Abstract: Embodiments herein may provide a powder skirt system that may include an outer shell/layer, an inner removable liner configured to be optionally coupled to the shell, an envelope of material coupled to a lower portion of the shell, and a powder skirt coupled to the envelope. The envelope may be coupled to either the shell or the removable liner, such that the powder skirt can be used whether or not the removable liner is coupled to the shell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing material elements include heat management elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and may be directed towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.

Abstract: A conventional zipper is the preferred means for closure of many jackets and other outerwear. Conventional zippers are prone to jamming and snagging due to the introduction of the liner into the slider body as the zipper is opened and closed. Embodiments herein provide modified slider bodies with one or more features such as an elongated spring cap, a protrusion on the bottom plate and/or plate coupler of the slider body, and/or vertically offset side rails. These features may minimize introduction of loose fabric, such as the lining of a lined garment, into the tape slot of the slider body, thereby help reduce jamming of the slider body during operation of the slide fastener.

Abstract: Utility packs having a flexible frame system are disclosed and described herein. A plurality of flexible frame members engage guides in the pack body to provide the pack with a resilient structure, and to further provide content protection and accessibility. Packs in accordance with various embodiments may also include a floating coupling between the shoulder harness and the pack body to enhance freedom of movement of the wearer. Embodiments may also include flexible frame members directly coupled to a waist harness to shift pack loads to the wearer's waist. Finally, a unique structure forming rod is disclosed which includes an outer member and inner member that gives items structure, durability, flexibility and resiliency.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a weather resistant slide fastener with a modified slider body including a top control rib and tightly controlled inner dimensions. In embodiments, a water-resistant coating and/or an adhesive may be applied to the zipper tape, resulting in a highly water-resistant zipper and finished garment. Embodiments further provide a slider body that may accommodate longitudinal edge portions of the outer layer of fabric, allowing the edges of the fabric to be brought into close proximity/contact, substantially covering the zipper teeth and minimizing ingress of water and/or wind through the zipper tape. Additional embodiments provide methods of manufacturing and installing weather resistant slide fasteners.

Abstract: A shell for a boot or other footwear includes a first section of molded of a first thermoplastic material and a second section molded of a second thermoplastic material and integrally bonded with the first section. The first and second thermoplastic materials preferably have different material properties, such as color, hardness, or density, to enhance the aesthetic and/or functional design of the footwear. Methods of making molded multi-material shells and footwear including such shells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A convertible sandal comprises a vamp extending over a forefoot portion of the wearer's foot and first and second connectors located along respective medial and lateral sides of the vamp adjacent a rear margin of the vamp. A strap is secured to the connectors and movable selectively between a first position, in which the strap extends behind a heel of the wearer's foot, and a second position, in which the strap extends over the wearer's forefoot. The connectors may include elongated eyelets through which first and second end sections of the strap are threaded and then folded back against the strap for securing the strap to the connectors. In some embodiments a holder is provided for securing the straps across the forefoot or for connecting the sandal to a second sandal or another item using the strap.

Abstract: A convertible sandal comprises first and second connectors provided in or on a vamp of the sandal along respective medial and lateral sides of the vamp adjacent a rear margin of the vamp. The sandal may further include first and second holders located along the respective medial and lateral sides of the vamp. A removable strap may be selectively connected in a first position, in which end sections thereof are detachably connected to the connectors and the strap extends around a heel of the wearer's foot, or in a second position, in which the end sections are detached from the connectors and connected to the holders so that the strap extends over the wearer's forefoot.

Abstract: An athletic shoe midsole includes a hard elastic stabilizing member that extends generally around a central opening through which a relatively soft elastic cushioning layer extends downwardly from a heel center beneath a wearer's calcaneus bone to thereby form a heel-cushioning pillar. The stabilizing member extends along lateral and medial sides of the pillar to prevent pronation and supination, and preferably includes a protrusion that extends into a depression in the heel-cushioning pillar in alignment with a line of flexure of the heel region to thereby affect flexure characteristics of a heel region of the shoe. The midsole may also include flex grooves, channels, and/or notches aligned with the line of flexure for promoting the desired flexure characteristics in the heel region of the sole and for helping decelerate the wearer's heel-toe gait during the stance phase of the wearer's gait cycle.