Abstract: A protective helmet for successive impacts includes a head cap adapted to surround and move with a wearer's head and an outer shell which surrounds the head cap. An energy absorbing flexible liner predominantly comprised of radially oriented foam columns is attached to both the head cap and outer shell. The liner establishes a preset initial relative position and spacing between the head cap and the outer shell and compliantly absorbs energy imparted to the outer shell during a helmet impact to enable the outer shell to move linearly and angularly relative to the head cap during the helmet impact and to be returned to the initial relative position with the head cap following the impact.

Abstract: A protective garment enabling a wearer of the protective garment to clearly hear external sounds and thereby ensuring the safety of the wearer's work. The protective garment includes: a protective garment main body covering at least the head of a wearer; ear film members formed with a thickness allowing hearing of external sounds; and a maintaining member maintaining the ear film members in contact with the wearer's ears or in proximity to the wearer's ears within a predetermined distance. Since the ear film members are provided and maintained in contact with the wearer's ears or in proximity to the wearer's ears within a predetermined distance, the wearer can clearly hear external sounds.

Abstract: An improved ear guard that may be incorporated into an ear guard assembly, particularly for amateur wrestlers, comprising two symmetrically opposite ear guards having features that engage with a plurality of straps. Internal reinforcement members having ventilation apertures are enveloped by an energy-absorbing cover assembly. The outer surface of the cover assembly having apertures of appropriate size and shape to provide clearance for the straps aligned with the engagement and ventilation features of the structural reinforcement and not requiring ventilation holes, increasing the suitability of the surface for the display of custom graphics and the inner surface of the cover assembly is formed in such a manner as to simplify the adjustment of the straps. The geometries of the assembly provide multiple ventilation paths for comfort and natural hearing.

Abstract: Footwear with magnetic closures are disclosed. Footwear include a shell with a heel section and a front section defining a lateral slit and a medial slit between the heel section and the front section. Footwear have a lateral magnetic closure associated with the lateral slit and a medial magnetic closure associated with the medial slit. The heel section is configured to support a user's heel when the lateral magnetic closure and the medial magnetic closure are closed. Further, the heel section is configured to flex rearward to expose a rear foot passage when the lateral magnetic closure and medial magnetic closure are open.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a full monofilament upper is described. The full monofilament upper incorporates a knitted component including a monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element is formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament knit element is formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component, including peripheral portions that are knit using a natural or synthetic twisted fiber yarn. An inlaid tensile element can extend through the knitted component, including portions of the monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element may be knitted with a monofilament strand according to a variety of knit structures. A fusible strand may be knit with the monofilament knit element. Upon heating, the fusible strand can combine and surround the monofilament strand within the monofilament knit element.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a full monofilament upper is described. The full monofilament upper incorporates a knitted component including a monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element is formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament knit element is formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component, including peripheral portions that are knit using a natural or synthetic twisted fiber yarn. An inlaid tensile element can extend through the knitted component, including portions of the monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element may be knitted with a monofilament strand according to a variety of knit structures.

Abstract: A knitted component including a knit element and a gusseted tongue is incorporated into an upper of an article of footwear. The knit element defines a portion of an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper, with the interior surface defining a void for receiving a foot. The knit element and the gusseted tongue are formed together as a knitted component during a knitting process as a one-piece element. The gusseted tongue is formed of unitary knit construction with the knit element and is joined with the knit element in an instep area of the upper. The knitting process includes steps of forming portions of the knitted component, transferring portions of the knitted component to opposite needle beds, shifting needle beds along a lateral direction to cause portions to overlap, and joining the overlapped portions by knitting to form the gusseted tongue.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a knitted component having a monofilament knit element with peripheral knit portions is described. The knitted component includes a monofilament knit element formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament knit element is formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component, including peripheral portions that are knit using a natural or synthetic twisted fiber yarn. An inlaid tensile element can extend through the knitted component, including portions of the monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element may be knitted with a monofilament strand according to a variety of knit structures.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a knitted component for an article of footwear that include knitting an upper with an integral knit tongue during a knitting process on a knitting machine are described. The knitting process forms the integral knit tongue of unitary knit construction with the upper so that the integral knit tongue extends through a throat area of the knitted component. The integral knit tongue can include raised elements formed of unitary knit construction with the tongue.

Abstract: A shoe including: a sock-shaped base member forming at least a portion of an upper; a reinforcement member made of a thermoplastic resin welded to side surfaces of the base member on a medial side and a lateral side of a foot; and a mid sole made of a thermoplastic resin welded to a bottom surface of the base member.

Abstract: A shoe apparatus can including a base component with a sole, a strap component having a strap and a center connector, and a cover component comprising a material positioned between the base component and the strap and attached to the perimeter edge of the sole. The material has an aperture for receiving the center connector and a first opening positioned above a rearfoot portion of said sole for receiving a person's foot. The center connector is positioned through said aperture and connected to said forefoot portion of the sole. The strap component forms a second opening between the cover component and the strap for receiving a person's foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an outdoor shoe, in particular a climbing or hiking shoe, with an inside lining and an upper material. The invention is characterized in that the inside lining has a first material and a second material, wherein the second material is arranged at least in the area of a hallux basal joint position and wherein the second material has a greater extensibility than the first material.

Abstract: A sporting footwear and system for enhancing a force transfer is described. The footwear enhances the force transfer from a foot of the wearer of the footwear, to a playing surface on which the footwear is being used. The footwear has a shell which receives and encloses the foot. The shell has a heel portion, and opposite sole and upper portions. The footwear also has a force-transferring member. The member has a first surface which can be attached to the inside of the upper portion, and an opposed second surface which can abut against the top of the wearer's foot when it is inserted into the shell. When the member abuts against the top of the foot, it fills a void and enables an increased operative contact surface within the footwear. This allows for enhanced force transfer between the foot and the shell of the footwear, and ultimately, the playing surface.

Abstract: Provided are functional socks including cushion members provided at center areas of bottom surfaces of a pair of left and right socks to maintain recessed areas of soles, and shock absorbing units provided at the cushion members and deformed by the weight transmitted to the recessed areas of the soles to attach the soles to shoes. The shock absorbing unit is formed at the bottom surface of the cushion member, and is selectively constituted by one of a honeycomb structure partitioned by a plurality of support ribs, a plurality of holes disposed parallel to a longitudinal direction of the sole, and a plurality of grooves disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the sole. Side coating sections prevent the soles from being pushed outward, front and rear coating sections prevent slippage, and top coating sections attach toes and tops to shoes.

Abstract: Embodiments of an improved high heel shoe are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the improved high heel shoe can include an upper, a sole at least partially connected to the upper, a heel at least partially connected to the sole, and a platform including a portion of the sole. The platform can include an improved platform assembly comprising a plurality of springs located between the sole and a cover that engages a foot of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoelace retaining device which includes an L-shaped spring clip, a support frame which is fixedly attached to the L-shaped spring clip, and a locking member which is upwardly raised from a base plate of the support frame. An aperture is formed on a clip arm of the L-shaped spring clip to receive the locking member. The locking member has a receiving part having a positive slope and a locking part having a negative slope. Furthermore, the base plate has a positive slope so that the base plate and the clip arm taper for easy in and out of a shoelace.

Abstract: An ice crampon comprises a metal body composed of a head and a heel connected by flexible connecting means formed by at least one flexible cord after passing through length adjustment notches. These notches form part of a notching system securedly attached to the body of the crampon, so that the longitudinal adjustment of the cord is adapted to the shoe size, independently from the fixing means of the crampon.

Abstract: A button closure replacement system is disclosed, comprising a button replacement portion comprising a button cover defining a button chamber for accommodating a button, and a restriction for retaining the button within the button chamber, wherein the button cover has a fastening material on an outward surface, a button hole insert having a dumbbell shape, the insert comprising a backing disk on one end for passing through a button hole and retaining the insert within the button hole; and a facing disk having a fastening material thereon, and the button cover and facing disk releasably retain each other to close a button closure. Further disclosed is a zipper closure fastening system, comprising first and second zipper covers, each comprising a spring clip having a fastener thereon for fitting over a zipper side, wherein the fasteners of the first and second zipper covers releasably retain each other.

Abstract: A reusable zipper system for allowing a zipper to be installed and removed onto different objects interchangeably. The reusable zipper system generally includes an inner member and an outer member. The inner member is removably secured to an object via adhesive around an opening to be fitted with the present invention. The outer member is removably secured over the inner member. After cutting a slit through the inner member, a zipper assembly which includes zipper tracks and a zipper head may be used to selectively open or close the flaps. When desired, the inner and outer members may be removed from the object to be used elsewhere.

Abstract: A display badge comprises an outer casing having a cover member, a light source disposed within the outer casing, a source of electrical energy electrically connectable to the light source, a fiber optic strand disposed within the outer casing so that a fiber tip of the fiber optic strand extends through the cover member so as to be visible from the outside of the display badge, and a power switch mounted in the outer casing and including a press button partially extending through the cover member. The power switch is electrically connected to the light source and the source of electrical energy so as to selectively turn on the light source by pressing the press button. The fiber optic strand extends between the cover member and the light source, and configured to transmit the light from the light source to the outside of the display badge.

Abstract: A jewelry clasp that provides an ease for fastening and superior security. The jewelry clasp includes a first housing for securing a first magnet and a second housing for securing a second magnet. The first magnet has an exposed surface with a north pole and the second magnet has an exposed surface with a south pole. The first housing also includes a retaining wall with an opening. The clasp has a magnetic locking arrangement wherein the second housing is removably secured within the open recess of the first housing and the north pole of the first magnet is magnetically attracted and aligned with the south pole of the second magnet. The clasp also has a mechanical locking arrangement wherein the second housing is fit into the second recess of the first housing and a connector of the second housing is placed in the opening of the retaining wall of the first housing.

Abstract: Flexible retaining structures for body jewelry and method for their use.

Abstract: A quick swapping interchangeable jewelry building system that is comprised of short length jewelry strands made of, but not limited to various precious metals, beads or glass to be re-used continually by connecting and replacing charms, pendants and bibs to alter the look and length of the embodiment in seconds. In the final analysis the end-user is always in control of the outcome, which offers a plurality of configurations.

Abstract: The present cane and grabber device can be a cane component and a grabber component. The grabber component can be housed within the cane component or can be unsheathed from the cane component and utilized to grab one or more objects. In an embodiment, the cane component can provide support to a user both while housing the grabber component and while the grabber component has been unsheathed. In an alternative embodiment, one or more grabber components can be housed by a walker or other similar support providing device.

Abstract: A device includes a frame structure; a shade attached to the frame structure; and a pole attached to the frame structure. The device includes a solar panel attached to the frame structure and positioned above the shade. The frame and the shade unfold upward along the pole to open the shade. The solar panel rotates up as the frame and shade unfold upward. The frame and the shade fold down along the pole to close the shade. The solar panel rotates down as the frame and shade fold down.

Abstract: A solar charging umbrella uses solar power to charge electronic devices. The umbrella is self-sustained, capable of charging electronic devices in locations away from electrical outlets. The umbrella has a rechargeable battery that is recharged by sunlight. When charged, the umbrella's battery can charge devices when sunlight is not available. The umbrella supports simultaneous charging of high power devices such as tablet computers.

Abstract: A security luggage bag having multi layered walls defining a storage volume and at least one of the walls has a reinforcing layer comprised of a fabric with a reinforcing wire strand on a surface of the fabric, the reinforcing strand being fixed to the fabric as with stitching, tape or welds extending lengthwise along the reinforcing strand.

Abstract: A device for securing and protecting an item, including a strap comprising a flexible material including a first magnet disposed at a distal end of the strap, and a second magnet disposed at a proximal end of the strap, a casing for securing and protecting the item including a pouch formed in the case having an opening, a screen disposed on a front side of the casing for viewing the item inside the casing, and a border disposed between an edge of the mesh pocket and the screen that surrounds an entirety of the screen, and a connecting region disposed between the distal end of the strap and the casing for securing the strap to the casing.

Abstract: A protective case for large objects including a lock housing formed from a first section and a second section, both of the sections including at least one external subsection and at least one internal subsection configured to telescope inside the external subsection; and an extension lock comprising a lock housing and a compression lock, the lock housing including a screw-threaded channel, and the compression comprising at least one screw-threaded shaft with a compressive component on the interior end and a lock handle on the exterior end, the screw-threaded shaft configured to matingly engage with the screw-threaded channel of the lock housing; the compression lock configured to descend in the lock housing and compressingly lock the internal subsection in an extended position upon locking rotation of the compression lock; and the compression lock configure to ascend in the lock housing upon unlocking rotation of the cam latch.

Abstract: A container and billfold for carrying credit cards and the like is provided with security protection for shielding surreptitious remote retrieval of the information stored in magnetic means on the cards. The upper edge portions of the cards are exposed in a staggered manner in the container for ready identification, selection and removal of a particular card during use. The container has a spring-loaded cam operated compression spring hinge to maintain it in either a closed condition in a snap action or in a secure opened condition with its upper housing pivoted to a maximum opening position of generally 49 degrees relative to the plane of the lower housing. A paper currency clip is also provided in the container.

Abstract: A transport container includes a container body (14) and a container lid (12) pivotably mounted at the container body, with a multitude of guide rollers (58) at the container body (14) and a telescopic handle (64) spaced apart from the guide rollers (58), each at the side of the container body (14) opposite the container lid (12). A stacking frame (50) is attached to the rectangular container body (14), or is integrated into the rectangular container body (14). The container body (14) has rounded corners, but is free of supports or recesses (82) for guide rollers (58). The stacking frame (50) forms at least three stacking guides (52, 54), and the guide rollers (58) are mounted inside or at the stacking frame (50).

Abstract: A shoulder assembly for connecting two arms of a hair styling apparatus, the shoulder assembly comprising: a housing; a first coupling member which is attached to the housing and which projects from the housing to couple the housing to a first arm; a second coupling member which is attached to the housing and which projects from the housing to couple the housing to a second arm; wherein both the first and second coupling members are flexible so that the first arm is movable relative to the second arm when the shoulder assembly is connected to the first and second arms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hair styling device. According to the invention the hair styling device comprises a body adapted to accommodate a length of hair, the body having a primary opening through which the length of hair may pass; a rotatable element adapted to engage the length of hair adjacent to the primary opening; an elongate member around which, in use, the length of hair is wound by the rotatable element; a movable panel having an open position in which the primary opening is open to receive the length of hair, and a closed position in which the primary opening is covered, the movable panel having a heating element.

Abstract: A headband extending laterally from one side of the head to the other side of the head and designed to maintain a wearer's hair in position, the headband having secured at its two termini, a decorative pierced earring, the pierced earring cooperative with the pierced lobe of the ear, allowing the earring to be affixed through the ear and to the terminus of the headband, thus maintaining the headband in position on the user's head.

Abstract: A hair dryer is disclosed. The hair dryer includes a power supply for supplying electric power, a voltage detector for detecting a voltage of the electric power supplied from the power supply, a controller for controlling a driving speed of a motor in accordance with the voltage detected by the voltage detector, and a motor unit comprising first and second triacs to be selectively turned in accordance with the voltage detected by the voltage detector under a control of the controller, a rectifier to be turned on by a selected one of the first and second triacs, and the motor. The motor receives the voltage from the rectifier.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus includes a drawing head to hold at least one drawing tool which performs drawing by applying photocurable fluid material to a drawing target surface of a drawing target object, a light source unit which emits irradiation light including specific light in a specific wavelength region to cure the photocurable fluid material, and a light-blocking member which is disposed between the light source unit and the drawing tool held in the drawing head and blocks the specific light from arriving at the drawing tool when the light source unit emits the irradiation light.

Abstract: The container system for cosmetics includes a jewelry body, a lid member, a magnetic anchor, and an insert tray. The jewelry body has a chamber with a top end and a bottom end with an aperture extending through the bottom end, and the lid member attaches to the jewelry body to cover the top end of the chamber. In a closed position of the lid member, the container system is a ring, bracelet, necklace, pendant, locket or other piece of jewelry. The magnetic anchor in the bottom end of the chamber magnetically engages the insert tray. The aperture through the chamber and the hole through the magnetic anchor are aligned so that a tool can be inserted through these openings to dislodge the insert tray. Other interchangeable insert trays can be mounted in the chamber for varying the cosmetics stored in the container system.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator having a core that supports the application elements in the form of bristles and/or comb tines; the core has a central body that is itself equipped with a plurality of bristles and/or comb tines protruding out directly from it; the core is also composed of at least one arm that protrudes out from the central body and is itself equipped with a plurality of bristles and/or comb tines and is mobile relative to the central body.

Abstract: A remover cover is detachably attached to an attraction head equipped at one end of a substantially rod-shaped remover. The attraction head includes a magnetic force generating surface adapted to generate a magnetic force. The cover includes a cover body shaped like a bag and adapted to cover the remover from a tip of the attraction head to at least the magnetic force generating surface, and a holding portion installed by extending from an open end of the cover body. The cover body is configured to allow itself to be turned inside out.

Abstract: A multipurpose device includes one or more supporting parts which can contact a user's head and preferably a vision aid and/or a hearing aid. At least one supporting part has a tensioning device for tautening the user's facial skin. The tightening device is or can be connected to the supporting part and is pivotable about an axis of rotation. The tensioning device has a tensioning bow and a spring element tensioning the tensioning bow. The tensioning bow is disposed on the side of the supporting part facing the user's head and the spring element is engaged at one end with the supporting part and at the other with the tensioning bow.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a finger loop for use with a portable electronic device case, housing or enclosure. The finger loop is formed by a strip of material such as silicone or rubber that extends away from the rear outer surface of the case, housing, or enclosure, and returns to the rear outer surface of the case, housing, or enclosure thereby forming a loop through which a user can insert at least one, or a plurality of fingers to aid in holding the device. The strip of material may include features to increase friction with the inside surface of the case or with the portable electronic device itself.

Abstract: A tool holder has a holder body with a generally cylindrical sidewall extending along a central longitudinal axis between an open first end and a second end portion. The second end portion defines a through-opening extending along the central longitudinal axis and having a through-opening radius. A flange member extends axially from the second end portion and has flange neck portion and a flange rim portion each extending radially about the through-opening. The flange rim portion is spaced apart from and connected at the flange neck portion to the second end portion of the holder body. A reinforcing member installed on the flange neck portion between the flange rim portion and the second end portion. The holder body is made of a resilient, pliable material and constructed to receive and frictionally engage a non-working end of a tool inserted into the holder body through the open first end.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided, in one embodiment, with a plurality of spaced-apart tissue cleaning pads (400) radially arranged around a central axis (450) to form a grouping on one side of the head. A bridge (465) is positioned between each pad (400). Each pad (400) further preferably includes one or more protrusions (980) along an upper surface thereof. There also is provided a plurality of cleaning elements (150) extending from an opposite side of the head of the oral care implement and connected to the cleaning pads through the head.

Abstract: A hair brush has a body with a head, a plurality of bristles carried by and protruding relative to the head, and a water absorbent material carried by part of the body and dispersed among at least some of the plurality of bristles.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a collection system for oral fluids. Some embodiments of the implement may include a body comprising a head, a handle, and a neck located between the head and the handle, the head having a front surface and an opposite rear surface. Tooth cleaning elements may extend from the front surface of the head. A collecting member may be coupled to the body and a reservoir may be located within the handle or the neck of the body. A fluid pathway may extend from the collecting member to the reservoir so that an oral fluid can pass through the collecting member and into the reservoir for storage.

Abstract: In one example, we describe a method and system for toothbrush sterilization and/or storage with better quality in terms of hygiene and convenience, where the brush head and the shaft that enter the user's mouth are never contacted by the chamber. Also, below the brush head and shaft, there is no chamber. If any drops of water were to fall off the brush head, they would fall all the way through the chamber and reside on the counter on which the chamber rests, which can be removed or cleaned easily later. In one example, we use a UV-C lamp as our sterilization technique. This selection has many advantages over the other sterilizations techniques. In one example, we use a single lamp, but that lamp is in a ring configuration (otherwise known as annular, torus, or donut), with good coverage of the toothbrush, from all angles.

Abstract: A method for providing bristles for automated production of brushes, in particular toothbrushes or parts thereof may comprise providing a plurality of bristles in a storage container, applying oil to at least a part of the plurality of bristles in the storage container, separating a bristle tuft from the storage and transporting the bristle tuft in a tube using an airflow. The plurality of bristles tufts can be transferred to a providing unit, in which the bristles tufts are arranged in a pre-defined tuft pattern and may be over-molded by injection molding in order to form at least a brush head. A device suitable to perform the method comprises at least an immersion unit to apply oil to bristles and an airflow-using transportation unit.

Abstract: A work surface height adjustment apparatus having a work surface platform and a scissors assembly mounted to a platform The scissors assembly has horizontal cross members, a scissors linkage mounted to the horizontal cross members, a control link mounted to the scissors linkage and a horizontal cross member. When extended, the scissors linkage creates two identical and opposing isosceles triangles.

Abstract: A partition system includes various accessories that may be associated with a wall or base element. The accessories include without limitation an adjustable shelf. The wall element may be curved or linear in various embodiments. The wall element may include an upstanding wall or a channel, either or both of which are engaged by one or more accessories.

Abstract: A closet or enclosure 100 (closet) fit into an attic. A panel (110) forms the bottom of the closet. The panel can be lowered to the living space below manually or by using a return spring or electrical means. The panel holds a cabinet, box, or other storage item (105 or 2225). Air space (150) around the cabinet or items insulates it from thermal contact with the walls. Alternatively a cabinet is hung from a restraining member (145), or arm (1105), so it can be raised for storage and lowered for access. In this aspect, the panel is secured to the bottom of the cabinet. Optional vents (155) and fan (160) urge circulation between the air space and the living space, reducing temperature extremes in the air space and hence the cabinet. In other aspects, air treatment units (HVAC, dehumidifier, etc.) condition the air within the closet or enclosure.