Abstract: An electronic cigarette and an atomizer device thereof are provided. The atomizer device includes a housing, a liquid reservoir chamber (115) formed in the housing, and a adjusting valve (13) engaging with the housing; a liquid injection channel (1131) is defined in the housing for injecting liquid solution into the liquid reservoir chamber (115); a first opening (1311) corresponding to the liquid injection channel (1131) is defined in the adjusting valve (13); the adjusting valve (13) is movable between a first position and a second position across a surface of the housing; when the adjusting valve is in the first position, the first opening (1311) communicates with the liquid injection channel (1131) to open the liquid injection channel (1131), and when the adjusting valve (13) is in the second position, the first opening (1311) misaligns with the liquid injection channel (1131) to close the liquid injection channel (1131).

Abstract: An improved garment, such as a shirt, is provided that can comfortably grip a wearer's body and remain in place, even if the wearer is engaged in physical activity. A preferred fabric for garments in accordance with the invention is spandex, a polyether-polyurea copolymer also known as elastane. When is the garment is a shirt, the shirt cuffs can be provided with a band of silicone on the inner surface of the cuffs. The band can be formed as stripes, dots or patches to form a uniform gripping surface around the wearer's arm.

Abstract: A compression garment, for example, a sock, formed of a knitted fabric that includes an elastomer compression inlay yarn introduced into a predetermined first selection of needles on a first knitting machine finger position and first and second pattern yarns introduced into a predetermined second selection of needles on second and third knitting machine finger positions, the first selection of needles and the second selection of needles collectively defining a predetermined pattern. When the predetermined second selection of needles is raised to take on the first and second pattern yarns, the elastomer compression inlay yarn deflects predetermined ones of the second selection of needles radially inwardly to define an annular space into which the pattern yarns are dropped in an offset relation to the elastomer compression inlay yarn.

Abstract: A seamless compression article is knitted on a flatbed knitting machine having a front needle bed and a rear needle bed opposite thereto. The compression article includes a base structure of at least one weft thread, at least one elastic warp thread inserted or knitted therein, and at least one tubular or pocket-like receptacle extending along a longitudinal direction for at least one finger or at least one toe of a wearer of the compression article and can be placed on a body extremity of the wearer extending in the longitudinal direction. The receptable includes a number of rib-like elevations, which run substantially parallel to each other and along the longitudinal direction of the corresponding receptacle. Putting on the compression article can thereby be facilitated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blister-preventing nonslip smart sock. The blister-preventing nonslip smart sock includes: a sock body in which a foot accommodation portion is formed; a plurality of first nonslip points which are provided on the inner surface of the foot accommodation portion; and a plurality of second nonslip points which are provided on the outer surface of the foot accommodation portion. The blister-preventing nonslip smart sock has the advantage of enabling mass production because it has a simple configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a sock having one or more support assemblages for providing structural support to one or more regions of the foot of the wearer. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an arch support assemblage that is adapted to cover an arch of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an Achilles support assemblage that is adapted to cover the Achilles tendon of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an ankle support assemblage that is adapted to cover a portion of the ankle of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, the sock may comprise multiple support assemblages to provide structural support to different regions of the foot of the wearer. Typically, a support assemblage will have an elasticity coefficient that is lower than an elasticity coefficient of the other areas of the sock.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing leggings having a leg portion and a waistband portion, using a fabric is disclosed. The method includes brushing an outside surface of the fabric once to form a single-brushed surface. The method includes brushing an inside surface of the fabric multiple times to form a multiple-brushed surface. The method includes cutting the fabric into a plurality of pieces for the leg portion and a plurality of pieces for the waistband portion and sewing the pieces together, the waistband portion having a top edge and a bottom edge, the single-brushed surface of the fabric forming an inside legging surface configured to contact a wearer, and the multiple-brushed surface of the fabric forming an outside legging surface. The method includes sewing an elastic band to the top edge of the waistband.

Abstract: Bras including an underband, a left shoulder strap, a right shoulder strap, a left support strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end of the left support strap being coupled to the left shoulder strap and the second end of the left support strap being coupled to the underband, the left support strap extending from the left shoulder strap to the underband along a path passing between the breasts of the wearer, and a right support strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end of the right support strap being coupled to the right shoulder strap and the second end of the right support strap being coupled to the underhand, the right support strap extending from the right shoulder strap to the underhand along a path passing between the breasts of the wearer.

Abstract: Provided herein are undergarment pads comprising an outer portion having a convex shape, a corresponding inner portion having a concave shape, wherein the outer portion is coupled to the inner portion through at least one curved edge; and an apex elevated from a base surface of the pad.

Abstract: A garment is provided including a back panel joined with a bag panel, and a closure strap. The back panel and bag panel can be used in a wearing mode while the garment is worn, then turned inside out into a stowed mode, when the garment is to be stowed, to form a stowage bag within which the garment can be stuffed, with the closure strap movable to a closing configuration to at least partially close an opening of the stowage bag and secure the garment inside the stowage bag. Related methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A safety garment system including a garment having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a harness, a first-handle, and a second-handle. The harness is configured on the interior surface of the garment. The first-handle and the second-handle are configured on the exterior surface and are positioned on opposing sides at a shoulder region of the garment. The garment is configured to be used to safely drag a victim to safety in an emergency using the harness, the first-handle, and the second-handle.

Abstract: A personal cooling device for providing a cooling air stream is described herein. In one example, the personal cooling device includes an electric fan disposed in a housing, a stay-in-place extended wing member coupled to the housing at a first end, and a fastening mechanism coupled to a second end of the wing member. The fastening mechanism is configured to removably couple the housing to an object, such as a helmet, garment or other object.

Abstract: A garment structured to facilitate opening of a container, through the provision of an opening member mounted thereon. A garment includes a closure flap movable between a covering and a non-covering position, wherein the opening device includes a base and an opening member connected to said closure flap and movable therewith into an out of an exposed, operative orientation corresponding to the closure flap being disposed into and out of the covering relation to the pocket. When in the operative orientation, the opening member includes an apertured construction disposed and structured to engage and exert a removing force on a closure of the container, wherein the closure may be in the form of a cap on bottle or other container.

Abstract: A garment or article of clothing made of a resilient/elastomeric material includes at least a waist portion, a first leg portion, and a second leg portion. The waist portion further includes a pocket on the rear of the garment, where the pocket is defined by a backing panel, a first flap, and a second flap. The first flap is at least partially disposed over the second flap to secure contents between the backing panel and the second panel, and thus, within the pocket. When the waist portion is stretched, the tensile forces imparted onto the waist portion by the resilient/elastomeric material causes the first flap to at least partially overlie the second flap. The pocket is sized and shaped to receive smartphones and other small personal items, such as keys, money, credit cards, identifications, etc.

Abstract: A bottom hem of a garment and a garment are provided. The bottom hem of a garment includes: a front piece of cloth having an outer side and an inner side that are opposite to each other; a dot glue layer provided on the inner side of the front piece of cloth; and a rear piece of cloth adhered to the inner side of the front piece of cloth, the rear piece of cloth being adhered to the front piece of cloth by means of the dot glue layer.

Abstract: An article of apparel is disclosed that is at least partially formed from a material element having a substrate and a plurality of projections. The substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The projections extend from the first surface of the substrate, and the projections each have terminal ends located opposite the substrate. The material element has a first permeability when the first surface has a convex configuration, and the material element has a second permeability when the first surface has a concave configuration, the first permeability being greater than the second permeability. The apparel may be reversible such that either the first surface or the second surface of the substrate faces outward.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a textile or comprising at least one compressed portion, at least one uncompressed portion, and a deposit of thermo-reflective material on at least the compressed portion. Other aspects herein are directed to a method of manufacturing a textile or garment having a deposit of thermo-reflective material.

Abstract: Provided is a garment that is excellent in the stretchability of a fabric and a joining part between fabrics, and is comfortable to the wearer.

Abstract: A low profile sock device may include a body for receiving portions of a foot of a user. A first retainer may be configured to tension portions of the body, such as a first side and/or a heel region towards a portion of an upper foot region that the first retainer may be coupled to. A second retainer may be configured to tension portions of the body, such as a second side and/or a heel region towards a portion of the upper foot region that the second retainer may be coupled to. The retainers may be used to tension the body to the foot of a user to increase friction between the body and the foot prevent walking/running motion from pushing the body downward at the back of the foot while allowing the body to remain hidden while being worn with a shoe.

Abstract: A method of creating custom garments at scale comprising utilization of a multitude of numerical customer measurement inputs and non-numerical customer fit style inputs to generate finished garment measurements. A multitude of fit block and sized versions of the garment are mass-manufactured, and then a matching and selecting process is applied to select a fit block and sized version of the garment after comparison of the finished garment measurements with the fit block and size measurements. Variances between the measurements are used to guide matching to a particular fit block and size as well as to generate alteration outputs and instructions for tailoring the fit block and sized garment into a custom garment altered to the individual customer's measurements and inputs.

Abstract: An article of manufacture that is, in one embodiment, capable of storing and transporting a number of skullcaps in a manner to insure that the skullcaps supported thereby maintain their proper shapes.

Abstract: A method for producing realistic, lightweight, scaled to size facsimiles of animal antlers, horns and other three-dimensional objects for costume headwear, and a system of interlocking components that provide interchangeability, adaptability and versatility in costume looks. Costume components contain LED lights and a sound sensor, providing environmentally responsive capabilities with programmed responses (e.g.: flashing light patterns) when activated (e.g.: in response to music or cheering in a stadium). The system includes an adaptor to retrofit hats, and a headband designed for pets.

Abstract: Disclosed are protective hoods including particle barrier layers to reduce or prevent penetration of the hoods by particulates in the environment of a wearer. The particle barrier layer of a hood is accessible when the hood is intact. A hood described herein optionally includes an aperture for accessing the particle barrier layer. A hood described herein optionally includes a face opening that engages with a face mask to form a protective seal. A hood described herein optionally includes a visual indicator to indicate when the hood is properly positioned with respect to a face mask.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for improving the noticeability of a hat. The apparatus includes a light source configured to produce light upon receiving electrical energy. The apparatus also includes a mount coupled to the light source and configured to selectively attach to and detach from the hat. The mount, when attached to the hat, orients the light source to project light onto an exterior surface of the hat. The apparatus additionally includes a battery receptacle electrically-coupled to the light source and having electrical contacts for coupling to one or more batteries. Hats having improved noticeability and methods for improving the noticeability of a hat are also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for improving the noticeability of a hat. The apparatus includes a light source configured to produce light upon receiving electrical energy. The apparatus also includes a mount coupled to the light source and configured to selectively attach to and detach from the hat. The mount, when attached to the hat, orients the light source to project light away from an exterior surface of the hat into an ambient environment of the hat. The exterior surface includes at least one of a left-side exterior surface and a right-side exterior surface. The apparatus additionally includes a battery receptacle electrically-coupled to the light source and having electrical contacts for coupling to one or more batteries. Hats having improved noticeability and methods for improving the noticeability of a hat are also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a user head mounted protection apparatus. The user head mounted protection apparatus includes a warning element management device that identifies a warning element by using sensing information generated by sensing a nearby object to generate location information of the warning element, a sensor that detects a rotation of the user head mounted protection apparatus to generate rotation angle information, a corrector that corrects the location information of the warning element by using the rotation angle information, a sound source processor that binaurally renders a sound source by using the location information of the warning element or the corrected location information, and an output device that outputs the binaurally rendered sound source.

Abstract: The device of this invention comprises: (1) a multi-layer carbon fiber football helmet with four separate interior air bag bladders for padding; (2) Velcro attachments to the interior air bag bladders that connect to the inside of the carbon fiber football helmet at four points, which include the back of the helmet, the front of the helmet, the right side of the helmet, and the left side of the helmet; (3) a clear polycarbonate military grade face shield, (4) an air pump valve with a hose that is attached to the four interior air bag bladders inside the back of the helmet; (5) nylon hardware that attaches the clear polycarbonate face shield to the multi-layer carbon fiber football helmet; (6) a four point chin strap manufactured by Shock Doctor; and (7) a multi-layer carbon fiber chin guard formed to the carbon fiber football helmet adding strength to the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet features an inner shell, a non-rigid outer shell surrounding the inner shell in outwardly spaced relation therefrom, and a plurality of impact absorbing layers disposed between the shells. Each impact absorbing layer features an envelope, and a plurality of impact absorbing members disposed internally within said envelope. At least one adjacent pair of impact absorbing layers are displaceable relative to one another to enable impact-driven shifting between the adjacent pair, whereby impact energy is absorbed by the impact absorbing members within the impact absorbing layers, and absorbed and/or redirected by the impact-driven shifting between the adjacent absorbing layers. Resiliently stretchable material is attached to the adjacent layers at discrete locations such that, after being stretched by the relative shifting, the material returns to a relaxed state to reset the shifted layers back into a default positional relationship, in which ventilation passages in the absorbing layers are aligned.

Abstract: A chinstrap harness for a safety helmet, the chinstrap harness comprising first and second elongate side sections of flexible material (12a, 12b, 12c), each side section having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein said first end comprises means (3a, 3b) to connect said chinstrap harness to a safety helmet, and the opposing second end of each side section includes means (1) for releasably coupling said side sections adjacent a user's face.

Abstract: A sports helmet for protecting a head of a wearer, comprising: an outer shell comprising an external surface of the sports helmet; inner padding disposed between the outer shell and the wearer's head; an adjustment mechanism operable by the wearer to vary an internal volume of the cavity to adjust a fit of the sports helmet on the wearer's head; and a rotational impact protection device disposed between the external surface of the sports helmet and the wearer's head when the sports helmet is worn, the rotational impact protection device comprising a surface movable relative to the external surface of the sports helmet in response to a rotational impact on the outer shell to absorb rotational energy from the rotational impact, the surface of the rotational impact protection device undergoing displacement when the adjustment mechanism is operated by the wearer to vary the internal volume of the cavity.

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: A protective helmet to be worn by a player engaged in a sport comprises a flexible outer shell and a multi-layer liner assembly disposed within the outer shell. The multi-layer liner assembly includes an inner-layer, a middle-layer and an outer-layer, and permits relative rotational movement between said layers when the helmet is worn by the player and receives an impact. The inner-layer is made from a first material with a first density and is mechanically coupled to the outer-layer without adhesive. The outer-layer is made from a second material with a second density that is greater than the first density of the inner-layer. The middle-layer is made from a third material that has a third density that is greater than the first density. The outer-layer also has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the inner-layer and varies between a front region of the outer-layer and a crown region of the outer-layer.

Abstract: A helmet assembly may include a helmet and an integrated chinbar. The chinbar may include an attachment portion and the helmet may include a docking frame. Coupling together of the attachment portion to the docking frame may couple the chinbar to the helmet. The attachment portion may then be secured to docking frame to secure the chinbar to the helmet. In certain embodiments, the attachment portion may be coupled to the docking frame of an interior side of the liner. Thus, the attachment portion may accordingly be disposed on the side of the liner closer to a wearer's face.

Abstract: The present disclosure can be embodied by a detachable assembly, for example a helmet and headphone assembly. A locking assembly can be configured to removably attach the headphones to the helmet in a locked position. In the locked position, the headphones can be locked horizontally onto the helmet, and a portion of ear cups of the headphones may be received at least partially through a pair of ear cup receiving apertures that extend through a shell of the helmet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for removably coupled footwear. The disclosed embodiments describe amongst other things, for example, a pair of shoes whereby the soles or top surfaces of each shoe may be connected and disconnected easily.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing knitted shoe uppers. An article of fully finished three-dimensionally weft knitted footwear is manufactured through a knitting process which can be performed by an automated V-bed flat knitting machine. During the knitting process, a plurality of knitted members are knitted into shape sequentially and connected to one another through knitted live hinges, each member being a ply, a layer, a layer portion or an appendage. The knitting machine manipulates the knitted members into their destined places as in the final product without cutting and sewing, thereby forming a seamless unitary textile construction. The process creates a seamless, full gauge, dimensionally stable footwear upper, as a unitary textile construction with an integrated anatomically appropriate heel. The entire upper, including the closure element of the upper, may be completed exclusively by the knitting machine, ready for the following shoe making process.

Abstract: A sandal construction configured to provide high performance in athletic, sporting and other activities not typically associated with sandals. The sandal includes a sole with an integrated sole plate and an upper with a heel cradle configured to assist in maintaining close contact between the sole and the heel of the wearer's foot during use. The heel cradle may be molded with a three-dimensional shape that is anatomically correct and is inwardly angled to extend into and assist in holding the heel down against the upper surface of the sole. The sole may include a dual-density midsole with a softer upper layer and firmer lower layer. The sole plate may be embedded in the lower layer. The sole plate may include a heel cup defining a central opening. The upper surface of the midsole may include a heel recess aligned with the heel cup and the central opening.

Abstract: A footwear article for watersports comprising a sole, a vamp in connection with the sole and an upper fixed with the vamp and the sole. A lacing system disposed on the upper, the lacing system comprises a lace, a first set of anchor points and a second set of anchor points. Said lacing system is disposed on an outer side of the upper and configured such that the lace crosses over itself fewer than six times between anchor points in the closed configuration; and wherein at least one of the vamp and the upper comprises a textured surface, and an upper comprises a strap adapted to extend around at least the perimeter of the upper.

Abstract: A system assesses activity and displays a unitless activity value. A detector senses activity of a user. A processor reads sensed activity data from the detector. A display displays the unitless activity value. An enclosure houses the detector and the processor. The processor periodically reads the sensed activity data from the detector and processes the data to generate an activity number, the number being used to generate the unitless activity value based upon a maximum number and a display range.

Abstract: Safety footwear, a metatarsal guard for safety footwear, and a method for manufacturing a metatarsal guard comprising: a guard body sized and shaped to cover at least partially a dorsal surface of a wearer's foot, the guard body including: a shielding layer made of a rigid material, the shielding layer further including a first bonding surface; an extension panel extending forwardly from the guard body, the extension panel including a second bonding surface, the extension panel being disposed against the shielding body such that the first and second bonding surfaces are superposed over each other, the extension panel being overmolded over the shielding layer such that the extension panel is bonded with the shielding layer along the superposed first and second bonding surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for molding a component within a molding system having a mold cavity that includes at least one controlled compression region associated with and adjacent to a movable mold part. In one embodiment, the mold cavity may include a reference compression region for which the movable mold part is configured to substantially avoid affecting or to substantially act independently, or both.

Abstract: The pivotable footwear including a front portion, a heel portion, a flexible sole defining a channel extending across the flexible sole, a shoe upper attached to the flexible sole, and a lockable hinge mechanism disposed within the channel. The lockable hinge has an unlocked position wherein the heel portion of said footwear is free to pivot about the channel relative to the front portion of the footwear, and a locked position wherein the heel portion of the footwear is locked into position relative to the front portion of said footwear. The lockable hinge mechanism is electronically actuated and battery operated and controlled to move between the locked position and the unlocked position by actuation of an electronic remote control. That is, actuation of the electronic remote control causes the hinge to move the footwear to an open, foot insertion position and a wearable locked position.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole incorporating a plurality of apertures extending from an upper surface. The article of footwear further includes a strobel that may be placed along the auxetic structure of the sole. The strobel may restrict the flexure of the sole in particular locations to varying degrees.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear may include a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, the chamber having a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer bonded to the first chamber barrier layer about peripheral portions of the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer to define an interior void between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer. The sole structure may also include a tensile member bonded to, and extending between, the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer. The sole structure may include a bond inhibiting material located between the tensile member and the first chamber barrier layer, the tensile member and the first chamber barrier layer being unbonded in an unbonded area in which the bond inhibiting material is disposed. The chamber may include an outwardly extending bulge in the unbonded area.

Abstract: A novel tracking system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a long-range tracking device is incorporated into a removable footwear insole and a short-range tracking device is incorporated into another removable footwear insole. The long-range tracking device includes a location determining device, a wireless communication device, and a power source. In a more particular embodiment, the location determining device is a GPS receiver, and the communication device is a cellular modem.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for protecting and preserving the life of a shoe. The invention preserves the heel section by preventing typical degradation caused by repeated compression of the heel section by allowing the user to insert his or her foot into the rear of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include a tensioning system with a multilayered upper and a relatively narrow strobel. One layer of the upper can be attached to an outer periphery of the strobel. Another layer of the upper can be attached to a portion of the sole structure. In addition, a lacing region can be formed by folding a laminated structure including the second layer. A third layer of the upper can provide a bootie within the article of footwear configured to receive a foot.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear from a flat pattern is provided. The method includes cutting a first cut in a first material through the top surface and the bottom surface of the first material. The method continues with coupling an overlay on the first material top surface such that the overlay extends over the first cut and obscures the first material top surface. The method continues with forming the flat pattern having the first material with the first cut and the overlay into a dimensional article of footwear configured to receive a foot. The first material bottom surface is more interior to the dimensional article of footwear than the top surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear flat pattern upper having an upper portion and a footbed portion is provided. The upper portion and the footbed portion are integrally continuous, such that the upper portion lateral side converges with the footbed lateral side. The flat pattern includes nested same-sided article of footwear with a reduced surplus portion there between. The articles of footwear includes the following continuous portions: the first medial side with a toe end, the toe end with a lateral side, the lateral side with a heel end, and the heel end with the second medial side. The first medial side and the second medial side are joined to form dimensional article of footwear.

Abstract: A female button is in an unlocked state when a rotator takes a first position and is in a locked state when the rotator takes a second position, insertion and removal of a post of a male button being allowed in the unlocked state, and insertion and removal of the post of the male button being hindered in the locked state. Arresting part or elastic member is provided with a projection which, when the rotator rotates toward the second position, displaces the arresting part toward the rotational axis before the rotator reaches the second position and, if the displacement of the arresting part toward the rotational axis is obstructed by the post, rotational resistance of the rotator is increased.