Abstract: A venting apparatus with a no-catch mechanism and a method of manufacture of the apparatus are described. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a fastening device, a venting mechanism wherein the venting mechanism further comprises an opening, a mesh arrangement, and a no-catch mechanism.

Abstract: A multilayer fabric structure having an insulating interlayer of non-woven fabric that is constructed in such a manner to enhance the insulating capabilities. In one embodiment, the insulating interlayer is constructed in a looped configuration to improve the insulation capabilities. In another embodiment, the insulating interlayer is constructed in a baffle configuration to improve the insulation capabilities. Methods of making a multilayer fabric structure are also described.

Abstract: A venting apparatus with a no-catch mechanism and a method of manufacture of the apparatus are described. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a fastening device, a venting mechanism wherein the venting mechanism further comprises an opening, a mesh arrangement, and a no-catch mechanism.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a tongue, a collar located at an upper portion of the footwear, and a gaiter having a lower portion integrally fixed to the collar of the footwear. The tongue and the collar together define an opening, preferably sized to receive a wearer's foot. The gaiter includes first and second fastening flaps and a fastening device (or fastening means) located on the first and second fastening flaps. The gaiter is configured to switch between high and low positions, the high position being a position in which a substantial portion of the gaiter extends above the upper-most portion of the footwear, and the low position being a position in which a substantial portion of the gaiter is located below the upper-most portion of the footwear.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to an article of footwear including a snake-shaped foot plate that prevents “penetration,” when concentrated stresses are transmitted to cause discomfort to the wearer, of intermediate sized rocks through a shoe. Specifically the snake-shaped plate embodiments with plurality of longitudinally staggered, substantially lateral cutouts enable increased torsional flexibility and distribute the stresses towards the outer parts of the shoe. The plate insert can include a plurality of longitudinally staggered cutouts extending substantially laterally from the central longitudinal axis forming a plurality of outriggers such that the cutouts on the left side are not located directly opposite from the cutouts on the right side. The cutouts can be straight or curved and the endpoints can be laterally aligned or not.

Abstract: A multi-layered construction includes a first fabric, a second fabric, and a baffle disposed between the first and second fabrics. The baffle is attached to the first and second fabrics so as to form a plurality of triangular-shaped chambers between the first and second fabrics. In other words, the baffle forms a zigzag-like pattern between the first and second fabrics. Another multi-layered construction also includes a first fabric, a second fabric, and a baffle disposed between the first and second fabrics. This baffle has a non-rectangular cross-section. More particularly, in certain examples, the baffle may have at least one curved edge and/or at least one tapered edge. In other examples, the baffle may have a vase-like cross-section having at least two curved edges.

Abstract: Textiles, garments and methods comprising a fabric and a variegated structure woven in the fabric and adapted to control a parameter of the textile construction. The parameter may be strength, breathability, and/or other properties. A visual pattern may be used to indicate the variegated structure. The visual pattern may be made in one or more of color, material, patterns. The fabric may be a multilayered fabric. A garment may be made of pieces cut from the fabric to satisfy a desired garment profile. The garment profile may be based on a parameter of strength, breathability, and/or other properties.

Abstract: An insulating construction having a multi-layer synthetic core for use in products such as sleeping bags is provided. A sleeping bag using this construction may include a synthetic core having first and second layers, an inner lining adjacent to the first layer, and an outer shell adjacent to the second layer. The synthetic core may be contained within the inner lining and outer shell. The first layer may be constructed of a first material having a first denier; and the second layer may be constructed of a second material having a second denier larger than the first denier. The inner liner may define an inner space configured to accommodate a human body. Various other products made from this construction, such as jackets, pants, and other garments, are also provided.

Abstract: A grommet locking device, which combines the advantages of both a grommet and a cord lock in a single unitary device. The grommet locking device allows a user to tighten a cord with one hand. The grommet locking device includes a front piece having a locking mechanism and a back piece that are attached together with a piece of fabric therebetween. A cord is moveable within the locking mechanism between a first locked position and second unlocked position in order to tighten or loosen a portion of the garment, such as a hood of a jacket.

Abstract: A venting apparatus with a no-catch mechanism and a method of manufacture of the apparatus are described. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a fastening device, a venting mechanism wherein the venting mechanism further comprises an opening, a mesh arrangement, and a no-catch mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides whistle attachment systems having a fixed component, a free component, two attachment mechanisms connecting the free component to the fixed component. The fixed component includes a piping piece and a flange. The free component of the whistle attachment system includes a whistle and a receiving portion, having a longitudinal axis, connected to the whistle. The receiving portion includes a longitudinal cavity configured to receive the piping piece and a slot configured to receive the flange, which form the first attachment mechanism. The second attachment mechanism includes a flexible member connecting the free component to the fixed component.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a sliding eyelet apparatus comprising a flexible track comprising at least one groove and at least one track, and a lace carrier comprising a lever comprising at least one tooth to engage said groove, a spring; and a slider comprising a rail to engage said flexible track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal hydration system. In one exemplary embodiment, the personal hydration system may comprise a hydration reservoir for containing a supply of hydrating fluid, the hydration reservoir may comprise a plurality of compartments. The hydration reservoir may have a low profile and may comprise at least one baffle.

Abstract: A backpack suspension system is provided that provides a more natural feel as it is able to match a hiker's twisting and bending motions. A backpack suspension system comprises a frame having an upper and a lower portion, and a hub connecting the upper and lower portion. The upper and lower portion comprise a plurality of rods adapted to rotate within the hub. The hub is adapted to pivot about a horizontal axis. In certain embodiments the frame is substantially X shaped and in certain embodiments the hub is substantially X shaped.

Abstract: A handle of a two pulling rod suitcase includes a handle body and a pulling rod device disposed at opposite ends of the handle body. The handle body includes a casing pivotably disposed with a hinge member. The hinge member is disposed with a tooth portion at the outside thereof. The hinge member is connected with a spring for return. The casing at least includes first and second connecting members at opposite sides thereof. The first and second connecting members are mated with the tooth portion. Outer ends of the first and second connecting members are respectively disposed with first and second pressing members. The pulling rod device includes two pulling rod units and a transmission member. Each pulling rod member includes at least one pulling rod. The transmission member is pivotably disposed in the pulling rod. The transmission member is connected with the first and second connecting members or the first and second pressing members.

Abstract: A system for providing an anchor member on a fabric portion of a tent, such as a tent body or a tent fly, includes an anchor member and an anchor patch sewn to at least a portion of the anchor member with threads. The anchor patch is laminated to the fabric portion of the tent without the threads extending through the fabric portion of the tent. A tent including such a system is also disclosed, as well as the method of providing the anchor member on the fabric portion of the tent.

Abstract: A method and portable hydration system can include a conduit coupled to a bite valve and a reservoir. The conduit and the bite valve facilitate human consumption of fluid in the reservoir. The system may also include an active heating assembly to prevent the fluid from freezing while in the conduit and the bite valve. The active heating assembly may include a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the conduit, a heating element to heat the conduit and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and the heating element to control heating of the conduit.