Abstract: A nicotine delivery system includes a nebulizer. The nebulizer includes a canister, a compressor and a hose extending between the canister and the compressor. The canister contains a liquid and the liquid comprises a nicotine solution. The canister includes a fogging unit. The fogging unit converts the liquid into a mist. Thus, the mist may be inhaled. The canister has an inhale port and an exhale port. Each of the inhale port and the exhale port is fluidly coupled to the canister. The inhale port may be sucked thereby facilitating the mist to be inhaled. A charging unit is provided. The compressor is selectively electrically coupled to the charging unit. Thus, the charging unit charges the compressor.

Abstract: A virtual or augmented reality smoking system is provided herein. A smoker using the system can experience a virtual reality of smoking by puffing on a cigarette shaped article and experiencing the taste or aroma from the article while simultaneously viewing a generated image of a burning cigarette and exhaled and sidestream smoke. Additionally, the room environment may be simulated to give the experience of smoking in a setting of the smoker's choice (virtual reality) or the image of a burning cigarette and smoke may be superimposed on a live or natural image of the smoker's environment (augmented reality).

Abstract: A smoking article is provided, including a combustible heat source having opposed front and rear end faces; an aerosol-forming substrate having opposed front and rear end faces, wherein the front end face of the aerosol-forming substrate is downstream of the rear end face of the combustible heat source; and a non-combustible holder configured to hold the combustible heat source. The holder includes a barrier between the rear end face of the combustible heat source and the front end face of the aerosol-forming substrate, and a plurality of first retention fingers connected to the barrier. The first retention fingers extend from the barrier along the exterior of the combustible heat source.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for heating or cooling a material to be heated or to be cooled. The apparatus includes: a first compartment for containing the material to be heated or to be cooled; and a second compartment containing a phase change material, wherein the phase change material is either for generating heat to heat the first compartment or absorbing heat to cool the first compartment when undergoing a phase change. There are further described various different activating arrangements for activating a change of phase of the phase change material.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes a housing defining a reservoir configured to retain aerosol precursor composition. The aerosol delivery device also includes a plurality of electronic components interconnected by or connected to one or more conductors, and these electronic components include a heating element, a control component and a Hall effect current sensor. The control component is configured to operate in an active mode in which the control component is configured to control the heating element to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition. The Hall effect current sensor is positioned proximate a conductor of the one or more conductors, and configured to measure to a current through the conductor. And the control component is configured to control operation of at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device in response to the current so measured.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprises a main body. A smoking end, an atomization assembly for atomizing tobacco oil, and a battery assembly for powering the atomization assembly are arranged on the main body. A bottle for storing the tobacco oil is arranged at one end of the main body, away from the smoking end. The atomization assembly is arranged between the smoking end and the bottle. The bottle and the battery assembly are in parallel. An electrical connection component is arranged between the battery assembly and the atomization assembly. One end of the electrical connection component is connected to the battery assembly while the other end of the electrical connection component is resiliently abutted against a side wall of the atomization assembly. Easy assembly, stable and reliable electrical connection, and a great reduction to the possibility that the user sucks the tobacco oil are realized in the electronic cigarette.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic cigarette and an air intake volume regulating method for the electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette comprises an electronic cigarette body comprising a nozzle assembly, at least one atomization assembly and a battery assembly. The electronic cigarette body is provided with a connecting member and an adjusting member sleeved outside the connecting element. The adjusting member rotates in the circumferential direction of the connecting element to regulate a ventilation area at where a first air inlet channel is communicated with a second air inlet channel. The electronic cigarette body further comprises a positioning structure movably connected to the adjusting member and used for limiting the ventilation area of different gear positions. The electronic cigarette of the present invention is convenient to carry and the air intake volume is stable as well as easy adjustment.

Abstract: Disclosed are an inhaler, an atomizing assembly (100) and an atomizing core (140). The atomizing assembly (100) of the abovementioned inhaler comprises a shell (120) and the atomizing core (140) disposed to be joined with the shell (120).

Abstract: This disclosure provides oil filling and labeling apparatuses for atomizers of electronic cigarettes, which include a rack provided with a table board. A material pick-up operation position, an oil filling operation position, an assembling operation position, a labeling operation position and a pressing operation position for silicon rubber sleeve are provided on the table board. The oil filling and labeling apparatuses for the atomizers of the electronic cigarettes further include a material loading mechanism, an oil filling mechanism, a mechanism for mounting oil-sealing ring, a mechanism for mounting end cap, an electric resistance detection mechanism, a first material rotation mechanism, a labeling mechanism, a second material rotation mechanism and a mechanism for pressing silicon rubber sleeve. The atomizer of the electronic cigarette is successively conveyed for processing among such mechanisms.

Abstract: An element for an aerosol-generating system, a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, and an aerosol-generating system, wherein the element, the cartridge and the aerosol-generating system each include a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate and a manually operated disabling mechanism for rendering the element, the cartridge, or the aerosol-generating system irreversibly inoperable. The element, the cartridge, and the aerosol-generating system may include an aerosol generator and one or more air passages. The disabling mechanism may be configured to render at least one of the storage portion, the aerosol generator, and the one or more air passages irreversibly inoperable.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing defining at least one internal compartment. The housing may be waterproof. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a power supply, an electric heater, and/or a haptic feedback device. Each of the power supply, electric heater, and/or haptic feedback device may be positioned within one or more of the at least one internal compartment.

Abstract: A cell phone module for a modular phone providing an e-cigarette functionality. As well as making use of the battery power of the cell phone or external swappable battery, the module provides a data interface with the cell phone to provide functions such as monitoring of e-cigarette use as an aid to smoking cessation.

Abstract: In an electronic cigarette of the sort having a housing, a power section, and an atomizer, at least a portion of a first flow stream passes through the atomizer. A mixing valve within the housing has a first input that receives the first flow stream, and a second input receiving a second flow stream (20) that avoids the atomizing element, and an output (34) connected in fluid continuity to the opening in the proximal end, wherein the output conducts a mixture of the first flow stream (25) and the second flow stream (20). The apparatus further includes a regulating element (42) for the mixing valve in order to control a composition of the mixture.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizer includes a housing, a sealing cover, an atomizing element, an air passage, and an liquid injecting opening. The housing has a first end and an opposite second end. The second end is configured for connecting with a power supply. The housing defines a liquid chamber configured for containing tobacco liquid. The sealing cover is threadedly coupled with the first end. The atomizing element is configured for atomizing the tobacco liquid to form aerosol. The liquid injecting opening is defined in the first end. The sealing cover is configured for sealing the liquid injecting opening. The sealing cover includes a device configured for preventing children from screwing off the sealing cover. The sealing cover can be screwed off via an outer surface thereof only when an external force is exerted on the device to change an internal structural relationship of the device.

Abstract: An atomizing device is provided. The atomizing device includes a heating member and a temperature control switch. The temperature control switch is positioned adjacent to the heating member or the heating member is sleeved on the temperature control switch. Both of the heating member and the temperature control switch are electrically coupled to a power supply device. An electronic cigarette including the atomizing device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modulating chest support structure for dispersing and supporting a shifting load wherein said support structure includes a lateral torso restraint band having a pair of ends each presenting a breast interface pair each of which is spaced by a pivotal support member and a hyperbolic multi-support shoulder structure associated with each breast interface pair and including at least one interior support member, one central support member and one outer support member, each of which is spaced from said central support member along a lateral axis.

Abstract: An electrically-heated clothing/pants and its accessories, and the electric heating component in the electrically-heated clothing/pants and its accessories is an infrared laminate electric heating component, and the infrared laminate electric heating component is consisting of a conducting element and an infrared laminate.

Abstract: An one-piece type water sport suit comprises an leg portion, a torso portion, an arm portion; a neck collar coupled to the torso portion, wherein the collar is cylindrical when the collar is in a horizontally closed state; and first and second attachable/detachable members coupled to the neck collar to allow opening or closing of the collar, wherein the first attachable/detachable member is coupled to the neck collar at a first end thereof, and the second attachable/detachable member is coupled to the neck collar at a second end thereof, wherein the first and second ends are free ends when the collar is in a horizontally open state, wherein the first and second ends face each other, wherein the first attachable/detachable member is magnetically coupled to the second attachable/detachable member.

Abstract: An article of apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a finger of a physician or practitioner during a medical procedure includes a generally tubular flexible member disposed about a longitudinal axis. The flexible member includes a first layer comprising a textile material, the first layer having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a second layer provided within the first layer on the inner surface of the first layer, the second layer comprising a cushion material. The flexible member further includes a guard section abutting the first layer and extending along a portion of the longitudinal axis, the guard section comprising a generally rigid material.

Abstract: Provided is a finger sleeve for enhancing a grip on objects to be held by a hand. The finger sleeve includes a band of a flexible material forming a cylindrical passage through which a finger of the hand is to extend. A strap is coupled to the band, and is adjustable between an open state in which the finger sleeve is to be placed onto the finger and a closed state in which the strap interferes with removal of the finger sleeve from the finger. An anti-slip surface is provided to a palm-side of the band, and includes a grip enhancing material that improves a grip on the objects to be held in the hand while wearing the finger sleeve relative to the grip on the objects to be held in the hand without the finger sleeve.

Abstract: A head garment having a base section and a face section is provided where the face section is both affixed to the base section and releasably extends over the face of the user to create a magnetic seal against the elements. The head garment may also include a magnetic fastener to position the face covering section when it is not extended over the face of the user.

Abstract: A barrier system, device, and method protects medical professionals and patients from exposure to contaminants and bodily fluids. The system includes a head unit (e.g., 708) shaped to be worn over the head of the wearer; a hood (e.g., 704) positioned over the head unit; one or more sensors (e.g., 1902) configured to produce one or more sensor-output signals; and a controller (e.g., 1904) connected to the one or more sensors and configured to produce one or more controller-output signals based on the one or more sensor-output signals. Further, a device inside a barrier system is controlled by (a) sensing one or more characteristics; (b) producing one or more sensor signals based on the sensed one or more characteristics; (c) converting and/or processing the one or more sensor signals to produce one or more controller-output signals; and (d) controlling the device based on the one or more controller-output signals.

Abstract: A hospital gown closes along the side and across the rear of the shoulder of the person wearing the gown. The side closure combined with different arm closures allows the gown to be used by the patient and the medical staff in different ways. The gown can be placed onto the patient without requiring the patient to sit up. The gown can be draped over the patient like a blanket. The gown can be removed from a patient while the patient is lying down in bed. The side opening of the gown allows the gown to be placed over a patient who is lying on his back without immediately wrapping the gown around the patient's body. When the patient is up and walking, the side closure and a long waist tie provide modesty.

Abstract: A one-piece swimwear garment is disclosed that is configured to detach into an upper portion and a lower portion so that either the upper portion or lower portion can be removed from a wearer's body without the removal of the other portion.

Abstract: A garment designed to convert back and forth between a cover mode for nursing an infant and a carrier mode for carrying an infant or other animate or inanimate object has a first layer designed to loosely cover an attached inner layer or separate garment covering an upper torso of a wearer in the cover mode. The first layer has a neck opening, a back, a front, opposite sides, left and right arm openings, and a faux pocket slit on each side spaced below the respective arm opening and configured for insertion of a wearer's arm through the faux pocket slit and between the first layer and inner layer or garment. After inserting an arm, the wearer can turn a lower portion of the first layer inside out while moving the slit along the arm and over the shoulder to form a sling-like carrier in the carry mode.

Abstract: An article having a panel and a trim piece. The panel may have at least a first panel edge, an outer surface, and a plurality of integrally-formed flaps that extend from the outer surface. The trim piece may be affixed to the panel proximate the first panel edge and may secure an end portion of at least one of the plurality of integrally-formed flaps between the trim piece and the outer surface of the panel. A plurality of panels may form, or be secured to, a garment in different orientations. Each of the plurality of panels may be separated by one or more trim pieces.

Abstract: A stitch structure has a first surface and a second surface. The stitch structure includes: a first fabric having a first end section; a second fabric having a second end section; a first stitching that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the first end section; a second stitching that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the second end section; a third stitching; and a tape-shaped member. The stitch structure is characterized by; a first thread and a second thread being arranged in the first stitching and the second stitching, respectively, so as to repeatedly return across and penetrate at least the first fabric and at least the second fabric, in the thickness direction thereof; a decorative thread being arranged in the third stitching so as to repeatedly span between at least the first thread and the second thread; and the tape-shaped member binding the first fabric and the second fabric.

Abstract: A belt with five different shapes of blades, this belt can be used as a weapon in self-defense. The belt has an extended reach of about 4-6 feet depending on the user's belt size and arm length to strike an adversary, the belt includes a buckle that works as a sheath to conceal any one of the five deadly blades that have been designed to be used as a weapon to strike, cut or spear ones attacker, the belt can be worn with a suit or casual dress, the belt is made of leather, rubber and or elastic and stainless steel.

Abstract: A hair extension weaving device is provided that is able to efficiently attach wefts to braided hair tracks, reducing the time necessary to add hair extensions and prevent both pain and damage to the hair stylist. The hair extension weaving device includes an upper body member and lower body member that may be releasably attached to one another. The upper body member may secure a needle member thereto that is used to sew the weft to the hair track. The lower body member may include a cavity for containing a spool of thread therein that is threaded through the needle member.

Abstract: A light-emitting helmet is provided. The helmet includes a main body, a number of fixing members, and a number of light-emitting lamp strips. The main body includes a shell and inner layer. The shell includes an outer surface and a number of grooves defining in the outer surface. The fixing members are secured in the inner layer. The lamp strips are detachably mounted in the grooves by the fixing frames respectively. In addition, a light-emitting helmet manufacturing method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to headgear is disclosed including a plurality of headgear pads each having a sloped shape, each headgear pad having a base, an apex and a sloped portion connected between the base and apex, wherein the base is adapted to be physically attached to the headgear. Also disclosed is a method for attaching a plurality of headgear pads to headgear for use by a wearer, the method including selecting a pattern for placement of the plurality of headgear pads onto the headgear, marking the headgear with the pattern, attaching a first headgear pad selected from a plurality of headgear pads to the headgear in accordance to the marking and continuing attaching headgear pads until the pattern is complete.

Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an exterior shell and an interior shell with impact absorbing material comprising various structures between the exterior shell and the interior shell. When force is applied to the exterior shell, the structures of the impact absorbing materials deform (e.g., compress), reducing the force received by the interior shell. For example, the impact absorbing material forms structures such as multiple branched “Y” shapes or multiple cylindrical rods with a surface contacting the exterior shell and a surface contacting the interior shell. The interior of the rods and other impact absorbing structures may be filled with a deformable material, such as foam. The impact absorbing material may be formed into jacks, spherical shapes, bristles, intersecting arches, or other shapes positioned between the exterior shell and the interior shell.

Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an exterior shell and an interior shell with various impact absorbing material between the exterior shell and the interior shell. The impact absorbing material includes multiple structures, such as rods or filaments, capable of deforming when force is applied then returning to its state prior to application of the force. In various embodiments, a rate sensitive material (RSM) is positioned in one or more locations relative to the exterior shell and the interior shell of the garment to further attenuate impacts to the garment. The RSM changes its resistance to force based on a rate at which the material is loaded.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes a plurality of fluid filled bladders, impact sensors, valves, and pumps wherein the helmet absorbs energy from an impact to protect a person wearing the helmet from traumatic brain injury. The bladders expel fluid in response to a triggering event such as energy from an impact detected as a pressure spike event and/or detected as an acceleration event. A selected bladder may expel fluid to other bladders, to a reservoir, to the environment outside of the protective helmet, or combinations thereof. In embodiments where the bladders need additional fluid after an impact, one or more pumps may refill selected deflated bladders. When a bladder is underinflated, an indicator light may emit light on an outer surface of the protective helmet to warn that the bladder is not yet ready to be placed in operation to absorb another impact.

Abstract: Pads on an interior of a helmet contact portions of a wearer's head to secure the helmet to the wearer's head. To simplify removal of the helmet from the wearer's head, an exterior surface of a helmet includes an opening and a pad, or a receptacle plate to which a pad is coupled, includes a fastener opening. The opening in the helmet and the fastener opening in the pad are aligned and a fastener is inserted into the opening in the helmet so fastener is also inserted to the fastener opening in the pad, securing the pad to an interior surface of the helmet. To remove the pad from the interior of the helmet, the fastener is removed from the fastener opening in the pad. As the fastener is accessible from the exterior surface of the helmet, the pad may be removed with minimal movement of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an exterior shell and an interior shell with various impact absorbing material between the exterior shell and the interior shell. The impact absorbing material includes multiple structures, such as rods or filaments, capable of deforming when force is applied then returning to its state prior to application of the force. In various embodiments, the impact absorbing material is manufactured using injection molding to allow positioning of various structures in the impact absorbing material relative to each other during manufacture. During manufacturing, one or more living hinges are included in portions of the impact absorbing material to allow certain portions of the impact absorbing material to be accurately positioned relative to each other. Other manufacturing methods may be used, such as three-dimensional printing may be used to include structures in the impact absorbing material.

Abstract: Reduction of body odors arising from microbial activity in moist areas of the human body, particularly the foot area, is achieved by providing a substrate that is treated with an amphoteric metal compound solution, especially those containing copper, which provides a stable material that can be placed in proximity to a part of the body that typically develops body odor, the treated material providing extended efficacy in the prevention of odor caused by microorganisms despite continuous and repeated exposure of the treated substrate to sweat or laundering.

Abstract: A cover for protecting a shoe includes semi-dome shaped cover portion configured such that internal space is formed and the rear end portion thereof is open; a first separation-prevention portion configured such that the sole of the shoe is fitted thereon; first flexible portions connected to the first separation-prevention portion; a bottom portion for connecting the first separation-prevention portion and the first flexible portions; a connection portion connected to the first flexible portions; second flexible portions connected to the rear end of the connection portion; a heel-holding portion connected to both sides of the second flexible portions; a second separation-prevention portion for surrounding the heel of the shoe; grip portions; and third separation-prevention portions configured such that first ends thereof are connected to the second separation prevention portion and second ends are connected to the open upper end portion of the cover portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a downhill binding or downhill ski binding, in particular a front jaw of the downhill binding, and a ski boot. The ski boot (10) comprises a rigid ski boot shell (11) and a sole (1) of the ski boot comprising a front end (1b) of the sole, a rear end of the sole, an upper side (1a) of the sole and a lower side (1c) of the sole. The downhill binding comprises a front jaw (20) and a rear jaw, wherein the downhill binding comprises a bearing structure (2) for the sole (1) of the ski boot. The bearing structure (2) has an apex (5) which has a distance (X1), in the longitudinal direction (X), from the front end (1b) of the sole held in the downhill binding of at least 28 mm and at most 34 mm, and wherein the apex (5) exhibits a perpendicular distance (Y2) from the upper side (1a) of the sole of the ski boot held in the downhill binding of 19 mm±2 mm in at least one point.

Abstract: A ski boot, comprising: a rigid ski boot shell; and a sole of the ski boot which comprises a free upper side, which protrudes forwards in the longitudinal direction of the boot and/or laterally beyond the ski boot shell, and a lower side, wherein the ski boot comprises a front attaching region which co-operates with a front part of a ski binding in order to secure the ski boot, and a front region of the ski boot stands upright on a planar base via the front attaching region, wherein the upper side of the sole exhibits a distance, orthogonally with respect to the base, of at least 25 mm at a front end of the sole of the ski boot, and the upper side of the sole has a distance from the lower side of the sole, measured perpendicular to the base, of 19 mm±2 mm at a distance from the front end of the sole, measured in the longitudinal direction, of at least 28 mm, and wherein, with the ski boot standing upright on the base, the lower side of the sole has a distance from the base of at least 5 mm throughout, up to a

Abstract: The invention discloses a pair of intelligent massage shoes, each including a vamp, a sole composed of a sole plate and a cushion plate, and massage columns arranged in the sole plate and stretching out of the cushion plate. The massage columns are matched with positions of acupuncture points of a sole, and are driven to carry out a reciprocating motion up and down through a lifting power device, thus massaging the sole. The lifting power device is fixed on a bottom plate, which is connected with an adjustment power device that pushes the lifting power device to move back and forth, thus adjusting the front and back positions of the massage columns to adapt to feet with different sizes. Each shoe has an air pocket charged with air through an electric air charging apparatus, thus forming a space in the shoe adaptive to accommodate the feet with different sizes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically altering a height of a sole assembly of an article of footwear uses an actuator having a retraction assembly and a traction assembly. A wedge is moved to different positions within a groove formed in the sole assembly. A user evaluates the performance of the footwear with the wedge at different positions while performing an activity. The user evaluations help determine an optimal height of the sole assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of footwear, in particular, a shoe, sandal or boot, may reduce the effort and improve the performance of walking, running, hiking, as well as jumping, hopping, and other motion involving the ankle, lower leg and Achilles tendon, through integration of force-carrying mechanisms within footwear that manage the forces and energy associated with such motion by productively harvesting and storing energy during dorsiflexion motion and releasing and returning energy during plantar flexion and limiting range of motion that conduce towards ankle inversion and eversion. Such footwear may comprise a yoke connected to footwear at a pivot approximately in parallel to the axis of rotation of the ankle and a tension spring suspended approximately parallel to the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A yarn or thread may include a plurality of substantially aligned filaments, with at least ninety-five percent of a material of the filaments being a thermoplastic polymer material. Various woven textiles and knitted textiles may be formed from the yarn or thread. The woven textiles or knitted textiles may be thermal bonded to other elements to form seams. A strand that is at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material may extend through the seam, and the strand may be thermal bonded at the seam. The woven textiles or knitted textiles may be shaped or molded, incorporated into products, and recycled to form other products.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an outer sole component with a co-molded flex modifier component. The outer sole component is formed of a first mold material, such as a rubber mold material. The flex modifier component includes a fiber material and a second mold material. The second mold material may be mold compatible with the first mold material. The sole structure may be formed by co-molding an outer sole component blank or pre-form (e.g., rubber mold material), and a flex modifier component, e.g., in a hot press molding process using a molding system having a mold cavity configured to form the outer sole component. The flex modifier component may be formed (e.g., cut or stamped) from a sheet of flex modifier material, such as a thermoplastic extruded hot melt film sandwiched between fusion bonded non-woven fiber fabric material impregnated with a styrene-coated polymer.

Abstract: A pair of sole plates for a complementary pair of articles of footwear may generally include a first article with a first sole plate and a second article with a second sole plate, where the first sole plate is asymmetrical with respect to the second sole plate. The first sole plate includes a first groove that extends along a first lateral side of the first sole plate, and the second sole plate includes a second groove that extends along a second medial side of the second sole plate. The asymmetry of first sole plate with respect to second sole plate may improve performance, flexibility, and agility during running and in particular, during athletic events along a curved track.

Abstract: A shoe with an integral orthotic or propulsion plate is provided that includes a shoe defining an upper and a sole, and an orthotic or propulsion plate positioned between the upper of the shoe and the sole of the shoe. The orthotic or propulsion plate defines a toe platform region, a longitudinal arch pad region, and a heel region. In the absence of an applied force to the top surface of the orthotic or propulsion plate and with the sole of the shoe resting on a horizontal surface, the orthotic or propulsion plate bows upward in the longitudinal arch pad region relative to the toe platform region and the heel region. In response to a force being applied to the top surface of the orthotic or propulsion plate, the bowed longitudinal arch pad region flexes downward relative to the toe pad region and the heel region to load a first preload force in the orthotic or propulsion plate.

Abstract: A shank for an article of footwear including a substantially planar base portion extending within a first plane in the longitudinal and lateral directions and a substantially planar ramp portion designed to absorb footwear loads in a vertical direction, the ramp portion extending, in an uncompressed state, within a second plane that is oblique to the first plane. The base portion and the ramp portion are arranged such that they do not overlap in the vertical direction. A sole assembly is also described and includes an outsole divided into a first portion located at a forefoot portion of the sole assembly and a second portion located at an arch portion of the sole assembly. The second portion is designed to contact the midsole in a compressed state and form a gap between when a load is removed. Related methods of manufacturing are also described.

Abstract: An upper may include a reinforced panel. The panel may comprise a carrier, inner reinforcing strips and outer reinforcing strips. The inner and outer reinforcing strips may be respectively bonded to interior and exterior faces of the carrier. Each of the inner reinforcing strips may be approximately parallel to at least one adjacent inner reinforcing strip and separated from that at least one adjacent inner reinforcing strip by one or more unreinforced portions of the carrier interior face. Each of the outer reinforcing strips may be approximately parallel to at least one adjacent outer reinforcing strip and separated from that at least one adjacent outer reinforcing strip by one or more unreinforced portions of the carrier exterior face.