Abstract: A method of forming a functional razor cartridge for repeated shaving comprises rapid prototyping a housing of a razor cartridge. The housing has a front wall, a rear wall and opposing side walls disposed transverse to and between said front and rear walls. The method further comprises loading a metal insert with one or more elongate blade assemblies and disposing the metal insert in the housing such that the one or more blade assemblies extend between the opposing side walls of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved pipe cutting tool based upon a ratchet closure action wherein handles are pivotedly attached to allow successive movement of a cutting blade in response to the squeezing of the handles. The handles are also hingedly coupled to the cutting member to maintain the cutting member in a position perpendicular to the tubular item to be cut while allowing the operator to squeeze the handles at offset angles, up to and including a right angle cut. The hinged handles allow for offset operation without forgoing the ease of operation by the consumer or causing a large reduction in the mechanical advantage. A ratchet allows sequential advancement of a cutting member toward a tubular shaped jaw that holds the item to be cut.

Abstract: The set of disposable eating utensils includes a knife and a second utensil, in the form of a fork, a spoon or a combined fork and spoon. The utensils are formed integrally or are connected by frangible means. The utensils are situated in side by side relation, with the handles situated in substantially the same plane. The knife includes a blade section with a recess. The second utensil has a head section which aligns with the recess, and is adapted to nest within the recess, before the utensils are separated. The head section of the second utensil has a recess and a toothed forward edge. The set may include a third utensil. The set may be provided in a paper sleeve or envelope type package. The utensils are made of wood, plastic or biodegradable material.

Abstract: An eating utensil such as a disposable plastic fork, spoon, knife, or combination thereof, is combined with at least one oral hygienic device such as a toothpick, interdental pick-brush, brush, tongue cleaner and/or a dental flosser for personal use after eating in a location where oral hygienic facilities may not be otherwise available. In some embodiments the oral hygienic device may be permanently attached to the eating utensil, which can serve as a handle for using the oral hygienic device. In other embodiments the oral hygienic device may be displaced in a snap-off or bend-away manner at score lines to expose the oral hygienic device for use, either still attached to the utensil or removed for separate use, optionally configured with a thumb-finger grip tab.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided which may include a first blade and a second blade rotatably coupled to the first blade. The cutting tool may include a first handle rotatably coupled to the first blade, the first handle rotatable between a deployed position and a folded position, and a second handle rotatably coupled to the second blade, the second handle rotatable between a deployed position and a folded position. The cutting tool may also include a first rotation lock configured to hold the first handle fixed relative to the first blade. The first handle may be configured to be rotatable relative to the first blade in response to the first rotation lock being disengaged. The first rotation lock may be configured to be held in the disengaged position in response to the first handle being disposed between the deployed position and the folded position.

Abstract: Kitchen scissors are curved and have a single or multiple blade for safer, faster and more efficient slicing of food, for example. The scissors can be used for various items, such as for cutting meat, vegetables and other food products. The curved design of the scissor blades allows a user to easily operate the scissors to cut items disposed against a horizontal surface without having to uncomfortably and unsafely twist one's wrist as would be required with conventional straight-blade scissors. The scissors can have multiple blades, spaced apart a desired “bite-sized” length, to make cutting food products even faster. The hooked tip not only improves the slicing action by lifting the food ever so slightly during cutting but such hooked tips also have the additional advantage of grabbing food with a tong effect prior to slicing.

Abstract: A fruit cutter having a cutter greater than two inches in length having a predefined external profile. The cutter including a top portion and a bottom portion consisting of edges for cutting a fruit. The top portion including a profile and a palm guard carried by said top portion.

Abstract: A perforated food ladle includes a bowl member having a one-quart capacity. The bowl is uniformly perforated throughout its surface area. An elongate handle has its lower end attached to the rim of the bowl. The upper end of the handle terminates in a bend or hook portion. Vertically aligned capacity markings are disposed on the outer surface of the bowl.

Abstract: An axial rotation grass-cutting head, comprising for at least one portion thereof, an upper body (11, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611), a lower body (12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) and at least one intermediate body (14, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614) arranged between said upper and lower body, said upper, lower and intermediate bodies defining, when coupled, two channels (15, 16, 215, 216, 315?, 316?, 415, 416, 515?, 516?, 615, 616) for housing a single cutting line (17, 217, 317, 417, 517, 617), having respective end openings on the side face of the head.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing having a handle configured for a user, the handle defining a first axis, a motor supported by the housing, the motor defining a second axis along a length of the motor, a tool element movably supported by the housing and drivingly coupled to the motor, the tool element defining a third axis along a length of the tool element. Each of the first, second, and third axes are oblique with respect to each of the other axes.

Abstract: A shoe for a band saw includes a block for coupling to the band saw, the block having an aperture, a locking ball disposed in the aperture, a body including a first surface for engaging a workpiece and an opposite surface having plurality of recesses, and a locking rod coupled to the block and movable between a first position and a second position. The locking ball is received in one of the plurality of recesses of the body when the locking rod is in the first position such that the body is fixed relative to the block, and the body is movable relative to the block when the locking rod is in the second position.

Abstract: A motorized extension pole including a first hollow pole member having a second hollow pole member telescopically mounted in said first pole member. The second pole member is selectively moved between extended and retracted positions with respect to said first pole member by a battery powered drive motor.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw having a clamping arrangement with a clamp support base, first and second locking members and a release lever. The clamp support base defines first and second blade slots that are each configured to receive a saw blade therein. Each of the first and second locking members are movable between a disengaged position, which does not inhibit withdrawal of the saw blade from the a corresponding one of the first and second blade slots, and an engaged position that inhibits withdrawal of the saw blade from the corresponding one of the first and second blade slots. The release lever is pivotally coupled to the clamp support base and coordinates movement of the first and second locking members.

Abstract: A hand held device comprising: a handle, said handle comprising a grip portion and a connection portion, said connection portion rotating with respect to said grip portion about a rotational axis, said connection portion forming a docking portion suitable for receiving an optional head unit, said docking portion being positioned opposite distally away from said grip portion, wherein the grip portion and the connection portion are connected by a rod comprising a metal material, said rod comprising a distal end non-rotatably attached to the grip portion and a proximal end non-rotatably attached to the connection portion, wherein rotational axis forms a central longitudinal axis of said rod.

Abstract: An aperture ratio measurement sensing device is provided. The aperture ratio measurement sensing device comprising a light sensing module and a signal measurement module is used for measuring a distance/angle to which a motion object in a use state is moved/opened with respect to an opening portion. The light sensing module is disposed on a structure of a building near the motion object. The signal measurement module is used for measuring a light signal received by the light sensing module, and determining the aperture ratio of the opening portion according to the intensity of the light signal.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for tilt detection and indication is disclosed. The tilt indicator includes a first member having a reservoir for retaining a granular indicating media therein; and a second member coupled to the first member and having an adhesive portion located corresponding to an indicating area of the first member. Responsive to a tilt event, at least a portion of the indicating media exits the reservoir and travels to the indicating area where the adhesive portion retains at least a portion of the indicating media within the indicating area.

Abstract: A handheld measurement tool with a display that can be defined by a user. The handheld measurement tool may be a portable measurement gauge (e.g. a digital caliper, digital “dial” gauge, height gauge, micrometer, indicator, etc.) that may be utilized for measuring precise physical dimensions of workpieces. The display may be independently modified according to a customer's individual needs for various precision measurement applications. A remote device (e.g. PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) may be utilized for reconfiguring the display, wherein a user can select and modify display format arrangements on the remote device. When the remote device is coupled to the portable measurement gauge, the gauge display is reconfigured so as to have a similar appearance to the defined display format arrangement. In certain embodiments, voice commands may be reconfigured and used for controlling the gauge display.

Abstract: A height measuring includes a mounting base, a measuring mechanism, and a controller. The measuring mechanism includes a driving member, a measuring member, and a sensor. The driving member is mounted onto the mounting base. The sensor is positioned on the driving member. The measuring member is movably positioned on the driving member and passes through the sensor. The driving member is configured to drive the measuring member to move until it contacts a workpiece in a jig. The controller is electrically connected to the sensor and prestores a moving distance range. The sensor is configured to sense a moving distance of the measuring member and transmit the moving distance to the controller. The controller is configured to judge whether or not the workpiece reaches a proper height relative to the jig by comparing the moving distance data with the prestored distance range.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and a method for operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum defining a chamber for receiving laundry. The operation of the laundry treating appliance may be based on the mechanical energy due to the falling action of the laundry.

Abstract: A disposable hand towel that can be customized for multiple sensory stimulation. That hand towel comprises a short fabric, cloth-like element for individual hand drying, said cloth-like element having at least two distinct color components, a first main component for a substantial body of the cloth-like element and a second accent component for covering only portions of the cloth-like element, each element further including a plurality of raised regions and recesses for providing each element with a three-dimensional feel. A plurality of such cloth-like elements are adjoined end to end on an elongated sheet and wound onto a central having at least one of: a scent dispensing element and a motion detector sound chip.

Abstract: A hair styling and drying apparatus has a pair of pivotally connected arms, styling surfaces on the arms, air suction and discharge orifices in the styling surfaces, and a blower for blowing air through the air orifices and recycling air between the arms. At least some suction orifices of one styling surface can align with at least some discharge orifices of the other styling surface. The blowers blow air out the discharge orifices and suck air into the suction orifices, thereby recycling much of the blown air. The apparatus can include heaters for heating the blown air and for heating the styling surfaces.

Abstract: A method of operating a household appliance to vary the thermal output of the electric heater by selectively coupling heating elements between power supply mains.

Abstract: A high efficiency steam box, particularly for the processing of fabrics. The box housing is subdivided into a plurality of steam chambers isolated from each other but communicating with a perforated steam tube which extends throughout the housing. Steam is delivered to the center portions of the steam tube and flows toward the ends. Valve pistons are movably positioned in the opposite end portions of the steam tube to confine the steam. The valve pistons are axially adjustable by a screw shaft extending through the steam tube and can be positioned to isolate outer chambers when processing narrow fabrics to prevent or minimize the discharge of steam from steam discharge slots extending beyond the edges of the fabric. Steam flow control can be integrated with positioning of the valve pistons to provide uniform steam flow per unit length of the discharge slots for optimum efficiency in processing and steam utilization.

Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a heat-pump assembly configured to cool airflow coming from a laundry container and then to heat airflow returning to the laundry container. The heat-pump assembly has a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the airflow arriving from the laundry container to a low-pressure refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from a high-pressure refrigerant to the airflow directed back into the laundry container. The heat pump assembly has a refrigerant cooler or refrigerant flow-rate adjuster which are configured to adjust, respectively, the temperature or the pressure of the low-pressure refrigerant, and a detector configured to measure one physical quantity of the laundry dryer. The heat pump assembly also includes an auxiliary heat exchanger which transfers heat from the high-pressure refrigerant to the low-pressure refrigerant.

Abstract: A laundry dryer (1) has a laundry drum (3) which is designed to rotate about an longitudinal axis (6). An air recirculating conduit (10) is connected to the laundry drum (3). A heater device (10) is located along air recirculating conduit (10) to heat the airflow. A rotatable fan (11) is located along air recirculating conduit (10) to produce an airflow flowing through drum (3). The fan (11) is designed to be rotated in a main and secondary direction of rotation for providing different air flow rates. An electric motor (14) is mechanically connected with the fan (11) and the drum (3) for rotating the fan (11) and drum (3), simultaneously.

Abstract: A laundry dryer is provided with a heat pump system. The heat pump system comprises a closed refrigerant circuit (10) for a refrigerant and a drying air circuit (12) for drying air. The refrigerant circuit (10) includes a compressor (14) and lamination means (18). The air stream circuit (12) includes a laundry drum (52) and at least one fan (52). The refrigerant circuit (10) and the air stream circuit (12) are thermally coupled by a first heat exchanger (16) for heating up the air stream and cooling down the refrigerant and a second heat exchanger for cooling down the air stream and heating up the refrigerant (20). The refrigerant circuit (10) comprises a low pressure side (24) between the outlet of the lamination means (18) and the inlet of the compressor (14). The refrigerant circuit (10) comprises a high pressure side (26) between the outlet of the compressor (14) and the inlet of the lamination means (18).

Abstract: Disclosed is a plant for continuously drying a coated film including a cavity (3) with a first open end (3a) through which a film (F) enters and a second open end (3b) through which the dried film exits, a plurality of rollers (7) for supporting the film inside the cavity (3), a feed and extraction system (10) adapted to feed a flow of air to a first blowing element (9), adapted to direct a flow of air onto the surface of the coated film (F), and to extract a flow of air from the cavity (3) through a suction element (27, 28), characterised in that it includes a second blowing element (11) fed by the feed and extraction system (10), adapted to direct a flow of heated air onto the opposite surface of the film.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an aid for inducing a physiologically desirable movement. The aid comprises upper and lower surfaces, defining therebetween a thickness of the aid. The aid also comprises a plurality of protrusions extending from the upper surface of the aid and capable of engaging a body portion of a user for inducing discomfort in the body portion. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the aid to induce the physiologically desirable movement in a subject in need thereof and kits including one or more aids.

Abstract: A differential-stiffness impact-attenuation member includes at least one spring element. The spring element has dimensions in height, length and width directions. The height dimension extends from a top surface to a bottom surface. The length dimension extends from a front end to a back end. At least one of the top and bottom surfaces is adapted for mounting. The impact-attenuation member has a first stiffness characteristic in the height direction at the front end of the spring element and a second stiffness characteristic in the height direction at the back end of the spring element. The spring element may define a cavity. A tension element may engage the spring element and be located at least partially within the cavity. The impact-attenuation member may engage at least one of a foot-covering member, a foot-supporting member and a surface-contacting member associated with a foot-receiving device.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to dance footwear to be worn on a human foot and methods of making such footwear. The footwear may comprise: a fabric tube formed of a continuous elastic material to receive and partially cover the foot, the tube comprising a heel end and an opposite toe end having at least two toe openings to receive toes; and at least one floor-engaging forefoot pad disposed on the tube near the toe end to underlie a ball of the foot; wherein the tube defines first and second openings at the heel end and a heel strap to extend around the Achilles tendon of the heel between the first and second openings and thereby retain the footwear on the foot.

Abstract: Wedge shoes & stiletto shoes comprising of an interchangeable platform sole and heel. The shoe base comprises of a track that interlocks in place to the platform shoe sole which also contains a track with a flexible steel latch and release button. The stiletto shoe also functions with an interchangeable stiletto heel by screwing and unscrewing a stainless steel screw connected to the stiletto heel into a female sleeve inside of the fixed stiletto shoe base and secures into-place with a lock washer. A new concept for shoes, as set forth in the following specifications. The claimed shoe concept has a do it yourself interchangeable platform sole for wedge heel shoes and platform stiletto shoes which also have interchangeable stiletto heels. The sole is detached by a release button on the back of the shoes sole. All interchangeable parts will vary in height, shape, style and material.

Abstract: A ballet shoe has elastic in place of a conventional drawstring. The ballet shoe of the present invention eliminates the need for a drawstring, making it easier for children to put on their own shoe as well as making it safer, as untied shoes (or those that become untied) can be a tripping hazard. Without a drawstring, the ballet shoes provide a neat appearance while still fitting on the user's foot and minimize the need for shoe repair due to broken drawstrings.

Abstract: A chamber may have an outer barrier and a tensile member. The barrier is formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity. The tensile member is located within the interior cavity and includes (a) a first layer element secured to the barrier, (b) a second layer element secured to an opposite portion of the barrier, and (c) a plurality of I-shaped tether elements that extend through the first layer element and the second layer element. In some configurations, the tether elements may include (a) a first end member located between the barrier and the first layer element, (b) a second end member located between the barrier and the second layer element, and (c) a central member extending through the first layer element and the second layer element and secured to the first end member and the second end member.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper formed of a flexible upper material and a sole formed of a flexible sole material, wherein the sole is rolled, folded, or collapsed onto itself to reduce the volume of the article of footwear. The article of footwear in a collapsed state can then be packaged in a container. This container can be dispensed by a vending machine in a convenient urban area.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a pressure sensor arranged in the sole structure, where the sensor includes elongated pressure-sensing cells, each of which has an axis of main extension, each cell having a first and a second carrier film, which are attached to one another by a spacer film having an elongated opening oriented along the axis of main extension, as well as a first and a second electrode on the first and the second carrier film, respectively, where the electrodes are arranged in facing relationship with each other, so that a contact area between them increases with increasing pressure, and an electrically insulating layer is arranged within the opening having a shape such that it locally prevents direct contact between the electrodes where the insulating layer is present and enables the direct contact where it is absent, where the shape is constant or repetitionary along the axis of main extension of the cell.

Abstract: Provided is a heeling apparatus including an inner shell and an outer shell. The outer shell is configured to interlock with the inner shell. In one embodiment, the inner shell includes a plurality of protrusions configured to interlock with receiving apertures in the outer shell. In one embodiment, the inner shell includes a cavity configured to receive a removable bracket. The bracket includes a mounting assembly configured to receive a wheel assembly. The bracket is held in place by the interlocked relationship of the inner shell and the outer shell.

Abstract: A multifunctional gravity body shaping sole, comprising a bottom wear-resisting non-slip layer, a sole body layer set on the bottom wear-resisting non-slip layer and a top connecting layer set on the sole body layer, characterized in that the sole body layer has a transversely-set hole which can be selectively filled with a weight, and the hole is a through-hole of which the openings are set in the side part of the sole body layer. Also provided are shoes comprising said soles.

Abstract: A skate boot includes a tongue configured to reduce or relieve pressure on the superficial tendons of the anterior region of a skater's foot. The tongue has an outer portion, an inner portion, and one or more channels, grooves, or openings formed in the inner portion or outer portion. The one or more channels, grooves, or openings are positioned to overlie one or more of the superficial tendons in the anterior region of a skater's foot.

Abstract: A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided.

Abstract: A shoe construction and method of constructing a shoe may include a shoe upper, and a midsole band configured to be stitched around a periphery of the shoe upper separated from a lowermost periphery of the shoe upper by a distance. The midsole band may be folded over the stitched periphery toward the lowermost periphery. The midsole band may be stitched around the lowermost periphery of the shoe upper. An insole board may be attached to an upper surface of the lowermost periphery of the stitched shoe upper and midsole band. An outsole may be attached to a lower surface of the lowermost periphery of the stitched shoe upper and midsole band, and to a lower surface of the insole board, such that the stitched shoe upper and midsole band do not overlay the outsole. An insole pad may be inserted into the shoe construction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are involved with but are not limited to: placing one or more leather portions in a mold, the mold including a cavity with a cavity shape; placing rubber material in the mold; and applying heat to the one or more leather portions and the rubber material while the one or more leather portions and the rubber material are in the mold and subsequently cooling the one or more leather portions and the rubber material thereby fusing one or more portions of the rubber material to the one or more leather portions and thereby conforming one or more portions of the rubber material to one or more portions of the cavity shape. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A heel protector cap designed to work efficiently with existing stiletto high heel shoes and to have a discreet appearance. The heel protector cap reduces footstep noise while walking in high heel shoes, increases the durability of high heel shoes, and increases foot comfort while wearing stilettos. Features and characteristics of the protective heel cap include construction from a durable material that can handle repetitive impact, coloring to allow the protective heel cap to blend in with the stiletto shoe, and a tapered edge that allows the product to fit securely to the stiletto heel while also providing a discrete appearance. The protective heel cap has been designed to fit the various shapes and sizes of stiletto heels.

Abstract: A protective member for a graphic transfer assembly includes an interior portion to receive a sole structure of an article of footwear. The protective member may protect the sole structure from heat applied by a graphic transfer assembly. The protective member can also prevent portions of a sole structure from damaging components of a graphic transfer assembly. The protective member can be contoured to improve the seal between deformable membranes of the graphic transfer assembly.

Abstract: The application is directed to check presenters having contrasting colors/tones on the exterior sides thereof. The contrast permits a restaurant server to determine whether payment has yet been enclosed or not, so that payment may be processed in a timely manner and yet without the need to interrupt a customer to determine whether or not payment has yet been enclosed.

Abstract: The application is directed to check presenters having contrasting colors/tones on the exterior sides thereof. The contrast permits a restaurant server to determine whether payment has yet been enclosed or not, so that payment may be processed in a timely manner and yet without the need to interrupt a customer to determine whether or not payment has yet been enclosed.

Abstract: An integral greeting card/game is disclosed wherein a multi-panel greeting card also serves as a game board and is combined with a game piece and launch mechanism to create a novel, interactive greeting card. The multi-panel greeting card contains a sound module therein and a magnetic trigger is contained and concealed below one or more of the multiple greeting card panels. The game piece contains a magnet therein so that when the game piece comes into contact with the area of the greeting card above or proximate to the magnetic trigger, playback of an audio file is initiated.

Abstract: A device for attaching an accessory to a licence plate, includes a licence plate attachment portion adapted for attachment to the licence plate; and an accessory attachment portion adapted for attachment to the accessory.

Abstract: The present invention is to enable consumers to scratch off numbers, letters, or symbols, on license plate frames, and relates to those used on automotive vehicles for advertising messages, and using a phone number, surrounding the automobile license plate and, methods for fabricating the same and, more particularly to apply to the top and or bottom side of a license plate frame an adhesive backed tape or label with a scratch off coating applied to the front side of the adhesive backed tape or label. This scratch off material is usually in the form of an ink which is usually silkscreened or baked on the tape or label, enabling consumers to scratch off the front side of the tape or label, revealing numbers or letters or symbols used in a standard message or phone number or web site address.

Abstract: A press character (100) includes a character portion (101) and a first post (102) and a second post (103). The first post and second post extend from opposite ends of the character portion. A user can place the first post into an edge (503) of a lobe (502) of an object, such as a pumpkin (500) or watermelon. Another lobe (501) can be applied to cause the second post (103) into another edge (504) of the another lobe to form a display.

Abstract: A display frame (1) has a front panel (2), a back or rear panel (3) and an artwork pocket (5) between the back and front panels. The front panel provides a border around an opening or window (7) to the artwork pocket (5). A slot (6) in an edge of the frame receives artwork into or allows artwork to be removed from the frame. A locking or cover panel (10) fits over or into the slot to close the artwork pocket (5). The frame can include an intermediate panel (4) between the front and back panels. The locking panel (10) can be retained in the slot by at least one locking mechanism such as locking tab (12) or (24). The locking panel (10) can be hooked into or onto the intermediate panel at one end of the slot (6) and then clipped into position by one or more locking tabs. One or more detent clips (50), can correspond with detent clip sockets or recesses (52) in the edges of the slot. Each detent clip (50) can have an arc shaped member in an end of the locking panel.