Abstract: A wireless sensor unit and a maintenance method. The sensor unit includes a sensor capable of forming a measurement signal, electronics capable of receiving a measurement signal from the sensor and sending the signal wirelessly to a wireless network, and a power supply for providing supply voltage for the sensor and electronics. The unit is divided into two parts, a first part and a second part such that the first part includes the electronics and is may be mounted permanently to a fixed object like a wall, and second part including the power supply and the sensor. The second part is capable to be repeatedly mounted and detached to the first part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing anti-EMI shields on a computer chassis includes the following steps. An anti-EMI plate and a plate on the computer chassis are separately cut into desired dimensions by a cutting machine. The anti-EMI plate and the plate with are washed with cleaning agent. The anti-EMI plate is glued on an EMI area of the plate. The plate is pre-dried with the anti-EMI plate by a drying machine. The anti-EMI plate is pre-pressed onto the plate by a pressing machine. The anti-EMI plate is pressed onto the plate by the pressing machine. The plate is quick dried with the anti-EMI plate by the drying machine. The plate is stamped into desired shape with the anti-EMI plate by a stamping machine.

Abstract: A rotating device comprises a hub on which a magnetic recording disk is to be mounted and a base rotatably supporting the hub. At least one of the base and the hub is an item of manufacture. A method for manufacturing the rotating device comprises the steps of forming the item of manufacture, immersing the formed item of manufacture in an aqueous solution, the solute of which being a surfactant and the temperature of which being higher than the melting point of heptacosane, taking out the item of manufacture from the aqueous solution and immersing the item of manufacture in a liquid that can be regarded as pure water, taking out the item of manufacture from the liquid and drying the item of manufacture, and assembling the rotating device using the dried item of manufacture.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus includes: an operational sequence supervision unit which is created in compiler language determining an operational sequence specifying a series of sequence operations of suctioning, recognizing and mounting a component; and a second memory unit which stores a custom program, created in interpreter language and specifying an operation different from the series of sequence operations, and custom program designation information that designates execution of the custom program. The operational sequence supervision unit controls a switching process for switching from the series of sequence operations to an interpreter language processing execution routine for executing the custom program, during, or before or after, the series of sequence operations in accordance with the custom program designation information.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (‘PCB’) with reduced dielectric loss, including conductive traces disposed upon layers of dielectric material, the layers of dielectric material including core layers and prepreg layers, one or more of the layers of dielectric material including pockets of air that reduce an overall relative dielectric constant of the PCB.

Abstract: A wiring board having high connection reliability is provided. The wiring board comprises: an insulating base material (30); wiring patterns (51-57) formed on one main surface of the insulating base material (30); and vias (11V, 12V) which penetrate from the one main surface side of the insulating base material (30) to the other main surface side and which is conductive with the wiring patterns (51-57), wherein the vias (11V, 12V) have connection base portions (111V, 121V) which merge into the wiring patterns (51-57) to have certain curvatures, and cone-like portions (113V, 123V) of which the outer diameters become thinner as approaching top head portions (112V, 122V) of the vias (11V, 12V) from the connection base portions (111V, 121V).

Abstract: A coaxial connector for interconnection with a coaxial cable with a solid outer conductor by friction welding is provided with a monolithic connector body with a bore dimensioned for an interference fit with an outer diameter of the outer conductor. A friction groove may be formed around the leading end of the outer conductor by application of a friction weld support against the inner diameter and leading end of the outer conductor. The friction groove may include a material chamber formed between a radial friction protrusion of the bore and a bottom of the friction groove. The friction weld support may be provided with ceramic surfaces contacting the outer conductor, a stop shoulder dimensioned to abut a cable end of the bore and/or an elastic insert seated within an inner conductor bore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of assembling an implantable medical lead configured to receive a stylet. The lead is provided with a tubular insulation layer, an electrode is disposed on the tubular insulation layer, an electrical conductor is routed through the tubular insulation layer, and a stylet stop is inserted into a distal end of the tubular insulation layer. The electrical conductor is directly and mechanically connected to the stylet stop and is in electrical communication with the electrode.

Abstract: A method of working a vane assembly for a gas turbine engine involves a collar and an engine operated cooling baffle. The collar is connected to the cooling baffle and installed into the interior cavity of the vane assembly. A braze is applied to both a portion of the collar that interfaces with the cooling baffle and to a second portion of the collar that interfaces with the vane assembly. In one embodiment, the connection between the replacement collar and both the cooling baffle and vane assembly is accomplished by fitting the cooling baffle into the collar and by slipping a portion of the cooling baffle with a smaller cross-sectional area though the collar.

Abstract: In a method for the finishing of a crankshaft bearing bore in a cylinder crankcase of an internal combustion engine, starting from a prepared crankshaft bearing bore, a finished crankshaft bearing bore is produced with a prescribable desired size, a prescribable desired structure of the bore inner surface and a prescribable desired position of the bore axis. The prepared crankshaft bearing bore is first finished with at least one finishing tool with a geometrically defined cutting edge and then the honing of the crankshaft bearing bore is carried out. In a final finishing operation with a geometrically defined cutting edge immediately preceding the honing, an allowance of at least 0.4 mm is removed, and the honing tool is introduced into the bore coaxially in relation to the desired position of the bore axis and moved within the bore, an allowance of at least 0.08 mm being removed during the honing.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a mounting substrate for an inkjet printhead, the method includes providing a plurality of layers of unfired ceramic, wherein a first layer and a second layer of the plurality of layers are each patterned to have unfired ceramic in one region and no unfired ceramic in a second region; stacking the plurality of layers in a predetermined order; and firing the stack of layers to make a co-fired ceramic substrate including a first ink channel corresponding to the first layer and a second ink channel corresponding to the second layer.

Abstract: A tire press is provided for inserting or removing a variable function insert (VFI) from a tire that includes a frame, a jaw assembly secured to the frame and a pusher assembly secured to the frame for interaction with the jaw assembly to insert or remove the VFI from within the tire. The invention also includes the method of inserting or removing the VFI from the tire using the press.

Abstract: A method of one of manufacturing and maintaining a grinding roll comprises removably attaching an article adapted for use as a wear resistant working surface to an external surface a cylindrical core. The article includes a metal matrix composite comprising a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed in a matrix material comprising a metal or a metal alloy. The melting temperature of the inorganic particles is greater than the melting temperature of the matrix material. Hard elements are embedded in the metal matrix composite. The wear resistance of the metal matrix composite is less than the wear resistance of the hard elements, and the metal matrix composite wears away when the grinding roll is in use, thereby providing or preserving gaps between the hard elements at a working surface of the roll.

Abstract: A method for on-line manufacturing of a dental appliance for the mouth of a patient, includes the steps providing a menu of questions to a user soliciting specifying information for specifying a manufacturing process to manufacture the dental appliance for the patient and producing a dental model of said mouth of said patient. The method also requires transmitting by said user said specifying information to a first manufacturing laboratory by way of the internet to create a user order for said dental appliance and transmitting said dental model by said user to said first manufacturing laboratory. The dental appliance is manufactured by said first manufacturing laboratory in accordance with said transmitted specifying information and said transmitted model to provide a manufactured dental appliance.

Abstract: To minimize the risk for injuries due to hooked hair catching teeth, but still have a reasonable hair-cutting efficiency, a cutting unit for a hair-cutting device having two blades moving relatively to each other with at least one of the blades being toothed is proposed, wherein at least some teeth have a larger cross-sectional area at their free end than at their end making the junction with the blade, wherein the larger cross-sectional area is 0.3 mm2 or more and wherein the shape of the larger cross-sectional area is such that the tooth surface oriented to face the surface with hair to be cut when cutting has a larger distance to the middle axis than the equivalent surface of the blade-side-end.

Abstract: An egg slicer includes a base having a plurality of ribs for supporting a food item to be sliced. The cutting element formed with a frame and one or more blades extending across the frame may be pressed downward such that it slices through the food item and the one or more blades are received within channels formed between the ribs. Openings formed between sidewalls of the base serve as guides to ensure an axial path of travel of the cutting element. Several different arrangements of channels between the ribs allows for the accommodation of several corresponding different arrangements of blades.

Abstract: A knife with a handle and a blade, associated with means adapted to emit sound using an air flow, the said means being incorporated inside the body of the said handle, and being of the whistle type, and comprising a recess connected to a mouthpiece located upstream, through which the said flow of air is introduced, and connected to an exit window located downstream. An air compression chamber located downstream from the mouthpiece, opens through a hole into an expansion chamber (or pressure relief chamber) which is itself connected to the said exit window. The compression chamber is such that its section along a plane orthogonal to the air flow reduces, preferably in a linear manner, in the direction of the expansion chamber. The exit window has a bevelled edge on the side opposite the compression chamber. The compression chamber opens onto two parallel expansion chambers having different lengths.

Abstract: A self-powered chainsaw, typically a battery powered chainsaw, comprising a housing (1; 21), a power source (5; 25), a endless cutting chain (4; 24) having a plurality of cutting elements and a motor (6) arranged to drive the chain (4; 24) relative to the housing (1; 21) using power from the power source (5; 25), in which the chainsaw further comprises a sharpening element (12; 32) which is arranged so as to be driven relative to the cutting elements and the housing (1; 21) using the power source (5; 25).

Abstract: A peeling tool includes a main shaft, a handle affixed to a first portion of the main shaft, a nose rotatably coupled to a second portion of the main shaft, a blade assembly positioned intermediate the handle and the nose about the main shaft, the blade assembly including a first arcuate blade and a second arcuate blade defining a space therebetween for the passage of a slice of a food product, and a peel thickness adjustment mechanism, the peel thickness adjustment mechanism being actuatable to adjust a dimension of the space.

Abstract: A rolling bearing strip for a power operated rotary knife providing bearing support for rotation of a rotary knife blade with respect to a blade housing. The rolling bearing strip includes: a plurality of rolling bearings disposed in spaced apart relation; and a flexible separator cage for positioning the plurality of spaced apart rolling bearings, the flexible separator cage including interlocking first and second ends, the first end of the separator cage including a wall defining a projecting member and the second end of the separator cage including a wall defining a receiving member, the first end projecting member and the second end receiving member being in opposed facing relationship and the first end projecting member extending into the second end receiving member to secure the first end to the second end and form an annular, continuous rolling bearing ring.

Abstract: A hedge trimmer (1) comprises an electric motor (3) and at least two cutting blades (5,6), each blade comprising at least one row of teeth with the motor being connected to at least one of the blades so that rotation of the motor (4) produces a movement of at least one of the blades relative to the other, a first user operable switch (10) for operation of the hedge trimmer blades and a second user operable switch (11) which enables a user to select between at least two operating modes of the hedge trimmer, the two modes comprising a hedge trimming mode in which operation of the first user operable switch causes a reciprocal motion of the at least one blade, and a secateur mode in which operation of the switch causes a single cutting cycle to be performed. A two ratio gearbox may be provided to enable the blades to move at a lower speed and with higher torque when in the secateur mode compared with the hedge trimming mode.

Abstract: A power operated rotary knife (100) including: an annular rotary knife blade (300) including a knife blade bearing surface (319); a blade housing (400) defining a blade housing bearing surface (459); and a blade-blade housing bearing structure (500) disposed between the knife blade bearing surface (319) and the blade housing bearing surface (459). The blade-blade housing bearing structure (500) includes a rolling bearing strip (502) having a plurality of rolling bearings (506), such as ball bearings, disposed in spaced apart relation in a flexible separator cage (508). The rolling bearing strip (502) traverses through an annular passageway (504) defined between the knife blade bearing surface (319) and the blade housing bearing surface (459) to secure the knife blade (300) to the blade housing (400) and support the knife blade for rotation about a central axis (R) with respect to the blade housing (400).

Abstract: A power operated rotary knife (100) including: an annular rotary knife blade (300) including a knife blade bearing surface (319); a blade housing (400) defining a blade housing bearing surface (459); and a blade-blade housing bearing structure (500) disposed between the knife blade bearing surface (319) and the blade housing bearing surface (459). The blade-blade housing bearing structure (500) includes a rolling bearing strip (502) having a plurality of rolling bearings (506), such as ball bearings, disposed in spaced apart relation in a flexible separator cage (508). The rolling bearing strip (502) traverses through an annular passageway (504) defined between the knife blade bearing surface (319) and the blade housing bearing surface (459) to secure the knife blade (300) to the blade housing (400) and support the knife blade for rotation about a central axis (R) with respect to the blade housing (400).

Abstract: A power operated rotary knife (100) including: an annular rotary knife blade (300) including a knife blade bearing surface (319); a blade housing (400) defining a blade housing bearing surface (459); and a blade-blade housing bearing structure (500) disposed between the knife blade bearing surface (319) and the blade housing bearing surface (459). The blade-blade housing bearing structure (500) includes a rolling bearing strip (502) having a plurality of rolling bearings (506), such as ball bearings, disposed in spaced apart relation in a flexible separator cage (508). The rolling bearing strip (502) traverses through an annular passageway (504) defined between the knife blade bearing surface (319) and the blade housing bearing surface (459) to secure the knife blade (300) to the blade housing (400) and support the knife blade for rotation about a central axis (R) with respect to the blade housing (400).

Abstract: A power operated rotary knife (100) including: an annular rotary knife blade (300) including a knife blade bearing surface (319); a blade housing (400) defining a blade housing bearing surface (459); and a blade-blade housing bearing structure (500) disposed between the knife blade bearing surface (319) and the blade housing bearing surface (459). The blade-blade housing bearing structure (500) includes a rolling bearing strip (502) having a plurality of rolling bearings (506), such as ball bearings, disposed in spaced apart relation in a flexible separator cage (508). The rolling bearing strip (502) traverses through an annular passageway (504) defined between the knife blade bearing surface (319) and the blade housing bearing surface (459) to secure the knife blade (300) to the blade housing (400) and support the knife blade for rotation about a central axis (R) with respect to the blade housing (400).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable panel cutter for cutting and tailoring a plate material such as a sandwich panel which is formed by overlapping a metal plate material at both side surfaces of an insulating material. The portable panel cutter includes: a cutting blade (10); a pulling means (20) for pulling the cutting blade; and a driving means (60) for driving the pulling means (20). The cutting blade is additionally provided with a cutting blade section (14), which is detachably coupled with the cutting blade. Therefore, it is possible to repair or partially substitute the cutting blade section in the case of the abrasion or breakage of the cutting blade section, thereby maximizing economic and cutting efficiencies. In addition, a general purpose drill is mounted and used as the driving means instead of a motor, thereby exhibiting superior portability.

Abstract: A hemispheric armillary with arms and supporting a structure for supporting a gnomon over a time indicating dial plate is constructed to avoid the arms' shadows from eclipsing the gnomon shadow on the dial plate.

Abstract: An adjustable construction square is provided that comprising an elongated blade and an elongated cross member coupled to the blade. The elongated blade has a longitudinal axis and linear measurement indicia on one of its surfaces. The elongated cross member also has a longitudinal axis, and has top and bottom surfaces with measurement indicia on its top surface. An end of the blade member is coupled to an end of the cross member. The end of the blade member that is coupled to an end of the cross member has a contour, and the end of the cross member that is coupled to the blade member has a contour. This arrangement and contoured ends allow accurate measurements in certain construction applications. The adjustable construction square includes a clamping jig that enables the construction square to be quickly secured into a desired angular position. The clamping jig includes a clamping device, a wedge device, and an arm that work in combination to secure the adjustable construction square in a desired position.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine is provided having a base. A cover is rotatably coupled to the base to move between a closed position and an open position. A display is arranged within the cover. The display includes a screen surface, such as a touch sensitive screen surface, disposed on one side of the housing. The screen surface being adjacent the base in the closed position and disposed on an angle to the base in the open position.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) is provided. The AACMM includes a manually positionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends. The arm includes a plurality of connected arm segments, each of the arm segments including at least one position transducer for producing a position signal. A measurement device is attached to a first end of the AACMM. An electronic circuit is provided for receiving the position signals from the transducers and for providing data corresponding to a position of the measurement device. A light source is coupled to the arm and disposed to emit light adjacent the measurement device.

Abstract: A shaft alignment component for aligning a rotatable shaft positioned within a housing of a driven device with a motor shaft of a motor positioned outside of the housing of the driven device is disclosed. The component includes a body portion having an opening formed therethrough to receive the rotatable shaft and/or the motor shaft therein, a first alignment feature configured to interface with an alignment hub on the motor to position the motor shaft along a centerline axis of the shaft alignment component, and a second alignment feature comprising a chamfered surface configured to interface with a countersunk feature on the housing. The chamfered surface is configured to interface with the countersunk feature to self-align the shaft alignment component with the housing such that the rotatable shaft of the driven device is positioned along the centerline axis of the shaft alignment component and aligned with the motor shaft.

Abstract: The DS SPEED MARKER was developed as a measuring device. The handle is comfortable in size and length and the revolution of the wheel creating a chalk mark upon each revolution is effortless to use. I have used the DS SPEED MARKER countless times in the field. It is well made, very durable, accurate and the most efficient way to measure and mark lengths of firewood available.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing assembly having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a peripheral wall extending from the first side wall to the second side wall. A cavity is defined within the housing assembly, and the first side wall defines at least one aperture open to the cavity during use of the tape measure. The peripheral wall defines a tape port. A spool is rotatably supported in the cavity about an axis and includes at least a portion of a measuring tape. A hook member is fixedly coupled to an end portion of the measuring tape. The spool includes a retraction mechanism with an elongated coiled spring.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing assembly defining a cavity and a tape port from which to extend and retract a measuring tape. The measuring tape forms a spool rotatably coupled about an axis. A hook member is fixedly coupled to an end portion of the measuring tape. A U-shaped guard member extends from the housing assembly adjacent the tape port. The guard member is configured to engage the hook member when the measuring tape is retracted into the housing assembly.

Abstract: A walk through forced air body dryer is provided. The body has a housing that provides a walk through passage, a blower, and an aperture or apertures to direct air towards an inside of the passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the flow-through treatment of web-shaped, gas-permeable material, in particular for drying woven or non-woven fabrics, having the following characteristics: a sieving drum (5), which is rotatably supported and which is connected to a vacuum generator and which has a permeable outer circumference, wherein the material web (M) to be treated rotates around part of the outer circumference of the sieving drum (5); a treatment chamber (BH), which accommodates the sieving drum and to which the gas to be treated, preferably heated air, is supplied; inside the treatment chamber (BH), a sieving cover (SD) or corresponding flow-conducting elements, which surround the sieving drum (5) in the area around which the material web (M) is wound and by means of which the gas flowing into the treatment chamber (BH) is conducted in the direction of the sieving drum surface.

Abstract: A press for pressing batches of fabric articles to remove excess fluid therefrom utilizes a specially configured frame having upper and lower plates. The frame supports a vessel having an interior that receives a batch of fabric articles therein. A press having a ram and a disk is supported at the lower end portion of the ram. The disk engages an upper surface portion of the batch of articles. The ram and disk move between upper and lower positions, the lower position being a pressing position that engages the disk with the fabric articles. The frame includes a plurality of rods that connect to the upper and lower plates, spacing the plates apart. The rods each have upper and lower end portions, each with a diameter that is larger than the diameter of a central portion of said rod that is positioned in between the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: An assembly and method for irradiating a surface utilizing a plurality of LEDs in a pattern such that a linear fill factor characterizing such pattern is at least 80% along a focusing direction and/or at least 20% along a direction transverse to said focusing direction, the radiation emitted from the LEDs and reflected onto the surface from a trough reflector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drying method and system for removing water from biomass material. The method comprising the steps of: (a) heating said biomass material with a heating fluid to release water from said biomass by evaporation, wherein the heating fluid has been heated with heat generated by a chiller condenser condensing refrigerant from a gas phase to a liquid phase; (b) recovering heat from said heating fluid that has been in contact with said biomass in step (a), by thermally coupling the heating fluid to the refrigerant in the liquid phase to thereby evaporate the refrigerant to the gas phase.

Abstract: A clothes treatment apparatus (100) includes a cabinet (10) configured to define an accommodating space (12) where clothes are accommodated, an air supply device (22) configured to supply air to the accommodating space (12) of the cabinet (10), an aroma treating part (500) configured to perform aroma treatment toward the accommodating space (12), and a control part configured to control the air supply device (22) and the aroma treating part (500). The aroma treating part (500) includes a mounting part (510) and an aroma module (520) installed in the mounting part (510). Within the accommodating space door (14), the mounting part (510) is detachably mounted to a mounting space part (312) and a control part (314). A motor (512) opens and closed the aroma module (520) and a driving cam (513) coupled to a rotation shaft of the motor (512) is provided in a lower area of a recessed portion (511).

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for treating a substrate. Specifically, provided are an apparatus and method for treating a substrate through a supercritical process. The apparatus includes: a housing providing a space for performing a process; a support member disposed in the housing to support a substrate; a supply port configured to supply a process fluid to the housing; a shield member disposed between the supply port and the support member to prevent the process fluid from being directly injected to the substrate; and an exhaust port configured to discharge the process fluid from the housing.

Abstract: A contoured insole especially advantageous for users with medium to high arches is disclosed. It comprises a generally foot-shaped base extending from a heel end to a toe end, which comprises a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the base preferably further comprises two indentations formed integrally therein in a forefoot area and a heel area. A forefoot pad and a heel pad are secured to each of said indentations. Preferably, the base is made from a polyurethane foam. The pads are made from rubber or synthetic rubber. A top sheet is coextensive with and secured to the top surface of the base. The top sheet is generally a fabric which preferably has antimicrobial characteristics. In use, the foot of the wearer, with or without a sock or stocking thereon, rests upon the top sheet in the foot-receiving compartment of a user's shoe.

Abstract: A composite panel portion of an upper may include a contouring element located between a backing and an outer panel. The outer panel conforms to the contouring element and the backing so as to form a raised contour.

Abstract: This embodiment relates to athletic footwear devices, more particularly, athletic footwear, soles, insoles, inserts and slip-ons. They incorporate the use of natural or manmade materials therein, that are strategically produced for height, length and severe drop off shape (FIGS. 10, 10a). They are strategically placed at areas of the foot which will avail the user of the ability to enhance the Second-Class Lever of the feet. By engaging this lever, the fulcrum and the phalanges will increase their ability to walk or run faster, and jump higher. As another embodiment (FIGS. 12, 13a) the device is provided as an independent insert that is produced at the strategic height, length and shape and can be inserted into an existing footwear device. (FIGS. 14, 15a) An additional embodiment is directed to the form of a slip-on footwear device (FIG. 16). which can be worn on the foot and used independently, or first become attached to the foot and then inserted into an existing athletic footwear device (FIGS.

Abstract: An article of footwear or other product may include a material element having a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and at least one strand. The second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, and the second layer is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. The strand is located between the first layer and the second layer, and the strand lies substantially parallel to the second layer for a distance of at least five centimeters. In this configuration, the thermoplastic polymer material may join the first layer and the third layer to the second layer. The thermoplastic polymer material may also join the strand to the second layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shell of a sports shoe, in particular a ski boot, comprising at least one shell part having at least one stiffening part, which has a higher stability than the other components of the shell parts. One or more spacers protrude from an interior surface of the stiffening part. A portion of the shell is formed from a relatively flexible plastic material compared to the stiffening part. Furthermore, a method for producing an above-mentioned shell of a sports shoe is described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a footwear product line is provided comprising at least nine models of footwear, with at least three different sizes and at least three levels of firmness. Each of the footwear comprises a sole portion, an upper portion attached to the sole portion and configured for retaining the footwear on a wearer's foot, and a support portion located within the sole portion, wherein said models of footwear within the product line differ only in size and the cushioning properties of the support portion. In one embodiment, a footwear product line is provided comprising at least two different models of footwear, with at least two levels of firmness.

Abstract: Customized or personalized recessed designs can be cut into the bottom of the soles of flip flops, sandals, boots, and any other flat soled footwear using computerized numerical control machining. The customized recessed design can be created in reverse (i.e., in mirror image) to leave a specified design or message when the shoe is pressed into material capable or taking an impression such as sand or snow. Designs can also be created to appear forward (non-mirrored) on the sole so that that design or text is legible when looking at the sole of the shoe. The footwear can be custom produced at the request of a customer, who can specify the nature of the customization for one or more pairs of footwear. Each of a pair of the footwear may have a different design, message or message portion.

Abstract: A boot bra for securing an upper portion of a boot while worn by a user can include an elastic band in the form of or configurable as a ring. The elastic band can be in the form of a continuous ring or can have a first wrap engagement member (e.g., hooks) mounted at a first end and a second wrap engagement member (e.g., loops into which the hooks can be latched) mounted at a second end of the elastic band and configured to securely engage the first wrap engagement member when the elastic band is wrapped around a human leg to form the ring. A first boot-to-band engagement member (e.g., snap member) is mounted to the elastic band; and a boot mount includes a second boot-to-band engagement member (e.g., snap member) configured for secure engagement with the engagement member on the elastic band.

Abstract: An adornment for application to an article of footwear includes a decorative element sized and shaped for conforming application about the quarter of a shoe and two or more fasteners operably affixed to the decorative element and adapted to removably affix the decorative element directly to the quarter of the shoe. The decorative element may be formed as a decorative panel, a decorative construct, a decorative strip or the like. In the case of a panel or construct, clips or clasps are used for engaging the cuff about the throat of the shoe. In the case of a decorative strip, a novel use of magnetic fasteners is disclosed.