Abstract: An object is to improve the cycle performance by improving the reactivity between lithium and a negative electrode active material in the case where an alloy-based material such as silicon is used as the negative electrode active material. A method of manufacturing a lithium secondary battery including a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material into/from which lithium can be inserted/extracted, a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material into/from which lithium can be inserted/extracted, and an electrolyte solution is provided. The method includes the steps of electrochemically inserting lithium into the negative electrode with use of a counter electrode before the lithium secondary battery is assembled, electrochemically extracting part of the lithium inserted into the negative electrode after the insertion, and assembling the lithium secondary after the extraction.

Abstract: A sealed battery includes a sealing plate 13 sealing a mouth of an outer can, an external terminal 16 attached to the sealing plate 13 and having a connecting terminal 23, and a current interruption mechanism 18 interrupting current in response to pressure increase in the outer can that is installed in a conductive pathway electrically connecting the connecting terminal 23 and an electrode assembly. In the connecting terminal 23, a through-hole 23b continuing to the space on the current interruption mechanism 18 at the side corresponding to the outside of the battery is formed. The through-hole 23b is sealed with a terminal stopper 30 made of an elastic member so as to form a closed space between the terminal stopper 30 and current interruption mechanism 18. An electrolyte or washing solution hardly enters the current interruption mechanism during the manufacture can be provided.

Abstract: A sealed battery includes a sealing plate 13 sealing a mouth of an outer can, an external terminal 16 attached to the sealing plate 13 and having a connecting terminal 23, and a current interruption mechanism 18 interrupting current in response to pressure increase in the outer can that is installed in a conductive pathway electrically connecting the connecting terminal 23 and an electrode assembly. In the connecting terminal 23, a through-hole 23b continuing to the space on the current interruption mechanism 18 at the side corresponding to the outside of the battery is formed. The through-hole 23b is sealed with a terminal stopper 30 made of an elastic member so as to form a closed space between the terminal stopper 30 and current interruption mechanism 18. An electrolyte or washing solution hardly enters the current interruption mechanism during the manufacture can be provided.

Abstract: In a technology for manufacturing a battery electrode by applying an application liquid containing an active material, stripe-shaped pattern elements are formed at narrower intervals than before while contact between the pattern elements is avoided. An application liquid containing an active material is applied onto a base material 11, which will become a current collector, by a nozzle-scan coating method, thereby forming stripe-shaped active material pattern elements P1, P3, P5, . . . parallel to each other and extending in a Y-direction. After liquid components are volatilized from the application liquid and spread base parts of the pattern elements are shrunk, pattern elements P2, P4, P6, . . . are formed by applying the application liquid in stripes between the already formed pattern elements. In this way, it can be prevented that the base parts approach each other and the pattern elements touch each other when the adjacent patterns are simultaneously formed.

Abstract: A system and method for placing a label on a container is described herein. Specifically, a system for labeling a container can comprise a closed-form band having an inner surface, an outer surface, a height, and a circumference capable of circumscribing a container, and a sign affixed to said outer surface of said band.

Abstract: A part processing apparatus includes a plurality of part mounting devices, each of which is rotatable. Parts are mounted on the plurality of part mounting devices, and the parts are rotated on the devices during a part processing operation. A rotational input shaft is coupled to all of the plurality of part mounting devices so that all of the part mounting devices rotate together. A part processing robot may be movable between a plurality of positions located adjacent each of the part mounting devices. Alternatively, the part mounting devices may be movable to a plurality of different positions so that each of the part mounting devices can be located adjacent to the part processing robot.

Abstract: A method of installing a pipeline under land or relatively shallow water with minimal disturbance of the surface environment is provided wherein a subsurface, horizontal hole is drilled between spaced apart sites established between a source location and a destination location, and pipe segments are then run through the horizontal hole to connect the locations. The method drills the horizontal hole by positioning a first horizontal drilling rig at a source location and a second horizontal drilling rig at a destination location, and the using the rigs to drill a horizontal hole between the source and destination locations by means of a transverse reaming process.

Abstract: A flip-chip bonder fabricates an optical assembly by horizontally positioning a flexible portion of a substrate including a waveguide with the waveguide exposed at one end edge of the substrate; bending a portion of the flexible substrate to place the waveguide exposed end in approximately a vertical position; vertically positioning a bond head containing an optical component upon the waveguide exposed substrate edge to optically mate the optical component with the exposed waveguide; and fixably mounting the optical component to the substrate edge.

Abstract: An assembly kit for building a rack includes a plurality of longitudinal members to be arranged vertically, a plurality of cross members to be arranged horizontally, a plurality of node elements that connect the longitudinal members and cross members to each other, and a plurality of rails that accommodate rack bottoms, drawers, and the like. The longitudinal members are provided with holes used to hook in the rails on first lateral surfaces of the longitudinal members facing each other, wherein the holes are T-shaped and include breakouts adjacent to the first lateral surfaces. The rails are longer than the open distance of a front longitudinal member from a rear longitudinal member by the depth of the breakouts and are provided with U-shaped folded edges. The width of the vertically extending section of the T-shaped hole corresponds to the length of the free leg of the U-shaped folded edge.

Abstract: “DEVICE TO FACILITATE THE ASSEMBLY AND FIXATION OF A JUNCTION BOX IN AN ELECTRICAL ENGINE”, being the device to facilitate the assembly and fixation of a junction box belonging to an old engine to be replaced by a new engine, even there being differences between perforation standards noticed in old junction box and in the new electrical engine; said device is referred by number (1) and it is fulfilled as an adapting plate (2), which consists of a solid metallic part (3), of preferably quadrangular shape, said adapting plate (2) presents, in proximity with its vertexes (4), traversing bores (5) integrating a first bore standard; the adapting plate (2) is also provided with a second bore standard formed by traversing bores (6) integrating a first bore standard; the adapting plate (2) is also provided with a second bore standard formed by traversing bores (6) arranged around a traversing opening (7); each traversing bore (5) presents two diameter measurements defining a scaling (5A), where in a first section (5A

Abstract: A pin adjuster for electronic components adjusts and fixes pins of an electronic component while the electronic component is being installed on a circuit board such that the pins correspond in position to and connect to a plurality of contacts on the circuit board, respectively. The pin adjuster includes an insulating body and a plurality of channels. The channels each penetrate the insulating body and have an entry end and an exit end. The entry ends correspond in position to the pins of the electronic component, respectively, and the exit ends correspond in position to the contacts, respectively, such that the pins are adjusted and fixed in place by penetrating the channels, respectively. The pin adjuster enables the pins to be aligned with and connected to the contacts rapidly and precisely, thereby shortening the time taken to mount the electronic component on the circuit board and streamlining manual operation.

Abstract: A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of conductor layers, an insulator layer separating each of the conductor layers, and at least one connector connecting two of the conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of conductor layers, an insulator layer separating each of the conductor layers, and at least one connector connecting two of the conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A flip-chip bonder fabricates an optical assembly by horizontally positioning a flexible portion of a substrate including a waveguide with the waveguide exposed at one end edge of the substrate; bending a portion of the flexible substrate to place the waveguide exposed end in approximately a vertical position; vertically positioning a bond head containing an optical component upon the waveguide exposed substrate edge to optically mate the optical component with the exposed waveguide; and fixably mounting the optical component to the substrate edge.

Abstract: A combination component handling and connecting device connectable to a multi-axis robot for use in moving and connecting components and subassemblies includes a housing and an actuator fixedly connected to the housing. The actuator includes an actuating link movable from a first position to a second position. Connected to the actuating link is an end effector for concurrent movement with the actuating link. The component handling and connecting device includes a clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw. The second jaw is connected to the actuating link for selectively moving the second jaw toward the first jaw operative to engage a component.

Abstract: A neutron detector comprises at least two conductive cathode sheets lying parallel to one another and coated with neutron reactive material on at least one side thereof; dielectric material separating the cathode sheets and covering less than about 80% of their surface area; and a plurality of anode wires lying generally parallel to the cathode sheets and separated from them by the dielectric, with the distance between adjacent anode wires being no more than twenty times the distance between said cathode sheets. The cathode sheets may be flat or curved; they may be separate plates or they may be successive folds or windings of a single folded or spiral-shaped metal sheet. Related methods for building the detector are disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-layer printed wiring boards may be produced by: (1) conveying an adhesive sheet from an adhesive sheet roll wherein an adhesive sheet having a prepreg formed on a support film is wound in a roll and placing the adhesive sheet such that a prepreg surface contacts one or both of the surfaces of a circuit board, (2) partially adhering the adhesive sheet to the circuit board by heating and pressing a part of the adhesive sheet from the support film side, and cutting the adhesive sheet according to the size of the circuit board with a cutter, (3) heating and pressing the temporarily fitted adhesive sheet under reduced pressure to laminate the adhesive sheet on the circuit board, (4) forming an insulating layer by thermally curing the prepreg, and (5) detaching the support film after the thermal curing step.

Abstract: An electronic device package 100 comprising a lead frame 105 having at least one lead 110 with a notch 205. The notch includes at least one reentrant angle 210 of greater than 180 degrees and the notch is located distal to a cut end 1010 of the lead.

Abstract: A spacer assembly includes first and second clamping bodies. The first clamping body has a first slot therein and the second clamping body has an opening. A fastener is received by the first clamping body slot and the second clamping body opening to secure the first clamping body to the second clamping body such that rotation of the fastener moves the fastener in the first clamping body slot to move the first clamping body relative to the second clamping body.

Abstract: A pinion disassembly tool is configured to remove a yoke or a flange member and a pinion fastener from a splined pinion shaft in a pinion assembly. The tool includes a yoke holding plate with a central aperture sized to receive a socket wrench during removal of the pinion fastener. The yoke holding plate includes fastener apertures for connection to the yoke and at least one non-circular aperture for receiving a breaker bar during removal of the pinion fastener. The tool also includes a drive plate with a threaded aperture, the drive plate inserted through the central aperture of the yoke holding plate after removal of the pinion fastener. The tool also includes a drive bolt engaged with the threaded aperture and configured to force the drive plate and the yoke holding plate to pull the yoke from the splined pinion shaft as the drive bolt is rotated.

Abstract: A method of removing a metal sleeve from a bore formed in one or more elements is disclosed. The sleeve may be a cold-expanded sleeve secured within the bore by means of an interference fit. The method includes removing material from the internal surface of the sleeve by means of cutting along a line to a depth less than the thickness of the sleeve, and subsequently urging the sleeve from the bore.

Abstract: There is provided a method of marking truss systems including the steps of: inputting project/customer data at point of sale into a mass-customized truss system design engine; generating manufacture information by the design engine; providing a plurality of truss members; and marking each of the plurality of truss members with the manufacturing information. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of marking truss systems comprising the steps of: determining a plurality of roll formed members for a particular truss system having a plurality of in-plane trusses and out-of-plane members connected to the in-plane trusses; and roll forming, cutting and marking at least a portion of the plurality of roll formed members providing detailed and complete information for: assembling the in-plane trusses; erecting the in-plane trusses; and installing the out-of-plane members.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely clipping nails comprises a blade/base assembly, a lever, and a shaft. The blade/base assembly comprises a blade incorporating a sharp cutting edge, a base incorporating a ledge having a front face for aligning the tool to the nail and a top face for supporting the nail, and a rivet to fix said blade to said base. The lever is designed to actuate the apparatus, having a fixed end, an unconstrained end, and a cam. The fixed end is mechanically fixed to said blade/base assembly by means of a shaft designed to place said blade/base assembly into a spring-loaded condition. The cam is designed to compress the blade/base assembly as the unconstrained end of the lever is pressed toward blade/base assembly, thereby causing the sharp cutting edge to clamp down upon and cut through the nail.

Abstract: A power cable includes: a conductor layer including an inner conductor core, and an outer conductor core that surrounds the inner conductor core and that is made of copper-clad aluminum; an insulator layer that covers the conductor layer; and an outer sheath layer that covers the insulator layer.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an assisted folding knife, which includes a handle; a blade having a first end pivotally connected to a first end of the handle; a first resilient element having a first end positioned proximate to a second end of the handle and a second end extending to the pivotally connecting position of the handle and blade, such that when the blade has been rotated out from the handle by a predetermined angle, the first resilient element produces a torque tending to rotate the blade out of the handle; a post fixed on the blade, and exposed outside the handle when the blade is completely received in the handle; and a poking element pivotally provided in the handle and having a first end lying outside rotation of the blade, and a second end pressed against the post when the blade is completely received in the handle.

Abstract: A knife according to the present disclosure includes a housing and a blade. The blade includes a blade edge adapted to engage a material, and the blade is coupled to a blade shuttle. The blade and blade shuttle are substantially enclosed within the housing when the blade shuttle is in a retracted position, and the blade is extended from the housing when the blade shuttle is in an extended position. The blade shuttle is adapted to be conveyed to the retracted position based on the blade receiving a force directed substantially perpendicular to the blade edge.

Abstract: A multi-part hair clipper housing lid is provided that is configured for engagement upon a main hair clipper housing. The lid includes a base having an interior portion defined by an interior edge, a trim piece having an outer trim edge configured for locating on the interior edge, the trim piece defining an inner space defined by an inner peripheral edge, and a cover configured for seating upon the inner peripheral edge and covering the inner space. The cover is constructed and arranged such that upon being fastened to the main housing, the trim piece is retained upon the base.

Abstract: A bolt sorter quickly and easily determines the size and thread pitch of a bolt. The bolt sorter includes a plurality of semi-circular threaded profiles that are sized and have threads cut to accept bolts into the profile. If the bolt is of the correct diameter and thread pitch, the bolt will fit into the semi-circular threaded profile. Unlike conventional devices that usually require the bolts to be threaded into holes, users can quickly insert bolts into the threaded profiles of the bolt sorter to determine their size and thread pitch. The bolt sorter can be sized for standard and metric sized bolts and can include multiple thread pitch profiles for each bolt diameter.

Abstract: An eyeglass frame shape measurement device includes: an eyeglass frame holding unit including a first slider and a second slider for holding an eyeglass frame; a rim measuring unit including a tracing stylus for a rim of the eyeglass frame, and detecting the movement position of the tracing stylus to measure a shape of the rim; a template holder configured to attach a template and a measurement object of a demo lens; a template measuring unit including a tracing stylus shaft configured to contact an edge of the measurement object attached to the template holder, for measuring radius vector information of the measurement object; and a housing portion provided to house the template holder and provided in one of the first slider and the second slider when measurement using the template measuring unit is not being performed.

Abstract: A bow sight with an adjustable range finder is described herein. The sight of the present invention is affixed in substantially the same vertical position as the bow to which it is attached. The range finder of the present invention moves independently of the sight. As the archer applies pressure to a conveniently positioned trigger, a ranging pin is rotated in relation to a guide pin and, as a result, the archer must raise the bow to accommodate. The archer will therefore necessarily shoot at an increased trajectory to compensate for the increased distance between the archer and the target.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure deal with an archery sight mounted or mountable on an archery bow. The sight incorporates an indicator or adjustment assembly to indicate or control the desired position of one or more additional sight pins based on sighted in positions of two base sight pins.

Abstract: The present invention is a straightedge guide which is to accommodate a carpenter in performing accurate linear cuts. The present invention has a straightedge and a carriage, which rides along the rails of the straightedge. During operation, a cutting tool such as a circular saw is attached to plate of the carriage. Subsequently, the carriage and the attached circular saw are transported along the rails of the straightedge while the circular saw is cutting through the material beneath both the circular saw and the straightedge. The present invention is also useful in performing vertical straight cuts as the present invention has a vertical holder, which helps stabilize the straightedge upon a vertical flat surface. Attached to each rail of the straightedge is a ruler, which provides accurate measurements in woodcutting. Along with straight cuts, the present invention is also useful in performing circular cuts as the present invention is rotatable.

Abstract: Wall systems according to certain embodiments of the present invention provide a means for finishing interior walls such as basement walls. In certain embodiments of the present invention, wall panels offer several options for light switches, plug outlets, cable outlets, communication box outlets and the like. In other embodiments of the present invention, wall panels are provided with a means for eliminating or reducing the need for taping and filling that is used in conventional drywall finishing.

Abstract: A tape rule assembly includes a housing; a reel rotatably mounted in the housing; an elongated blade wound on the reel and extendable through an opening in the housing, the blade having a distal end; a hook connected to the blade at the distal end; and a coil spring within the housing and configured to rotate the reel in the housing in a direction to wind up the blade. The elongated blade has a coating provided on at least one side thereof. The coating has a first thickness at a first portion proximate the distal end, a second thickness at a second portion of the blade that is rearward to the first portion and a third thickness at a third portion of the blade that is rearward of the second portion. The second thickness is less than the first thickness and the third thickness is less than the second thickness.

Abstract: A manual gauge measures a specimen's thickness by pressing surface contactors against its opposing surfaces. A rigid C-frame has upper and lower jaws providing a means for engaging a specimen and for gauging its thickness using a linear probe that is caused to move linearly between the jaws by a handle assembly. The handle assembly is joined with the C-frame at a point that is co-linear with a force vector of the probe against a workpiece resting on one of the jaws. The force of the probe is transmitted through the specimen to the jaw. The handle leverages from this jaw so that there is no force applied between the jaws thereby avoiding error due to the varying hand pressure by the operator and the resultant strain in the C-frame during measurements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drying apparatus, which uses to dry a pre-formed material of alignment film on a first surface of a substrate. The drying apparatus comprises a heating platform, a first support net, a plurality of support pins and a first elevating mechanism. The heating platform uses to heat a second surface of the substrate; the first support net comprises a plurality of first filaments, and the first filaments commonly define a plurality of first meshes; the support pins are set in at least one portion of the first meshes; and the first elevating mechanism controls the support pins to rise and lower, so that the support pins are higher or lower than the first support net. Thus, the present invention can avoid the first surface of the substrate from remaining Mura after the drying step.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems that are used for reclaiming components of wellbore cuttings material. In one illustrative embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes, among other things, a dryer that is adapted to receive a drill cuttings mixture that includes drilling fluid and cuttings material, the dryer being further adapted to treat the drill cuttings mixture by drying the cuttings material below a preselected moisture content level. The system also includes a moisture sensor that is adapted to sense a moisture content of the cuttings material after it is dried by the dryer, and a cuttings reinjection system that is adapted to reinject the dried cuttings material into a well bore. Additionally, the system includes a conveyor system that is adapted to convey the dried cuttings material to the cuttings reinjection system, wherein the conveyor system includes, among other things, a positive pressure pneumatic conveying apparatus.

Abstract: A method of finishing the operation of a heating unit based either on a temperature difference between a drying furnace temperature and a recycling gas duct temperature or on a temperature difference between an exhaust gas duct temperature and a recycling gas duct temperature instead of finishing the operation of the heating unit based only on the drying furnace temperature.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a shoe where an orthopedic adjustment is integrated into the construction of the shoe itself. The invention entails adjusting one or more of the soles or other construction features of the shoe in order to accommodate a medical condition or treatment regimen. For instance, in abnormalities of the knee joint, there is a need to redistribute the weight of the body from an afflicted symptomatic compartment of the knee to an un-afflicted and asymptomatic, or lesser effected and less symptomatic compartment so as to relieve the pain and stress at the most afflicted and most symptomatic compartment. The present invention achieves this by pitching the sole or heel, or both, of a shoe, where the pitching region depends on the portion of the knee that is afflicted, and the angle is chosen to counter and redistribute the weight of the body accordingly.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided, which may include an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure may include a chassis including a forefoot region, a midfoot region, a heel region, a lateral width, a longitudinal axis, and a reinforcing rib disposed longitudinally and having a length along the longitudinal axis. The rib may include a rearward end disposed proximate the heel region of the chassis, the rib longitudinally extending substantially through the midfoot region of the chassis to a forward end of the rib. Also, the lateral width of the reinforcing rib may span a substantial majority of the lateral width of the chassis over a substantial majority of the length of the rib. Further, the lateral width of the rib at the forward end and the rearward end is less than or equal to the lateral width of the rib at any point between the rearward end and the forward end.

Abstract: A ventilated insole including a pad (10) having a bladder (20), an air entry (30), an air exit (40), an entry conduit (50) interconnecting the air entry (30) and the bladder (20), an exit conduit (60) interconnecting the bladder (20) and the air exit (40), and two one-way valves (70) wherein one one-way valve (70) is at a joining portion of the bladder (20) and the entry conduit (50) and the other one-way valve (70) is at a joining portion of the bladder (20) and the exit conduit (60). Each of the entry conduit (50) and the exit conduit (60) has a triangular section so as to increase resistance, thereby facilitating air flow in the entry conduit (50) and the exit conduit (60) and planarizing the pad (10). The insole can be disposed in one of a variety of shoes and brings a degree of comfort to wearer.

Abstract: A resistance training footwear comprises a tension bearing connector to removably couple with an elastic resistance band. The resistance training footwear may be a resistance training shoe having a tension bearing connector fixed to an outsole of the shoe, a resistance training shoe having a tension bearing connector fixed to an upper of the shoe, a resistance training sandal having a tension bearing connector fixed to an outsole of the sandal, or a resistance training sandal having a tension bearing connector fixed to straps of the sandal, for example.

Abstract: A non-woven textile may be formed from a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments. The non-woven textile may have a first region and a second region, with the filaments of the first region being fused to a greater degree than the filaments of the second region. A variety of products, including apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, footwear), may incorporate the non-woven textile. In some of these products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another textile element to form a seam. More particularly, an edge area of the non-woven textile may be heatbonded with an edge area of the other textile element at the seam. In other products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another component, whether a textile or a non-textile.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a footwear device, a footwear assembly, a method for making the footwear device, and a method for making the footwear assembly that can reduce manufacturing costs and complexities.

Abstract: A shoe includes an interchangeable heel having a shoe body configured to accept a foot of a person. A protrusion is permanently attached to a bottom heel surface comprising two oppositely disposed straight edges separating and contiguous with two oppositely disposed curved edges. A channel is disposed within the protrusion between the two oppositely disposed curved edges. A removable heel comprises an open-ended slot configured to securely accept the protrusion. The removable heel is rotatably attachable to the protrusion. The at least one stop is attached to the removable heel and configured to prevent translation of the removable heel relative to the protrusion. A flexural lock attached to the removable heel is configured to engage the channel and prevent rotation of the removable heel relative to the protrusion. The flexural lock may be manually disengaged by the person to release the removable heel from the protrusion.

Abstract: A traction element arrangement for a sole structure of an article of footwear is described. Traction elements include cut step features. Cut step features provide a traction element with a stepped height. Cut step features on medial rotational traction elements that have a plurality of stud elements arranged in a circular grouping include arc-shaped or straight cuts. Cut step features on traction elements disposed in a heel region are aligned laterally across the sole structure. Traction elements also include raised platform members. Cut step features can be combined with raised platform members.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear including an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, and a first elongate support member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member. The first support member may have a downward facing surface with a first facet and a second facet, wherein each of the first facet and the second facet are angled at different non-horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear including an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate and a plurality of elongate support members extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member. At least two of the plurality of support members may be disposed on opposite sides of the first ground engaging member and are substantially parallel with one another, but not aligned with one another.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate. The sole component may also include a plurality of elongate support members extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member; wherein three or more support members of the plurality of support members are unevenly spaced about the ground engaging member. The spaces between the unevenly spaced support members may be devoid of additional support members, and the three or more support members may be independent of other ground engaging members.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one removable midsole section formed by a midsole portion, wherein the removable midsole section is non-orthotic. The removable midsole section is inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the removable midsole section. The removable midsole section may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The removable midsole section provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole.