Abstract: A thinner shoe mounted receptacle results from a thin cleat attachment flange received in a shallow receptacle cavity. An angled interface between the cleat and receptacle provide a friction fit engagement to minimize inadvertent disengagement of the cleat and receptacle. Rotational locking occurring inside or outside the cavity further prevents inadvertent cleat rotation. Multiple positionally synchronized angular stops positively define the final angular orientation of the cleat in the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a costume style shoe body and a manufacturing method thereof, the costume style shoe body comprising a main body, an insole, and an outsole. The main body is formed by designing the shoe style and then making a new mold, and cutting the shoe material into a predetermined shape, wherein a main body sole is formed to be fully waterproof by machine sewing the insole and the outsole together, the shoe surface of the main body having a plurality of flaps around the main body and extended upward from the main body sole, wherein the plurality of flaps forms a container portion with an opening by machine sewing, the opening is disposed with a fastening portion having buckles designed with a costume style or a shoe lace of a selected color.

Abstract: A structure of areca palm made footwear includes an insole and an outsole. The insole is formed by cutting areca palm leaves to a desired size. The outsole is bonded to the insole. As such, a wearer's foot, when putting on the footwear, is set in contact with the insole made of areca palm leaves, whereby besides being environmentally friendly, the footwear can keep the wearer's sole dry by allowing humidity to be absorbed by the areca palm leaf.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole assembly includes a central support structure that extends along the sole assembly in the longitudinal direction. The sole assembly includes forefoot wing portions extending away from the central support structure in the lateral direction in the forefoot region of the sole assembly. The sole assembly also includes stability rib portions extending away from the central support structure in the lateral direction in the midfoot region of the sole assembly. The central support structure provides varying amounts of stiffness and flexibility to the sole assembly and the forefoot wing portions and stability rib portions provide additional stiffness and flexibility to desired portions of the sole assembly.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes an insole and an outsole. The outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole from the ground-contacting surface. The outsole further includes a first aperture extending through the outsole and between the ground-contacting surface and the inner surface. A midsole is disposed between the insole and the outsole and includes a second aperture at least partially aligned with the first aperture. A window is disposed between the midsole and the outsole and extends over the first aperture and the second aperture. A bladder is disposed between the insole and the midsole and is visible through the window.

Abstract: A foot sliding prevention product utilizes a unitary pad shaped to conform with the tapered toe section of a shoe, particularly a women's high heel shoe. The pad is sized to extend from the toe section of the shoe to an area short of the shoe's arch section. An arcuate shaped ridge member extends from one side of the pad to the other side. The ridge member is configured to be positioned within the toe joints of the wearer to prevent the foot from sliding down and forward in the shoe.

Abstract: Footwear is provided with a closure system that is easily replaceable by the user. The closure system includes a strap that is preferably secured to the shoe through a hook and loop fastener. The strap is interchangeable and can include a variety of colors, designs, logos. The footwear can include multiple straps.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear including a first part having a bottom surface with a plurality of first protrusions increasing in thickness from a medial side to a lateral side, where each adjacent pair of the first protrusions define a first recess therebetween, and a second part having a top surface with a plurality of second protrusions increasing in thickness from a lateral side to a medial side, where each adjacent pair of the second protrusions define a second recess therebetween. When the first part and the second part are attached together, the plurality of first protrusions and recesses on the bottom surface of the first part matingly engage corresponding ones of the plurality of second protrusions and recesses on the top surface of the second part to form a midsole that deflects and absorbs impact forces resulting from multiple running conditions.

Abstract: A unique running sandal. is described that uses a ladder buckle on the top of the foot to allow for secure and easy adjustment of the sandal. This sandal is designed for running and hiking applications, and is intended for rugged usage. The sandal uses a single lacing that runs from the circular thong hole in the sole through the ladder buckle over to an outside heel anchor hole, then around the heel to an inside heel anchor hole and back to the ladder buckle.

Abstract: An article with a color change portion and a method of changing color is disclosed. The article includes at least one color change portion capable of changing colors. The color change portion can change colors according to one or more performance parameters. The article can be connected to a computer and the color change portion can be controlled using the computer.

Abstract: A sole structure with an integrated cleat member includes a plate member with a protruding portion that forms a first portion of the cleat member. A second portion of the cleat member is attached to the first portion and may be made of a less rigid material than the first portion. A supporting structure can be disposed inside the protruding portion. A method of forming the sole structure can include reshaping a portion of a plate member to form a protruding portion, molding a cleat tip portion onto the protruding portion and molding a supporting structure into a concave inner portion of the protruding portion.

Abstract: An impact absorbing footwear device employs opposed planar sole portions engaged by a selective resistance coupling that biases the opposed planar sole portions in a non-linear manner in response to forces exerted by the wearer against the sole portion in frictional contact with a floor surface. The planar sole portions are disposed in a footwear appliance that takes the form of an athletic shoe sole. The selective resistance coupling includes a plurality of resilient deformation members that engage the planar sole portions in an opposed circumferentially aligned manner, selectively deform in response to pressure exerted by the wearer for preventing ACL and other impact related injuries, and recover to an undeformed rest position without breakaway to allow the wearer uninterrupted usage while dampening forces that surpass an injury threshold from the resilient deformation that allows the planar sole portions to temporarily misalign.

Abstract: The present invention consists in an injection method in which a material is injected which serves as the connection between the upper and the sole of the shoe, the mould used for this purpose and the shoe thus obtained in such a manner that the membranes of the breathable type incorporated in said shoe are not damaged.

Abstract: The sole (3) consists of at least one upper layer (4), which is directed towards the upper of the item of footwear, and at least one lower layer (5), which is directed away from said upper, wherein the upper layer and the lower layer consist of materials of different levels of elasticity, density or hardness. That side of the sole which is directed towards the upper of the item of footwear forms a bearing surface (6) for the foot, with a heel zone (7) and a ball-of-the-foot zone (8). The lower layer (5) passes through the upper layer (4) at least in part such that the bearing surface (6) is formed by regions of the lower layer and of the upper layer. The sole construction according to the invention makes it possible to combine, in optimum fashion, the different material properties in the region of the bearing surface.

Abstract: A sheet for forming a shoe sole, useful for efficiently joining a crosslinked rubber layer as a stud and a thermoplastic elastomer layer as a sole, is provided. The sheet comprises a resin component (A) containing a polyamide resin (a) and having an amino group concentration of not less than 10 mmol/kg and a flexural modulus of not less than 300 MPa in accordance with ISO178. The polyamide resin (a) may contain a polyamide resin having a melting point of not less than 165° C. at a predetermined concentration (e.g., not less than 30% by weight) in the total polyamide resin (a).

Abstract: Present invention provides a shock absorbing structure for the heel of high-heeled footwear, which comprises A Lower Pedestal with Penetrating Hole that penetrates through the Lower Pedestal's top surface to bottom surface. A Step Edge is formed on the inner surface of said Penetrating Hole in the end close to the top surface of said Lower Pedestal. An Air-Cushion is fixed on the top surface of said Lower Pedestal, which comprises a Straight Hole and several Second Positioning Holes winch are through said Air-Cushion. Said Straight Hole corresponds to said penetrating hole and said Second Positioning Holes correspond to the First Positioning Holes.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper that includes a knitted component and a sole structure secured to the upper. The knitted component may define a tube formed of unitary knit construction, and a strand may extend through a length of the tube. As another example, the knitted component may have a pair of at least partially coextensive knitted layers formed of unitary knit construction, and a plurality of floating yarns may extend between the knitted layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type may vary in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. Additionally, the knitted component may incorporate a thermoplastic yarn that is fused in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. A flat knitting process or a variety of other knitting processes may be utilized to form the knitted component.

Abstract: A snowplow blade articulator assembly includes a mounting frame for attaching a snowplow blade to a vehicle chassis. A hydraulic pump and a hydraulic reservoir are attached to the mounting frame, the hydraulic reservoir supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump. An articulating assembly is attached to the mounting frame for moving the snowplow blade when the snowplow blade is attached to the mounting frame, the articulating assembly is fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, and the articulating assembly includes a lift cylinder and a hydraulic manifold. The hydraulic manifold includes a downforce circuit that fluidly isolates the lift cylinder from the hydraulic pump when a first control valve is closed and the downforce circuit fluidly connects a lift chamber of the lift cylinder with a lower chamber of the lift cylinder to maintain equal hydraulic pressure in the lift chamber and in the lower chamber.

Abstract: A connection for firmly securing an adapter for carrying a digging tooth to a lip of an excavating container. The connection has substantially aligned openings in the adapter and the lip. A pressure applying unit, such as a hydraulic actuator, is arranged inside the opening and generates a generally horizontally acting force which draws the adapter and the lip towards each other. A stress member is operatively coupled to the hydraulic actuator and resiliently deforms relative to its relaxed shape when it is subjected to the horizontally acting force. The wedge is shaped so that upon a reduction or cessation of the horizontally acting force the stress member, remains in the resiliently deformed state in which it draws the adapter and the lip towards each other and keeps them immovably secured to each other until the wedge can be withdrawn following a repressurization of the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A lip for an excavating bucket with a front beam and a rear beam extending along the length of the lip and defining at least one recess between them. The front beam includes noses extending forward of the beam for mounting ground engaging tools. Ribs extend between the front beam and the rear beam. The ribs separate recesses extending between the beams.

Abstract: A tool coupler system is disclosed for use with a machine. The tool coupler system may have a tool coupler with a hydraulic actuator configured to selectively lock a tool to a machine. The tool coupler system may also have a first hydraulic pump configured to generate a first flow of pressurized fluid, and a second hydraulic pump configured to generate a second flow of pressurized fluid. The tool coupler system may further have a valve configured to selectively direct the first or second flows of pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator of the tool coupler.

Abstract: The invention is a hand held ironing board apparatus.

Abstract: A glowing frame for a hazardous material placard is an apparatus used to illuminate the hazardous material placard during the night or dangerous weather conditions. The apparatus is attached to a vehicle carrying hazardous material and includes a frame, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) strips, a drain hole, a pair of wires, and a disconnection mechanism. The hazardous material placard and the LED strips are situated in between a front portion and a back portion of the frame. The drain hole allows moisture to be released from within the frame. The pair of wires is used to complete a circuit between the LED strips and the vehicle's side-marker or tail light system. The disconnection mechanism activates the LED strips and locks the placard in place. In addition, the disconnection mechanism deactivates the LED strips and releases the placard from the frame.

Abstract: A real estate sign post apparatus comprises a sleeve configured to wrap about a post, a cap configured to be coupled to an end of the sleeve, and a sign coupled at least one of the sleeve or cap. The cap can be configured to fix a position of the sleeve on the post. When assembled, the sign can extend from a side of the post.

Abstract: A portable signage structure is provided and includes a first panel, and a second panel, wherein each panel has an upper edge, a bottom edge, and side edges extending between the upper and bottom edges, and wherein the panels include a resilient frame about their edges, and wherein the panels have a common upper edge. The structure also includes a pair of resilient linking frames extending between opposing bottom edges of the panels and along at least a portion of the opposing side edges of the panels. The linking frames help to enable the signage structure to be quickly and easily erected. The structure is particularly suitable as a portable scoreboard, but may also be applicable to advertising and the like. A method of erecting and collapsing the signage structure is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting advertising to footwear is disclosed. The system can comprise a curved rod member, a sheet, and an advertisement. The curved rod member can be mountable above a welt of a footwear. The sheet material can comprise a first curved surface and a horizontal track along the sheet, wherein the horizontal track can connect the sheet material to the curved rod member, and the advertisement can be on the convex side of the sheet material.

Abstract: A remote valuable and/or gun monitoring system and method are disclosed. A module incorporating a motion sensor is interconnected to a valuable or gun. The motion sensor generates a motion signal if movement is detected. The motion signal can be passed to a communication device associated with the valuable or gun owner by a network. Remote locking/unlocking of a trigger lock provided as part of the module interconnected to a gun can also be supported.

Abstract: The invention is a throw lever assembly used to affix an accessory to a firearm. The throw lever assembly utilizes a base unit having a cam bed in which rests the cam. An anchor clamp secured to one end of an engagement rod with the other end affixed to the cam. The cam has an arm extending from it which is used connected to a handle portion. The handle portion is selectively locked/unlocked to the cam via an upper surface the arm. When locked to the arm, the handle portion is able to move the cam causing the assembly to be either locked or unlocked from the firearm.

Abstract: A throw lever assembly used to secure an accessory such as a sight or a flashlight to a firearm. The throw lever assembly includes a base unit having a cam bed wherein the cam resides. An engagement rod, connected to the cam, extends through the base unit to an anchor clamp used to clamp the entire assembly to a firearm. A handle portion is manually locked to the cam so that when locked to the cam mechanism, the lever allows the operator to manually rotate the cam to force movement of the engagement rod to tighten or release the assembly from the firearm. In one embodiment, the handle portion is secured to an arm extending from the cam.

Abstract: A magazine mounting platform having at least one mounting fixture for insertion into the magazine compartment of a firearm thus securing the firearm in place. The magazine mounting fixture may include at least one dowel pin operable for insertion into receivers on the platform. Some embodiments may also include a rotational adapter which allows for a firearm mounted on the fixture to be rotated. Risers may be included to provide additional support for a firearm by securing in place a barrel or a stock. Some embodiments may include magazine mounts for M4 carbine type, AR rifle type or Model 1911 pistol type firearms.

Abstract: Gun accessories and gun grip devices and systems for attachment by adhesive or fasteners to various gun parts and components including gun rails.

Abstract: An improved clamping device and method for a weapon accessory rail of a type having an elongate mounting structure of generally T-shaped cross-sectional shape, such as a Picatinny mounting rail, is provided.

Abstract: A sighting telescope has two image planes situated between an objective and an ocular. A first such plane is situated closer to the objective and a second image plane is closer to the ocular. A reversal system is situated between the first and second image planes containing reversing lens elements. The reversing lens elements for a first and for a second adjustment distance can be adjusted by an adjustment means in a manner that the image in the second image plane shall be parallax-free between the target image and the target mark.

Abstract: A visual attractant for attracting a target insect include a substrate having a pixelated pattern portion defined by a plurality of blocks having a characteristic dimension that is within an order of magnitude of the size of the target insect. The plurality of blocks are colored to be highly reflective in a wavelength range selected to attract the target insect. A background portion is lighter in color than the pixelated pattern, to contrast sharply therewith. The blocks are clustered on the substrate such that most of the plurality of blocks define one or more irregular elongate streaks on the substrate. The pixelated pattern may be applied to a strip or to a pillar device, which may be adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the buoyancy of a fishing bobber. The method includes providing a buoyant member and a stem guide configured to receive the buoyant member, mounting the buoyant member to the stem guide and cutting the buoyant member. The buoyant member is made of a material capable of being severed by a cutting device and having first length, a lower end, and an upper end. The stem guide receives the buoyant member and a fishing line with fishing tackle. The buoyant member is cut such that the buoyant member has a second length shorter than the first length. The buoyant member is cut to a second length such that the buoyancy of the buoyant member when cut to a second length is enough to oppose the tendency of the stem guide and fishing tackle to submerse the buoyant member such that a top surface of the cut buoyant member is adjacent to the surface of the water when the stem guide, buoyant member, fishing line and any fishing tackle are placed in the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing lure including a body having a head portion and tail portion, wherein the tail portion includes an opening to receive a fishing line. The lure also includes a hook that is connected to the head portion, wherein tension applied to a fishing line thread through the opening and tied to the hook causes the body to bend and release of the tension applied to the fishing line causes the body to straighten.

Abstract: An artificial bait device for fishing that allows a user to attach a plastic or soft artificial bait is disclosed. The artificial bait device comprises a snake-shaped jig head and a hook that does not become easily snagged and can maintain a consistent depth. The artificial bait device further comprises a lip that allows the device to maintain different depths depending on a design of the lip.

Abstract: The diving lip projects from the front of a fishing lure that has a longitudinal axis and a fishing line connecting loop. The diving lip has rear, intermediate and front sections. Each of the sections has an upper surface. The fishing line connecting loop is positioned between the rear and intermediate upper surfaces. The rear upper surface extends at a downwardly inclined angle ? relative to a plane that is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lure. The intermediate upper surface extends at a downwardly inclined angle ? relative to another plane that is approximately parallel to the lure's longitudinal axis. The angle ? is larger than angle ?. The front section extends approximately parallel to the lure's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A weighted keeper having an elongated cylinder and a plurality of protrusions thereon. The plurality of protrusions may comprise a wide variety of different shapes and configurations for maintaining bait on the weighted keeper. In one embodiment, a weighted keeper with conical barbs may be disposed about a pin or wire to support live bait or an artificial dressing. The keeper wire may provide a keeper eye at one end of the weighted keeper and a wire tip at the opposing end of the weighted keeper. The keeper eye may be attached to the eye of any fishhook known within the art and the wire tip may assist in piercing and mounting the bait onto and about the surface of the weighted keeper. The attached bait is provided with beneficial performance characteristics that more accurately mimic or replicate the movement of live bait fish.

Abstract: A reusable trap (100) and a fully disposable trap (200) include two opposing panels or walls (102, 202), each with a patterned adhesive portion (132, 232) on an inner surface. The trap is configured to provide easy access to crawling pests from all sides, and the patterned adhesive portion provides non-adhesive paths deep into the trap, such that crawling pests may venture further into the trap before encountering adhesive, thereby increasing the trapping capacity. The opposed panels or walls are configured to be urged together by the user, for example by stepping on the trap, to encase trapped pests therebetween, avoiding potential harmful exposure to the user during disposal.

Abstract: A trap device for the capture of bed bugs is provided. The device may be used under, or in association with, furniture or other objects in which crawling arthropods or pests may infest. The device includes a base with an exterior side wall extending upward from its perimeter. The base of the device forms the floor of the confinement area of the device and the upper edge of the exterior side wall includes an arcuate lip that is connected to a protruding cantilevered ledge spaced above the floor of the confinement area. The device also includes a platform for accepting furniture legs and the like. The platform includes another arcuate lip that connects with another protruding cantilevered ledge that is also spaced above the floor of the confinement area. The cantilevered ledges preclude the bugs from escaping the confinement area of the trap device.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly apparatus to attract and kill insect pests is described. The apparatus includes two panels, which could be made from one folded sheet, coupled together to form a housing for a pad containing an insect attractant, e.g. a pheromone. The outer surface of the housing has a plurality of louvered vents for dispersion of the scent from the attractant to the environment thus attracting the insect pest. The apparatus is configured to be capable of being on a fruit tree.

Abstract: A core-shell magnetic composite is disclosed, which includes: a magnetic core; a shell containing a protective layer and a porous layer, wherein the protective layer is coated on a surface of the magnetic core and the porous layer is the outmost layer of the shell; and a hydrophobic functional group grafted to the shell. In addition, the core-shell magnetic composite can be bound to a lipase to act as a transesterification catalyst. The present invention also relates to a method for producing biodiesel.

Abstract: A portable campfire, complete with everything needed to have a fire, is described. The campfire comprises wood fastened in a fixed shape on a base, kindling, and a handle for easy transport. Paper and a lighting means, such as matches can be included, along with extra kindling. The entire campfire, except for any staples or nails which are used to hold it together, will burn up, leaving only ashes behind.

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for biological growth enhancement is disclosed. Organisms that will benefit from the apparatus and method of the present invention include seeds, fungus, bacteria, and the like. In one example, seeds are hydro-primed, exposed to a high voltage electric field, and prepared for germination. The resulting sprouts are larger than those that have not been treated by the apparatus for biological growth enhancement. In addition, the root systems of sprouts treated by the apparatus for biological growth enhancement were more advanced than those that were not treated. Benefits include increased production rate of edible sprouts, seedlings that are able to withstand adverse conditions such as drought at an earlier age, and a reduction in the resources required to grow sprouts and plants.

Abstract: A system for automating the growing of crops, such as grapevines. Combinations of data from sensors local to a vineyard, and from optional remote stations and sensors, is combined with a control system to accurately control the dispensing of water and chemicals such as insecticides, disease prevention fungicides and fertilizers. The materials are dispensed through a multiple channel conduit which allows conflicting, or incompatible, types of materials to be transported through a common assembly. Sensors are attached to the conduit so that the placement of sensors can occur simultaneously with the laying of the conduit. This approach also ensures correct placement and spacing of the sensors with respect to each plant, or plant area, to be monitored and treated.

Abstract: A sap collection method and system, the system comprising at least a first line of a first diameter, at least a second line of a second diameter, the second diameter being at most equal to the first diameter; and a connection in fluid communication between the second line and the first line for sap collection from the first line to the second line; wherein the connection comprises a material of walls of an opening in a wall of the first line fused with a material of an end of the second line and for a connecting part engaging an end of the second line.

Abstract: A lighting fixture for facilitating plant growth and a light emitting component. The fixture comprises a single light emission source LED device which provides at least two emission peaks in the wavelength range of 300-800 nm and at least one of the emission peaks has Full Width of Half Maximum (FWHM) at least 50 nm or higher. The emission peaks of the LED match well with a plant photosynthesis response spectrum and is therefore particularly suitable for high efficiency artificial lighting.

Abstract: A Floating Salt Farm is an offshore system in which its purpose is to produce crystallized salt and bittern using the evaporation process. This present application is regarding three different applications of the bittern produced using the Floating Salt Farm: (1) An osmotic power (or salinity gradient power) plant is used jointly with the Floating Salt Farm to generate electricity at offshore locations by using produced bittern and extracted seawater; (2) The bittern and/or crystallized salt to be used to melt ice and snow are produced with the Floating Salt Farm by using seawater, in which has been affected by volcanic activities and has substantial silica content (silicon dioxide); (3) In a halophyte farm, where there may not be saline water readily available, the bittern produced using the Floating Salt Farm is applied to the saline soil to adjust its salinity level to maintain proper conditions for halophytes.