Abstract: Provided is bathtub accessory product and installation method. The bathtub accessory product is designed to be secured to a bathtub wall and have a universal end that permits the attachment of any number of bath accessories such as a grab bar or swivel seat. The bathtub accessory may be installed within the inner cavity of a bathtub to ensure a secure fit while also allowing ideal placement of a bath accessory for use by a bather.

Abstract: A lock adapted for attachment to a sash window/door without screws comprises: a shaft with a cam secured thereon is rotatably secured to a housing, with the cam disposed within a housing cavity and rotatable therefrom out of an opening, into an extended position. The housing may be a single integrally formed wall that preferably has a flat bottom surface. A first attachment leg protrudes out from the housing cavity to extend beyond the bottom surface, with a foot thereon extending beyond a first end of the housing. A second attachment leg protrudes out the housing cavity second end, with a foot thereon oriented toward the housing first end, and a locking tab extends from the housing bottom surface. Installation of the screwless sash lock is by receiving the first foot, second foot, and locking tab within correspondingly positioned openings in the window/door rail, through sequenced rotational and sliding motion.

Abstract: A pipe fitting and associated piping joint assembly package allow re-use and repair of push-fit, formed piping elements without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe, and without coining, gluing or threaded engagement of parts. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a pipe fitting having first and second radial housing elements for receiving one or more sealing members and a fastening ring, respectively. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a sealing member stabilizer element, a housing divider element and a snap ring support member cooperatively engageable so as to facilitate the secure retention and optional removal of an inserted piping element.

Abstract: A press for securing a captive screw assembly within a hole in a panel cover. The press is supported from the panel cover as it is operated and includes a tool for extracting the captive screw assembly from the panel cover hole when the captive screw assembly is no longer functional. The extraction tool engages a bottom end of the captive screw and severs the flare on the ferrule of the captive screw assembly that anchors the assembly to the hole in the panel cover. A captive screw assembly is also described that has a knurled end that anchors the captive screw assembly to a hole in the panel cover.

Abstract: A fusible link is described comprising a first member selectively coupled to a second member via a connection member. The connection member is retained by way of first and second stop members that are defined in the second member and bear against the connection member and the first member.

Abstract: A tool and method for handling a part within an electrical power transmission system is disclosed, the part having a flange with a hole through the flange. A first jaw and a second jaw are connected to pivot relative to one another and have respective ends that converge upon closure, for example to hold the flange between the respective ends. The first jaw may have a tooth extended at the respective end of the first jaw for fitting within the hole in the flange to hold the flange between the respective ends when the tool is in a closed position. The tool may be a hot stick adapter, or may include a hot stick made at least in part of dielectric material. An actuator may be connected to operate one or both of the first jaw and the second jaw from a user end of the hot stick.

Abstract: A tube fitting for sealing an end of a tube uses a notch formed in the exterior surface of the tube as a sealing seat. An internally threaded body is configured to receive an externally threaded end of a nut, while the body and the nut are mounted in a surrounding relationship to the tube end. A ferrule mounted between the nut and the tube is forced to plastically deform and move into the notch to thereby seal the tube end.

Abstract: The method for mounting a ranging arm on a body of a longwall shearer loader characterised by the fact that the shearer's ranging arm (7) is pivotally connected through the eyes (9) and at least one pin (3) with the eyes of the articulated joint (6) located from the side wall side in the bottom part of the shearer's body (5) outside of the chain conveyor (11). The axis of the pin or pins (3) is situated below the axis of the motor (12) of the shearer's ranging arm (7). The hydraulic cylinder (4) is pivotally connected with the eyes (8) of the shearer's ranging arm (7) located between the eyes of the articulated joint (6) with a pin (2), the axis of which is situated above the axis of the motor (12) of the shearer's arm (7). The hydraulic cylinder (4) is pivotally connected with the shearer's body (5) with a pin (1), the axis of which is situated below the axis of the motor (12) of the shearer's arm (7) and below the axis of the feed drive shaft (10).

Abstract: A method of producing a vehicle's heat-insulating wall is disclosed. The vehicle's interior lining is distinguished by structure comprising an outer wall, made from steel or aluminum, layer of a rigid grid having substantially uniform pattern of openings, made for instance from an expanded metal mounted over a plurality of supports spaced across the inner surface of the outer wall, layer of self-rising heat-insulating foam deposited between the inner surface of the outer wall and the rigid grid, and a decorative layer, preferably a polyurea resin. The provided grid is sufficiently rigid for withstanding without damage forces applied to it in the process of leveling excess of the deposited foam material having solidified after it had risen up through the openings of the grid.

Abstract: A clamping system includes a housing, a clamping lever pivotally coupled relative to the housing, a clamping arm pivotally coupled relative to the housing and the clamping lever, and an expandable link coupled to the clamping arm. The clamping lever and the clamping arm are rotatable from an open position to a closed position. A method of mounting a device on a substrate using the clamping system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses a bone plate manufacturing method comprising an image acquisition step, an image reconstruction step, a comparison step, a data retrieval step, a model designing step and a bone plate manufacturing step. The image acquisition step acquires an original 3D craniofacial image. The image reconstruction step uses an image processing system to perform image reconstruction of the original 3D craniofacial image to obtain a reconstructed 3D craniofacial image, wherein the image processing system comprises a plurality of mechanical data. The comparison step compares the original 3D craniofacial image with the reconstructed 3D craniofacial image and defines the image difference therebetween as a defected portion. The data retrieval step retrieves a portion of the mechanical data and defines a mechanical compensation area on the reconstructed 3D craniofacial image. The model designing step designs a bone plate mold. The bone plate manufacturing step manufactures a bone plate.

Abstract: Heat conducting mounting structure for mounting of electronic modules, comprising first surface area that is adapted to face a second surface area of the electronic module; cavity means embedded at a distance from the first surface area; said cavity means is adapted to receive a cooling means; attachment means at the first surface area adapted for attaching the electronic module; and wherein the attachment means is adapted for a transfer of the heat energy from the electronic module to the mounting structure. Further a method for mounting the electronic module on the heat conducting mounting comprising the step of adjoining an attachment means with a fixing means and the fixing means with the electronic module to obtain at least one immediate connection pressure area between the first surface area of a wall and the second surface area of the electronic module. Also a radio base station housing arrangement is provided.

Abstract: A rotor includes a rotor core fixedly attached to a rotational shaft and having a plurality of hole portions arranged in the circumferential direction, a magnet inserted into a plurality of hole portions each, and a filling portion injected into the hole portion. The filling portion is injected into the hole portion from a gate facing a central part in the width direction of the magnet in the opening of the hole portion.

Abstract: In a forming apparatus, inner frames are arranged in a forming roll stand so as to move up and down. Mechanical structures of convexo-concave engagement are provided on opposed faces between respective roll chocks and yokes and the inner frames. After connection with a pressing device is released, the roll chocks and yokes are guided utilizing the moving-downward motion of the inner frames, and a stack body is formed in series so as to be withdrawn from the roll stand. The stack body is disassembled utilizing the moving-upward motion of the inner frames, and the roll chocks and yokes can be guided to the desired positions inside the stand and locked.

Abstract: Anchor positioning equipment for pre-fabricating panels of reinforced cement mortar (10) that includes a prestressed biaxial reinforcement (9). The panel has some versatile actuator means (6) embedded into the mass of cement mortar (10), that do not project from any of the faces (11) thereof, for handling and/or securing said panel to the structure of a building. The means (6) comprise, on the one hand, means for retaining (13) in the set mortar mass and, panel anchoring means (14). The equipment has a fixed base structure (2) for supporting stable seat elastic arrangements (5), which receive means (6) and, on the other hand, movable frameworks (1) comprising gripping arrangements (3) for gripping means (6). Movable frameworks (1) are responsible for removing means (6) from stable seat elastic arrangements (5).

Abstract: In a production system general-purpose cell for general-purpose use in processing and transportation of a received workpiece in a production system of processing and delivering the workpiece, the production system general-purpose cell includes a base unit having a planar shape of quadrangle and supporting at least a robot for use in transportation of the workpiece such that the robot is movable on the planar area of quadrangle, a parts supply unit for supplying parts of the workpiece to the robot supported by the base unit, and a processing area extending outside the base unit. The robot supported by the base unit having a motion range set in a range from inside to outside the base unit in a form including at least part of the processing area.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a skin material of a vehicle interior equipment includes exposing a conductive wire material by removing a main fiber material from a first fabric material formed of the conductive wire material and the main fiber material that is weaker than the conductive wire material and electrically connecting a conductive member, which is used to supply electric power to the conductive wire material, to the exposed portion of the conductive wire material.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (“PCB”) includes a first pattern structure, a second pattern structure, a third pattern structure, and a fourth pattern structure. The first pattern structure includes a first ground pattern. The second pattern structure includes a first line pattern overlapping the first ground pattern and a second ground pattern electrically insulated from the first line pattern. The third pattern structure includes a third ground pattern overlapping the first line pattern and a second line pattern overlapping the second ground pattern. The fourth pattern structure includes a fourth ground pattern overlapping the second line pattern. Therefore, the PCB may decrease noise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for self-assembly of micro-components such as microchips onto a carrier substrate, provided with assembly locations for the components. The components are supplied to the carrier by a liquid flow, while a template substrate is arranged facing the carrier. The template is a substrate provided with openings aligned to the assembly locations. The carrier and template are submerged into a tank filled with the liquid, while the liquid flow is supplied to the template side together with the components, so that the components are guided towards the openings by the flow of liquid. Once a component is trapped into an opening of the template, substantially no further liquid flow through the opening is possible, so that following components are guided towards the remaining openings, thereby establishing a fast and reliable self-assembly process.

Abstract: Embedding a power modification component such as a capacitance inside of an adaptor board located to extend over and beyond the vias of the main circuit board so that a portion of the interposer board containing the embedded capacitance is located beyond where the vias or blinds are located. This permits that via to conduct through the opening. In this way, the capacitance and the resistance will have a closer contact point to the electrical component. A resistance can also be embedded in an opening in the adaptor board and be vertically aligned within the opening to make contact with a pad on top of the adaptor board and a pad at the bottom of the adaptor board so that electricity conducts through the embedded component.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a component mounting apparatus which includes a plurality of substrate conveying lanes and which efficiently controls the order of carrying in of substrates, thereby capable of improving productivity, and also is to provide a substrate conveyance method in the component mounting apparatus. In a configuration which includes: component supplying units (20A, 20B) positioned lateral to conveyor lines including conveyors (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) arranged in parallel; and a substrate distributing unit (M3B) configured to distribute substrates (13) delivered from an upstream apparatus, in the case where a substrate request signal (R) is output from conveyors (10B, 10C) which are farther from the component supplying units (20A, 20B), when the substrate request signal R is output for a conveyor (10D) which is closer to the component supplying unit (20b) prior to start of a transferring work of the new substrate (13), the new substrate (13) is carried into the conveyor (10D).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic component-embedded board is provided which is capable of suppressing warpage without requiring complicated processes at low cost and which offers high productivity and economic efficiency. A worksheet includes insulating layers on one surface of an approximately rectangular substrate, and an electronic component and a plate-like frame member (member) embedded inside the insulating layer, wherein the plate-like frame member satisfying the relationship represented by the following formula (1): ?1<?3 and ?2<?3??(1), is mounted on an unmounted portion of the electronic component on the substrate. In the formula, ?1, ?2 and ?3 respectively denote the linear coefficients of thermal expansion (ppm/K) of the electronic component, the plate-like frame member, and the substrate, the respective wiring layers or the respective insulating layers.

Abstract: Method of recycling hermetically encapsulated alternative compressor units used in household refrigerators and an apparatus for implementing the method. The method includes precise cutting of the envelope of the compressor unit using a cutting device. After the compressor unit has been solidly mounted on a rotatable plate with its axle in vertical position, the base portion of the envelope is titled over at least 90° in such a manner that the oil emulsion and the ozone-damaging gases CFC and HCFC can be drained from the base portion, and can be collected completely and eliminated in a manner that does not damage the environment.

Abstract: This invention provides a retainer assembling apparatus which assembles a retainer to a valve stem via a cotter which engage with an engaging groove formed on the valve stem. The cotter comprises a pair of cotter segments. The apparatus includes a cylindrical body, a holding portion which holds the retainer contacting a lower end of the cylindrical body, a push-up shaft which pushes up the pair of cotter segments into the cylindrical body, and an axial body which is arranged in the cylindrical body to be coaxial with the push-up shaft and to be coaxially movable. The cylindrical body includes a tapered inner circumferential portion on an inner circumferential wall lower portion thereof.

Abstract: A hybrid rocket motor is manufactured by photopolymerizing the solid fuel grain in a stereolithography method, wherein fuel grains in a plastic matrix are deposited in layers for building a solid fuel rocket body in three dimensions for improved performance and for a compact design,

Abstract: A microfluidic probe head includes a first layer, a second layer, and a first tubing port extending from an upper face of the first layer. The first layer has a first via, enabling fluid communication between the first port and a lower face of the first layer. The second layer includes a first aperture on a face, and a first microchannel enabling fluid communication between an upper face of the second layer, facing the lower face of the first layer, and the first aperture. The head enables fluid communication between the first via and the first microchannel. At least a portion of the first microchannel is a groove open on the upper face of the second layer, closed by a portion of a lower face of a layer of the head. The probe head further comprises a second tubing port, a second via, a second aperture and a second microchannel.

Abstract: A workpiece is fixed by a retracting mechanical chuck mounted on a spindle head of a five-axis control machining center. The apparent outer diameter of the workpiece is increased by a jig. Clamp surfaces of the jaws and a support surface of the jig are formed on the machining center. A cutting tool is mounted on a spindle by an automatic tool exchanger. The workpiece is rotated about an axis to grind an end surface of the workpiece to approximately a predetermined target shape, which is a spherical surface. A grinder is then mounted on the spindle by the automatic tool exchanger, and the grinder is set relative to the workpiece by five-axis control such that the inclination angle, the offset amount, etc. satisfy a predetermined relationship according to the desired grinding. The grinder is then fed in the Z-axis direction to form the spherical surface by grinding.

Abstract: Method for making a layered dental restoration, the method includes providing a solid structure (e.g., a die or a dental core, such as a fully sintered ceramic dental core) having a desired outer shape, and applying a first slurry to the solid structure to form a first free form layer on the solid structure. The method further include solidifying the first free form layer on the solid structure, and machining the solidified first free form layer to a desired shape to form a first article comprising the solid structure and a first shaped layer. The method can further include applying, solidifying, and machining a second layer in a similar way to form a second article comprising the solid structure, the first shaped layer, and a second shaped layer. The free form layers need not be exposed to a high temperature prior to being machined.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for simultaneously securing opposite parallel edge flaps of a flexible cover sheet to opposite parallel edge faces of a wall panel. A pair of wiping devices move downwardly and wipe the edge flap against the edge faces and transversely tension the cover sheet. Top sweep devices move down into holding contact with the cover sheet adjacent the parallel edge faces to maintain the transverse tension in the sheet. The edge flaps are then deflected and adhesive applied to the edge faces and back surfaces of the edge flaps. The wiping devices then again wipe the flaps downward into pressed contact with the edge faces to create an adhesive securement therewith.

Abstract: A non-electric nose hair clipper comprises a first cutting member comprising a first handle part for grip, a circular cutting ring part formed at one end portion of the first handle part and a first coupling part formed at the other end portion of the handle part opposite the cutting ring part; and a second cutting member comprising a second handle part for grip, a cutting plate part formed at one end portion of the second handle part and a second coupling part formed at the other end portion of the second handle part opposite the cutting plate part, wherein the first coupling part of the first cutting member and the second coupling part of the second cutting member are joined to each other by welding, and the circular cutting ring part and cutting plate part are formed such that they meet inclined relative to each other with a predetermined angle defined between them as seen in a lateral sectional view, and the cutting plate part is formed such that its thickness becomes smaller in the direction away from th

Abstract: A reciprocation driving device is adapted to be mounted in a housing of a hair clipper for reciprocating a moving blade of a blade assembly, and includes a stator unit and a rotor unit. The stator unit has a tubular shaft to permit a spindle of the rotor unit to be rotatably mounted therein by virtue of a pair of bearings, a bracing member disposed to be engaged with the housing, and a coil winding assembly disposed on the tubular shaft. The rotor unit has a carrier member extending radially and outwardly from a spindle end of the spindle to carry a permanently magnetic member so as to generate a torque as a result of electromagnetic forces acting between the rotor and stator units.

Abstract: A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position.

Abstract: A photogrammetry system and method provide for determining the relative position between two objects. The system utilizes one or more imaging devices, such as high speed cameras, that are mounted on a first body, and three or more photogrammetry targets of a known location on a second body. The system and method can be utilized with cameras having fish-eye, hyperbolic, omnidirectional, or other lenses. The system and method do not require overlapping fields-of-view if two or more cameras are utilized. The system and method derive relative orientation by equally weighting information from an arbitrary number of heterogeneous cameras, all with non-overlapping fields-of-view. Furthermore, the system can make the measurements with arbitrary wide-angle lenses on the cameras.

Abstract: In a band in which a plurality of members are connected to one another through joints serving as connection axes parallel to one another, an inter-panel angle indicating an angle between the members adjacent to each other through the joint is adjusted. Each joint is provided with an angular sensor for detecting the inter-panel angle. Based on the detected inter-panel angle, the peripheral shape indicating a shape of at least a part of a periphery of the object to be measured, on which the band is mounted, is measured. The present technology, for example, is useful for an abdominal girth measurement apparatus.

Abstract: The device relates to a device for marking, during nighttime riding through a transport vehicle such as bicycles, two-wheeled vehicles, electric wheelchairs, etc., a rider's temporary dedicated road lines by laser-emitting means mounted at the rear side of the transport vehicle, thereby ensuring the safety of the rider of the transport vehicle. The device includes: laser-emitting modules adapted to form luminous lines spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance on the road beside or behind the transport vehicle; a power supply module adapted to supply power to the laser-emitting modules; an external housing adapted to accommodate the laser-emitting modules thereinto; and a fixing module adapted to fix the external housing to the transport vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic level capable of accurately measuring a height difference between two points even when a waving method of finding and determining as a measured height a minimum value of read heights while rocking a leveling rod back and forth is used. An electronic level includes leveling rod reading-in means (S2) which reads graduations on a leveling rod being rocked back and forth and stores read heights, and stores the time of reading, approximate function determining means (S3) which approximates the read heights read in by the leveling rod reading-in means by a quadratic function of time, and measured value calculating means (S4) which determines a minimum value of the quadratic function approximated by the approximate function determining means as a measured height.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a tool to mark a pitch or a cut line for treads and risers of a stairway, is disclosed herein. The tool includes a first member for marking a rise dimension; a second member for marking a run dimension, and a guide member for acting as a guide against a work piece, all coupled together using adjustable fasteners. The rise dimension and the run dimension are perpendicular to each other, thereby creating a pitch for stair cutouts on a stringer work piece or a pitch for a rafter rake. Individually, the first and second member are selectively adjustable with respect to the guide member to provide a wide range of rise and run dimensions, respectively, The first, second, and guide members can be loosened and repositioned to compactly stow as a composite shape for easy storage and transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for drawing which is capable of providing convenient painting representation of drawing such as a sketch, a study, cartoon, an independent drawing, and the like. The tool for drawing includes: a linear body; and a back-sight means which is formed in at least one point of the body and is perpendicular to the body. The tool for drawing greatly helps a user to sight a representation object of drawing precisely since the tool for drawing can be used as a reference to sight the representation to keep the tool for drawing always perpendicular to a direction at which eyes of the user points. In addition, the tool for drawing of the present invention has another advantage in that it can sight length, angle an so on of the representation object even more precisely and has a wide use for home life, construction and so on.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing having an opening and a measuring tape retractably carried within the housing and extendable via the opening. A locking mechanism is provided for maintaining the measuring tape in an extended position relative to the housing and the locking mechanism includes a lock actuator that is mounted to the housing. An illumination device is incorporated into the lock actuator. The illumination device includes a light emitting diode (LED) wherein the light emitting diode may be arranged on the locking mechanism to illuminate the measuring tape in an area adjacent to the opening and a user activatable switch for causing power to be selectively provided to the LED wherein the user activatable switch is mounted to an exterior surface of the lock actuator.

Abstract: A measuring device for a telescopic handling arm, in which the telescopic handling arm includes at least two elements (1, 2) that are mounted to slide relative to each other, includes measuring elements for measuring the extension of the telescopic arm. The device further includes calculation elements (4) for calculating the extension of the movable portion (2) of the telescopic arm using the hydraulic characteristics of a hydraulic telescoping actuator (3), and the device further includes adjuster elements for adjusting the calculated movements via a signal transmitted by at least one element (5, 6) for contactless identification of the position of the movable portion (2) of the telescopic arm.

Abstract: A work surface device for a domestic household appliance and a household appliance having a work surface. The work surface device includes a housing having a cavity accessible by an opening formed in a sidewall of the housing, and a pivotally-deployable work surface supported by the housing at a pivot point, wherein the pivotally-deployable work surface is movable about the pivot point from a stored position within the cavity to a deployed position outside of the housing, and wherein the pivotally-deployable work surface has a planar upper support surface.

Abstract: A hand dryer with annular air exhaust includes a casing and an air supply device located in the casing. The casing has a coupling portion and an air exhaust portion connected to the coupling portion. The air exhaust portion has two extension sections extended from the coupling portion and a connection section connected to the two extension sections to form an annular hand drying passage. The air exhaust portion includes a plurality of first nozzles and a plurality of second nozzles corresponding to the hand drying passage which has a first opening and a second opening at two ends. The air supply device has an airflow guiding duct to direct air to the air exhaust portion. The first and second nozzles exhaust the air towards the hand drying passage to form annular air exhaust, and thus hand drying angles are increased to dry hands faster.

Abstract: A dryer component for a bidet includes a drying member (40), a blower component (50) and a pipe component (70). The pipe component (70) includes a first separable part (72) and a second separable part (82) so as to provide fluid connection between the blower component (50) and the drying member (40). There is no hose used in the pipe component (70) and the fitting surface between the first part (72) and the second part (82) is tilted, which allows comparatively great fitting tolerances of members of the dryer.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a clothes dryer by determining a load size estimation based on at least one of a temperature variation of the laundry load and a delay time wherein the delay time is a time it takes for the temperature variation to satisfy a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An electrode dryer includes a drying furnace; and a conveyance member for longitudinally conveying a band-like electrode base material coated with a coating material from an entrance to an exit of the drying furnace, the drying furnace including an air-permeable mounting member for horizontally supporting the electrode base material to be conveyed in the drying furnace; and a suction member for sucking the electrode base material through the air-permeable mounting member.

Abstract: A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed. The control method of a laundry treatment apparatus includes a humidity measuring step of measuring a relative humidity of an accommodating space accommodating laundry, a target humidity setting step of setting a target relative humidity based on the relative humidity measured in the humidity measuring step, to dry the laundry, and a heated air supplying step of supplying heated air to the accommodating space based on the target relative humidity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly drying porous materials. A sealable chamber is connected to a cold trap which is connected to a vacuum pump. A sample is placed inside the sealable chamber. The vacuum pump is turned on and air is evacuated through the cold trap to the vacuum pump. An infrared lamp may be used to heat the chamber and sample therein directly or heated air may be allowed to enter the sealable chamber. Air may be drawn directly from the sealable chamber to the vacuum pump bypassing the cold trap. Various parameters may be used to determine if the drying process is complete, including the degree of vacuum achieved in the chamber.

Abstract: A shoe that includes a shoe sole having a medial side and a lateral side, a top insole surface for placement of the foot sole and toes thereon and a bottom outsole surface. The shoe sole has a plurality of toe extensions projecting below the toes. Each toe extension is configured to support and retain at least one toe. Preferably there are five toe extensions, one for each toe. A shoe upper overlays the arch region, is attached to the lateral side and the medial side of the shoe sole and extends toward the toes. The upper is joined to the insole of each toe extension to partially encircle the toe(s) supported and retained on such toe extension, and leaving at least the front region of all the toes exposed.

Abstract: A shoe sole device comprises two cantilever springs that are each comprised of a top member, a bottom member, and a fulcrum where the top member and bottom member are joined. One cantilever spring is positioned within a user's forefoot area, the other cantilever spring is positioned within the user's heel area, and the fulcrums of both cantilever springs are positioned within the user's midfoot area. The shoe sole device may further include a spring dampening system that includes cushion components positioned in-between the top member and the bottom member of one or both cantilever springs. The cantilever springs may also be adjoined at the fulcrums. The top members of one or both cantilever springs may include at least one rib structure for mechanical support. The shoe sole device may be a removable and replaceable shoe sole insert or insole, or it may be positioned within a shoe's midsole.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to a modular shoe system that can include an internal support structure. Additionally, the internal support structure can include support features that can at least assist in providing different levels of support, compression, and/or comfort along various areas of the internal support structure. Furthermore, the internal support structure can have customized configurations and characteristics of support features in order to generally improve the fit and feel of the modular shoe system for a user.