Abstract: A sleeve saver apparatus that is an elastomeric attachment for use with a cuff on a button-cuffed shirt and any apparel closure using a button/buttonhole closure. More particularly, the invention is directed toward modifying a traditional button-cuffed shirt so that the cuff has some elasticity to facilitate movement of the sleeve and securing it in a desired position, and lending elasticity to other apparel using button/buttonhole closures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment for covering of a predetermined portion of the torso of a wearer. An embodiment of the garment includes an inner and an outer layer, each including a torso segment and a plurality of arm segments. The inner and outer layers are disposed in covering orientation to at least the portion of the torso of the wearer. The outer layer is disposed in a covering relation to the inner layer. A plurality of elongated joining segments fixedly interconnect the inner and outer layers to one another at least along the lengths of corresponding ones of the elongated joining segments. The inner and outer layers are relatively dimensioned and at least partially correspondingly configured for disposition of the inner layer in a substantially non-observable position, from an exterior of the outer layer, when the inner and outer layers are in the covering orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for reducing pressure and discomfort on the female external genitalia. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for reducing pressure on external female genitalia comprising a pad with a center opening wherein the opening of the pad is placed over the genitalia and the pad is positioned to surround the genitalia in order to evenly distribute pressure from the pad. The apparatus comprises a pad with an opening configured to surround the genitalia, wherein the opening of the pad is placed over the genitalia.

Abstract: A cupless sleeping bra to minimize wrinkling between the breasts of the wearer by separating the breasts when the wearer is in a sleeping position, the bra having a pair of elastic breast bands each defining an oval portion to receive a breast, a releasable clasping mechanism, a pair of shoulder straps, and a pair of elastic cross members extending between the oval portions of the breast bands across the intra-breast area. The tensile strength of the bands is greater than the tensile strength of the cross members, such that the cross members are readily stretched and the oval portions are pulled apart to separate the breasts and tension the skin of the intra-breast area when the bra is worn.

Abstract: An unweighting garment includes an article of clothing having two leg portions configured to fit around legs of a user, a buttocks portion configured to fit around the user's buttocks, and a waist portion configured to fit proximate to hips of the user. A pair of attachment mechanisms is in the waist portion. The pair of attachment mechanisms is configured to attach the article of clothing to a device for unloading a portion of the user's weight. One or more force distribution sections are configured to extend from the pair of attachment mechanisms and along both leg portions or the buttocks portion. The one or more force distribution sections are configured to distribute a force acting on the attachment mechanisms to the legs or buttocks of the user when the article of clothing is attached to the device and the portion of the user's weight is unloaded.

Abstract: A customizable garment adapted to cover the upper body of the wearer. The customizable garment includes a sheet of fabric having an opening thereon through which a user may insert his or her head. The sheet of fabric preferably includes a diamond shape, but the sheet may include various other configurations. The sheet includes a front panel to be worn over the chest of the user, and a rear panel to be worn on the user's back. In this way, the garment can be easily adorned and removed, and does not require a user to insert his or her arms through openings or sleeves on the garment. A turtleneck or hood portion can be removably secured to the opening on the garment. Fringes may be removably secured to the perimeter of the front or rear panel in order to customize the appearance of the garment as desired by the user.

Abstract: A youth body armor device protects a wearer from being damaged by ballistic and stabbing weapons. The device includes an article of clothing configured for being worn by a user. The article is constructed from a plurality of layers of ballistic and piercing resistant material. A plurality of plates is provided. Each of the plates is interposed between the layers of the ballistic resistant material. Each plate disperses force from a projectile over an enlarged area. A tracking chip is coupled to the article of clothing wherein a location of the article of clothing is determinable.

Abstract: A modular airbag system may include at least one inflatable airbag configured to deploy outward on a side(s) of the airbag system, for example, in two opposite substantially horizontal directions, at least one airbag compartment, and one or more straps configured to strap the modular airbag system securely to one of a user's body and/or an object, and configured to release the modular airbag system from one of the user's body and/or the object.

Abstract: A hypoallergenic exercise garment and material is described consisting of a class of copolymers or a physical mix of polymers consisting of materials with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties to produce thermoplastic resin pellets. The non-toxic thermoplastic resin pellets are mixed with additives and a blowing agent to produce thermoplastic elastomer closed-cell foam for use in exercise garments. Depending on the exercise garment application, the density of the thermoplastic elastomer foam may vary. In many exercise garment applications low densities such as less than 0.22 grams per cubic centimeters are desirable.

Abstract: A method of adorning an article including the steps of: providing a first layer; cutting the first layer along a first border edge that surrounds a discrete piece of the first layer; separating the discrete piece of the first layer from a remaining portion of the first layer to thereby produce a void within the first border edge; providing a pre-formed insert piece configured to fit within the void and having a second border edge having a shape that conforms to a shape of at least a portion of the first border edge; directing the insert piece into the void with the void and insert piece pre-aligned so that the second border edge is placed against or immediately adjacent to the first border edge where the first and second border edge shapes conform; with the insert piece directed into the void, fixing the insert piece and remaining portion of the first layer together to define an adornment assembly; and integrating the adornment assembly into an article to adorn the article.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for modular accessory apparatus are disclosed herein. The modular accessory apparatus may include a first accessory and a second accessory. The first accessory may be attached to a piece of clothing. The second accessory may be placed on the piece of clothing and coupled to the first accessory.

Abstract: Sleeve for muscle or joint regions of the human body having an inner side (2a) in contact with the body and an outer side (2b) facing away from it, wherein it is proposed according to the invention that a sequence of elastic strip bodies (1) is provided at least in sections of the sleeve, which are held spaced apart from one another parallel to one another in an air-permeable shell (2), which forms respectively one connecting web (3) running centrally in the longitudinal direction of the strip bodies (1) between adjacently located strip bodies (1). The sleeve is primarily intended for use during sleep and prevents cooling of the covered areas by reliably avoiding the formation of perspiration. After putting in place, the sleeve according to the invention results in a massage and therefore improved circulation in the tissue and an enhanced metabolism. It therefore has a pain-relieving, relaxing, decongesting and swelling-reducing effect.

Abstract: A novel multiple orientation construction for the ballistic protection, the process for making it and the main ballistic results obtained thereby. Said construction comprises at least a textile element and one or more thermoplastic or thermosetting based elements. The first textile element (1) comprises textile fibers. The second element (2) may comprise thermoplastic, thermosetting, rubber or polymeric elastomer based matrix arrangements or thermoplastic films for adjusting the textile construction characteristics according to the intended applications and for assisting in reducing bullet impact damages. The above elements jointly cooperate in absorbing and spreading a bullet impact stress.

Abstract: A brassiere closure for full figured brassieres or orthopedic use includes an easily operable engagement of a single large loop and hook. The loop is positionable into an open position in which the hook may readily engage the loop. When pressure is applied to the loop, the loop assumes a closed position, thereby connecting the two wings of the brassiere. In an embodiment, the loop has a D-shaped ring which is hinged to a base, and the hook is ovate and self-centering. In another embodiment, an integral double spring serves to bias the loop in an open position. In another embodiment, secondary magnetic fasteners are used for additional strength and to assist in aligning the loop and the hook. The size and novel features of the closure make it easily operable, even when located behind the wearer's back.

Abstract: A system having a sleeve with a circumscribing sidewall formed of elastic, compliant material, the sleeve having an internal axial bore sized to have an inside diameter equal to or less than an outside diameter of a host hair to be received in the bore, the sidewall formed of thermoplastic resilient, compliant material, and at least one supplemental hair embedded in the sidewall or attached to the sidewall of the sleeve.

Abstract: A hair accessory which can be inserted directly into a ponytail (6) and secured therein by means of the ring or band already in place to form the ponytail to provide the user with the appearance of an thicker and longer ponytail. The accessory consists of a weft of hair and longitudinal extending gripping means (3). Once the gripping means is inserted into a ponytail, the device is reliant on the combination of the grip and the pressure from the ring ponytail to hold it in place, and the hair weft then blends in with the user's natural hair to create a thicker and longer ponytail.

Abstract: A impact protection assembly includes a helmet that may be worn on a user's head. The helmet has an inner shell spaced apart from an outer shell of the helmet. The inner shell surrounds the user's head when the helmet is worn on the user's head. A pad is coupled to the inner shell. The pad abuts the user's head when the helmet is worn on the user's head. The pad absorbs impact energy. A gel layer is coupled to the inner shell. The gel layer absorbs impact energy. A plurality of bristles is coupled to the gel layer. The plurality of bristles extends toward the outer shell. The plurality of bristles absorbs impact energy.

Abstract: A helmet can include a helmet body formed of a foam energy-absorbing material in which the helmet body includes inner and outer opposing surfaces. A plurality of lower slots can be formed completely through the helmet body and can be open at a lower edge of the helmet body. A plurality of upper slots can be formed completely through the helmet body and be open at a top portion of the helmet body to form a star shape. An S-shaped panel of the helmet body can include an undulating form from the alternating and overlapping positions of the plurality of lower slots and the plurality of upper slots. A reinforcing halo can be disposed within the helmet body to reinforce areas of weakness in the helmet body resulting from the plurality of lower slots and the plurality of upper slots.

Abstract: A thin athletic headband, tuque or knit cap has selective areas of extra padding and elastic bands extending around the ears at a position thereunder. The extra thickness or layering at the ear areas provides increased ear protection in cold and/or windy weather, while the elastic provides an area of increased headband tension below the ears to block sliding of the headwear upwardly out of the proper ear-covering position. This headwear can be used alone or under protective headgear, for example beneath a hockey helmet.

Abstract: A helmet comprises an outer shell, a visor movable between a retracted position and a deployed position and a movable bridge that is positionable against a user's face. The visor moves along an arc-shaped track and/or a pivot from a position stored within the helmet shell to a deployed position in front of the face and the bridge is moved against the user's face. The helmet and integrated bridge assembly provides a seal from the visor to the user's face, thus protecting the face against wind and other debris.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective helmet which is provided with communication equipment, the helmet comprises one or more microphones that are embedded next to cheeks of the wearer in one or more layers of material that are located between a helmet shell and said wearer's cheeks, wherein each of said one or more microphones is connected directly or indirectly to said communication equipment by means of a connection element, each of said connection elements being also embedded respectively within slots that are made within one or more of said layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a headwear comprising a head receiving portion and a visor/peak, which is substantially improved in sweat absorption and evaporation performance, thereby achieving superior stain-resistant properties. A headwear according to the present invention comprises: a sweat band coupled along an inner lower edge of the crown including a sweat absorbing portion to absorb sweat and a sweat storing portion to store the sweat absorbed to the sweat absorbing portion; and a sweat evaporating portion surrounding at least a part of the visor of the headwear to evaporate moisture from the sweat stored in the sweat band by being connected with the sweat band.

Abstract: A method for continuously knitting a footwear element (101), in particular a shoe element (100), including a knitted upper (110), a knitted tongue (111), and a knitted sole (112).

Abstract: A walking apparatus is provided that includes a sole having an adjustable length, the sole comprising a heel portion, a forefoot portion operatively coupled to the heel portion, the forefoot portion configured for adjustment from a first position to at least one other position relative to the heel portion, wherein a length of the sole is configured to adjust from a first length to a second length when the forefoot portion is adjusted from the first position to the at least one other position.

Abstract: A spiked pull-over golf shoe configured to at least partially surround a non-spiked shoe. The pull-over golf shoe can have a sole and a plurality of uppers, with a plurality of spikes coupled with the outsole side of the sole. A wearer can insert a regular shoe that does not have spikes into the pull-over golf shoe to gain extra traction provided by the spikes of the pull-over golf shoe.

Abstract: A footwear (10) comprises an upper arrangement (20) and a sole (30), in which the upper arrangement (20) comprises an upper material (12) comprising in a lower peripheral area at least one air permeable portion (14), an air-permeable layer (16) arranged in a lower area of the upper arrangement (20) on the sole side above the sole (30), wherein the air-permeable layer (16) is water vapor permeable and has a three-dimensional structure that permits passage of air at least in the horizontal direction; and at least one water vapor permeable functional layer (18) arranged on an inner side of the upper material (12) and above the air-permeable layer (16).

Abstract: A massage sock is provided having a stretchable fabric and a plurality of massage elements attached to the bottom of the foot of said sock, where the massage elements are located at discrete locations corresponding to reflexology body parts.

Abstract: An anti-splash shoe includes a sole and a vamp. The vamp is connected to the sole and disposed on the sole. The sole has a flexible water absorbing structure, which supports a user's weight, contacts with water on a ground, and absorbs water on an outer surface of the sole to stop the water from flashing toward the vamp when the sole is lifted up and away from the ground.

Abstract: An anti-splash shoe includes a sole and a vamp, which is connected to the sole and disposed on the sole. The sole has a support structure and a stepped stopping structure. The support structure supports a user's weight and contacts with water on a ground. The stopping structure stops water drop, lifted up by the support structure, from splashing toward the vamp.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear may generally include a sole comprising a first plate and a second plate. The first plate includes a first edge, and the second plate includes a second edge, where the first edge faces the second edge. The first edge has a first contour corresponding to a second contour of the second edge. The first plate includes a heel region, where the heel region includes a first heel region and a second heel region. A notch region separates the first heel region and the second heel region, where the notch region extends from an outer edge of the heel region toward the midfoot portion of the article of footwear. The first plate and second plate may improve an amount of energy return while running by increasing a rigidity of the sole.

Abstract: In one implementation, the present invention provides for a shoe comprising a shoe sole assembly and a shoe upper assembly. The shoe sole assembly comprises a midsole, at least one stabilizer plug, and at least one outsole member. The midsole has an upper midsole surface, a lower midsole surface, a midsole forefoot portion, and a midsole heel portion. The at least one stabilizer plug has an upper stabilizer plug surface, a lower stabilizer plug surface, at least one trampoline recess disposed in the upper stabilizer plug surface, and at least one projection extending from the lower stabilizer plug surface. The at least one projection substantially underlies at least a portion of the at least one trampoline recess. The lower midsole surface defines at least one stabilizer plug recess sized and shaped to receive a corresponding stabilizer plug. The at least one outsole member has an upper outsole surface and a lower outsole surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear an upper and a sole structure that defines a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed proximate the medial side of the footwear, and the second portion is disposed proximate the lateral side. The first portion and the second portion are configured to move relative to each other. The article of footwear also includes a flexible biasing member including a first end, a second end, and a middle portion. The middle portion extends across the first portion and the second portion. The first and second ends extend out from the outer surface of the footwear from either the medial or lateral side. The middle portion of the biasing member is configured to bias the first and second portions toward each other.

Abstract: A slip resistant sole having a recurring pinwheel shaped tread pattern that provides improved slip resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprises activating a recurable resin by applying a heat source. A foam material is impregnated with the activated recurable resin. The impregnated foam material is dried to substantially harden the recurable resin. The dried impregnated foam material is inserted into a chamber. The chamber comprises a heat resistant material and a shape configured for application to a user's body part, wherein a subsequent application of a subsequent heat source to at least the chamber and an application of the chamber to the user's body part molds the impregnated foam material to the user's body part.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear may generally include a sole comprising a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first plate is spaced from the second plate. The first plate extends from a forefoot portion of the article of footwear to a heel portion of the article of footwear. The second plate extends from the forefoot portion of the article of footwear to a midfoot portion of the article of footwear. The first plate and second plate may improve an amount of energy return while turning by increasing a rigidity of the sole.

Abstract: A device which enables a user to walk on ice or slick surfaces. The device consisting of a shoe base made of a durable material and can be constructed in various sizes. The shoe base having a top portion and a sole portion. The top portion of the shoe base having upwardly extending back and front supports, front and back flaps being contiguous with the front and back supports and a tension cord system being connected to the front and back flaps. The sole portion of the shoe base having a plurality of cleats to enable the user to walk on ice, snow or slick surfaces.

Abstract: A machine moves shoe strobels to a camera or scanner where images of the stobels are captured. Using the images, a computing device instructs a printer how to mark guidelines within a threshold distance of each other on the strobels that signify strobel sewing lines for different shoes models and shoe sizes. Cross-sectional lines may also be printed on the strobels to aid in error-checking guideline marking. Unmarked strobels are stacked in a loading compartment, sometimes in pairs—e.g., right and left shoe strobels. The unmarked strobels are transferred to a conveyor that brings the strobels to the camera or scanner and the printer. After guidelines and/or cross-sectional lines are added to the strobels, the marked strobels are stacked in a compartments housing other marked strobels.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a design and manufacturing system for protective patient footwear, as well as related methods. The system includes suitable hardware, software, and related peripherals, which function to acquire data related to the patient's particular footwear needs, such as by three-dimensional scanning. A design subsystem interfaces with the inputted data to permit the resulting design to reflect particular foot conditions in the design and subsequent manufacturing process. A manufacturing subsystem receives the resulting design and includes hardware and software to manufacture the protective patient footwear.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to fastening systems. Specifically, this invention relates to a various embodiments of a fastening system that either attaches to existing buttons or attaches directly to an article of clothing. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the fastening system has a first portion that attaches to a button hole or a first part of the article and a second portion that attaches to a button or second part of the article. The first portion and second portion detachably attach to each other by means of a twist-lock, magnetic mechanism, or some other attachment mechanism. Alternatively, the fastening system can be built directly into an article without augmenting an existing button and button-hole fastener.

Abstract: A plug-in tongue (10) for a seat belt includes an inserting portion (12) adapted to be inserted in a belt buckle and a deflecting portion (14) for a webbing (16). The deflecting portion (14) includes a webbing passage (20) as well as a clamping element (22) for the webbing (16). The damping element (22) can be displaced between a home position in which the webbing (16) is freely movable and a locking position in which the damping element (22) is displaced against a wall (30) of the webbing passage (20) such that the webbing (16) is clamped between the clamping element (22) and the wall (30) of the webbing passage (20). The webbing passage (20) extends substantially in the longitudinal direction (L) or at an acute angle with the longitudinal direction (L) of the plug-in tongue (10), The damping element (22) is displaceable at an acute angle with the webbing passage (20) and/or with the longitudinal direction (L) of the plug-in tongue (10) from the deflecting position into the locking position.

Abstract: A pull and release latch including a releasable lock featuring stress preventers and a limit stop. The limit stop prevents the releasable lock from cantilevering too much to the point of breaking or stressing the releasable lock. A unique design allows a male component and a female component to be easily engaged while at the same time the pulling force to release the lock gives the same motion to separate the two components in a direction perpendicular to a cantilever axis.

Abstract: A brooch device with function of illumination is provided. The brooch device comprises a brooch member with light emitting member and a housing. The housing is combined with the brooch member. A switch is configured to the brooch member for selectively energizing and de-energizing light emitting device. When the light emitting device inside the housing is activated, the brooch device can emit light for illuminating.

Abstract: A device comprising: (a) a body portion including; (i) a first end and ii. a second end; (b) a holder at the first end; (c) a holder at the second end; (d) a station device at the first and in communication with the holder at the first end; and wherein the holder is fixedly attached to a spilt gear having a channel therethrough so that one or more flexible mediums may be placed through the channel and removed from a work area located between the holder at the first end and the holder at the second end.

Abstract: A method for producing an inflatable umbrella with a number of struts n, in which n films are positioned on top of one another in at least some regions; two films form cover layers and the other films are folded as intermediate layers and arranged between the cover layers; the films are connected along a first contour, with each pair of adjacent films being connected to each other; and the umbrella is separated from the films in at least some regions along a second contour. The invention also relates to an inflatable umbrella.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible canopy. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a central shaft, a sliding collar, a plurality of supports, a plurality of tensioners, a tensioner connection hub, and a membrane. The sliding collar is slidably connected to and surrounds the central shaft. A first end of each of the supports is connected to the sliding collar, and a second end of each of the supports is connected to the membrane near the edge of the membrane. Each of the tensioners is connected at one end to a different one of the supports and at the other end to the tensioner connection hub. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a handle connected to a first, lower end of the central shaft. In other embodiments, the first, lower end of the central shaft includes or is insertable into a base.

Abstract: A system for detecting when a credit card is withdrawn, or otherwise becomes missing, from a user's wallet and for alerting the user when he has moved a certain distance away from his original location without replacing the card.

Abstract: A cooler device configured to hold and organize a plurality of tailgating equipment and supplies. The device comprises one or more foldable platforms. In a closed configuration, any platforms are configured to lie generally flat against the device. In a deployed configuration, platforms are configured to unfold into one or more table surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a pet accessory bag coupleable with a leash in multiple different configurations and a system including the pet accessory bag and leash. In one configuration, the pet accessory bag is coupled to a handle portion of the leash for walking a pet. In another configuration. The leash forms a strap enabling the pet accessory bag to be worn as a cross-body bag.

Abstract: In one form, a security handbag is provided that includes an interior security panel assembly with a matrix of wires secured between a pair of material layers. The interior security panel assembly can be positioned intermediate the bag outside wall and a lining of the bag. A strap with security cable and a carbineer attachment device can be attached to the handbag. Methods for forming such security panel assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A process for applying a handle to a bag or suitcase is disclosed. The process includes producing at least one handle having at least one strip which covers at least partially a rope and is shaped so as to form one or more tongues which protrude from the rope; inserting the tongues into at least one or two slots, respectively, made on a side of the bag or suitcase; and fixing the handle to the bag or suitcase side. The present invention also relates to the bags and the suitcases produced with this process.