Abstract: An electrically heated aerosol generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate includes at least one heating element for heating the substrate to form the aerosol and a power supply for supplying power to the at least one heating element. The power supply includes a voltage source, two or more supercapacitors, and switches between the voltage source and the two or more supercapacitors. The switches are arranged so that, during a charging mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to be charged by the voltage source and, during a heating mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to discharge through the at least one heating element.

Abstract: An electrically heated aerosol generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate includes at least one heating element for heating the substrate to form the aerosol and a power supply for supplying power to the at least one heating element. The power supply includes a voltage source, two or more supercapacitors, and switches between the voltage source and the two or more supercapacitors. The switches are arranged so that, during a charging mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to be charged by the voltage source and, during a heating mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to discharge through the at least one heating element.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic cigarette includes: an electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette body is provided with a smoking end, a cigarette liquid container, an atomizing assembly and a battery rod assembly. The atomizing assembly includes a liquid guiding mechanism and an atomizing core. The atomizing core is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part, a first clamping part and a second clamping part are arranged at two positions on the electronic cigarette body corresponding to the first limiting part and the second liming part on the atomizing core, respectively.

Abstract: A swaddle-configured blanket having four edges including a first edge having a first length, a second edge parallel to the first edge having a second length different than the first length, a third edge coupled to the first edge and the second edge, the third edge forming a first corner with the second edge, and a fourth edge coupled to the first edge and the second edge, the fourth edge forming a second corner with the second edge. The first corner and the second corner being configured to tie into a knot.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for attaching electronic components to interactive textiles. In various implementations, an interactive textile that includes conductive thread woven into the interactive textile is received. The conductive thread includes a conductive wire (e.g., a copper wire) that that is twisted, braided, or wrapped with one or more flexible threads (e.g., polyester or cotton threads). A fabric stripping process is applied to the interactive textile to strip away fabric of the interactive textile and the flexible threads to expose the conductive wire in a window of the interactive textile. After exposing the conductive wires in the window of the interactive textile, an electronic component (e.g., a flexible circuit board) is attached to the exposed conductive wire of the conductive thread in the window of the interactive textile.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches a method of conditioning a human to sleep, having the steps of determining, that it is time for said human to take a nap; donning, by said human, a decorated blanket which is a costume for a character in a story where the decorated blanket has a sleeve with an inner surface and an outer surface where at least one piece of fabric, shaped to resemble a caudal fin, is attached and a shimmering mechanism which at least a portion of the outer surface of the sleeve or the piece of fabric; then encouraging this human to imagine that they are a character in a story because the human is wearing the costume; then conveying, to this human a story; and finally repeating, these steps until the human associates the story and decorated blanket with sleep.

Abstract: A wearable towel with a locking loop device configurable for multiple applications and its method of use are described. In some configurations, the wearable towel is secured to the wrist or forearm by a band and may be worn wrapped around the wrist or forearm in a corkscrew fashion for use as a towel, a sports-wrist sweatband, or a utility towel. Alternatively, the wearable towel may be wrapped around the forehead or the face for use as a sweatband/headband or facemask, and secured by tucking the free short end of the towel through the loop. The particular shape and fabric composition of the invention contribute to the comfort and ease of use of the wearable towel on the arm, head, or face.

Abstract: A vortex generator might be attached to various types of articles to reduce the drag. For example, vortex generators might be attached to a garment or to adhesive tape. In addition, vortex generators might be attached to various types of athletic equipment. A mapping can suggest placement of a vortex-generator arrangement on an article, as well as prescribe particular vortex-generator arrangements for regions of a person.

Abstract: Pants with built-in knee pads provide hidden pockets with pads which may be removed when the pants are laundered. One hidden pocket is provided in the knee of each pants leg. Clearance is provided for pads in the hidden pockets in the event of fabric shrinkage when the pants are laundered. Each hidden pocket extends 3 inches above the knee, to allow pad clearance of 2 inches above the knee and 1 inch for hook-and-loop fasteners to secure the upper opening of the hidden pocket where the pad is inserted, and descends 12 inches below the knee to allow upward adjustment of the pants when kneeling. The upper opening extends from the inseam to the outer seam of the leg.

Abstract: The face shield mask can comprise of a mask sheet that covers the front part of the head, a support structure which holds the mask sheet in place on the front part of the head, and a nose rest. The face shield mask sheet may be made from transparent material alone, like a UVA/UVB or Polarized sheet, or in combination with nontransparent material in the area not obscuring vision, like stickers or paint. The support structure holds the face shield mask in front of the face. The nose rest provides additional support for the face shield mask. The face shield mask covers the wearer's face from harmful sun or wind exposure or public view.

Abstract: A medical gown includes a self-adjusting strap(s) that expands an upper torso section beyond a nominal girth thereof, for an adjustable fit. An upper and lower self-adjusting strap may be provided across the back. The straps may be formed from perforations in the upper torso section. A portion of the gown breaks away along the perforations to form the straps in response to stress or pulling when donned or during use. The self-adjusting straps allow expansion of the upper torso section to conform to users who require larger than the nominal girth, while continuing to secure the medical gown on the wearer during use. Extendable tie straps may be included, which are unfolded and elongated for adjustably sizing the closure around the wearer's waist. The tie straps may be sufficiently long to extend to the back, and back around the waist again for tying in the front of the gown.

Abstract: A medical gown includes tie straps detachably connected to sleeves of the gown. The straps are detachable by tugging on them once the gown is donned. The tie members are extendable, upon being detached, around the left and right sides to a back of the medical gown for tying together to form a closure around a waist of a wearer. The tie members may be sufficiently long to extend back around for tying in the front of the gown. A section of each of the left and right tie straps may be folded over lengthwise, a portion of the folded section of each tie member being detachably connected to the sleeves. Once the wearer detaches the folded tie members, the tie members may be unfolded and elongated as needed for adjustably sizing the closure securing the medical gown on the wearer.

Abstract: A glove for protecting a user from contact injuries that is flexible and functional enough for simple, daily use. More specifically, a protective glove having a fleece body, an elastic wrist extension, polyethylene foam segments attached to the fleece body on the back of the hand, finger portions, and thumb portions of the protective glove, and a nylon strip attached to the fleece body across the palm portion.

Abstract: A garment sleeve having a proximal shoulder end coupled to an armscye of the garment, and a distal, cuff end, terminating at a cuff, the garment sleeve including: (a) a seam running from the armscye to the cuff the seam being joined at least at the shoulder end and at the cuff end; (b) a non-separating zipper including;- (i) teeth, and (ii) at least one slider adapted to reversibly couple the teeth, at least partially, between the shoulder end and the cuff end; the non-separating zipper operationally coupled proximate to the shoulder end of the seam and proximate to the cuff end of the seam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extending strands of a person's own hair (E) by means of foreign hair strands (1) with the aid of an external shrinking sleeve (3) which surrounds the hair joining point and in which the strands of a person's own hair, the foreign hair strands and a glue (2) are located, wherein after the shrinkage of the shrinking sleeve (3) said sleeve is removed from the connection point.

Abstract: Headwear having an opening and a size adjustment device that are formed in a head receiving portion is provided, wherein the size adjustment device includes a first size adjustment unit that is disposed at a lower part of the opening and that can adjust a minute size, and a second size adjustment unit that is connected to the first size adjustment unit to adjust a size to a constant gap. Thereby, headwear that can adjust a minute size and that can satisfy various head sizes without an oppressive feeling can be provided.

Abstract: Provided is a helmet suspension system which is configured to mitigate rapid movements, i.e., acceleration and deceleration, of a user's head. The helmet suspension system connects to a base and a helmet worn by a wearer and allows for slow, safe movements of the helmet relative to the base, but restricts rapid and generally unsafe movements of the helmet relative to the base.

Abstract: An article of headwear includes an inner liner 20, a corrugated shell 24, and an outer shell 26. An impact to headwear causes the corrugated shell to elastically deform, with the shell then returning to its original shape. An arrangement of the corrugations allows ease of manufacturing on a vacuum form or injection mold.

Abstract: The invention provides head, neck, chest, and spine logical impact protection and thermal-regulation device having a webbing adapted to encapsulate head and neck, wherein the webbing is composed of a plurality of reversibly deformable substrates that are capable of being cooled or heated; wherein the webbing further provides apertures interspersed between the reversibly deformable substrates to allow fluid exchange between the head, neck, chest, and spine and the regions exterior to the webbing; and a temperature indicator, wherein the temperature indicator measures the temperatures of the body surface underlaying the webbing.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for improving the operation and use of various systems associated with the article. A control device included in the article can be configured to allow manual control of a system by a user. A lockout feature that can disable manual control may be included. During periods of competitive activity, the manual controls may be disabled to allow a user wearing the article to engage in different activities without inadvertent activation of a system. In some cases, the control device and lockout feature can be used in conjunction with a motorized tensioning system.

Abstract: A charging system can include provisions for providing power to various systems or components associated with the article of footwear. A charging system may include a charging device dimensioned to be used with one or more articles of footwear, where the articles of footwear can include different sizes. In some cases, the charging system can be used to facilitate the transfer of power to components in a motorized tensioning system.

Abstract: An article of footwear or an article of apparel can include provisions for facilitating the installation of a control device. The control device can include a panel comprising a plurality of buttons that can provide manual control to a user. The control device can be installed in a compartment within the article after initial manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the control device can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system.

Abstract: Embodiments are related to systems and methods that utilize shoes with an attachment member to couple with weights, wherein the attachment member may allow the weights to have a free range of motion when coupled with the shoes. Responsive to coupling the weights with the attachment member, a user may utilize the shoes to target specific muscle groups of the user's lower body.

Abstract: A stretchable fabric shoe decoration system which covers a shoe and on which can be fastened one or more decorative elements. The system allowing for a single shoe cover to be removably used to decorate an unlimited number of shoes. The system also allowing for a single pair of shoes to be serially decorated by an unlimited number of different decorated shoe covers.

Abstract: A locking device for sports footwear is adapted to lock two mutually hinged portions of sports footwear or to release them from each other. The locking device may be used in a ski boot for locking or releasing the shell and cuff relative to each other. The locking device comprises a male member and a female member, which members comprise respective engaging elements adapted to cooperate with each other, and actuating elements for moving the members from a configuration in which the male member is disengaged from the female member to a configuration in which the male member is engaged with the female member. The engaging elements of the male member and/or the engaging elements of the female member have a tapered or conical shape, whereby it is possible to make a coupling without clearance between the male member and the female member when the members are engaged.

Abstract: A toe protection insert for an athletic shoe surrounds the big toe and laces up to protect the toe from injury. The laces of the insert are designed to pull through the shoelace holes of the athletic shoe, to enable the user to position the toe as desired and elevate the toe above the shoe sole of an athletic shoe. The insert may include only a toe sleeve which wraps around the hallux toe or may also provide an insert sole upon which the toe sleeve is attached.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole unit, a vamp unit and a welt. The sole unit has a main body that has a top surface, and a protruding wall that extends upwardly from the top surface and that is adjacent to a periphery of the top surface such that, the top surface is divided into an inner region and an outer region by the protruding wall. The main body and the protruding wall are formed as one piece. The vamp unit has a bottom end portion that is connected to the inner region of the top surface and the protruding wall. The welt is connected to the outer region of the top surface and the protruding wall and has a top end lower than that of the protruding wall.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components. A sole plate can include one or more specialized compartments designed to receive a component. The sole plate can be configured to provide greater stability to a sole structure. In some cases, the sole plate can be used to receive a component that can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system. Tabs within the sole plate can assist with retaining components within the sole plate and provide additional surface area for mounting the sole plate to other components of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe sole is coupled with an upper to define a foot compartment characterized by a fore-foot portion associable with metatarsals and phalanges, a mid-foot portion associable with the arch, and a hind-foot portion associable with the heel. A flexure plate, underlying the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal-phalangeal joints of a foot when enclosed within the foot compartment, is disposed within the fore-foot portion between the foot compartment and the outer surface of the sole. During bipedal locomotion, the flexure plate deforms in response to the transfer of a wearer's weight from the mid-foot portion through the fore-foot portion, and rebounds in response to the transfer of the wearer's weight off the fore-foot portion. The deforming and rebounding of the flexure plate enables controlled transfer of the wearer's weight from the mid-foot portion sequentially to the little toe, the big toe, and the three middle toes.

Abstract: A sole structure may include chambers and a transfer channel containing an electrorheological fluid. Electrodes may be positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the electrorheological fluid in the transfer channel. The sole structure may further include a controller including a processor and memory. At least one of the processor and memory may store instructions executable by the processor to perform operations that include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-inhibiting levels at which flow of the electrorheological fluid the through the transfer channel is blocked, and that further include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-enabling levels permitting flow of the electrorheological fluid through the transfer channel.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a cushioning sole system that provides customized cushioning characteristics to different regions of a sole member. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member. The sole member can include a set of apertures that are formed along various surfaces of the sole member.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a cushioning sole system that provides different cushioning characteristics to a sole member using varying patterns of apertures. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member. The sole member can include a set of apertures that are formed along various surfaces of the sole member.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a customized cushioning sole system. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member. The sole member can include a column of apertures that are formed along the outer surface of the sole member.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can include a set of apertures that is formed along various surfaces of the sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a customized cushioning sole system, forming generally circular patterns throughout the sole member. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member.

Abstract: A shoe sole for an article of footwear is described herein. The shoe sole extends in a longitudinal direction from a heel region, through a midfoot region, to a forefoot region. The sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface for attachment to at least one of an insole and a shoe upper, and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface. The midsole includes a forefoot cushioning element, a midfoot cushioning element, and a heel cushioning element. The outsole is disposed along the lower surface of the midsole and defines a ground-contacting surface of the sole. The sole has an upwardly convex bottom profile such that an impact region of the sole is defined within the midfoot region, and the midfoot cushioning element is disposed within the midfoot region and directly above the impact region of the sole.

Abstract: A sole structure may include a damping pad. The damping pad may include a chamber, a foam element located within the chamber, particles located within the chamber and at least partially filling cavities in the foam element, and a set of electrodes positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the particles.

Abstract: A sole structure may include a damping pad. The damping pad may include a chamber, a foam element located within the chamber, an electrorheological fluid located within the chamber and at least partially permeating the foam element, and a set of electrodes positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the electrorheological fluid.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components. A sole plate can include one or more specialized compartments designed to receive a component. The sole plate can be configured to provide greater stability to a sole structure. In some cases, the sole plate can be used to receive a component that can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system.

Abstract: A shoe having a shoehorn compartment in which a shoe horn can be positioned for storage. The shoe includes a body having an interior volume with a sole therein. The heel portion of the shoe includes a compartment in which a shoehorn is removably positioned. The compartment is disposed beneath the sole so as to not interfere with the shape or configuration of the sole, allowing the shoe to be worn comfortably. The exterior of the heel of the shoe includes a flap pivotally disposed over the compartment so as to cover the compartment while also providing access thereto when the flap is pivoted away from the compartment so that the shoehorn can be retrieved therefrom.

Abstract: Shoe constructions having upper assemblies with independent booties and/or decoupled sole assemblies are disclosed herein. A shoe configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an upper assembly attached to a sole assembly. The upper assembly can include a throat portion defining an opening configured to receive a foot and a bootie attached the overlay primarily at the throat portion. The bootie can be movable relative to the remaining portion of the upper assembly and the sole assembly. The sole assembly can include a midsole and an outsole that together define a first portion in a forefoot region of the shoe and a second portion in a heel region of the shoe. The first portion and second portions can be decoupled from each other. The midsole can include a stability plate that provides medial and lateral stability to the sole assembly.

Abstract: An article of footwear is formed from multiple braided components. The braided components may be braided strands formed from different tensile elements. The tensile elements may have different cross-sections. The tensile elements may be from different materials. Different braided strands may then be over-braided over a last to form a braided upper for the article of footwear.

Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear is formed by incorporating different braided portions. The upper may be formed by incorporating a first braided portion with a second braided portion. The top portion of the upper may have the first braided portion. The lower portion of the upper may have the second braided portion.

Abstract: A braiding machine and method of forming an upper that includes braiding over a forming mandrel located adjacent to a ring. The braiding machine being capable of forming intricate braided structures.

Abstract: A braiding machine and method of forming an upper that includes braiding over a forming last that passes from a first side of a braiding point to a second side of the braiding point. The braiding machine being capable of forming intricate braided structures.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes include an upper and a mesh material. The mesh material may be incorporated into the upper. The mesh material may include high tensile strength strands and non-high tensile strength strands. The high tensile strength strands and non-high tensile strength strands may interlock so that the high tensile strength strands are substantially held in place. The mesh material may be provided as a woven material or a knitted material. The mesh material can have a stylish design, which can be a plaid pattern, herringbone pattern, seersucker pattern, or other pattern.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include one or more specialized compartments designed to receive the components. The components can be installed in compartments after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the components can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system.

Abstract: An eyelet for an article of footwear includes an eyelet body configured to slidably couple a first string to a second string. The eyelet body defines a first arc-shaped aperture and an opposing, second arc-shaped aperture. The first arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the first string, and the second arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the second string. The eyelet may be disposed over (but not necessarily attached to) an upper of an article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for improving the operation and use of various systems associated with the article. An automated tensioning system can be configured to provide and perform a variety of functions associated with the fastening of the article of footwear. The automated tensioning system may tighten and loosen the article of footwear through the operation of a motor. The automated tensioning system may also be able to store and recall a preset tension level.

Abstract: A last extension for a shoe last provides a pattern defining an origin location. The origin location on the last extension can be used to identify locations or points on a last or a shoe component on a last for control of location-critical manufacturing operations, including decorative and functional operations.

Abstract: A method for locating critical control points on a part or combination of parts during a manufacturing process involves mating, directly or indirectly, a jig extension to the part or parts. A pattern on the jig extension defines an origin point that is used to track the position of the part or parts during manufacturing, such as during location-sensitive operations. The jig extension may be a shoe last extension which connects to a shoe or shoe component via a shoe last.