Abstract: A user-replaceable e-liquid reservoir for dispensing e-liquid, the reservoir being inserted into, or otherwise attached to, a portable, personal e-cigarette device and engaging with an electrical or electronic pump fluid transfer system in the device, the device including: an electrical or electronic pump, being configured to transfer e-liquid from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomizing unit in the device, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the reservoir is not user-refillable.

Abstract: A user-replaceable e-liquid reservoir for dispensing e-liquid, the reservoir being inserted into, or otherwise attached to, a portable, personal e-cigarette device and engaging with an electrical or electronic pump fluid transfer system in the device, the device including: an electrical or electronic pump, being configured to transfer e-liquid from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomizing unit in the device, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the reservoir is not user-refillable.

Abstract: A user-replaceable e-liquid reservoir for dispensing e-liquid, the reservoir being inserted into, or otherwise attached to, a portable, personal e-cigarette device and engaging with an electrical or electronic pump fluid transfer system in the device, the device including: an electrical or electronic pump, being configured to transfer e-liquid from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomizing unit in the device, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the reservoir is not user-refillable.

Abstract: A user-replaceable e-liquid reservoir for dispensing e-liquid, the reservoir being inserted into, or otherwise attached to, a portable, personal e-cigarette device and engaging with an electrical or electronic pump fluid transfer system in the device, the device including: an electrical or electronic pump, being configured to transfer e-liquid from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomizing unit in the device, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the reservoir is not user-refillable.

Abstract: A user-replaceable e-liquid reservoir for dispensing e-liquid, the reservoir being inserted into, or otherwise attached to, a portable, personal e-cigarette device and engaging with an electrical or electronic pump fluid transfer system in the device, the device including: an electrical or electronic pump, being configured to transfer e-liquid from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomizing unit in the device, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the reservoir is not user-refillable.

Abstract: A user-replaceable e-liquid reservoir for dispensing e-liquid, the reservoir being inserted into, or otherwise attached to, a portable, personal e-cigarette device and engaging with an electrical or electronic pump fluid transfer system in the device, the device including: an electrical or electronic pump, being configured to transfer e-liquid from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomizing unit in the device, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the reservoir is not user-refillable.

Abstract: A reservoir refill system for an electronic vaping device includes a refill container and a reservoir. The refill container contains a pre-vapor formulation. The refill container includes a body, an opening in the body, and a first interlocking ring including at least one groove or at least one protrusion therein. The reservoir is configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation and includes a reservoir body, an opening in the reservoir body, and a second interlocking ring including at least one groove or at least one protrusion therein at an opening of the reservoir. The first interlocking ring is configured to mate with the second interlocking ring so as to release the pre-vapor formulation from the refill container to the reservoir.

Abstract: A cartridge for an e-vaping device enables separate vapors to be formed proximate to separate, respective ends of the cartridge. The cartridge includes multiple reservoirs and separate vaporizer assemblies coupled to separate reservoirs on opposite ends of the reservoirs. The separate reservoirs may hold separate pre-vapor formulations. The separate vaporizer assemblies may draw separate pre-vapor formulations from separate reservoirs towards opposite ends of the cartridge and vaporize the separate pre-vapor formulations via operation of separate heaters proximate to the separate ends. The separate heaters may be independently controlled to independently control vapor formation at the separate ends. The heaters may be controlled to independently control vapor formation rates proximate to the separate ends. The heaters may be controlled to form separate vapors at least one of simultaneously, concurrently, and at different times.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a pelvic groin support garment having at least two adjustable groin straps, an adjustable waist belt, and an adjustable pelvic groin area support pouch or apron which can be used by both men, and women, who have any kind of injury or insult causing edema or discomfort in the pelvic or groin or genital area. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive pelvic groin medical garment for injuries or trauma in the genital area by both men, and women. The inventive straps that are secured to the adjustable waist belt are configured to go around the thighs, and around the buttock, and below the user's intergluteal cleft, which increases the user's comfort, and enables the user to more easily maintain a higher level of hygiene, and support for a fully adjustable individualized fit.

Abstract: A therapeutic posture correcting and chest expanding bra invention for improving posture and thoracic mobility, including a method of manufacture thereof in the posture recovery, chest expansion, shoulder and spine muscle rehabilitation, occupation risk prevention, anti-aging posture training and athletic enhancement space. A bra that is uniquely designed, manufactured and fabric woven to improve scapular kinematics and spinal biomechanics, and overall proprioceptive posture rebalance, correction and comfort that allows for breathability, functionality, range of motion, and a fashionable nature. The kinematic bra is uniquely designed and narrows the distance between the scapulae with proprioceptive shoulder muscle relaxation and spinal muscle activation, and, secondarily, allows for chest expansion to provide better breathing and overall improvement of women's health and wellness.

Abstract: The waterborne bonding layer structure between sea fishing trouser legs and shoes or boots includes a waterproof fabric layer, a bonding layer, and a fabric layer. The waterborne bonding layer bonds the waterproof fabric layer and the fabric layer together into one body. Besides, the bonding layer includes a plurality of foaming holes, each of which is smaller than the diameter of general liquid molecules and larger than that of general gas molecule, so that when an angler wears the fishing trousers, water droplets do not infiltrate into the inside of the fishing trousers while air can pass through the forming holes, thus reducing the occurrence of dew condensation and preventing uncomfortable wet and cold caused therefrom, achieving excellent waterproof and ventilating effects, and maintaining the wearing dryness for a long time, which greatly improves the comfort of the angler when wearing the sea fishing trousers of the invention.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a neck support device includes: first and second leg attachment portions; a head cradle; and a first coupling portion attaching the first leg attachment portion to the head cradle and a second coupling portion attaching the second leg attachment portion to the head cradle. In another embodiment, a method of supporting the neck of a user when the user is laying on his or her back or supporting the back of a user when the user is in a seated position includes: attaching the first leg attachment portion to the first leg of the user; attaching the second leg attachment portion to the second leg of the user; and fixing the head cradle.

Abstract: A gown is provided including non-woven fabric having a front portion, a rear portion, said rear portion ending in a lower edge, and a head insertion aperture that is between the front portion and the rear portion. The gown includes an opening in the rear portion; this opening is formed at the lower edge and extends upwards towards the head insertion aperture, and is configured to assist the wearing in donning the gown. There is a bridge extending across the rear portion at least partially between the opening and the head insertion aperture. This bridge is configured to tear and split the rear portion when the front portion is pulled away from the wearer.

Abstract: An overgarment includes a single body constructed from a soft fabric having a torso in the body. Opposed sleeves are attached to the torso at sleeve openings, and the sleeves each have a top, an opposed bottom, and a length. A marsupial pocket on a front of the torso has a top and opposed bottom, the top of the marsupial pocket is proximate the bottom of each sleeve, and the bottom of the marsupial pocket is below the bottom of each sleeve.

Abstract: A waistband for an article of apparel is provided. The waistband may comprise at least one tunnel structure through which one or more cords may extend to allow tensioning of the waistband through pulling of the cord(s), while additionally providing comfort, stretchability, breathability, and adjustability for the wearer through integration of one or more elastic or elastically resilient portions into the waistband.

Abstract: Apparel patterns may be generated as a function of custom apparel information provided by a user, such as one or more measurements, colors, etc., such that the user can have apparel custom-knitted to their particular size and shape without having to acquiesce the high expense and long wait times typically associated with custom-fit clothing. After a custom apparel pattern is generated, a custom-knitted article can be manufactured based on the pattern by transmitting appropriate information to a knitting machine. Data produced while generating custom apparel patterns can be stored and used to optimize and improve the manufacturing of customized knitwear for subsequent users. Further, such data can be shared with third parties such that manufacturers or others can utilize one or more beneficial aspects of the present disclosure without having to implement all of the functionality that would otherwise be required to obtain such benefits.

Abstract: A body suit resembles at least a partial human body form for use in design, customization, alteration, testing and modeling of garments. The suit includes a plurality of fluid-expandable layers, including an outer skin layer divided into an outer plurality of selectively expandable in varying degrees or quantities to create a variable exterior skin contour. One or more additional fluid-expandable layers underlie the outer skin layer to establish a variable internal tissue depth further contributing to an overall outer body contour of the body suit. An exterior of the body suit is colored or colorable in blue or green to enable chroma key isolation of garment adorned over the suit. Sensors are arrayed over the exterior surface area of the suit for dimensional and pressure measurements, and rotational support structures and cooperating 3D scanners and track-based scanner movement enable 3D imaging of the modeled garment.

Abstract: The present disclosure may relate to a hat. The hat may include a cavity with an opening configured to receive a head of a user. The hat may also include an adjustable band around the opening of the cavity that may adjust a volume of the cavity between a first volume and a second volume. The hat may also include a hanging element coupled to the cavity and configured to be substantially concealed within the cavity at either the first volume or the second volume, be substantially disposed outside of the cavity at either the first volume or the second volume, and transition back and forth between being substantially concealed within the cavity and being substantially disposed outside of the cavity at either the first volume or the second volume.

Abstract: A system for providing warmth and protection to a wearer's head and that may accommodate the wearer's hair is disclosed. The system may include headwear that may include an opening that may gather, hold and allow the hair of the wearer to pass from the inside of the headwear to the outside of the headwear. The system may be used in combination with or may include a protective helmet. The opening may be located below the back bottom of the helmet when worn to ensure that the hair does not obstruct or otherwise compromise the protection provided by the helmet or the comfort of the helmet.

Abstract: A retention device for securing a pair of eyeglasses on the bill of a hat or other garment is described. A pair of retention devices may be attached to the inside of hat for receiving and releaseably holding ear pieces of a pair of eyeglasses to retain the lens frames in position on the bill of the cap. Each retention device has a socket for receiving an ear piece of the eyeglasses through an aperture provided in the crown of the hat.

Abstract: A system for preventing insects from entering the vent openings of bicycle helmets including a preferably elastic shell-shaped covering of an open mesh material wherein the mesh openings are sized to prevent insects from passing through such that when the covering or barrier is mounted over or in the helmet, the desired insect prevention is achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting system for mounting one or more accessory devices to a helmet. The system including a pair of mounting rails for attachment on respective sides on exterior of the helmet shell; and a clamping arrangement for attachment on exterior of the helmet shell between the pair of mounting rails substantially in the back portion of the helmet shell, wherein the clamping arrangement is coupled to at least one of the mounting rails via a coupling having an adjustable length for enabling attachment to helmet shells having various properties.

Abstract: A helmet for tracking impact including at least one sensor, a processor in communication with the sensor and a storage file in communication with the processor, the at least one sensor measures a force applied to the helmet and sends a signal to the processor indicative of the measured force. The processor receives the signal indicative of the measured force and compares the measured force to a predetermined value, wherein if the measured force exceeds the predetermined value data is sent to the storage file to record the measured force. The helmet can include an alarm system and/or an injury tracking system.

Abstract: There is provided a helmet with at least an inner liner forming a body of the helmet, the inner liner having a concave inner surface defining a cavity configured for receiving a wearer's head. The helmet has a plurality of slippage pads disposed at selected locations on the concave inner surface and connected to the inner liner. The slippage pads have an elongated shape with its length greater than its width. Each slippage pad defines a number of integrally connected side-by-side tubes each having an opening adapted to be oriented toward the wearer's head. The openings are aligned longitudinally along the length of the slippage pads. The helmet also has an attachment system to attach the helmet to the wearer's head.

Abstract: A protective helmet including an outer shell, and a liner assembly received in the outer shell and connected to the outer shell, the liner assembly defining a front portion configured to overlay a front of a head of a wearer, a rear portion configured to overlay a rear of the head of the wearer, a top portion disposed above and out of contact with a top of the head of the wearer when the helmet is worn, and two opposed side portions each configured to overlay a respective side of the head of the wearer. Each of the front, rear, side and top portions includes at least one zone where the liner assembly includes a plurality of overlapping layers.

Abstract: A fiber-bound engineered material is provided that imparts an intended characteristic at an intended relative location. A fiber layer is entangled with additional fibers in a manner to create a non-uniform engineered material. The lack of uniformity of a fiber-bound engineered material may be accomplished through manipulation of the fibers and/or through fiber binding a scrim. The fiber layer binds with additional fibers through entanglement such that a mechanical connection between the entangled fibers is provided. This entanglement allows the fibers to bind without supplemental adhesives, interlacing, or connections. Variations in the fibers and/or inclusion of scrim materials prior to entanglement allows for an intended characteristic (e.g., a functional characteristic) at an intended relative location (e.g., a position determined by an article to be formed therefrom).

Abstract: There have been many types of sports shoes varying in design and material. The market-leading sports shoes are Nike and Asics. Nike is famous for its patented Air Max technology and Asics for its unique liquid cushioning element technology. These are excellent shoes in its own category. Yet, sports players are also looking for a shoe that can switch between the hi-rebound high performance sports mode and soft-cushioned regular mode conveniently. Our new design of the shoe sole tackles this task with a unique approach. We design the shoe sole into three zones according to its dynamic feature and fill the corresponding zones with different foaming material and an interchangeable compact MagLev module. This new design meets the challenge and opens up a new way for shoe manufacturing.

Abstract: A fiber bound engineered material is provided that imparts an intended characteristic at an intended relative location. A fiber layer is entangled with additional fibers in a manner to create a non-uniform engineered material. The lack of uniformity of a fiber bound engineered material may be accomplished through manipulation of the fibers and/or through fiber binding a scrim. The fiber layer binds with additional fibers through entanglement such that a mechanical connection between the entangled fibers is provided. This entanglement allows the fibers to bind without supplemental adhesives, interlacing, or connections. Variations in the fibers and/or inclusion of scrim materials prior to entanglement allows for an intended characteristic (e.g., a functional characteristic) at an intended relative location (e.g., a position determined by an article to be formed therefrom).

Abstract: The invention includes a shoe system including a sole having attached fasteners and interchangeable uppers having complementary fasteners. In other embodiments, the invention includes particular uppers that may be used in such a shoe system.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a closure mechanism. The upper has an opening at least partially located between a first and second portions of the upper. The opening is adjustable between open and closed configurations. The closure mechanism is moveable between unlocked and locked positions and includes a locking element coupled to the first portion of the upper and a projection coupled to the second portion of the upper. The projection is moveable in a first direction relative to the locking element to engage with the locking element, thereby moving the closure mechanism to the locked position and moving the upper to the closed configuration. The projection is moveable in the first direction relative to the locking element to disengage with the locking element, thereby moving the closure mechanism to the unlocked position and allowing the upper to return to the open configuration.

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: Shoe sole (1) comprising an outsole (2), an insole (4) and a midsole (3), extending between the insole (4) and the outsole (2), the outsole (2) being made of an elastomer material comprising a plurality of cavities (5) filled with cavity-filling particles (6) which are in the solid state at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate that has a forefoot region, and a stiffness enhancing assembly disposed in the forefoot region of the sole plate. The stiffness enhancing assembly further comprises a compression member disposed at a foot-facing side of the sole plate, and a tensile member disposed at an opposite side of the sole plate from the compression member. The tensile member is spaced apart from the compression member by a first distance in a first portion of a flexion range during dorsiflexion of the sole structure, and interferes with the compression member during a second portion of the flexion range that includes flex angles greater than in the first portion of the flexion range.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate including a foot support portion with a foot-facing surface and a ground-facing surface. An opening extends through the foot support portion from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface. The sole plate includes a bridge portion underlying the opening and secured to the foot support portion fore and aft of the opening. The sole structure includes a piston that has a body and a support arm extending transversely from the body. The body extends through the opening. The support arm is supported on the bridge portion, trapped below the ground-facing surface by the foot support portion, and extends under the ground-facing surface at medial and lateral sides of the opening.

Abstract: A boot includes an outsole having a bottom surface configured to contact the ground, and a baseboard configured to support a wearer's foot and having an upper surface defined by a forefoot portion, an arch portion, and a heel portion, the upper surface of the baseboard defining an outer perimeter. When the boot is at rest on a flat surface, a maximum height of the heel portion of the baseboard above the flat surface is smaller than a maximum height of the arch portion of the baseboard above the flat surface. The boot can include an upper secured to the baseboard at or below the outer perimeter of the upper surface of the baseboard, and a footbed having an upper surface configured to contact a wearer's foot and a lower surface that substantially matches the upper surface of the baseboard.

Abstract: Orthotic devices for providing arch support for the foot are disclosed. The orthotic device includes a base member, an arch support portion, and a covering for coupling the arch support portion to the base member. A method of providing continuous contact with the plantar surface of the foot during all phases of the gait cycle is also disclosed. In addition, methods of assembling and using the orthotic device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The ribbon structure comprises ribbon sections winding back and forth between the peripheral edges of the upper. At the peripheral edges, the ribbon loops around and some portions along the loops may raise up from a backing layer. An embroidered border element is applied over the peripheral edges to tack down or cover the raised portions of ribbon. The loops of ribbon may also be used as lace loops.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The method includes laying down ribbon elements in straight and winding sections. The method includes stitching or otherwise attaching the ribbon elements to a backing layer. The method also includes embroidering a periphery of the ribbon structure to tack down any raised portions of the ribbon at the periphery. The method also includes inserting a lace through loops in the ribbon structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The ribbon structure comprises ribbon sections running in at least two different directions. Ribbon sections are connected at nodes that may move substantially independently of other nodes. The ribbon structure can provide strength along one of the directions and may simultaneously remain slack in the other direction.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The ribbon structure comprises ribbon sections running in at least two different directions. Ribbon sections are connected at nodes. Between nodes portions of ribbon act like links joining the nodes. The links can be arranged in various geometries, including a rectangular grid and a triaxial grid. The ribbon structure may extend the entire length of the article of footwear, and may extend through a forefoot, midfoot and heel.

Abstract: A needle assembly for a stitching machine comprises a stitching jig comprising a needle holder, a needle clamp hoop and a fixing jig. The needle holder has needle sockets to hold a plurality of needles. The needle clamp hoop is connected to the needle holder to retain needles in the sockets. The fixing jig is connected to the needle clamp hoop to couple with a reciprocating bar of the stitching machine. A method for manufacturing an article of footwear upper comprises laying out a first sheet of material; positioning a second sheet of material to overlap with the first sheet of material at an overlap; positioning a felt material adjacent the overlap so that the second sheet of material is between the first sheet of material and the felt material; and felting the felt material to draw fibers of the felt material through the first and second sheets of material.

Abstract: A shoe includes a knit upper and a sole secured to the knit upper. The knit upper has a first area of a jersey stitch knit and a second area of a pointelle stitch knit, a boundary line between the first and second areas, and a line of broguing adjacent the boundary line.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper including a ribbon structure formed by a plurality of ribbon sections arranged in an overlapping pattern. The plurality of ribbon sections may include a first ribbon section fixedly attached to an underlying material with a thermal joint.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an upper for an article of footwear includes dispensing ribbon in an overlapping pattern of ribbon sections to form a ribbon structure; and fixedly attaching a first ribbon section to an underlying material with thermal joining.

Abstract: A curved toe cap safety boot for comfortably protecting all five toes includes a boot having a toe, a heel, a top, a bottom, an instep side, an outstep side, and a foot cavity extending between the toe, the heel, the top, the bottom, the instep side, and the outstep side. The top has an ankle aperture extending through to the foot cavity. A layered sole is disposed on the bottom of the boot. A toe cap disposed within the toe of the boot has a front portion, a medial portion, and a lateral portion. The medial portion extends a first length from the front portion to cover a hallux of a wearer. The lateral portion extends a second length from the front portion to cover a fifth phalange of the wearer. The first length is less than the second length.

Abstract: A shoe lace holder to assist in the tying of shoe laces and to prevent shoe laces inadvertently coming undone during use is disclosed. The shoelace holder includes a unitary body having top and bottom surfaces defined by a front edge, a back edge and side edges. The body includes at least one first hole and at least one second hole, two slots, which extend in opposite directions relative to each other, and at least two further holes spaced apart from each other. The holes allow a shoe lace to pass through, and the slots are adapted to engage a portion of the shoe lace there in. When attached to a shoe a shoe's laces are interwoven through the respective holes and slots to prevent the lace inadvertently untying in use. A method of securing a shoe lace to the shoe lace holder is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a removable tightening device is described. The tensioning mechanism is removably coupleable with an article without damaging the article so that upon removal, the coupling of the tensioning mechanism with the article is unrecognizable or not readily detectable. The tensioning mechanism is operable with a tension member to maintain a tension of the tension member and thereby maintain a tightness of the article. The tension member is guided along a path about the article, via one or more guide members, and is tensionable, via the tensioning mechanism, to tighten the article.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus that includes a sleeve. The sleeve is configured to be removably attached to a heel of a shoe to cover at least a portion of the heel.

Abstract: An anti-slip unit included in soles of shoes to provide an anti-slip function for the shoes includes a main body including an inner space and a spike through-hole connecting the inner space and the outside, a spike provided in the inner space so as to be movable along the spike through-hole, and a movable member that is provided in the inner space so as to be movable and that moves to allow the spike to be moved. The movable member moves between a first position in which at least part of the spike is concealed in the inner space and a second position in which the spike is exposed outside the main body and an exposed state of the spike is maintained. The spike may be concealed in, or exposed outside, the above-configured anti-slip unit of the present disclosure, and a user may simply and conveniently manipulate the anti-slip unit.