a surface of the photosensitive resin layer, forming a metal plating layer that has a conductor pattern formed by applying a metal plating to an opening of the plating resist, and removing the plating resist. The exposure mask may have a plurality of graphic patterns, and each corner of the graphic patterns maybe chamfered by 50 micrometers or more so that electrostatic destruction due to electric discharge between the adjacent graphic patterns is prevented.

Abstract: A test point design comprising: a circuit board comprising a plurality of layers including a power plane and a ground plane, the circuit board further comprises a differential pair of signal lines including a first signal line and a second signal line; and a pair of test point pads including a first test point pad connected to the first signal line and a second test point pad connected to the second signal line, wherein a first portion of the power plane and a first portion of the ground plane below the first test point pad are removed and a second portion of the power plane and a second portion of the ground plane below the second test point pad are removed.

Abstract: On-board model railroad speaker enclosure designs are presented that allow maximum sized speakers, improve impedance matching of sound to the outside of the locomotive, and isolate back and front speaker waves while maintaining the standard horizontal drive-train in model train locomotives.

Abstract: A tool for installing an end of a cable into a connector generally includes a front jaw assembly adapted to retain the cable connector and a back jaw assembly movably coupled to the front jaw assembly. The cable connector includes a connector body and a compression sleeve and the back jaw assembly is adapted to insert an end of the cable into the cable connector upon movement of the back jaw assembly toward the front jaw assembly and subsequently press the compression sleeve into the connector body upon further movement of the back jaw assembly toward the front jaw assembly.

Abstract: There is prepared an insulation layer generation member having a support film and a semi-cured insulation layer provided on a surface of the support film. Subsequently, the insulation layer generation member is affixed to a pad such that the pad contacts the semi-cured insulation layer. The semi-cured insulation layer is cured, to thus generate an insulation layer. Subsequently, the insulation layer is exposed to laser by way of the support film, thereby opening an opening in the insulation layer.

Abstract: A method of detecting a gap extending along a longitudinal axis and defined between a shoulder of a seat formed around a port in a cylinder head and an inboard axial end of a valve seat insert disposed in the seat includes disposing a distance sensor within the port, and moving one of the distance sensor and the cylinder head relative to the other of the distance sensor and the cylinder head along the longitudinal axis to generate relative movement between the distance sensor and the cylinder head. A radial distance is sensed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis during the relative movement between the distance sensor and the cylinder head to detect a change in the radial distance at an interface between the inboard axial end of the valve seat insert and the shoulder of the seat, thereby indicating an undesirable gap therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a spring core (12) for a bedding or seating product (10). The spring core (12) has coil springs (26) having unknotted end turns (72, 74) made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns (72, 74) of the coil springs (26) are generally U-shaped having one arcuate leg (76) longer than the other (78), the legs (76, 78) being joined by a connector (80) having an arcuate bump (81) therein. The springs (26) are oriented in the spring core (12) such that a long leg (76) of one end turn (72) abuts a shortleg (78) of the adjacent end turn (72) prior to being wrapped in helical lacing wire (32). The high tensile wire enables the coil springs (26) to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter includes a tubular casing and a power source is connected to a first end of the casing so as to drive a drive cable which extends through the casing. A cutting member is connected to the drive cable and located on a second end of the casing. A positioning tube is axially located in the casing and has an annular sleeve through which the drive cable extends. The sleeve has two ribs tangentially and diametrically connected thereto. The two ribs are parallel to each other and extend in opposite directions. The ribs contact an inner periphery of the casing. The ribs are flexible and position the positioning tube in the casing, and absorb vibration when in use.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter includes a tubular casing and a power source is connected to a first end of the casing so as to drive a drive cable which extends through the casing. A cutting member is connected to the drive cable and located on a second end of the casing. A positioning tube is axially located in the casing and has an annular sleeve through which the drive cable extends. The sleeve has two rib portions tangentially connected thereto and the two rib portions are parallel to each other. Each rib portion has two ribs on two ends thereof and the two ribs contact an inner periphery of the casing. The ribs are flexible and position the positioning tube in the casing, and absorb vibration when in use.

Abstract: A method of forming a lubricating coating on a razor blade that includes: providing a razor blade having a body and a cutting edge tapering from the body; providing a tank of a colloidal dispersion of a polymer having less than 2% in weight of polymer particles; providing a spray gun in fluid communication with the tank, the gun having an end directed to a blade-spraying region; placing the razor blade at a predetermined temperature (T) in the blade-spraying region; flowing the colloidal dispersion from the tank to the end of the spray gun, and in a direction to the razor blade; controlling a first gas stream to nebulise the colloidal dispersion into a mist in a dispersion region located between the end of the spray gun and the razor blade; independently controlling a second gas stream to control the mist properties; transporting the mist from the dispersion region to the razor blade placed in the blade-spraying region, the razor blade being at the predetermined temperature (T) so that water evaporates from t

Abstract: An undercut saw including a motor, a drive shaft rotated by the motor, a blade mount mechanically linked to the drive shaft, the blade mount allowing a saw blade to be mounted and a fixed blade guard circumscribing a portion of the saw blade. The fixed blade guard includes a top plate and a height adjustment skirt in telescoping attachment joined by fasteners. A guide washer with a fastener assembly is configured to move up and down in a slot on the height adjustment skirt. Turning a lead threaded member raises and lowers the top plate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a handheld working tool comprising a motor part (10), a handle part (20) comprising a handle grip (21), and at least one first type antivibration element (30) arranged between said motor part (10) and said handle part (20), and which element (30) is adapted to isolate the handle part (20) from vibrations in the motor part (10). The working tool (1) is characterized in that it further comprises at least one second type antivibration element (40) arranged adjacent to the first type antivibration element (30). The at least one second type antivibration element (40) is adapted to, when in an active state, prevent vibrations in the motor part (10) from being transferred to the handle grip (21). The second antivibration element (40) is in the active state when the handle grip (21) is loaded during operation of the working tool (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handle part (20) for a motorized, handheld tool (10), having at least one handle (21, 22), for an operator to carry and operate the tool (10), said handle part (20) further having at least one base portion (23) arranged adjacent said at least one handle (21, 22) in such a way that a toe portion, of a boot or the like of an operator, may be held against the base portion (23) when the tool (10) is placed on the ground. Said handle part (20) further having at least one rear portion (24) arranged where the base plate (23) and said at least one handle (21, 22) meet, in such a way that a thigh of an operator may be held against the rear portion (23) when operating the tool (10).

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to an apparatus that can facilitate archery bow sight tuning by way of a laser light device. The apparatus can be mounted to a riser of a bow by way of a substantially arc-shaped mounting slot or aperture. Thus, the apparatus is not confined to a single configuration based upon a fixed location of mounting screws.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tool for door installation is described herein including a top part configured to fit onto a top edge of a door using a compression fit and comprising a shim portion having a first shim thickness and a hinge side part configured to fit onto an edge of the door using a compression fit, the hinge side part comprising a shim portion having a second shim thickness. The tool further includes a strike side part configured to fit onto an edge of the door using a compression fit, the strike side part comprising a shim portion having a third shim thickness. The tool also includes a level device attached to one of the parts of the tool.

Abstract: A contact type prove achieves a high-precision measurement of a shape of even a steeply-inclined surface in the vicinity of vertical by controlling a contact force stably. In a shape measuring method for measuring the shape of the surface of a measured object by moving a contact type probe along the surface of the measured object, a slope of the measured object surface is estimated depending on the magnitude of a component force of the contact force applied to the probe and when it is determined that the slope is in the vicinity of vertical, a probe supporting unit is moved in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the probe supporting unit.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine (AACMM) includes a manually positionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends, the articulated arm including a plurality of connected arm segments, each arm segment including at least one position transducer for producing a position signal resulting in the articulated arm having a plurality of position transducers. The AACMM also includes a base section connected to the second end; and a probe assembly connected to the first end, the probe assembly having a probe end, an inner core, and a handle; wherein the probe end is fixed with respect to the inner core, the handle is configured to rotate about the inner core, and the probe end is configured to measure a three-dimensional coordinate of a point in space.

Abstract: A combined template and ruler for use in quilting is formed from a rigid plastic material and includes a plurality of spaced slots that correspond to cutting and sewing lines that are marked on layers of fabric using the template. The cutting and sewing lines are positioned such that a plurality of half square triangles of two ply material are formed without cutting the thread. A template and method of forming snowball blocks in a similar fashion is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved chalk marking device for safely and temporarily marking a surface. The improved chalk marking device is capable of making precise temporary markings on a surface, and will not prematurely deteriorate upon use. The improved chalk marking device also contains a non-toxic taste inhibiting agent that will prevent or reduce the likelihood that an individual, such as a young child or infant, will ingest the device if left unattended.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for a vehicle having a chassis and a bulk load container mounted on the chassis. The apparatus includes a heating chamber for receiving the chassis, a heat source connected to the heating chamber for supplying heated gas to the chamber and a seal mounted to the heating chamber for substantially sealing the heating chamber about the chassis and the container, for guiding the heated gas along a floor and sides of the container to heat the container floor and sides.

Abstract: A method for improving the manufacture and reliability of new, remanufactured, repaired or reconditioned Fire Control Radar APG-68 tactical radar systems (FCR) utilized in military aircraft and providing such units with extended useful life expectancies equivalent to or better than new of the FCR APG-68 unit high frequency, high voltage dual mode radar transmitters that are deployed in over 1000 state-of-the-art military aircraft such as the F-15, F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft, and B-1 bombers. The novel method extends the mean lifetime of previously repaired and repairable FCR APG-68 tactical radar units and radar units and ageing transmitters from about 100 to a few hundred hours to about five hundred or more hours by the step of removing embedded moisture and absorbed moisture from the heterogeneous electronic components in the FCR APG-68 tactical radar unit.

Abstract: A sandal and strap assembly with a sole and a strap portion. The sole has three loop strap retaining members. One loop is located between the user's big toe and second toe. The second and third loops reside on the left and right side of the user's ankle. The sole comprised of a bonded upper and a lower member. Each loop protrudes through a slit in the upper member. The ends of each loop form a T shape which is trapped between the upper and lower sole member. The strap comprised of a single flexible elongate member and is threaded through the first loop in an equidistant manner. The right and left ends of the strap member are threaded through the second and third loops. The remaining ends of the strap are wrapped around the user's ankle and leg and then tied in a releasable knot.

Abstract: An improved resilient shoe sole includes an outsole having a substantially inelastic side wall with a heel cavity. A substantially inelastic platform is located below the heel cavity, and a connector connects the platform with the side wall. The connector has a particular length and thickness to maintain the platform substantially below the sidewall when the shoe sole is not under a wearer's weight. When brought under forces of a wearer's weight, the connector bends and stretches as the spring compresses to allow the platform to deflect into the heel cavity. As weight is removed, the connector and spring cause the platform to deflect out of the heel cavity, biasing the platform below the side wall.

Abstract: A footwear technology called Frequency Balance Footwear, is an footwear or insole that utilizes Mylar Holographic Disk Technology (small holograms). Each hologram disc is exposed to a Quantum Field Programming Generator which overlays or infuses specific blueprint frequencies for the human body which helps to promote physical posture, increased ability to achieve better balance, increased strength, and greater flexibility during any physical activity while wearing the Shoe and/or insoles.

Abstract: An antistatic insole is disclosed, which consists of one cover layer, one first layer body, one second layer body, one arch pad, and one heel pad. The insole is assembled with a cover layer on the surface of the first layer body and the second layer body below the first layer body and the heel pad and the arch pad are below the second layer body. The elasticity of the heel pad is more elastic and the arch pad less elastic than the first layer body. The contour of the surface of the first layer body follows that of the foot arch of a human body and acts coherently with that of the second layer body. The cover layer, the first layer body, and the second layer body are antistatic. The arch pad is equipped with antistatic and anti-fatigue functions according to various arch shapes of a human foot.

Abstract: Footwear is disclosed having an upper secured to a sole and defining at least a front portion. An apron portion having first and second lateral portions and a lower end, each of the first and second lateral portions including a free lateral outer edge can be attached at the lower end to the front portion. A first fastener for releasably connecting the first and second lateral portions together is also provided, the first fastener being configurable between a fastened position in which the first and second lateral portions are held adjacent one another, and an unfastened position in which at least an upper portion of each of the first and second lateral portions, respectively, can be readily separated.

Abstract: A laminate for laser bonding of the present invention contains a bonding sheet that is melted by irradiation of laser light and a first member laminated on one surface of the bonding sheet and formed of a thermoplastic foam. The difference between the melting point of the first member (Mfoam) and the melting point of the bonding sheet (Msheet) (Mfoam?Msheet) is ?50° C. to 20° C. and the difference between the melt viscosity of the first member (Vfoam) and the melt viscosity of the bonding sheet (Vsheet) (Vfoam?Vsheet) is 3.0×105 Pa·s to 8.0×105 Pa·s. Preferably, the laminate for laser bonding contains a second member having transparency to laser light laminated on the other surface of the bonding sheet.

Abstract: An adjustable leg footwear item that is adjustable and cinchable relative to a leg of the wearer. The adjustable leg footwear item may include an outer sole made from a leather material, a rubber material, or a plastic material.

Abstract: Minimalist footwear is provided including a resilient yet flexible sole attached to the upper with a stitch and turn construction method. In a valuable embodiment the upper has a collar around the circumference of the foot access aperture to increase the seal around the foot and preventing intrusion of foreign objects while maintaining the strength and integrity of the foot access aperture. The upper is fabricated of a flexible and durable material that comfortably encapsulates the foot. Integral to the upper are a series of bands that span from the medial edge of the sole to the lateral edge of the sole over the foot. Said bands are separated by a predetermined gap. The bands are flexible but somewhat less stretchable than the balance of the upper thereby reducing the lateral flexion of the shoe while permitting ample flex from front to back as the foot flexes naturally during ambulation.

Abstract: A shoe having an upper and a curved sole member, the sole member may be comprised of one unitary piece or a separate midsole and a separate outsole. The curvature results from the sole member tilting along a center of mass axis that extends through a point in the vicinity of the lateral side of the heel region of the sole member to a point in the vicinity of the medial side of forefoot region of the sole member. The center of mass axis runs diagonally along the entire length of the shoe. Due to the curvature, the sole member has a non-uniform thickness. The curvature of the sole member allows the user's foot to be guided in a more natural motion providing more movement efficiency and comfort.

Abstract: An easy-to-wear lace up article of footwear includes a forefoot opening intended to be secured by a lacing system and a second opening at the rear heel part of the shoe which is secured by a rear tongue and a rear lacing system.

Abstract: Cushioning element (4) for footwear, having a deformable filling (12) and an envelope (10) that encloses the deformable filling. The envelope is arranged for forming at least one flow channel (837). In use, at least part of the deformable filling flows into the at least one flow channel as a result of increased pressure of the deformable filling caused by a mechanical load The deformable filling contains solid bodies and further contains a lubricating fluid for mutually lubricating the solid bodies. A dimension of the at least one flow channel is arranged for hindering entrance of the solid bodies into the at least one flow channel during cushioning.

Abstract: A skate assembly includes a shell structure and a removable tendon guard. The shell structure includes a heel portion, a lateral ankle portion, and a medial ankle portion. The heel portion is formed to cover a human heel. The lateral ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The medial ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion are spaced apart to form a notch extending toward the heel portion. The removable tendon guard is removably attached between the lateral ankle portion and medial ankle portion to cover the notch.