Abstract: A handheld touch apparatus for providing a variety of tactile sensations to the fingers and thumb of a hand of a user. The touch apparatus includes a multi-faceted block body having an outer surface defined by a plurality of planar faces joined together by radiused edges that meet together to form rounded corners. The block body is sized for holding within the palm of the user's hand and for being supported, rotated and manipulated by the fingers and thumb of the same hand. The touch apparatus further includes tactile features extending from the planar faces of the block body and that are selectively movable relative to their associated planar faces. The tactile features are contained within the volume of an imaginary sphere defined by the rounded corners and isolated from the tactile features on adjacent planar faces by the radiused edges of the block body.

Abstract: A method includes displaying, on a display of a welding torch, a welding parameter in relation to a predetermined threshold range for the welding parameter, a target value for the welding parameter, or some combination thereof as a position of the welding torch changes, an orientation of the welding torch changes, a movement of the welding torch changes, or some combination thereof, to enable a welding operator to perform a welding operation with the welding parameter within the predetermined threshold range, at the target value, or some combination thereof. The welding parameter is associated with the position of the welding torch, the orientation of the welding torch, the movement of the welding torch, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of a resettable injection training device are provided herein. The resettable injection training device includes a body and a retractable shield, extendable and retractable relative to the body of the device, in an embodiment. In another embodiment, the resettable injection training device may include an injection simulation member. The retractable shield may be lockable in an extended position, and may be unlocked to retract the shield for a subsequent use of the device in one non-limiting embodiment. In another non-limiting embodiment, a resetting component may be used to retract the shield to reset the device.

Abstract: In a method of training for welding through virtual reality, a virtual reality (VR) headset is provided, along with a processing device and at least one welding training tool, wherein the processing device is communicably coupled with the virtual reality headset and the at least one welding training tool such as a hand-held welding device designed to simulate a real-world welding experience in virtual reality. A virtual welding environment is displayed through the VR headset, and user input such as motion tracking is received through the at least one welding training tool. The user input is evaluated through the processing device to evaluate user welding performance. Various user feedback devices such as sound and scent generation may be implemented in order to accurately simulate a welding procedure, in addition to eye tracking. Various welding scenarios may be completed by the user to train for welding in the virtual welding environment.

Abstract: Arc welding simulations that provide simulation of virtual destructive and non-destructive testing and inspection of virtual weldments for training purposes. The virtual testing simulations may be performed on virtual weldments created using a virtual reality welding simulator system (e.g., a virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system). The virtual inspection simulations may be performed on “pre-canned” (i.e. pre-defined) virtual weldments or using virtual weldments created using a virtual reality welding simulator system. In general, virtual testing may be performed using a virtual reality welding simulator system (e.g., a virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system), and virtual inspection may be performed using a standalone virtual weldment inspection (VWI) system or using a virtual reality welding simulator system (e.g., a virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system). In accordance with certain enhanced embodiments of the present invention, virtual testing may also be performed on a standalone VWI system.

Abstract: A carrier cover positionable over a baby carrier worn by an intended user. The carrier cover includes a jacket attachment for reversibly securing part of a jacket the carrier cover. Also a method of using the carrier cover.

Abstract: A covering for an animal crate is described. In accordance with one implementation, a covering is configured to prevent an amount of an animal's hair, dirt, or mess created by the animal from escaping through at least one aperture located on a lower portion of a wall of a crate. The covering comprises a panel operably attached to the lower portion of the wall of the crate. The panel is of a length and height sufficient to prevent an amount of the animal's hair, dirt, or mess created by the animal from escaping through the at least one aperture located on the lower portion of the wall of the crate.

Abstract: Implementations of ornamental cast covers are provided. In some implementations, the ornamental cast cover comprises a puppet having at least one set of appendages and one or more elastics bands each connecting a portion of the puppet on one side of the puppet to a portion of the puppet on the other side of the puppet. In some implementations, the ornamental cast cover comprises an elongated tubular leg portion having an opening through the leg portion and a foot portion having an opening through the foot portion and a flap. The flap may be detached from a portion of the cast cover to create a larger opening to insert an appendage having a cast or brace thereon. In some implementations, the leg portion and foot portion are configured to receive a cast or brace therein. In some implementations, the ornamental cast cover comprises an elongated tubular portion having a first end and a second end and a thumb strap extending from the elongated tubular portion.

Abstract: Stationary training bicycle having a pedal crank mechanism coupled to a transmission by a flywheel. A magnetic braking device interacts with the flywheel and is variable in its braking action. A calibration table stored in a computing device contains a plurality of braking device settings with reference rundown times of the flywheel not loaded via the pedal crank mechanism and relating to the speed reduction from a first speed to a second speed. The actual rundown time of the flywheel is ascertained at least once by means of a measuring device or the computing device and compared to the reference rundown times. If actual setting and target setting do not correspond, information relating to the actual setting can be output on the display device.

Abstract: Knot tying kit is a teaching and training tool that helps users to learn, improve and keep their knot tying techniques current. The kit is portable and allows users to practice dozens of types of knots.

Abstract: A garment for allowing a caretaker to engage and entertain a user which has an article of clothing which has toys attached thereon by releasable attachment devices. The releasable attachment devices engage fixed attachment points on the article of clothing. Further, the article of clothing has attached thereon an interactive engagement device for entertaining a user by providing means to open and close the device or sub-elements thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus to perform combined cognitive and motor rehabilitation on a computerized non-portable system or on single portable device. A patient can play a variety of games that require the patient to perform a variety of memory exercises which involve physical exertion. The activities of the patient are monitored with pattern analysis software which provides feedback to the patient. The feedback can include voice synthesis, video guidance, progression messages etc. Patient data obtained while the patient is performing each of the memory exercises is stored locally on a database module and then uploaded to a cloud server. A remote psychologist/psychiatrist monitors the patient by logging into the same cloud, and updating cognition exercises. The same therapist can have live chats with the patient for further interaction and coaching.

Abstract: A mock welding unicoupon for a virtual welding system includes a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface perpendicular to the first exterior surface. The first exterior surface and the second exterior surface together provide a plurality of grooves configured for simulation of a plurality of different types groove welds on the mock welding unicoupon. A curved exterior surface is configured for simulation of a pipe fillet weld on the mock welding unicoupon. A magnet source is configured to generate a magnetic field around the mock welding unicoupon for tracking movements of a mock welding tool with respect to the mock welding unicoupon.

Abstract: A timed assessment and graded activity, allows professional staff, occupational therapist, school psychologist, physician (neurologist and pediatrician), and the like, to assess their patients in various areas. The assessment and graded activity can be used for motor skills, including fine-gross motor coordination and hand speed. The assessment and graded activity can also be used for assessing vision, including color, eye-hand coordination, crossing midline, left or right side neglect, and eye movements, crossing midline and left-right side neglect. Furthermore, the assessment and graded activity can be used for determining cognitive skills, including processing, concentration, attention deficit, problem solving, and ability to follow instructions. The 21-piece challenge as an assessment and graded activity designed to use a set of wooden dowels with its respective board. The 21 pieces of wood dowels contains five pieces of a first color, four pieces of three other colors, and two pieces of two other colors.

Abstract: A simulator facilitates virtual welding activity of pipe and open root weld joints. The simulator may include a logic processor based system operable to execute coded instructions for generating an interactive welding environment that emulates welding activity on a section of virtual pipe having at least one virtual weld joint. It also includes a display connected to the logic processor based system for visually depicting the interactive welding environment, wherein the display depicts the section of virtual pipe. A mock welding tool is provided for performing virtual welding activity on the at least one weld joint in real time where one or more sensors are adapted to track movement of the input device in real time for communicating data about the movement of the input device to the logic processor based system.

Abstract: A shoelace tying device which acts as a learning aide and assistant for individuals who may lack the capacity either mentally and/or physically to fully grasp and complete all of the steps required to tie one's shoe laces. The device consists of a solid thin piece of material which fastens to a shoe's shoelace with a clip on its backside. The device also consists of four holes on the top which pass from front to back and two hooks on the bottom end of the device. The two inner holes are used to cinch the starting knot of a double bow knot tight and hold it in place. The two outer holes and hooks are used to assist in forming and holding the loops in place while the user forms the knot using their method of choice. In addition, the front contains an image which is intended to excite and inspire the user to learn one or more of the many loop type methods used to tie one's shoelaces.

Abstract: A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of displaying the simulated weld puddle on the display device in real-time.

Abstract: A quick connect shoelace with interchangeable half lace section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bottle attachment having a generally tubular sleeve that removably attaches to the exterior of a conventional children's bottle. A plurality of fasteners are affixed to the exterior of the sleeve. Children may manipulate the fasteners to promote the development of learning and fine motor skills and hand-to-eye coordination. A plurality of images may be disposed below flaps affixed to the exterior of the sleeve. Children may selectively lift the flaps to reveal the images, thereby promoting learning. The selection and arrangement of the fasteners and images provide distinctive ornamentation to allow a bottle to be readily identifiable when several bottles may be present in the same location.

Abstract: The system allows training and qualification of a user performing a skill-related training exercise involving body motion in a workspace. A training environment is selected through a computer apparatus, and variables, parameters and controls of the training environment and the training exercise are adjusted. Use of an input device by the user is monitored. The 3D angles and spatial coordinates of reference points related to the input device are monitored through a detection device. A simulated 3D dynamic environment reflecting effects caused by actions performed by the user on objects is computed in real time as a function of the training environment selected. Images of the simulated 3D dynamic environment in real time are generated on a display device viewable by the user as a function of a computed organ of vision-object relation. Data indicative of the actions performed by the user and the effects of the actions are recorded and user qualification is set as a function of the recorded data.

Abstract: A tableware practice tool kit includes a combined main body formed by combining a plurality of components in an assembling way and/or in a way of stacking blocks, and forming a space for accommodating tableware. The tableware practice tool kit provides tableware and objects that are similar to shapes of different kinds of food and is convenient to carry. Therefore, the practice is not limited by the time and environment, and a person can practice using the tableware at any time in a game manner so that the person can use the tableware well rapidly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a gripping spoon or other utensil with an electrode on each of the working portion and the handle. Upon making contact with each electrode, a positive reward is given in the form of a light or sound (such as music) either on the spoon itself or on a separate device which receives a transmission indicating that the circuit has been completed. As such, the utensil, such as a fork or spoon, may comprise a transmitter therein. Further, the working end of the utensil, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, has insulation or a non-conductive portion on the edges of the working end. In a spoon, this is in the form of insulation near the edges, on both the top and bottom sides. In a fork, this may involve insulation of the entire outer prongs and tips of the prongs. This forces the child or other user of the utensil to place the utensil in his or her mouth, rather than just touch the tip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pair of shoes and integral shoe alignment means comprising a first magnetic device fixed at a selected position along the instep side of a left shoe and a second magnetic device fixed to the instep side of a right shoe opposite the first magnetic device. The first magnetic device and the second magnetic device are positioned to attract and magnetically align the left shoe and the right shoe in proper position for foot placement into the magnetically aligned shoes.

Abstract: An instructional shoelace tying system. Identical identifiers are positioned on a right free end of a shoelace. Different identical identifiers are then positioned on the left free end of the shoelace. Another identifier might be positioned between the first set of identifiers. Kids can utilize such generally elongated hollow identifiers to quickly learn how to tie their shoelaces.

Abstract: As for clothes for infant according to the present invention, it consists of and is characterized as followings: the base part embodied to be able to be detachably attached on surface of clothes; the educational auxiliary member detachably attached on the above base part but having a shape among as a plane or a solid body including a educational contents which consists of any of character, picture, digit, and shape and contains education content for infant and; a coupling auxiliary member which consists of any of a button, a velcro tape, a zipper, a magnet, a hook, and combination of a projected rod and a coupling groove and also, provides coupling ability of attachment and detachment on any of the above clothes and the above base part, or any of the above base part and the above educational auxiliary member. Through clothes for infant education according to the present invention, an environment, which infant can take education feeling sight and body heat of educators such as parents, etc, is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for teaching a young child how to use utensils comprising obtaining a training utensil handle grip having an elongated and hollow body portion shaped like an animated character with two arms stretching outward, inserting the back end of a utensil into hollow tubular opening from the the front end of the training utensil handle grip, permitting the young child to visualize the hands of the character associated with the training utensil handle grip grasping the utensil, and allowing the young child to emulate the character and grasp the training utensil handle grip, thereby teaching and reinforcing the technique of using utensils.

Abstract: An apparel fastener learning apparatus for developing and disabled children, the mentally impaired, and the elderly is described that includes a first fastener plate having a plug and a second plate having a socket. The first plate has a predefined shape that is approximately identical to the shape of the second plate. The first plate includes a symbol that is in accordance with the shape of the fastener apparatus. In a first position, the first and second plates are snapped with the plug and the socket. In a second position, the first plate and the second plate are separated from each other. The first plate is snapped with only the second plate of the same fastener apparatus and not with a second plate of another fastener apparatus. In one embodiment, the fastener plates are securely coupled with apparels either by sewing along predefined holes or by using prongs.

Abstract: A shoelace pull tab device for facilitating and teaching lace tying. The shoelace pull tab comprises a small flat beadlike device having two spaced apertures therethrough which are tapered and angled. The lace end of a lace member is threaded up through a first aperture and down through a second aperture to create a gripping pull tab which will not slide/move its position at the newly created apex of the loop in the lace. The pull tab provides a grip or pull tab for children to manipulate the laces into a bow. Indicia on the pull tabs are used as action characters or objects in a story-telling teaching method for learning shoelace tying wherein the action characters or objects engage in activities directly related to the actions necessary for tying a shoelace.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a learning tool for teaching children with special needs the art of tying shoes as a means of therapy that a learning process offers, the apparatus comprises a housing member having a predetermined shape, a predetermined size and formed of a predetermined material. A pair of shoes are disposed on an upper surface of the housing member in a predetermined orientation. There are two sets of laces disposed on each shoe of the pair of shoes in a predetermined manner, such each of such two sets of laces having a different predetermined color.

Abstract: An instructional shoelace (20,52) is provided having a shoelace body (26,54) presenting a central section (28) and first and second tie sections (30,32), wherein the first tie section (30) has a distinct, perceptible identifier (34) that serves to distinguish the first tie section (30) from the second tie section (32). Preferably, the second tie section (32) has a pair of spaced identifiers (36,38). In use, the central section (28) is threaded through the eyelets (84) of a tie shoe (82) leaving the first and second tie sections (30,32) extended from the eyelets (84). The tie sections (30,32) are crossed over each other to form a crossing (86), and the second tie section (32) is looped to form loop (88). The first tie section (30) is passed around the loop (88) to present a portion (90) between the loop (88) and crossing (86). Thereupon, the loop (88) and portion (90) are pulled in opposite directions to complete the tie.

Abstract: An educational toy comprising a body and a plurality of belts affixed thereto. Each of the plurality of belts is comprised of a pair of ribbons, each pair of ribbons having a first ribbon coupled to a first cooperating buckle member, and a second ribbon coupled to a second cooperating buckle member. The first cooperating buckle member and the second ribbon coupled are releasably attachable one to the other. Each pair of ribbons has unique matching indicia that differ from every other pair of ribbons. The present invention allows the first cooperating buckle member to be associated with the second cooperating buckle member by correlating the unique matching indicia thus providing visual cues that enhance and stimulate buckling and unbuckling skills. A combination of buckle type, buckle shape and buckle color provide additional visual cues.

Abstract: The Learning/Play Quilt or Denim/Learning Play Quilt is a compilation of components of children's clothing sewn together to facilitate development or practice of fine motor skills (dexterity) such as zipping, buttoning, lacing, tying, snapping, hooking, use of Velcro, and buckling. The quilt format provides an extensive selection of fine motor skills not found in other formats such as books, vests, dolls and mats, and, at the same time, provides utilitarian uses as a cover for the child in a car seat or stroller. It also features pockets for storage of small toys and treasures. The components of children's clothing also expose children to numbers, letters and words while the embroidery thereon creates a product that is attractive and, therefore, promotes the child's interest in learning. The recommended lap quilt size predisposes its use to places where supervision is more readily available then if used on a bed. This is not only a safety feature but one in which more peer and adult interaction can occur.

Abstract: An instructional system for teaching the tying of shoelaces using at least one shoelace (1) having a first half section (2) which is preferably light in color, for example, yellow, and a second half section (3), which is preferably dark in color, for example, blue. The two half sections (2) and (3) are permanently secured to one another to form the shoelace (1). Markings (5) are located at a predetermined distance on the first half section (2) of the shoelace (1) to assist a person in learning to tie a shoelace (1).

Abstract: The play of a child's educational game to teach skills, such as color recognition, in which free ends of “color” straps in assigned locations are interconnected to demonstrate the child's comprehension of color recognition, and in which adult intervention between preliminary and subsequent demonstrations consisting of changing of the assigned positions of the straps rules out that the subsequent demonstration is based on remembered positions of the straps rather than on color recognition selection, thereby contributing to the educational value of the game.

Abstract: A system of facilitating childhood learning uses a select group of familiar domestic articles which are rendered or portrayed or developed as characters in a story. The devices are fastening devices for use on clothes or different apparel articles, selectively including a zipper, a snap, a button, a buckle and a string or a lace. Features of the human being, for instance at least one of eyes, ears, a nose, a mouth, arms or legs are added to the devices. The story is related in a selected media, which can be a book, television or radio rendition, movie, video or cards.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole connected to an upper having a toe portion, a heel portion, a foot insertion opening and a tongue which defines two, opposed sides of the upper extending between the heel and toe portions. One end of each of a number of straps is fixed to one side of the upper, and the free end of each strap is formed with a tab having a unique indicia such as a different shape, number and/or color. A series of patches are mounted to the other side of the upper, opposite the straps, and each patch includes a matching indicia corresponding to one of the tabs on the straps. The tabs and patches have cooperating hook and loop fastening material or other fasteners to connect them together and secure the straps on the article of footwear.

Abstract: A method and device for assisting and teaching a child to tie a bow in a shoestring which includes a base member and an extended string attached to the base member with the two sides thereof extending loosely from the base member. A holding member is supporting above the base member and has securing elements thereon spaced from one another and formed to temporarily hold said ends of said string in place thereat to permit said child to manipulate the string and form a bow in the string. Preferably, the string and the securing elements are color coded to assist the child in manipulating the string in a series of steps to form a bow in the string.

Abstract: A teaching aid includes a cover for substantially covering a support stand, wherein the cover has an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface is adapted to conform to the support stand. The support stand may be an ordinary safety cone. The cover may be made of heavy fabric. Manipulative teaching devices are connected to the outer surface for learning and developing manipulative skills. The manipulative teaching devices may be implemented with clothing fasteners, such as zippers, buttons, laces, snaps, hooks and eyes, and hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: An exercise device is held in first one hand and then in the other hand, while the second hand is exercised by screwing nuts in on threaded rods against a spring resistance. Both right hand and left hand threads are provided so that exercise of clockwise and counterclockwise motions are required. The nuts have different outside diameters so that the gripping of the nuts will be at different positions to enhance the experience. Also provided are springs of different tensions to adjust the resistance to rotation.

Abstract: An educational system uses bi-colored shoe laces on specially marked shoes along with an instructional video to teach manipulative skills required to tie shoes.

Abstract: A child shoe-lacing and dressing learning kit for teaching a child between the ages of 3 and 6 to tie shoes and dress oneself. The child shoe-lacing and dressing learning kit includes a pair of strap members each having an outer side and first and second longitudinal edges and being adapted to fasten about thighs of seated users; and also includes a pair of shoe members being removably fastened upon the outer sides of the strap members and having shoe lace holes therein; and further includes shoe laces for lacing up the shoe members; and also includes fastening members being attached to the strap members and to the shoe members.

Abstract: A device, kit, and method for learning, teaching or self-teaching to tie knots, especially when applied to fishing line or other flexible elongated material. The apparatus comprises a body having top and bottom sides opposite to one another, the top side being provided with a center, left, right, front and back areas, and the bottom side generally provided for resting the device an a surface, a first prong member extending upwardly from the top side of the body, and a length of flexible material, such as, a line, thread cord or rope, that is operatively attached to the top side of the body. The flexible material having distal and proximal ends whereby an operator operating the device may thread the proximal end of the flexible material through an opening of a second prong member in a pre-set pattern to form a knot.

Abstract: A method and system with a magnetically attractive breadboard and associated devices for constructing and testing electronic circuits. The breadboard can comprise a single or multi-layer circuit board with metallic foil conductors that can be connected to magnetically attractive pads. Electrical contacts between the pads and foil conductors can be made by wrapping the foil over an edge of insulating material. The insulating material can comprise a flexible insulation sheet with the desired circuit printed thereon. The electronic components are preferably supported by component holders which contain magnets that are attracted to the breadboard. The component holders facilitate attachment of the components to the foil conductors. A circuit can be built by selecting the desired component holder, plugging he component into the component holder, and then attaching the component holder to the breadboard on the proper foil conductor to complete the circuit.

Abstract: An educational doll system for providing a friendly and safe educational aid to teach children how to dress and groom themselves. The educational doll system includes a doll with a head portion, a torso portion and a lower portion as well as a plurality of garments on the torso portion and lower portion of the doll; the garments include a plurality of fasteners designed for teaching children to fasten and undo the fasteners; and a backpack removably coupled to the torso portion of the doll, and having a pair of shoulder straps such that a shoulder of the torso portion of the doll is extended through one of the shoulder straps whereby the backpack is supported on a back of the torso portion of the doll.

Abstract: A drill (100) for drilling a material (104) with a drill bit (102) which is specially adapted for use by inexperienced users is provided. The drill (100) includes a rotatable helix screw (132) having a helix groove (134). A support block (136) travels up and down the helix screw (132) when the helix screw (132) is rotated via a handle section (120). A key pin (138) is mounted in the support block (136) to ride in the helix groove (134). Preferably, the center of mass of the support block (136) is tangential to the helix screw (132). A short level section (304) is formed in the bottom of the helix groove (134) such that the key pin (138) rests in the level section (304) when not in use. The drill (100) may comprise an overhead support mechanism (108) for rotatably supporting the drill (100).

Abstract: A combination of a shoe device (12, FIG. 4) and shoelace (14) for use by young children and the handicapped to learn to tie a shoelace bow, is of simple construction and provides simple guidance. The shoe device is in the form of a plate of cardboard or the like, with markings (60) thereon that represent the front of a shoe. The plate has a pair of holes (20, 22) through which a shoelace can be threaded. A holdown (42) spaced from the holes, can be used to hold down the looped end portion of a shoelace. The holdown can be formed by a cut in the plate which forms a tab with a free end. The plate has greater similarity to a shoe by forming the front portion of the plate with a perimeter (50) that is cut out in the shape of the front half of a child's shoe, with a rounded front end (52) and substantially parallel sides (54, 56), and with the plate being decorated, or marked, to represent the front of a shoe.

Abstract: A rehabilitation/training device. The device is in the form of an apron having multiple simulated apparel closures. The simulated apparel closures are mounted on layered fabric panels. Pockets are provided for storing hand exercise equipment, such as a ball of clay, and for storing a pad of paper, as well as for storing one or more writing/drawing implements.

Abstract: An apparatus to educate a special needs child about shapes and hardware includes a working platform having three boards that each have one of three faces. A first face has colored areas with shaped openings in the colored areas, including round openings, square openings and triangular openings in respective ones of the colored areas. A second face has threaded openings, including openings equipped with bolts and openings to receive screws, and also including openings to receive pegs. A third face has an assortment of locks. The apparatus includes collections of pegs, threaded shafts, nuts, elastic bands and an internal box with internal compartments. The collections of items can be placed in the compartments or on the faces, as appropriate to assist a special needs child in learning skills needed in life.

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching infants how to tie shoe laces is in the form of an enlarged replica of a shoe. The enlarged replica of the shoe has a sole portion, a heel portion, and a upper portion. The upper portion has several pairs of eyelets whereby a shoe lace is laced onto the upper portion. Each of the sole portion, heel portion and upper portion have strategically positioned fasteners that permit the sole portion, heel portion and upper portion to be assembled to form the shoe.

Abstract: A device for supporting a necktie during tying to facilitate the formation of a useful and aesthetically pleasing knot so that the necktie may be removed from the device and worn includes a base member, an arrangement for supporting a necktie including first and second support members mounted to the base member and projecting outwardly therefrom, and an arrangement for preventing necktie movement in a direction towards the first and second support members which is mounted to the base member at a vertical spacing from the upper support members. The present invention also provides a method for tying a necktie on the device which includes draping a necktie over the upper support members and, using the lower support members, forming a slip knot in the necktie which is drawn tight against the lower support member.