Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for applying an adhesive film to the sole of shoes. Application of a portion of the adhesive film can be performed by receiving a shoe on top of the adhesive film, which in turn is above a plate and compressible pins. Upon receiving the shoe, the plate is raised or lowered, and the compressible pins mark the perimeter of the sole of the shoe. The adhesive film is cut in a sole-shaped pattern due to the height differentiation, resulting in a sole-shaped portion of the adhesive film being adhered to the sole of the shoe.

Abstract: A reusable connecting device that includes a strap with a first end a second end, wherein the strap features teeth located on one of the ends. The reusable tie wrap includes a housing with an opening, which is configured to engage with the teeth of the strap. An attachment mechanism is located on the tie wrap, which is configured to allow for connection, disconnection and reconnection with an attachment mechanism of another device. The attachment mechanism may be a two part buckle enclosure or side-release buckle. In another embodiment, the reusable connecting device may also be coupled to an adjustable connecting device. The adjustable connecting device is configured to be secured to an object with which the reusable connecting device is to be utilized.

Abstract: A method of forming a touch fastener product having a sheet-form base and an array of discrete fastener elements each extending from the base includes providing a molded sheet-form base and an array of discrete fastener element preforms, each preform extending from the base and including both a stem portion rising from the base and a head portion both contiguous with a distal end of the stem portion and having an upper surface directed away from the base, the head portion including at least one laterally directed extension overhanging the base in a primary lateral direction between exposed sides of the fastener element preform and ending at a distal, free tip; and then forming respective caps, of a cap material of a higher flex modulus than the resin of the preforms, on the upper surfaces of at least some of the molded fastener element preforms to form the discrete fastener elements.

Abstract: Clasp for a watch bracelet or for a garment belt comprising at least two unfolding arms articulated to each other; a first unfolding arm comprises a first end attached to a bracelet strand and a second end pivotally articulated to a first end of a second unfolding arm; a second end of the second unfolding arm is traversed by an arbour about which there is articulated a cover provided with first and second flaps and to which another bracelet strand is attached; the clasp also comprises a push button fastening system, characterized in that at least one push button controls a bolt pivotally mounted on the cover; the bolt comprises a first hook devised to cooperate with a second hook fitted to the first unfolding arm and to keep said second hook locked when the push button is not being manually activated, the first hook being kept engaged with the second hook by an elastic means.

Abstract: A free-standing non-planar polycrystalline CVD synthetic diamond component which comprises a nucleation face and a growth face, the nucleation face comprising smaller grains than the growth face, the nucleation face having a surface roughness Ra no more than 50 nm, wherein the free-standing non-planar polycrystalline CVD synthetic diamond component has a longest linear dimension when projected onto a plane of no less than 5 mm and is substantially crack free over at least a central region thereof, wherein the central region is at least 70% of a total area of the free-standing non-planar polycrystalline CVD synthetic diamond component, wherein the central region has no cracks which intersect both external major faces of the free-standing non-planar polycrystalline CVD synthetic diamond component and extend greater than 2 mm in length.

Abstract: A system for controlling the cut of a gemstone includes a gemstone scanner adapted to scan a plurality of facets of an actual gemstone so as to determine facet parameters pertaining to each one of the plurality of facets. The system also includes a control module operatively coupled to the gem scanner and adapted to receive the determined facet parameters of the plurality of facets of the gemstone. The control module generates an actual 3D model of the actual gemstone from determined facet parameters and an idealized 3D model for an idealized gemstone. The control module compares the actual 3D model with the idealized 3D model to determine leakage values for facet parameters of each one of the facets of the gemstone such that the leakage value is used to control the cut of the gemstone. A method implemented by the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A garment carrier which provides a flexible material having a fastener with matable parts capable of engagement when a garment is rolled within the flexible material.

Abstract: A person conveying a laptop computer will frequently need to use this computer in less that ideal circumstances. A saddlebag, unlike ordinary laptop carry cases, functions as a multipurpose tool as well as a safe conveyance so the person carrying it can be more productive in less than ideal circumstances. It's a sleeve, not a bag, allowing for instant laptop access from either side. The inner sides of the sleeve are padded, but each side can unsnap to pull out independently—one functioning as a lap desk and the other as a white board. A briefcase is attached to one side of the saddlebag and two gadget bags to the other side, any of which can unsnap for independent use. It includes a series of quickly accessible pockets to hold the small tools and devices that one would ordinarily keep on his/her regular desk.

Abstract: An adjustable apparatus (e.g., a case or sleeve) for carrying a portable electronic device may include a back wall, a right wall, a left wall, and a front wall. The back wall may include right, left, bottom and top edges. The right, left and front walls may each include a free end and an attached end opposite the free end. The right wall's attached end may be joined to the back wall closer to the right edge than the left edge. The left wall's attached end may be joined to the back wall closer to the left edge than the right edge. The front wall's attached end may be joined to the back wall closer to the bottom edge than the top edge. The free ends of the right and left walls may be repeatably and adjustably coupled to the front wall via securing features, such as hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: A device capable of retaining a portable electronic component includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface and a handle coupled to the rear surface of the frame, wherein the handle is movable between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions with respect to the rear surface of the frame along an axis of rotation that is horizontally offset from a vertical centerline of the frame. The rear surface of the frame may include a recessed handle receiving well having a depth capable of housing a portion of the handle in its retracted position. The handle may have a depth dimension approximately equal to the handle receiving well of the rear surface of the frame such that the handle in its retracted position is generally flush with the rear surface of the frame.

Abstract: An equipment carrier comprises one or more support members, an equipment holder, and an extensible tether. The equipment holder receives and retains an equipment item. The support members support the equipment holder against a wearer's torso or limb. The extensible tether is attached to the carrier is attached to the equipment item. The extensible tether is under tension and elongated when the equipment item retained by the equipment holder, and is under negligible tension and not elongated the equipment item held by the wearer at the wearer's face or head.

Abstract: A key holder for holding a variety of different physical keys and wireless key devices can comprise a container for holding insert components that are selectively removable and addable to the container. The insert components can comprise one or more key blades that are attached to the container such that a portion of each of the one or more key blades angularly rotates out of the container when in use. Additionally, one or more buttons can be integrated into the container. The buttons are configured to lock one or more of the insert components into place. The holder can also comprise a wireless module that is in communication with a processing unit disposed within the key container.

Abstract: A hair fastening device including a spring arm and pressuring curve for maintaining the fastening device in a desired location in a user's hair.

Abstract: An automatic head care device includes independently rotated first rotational driving shaft and second rotational driving shaft, a first link having one end fixed to the first rotational driving shaft, a second link having one end rotatably connected to another end of the first link, a third link having one end fixed to the second rotational driving shaft, a fourth link having one end rotatably connected to another end of the third link, a working shaft rotatably connecting another end of the second link to another end of the fourth link, a working body caring the person's head, the working body being rotatably supported by the working shaft, and a control unit controlling rotation of the first rotational driving shaft and the second rotational driving shaft.

Abstract: The liquid-dispensing comb includes a liquid reservoir in the handle and/or spine thereof, with the teeth of the comb being hollow to allow liquid to flow from the reservoir into the teeth. Outlets are provided along the sides of the teeth rather than at their distal tips, to distribute liquid to the hair strands as the comb is passed therethrough, rather than to the scalp of the person using the comb. Various embodiments include pneumatic devices for pressurizing the reservoirs of the combs, thus forcing liquid to flow from the outlets along the sides of the teeth. Another embodiment includes an internal plate with a series of stops thereon, the stops fitting into corresponding passages at the bases of the teeth. A handle extends from the spine of the comb, enabling the user to manipulate the internal plate to control flow from the reservoir and into the teeth.

Abstract: A central body, preferably circular or rotund, has a plurality of elongated arms radiating out from it. Each arm includes a rigid blade end that defines a profile that operationally fits over a fingernail at an angle of incidence for masking an area of the fingernail during painting, or for scoring semi-hardened paint and scraping off excess paint. Angle of incidence is preferably acute, obtuse or right. Each blade end preferably operationally fits over a uniquely corresponding relatively small range of fingernail sizes. The end blades are disposed in order in a direction around the body, the order being progressively larger range sizes. A mark on each end blade is used for aligning the end blade with a longitudinal axis of a fingernail.

Abstract: An airtight cosmetic container in which an inner container (200) and an inner cover (300) can be airtightly sealed without using a separate rubber seal while compensating for a diameter deviation caused by a molding error of the inner cover (300). The inner container (200) includes a packing case (220) in which a cosmetic tray is installed, and which includes inner and outer elastic sidewalls (222, 223) that form a seal groove (221) therebetween, so a sealing rib (320) of the inner cover (300) is inserted into the seal groove (221), with inner and outer curved protrusions (222a, 223a) protruding toward each other on opposed surfaces of the inner and outer elastic sidewalls so as to come into elastic close contact with the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the sealing rib (320) inserted in the seal groove (221), thereby realizing an airtight sealing effect.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for use with a container for dispensing a composition including a deodorant and/or an antiperspirant, the container including a movable platform. The apparatus includes a container holder, which includes: an upper portion, which includes one or more user input elements; and a lower portion, including a driving unit and a power source. The power source is operative to drive the driving unit to move the movable platform of the container, in response to actuation of the one or more user input elements. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying a cosmetic, the device comprising: a reservoir of cosmetic and an applicator including a stem that is terminated by an applicator head that is adapted to apply the cosmetic to a part of a user's body, the stem of the applicator including an internal duct that opens out sideways via a vent that is formed in the applicator head, the applicator including a gas generator that is connected to said duct and that is adapted to inject gas into the duct.

Abstract: An airless applicator may deliver high/low viscosity liquids or semi-liquids, and contains a valve controlling flow between a product reservoir and an intermediate pooling area, while a narrow opening between the intermediate pooling area and a product dispensing chamber controls flow therebetween. This arrangement prevents backflow to the product reservoir, precluding an influx of contamination therein. Product delivery is by specially adapted applicator heads. In one embodiment, a plurality of prongs, and openings into the product dispensing chamber, permit application of mascara onto eyelashes. Alternating prong heights increases effectiveness in applying mascara onto all sides of a user's lashes. Other applicator heads are configured for lip product applications such as for lipstick, and for eye products such as eyeliner and eye shadow.

Abstract: An adjustable cosmetic applicator including a handle unit adapted to be used as a cap coupled to a cosmetic container body; a rod unit adapted to be manipulated by means of the handle init; and an applying unit adapted to be operated cooperatively with the rod unit in such a manner as to be adjusted in angle. The adjustable cosmetic applicator allows the angle of the applying unit to be adjusted arbitrarily by means of the user, thereby permitting the cosmetic liquid to be applied in more natural and comfortable manners and further achieving the make-up according to the user's applying habit or preference.

Abstract: A novel gauging device and associated stencils for shaping of eyebrows according to a Golden Ratio standard. The gauging device is adapted to be placed over a woman's face and maintained in a fixed position relative to her eyes and nose. A nosepiece and knobs are adjusted such that a lower end of a guide rod may be rotated about various points relative to the nose and held in predetermined angles relative to the nose and eyes, possibly supported magnetically on a lower track adjacent the nostrils and an upper track above the eyebrows. Each stencil may be adapted to accommodate not only different eyebrows of different sizes, but also to adjust the eyebrow's ideal Golden Ratio “High Point” to complement facial proportions (preferably represented by a single Facial Ratio Value or “FRV” that deviate from an ideal Golden Ratio.

Abstract: Embodiments of fluid containers are described that include a multi-chambered fluid bladder and a sealing mechanism for selectively sealing off different chambers from each other for independent use, such as for two different kinds of fluids, or opening to fluidly connect different chambers to each other to form larger chambers for a common fluid. Embodiments can further include independent fill ports and outlet ports for each chamber. The sealing mechanism can comprise a clip or latch that is configured to clamp the fluid passageway in the bladder closed. Some embodiments can include a removable handle that attaches to the bladder and includes the sealing mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for keeping mobile devices warm in cold climates are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: a frame structure wherein a first portion of the frame structure being in proximity to the body of a user to receive body heat from the user, the frame structure including a second portion to support electronic components of the apparatus; and a thermal conduit thermally coupled between the first and second portions of the frame structure, the thermal conduit transferring body heat received at the first portion to the electronic components of the apparatus at the second portion.

Abstract: A wearable beverage bottle retaining clip includes: a back wall, including a top portion, bottom portion, a front face, and a rear face; two shoulder tabs, each extending in front of the top portion of the back wall such that a first end of each shoulder tab is located in front of the front face of the back wall, wherein the shoulder tabs are at least partially hook-shaped and the first end of each shoulder tab is spaced apart across a width of the back wall; and a retaining seat extending in front of the bottom portion of the front face of the back wall, wherein the retaining seat includes a bottom tab that is configured such that when a beverage bottle is secured in the retaining clip, the bottom tab is in contact with the front face of the beverage bottle.

Abstract: A brush for cleaning a grill or other surface having a bristle assembly of twisted-in-wire material that is removable and replaceable.

Abstract: A hair brush includes a body having a head and a plurality of bristles carried by the head. The plurality of bristles protrudes relative to the head. A microfiber fabric material is carried by part of the body and is water absorbent. A portion of the microfiber fabric material is positioned near the plurality of bristles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a toothbrush comprises providing an integral head mold configured to simultaneously form bristles and head board in one injection molding process, heating head molding material to a predetermined temperature, filling the integral head mold with the head molding material in an injection molding machine, applying pressure to the integral head mold for a predetermined period and applying a cooling process to the integral head mold to produce a molded integral head. The molded integral head includes bristles molded on a head board.

Abstract: A cosmetic brush stand (1) having a horizontal base (3) and a vertical portion (4) extending upward therefrom. The vertical portion has a front surface (5) and a rear surface (6) with magnetic strips (9) located on either of both surfaces. Cosmetic brushes (2) are attracted to the magnetic strips via ferrules (8) made of a ferrous metal, a magnetized metal or an attachment sleeve (9) placed thereon. The magnetized sleeve may be used on conventional brushes having non-ferrous metal ferrules. A tray (16) having individual slots (17) or apertures may be located on the front surface and/or the rear surface to further secure the brushes to the brush stand. The brush stand may also be rotatable to provide easy access to the front surface and rear surface.

Abstract: A paint brush cleaning tool which may comprise: a handle; an apparatus head having a proximal end coupled to the handle and a distal end; a pick member comprising a plurality of pick teeth protruding outwards and away from the distal end of the apparatus head; and a rake member positioned proximate to the pick member and comprising a plurality of rake blades. The apparatus head may also include a brush member comprising a plurality of brush bristles protruding outwards and away from the apparatus head.

Abstract: A ring-shaped serving table, with a non-perfect round space in the center, that is made up of two identical or similar half-ring shaped plates that may be joined together in two ways: to create a ring-shaped table and to create an S-shaped table.

Abstract: A table assembly comprising at least a first leg member that forms a leg opening and a first support surface and a rigid elongated channel member that forms a channel that extends between first and second ends, at least the first end forming a wire passing opening suitable to pass wires into and out of the channel, the first end supportable by the first support surface in at least first and second different locations, wherein, when the channel is supported by the support surface at either of the first and second different positions, the wire passing opening is aligned with the leg opening so that wires can pass through the leg opening and into the channel.

Abstract: A walker attachable tray preferably includes a tray base, a mounting bracket and a pair of support rings. The tray base includes a raised peripheral rim. The mounting bracket includes a base member, at least one mounting flange and a cross bar hook. The mounting bracket is attached to a bottom of the tray base. A pin opening is formed in each end of the base member. The at least one mounting flange preferably extends from an edge of the base member and upward. The cross bar hook preferably extends from an opposing edge of the base member and downward. Each support ring includes a ring portion, a retention pin and a set screw. The ring portion includes an inner diameter. The retention pin extends upward from the ring portion. The pair of support rings are retained on a pair of handles of a four wheel walker.

Abstract: A holder allows an electronic device to be positioned on a support surface so that the electronic device is visible to a user. The holder includes a base which is placed on the support surface. At least one front support is connected to and outwardly projecting from the base, and at least one rear support is connected to and outwardly projecting from the base, the rear support being spaced apart from the front support defining a cavity therebetween. The cavity is shaped and dimensioned to receive the electronic device. The electronic device can either be installed in a vertical position or in a horizontal position in the holder.

Abstract: A storage system including first and second spaced apart side panels, with top and bottom panels extending between the side panels generally adjacent to the top and bottom of the side panels respectively. The storage system additionally includes a plurality of intermediate panels positioned between the side panels and between the top and bottom panels, with the intermediate panels defining a plurality of compartments. The storage system may include at least one partition capable of being folded within at least one compartment to present at least three variations of sub-compartment arrangements within the compartment.

Abstract: A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, and a third rail. The second rail and the third rail can be longitudinally displaced relative to the first rail. The second rail has a longitudinally extending body. The third rail includes a first longitudinal portion, a second longitudinal portion, and a slope portion connected between the first and the second longitudinal portions. The longitudinally extending body of the second rail has a side surface, and the second longitudinal portion of the third rail has a side surface. The two side surfaces lie on substantially the same reference plane due to the slope portion.

Abstract: A cabinet includes a box with a backboard, a top panel, a bottom panel, and two side panels joining the top and bottom panels. The cabinet further includes shelves configured to be inserted within the box between one pair of clips, each clip having an undulation that mates with a corresponding undulation on trim strips disposed on side panels. An accessory slides in a track of a cabinet door and is connected to the track with a bow clip. The cabinet includes a frame member with a projecting lip configured to extend over an edge of the box. The frame member has at least one stiffening support that connects to a bracket mounted against a wall, and the backboard connects to the bracket with a screw tab having a cover flap concealing a screw. The cabinet is configured to be mounted in a wall surface or a recess.

Abstract: A furniture article that comprises a furniture housing which is configured to rest on a surface, and a cord-retractor that is configured to supply power from a wall outlet to an outlet located in or on the furniture housing.

Abstract: A combining structure for shelves has a plurality of bearing portions, connecting rods integrally connected to the periphery of each bearing portion, and each connecting rod extends toward the storage space to form at least one joining end. Multiple vertical supporting tubes are provided having a circumferential wall and two abutting ends, wherein, on the circumferential wall of each vertical supporting tube near the abutting end, at least one avoiding groove is provided. Tubular connectors are provided inside each vertical supporting tube. At least one eccentric socket slot is vertically formed on at least one unilateral position inside each tubular connector, and corresponds to the avoiding groove of the vertical supporting tube, so that the vertical supporting tube can sheathe the joining end of the connecting rod through the eccentric socket slot of the tubular connector, and through the avoiding groove, each vertical supporting tubes can avoid the bearing portion.

Abstract: A drive device for a movable furniture part, with a housing, an ejecting slide which is mounted movably in or on the housing and is intended for ejecting the movable furniture part from a closed position in the opening direction, a draw-in slide which is movable relative to the housing and is intended for drawing the movable furniture part from an open position into the closed position, and a latching element which is mounted movably on the ejecting slide and via which the ejecting slide is locked to the housing at least in the closed position, wherein the draw-in slide is coupleable to the ejecting slide via the latching element.

Abstract: A slide assembly includes a first rail, a second rail and at least one positioning device. The first rail has a first elongate body. The second rail is slidable relative to the first rail and has a second elongate body. At least one of the first elongate body and the second elongate body has an opening. The at least one positioning device has a support member and a dowel. The support member has a fixing portion and a resilient arm connected to the fixing portion. The fixing portion is fixed to the at least one of the first elongate body and the second elongate body. The dowel is disposed on the resilient arm and corresponds in position to the opening.

Abstract: A portable spice rack that comprises a square or rectangular shaped housing and a plurality of spice drawers which are stacked vertically within the housing. The spice drawers provide a plurality of compartments that are uniquely designed to accommodate storing and retrieving varying shaped and sized spice bottles or other types of containers. Specifically, the spice drawer provides a substantially rectangular compartment having a base further providing a slot formed by an opening and opposed supporting walls. The rectangular compartment and slot within the base coact to enable, in particular, square, rectangular, and/or circular spice bottles or containers, or any combination thereof, to be stored and retrieved at the same time within any of the plurality of compartments within the spice rack.

Abstract: An earthquake-activated shelf security system has two guide rails attached to both sides of a shelf or pallet rack. At least one retainer is moveably constrained to move along the guide rails by a rotating loop located on each end of the retainer. The guide rail has a retainer rest portion and allows the retainer to rest in a prepared configuration without moving down the rail unless acted upon by a shaking event such as an earthquake. A movable backstop is located along a back portion of the retainer rest portion. The position of the rest stop can be adjusted to adjust the sensitivity of the system to earthquakes. The guide rails have retainer stops located at selected positions to keep the retainer from moving past. In one embodiment two retainers are provided and in another embodiment, a mesh is provided to contain items that would otherwise fall through.

Abstract: An angle adjuster (71) is equipped with a first arm (1) provided with a winding-and-tightening member (5) and a second arm (10) provided with a rotation shaft portion (13). As seen in the axial direction of the rotation shaft portion (13), one end portion (5a) and the other end portion (5b) of the winding-and-tightening member (5) are provided at the first arm (1) in a manner in which they are separated from each other. The first arm (1) and the second arm (10) are connected so that the second arm (10) is rotatable centering the rotation shaft portion (13) in a state in which the winding-and-tightening portion (6) of the winding-and-tightening member (5) is wound on the outer peripheral surface (13a) of the rotation shaft portion (13). It is configured so that a rotation of the second arm (10) by a frictional force (SM) and (GM) generated by a rotational movement of the second arm (10) in a forward rotation direction (S) or a reverse rotation direction (G) is allowed or prevented.

Abstract: An invention for a tailgate lounge provides a portable and convenient means for seating for the tailgate of a vehicle. The tailgate lounge includes: a foldable bench, to seat to provide seating for the users; a collapsible awning, to protect the user from inclement weather as well as direct sunlight; and tailgate clips to attach and secure the tailgate lounge onto a vehicle. The foldable bench includes a seat, a reclining backrest, and a variable angular locking mechanism. The seat provides a sitting surface for the user while the backrest provides support. The variable angular locking mechanism allows the backrest to be secured at pre-determined angles to the seat. The tailgate lounge is able to be arranged in two primary configurations: a collapsed configuration for storage and transportation and an expanded configuration to provide additional seating.

Abstract: A motion support mechanism, for example for a chair, joined to a mounting surface and to a base for providing resistive support to the mounting surface as the mounting surface undergoes one or both of rotational and tilt movement relative to the base. The motion support mechanism includes a support bearing connected to the mounting surface and to the base which permits one or both of tilting and rotational motion of the mounting surface relative to the base, a pivot ball sized fixedly attached to a portion of the base, and, a resistance cartridge fixedly connected to the mounting surface such that the resistance cartridge undergoes movement relative to the base and applies a resistive force on the base as the mounting surface undergoes one or both of rotational and tilt movement.

Abstract: A body support structure includes a molded polymeric support grid having a three-dimensional molded contour. The support grid includes a body support region having a plurality of through openings separated by a plurality of lands. In one embodiment, an area of the openings is greater than an area of the lands. In another embodiment, the ratio of a surface area of the lands relative to an area defined by an outer peripheral edge is less than or equal to 0.74. A fabric layer is bonded to the plurality of lands and covers the plurality of openings. Methods of manufacturing and recycling the body structure are also provided.

Abstract: A chair is mounted on ball-casters. Each leg of the chair is mounted on a caster wheel that is surrounded by a ring of small metal balls, such as ball bearings, enabling the chair to roll freely without scuffing or scratching the floor or dulling the floor polish, and making it virtually impossible for the occupant to lean back in the chair with any stability.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a rack plate 202 with a T-shaped slot 206 and upright protrusions 204 and is movable relative to a frame 106 between first, second, and third positions. A pinion plate 302 rotatably coupled to the frame 106 includes upright extensions 304 and a lock pin 306 movable within the slot 206. In the first position, the lock pin 206 is positioned in a first location within the slot 206, and as the rack plate 202 moves from the first to the second position, a first extension 304A engages a first protrusion 204A, which rotates the pinion plate 302. In the second position, the lock pin 306 is positioned in a second location within the slot 206, and as the rack plate 202 moves from the second position to the third position, a second extension 304B engages a second protrusion 204B and rotates the pinion plate 302.

Abstract: The present disclosure and related inventions includes various mattress constructions with improved air flow characteristics, and in particular mattress constructions which induce or control air flow when force is applied to the mattress support surface.