Abstract: A bra having one or more flexible elastomeric support strips is provided herein. The support strips are affixed to an outer-facing surface of the bra or breast cups such that they provide support to at least the under portions of a wearer's breasts.

Abstract: Interconnections are formed between electronic devices embedded in a “smart” textile panel. A highly bendable drawn fiber in the panel includes continuous and/or discrete active elements encapsulated in a flexible matrix. E-fabrics include vias forming interconnections between conductors included on or in the fabric. A flexible connection pad of alternated conducting and insulating elastomer regions forms a plurality of interconnections between an external device and the conductors of an e-fabric. E-fabrics are formed by preassembling conductors with ribbons of adhesive to form conducting assemblies, and then bonding the conducting assemblies to fabric or to pre-manufactured garments, including across seams thereof. A garment such as a hoodie includes position, orientation, flexion, and/or acceleration sensors that enable a user to control aspects of an audiovisual concert such as volume, balance, tone, recorded feedback, and mashups, as well as light displays and pyrotechnics by physical gestures.

Abstract: A winged cape for wearing by a person includes a flexible inner web and a flexible outer web, each fixed together with a threaded stitch at a common outline. Each web has a top edge and at least one side edge. Four arm slots are formed through the inner web to define a pair of sleeves that are generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of each web. Preferably two or more opposing elastic finger rings are each fixed with the at least one side edge of the inner web on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis of the inner web and proximate to a longitudinal axis of the sleeves. With each arm of the person positioned through one of the sleeves and a finger of each hand of the person inserted through one of the finger rings, the webs form a winged cape worn by the person.

Abstract: An insect-proof, form-fitting undergarment is provided having top and bottom parts formed of selected breathable materials and having omnidirectional stretch properties, and which top and bottom parts may be securely joined at the waist to prevent insect entry. A superfine knitted fabric is utilized to prevent insect bites.

Abstract: A system and method of knee-ACL support breeches for supporting the knees against non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, without interfering in desired movement, by resisting anterior translation of the proximal end of the tibia, thereby reducing stress on the ACL and other knee components. A pair of calibrated-elastic bands are attached at one end to a belt about the waist and at the other end to a strap around each lower knee. The calibrated-elastic bands are incorporated into a pair of breeches or pants which hold the bands tightly against the buttocks and backs of the thighs.

Abstract: An article of self-light-emitting clothing includes an article of clothing, a driver device and a group of electric coupling switches. The article of clothing includes a light-emitting component, and first and second arrangement areas, and when the article of clothing is folded, the first and second arrangement areas can contact each other; otherwise, the first and second arrangement areas are separated. The driver device includes a battery and a switch circuit. The group of electric coupling switches includes first and second couplers disposed on the first and second arrangement area, respectively. When the first coupler and the second coupler are electrically coupled to each other, the switch circuit is in open-circuit status to disconnect the battery and the light-emitting component. When the first coupler is not electrically coupled to the second coupler, the switch circuit is conducted to enable the battery to supply power to the light-emitting component.

Abstract: A collar-shaped neck protector to be used in water sports that is provided with an elastic material and another material to reduce friction with the neck.

Abstract: The present disclosure seeks to reduce the effects of rotational and linear acceleration experienced by the body of a user in response to an impact force. Modular disengaging systems of the present disclosure are generally suitable for coupling to protective equipment to provide a disengaging motion between various layers such that the effects of the impact force to the body of the user are reduced. Generally described, the modular disengaging systems of the present disclosure include layers configured to facilitate relative lateral motion therebetween upon an impact force.

Abstract: The invention disclose a high altitude escape life jacket, comprising: two baldrics, a jacket body, a power switch, two airbags, a forced switch, an inductive switch, a bottom band, two pneumatic cylinders. The beneficial effects are: The invention has the advantages that the invention can solve the global problem that the high-altitude and high-rise escape problem, and the inflated airbags can delay the falling speed and reduce the landing impact force, and ultimately protect the safety of human.

Abstract: A body protection device having a clothing component and one or more thin protective components provided with the clothing component. The thin protective components provide protection to a wearer of the clothing component. Advantageously, the thin protective components are substantially hidden so that the clothing component can look to others like a regular item of clothing. In one embodiment, the clothing component is a hat having at least one thin force absorbing member.

Abstract: A kind of pants has a U-shaped opening across an adjacent edge of two connecting leg portions, a pair of front suspenders arranged at a front of the pants as each suspender connecting to a front passage, a pair or rear suspenders arranged at a rear of the pants as each suspender connecting to a rear passage, a water proof anti-splash cover partially sewn on the pants and covering a front end of the U-shaped opening, a displaceable covering piece arranged under the U-shaped opening with a pair of bands passing through the front passages to be fixed on the front suspenders and with a pair of strips passing through the rear passages and a pair of guiding rings to be fixed on the rear suspenders. Thereby the displaceable covering piece allows those who have to sit on a wheelchair most of the time to perform excretion right on the wheelchair with their pants on.

Abstract: A pair of convertible pants comprising an upper pants portion, a lower pants portion, an opening extending longitudinally from a hem end of the lower pants portion to a section that turns and continuously extending substantially circumferentially around the leg opening and ends at a terminus, and a closure being operable to extend along the entire length of the opening to selectively open and close the opening.

Abstract: A glove system including a glove body and a pouch. The pouch is secured to an outside surface of the glove body and having an opening arranged therethrough. A flap is arranged with the opening of the pouch. The flap being peelable between a closed position and an open position. The flap being resealable with the opening when in the closed position.

Abstract: The problem to be solved is to provide a technique which allows hand-mask users to effectively make use of the waiting time with the hand masks on their hands, and perform skin care or a similar treatment on their hands without feeling stressed. This problem is solved by a hand mask including: a glove part made of a liquid-retentive material and having a shape that wraps around the entirety of five fingers inclusive of the fingertips as well as the back and palm of a hand; and a cutoff line formed in a finger-covering portion in the glove part along a circumferential direction of the finger-covering portion, for allowing a fingertip-wrapping portion to be cut off.

Abstract: A glove (2) which defines a main body portion (4) and five digit elements (6, 8, 10, 12, 14) extending from main body portion, wherein each digit element includes a ring portion defined at a proximal end of the digit element and at least one of the ring portions includes a reinforcing element (16). The reinforcing element is suitably expandable in at least one direction.

Abstract: An apparel protecting device for isolating a pocket from a tool attached to the pocket includes a panel. A fold is positioned in the panel and defines a first section of the panel, a second section of the panel, and a slot that is positioned between the first section and the second section. The second section is configured to be inserted into a pocket of an article of clothing to position the first section on an exterior of the pocket. The panel is configured to be inserted into a clip of a tool, such as a tape measurer, to couple the tool to the panel. The first section is configured to be positioned between the tool and the pocket to isolate the tool from the pocket to prevent damage to the article of clothing.

Abstract: A shirt, as disclosed herein, includes a body component, comprising a front component, a back component, at least two side components, and at least two sleeve components, wherein the body component comprises a fire-resistant material.

Abstract: Various example garments, footwear articles and bags may include a closable circumference or waist or foot opening. The circumference closing system may utilize at least one constrict-able tubular length to releasably retain a selected size of the closable circumference or opening.

Abstract: A pair of pants including a torso-encircling portion having a rear area and a coupling portion, a pair of leg sections extending from the torso-encircling portion and a tensioning member. The tensioning member is coupled to the rear area and to the coupling portion. The tensioning member is configured to adjust tension of a crotch area of the garment against a wearer's buttock. The tensioning member runs between the legs of the wearer from the coupling portion to the rear area.

Abstract: Modacrylic fibers for artificial hair include a modacrylic polymer; and a condensed phosphate. The modacrylic polymer includes 29.5 to 79.5% by mass of acrylonitrile, 20 to 70% by mass of vinyl chloride and/or vinylidene chloride, and 0.5 to 5% by mass of a sulfonic acid group containing vinyl monomer, with respect to a total mass of the modacrylic polymer. A content of the condensed phosphate in the modacrylic fibers is 0.05 to 0.57% by mass.

Abstract: A method to shorten the time from design to manufacture, includes providing a dynamic design interface for execution on a computing device, receiving a selection of an article of manufacture, and additional design input from the user specifying color, text, and graphics and placement on the article of manufacture, and dynamically generating a production-ready design file reflecting the selected article of manufacture and each of the additional design input from the user. The production-ready design file is dynamically converted to a 2-dimensional image file, which is dynamically applied to the 3-dimensional model representation for display via the dynamic design interface. The user may easily rotate the 3-dimensional model to see all sides of the design. The production-ready design file can be used as instructions to directly print the design on the article of manufacture.

Abstract: A garment includes a finishing pattern created by a laser. The garment can be a pair of jeans or other denim garment. Software and lasers are used in finishing apparel to produce a desired wear pattern or other design. A technique includes determining a fabric's response to a laser, capturing an initial image of a wear pattern on a garment, and processing the initial image to obtain a working image in grayscale. The working image is further processed to obtain a difference image by comparing each pixel relative to a dark reference. The difference image is converted to a laser values image by using the previously determined fabric response to the laser.

Abstract: A skin protecting garment includes a back panel, a lower front panel coupled to the back panel, and an upper front panel coupled to the back panel. An upward facing opening is formed by the back panel and the upper front panel. The upward facing opening is dimensioned, shaped and positioned to expose a top of a user's head. A forward facing slit is between the lower front panel and the upper front panel. The forward facing slit is dimensioned, shaped and positioned to expose the user's eyes. The back panel, the lower front panel and the upper front panel are each formed of a material configured to block ultraviolet (UV) light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cap for accommodating objects in an imperceptible manner, comprising elements in common with the sport-type caps, namely a visor, a body formed by a front panel and one or more rear and lateral panels, and a hatband. The cap comprises a pocket inside, formed by one or more internal panels, having a pocket opening, and a flap is positioned on top of the internal panels, in order to cover the pocket opening. In addition, the flap has a small sub-pocket sewn into the internal side. The space inside the pocket is delimited by the visor, the front panel, the internal panels and the hatband. In this way, the pocket can store, inter alia, spectacles, keys, cigarettes and lighters, while the sub-pocket can store, inter alia, coins, notes and cards.

Abstract: An eyeshield made of flexible transparent plastic is attached to the underside of a curved brim of an article of headwear by a connection which will let the eyeshield flex from an open, viewable position to a closed hidden position. By utilizing the formed curvature of the brim, the eyeshield can be flexed into a concaved closed position against the underside of the brim. By manually pulling the rear, unattached edge of the eyeshield down from the stored position, the eyeshield will flex into a convex shape and lock into an open, viewable position perpendicular to the brim of the article of headwear.

Abstract: The helmet uses a new fastener to fasten a cage to the helmet shell allowing sides of the cage to be mounted directly against the shell, reducing the width of the shell on each side. A ball is attached to a portion of a bar of the cage to act as a limit stop precluding movements of the cage with respect to the helmet. A chin bar is fastened to the helmet at two points on each side of the shell. The shell is molded with recessed portions designed to receive the two branches of the chin bar on each side where they will be fastened to the shell so that the outer surfaces of the chin guard are flush with the shell at the locations of attachment to provide a smooth transition and reduce weight. An adjustment device to adjust the fit of the helmet to the user includes a star wheel on each side of the helmet attached to an arcuate flexible strip extending rearwardly around the occipital area of the skull.

Abstract: A headgear for protecting a user from head injury includes a helmet and a cooling unit. The cooling unit is designed to be attachable to, and detachable from, the helmet by the user during normal use of the headgear. In an embodiment, the cooling unit includes one or more inlets, a fan for drawing in air into the cooling unit via the one or more inlets, a pad to hold moisture to cool the air drawn into the cooling unit to generate cooled air, and an air outlet to direct the cooled air into said helmet.

Abstract: A helmet may include a cooling device coupled thereto, where the cooling device may include a fluid absorbing material that is sufficiently porous to facilitate airflow therethrough positioned within an air intake scoop. The air intake scoop may include a basin formed in part by a front edge of the air intake scoop and by a rear barrier in the air intake scoop. At least one vent aperture located behind the rear barrier. A fluid absorbing material may be disposed within at least a portion of the air intake scoop. At least one drainage aperture may be positioned within a sidewall of the air intake scoop and located at least partially below a top surface of the rear barrier.

Abstract: A modular helmet system with a removable/detachable/interchangeable exterior shell, an inner force-absorbing layer releasably connected to the rigid exterior shell layer, and a multiple fastening devices associated with the shell which allow the shell to be interchanged/replaced/reconfigured at will. The shell as a single piece unit, or combinable components bear the fastening devices designed to enable rapid, secure interchange of the helmet system's layers, therefore allowing the helmet to be adapted for climatic, functional, and aesthetic preferences.

Abstract: A sports shoe includes an upper wherein a majority by weight of the upper is made from a thermoplastic base material and a sole wherein a majority by weight of the sole is made from the same thermoplastic base material. The sole and the upper are individually fabricated and joined to each other. The thermoplastic base material includes at least one of the following materials: thermoplastic polyurethane TPU, polyamide PA, polyethylene terephthalate PET, or polybutylene terephthalate PBT.

Abstract: It is desired to teach an open footwear article where the upper surface contacting the foot is partially combined with, or wholly comprised of, a substantially rigid material that has some degree of open porosity. The purpose of said rigid, porous material serves to immediately absorb perspiration and/or water from the feet. Subsequent drying of the porous, rigid material occurs when the sandal is not in use as water/perspiration are evaporated from within the pores. The porous, rigid material also effects a massaging action while walking. It is the intent of this invention to capture a preferred combination of these two embodiments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for producing a shell (2) of a ski boot (1) that in some areas is adapted to a foot, or a leg, of a user, comprising a lower and/or upper shell part (3, 3?) made of a plastic material, and a heating element (10) for sectionally heating the lower and/or upper shell part (3, 3?) above the softening temperature of the plastic material. The heating element (10) has an outer adhesion-promoting layer (11) for connecting the heating element (10) to one of the shell parts (3, 3?) of the ski boot (1).

Abstract: An orthotic device (10) for use with heeled, dress, flat or sport shoes, the device (10) comprising a body (25), a medial arch support (40) defined by a projection extending upwardly away from the body (25); and a valgus wedge (20) defined by a projection located at a lateral rear foot portion and/or a lateral forefoot portion of the body (25), the valgus wedge (20) being adapted to evert the foot and concentrate the support of the device (10) laterally.

Abstract: A midsole of footwear with an incorporated orthotic support. The midsole includes a soft and flexible member and a more rigid orthotic support. The orthotic support includes a heel cup and an arch support portion that extends forwardly from the heel cup. Embodiments produce the midsole by positioning the orthotic insert between an upper portion of the footwear and an outsole. Then, soft and flexible material is injected into the space surrounding the orthotic. The soft and flexible material subsequently cures forming the multi-part unitary midsole.

Abstract: An insole of an embodiment of the disclosed technology is formed by way of taking an insole of an existing shoe (or footwear), tracing the existing insole on to a flat sheet of material, and cutting out a new insole in the same shape (side edge dimensions) as the original or substantially there-so. The material is resilient but can be made malleable at a higher temperature using such materials known in the art. It is raised to a higher temperature, then placed into the existing shoe on top of or in place of the existing insole. A person then wears the shoe with the new (hot) insole causing the insole to compress. Upon cooling and while still wearing same, the insole retains a new compressed shape formed to bottom contours of the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: An elastomeric article is provided that includes a composition having a silane-crosslinked polyolefin elastomer with a density less than 0.90 g/cm3. The elastomeric article can exhibit a compression set of from about 5.0% to about 35.0%, as measured according to ASTM D 395 (22 hrs @ 70° C.). The silane-crosslinked polyolefin elastomer can include a first polyolefin having a density less than 0.86 g/cm3, a second polyolefin having a crystallinity less than 40%, a silane crosslinker, a grafting initiator, and a condensation catalyst.

Abstract: Compression of venous tissue enables improved blood flow in the feet. For example, nitinol wire wrapped around a curved footbed is electrically heated and thus shrinks forcing the wire on the top of the footbed into the bottom of the foot. The wire, or group of wires, is successively withdrawn and re-pressed against the bottom of the foot from toe to heel. Athletic recovery and treatment of various medical conditions may be achieved, for example restless leg syndrome, edema, plantar fasciitis, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, venous insufficiency, wound care, and the like.

Abstract: Provided is a shock absorbing material partially or fully formed from a crosslinked foam, wherein the crosslinked foam shows specific measurement results by pulsed NMR.

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: A universal open-backed footwear strap having a strap having an adjustable fastener and a first connector mechanism. A second connector mechanism disposed on a sole of an open-backed shoe, wherein the second connector mechanism is selectively engageable with the first connector mechanism. The first connector mechanism and second connector mechanism create a strong enough attachment between the strap and the shoe such that they will not separate during use. The adjustable fastener can then be used to tighten the strap around a top of a user's foot to secure the shoe, eliminating the typical instability of open-backed shoes to allow the user to move more quickly and confidently, and to dance. The strap can be made available in a variety of materials and colors so as to match any shoe. Different length straps will allow for use with different shoe types and foot sizes.

Abstract: A protective footwear includes a foot engagement portion, a lower-leg engagement portion, and a cable closure system. The lower-leg engagement portion defines a cable end interface and a buckle interface. The cable closure system is configured to facilitate at least partially securing the protective footwear to a leg of a wearer. The cable closure system includes a buckle assembly configured to releasably couple to the buckle interface and a cable extending between the cable end interface and the buckle assembly. The cable has a first end coupled to the cable end interface and an opposing second end coupled to the buckle assembly.

Abstract: A reel based closure device includes a housing component, a spool that is rotatably positioned within an interior region of the housing component, and a tightening component that is coupled with the housing component. The tightening component is operably coupled with the spool so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing component to wind a tension member about the spool. The housing component is configured so that the tension member is routed axially below the housing component's interior region and to one or more guides that are positioned along a lace path of an article, such as a shoe.

Abstract: In a method for adapting a thermally deformable item of clothing to a body part, the item is at least partially heated and brought into contact with an abutment region and the appropriate body part. The item of clothing has a side which, in the use position, is directed towards the body and a side which, in the use position, is directed away from the body. At least one pressure-exerting unit subjects that side of the item of clothing which is directed away from the body, at least in part, to a shaping pressure such that the at least partially heated item of clothing is adapted, at least in part, to the shape of the part of the body. The item of clothing is at least partially cooled by a cooling unit such that it is stabilized in the shape adapted to the part of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist in making an orthotic, insole or other footwear insert that is customized to a plantar surface of an individual's foot is provided. The apparatus includes a portable housing; a heater unit to selectively heat the orthotic or a heel cap of the footwear insert to increase its pliability; at least one alignment device to assist in positioning and orientating the individual's foot prior to conforming the orthotic or the heel cap to the plantar surface of the individual's foot; and a vacuum system to selectively apply a vacuum around the individual's foot to bring the orthotic or the heel cap into conformance with the plantar surface of the individual's foot prior to setting of the orthotic or the heel cap. Related methods of making custom orthotics, insoles and other footwear inserts are also provided.

Abstract: A cover device adapted to removably cover a portion of a seatbelt buckle is presented herein. The cover device being constructed of a flexible material, the cover device includes a first closed end, slot, and second open end. The slot is formed along a portion of the first closed end and is adapted to allow the passage of a seatbelt tongue as well as resist the passage of other objects or fluids. The second open end is adapted to receive a seatbelt buckle housing.

Abstract: A zipper slider lock is provided. The zipper slider lock includes a first sliding device, a second sliding device, and a lock body. The first sliding device includes a first slider and a first puller, wherein one end of the first puller is connected to the first slider. The second sliding device includes a second slider and a second puller, wherein one end of the second puller is connected to the second slider. The lock body includes a lock hole, wherein the first puller and the second puller can be inserted into the lock body through the lock hole in order to be locked by the lock body.

Abstract: A zipper slider lock is provided. The zipper slider lock includes a first sliding device, a second sliding device, and a lock body. The first sliding device includes a first slider and a first puller, wherein one end of the first puller is connected to the first slider. The second sliding device includes a second slider and a second puller, wherein one end of the second puller is connected to the second slider. The lock body includes a lock hole, wherein the first puller and the second puller can be inserted into the lock body through the lock hole in order to be locked by the lock body.

Abstract: A molded-teeth slide fastener tape for use in a slide fastener assembly includes a woven portion and a plurality of resin-based teeth. The woven portion includes a cord arranged along an edge thereof and a plurality of spaced-apart perforations, disposed adjacent to the cord, which pass completely through the woven portion. Each of the plurality of resin-based teeth is integrally molded to the woven portion along the cord. Each molded tooth encompasses at least a portion of at least one of the spaced-apart perforations so that each molded tooth extends through the at least one of the spaced-apart perforations and fully around a cross-sectional shape of the cord.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a method for forming a rubber layer on a surface of a resin material. In the method, painting is first performed on the surface of the resin material to form a painting layer, using a paint to which a pigment has been added; then, rubber coating is performed to form a rubber layer on the painting layer. The method of the disclosure may be used in surface treatment of a fastener product. The disclosure further discloses a slide fastener, a buckle and a snap button using the method of the disclosure. The method of the disclosure may solve a conventional problem that a rubber coating is likely to fall off a resin surface, and the rubber on the surface of the resultant fastener product is less likely to fall off.

Abstract: The invention comprises an assortment of apparatuses to magnetically tether a dental hygienist's hand to the utility tubes and hoses commonly found in a dental office. In a preferred embodiment, this consists of an adjustable silicone utility band containing a magnet which is worn by the hygienist. This tethers him or her to a utility hose or tube, which has a clasp that contains a reciprocal magnet. In other embodiments, the invention comprises rings or fingergrips which contain magnets that tether to the utility hose or tube via the magnetized clasp.