Abstract: Provided are, among other things, shoes and techniques for making them. One such shoe has: (a) a bottom portion that includes a sole and a bottom surface; and (b) an upper portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion. The bottom portion of the shoe is made of (i) an insert piece having a number of openings and (ii) a piece of fabric material that is partially on top of the insert piece and that partially extends into the openings, such that the bottom surface has alternating areas of the fabric material and the insert piece. The bottom surface has a portion that contacts the ground in normal use, and the fabric material covers at least 50% of such portion that contacts the ground in normal use.

Abstract: A method for producing a regionalized-firmness midsole utilizing a heat press, and a description of the resultant product, are provided. Initially, the method involves providing a plurality of pre-formed phylon biscuits. Typically, the plurality of biscuits includes at least a first biscuit that has a first density and a second biscuit that has a second density. The method may further include the steps of arranging the biscuits into a receiving area of the heat press, and integrating the plurality of biscuits to form the midsole by activating the heat press. Integrating the biscuits includes raising the biscuits above a threshold temperature, and causing the biscuits to expand such that each of the plurality of biscuits couples with another of the biscuits to form a midsole with two or more degrees of firmness located at distributed regions thereon.

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 traction plate and a method of use for a shoe. The traction plate is removably attachable to the outsole of a shoe to provide traction on a surface for a shoe wearer. The plate includes a flange with one or more surface-engaging elements on one face. The plate also includes two or more shoe-coupling elements. The shoe-coupling elements are inserted into corresponding receptacles in a shoe-outsole and then rotated to affix the plate to the shoe. The shoe-coupling elements may be captively attached to the plate flange or attachable to the shoe receptacle with a rotation of no more than one full revolution.

Abstract: A button fastener made of metal for fastening a button such as a male snap button or a decorative button to a cloth, includes a plate-like base and a cylindrical post projecting from a center area of the base. The upper end face of the post is open as a top opening, and the lower end face of the post is open in the center area of the base as a bottom opening. To the button fastener, a closing member which closes the inside of the post at a proximal side thereof is provided. The closing member is a closing part which has been cut out, by a punch, of an unfinished post of a semifinished product which is fabricated to the button fastener and then displaced by the punch through the inside of the unfinished post toward the lower end.

Abstract: A clip can couple components together and includes a substantially u-shaped clip portion. The substantially u-shaped clip portion includes a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, and a curved clip portion interconnecting the first and second lateral portions. The clip further includes a retention clip portion extending from the first lateral portion. Additionally, the clip includes an insertion clip portion extending from the retention clip portion. The insertion clip portion is obliquely angled relative to the retention clip portion.

Abstract: A wrist-band clasp including two cooperation elements (6, 35) intended to be connected with two respective ends of two separate parts of a wrist-band, this clasp including a first device for precise adjustment of the length of the wrist-band, characterized in that the clasp further includes a second device for elastic adjustment of the length of the wrist-band.

Abstract: A brake system for the wheeled luggage case and control device thereof are provided. The control device includes: a case body, a press positioning assembly, a slide block, a fixed pulley, and a brake wire. The press positioning assembly is actuated to slide at the top of the case body, such that the resisting convex block slides from one end of the slope surface to the other end of the slope surface, and the slide block is urged towards the bottom of the case body, such that the inner wire of the brake wire driven by the slide block controls the brake member to brake the wheel of the wheeled luggage case. It is more convenient to use the control device to brake the wheel of the wheeled luggage case.

Abstract: A package for securing a card is disclosed where the card is retained between two panels that are secured together by a heat-activated adhesives and/or a combination of polymeric and adhesive constituents to drastically hinder surreptitious access to the contents of the package. The package may include additional features for activating or accessing the card and increasing the aesthetic appeal of the package.

Abstract: A carry bag assembly having a primary bag structure. The interior is accessible through an open top. At least one flap is provided outside the primary bag structure. Each flap hangs freely next to the primary bag structure, therein defining a veiled area between the flap and the primary bag structure. A removable pouch is provided for each veiled area. A connector is disposed between each removable pouch and the primary bag structure for use in selectively connecting the removable pouch to the primary bag structure. Each removable pouch attaches to the primary bag structure within a veiled area behind a flap. In this manner, the removable pouches can be attached to the exterior of the primary bag structure without being viewed by an observer.

Abstract: A cover for an electronic device includes back cover, such as a tray, to receive the electronic device. The cover may also include a foldable flap that is foldable into a stand to support an electronic device held by the cover at one or more viewing angles oblique to a surface on which the cover is placed. The back cover and/or the foldable flap may include one or more activation mechanisms that, when moved relative to the electronic device, activate one or more functions of the electronic device (e.g., camera functions, display of information, etc.).

Abstract: A portable container for transporting and storing a plurality of perishable items including food and beverage items, having a heat-resistant outer tubular member with double-layered insulation in an adjacent inner tubular member to accommodate a plurality of perishable items and to sustain the prescribed temperature of such food and beverage items and to promote longevity thereof. The portable container optionally includes a plurality of external compartments and has removable endcaps enclosing both ends thereof. Each endcap is conveniently removed from a tubular end and then used as a cup for drinking a plurality of beverage items or used as a dish for eating a plurality of food items.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for styling hair includes first and second members (12, 14) operatively connected to each other and adapted for relative movement between a generally open condition to receive a length of hair and a generally approximated position to engage the length of hair and a brush (22) mounted relative to the first and second members (12, 14). The brush (22) is adapted for rotational movement about a longitudinal axis defined thereby to brush the length of hair when the first and second members (12, 14) are in the approximated condition. At least one, if not both, of the first and second members (12, 14) may include a heating element (58) for heat treating the length of hair.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a hair clipping device. The device has a first member in the form of an arm, and defines an inwardly facing surface. The device has a second member also in the form of an arm, movably connected to the first member and defines an inwardly facing surface. The device further has a bridge, the bridge has a frame portion made of a first material and an interior portion made of a second material. The interior portion is softer than the frame portion and provided with an increased frictional surface when compared to said frame portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a unit for applying a cosmetic product, the application unit comprising a support having a fixing site onto which a mass of cosmetic product is molded, the method comprising injection molding the cosmetic product onto the support. Also disclosed herein are application units obtained by such a method.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a backpack for carrying folding chairs comprising a front panel, the front panel supporting at least one shoulder strap that is used to connect the backpack to an operator; a back panel; the back panel being connected to the front panel by a mutual bottom edge; one or more connection straps that can respectively removably further attach a front panel to a back panel; wherein when the backpack is carrying a folded folding chair that extends outwards past the front and back panels, the connection straps engage the folded folding chair to sandwich and otherwise hold the folded folding chair between the front panel and the back panel.

Abstract: A device is configured to adjustably retain at least one strap and dampen forces exerted into or by the at least one strap. The device includes a main body including at least one strap adjustment channel configured to adjustably retain the at least one strap, and at least one tensile member formed on or within the main body. The at least one tensile member is configured to flex, bend, and/or stretch in order to absorb the forces exerted into or by the at least one strap.

Abstract: A broom comprises a handle and a head supported by the handle. The head comprises a first head section pivotably connected to a second head section such that the head sections may rotate relative to one another between a folded position and an unfolded position. An actuator is movably mounted on the handle between a first position and a second position. A first connecting member connects the actuator to the first head section and a second connecting member connects the actuator to the second head section such that movement of the actuator between the first position and the second position moves the head sections relative to one another between the folded position and the unfolded position. A method of operating the broom is also provided.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a brushhead (24) having a multi-layer bristle field assembly (30), which includes alternate thin base layers (32) and thin bristle layers (34) which are bonded together to form the bristle field assembly. The base layers provide support for the bristle field assembly while the bristle layers are configured to provide bristle elements therealong for brushing of the teeth.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion (12 or 55) and a brushhead portion (14 or 57) with a bristle set (20 or 53) at one end of the brushhead. At least one sensor (16 or 56 is located either on the handle of the toothbrush or on the bristle set back plate (54) of the toothbrush. When the sensor is located on the handle of the toothbrush, the position of the brushhead is determined by a processor (44 or 58) relative to the inside or outside surfaces of the teeth on the basis of the temperature detected by the sensor, either the outside environmental temperature or the skin temperature of the user. When the sensor is located on the bristle set back plate, the determination is made on the basis of the position of the bristle set relative to the cheek of the user.

Abstract: A floss-dispensing toothbrush device stores and dispenses floss while also cleaning a person's tongue. The toothbrush device includes an elongated member having a head coupled to a handle. A top and bottom side of the handle define an interior space of the handle. A plurality of bristles is coupled to and extends from the head. A ridged surface extends across the head and is configured for cleaning a person's tongue. A floss housing is coupled to and positioned in a floss cavity within the interior space of the handle. The floss housing is configured for receiving floss. A conduit extends from the floss cavity wherein the conduit is configured for guiding the floss through the handle. An aperture is positioned in the handle and coupled to the conduit. The aperture is configured for receiving the floss from the conduit wherein a person palls the floss out from the aperture.

Abstract: A support assembly includes a first member, a second member spaced apart from the first member, a third member securing the first and second members together, and a fourth member extending between the first and second members. The fourth member forces the first and second members apart to provide a tensile force in the third member and a compressive force in the fourth member, thereby stabilizing the support.

Abstract: A powered height adjustable desktop having a base with a fixed peripheral wall defining a cavity and a cover defining a horizontal work surface. A lift mechanism supports the cover relative to the base. The lift mechanism includes a linkage with at least one pair of lift arms pivotably connecting each side of the base to a respective side of the cover and a powered actuator attached to the base and operatively connected to the linkage. The actuator selectively activates the linkage to rotate the lift arms from a relatively horizontal position to at least one substantially fixed upright position, thereby raising the work surface from a sitting height to a standing height. At the sitting height, the cover rests upon the peripheral wall to fully enclose the cavity. At the standing height, the cover is spaced above and offset forward of the base.

Abstract: A deployable table for an external spare tire assembly is an apparatus that provides a user with a fold-out shelf while the apparatus is attached to the spare tire assembly or provides the user with a table while the apparatus is detached from the spare tire assembly. The apparatus includes an adapter mount, a dual compression clamp, a central hub, a table frame, a table top, and foldable legs. The adapter mount allows the apparatus to detachably attach to the external spare tire assembly. The central hub is connected normal to the table frame, which is used to support the table top. The table top has a stationary portion and a fold-out portion that is used as the shelf. The foldable legs collapse within the table frame or can extend when the apparatus is used as a table. The dual compression clamp connects the central hub to the adapter mount.

Abstract: The tool mounting structure includes a base plate for mounting on a supporting structure, such as a workbench. On top of the base plate is a thrust bearing and on top of the thrust bearing is a top plate upon which shop tools can be mounted. Any one of the shop tools can be rotated to an accessible position for use. A lock releasibly locks the top plate and the tools mounted thereon in the selected rotary position.

Abstract: An article of digital furniture piece comprises a table and a computer disposed in an accommodating space of the table, the computer comprises a frame, and a power supply, a hard disk and a host are disposed thereon. The frame comprises a first frame body and a second frame body connected each other, the first frame body is able to overturn relative to the second frame body according to the shape of the accommodating space, for matching the shape of the computer and the shape of the accommodating space, such that the appearance of the digital furniture piece could have variety designs.

Abstract: The reading stand includes a base, a book support adjustably mounted to the base, a timer module disposed on the book support, and a multimedia player disposed on one side of the book support. The book support can be horizontally adjusted with respect to the base in order to accommodate larger books and reading material and vertically adjusted for user comfort. Additionally, the book support can be adjustably tilted to various angles for setting a comfortable viewing angle for the user. The timer helps the reader to keep track of the reader's reading skills and progress, while the multimedia player can be used to listen to lessons from digital media, such as a compact disc.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a plurality of bottles. The holding device has a plurality of holding elements, each holding element having an interacting surface capable of engaging at least one of a neck and a shoulder of a respective bottle for holding the bottle upside down.

Abstract: An appliance apparatus includes an adhesively bonded bracket or support. In another aspect, a clothing apparatus includes a moveable transparent panel, such as a glass door or lid, which has a polymeric support or bracket adhesively bonded thereto. A further aspect provides polyurethane adhesive pellets bonding a polymeric hinge bracket to only a backside of a glass appliance panel.

Abstract: A cabinet drawer includes a molded drawer floor having a central portion including at least one depression, each depression having a bottom wall and a sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A flange extends outwardly from an upper edge of each depression. A plurality of webs extends outward from each depression outer surface for connection with a drawer slide system. A peripheral edge of the flange includes a plurality of deflectable tabs for coupling to a surrounding fence without the use of fasteners. The fence includes a skirt portion extending downward from the drawer floor flange to hide any drawer slide mechanism coupling the drawer floor to any underlying base.

Abstract: A shelving unit includes a wire shelf having multiple wire members arranged to form a platform, at least one bracket configured to releasably couple to wire members of the wire shelf, and a rod coupled to the bracket. The bracket includes a hook-shaped end portion and an elbow portion. The hook-shaped end portion of the bracket defines a channel that opens toward the elbow portion for receiving a first one of the wire members, and the elbow portion of the bracket defines a bend for receiving a second one of the wire members to thereby releasably couple (e.g., snap fit, etc.) the bracket to the wire shelf. The shelving unit may also include a stop for inhibiting movement of hangers along the rod and past the stop, and/or a connector for coupling the shelving unit to a rod of another shelving unit for allowing movement of hangers between the rods.

Abstract: According to the present teachings, a system is provided which allows a user or mover to move large, heavy appliances across finished floor surfaces without damaging by scratching, indenting or cracking under the weight of the object. When placing the object on the mover's surface, the weight becomes distributed and absorbed across the mover instead of localized points such as the case with casters, wheels or legs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat divider extension device. The seat divider extension is comprised of two lower, vertically extending portions that are attached to a connecting portion from which the lower portions vertically extend, and an upper, vertically extending portion that is attached to the connecting portion and from which the upper portion vertically extends. The seat divider extension device is configured to be placed over a seat divider positioned between adjacent seats, and thereby extend the personal space of a seat and provide additional privacy for an occupant in a seat.

Abstract: The disclosed invention solves the problem of fatigue, among other things, by providing a seat assembly that fits into one or more Unit Spaces in an electronic equipment rack.

Abstract: A control assembly for a chair including a base structure including a first pivot point and a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, and a seat support structure directly pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the first pivot point, a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the second pivot point, wherein the back support structure is adapted to move between a first and second position, a control link having a first end operably coupled to the seat support structure, and a second end operably coupled to the back support structure, and a biasing assembly exerting a biasing torque about the second pivot point that biases the back support structure from the second position toward the first position, wherein the biasing torque is adjustable between first and second magnitudes when the back support structure is in the first position.

Abstract: A seating support includes a lumbar support portion having first and second lumbar supports. The lumbar support portion defines at least a portion of a channel extending between the first and second lumbar supports. The channel is sized to substantially preclude contact with an occupant of the seating support. Such a seating support also includes a coccyx support portion having first and second coccyx supports. The coccyx support portion is disposed substantially perpendicular to the lumbar support portion and is in communication therewith such that the channel extends from the lumbar support portion between the first and second coccyx supports.

Abstract: A seat having a plurality of defined zones for supporting the human anatomy. The zoned seating can also include one or more recoil shields that can be one piece, multiple pieces, or can itself comprise multiple sections that correspond with the multiple zones or individual zones. The seating can also include inserts to assist in supporting or isolating certain desired portions of the human anatomy. The seating includes both seat back structures and seat pan structures, with each including a zoned configuration designed to support and stabilize specific structures of the human anatomy in a defined manner. The zones can separate independent and defined zones that are designed to be separate and act as individual anatomical support areas that collectively support, cradle and permit the human anatomy to be supported in a comfortable manner. It is preferred that the zones act and operate independently from one another.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a frame which attaches to outdoor furniture, in particular to a chair, and a canopy. Embodiments can be moved from an overhead position to a behind the chair position. The frames can be moved from a collapsed to a fully extended position. In embodiments the canopy can be positioned to contain the collapsed frame and chair in the carrying position.

Abstract: A furniture device (1) comprising a fundament (3), a support member (5) comprising a first section (7), a second section (9) and a pivoting member (15) adapted to pivot the second section between a first and a second orientation. The pivoting member comprising an arm arrangement (20, 20a, 20b) comprising a first arm (22) extending between the fundament and the second section and comprising a displaceable end (50), a second arm (40) extending between the fundament and the second section, a first pivot (24) between the first arm and the fundament and a second pivot (42) between the second arm and the fundament. The pivoting member comprises a pivoting mechanism (30) adapted to pivot the second section from the first orientation to the second orientation by inducing a displacement of the displaceable end towards the second pivot (42) while the first and the second arm act on the second section.

Abstract: A bed is disclosed including first and second platform portions, the first including drawers and slideout features that are vertically offset to serve as chairs and a desk. The second platform portion supports a portion of a mattress and a panel for supporting the mattress. The second platform may include vertical supports flush with lateral panels of the first platform portion and may include laterally extending shelves and a horizontal support positioned to support the mattress. The drawers and slideout features may be mounted in modules positioned in rows to define the first platform. A slideout platform may slide out from a foot of the bed and may include a vertical panel that is flush with a back panel of the second platform portion.

Abstract: A mattress retention system for adjustable beds employs a tension web attached to a top surface of an element of an articulating support structure. The tension web is inset from a longitudinal edge and lateral edges of the articulating support structure element and incorporates a first fastener moiety on an extending edge. A mating element is attached to the bottom surface of a mattress adjacent an edge to be restrained. The mating element incorporates a second fastener moiety for operable connection to the first fastener moiety and includes a web section having a first edge attached to the bottom surface of the mattress and a second edge carrying the second fastener moiety for flexibility in attaching the fastener moieties.

Abstract: A movable bed contains a base, a moving assembly, a first electric actuator, a second electric actuator, a driving shaft for matching with a support stand, and a lifting rack. The moving assembly includes four rollers fitted into two rails of the base. The base includes a centrally horizontal rod with a U-shaped piece. A top end of the first electric actuator is rotatably coupled with a connecting piece of the driving shaft, and the driving shaft has two ends connecting with the support stand and two U-shaped pieces. The second electric actuator includes a bottom end fixed on the moving assembly and a top end rotatably coupled with a L-shaped piece of a first plate of the lifting rack, one end of the first plate is rotatably joined with a second plate. The second plate is rotatably connected with a pushing bar also rotatably joined with the moving assembly.

Abstract: An inflatable cell that is inflatable with a fluid, such as air, comprises a flexible casing that is closed at its ends, the casing defining, between its walls, at least one inflatable chamber; and at least one fluid insertion means for inserting fluid into the chamber and at least one fluid removal means for removing fluid from said chamber, these insertion and removal means being bonded in substantially airtight manner to at least one end of the casing; and at least one link means for linking the cell to another identical cell, which link means are integral with or secured to the casing. A method of manufacturing such a cell and a support device of the mattress type that is manufactured on the basis of assembling together such cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid gel cushion system is provided. The solid gel cushion system includes a first elastic quadrilateral body having a first elastic surrounding sidewall to define a first space allowing for a heat exchange. The first elastic quadrilateral body defines a first top surface and a first bottom surface with respect to the first elastic surrounding sidewall, both of which are communicative of surrounding atmosphere in order to form an air passage. The cushion system further includes a second elastic quadrilateral body having a second elastic surrounding sidewall defining a second space in which two interleaving elastic supporting ribs are formed. The first elastic quadrilateral body is surrounded by the four second elastic quadrilateral bodies.

Abstract: A space adjustment mechanism for a chair includes a seat base unit, a backrest sliding unit and an angular cross linking unit. The seat base unit has a body portion for accommodating an occupant sitting thereupon, and a shaft extending downward from the body portion. The backrest sliding unit has a backrest connected with a slidable rack which is slidably engaged with the body portion and formed with a pair of tubular sections. The angular cross linking unit has a first extending member for telescopically engaged with the shaft, and a pair of second extending members for telescopically engaged with the tubular sections. By this mechanism, when the first extending member is moving downward along the shaft, the backrest is driven to move backward for accommodating elder child, when the first extending member is moving upward, the backrest is driven to move forward for accommodating little child.

Abstract: A blanket for covering an infant in an infant supporting apparatus having one or more restraints to retain the infant in said infant supporting apparatus, said blanket comprising: a flexible panel having an interior surface that is adjacent to the infant when said blanket is in use and at least one strap for attaching said blanket to at least one of said one or more restraints, said at least one strap being affixed to the flexible panel and adjacent to the interior surface of the flexible panel.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention comprise infant feeding pillows having a main portion and a wedge portion. The top surface of the main portion can be configured to support at least the arm of a user and, optionally, at least a portion of the head of an infant. The wedge portion can be coupled to and extend from the first side of the main portion. The width of the wedge portion decrease from a base portion to a tip portion as the distance from the first side of the main body increases. Additionally, a top surface of the wedge portion forms an angle with the top surface of the main portion. The wedge portion is configured to rest in the lap of a user and supports at least a portion of an infant. The main portion can further comprise a first and a second shoulder extending seamlessly from the main body along the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A utensil dispenser including a reservoir that stores utensils and front and rear pedestals in contact with a next utensil. The pedestals contain a plurality of utensils within the reservoir. A gravity feed ramp moves the next utensil to an access port of the utensil dispenser. The utensil dispenser includes an actuator operably connected to a drive pin or other drive mechanism. The actuator is configured to halt a dispensing utensil at a ready position based upon contact between the dispensing utensil and the actuator. In the ready position, a handle portion of the dispensing utensil is accessible via the access port. The drive mechanism is configured to contact the next utensil. The actuator is configured to move the drive mechanism to move the next utensil to clear the front pedestal to release the next utensil from the reservoir onto the gravity feed ramp when the dispensing utensil is dispensed.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method is provided for separating individual food or drink container lids from a multiple-lid stack for use. The device supports a vertical stack of nested lids and allows a single bottom-most lid to fall away from the remaining lids in the stack. The device may be incorporated in a stand-alone dispenser for consumer use or be incorporated into existing or other incidental structures such as fast food restaurant countertops.

Abstract: One embodiment of a sleeping bag extension piece or elongated sleeping bag with sufficient length beyond a traditional sleeping bag to rest upon the sleep surface above the user's shoulder line creating a natural body heat seal and restricting air flow between the sleeping bag top and sleep surface above the shoulder line, and having a separation to allow a user's head to protrude.