Abstract: A device for providing protection against minor head injury and for stabilizing a hat is provided. The device moves from a generally flat first orientation into a domed-shaped second orientation. In the second orientation, the device is placed under the underside of a hat and supports the hat in an upright position. The device may be placed under a hat for protection and/or to store the hat in an upright position for display and to reduce the sagging of the hat over time. Further, the device may be placed under a hat and the hat worn. The device has a plurality of radially extending arms extending from a center portion. The perimeter surface of the device may be partially inserted within a groove of the hat so as to allow the device to remain secured within the hat. The device is also suitable for providing some protection against head injury when the device is properly worn under a hat.

Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer.

Abstract: Integrated helmet systems provide convenient and modular use of electronic devices with a protective helmet. In addition to ease of use, weight savings and space savings also may be realized in certain embodiments. A flexible printed circuit board is used as a power bus to deliver electrical power from a battery pack to various electronic devices. Examples of devices used with protective helmets include: night vision goggles; helmet-mounted display units; ear phones; communication headsets; camera systems; biometric sensors; microprocessors; identify friend or foe devices (IFFs); and GPS devices.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet includes a shell, a pad, and a sensor system. The sensor system is at least partially disposed on the shell or the pad. The sensor system can detect a user status and wirelessly transmit a status signal representing the detected user status to a paired device. The paired device can determine whether the user has suffered an injury and whether to contact emergency services. The bicycle helmet may include an integrated microphone and speakers so that the user can speak with an emergency services operator.

Abstract: Described are helmets that include a shell that has a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer. The second layer is less dense than the first layer and the third layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a helmet comprising a main body having a concave interior for receiving a user's head, a head strap coupled to the body, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the head strap. The head strap is positioned in a loop that spans at least 1.5 wraps around the interior of the main body. Preferably, the head strap is fully recessed into the concave interior of the main body. The head strap can include an occipital pad and a flexible belt (e.g., two flexible belts) secured to the occipital pad and engaged with the adjustment mechanism. Preferably, at least a portion of the flexible belt is spaced rearward from the occipital pad. The helmet can further include a belt guide (e.g., two side belt guides and a front belt guide) secured to the main body and adapted to allow the head strap to slide through the belt guide.

Abstract: The present application discloses a helmet, a helmet retention system, and a method of adjusting a helmet. In certain embodiments, the helmet comprises a helmet shell and a helmet retention system. The retention system comprises a rear portion connected to the rear of the helmet shell, first and second straps extending from the rear portion to a front portion of the helmet shell, and an adjustment device attached to the rear portion for adjusting the length of the first and second straps between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell to tighten and loosen the straps about the head of the user. Each strap comprises a strap segment and an elongated member attached to the strap segment. The adjustment device is configured to selectively adjust the elongated member to move the first and second strap segments relative to the helmet shell.

Abstract: A protective liner for personal protective equipment comprises a foam component and a polymer component. The foam component is embedded in parallel with the polymer component such that the foam component and the polymer component absorb energy in parallel during impact.

Abstract: A helmet comprises a shell, a gasket, and a facemask. A recessed region is formed on an exterior surface of the shell of the helmet. The gasket is disposed on the recessed region of the shell. The facemask is disposed on the gasket.

Abstract: Magnetic footwear, magnetic footwear fasteners, magnetic couplers, and methods of utilizing the same are disclosed herein. A magnetic footwear fastener includes a pair of magnetic couplers that are selectively (magnetically) coupled together, such as to selectively secure footwear in a closed, or sized, configuration around a wearer's foot when magnetic coupling regions of the pair of magnetic couplers are magnetically coupled together. The magnetic couplers also include mechanical coupling regions that are configured to be attached to footwear, either in a temporary or permanent manner. When the magnetic couplers are temporarily coupled to the footwear, the mechanical coupling region of each magnetic coupler may include one or more coupler eyelets through which the footwear's lace extends. When the magnetic couplers are permanently coupled to the footwear, the mechanical coupling regions thereof may be integrated into the shell, tongue, vamp, or other upper region of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus removably attachable to a shoe with laces and a sole. The apparatus comprises a front side and back side, lower and upper opposite ends and opposite sides. The front side of the apparatus has a front pocket and the back side of the apparatus has a transversal strap extending between both opposite sides of the apparatus and a longitudinal strap extending from the lower opposite end of the apparatus. The longitudinal strap has an extendible loop configured to be removably latched onto a hook device located at the upper opposite end of the apparatus. When removably attaching the apparatus onto the shoe, the longitudinal strap is weaved through the laces of the shoe and the extendible loop is extended over the hook device so as to securely attach the apparatus onto the shoe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe and method for making a shoe with divided ground contact surfaces including a toe area covered in part by a toe material; the toe material for contacting a ground; a heel area covered in part by a heel material; wherein the heel material is for contacting the ground. The shoe also has a flex member between the toe and heel areas; the flex member extends both in lateral and longitudinal directions for spreading the toe and heel materials toward a periphery of the shoe and for reducing friction between the ground and the toe and heel materials; and wherein the flex member is contoured for facilitating flexing of the shoe.

Abstract: A remote control wireless heated insole system in which address data identifying specific insoles to be heated is provided. Once the heating process is initiated, periodic repeated control signals are generated to cause heating of the insoles.

Abstract: A pneumatically cushioned shoe or shoe insert device including a plastic layer forming air bladders; a cloth layer covering a top surface of the plastic layer; a rubber layer covering a toe portion of a bottom surface of the plastic layer; a C shaped indentation on the plastic layer forming an arch region air bladder; and circle or oval shaped indentations forming interconnected air bladder regions having respective air bladders and including an inner heel, outer heel, and metatarsal air bladder regions. The rubber layer including cutting lines for sizing for regular or wide foot sizes and a lower thicker line defining a do not cut below region. The cloth layer including cutting lines for sizing for the other of regular or wide foot sizes. The air bladders pre-filled with air during manufacturing or filled with air by a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a midsole which reduces a load applied to a knee, and more particularly, to a midsole which reduces a load applied to a knee, in which a first soft portion and a second soft portion are disposed at a front inner side and a rear inner side so as to allow an inner knee to relatively and smoothly move, thereby reducing impact and load concentrated on an inner knee joint, and expecting improved exercise capacity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a midsole includes placing first and second preforms into a midsole recess of a mold, with first and second portions of the mold defining a first overflow chamber connected to the first recess; closing the mold by positioning the first and second portions in contact with one another; heating the mold for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature such that the first and second preforms melt and bond together to form a midsole, with a portion of each of the first and second preforms flowing into the first overflow chamber to form a first overflow portion; removing the midsole from the mold; allowing the midsole to expand; and cutting away the first overflow portion.

Abstract: An improved athletic or therapeutic footwear device having a group of two ridges separated by an arch in the sole there between. The footwear has either of two configurations: a staggered or partial sole cavity config or a uniform or transverse configuration. The staggered or partial sole configuration has cavities in alternating sides of the shoe sole down the ridge group. The uniform or transverse configuration has a proximal cavity near each ridge that passes from one side to another of all ridges thereby permitting maximum loading of weights or dummy plugs therein. A closing device ensures that weights or dummy plugs won't accidentally exit the cavities.

Abstract: A shoe wedge includes a support structure. The support structure includes two longitudinally extending wall portions that are biased towards one another such that the wall portions define a channel extending between the wall portions and an opening that extends from an upper surface of the support structure to a lower surface of the support structure. The opening has a larger cross sectional area at the upper surface than at the lower surface. The shoe wedge further includes a body portion that extends from the support structure. The body portion is configured with a surface that substantially conforms to a portion of a sole of a shoe.

Abstract: An improved interchangeable fashion-covering and adornment system that provides the user a way to quickly and easily modify the look of their shoes to match their style of dress by using a hidden magnet solution.

Abstract: A footwear with an integrated donning mechanism allows a user to put on a shoe and a sock without bending over or overexerting themselves. This is accomplished through the use of an at least one attachment mechanism. Each attachment mechanism includes a first interlocking element and a second interlocking element. The sock includes an outer contact surface connected in between a sock toe and an ankle band. The shoe includes an inner contact surface connected in between a shoe toe and a collar. The first interlocking element connects onto the outer contact surface. The second interlocking element connects onto the inner contact surface. When the sock is positioned within the shoe, the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are engaged to each other, and thus fastening the sock to the shoe such that it is easier for the user put on the sock and the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear for substantially reducing friction related to tying a shoe with a shoelace having an uncompressed cross-section. The shoe comprises eyelets for receiving the shoelace, each eyelet having a cross-section larger than the uncompressed cross-section of the shoelace. The shoe further comprises shoelace interfacing structures configured inside one of the eyelets. The shoelace interfacing structures comprises a material for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe. In addition, the shoelace interfacing structures supports movement of the shoelace along an outer surface of the shoelace interfacing structure and permits the shoelace to pass with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the shoelace ties the shoe with minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the tension of the shoelace with each shoelace interfacing structures throughout the shoe.

Abstract: The purpose of this device is to secure, contain, and protect the tied shoelaces found on the majority of shoes in today's world. Especially in the case of children, elderly, or athletes, the shoelaces frequently come undone. At best, this can be a nuisance to have to bend over and re-tie them every so often. At worst, untied laces can cause the wearer to trip and possibly injure him/herself. This device prevents any such instances from occurring by ensconcing the tied laces in a cocoon of sorts, never allowing them to come undone or bounce around haphazardly.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively extending and retracting spikes includes spike actuating assemblies mounted to, and cooperating between, a first plate and a first slider frame, and a second plate and a second slider frame, pivotally mounted to the first plate and first slider frame respectively. Each spike actuating assembly contains a spike. The first slider frame is translatable to actuate the spike actuating assemblies to thereby extend and retract the spikes from the spike actuating assemblies. A cyclically alternating positioner is mounted on the first plate for moving the first and second slider frames relative to the first and second plates. The positioner has only a single actuating button adjacent the heel. Depressing the actuating button a first time causes the positioner to move the slider frames to extend the spikes. Depressing the actuating button a second time causes the positioner to move the slider frames to retract the spikes.

Abstract: A removable stud or cleat assembly for footwear is provided, particularly for athletic or sports footwear. The stud or cleat assembly includes a stud having a first and second mounting structure and engagement structure located on the sole of the footwear and configured for engaging the first and second mounting structure of the stud. Engagement of the stud is achieved by aligning the first mounting structure relative to the engagement structure, temporarily deforming the second mounting structure and rotating the stud relative to the engagement structure to thereby securely engage the first and second mounting structure with the engagement structure. Disengagement of the stud from the engagement structure is achieved by biasing the second mounting structure to disengage the second mounting structure from the engagement structure and rotating the stud relative to the engagement structure to thereby disengage the first mounting structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear including cleat sets and/or cleat members can include provisions for maximizing traction between a chassis and multiple types of ground surfaces. In some embodiments, a chassis can include cleat sets and/or cleat members disposed in different locations to achieve maximum traction on multiple types of surfaces. In other embodiments, a chassis can include distinct types of cleat sets and/or cleat members that each maximize traction for a distinct type of surface. Each chassis includes a distinct type of cleat configuration. Different cleat configurations may be used to provide varying degrees of traction. In some embodiments, the chassis can include varying levels of flexibility, to provide user with options to customize the stiffness and support of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear may include applying an environmental pressure differential across a sheet of upper material to conform the sheet of upper material to a portion of a footwear last, thereby forming at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear. In addition, the method may include assembling the article of footwear including fixedly attaching the upper of the article of footwear to a sole structure.

Abstract: In a belt with a belt strap (4) and a buckle (1) attached to an end of the belt strap (4), the belt strap (4) on one end carries a securing element (5) to which the buckle (1) is detachably connected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for joining two or more pieces of hook fastener tape. In some embodiments, the two or more pieces of tape are spliced together using ultrasonic welding. At least one of the splicing components used to splice the tapes together may be configured so that the component influences the profile of a connecting portion along which the two tapes are welded together. In some cases, at least one of the splicing components may be configured to minimize deformation of the tapes as they are welded together.

Abstract: A diamond, which has a step-cut arched configuration on one end and a baguette-style configuration on the other, comprising a girdle, a top or crown above the girdle, and a pavilion or base below the girdle. The crown terminates in an upper planar surface known as a “table,” which is generally parallel to the girdle plane. The arched end is comprised of step-cut crown facets that are preferably arranged about a common center, and upstanding pavilion facets that are also preferably arcuately arranged about the common center. The pavilion also includes a large, arched window facet.

Abstract: A cane with trigger-actuated gripper is an apparatus that is used as a walking aid and an aid for grabbing or picking up objects. The apparatus includes a cane which is used to aid a user with walking and increase distance the user is able to reach. A grasping mechanism is connected to the can and used to aid users with grabbing or picking up objects. A trigger located near the handle of the cane is used to control a spring-loaded claw assembly. The spring-loaded claw assembly, located near the foot of the cane, is used to clench or pick up objects. A cable runs through the inside of the cane's hollow shaft and links the trigger to the spring-loaded claw assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure is related holders and clamps, such as umbrella holders. In certain embodiments, an item holder and one or more clamps may be combined to form an umbrella holder. Further, a clamp may include two jaw members that can be tightened to engage a ball joint member of a holder. There may also be an attachment mechanism that also has a ball joint that can be engaged by an end of the clamp opposite the holder. Such a clamp may also be adapted for other uses, such as to engage other items connected to a ball joint.

Abstract: The invention is a card caddy for holding cards such as, but not limited to, credit cards and business cards, alone or in combination. In one preferred embodiment the card caddy is a right handed card caddy comprising a plurality of transparent pouches arranged in a single column format with a predetermined amount of overlap between each adjacent pouch. The column of connected pouches defines front and rear sides of the card caddy. Each pouch has a side opening to allow a user to insert or retract cards. A pouch overlap corresponding to ¼ of a pouch provides a card caddy with five pouches which can fit in a person's purse or wallet; a pouch overlap of ? of a pouch provides a card caddy with nine pouches. A left handed card caddy is also provided.

Abstract: A multipurpose wallet formed from flaccid, rectangular outer and inner members and inner members each having a major surface. The major surface of the outer member is selectively fastened, preferably using solvent bonding, to a facing major surface of the inner member. Selecting the areas to be bonded defines internal pouches between the outer and inner members and additionally, a central channel. Elongated retaining clips that removably engage the central channel hold folded material within the wallet. One or more writing instrument holders, each having one or more writing instrument sleeves, are fastened to an outer surface of the outer member. One or more inside pockets may be formed by solvent bonding an additional piece of material to an inside surface of the inner member. The wallet is constructed of durable weather resistant, water resistant vinyl-type material for the outer member and a clear vinyl for the inner member.

Abstract: A cover-type containing structure for flexible enclosures primarily includes a front cover sheet, a rear cover sheet and a flexible enclosure. The front cover sheet includes a first joining edge and a cover piece, whereas the rear cover sheet includes a cover assembly corresponding to the cover piece. The flexible enclosure includes a second joining edge and by engaging the first joining edge with the second joining edge, the front cover sheet and the flexible enclosure are fixed. Besides, the containing structure further includes a holding portion. Under a contained state, the holding portion is used to contain smaller objectives; whereas, in an unfolded state, in addition to using the flexible enclosure to contain larger objectives, the holding portion can be also used to contain smaller objectives. The present invention can be also applied to a piece of clothing combined with a bag unit or other flexible enclosure.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a cover, a flexible board, a coupler, a communication module, and an output device. The cover covers at least a part of the flexible board. The coupler is on the flexible board and has flexibility. The communication module performs close proximity wireless communication by using the coupler. The output device outputs at least a part of data received by the coupler.

Abstract: A portable device having a housing includes a plastic portion, a metal element integrated with the plastic portion. The metal element includes a support portion, a closed sidewall substantially perpendicular to the support portion, four first bent portions, and four connecting portions configured to connect the closed sidewall to each first bent portion. The closed sidewall can extend from an outside periphery of the support portion to a first direction, and the first bent portions can extend to a second direction substantially contrary to the first direction. The connecting portions are embedded inside the plastic portion and substantially perpendicular to the closed sidewall and the first bent portion.

Abstract: A protection device includes a receiving portion for receiving an electronic device and a cover portion pivotally connected to one side of the receiving portion for opening or covering the receiving portion. The cover portion includes a first reinforcing member, two right angle trapezoid-shaped second reinforcing members symmetrically located at two opposite sides of the first reinforcing member, two third reinforcing members, and a fourth reinforcing member. The two third reinforcing members respectively located between the two second reinforcing members and the fourth reinforcing member. The first, second, third and fourth reinforcing members are connected flexibly to each other. When the first reinforcing member is folded relative to the fourth reinforcing member and the second reinforcing members contact the first reinforcing member, the cover portion is rotated to allow the first reinforcing member to abut against a back of the receiving portion.

Abstract: An inspection pouch for housing and providing hands-free access to electronic testing equipment, meters, lights, tools and other implements needed by inspectors, installers and other workers. The pouch has a main compartment forming a tray with a cover therefor, the main compartment capable of being suspended from the cover at angles between zero and ninety degrees to enable viewing of equipment staged in the main compartment.

Abstract: A protective cover for a portable electronic device that includes a main body portion that is adapted to at least partially surround and enclose a portable electronic device. The main body portion includes a rear section that has an accessory slot defined therein. The accessory slot removably receives an accessory assembly that includes a base having an accessory mounted thereto.

Abstract: A case for a mobile electronic device is provided. The case includes a removable magnetic material back that covers substantially all of a back side of the mobile electronic device when the device is housed within the case. The removable magnetic material back includes magnetic material and a substantially planar exterior surface facing away from the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is housed within the case. The case also includes a skin including magnetic material. The skin is configured to be removably coupled with the substantially planar exterior surface of the removable magnetic material back via magnetic attraction between the removable magnetic material back of the case and the magnetic material of the skin. In some embodiments, the case further includes a pocket and the removable magnetic material back is configured to be slidably removed from a side portion and/or a top portion of the pocket.

Abstract: Disclosed is an liner comprising magnets which can be inserted in handbags and suitcases. Such an insert is useful for holding one or more metallic objects in place. Also, disclosed is a magnetic storage and holding bag useful for holding objects, such as metallic jewelry or firearms.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device protective case includes a shell with a retention structure attached to the shell. The retention structure is capable or retaining an e-vaping article, where the e-vaping article is a blister pack or an e-vaping item. The retention structure can be a storage portion with a holding member that slideably receives and retains a blister pack, and a locking member that impedes the blister pack from sliding from the storage portion. The retention structure can also include a cavity or a compartment that receives and retains a cylindrically-shaped e-vaping item.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably securing a decorative accessory to a bag. A base element is provided for attachment to a bag such that the front of the base element is disposed on the outside of the bag and the rear of the base element is disposed inside the bag. An accessory element is provided for releasable engagement with the front of the base element. The accessory element and base element are releasably engageable by a securing mechanism that comprises an accessory element release actuator at the rear of the base element, the accessory element release actuator manually operable to selectively disengage the accessory element from an engaged condition with the base element. A method of releasably securing a decorative accessory to a bag. A method of providing a bag with the base element, and a bag provided with the base element.

Abstract: There is provided a carrier. The carrier comprises an inner lining arranged in the carrier, the lining providing a cavity in which items are carried in the carrier. The carrier includes an illumination system having light transmitting fibers in or at the lining for illumination of the cavity, a light source for feeding lighting to said fibers or otherwise providing illumination in the cavity, a switch for controlling operation of light source, a power source for providing power to illumination system, and a capacitor for controlling duration of illumination of light source.

Abstract: A curling device is disclosed for styling hair. The device includes a flattened curling section configured to create a zig-zag pattern in the hair being treated. In one embodiment the device includes a perm-rod with a rectangular cross section. In one embodiment the device includes a curling iron including a flat heating element within the flattened curling section. In one embodiment the device includes a flat iron curling device providing a flattened curling section in order that a flat iron can be applied to the hair.

Abstract: A hair styling tool includes a body, a cylinder extending from the body, the cylinder rotatable relative to the body, a motor for rotating the cylinder, a heater to heat the cylinder, and a styling arm pivotally attached to the body. The hair styling tool may have a generally clam shell configuration, wherein the styling arm is movable between an open position in which the styling arm is distant the cylinder and a closed position in which the styling arm is proximate to the cylinder, such as contacting the cylinder. The styling arm may also include a brush head with fixed or retractable bristles and/or a smoothing plate.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method for straightening/relaxing the hair, which comprises (i) the application to the hair of a cosmetic composition comprising at least glyoxylic acid and/or at least one derivative thereof, the composition having a pH of less than or equal to 4, (ii) a leave on time for the composition comprising glyoxylic acid and/or at least one derivative thereof of at least 10 min, followed by (iii) the application, without rinsing, of a composition comprising at least one hair treatment compound chosen from fatty alcohols and cationic conditioning agents, and then by (iv) a heat application step comprising at least one step of heating at a temperature of at least 150° C. The method for straightening the hair according to the invention is effective in terms of straightening and quickly implemented.

Abstract: A container has a body with an opening for holding a fluid such as water. A plurality of substantially parallel fins extend from an opening toward an opposite end of the container defining parallel channels. When a fluid is dispersed from the opening of the container, the fluid is dispersed evenly across the opening in a coaxial direction to the fins.

Abstract: A steam cap and method for hair moisturizing, where the steam cap includes: an outer surface; an inner portion; a flap pocket stitched onto the inner portion, where the flap pocket includes a slit opening on one side of the pocket; and a moisturizing insert, where the moisturizing insert is placed into the flap pocket. The moisturizing insert may include an outer layer and a protective barrier. The steps related to a method of hair moisturizing according to the present invention includes: inserting a moisturizing insert into a flap pocket of a steam cap; placing a steam cap over a user's hair; and heating the moisturizing insert releasing steam with the steam cap.

Abstract: A follicular unit extraction system includes a handpiece body extending along a generally central axis for holding a generally tubular follicle punch having a cutting edge. A fluid path is carried by the handpiece for conducting a liquid from a source external to the handpiece into the lumen of a generally tubular follicle punch held by the handpiece for delivery of the fluid to the cutting edge of the follicle punch. A flow-rate controller for conducting the liquid from the external source to the handpiece in such a way as to maintain a drip of the liquid adjacent the cutting edge sufficient to create and substantially sustain a lubricating liquid film around the follicle during cutting and follicle extraction, and for selectively increasing the liquid pressure sufficiently to discharge tissue within the lumen from the punch.