Abstract: The present invention teaches a multi-layered nursing garment. The multi-layered nursing garment includes breasts support having a pair of breast cups, shoulder straps and a chest band. Each breast cup is comprised of two or more layers. Further a clasp for attaching an outer removable layer with a shoulder strap and a clip is configured for attaching another, inner layer. The invention provides a number of combinations of clips, clasps, and layers but which a breastfeeding woman can selectively open the nursing garment to accomplish breastfeeding and/or milk pumping from either breast, and has the capacity to engage in said events simultaneously.

Abstract: New body supporting and enhancing garment techniques are provided. In some embodiments, new types of strapless, backless bras and other garments are provided, along with new sizing systems for fitting them to women's bodies. For example, new types and positions of bra straps and bands are provided, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, new systems of internal and external attachment devices, for reversibly connecting adhesives, straps, clothing, and accessories to bras and other garments, are also provided.

Abstract: A chest wall adapter apparatus for supporting a user's breasts includes a right section and a left section, wherein the right section and the left section are contiguous on a front side of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes an inwardly extending convex portion located between the right section and the left section, wherein the inwardly extending convex portion is configured to lie against the chest wall of the user between the breasts; a horizontally extending and upwardly angled right shelf configured to extend along the right section and follow a contour along an underside of a right breast of the user; and a horizontally extending and upwardly angled left shelf configured to extend along the left section and follow a contour along an underside of the left breast of the user.

Abstract: An underwire for use in a brassiere, as well as the associated brassiere, including a generally arcuate base member having a length, a central portion, and opposed first and second end portions, and at least one support member having a length shorter than the length of the base member, the support member fixedly attached to the base member along the central portion of the base member and spaced from the opposed first and second end portions, where the opposed first and second end portions of the base member have a greater flexibility than a flexibility of the central portion of the base member having the at least one support member fixedly attached thereto.

Abstract: A garment extender securable to a slide fastener of a garment. The garment extender includes an attachment at least partially covered by a foldable material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article of clothing that is worn by a person for preventing an infant from accidental falling while the person nurses the infant. The article may be a garment that includes an item of clothing to be worn by a person and a support garment panel attached to the item of clothing. The support garment panel is attached to the perimeter of the armholes of the item of clothing and defines a pocket between the support garment panel and the item of clothing. The pocket includes an opening for receiving an infant and a base for supporting the infant.

Abstract: An all-weather comfort-control suit operable to permit a rider of an open-air vehicle to heat or cool their body to a comfortable level. The suit may comprise a number of independent temperature zones that may be heated or cooled based upon different conditions specified by the rider and in response to temperatures measured by a number of temperature sensors. The suit may comprise a modular design permitting riders to selectively utilize individual pieces of attire that are desired. The suit may further provide protection to the rider from injury or the environment.

Abstract: An inflatable body protecting assembly for reducing shock to a person from a fall includes a body suit that is worn by a person. The body suit has an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is spaced from the outer layer and defines a channel between the inner layer and the outer layer. A plurality of inflatable sections is mounted on the body suit. Each the inflatable sections are attached to and extend between the inner layer and the outer layer. Each of the inflatable sections extends outwardly of the outer layer and cushions impact to the inner layer when inflated. An actuator is fluidly coupled to each of the inflatable sections and is in fluid communication with air outside of the body suit. The actuator is actuated to inflate or deflate each of the inflatable sections. The actuator is mounted on the body suit.

Abstract: An exercise accessory includes a first sock; and a second sock attached to the first sock. A method for binding a foot of a first user with a foot of a second user includes inserting the foot of the first user into a first sock of an exercise accessory; and inserting the foot of the second user into a second sock of the exercise accessory, the first sock attached to the second sock.

Abstract: A dress shirt having a hidden medical access point, the dress shirt including a collar and a front portion. The front portion includes a first side, a second side, a plurality of buttons, and a first closable aperture. The first side having an open edge configured to overlap with an open edge of the second side when the first side is coupled to the second side. The plurality of buttons positioned along one of the open edge of the first side or the open edge of the second side. The first closable aperture is positioned on an upper chest position of the first side and the first closable aperture includes a fastener configured to permit the respective closable aperture to be in an open configuration or a closed configuration and wherein the first closable aperture, when in the open configuration, permits passage of a medical instrumentality therethrough.

Abstract: A glove has a glove core and a glove component. The glove core has a palm portion, a dorsum portion, a side portion of hand and a finger portion; the palm portion and the finger portion are connected to each other via a connection point, the finger piece portion has a first and second bonding portions with a distance therebetween, the finger piece portion is bound to the finger portion via the first bonding portion, and the finger piece portion is bound to the palm portion via the second bonding portion. The connection point, the first bonding portion and the second bonding portion are formed to have a virtual triangle, thus the finger portion and the palm portion have an angle being less than 180 degrees, and that is, the finger portion bends forward the palm portion to make the glove comply with the ergonomic principle.

Abstract: A configurable garment capable of being worn in a plurality of positions on a user, one of the plurality of positions including a combination of a scarf and a headband, wherein the configurable garment is formed from a unitary body section of material that includes at least two closed loop sections coupled together by a connection, the connection including at least one seam, is provided. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: In adaptive clothing, magnetic members engage to magnetically fasten a lower front layer and an upper front layer. A first magnetic member is provided in a housing having a base extending beyond the boundaries of the magnet. The base is sewn to fabric. The housing is secured in a placket to be affixed to a garment upper layer. A second magnetic member is placed in an interior enclosure of a lower front layer. A button or other component is secured to the exterior side of the upper front layer to provide the appearance of a buttoned placket. To close the garment, the first magnetic member is brought in proximity to the second magnetic member. The placket may be constructed as a separate unit and attached to the garment in a separate operation, allowing construction of the placket without manipulating the entire garment. Cuffs are prepared in a manner similar to the placket.

Abstract: A magnetic fastener including a female component and a male component, each of the female component and the male component coupled to a magnet. When assembled, the magnet of the male component and the magnet of the female component are magnetically engaged and cooperate to militate against undesired disengagement of the magnetic fastener.

Abstract: A closure device for connecting two parts includes a first closure part which includes a first surface with an arrangement of first structure elements arranged thereon and a second closure part which includes a second surface with an arrangement of second structure elements arranged thereon. The first closure part and the second closure part are to be positioned together in such a manner that the first surface of the first closure part faces the second surface of the second closure part such that the first structure elements and the second structure elements engage in one another in such a manner that movement of the closure parts relative to one another along a load direction is blocked.

Abstract: A hair component for use within a ponytail comprising at one end (1) means that can be pushed through the band used to create the ponytail joined to a second end (2) by a narrower neck section (5) so that the band is retained within the ponytail by the band between the two ends (1,2), the means at the second end (2) can be attached to a segment of hair so providing a hair extension. A hair extension comprising the attachment provided with a segment of hair is also provided.

Abstract: A hair apparatus, comprising: a cap layer cap layer configured to fit around a circumference of a user's head; at least one lace part disposed in a front portion of the cap; and a plurality of hair combs attached in a bottom or side part, to the inside surface of the cap layer.

Abstract: Various magnetically eyelash attaching prosthetic systems of the present disclosure are provided, comprising: (a) a load-bearing magnetic eyeliner adherable to an eyelid surface and incorporating magnetic particles compatible with a load-bearing structural adhesive; and (b) a magnetic eyelash prosthetic incorporating one or more magnetic elements exhibiting high magnetic coercivity and positioned at least at the base of the eyelash prosthetic, enabling the interaction between the ferromagnetic particles (incorporated into the load-bearing eyeliner) and the ferromagnetic elements (incorporated into the magnetic eyelash prosthetic) to stably attach the eyelash prosthetic to a pre-coated eyelid surface. Various methods for producing and using the various magnetically attachable eyelash prosthetics and the various load-bearing magnetic eyeliners are also provided.

Abstract: An on-demand manufacturing of apparel system includes online customization and ordering of garments, previewing of the garments, manufacturing including laser finishing of garments, and delivery to the customer. Laser finishing of apparel products reduces finishing cost, lowers carrying costs, increases productivity, shortens time to market, be more reactive to trends, reduces product constraints, reduces lost sales and dilution, and more. Fabric templates can be used to produce a multitude of laser finishes. Operational efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A system allows a user to create new designs for apparel and preview these designs before manufacture. Software and lasers are used in finishing apparel to produce a desired wear pattern or other design. The system provides updating an image provided by the user, with apparel designed by the user.

Abstract: A hood for a garment. As assembled, the garment includes a covering for a torso portion of an intended user. The torso portion includes a back section that includes at least two panels defining an interstitial space for stowing a flattened hood. The hood assembled to the garment includes one or more panels of drapable sheet material configured to cover an intended user's head. The hood has a body having one or more perimetrical edges defining a facial area 11 configured to expose a predetermined portion of an intended user's face. The hood has a top section, with downwardly extending back and side sections. The hood is flattenable, without folding, rolling, creasing, crumpling, etc. so as to either not (1) reduce the length or width of the hood relative to an intended donned state or (2) substantially overlap materials in the flattened state. The hood is anchored to the torso portion along a back perimetrical edge of the hood to at least one of the torso portion panels.

Abstract: A helmet including a protective head covering, information carrier, adhesive, and flap. The information carrier includes a first panel having a terminal edge, and a second panel having a fold line. The second panel is joined to the first panel to define a pouch having an interior space and an opening to the interior space. The opening is defined by the terminal edge disposed proximately to the first panel below the fold line. The adhesive is configured to affix the first panel to the exterior surface. The flap is pivotally attached to the second panel about the fold line, wherein the second panel is bendable away from the exterior surface at least between the terminal edge and the fold line to enable the flap to pivot about the fold line toward the exterior surface in connection with insertion of the flap into and removal of the flap from the opening.

Abstract: A chin-bar for a helmet with a crumple zone and an integrated air-flow system formed from passages running internally from the bottom to the top of the chin-bar. A scoop at the bottom of the chin-bar controls air flow. Diffusers at the top provide de-misting and fresh air to the rider.

Abstract: Safety head wear for use for example in high risk activities such as sports and industrial purposes where protection from head injuries is required. Components are provided inserted between the liner and outer shell and consists of two parts; a chamber or bladder and a fluid or gel like material. The fluid or gel material is contained in the chamber or bladder and is positioned in such a way to create low friction between the surface of the shell and liner or liner and head. It can also be used on the outer surface of the shell or placed within two layers of the liner. The device provides a method of independently managing both compression and shear force characteristics of the helmet around the head designed to decrease brain trauma resulting from high linear and angular acceleration during impacts to the helmet.

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 protective mask includes a main frame body made of magnesium alloy and having an imaginary vertical central line. The main frame body has a plurality of first rods arranged along the central line, a plurality of second rods, and at least one first protrusion. Each of the first rods has spaced-apart first front and rear surfaces, and two opposite first connecting surfaces interconnecting the first front and rear surfaces. A thickness between the first front and rear surfaces is larger than a thickness between the first connecting surfaces. Each of the second rods is connected between two adjacent ones of the first rods. The first protrusion protrudes from the first front surface of one of the first rods.

Abstract: A protective wearable system comprises a helmet for providing protection and enhancing safety to a rider on a vehicle. In one embodiment, the helmet comprises a LED display configured to produce visual information to vehicles and pedestrians surrounding the rider. The helmet further comprises a control module and a communication module configured to establish a point-to-multipoint communication group such that the rider can transmit or receive real-time and/or just-in-time information to other members of a riding group. The protective wearable system further comprises one or more illuminated wearables and accessories configured to produce light signals for clearly depicting silhouette of the rider and synchronized to the helmet for making the rider more visible and identifiable to nearby motorists.

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: A sandal with a magnetically connected upper straps uses a sandal sole, multiple strap-attachment coupler, and a removable upper to enable a user to modify the sandal's appearance. The strap-attachment couplers are fasteners which are used to attach the removable upper to the multilayered sole. To accomplish this the strap-attachment couplers includes a connector-receiving receptacle and an upper-fastening mechanism. The removable upper includes multiple strap segments, each of which is connected to a connector insert. Inserting the connector insert into the connector-receiving receptacle enables the upper-fastening mechanism to become coupled to the connector inserts, thus tethering the removable upper to the sandal sole. Additionally, the strap-attachment couplers are distributed across the insole, such that the strap-attachment couplers enable the user to create a desired type of sandal.

Abstract: A sandal with a magnetically connected upper straps uses a multilayered sole, multiple strap-attachment coupler, and a removable upper to enable a user to modify the sandal's appearance. The strap-attachment couplers are fasteners which are used to attach the removable upper to the multilayered sole. To accomplish this the strap-attachment couplers includes a connector-receiving receptacle and an upper-fastening mechanism. The removable upper includes multiple strap segments, each of which is connected to a connector insert. Inserting the connector insert into the connector-receiving receptacle enables the upper-fastening mechanism to become coupled to the connector inserts, thus tethering the removable upper to the multilayered sole. Additionally, the strap-attachment couplers are distributed across the insole, such that the strap-attachment couplers enable the user to create a desired type of sandal.

Abstract: In one example, a ski boot includes a plastic shell, a boot liner partly received within the plastic shell, and the boot liner including a tongue having an upper edge, and a dynamic support strap. The dynamic support strap includes a band connected to the plastic shell, and a restraint element connected to the band, the restraint element including a wall and a lip that together define an undercut area behind the wall, and the undercut area is configured and arranged to receive a portion of the upper edge of the tongue when the restraint element is operably positioned with respect to the tongue.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a wearable device is provided for mounting to a foot of a user. The wearable device includes a support structure having a longitudinal axis, and having an interior. The support structure is positioned to support a foot of a user, wherein the support structure has a ground engagement surface. The wearable device further includes a first wheel shaft having a first wheel connected thereto, and a second wheel shaft having a second wheel connected thereto. The first and second wheel shafts are connected to the support structure and are movable between a stowage position in which the first and second wheel shafts hold the first and second wheels above the ground engagement surface and a rolling position in which the first and second wheel shaft hold the first and second wheels below the ground engagement surface. In both the stowage and rolling positions, the first and second wheels are laterally outside of the interior of the support structure.

Abstract: A skate boot shell including a tridimensional outer sub-shell made of a first material, the outer sub-shell including a first sole portion connected to first heel, ankle and side portions; a tridimensional inner sub-shell received within and connected to the outer sub-shell, an outer surface of the inner sub-shell being complementary to an inner surface of the outer sub-shell, the inner sub-shell being made of a second material different from the first material; and a tridimensional reinforcement sub-shell made of a third material different from the first and second materials and bonded inside at least one of the inner and outer sub-shells.

Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts may include a laminate comprising a seamless extensible film, such as a polyurethane film, and at least one textile. The bootie is suitable for a range of sizes and shoe shapes. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. A bootie having a seamless extensible film eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the polyurethane film is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe or device for inserting into a shoe, having a shallow channel on a top side of a contoured insole or shoe, specifically under the 1st metatarsal shaft of the wearer. The shoe also has a rear region or heel cup positioned to underlying a wearer's calcaneal tuberosity, the rear region being shaped to accommodate a planer surface of the wearer's calcaneal tuberosity, an upper surface of said rear region having a raised portion underlying an area of the wearer's calcaneus immediately forward of the wearer's calcaneus tuberosity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for generating orthotic device models using simulated patient anatomy. In one implementation, a method comprises receiving images of a body part of a patient; deriving physical measurements from the images; generating anatomy model data of the body part using the physical measurements; and generating orthotic model data based on the anatomy model data, the orthotic model data being representative of an orthotic device.

Abstract: A rocker shoe has a lower rocker surface extending across the plantar surface of the shoe sole from the heel and terminating short of the toe. A rocker shoe construction kit has a rigid or substantially rigid rocker piece having an upper surface for securing over a major portion of a lower plantar surface of the sole of a shoe upper and a lower surface of predetermined rocker shape, a cushioning layer for securing over the lower surface of the rocker piece, and a layer of tread material configured for securing over the lower surface of the cushioning layer and any exposed portion of the plantar surface of a shoe.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for designing and manufacturing customized footwear, and components thereof. An example method includes a method of designing at least a portion of a sole of an article of footwear customized for a user. The method includes the steps of determining at least one input parameter related to a user, analyzing the at least one input parameter to determine at least one performance metric of a foot of the user, and determining at least one customized structural characteristic of at least a portion of a sole of an article of footwear for the user based on the performance metric.

Abstract: The invention relates to sole elements for articles of footwear, and systems and methods for manufacturing same. One embodiment of the invention includes a method of manufacturing a sole element for an article of footwear including the steps of forming a sole element preform, inserting the sole element preform into a press mold cavity, and press-forming the sole element preform within the press mold cavity to form a unitary finished sole element comprising a first region having a first density and hardness and a second region having a second density and hardness different from the first density and hardness.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes a footbed, a midsole, and an outsole. The footbed includes deformable semi-tubular elements that protrude downward and are received in corresponding trough-shaped cavities of the midsole, which provide cushioning when the semi-tubular elements are compressed under load, and also provide a spring return effect. The semi-tubular elements may have a depth greater than a depth of a corresponding trough shaped cavity whereby the footbed is held in a raised position above the top surface of the midsole. The separation between the footbed and the top surface of the midsole is smaller in forefoot area and greater in the heel area. The separation provides shock absorption and resilience in the shoe because it allows the semi-tubular elements to deform under load and absorb impact shocks.

Abstract: An article of apparel, such as a sock or a shoe, is disclosed as having a foot-supporting area for extending adjacent to a plantar surface of a foot. The foot-supporting area has various zones of differing thickness that attenuate forces upon the plantar surface to different degrees. The apparel may be manufactured through a process that includes utilizing a force mapping device to obtain data relating to forces upon the plantar surface of the foot. The sock is then formed to have zones of different thickness located to correspond with the areas of the plantar surface subjected to different magnitudes of forces.

Abstract: An article comprises a chamber that includes a barrier formed from a polymer material. The barrier has a first portion that forms a first surface of the chamber, and a second portion that forms an opposite second surface of the chamber. The barrier forms at least one interior cavity between the first portion and the second portion. The at least one interior cavity is filled with fluid retained by the barrier.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a sole structure and an upper. The upper is connected to the sole structure to form an enclosure to at least partially receive a foot. The upper comprises a first panel forming a first portion of the upper and having a first texture, a second panel forming a second portion of the upper and having a second texture, and an embroidery area extending across portions of the first panel and the second panel and having an appearance that replicates the first texture extending into the second texture.

Abstract: A shoe includes a knit upper and a sole secured to the upper. The knit upper has a wingtip pattern knit into the knit upper.

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 with adjustable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with adjustable tensioning systems that are disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. The adjustable tensioning system includes a comb body structure having flex portions made of a plurality of extending fingers with a flexibility that can be controlled by the adjustable tensioning system. Depending on the level of tension applied by the tensioning system, or lack thereof, a range of flex profiles having varying amounts of stiffness are available to the wearer to adjust the overall stiffness of the snowboard boot.

Abstract: A lace-tightening device for a shoe lace in a shoe comprises a rotating cam within a housing disposed within the shoe. The cam is connected to the opposite ends of the shoe lace and includes an outer surface for receiving the shoe lace as the cam rotates to pull the lace. A ratchet arm is slidably disposed within the housing and includes linear teeth arranged to engage the teeth of a driven gear as the ratchet arm translates in a linear direction. to rotate the gear in the one direction. The driven gear is part of a gear train connected to the cam to rotate the cam. The ratchet arm is pulled by at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) wire attached to a controller that is configured to execute a power cycle to energize and deenergize the SMA wire to thereby sequentially translate the ratchet arm in the linear direction, and ultimately to incrementally pull and tighten the shoe lace.

Abstract: The present application includes embodiments for a belt adjustment system. The belt adjustment system can be configured to engage a belt comprising a plurality of belt teeth. The belt engagement system can include a buckle portion that includes a belt clamp configured to couple the belt to the buckle, a lever pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, and a belt-engaging tab, the tooth-engaging tab positionable between a tooth-engaging position and a tooth-disengaging position responsive to the position of the lever on. The belt adjustment system can include a tool housing having a first wall and a second wall that form a slot. A tool comprising a distal end and a proximal end can be coupled to the tool housing, the tool positionable within the slot between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reversible track belt comprising an elongated strap having first and second ends, top and bottom surfaces, first and second side edges, and rows of notches on the two side edges of the strap. In addition, the present invention discloses a buckle comprising movable teeth for engaging the rows of notches on the two side edges of the strap.

Abstract: A gemstone, and a method for cutting a gemstone, such that the resulting gemstone has a total depth percentage of between 38-55% but still provides for a brilliant cut without having face main facets intersect a cullet.