Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear may include a frame member having a continuous opening with portions located in forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions. A plurality of primary traction elements may extend outward from the frame member. A compressible midsole may be bonded to upper surfaces of the frame member. A flexible support plate may be bonded to the midsole. The flexible support plate may span substantially all of the frame member opening and have a lower surface exposed in at least a forefoot region. The support plate may be isolated from the frame member by the compressible midsole. A plurality of secondary traction elements may be integral to and extend outward from the exposed lower surface of the support plate.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes a base layer and one or more tensile strands. The sole structure includes an auxetic element operable to expand in two orthogonal horizontal directions in response to a tension applied in one of the directions. Each tensile strand has at least one end secured in fixed position relative to a peripheral region of the sole structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear that offers different levels of cushioning and support depending on the direction of force applied to the midsole. An outer edge of the midsole includes an inwardly-extending elongate groove with a V-shaped cross-sectional configuration. An elongate insert having a V-shaped cross-sectional configuration is secured to the elongate groove. The insert forms a spring that dynamically alters the character of the support provided by the footwear to a foot of a wearer during “banking” or side-to-side movement.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear has a curved spring plate that stores and releases spring energy to aid in forward propulsion. The curved spring plate has a center portion and opposite end portions extending from the center portion. A retaining member is secured to the end portions such that the retaining member spans across and bows the center portion. Flexing of the spring plate stores spring energy in the spring plate that urges the center portion to unflex and release the spring energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shoe, in particular a sports shoe. The shoe includes a sole plate having in a forefoot area a plurality of leaf spring elements, wherein the sole plate and the plurality of leaf spring elements are manufactured as a single piece. Each of the plurality of leaf spring elements has one free end not connected with the sole plate.

Abstract: A vacuum release for footwear includes an air check valve coupled to a length of tubing, which extends downward into at least one hollow channel within the sole of the footwear. The hollow channel features at least one hole through the sole of the footwear into the channel. By allowing air at atmospheric pressure to travel through the air check valve, through the length of tubing, into the hollow channel and through at least one hole connecting the channel to the outside of the sole, the present invention breaks the vacuum created when a user lifts his foot from a viscous surface, allowing for easy travel.

Abstract: Footwear components are made from lightweight textile structures (e.g., including circular knitted structures made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as socks or sock-type structures). The textile structures are selectively supported at various areas to provide desired local characteristics. Methods are provided for making such components, precursors to such components, and articles of footwear containing such components.

Abstract: A closure system for a boot or other footwear includes a tension member that is disposed within the boot and routed or guided about a path within the boot via one or more guides. The closure system also includes an adjustment member that is disposed within the boot and operably coupled with the tension member. The closure system further includes a reel based closure device having a knob that is operable to tension the tension member and to release tension from the tension member. Tensioning of the tension member adjusts a fit of the adjustment member about a foot within the boot to secure the foot within the boot and loosening of the tension member adjusts the fit of the adjustment member about the foot to allow the foot to be more easily removed from the boot.

Abstract: The present invention is a device positionable over the top of a shoe and over a wearer's instep to allows shoe laces of ones shoes to be secured in place. This device includes a lower piece that feeds under ones laces and contours to the shoe and instep to a tight fit to allow the appearance of being a natural part of one's shoes. A top piece or flap of this device that is connected to the lower piece folds overtop of the laces once placed in and is the secured to the lower piece to hold the laces in place.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole connected with an upper shoe part that has two adjacent arranged tensioning sections in its instep region which are separated by a gap. A lacing system is arranged so the shoe can be laced at the foot of the wearer by pulling the tensioning sections against another. The lacing system has a central closure that tensions a first tensioning element. A tension transmitting element has first and second tensioning parts. The first tensioning element engages into the first tensioning part and pulls the same, during lacing of the first tensioning element, toward the instep region. A second tensioning element has two ends fixed at the sole. The second tensioning element engages into the second tensioning part and pulls the same, during lacing of the first tensioning element, toward the sole. The first and second tensioning parts are connected together via a tensioning element.

Abstract: A reel-based mechanism for tightening footwear includes a tension member and a plurality of guide members that are positioned about an opening of the footwear. The plurality of guide members guide or direct the tension member about a path along the footwear. The reel-based mechanism further includes a tightening mechanism that is operationally coupled with the tension member to effect tensioning of the tension member and tightening of the footwear upon operation of the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism performs one or more secondary functions that are not related to tightening of the footwear.

Abstract: A traction element arrangement for a sole structure of an article of footwear is described. Traction elements of a first group are associated with a lateral side of the sole structure. Traction elements of a second group are associated with a medial side of the sole structure. Traction elements of the second group include multiple medial rotational traction elements that each have a plurality of individual traction elements arranged in a circular grouping. Each circular grouping is a different size to provide more or less rotational movement to the associated portion of the sole structure. In one embodiment, the shape of the traction elements corresponds to the shape of the circular grouping.

Abstract: A traction element arrangement for a sole structure of an article of footwear is described. Traction elements of a first group are associated with a lateral side of the sole structure. Traction elements of a second group are associated with a medial side of the sole structure. Traction elements of the second group include medial rotational traction elements that have a plurality of stud elements arranged in a circular grouping. Stud elements may be aligned laterally across the sole structure with traction elements of the first group. Stud elements may be aligned longitudinally across the sole structure to be arranged in different configurations along an outside medial side or an inside medial side.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for augmenting a wrist-worn jewelry by wearing the jewelry on a top of the wrist and a digital wearable device secured to the analog watch and on the bottom of the wrist; twisting the wrist to read digital messages transmitted from a telephone; and capturing vital sign or fitness information using the digital wearable device.

Abstract: A personal cooling device that is constructed to resemble an ornamental necklace wherein the personal cooling device is operable to provide heat relief to a user. The personal cooling device includes a ring shaped body that is hollow having a first end and a second end. Operably coupled to the body intermediate the first end and the second end is a power unit. The power unit includes a fan assembly mounted therein that has a turbine style fan. The fan assembly is suspendedly mounted within the interior volume of the power unit via a plurality of support members. One of the plurality of support members includes an air intake passage formed therein that is operable to provide air to the fan assembly. The body further includes two parallel rows of apertures extending the length of the body that facilitate the distribution of an air stream to a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jewelry clasp which comprises a male connector, a female connector, a locking sleeve, chain connectors and locking cylinders. The chain connectors are connected to outer end surfaces of the male connector and the female connector. The locking cylinders are sleeved onto outer ends of the male connector and the female connector. Positioning locking means which allow the chain connectors, the male connector and the female connector to be reliably connected together are provided between the locking cylinders and the chain connectors. The female connector is sleeved into one end of the locking sleeve, and a locking means is provided between the female connector and the locking sleeve. The male connector is sleeved into another end of the locking sleeve; an inner end of the male connector is coupled with an inner end of the female connector; a locking means is provided between the male connector and the locking sleeve.

Abstract: A user-friendly jewelry chain having a chain, a charm, a stop ring and a clasp; the stop ring has a flexible positioning component; the charm has a positioning through-hole. The charm is sleeved on the stop ring and fixedly positioned on the stop ring. The clasp has a male end, a female end, a locking sleeve, a flexible pin component and a flat spring component. The female end is connected to the chain; the flexible pin component and the flat spring component are respectively mounted on the female end. A pin slot and a flat spring slot are formed in the locking sleeve. The pin slot has horizontal slots and a vertical slot. The female end is sleeved into the locking sleeve. The flexible pin component and flat spring component of the female end respectively act on slot walls of the vertical slot and the flat spring slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device or holder for holding a pair of eyeglasses securely that may be incorporated into an assembly. The assembly features a hook, clasp, toggle, pin or clip and the device or holder for holding a temple piece of eyeglasses. The device or holder may be a tube formed of seed beads in a substantially cylindrical form having a first end and a second end and two substantially fixed linkers.

Abstract: As a new design, when making part of a decoration rotatable, there is a tendency for this to result in an unnecessarily complex structure, and it was difficult to apply such structures to small decorations such as rings, due to considerations such as strength and smooth movement. Solution: The present invention was configured as follows in order to provide a decoration which, even if having a small size, has a simple structure and strength, and opens like a flower. The decoration has a configuration whereby one of a group of movable petals (1) having a calculated curved surface (2) and which are positioned so as overlap with the positions to be rotated and are synchronized with one another, is opened and closed by a single rotating knob (11) and is synchronized with the other petal-shaped parts (1) to smoothly and effectively replicate the movement of a flower opening and closing.

Abstract: An umbrella shaft assembly is provided for securing an umbrella to a chair or table. The umbrella shaft assembly includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. A plurality of hinged finger projections are located on the elongated shaft. The finger projections are configured to extend outward and retract inward toward the elongated shaft. Further, an aperture is located on the elongated shaft, wherein a cord extends therethrough. The umbrella shaft assembly can be secured to a chair via securing the cord to a chair frame. Similarly, the umbrella shaft assembly can be secured to a table by extending the finger projections such that the umbrella cannot be hoisted through an umbrella receiving opening of the table. The umbrella shaft assembly further includes a conventional umbrella assembly construction that is large enough to shield a person or persons from the elements encountered outdoors.

Abstract: A cane system having an adjustable shock absorber, a multi-angle handle, a straight handle, and a knob.

Abstract: The invention is a woman's handbag or purse. It is used for the purpose of carrying personal items such as lipstick, identification, cellphone, and keys. The handbag is rectangular in shape and fits comfortably in a woman's lap. It is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. The handbag has a center, left, or right flap closure which allows the interior lining fabric to be seen. The lining fabric is fashionably coordinated with the exterior fabric to create a visually pleasing handbag. A magnetic snap is used to securely close the handbag and can be used in conjunction with a pendant accessory, button, or flower.

Abstract: An expandable handbag that includes a plurality of sides, a bottom, and a main interior compartment formed by the plurality of sides and the bottom. The main interior compartment is configured to contain items. The handbag includes a flap capable of being removably secured to a side of the plurality of sides to aid in preventing the items from falling out of the main interior compartment. The handbag also includes an expansion mechanism configured to cause a size of at least one of the bottom and the plurality of sides to increase.

Abstract: A protective cover includes a first shell and a second shell. The first shell is configured to fit onto an electronic device, and includes a number of protrusions extending from a surface of the first shell. The second shell is configured to receive the first shell and the electronic device. The second shell defines a number of recesses for insertion of the protrusions of the first shell, and the first shell is fixed to the second shell by engagement of the recesses of the second shell and the protrusions of the first shell.

Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device configured to provide protection for the electronic device and further provide storage for one or more corded-accessories for use with the electronic device, including, but not limited to, headphones. The electronic device case includes a case member configured to cover at least a portion of an electronic device and a spool member configured to retain a pair of headphones. The case member includes a cavity configured to receive the spool member and one or more channels in fluid communication with the cavity configured to receive portions of headphone cord. The case member further includes recesses in fluid communication with the one or more channels and configured to receive and retain the headphone earphones within. The case member further includes a means of releasably retaining the spool member within the cavity of the case member.

Abstract: A protective case and mounting system for a handheld electronic device is provided. The protective case can include a removable mounting system comprised of an interlocking member and a plurality of mounting bases. The protective case may further include a non-slip member to prevent the device from slipping on a surface and a magnet for attaching the device to a magnetic surface.

Abstract: A case for an electronic device is disclosed. The case may include several layers. An inner layer may be made from a rigid material such as plastic. An outer layer is molded to an exterior portion of the inner layer. A fabric layer formed from a material such as microfiber is adhesively secured to an interior layer of the inner layer, the inner layer opposite the exterior layer. The inner layer may further include a recessed portion that receives a camera trim made from an opaque material. In this regard, when the electronic device is positioned within the case, the camera trim improves image capturing of a camera of the electronic device by blocking reflected light from a camera flash emitted by the electronic device.

Abstract: A protective case for a mobile or handheld device is disclosed. The case includes front and rear cover components that are configured to rotate relative to one another so that the case is capable of being configured by the user into have multi-mode use configurations. The case includes a rotatable magnetic clasp that rotates to magnetically secure the case in desired configuration. The magnetic clasp includes a rotatable magnet component attached to one end region of the case and a fixedly positioned and oriented magnet secured to another opposing end region of the case. The rotation of the magnet allows the user to re-orient the polarity of the magnetic component to facilitate mechanical and magnetic retention of the desired configuration.

Abstract: The identification clip patch tag is used in combination of four members. The first member, patch with the second member, embedded curved press spring clip are used for embellishment and identification on a handbag, purse or apparel pocket item. The first and second members are combined with the third member, split ring inserted into the clip U-channel and fourth member, clasp inserted into the third member used on a backpack, luggage, notepad or key for easy identification. Commonly a backpack, handbag, purse, luggage or notepad case are used to carry ones belongings. Many of these belongings look similar. This can lead to an owner-user grabbing another's belongings when many similar type's, colors are grouped. The identification clip patch tag prevents a common problem when identifying baggage off the airport carousal at the airport or on a group field trip or travel setting where backpacks, handbags, purses, belongings get piled and intermingled together.

Abstract: A purse includes a hollow bag having at least one outer wall, a bottom wall and an open top in communication with an interior storage compartment. Within the interior compartment and secured to the bottom wall is an electronics casing having a weight sensor therein. The weight sensor is in communication with a digital display on the bag exterior to allow a user to readily determine the total weight of the purse. The electronics casing also includes a GPS receiver and mobile phone module for locating the purse if lost or stolen.

Abstract: A curling iron having a handle, a heated barrel rotatable relative to the handle, a spring loaded clamp, and a motor coupled between the handle and the barrel and rotating the barrel in at least one of two directions relative to the handle. A motor control switch that enables and disables the rotation of the barrel and a rotation sensor coupled to the motor control switch to sense the initial direction of rotation of the handle. A motor control circuit is coupled to the motor, the motor control switch, and the rotation sensor, and the motor control circuit causes the barrel to rotate in an initial direction after rotation of the barrel has been enabled and rotation of the handle has been detected. The motor control circuit can cause the barrel to stop rotating once rotation of the barrel has thereafter been disabled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hair shaping device for smoothening, pressing, and curling hair and other body hair, and for drawing patterns into hair and other body hair, which has a house and two heatable rolls. The invention is characterized in that the both the primary roll (1) and the secondary roll (2) is connected to an electromotor (3a, 3b), the electromotors (3a, 3b) are connected to the primary roll (1) and the secondary roll (2) through driving components (10), and the rolls (1, 2) are fitted with a cover (121, 122, 123, 221, 222, 223) that can produce unique, repeated patterns, and the cover (121, 122, 123, 221, 222, 223) consists of at least two segments, and each roll (1, 2) includes at least two heating units (101, 102, 103, 201, 202, 203). The invention also relates to the procedure for using the hair shaping device.

Abstract: A hair lifting, retention, and styling device having a substantially rectilinear cross piece member having a first distal end and a second distal end and first and second substantially rectilinear side members cooperating with the substantially rectilinear cross piece member, wherein said first and second substantially rectilinear side members are disposed proximate said first and second distal ends of the cross piece member. Further, curved bight members are disposed between the cross piece member and the side members, such that the curvilinear design and the bight members co-act to provide lift and enhanced volume to a wearer's hair style thus augmenting and enhancing the wearer's chosen hairstyle. In an alternate embodiment, the rectilinear side members include at least one telescoping section such that the length of the side members is adjustable.

Abstract: A hair color delivery system includes a flexible bottle, a dispensing cap having a tapered nozzle, an asymmetric bi-directional valve assembly, and a dispensing tube. The valve assembly comprises a platform, and a pair of valves, comprising tapered extensions through which fluid may be expelled from the bottle and ambient air may enter the bottle. The valves are offset from each other so that they are not co-axial or rotationally symmetric. The delivery system enables a method of substantially continuous delivery of a fluid chemical, yielding a hair treatment that it is easy and safe to use in which the tapered nozzle stays fully charged with product as air can be admitted to a dispensing bottle through a different valve than that used for dispensing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fixed quantity discharge device for a liquid container, more specifically a fixed quantity discharge device for a liquid container which includes a contents suction tube extended into the inside of the container body for enabling a pipette tube to be inserted and drawn so as to make the lower end of the pipette tube be exposed to the contents, thus preventing contamination of the pipette tube, and a piston provided in the container body so as to rise as the contents are consumed, thus minimizing the residual contents in the container body.

Abstract: Containers for distributing products are disclosed. The containers comprise a bottle having at least one sidewall and defining a cavity therein. The bottle has at least one opening. The containers also include an actuator comprising at least one sidewall defining a cavity therein. The bottle also includes a tip including an orifice. The orifice is configured to dispense product therethrough. The actuator is positioned between the bottle and the tip.

Abstract: Consumer product application device and method involving a plurality of reservoirs and intelligence for selectively controlling the delivery of consumer products from each of the plurality of reservoirs in series and/or in combination to an applicator element. The reservoirs may be part of a removable cartridge.

Abstract: A head-mounted mirror assembly includes a semi-rigid headband having a pair of free ends, each having a fastener proximal thereto for adjustably fastening the band around a wearer's head. A pair of shafts, each with an adjustable mirror at a distal end, extends outwardly from the band. Mounted on each shaft, near the mirror, is an LED having a light output directed toward the headband. To view an ear, a user secures the headband to the head and positions one of the mirrors to align with the ear and the other mirror to substantially align with the nearest eye. Each mirror is adjusted so that the wearer can easily view a desired portion of the ear by observing the mirror in front of the eye. If necessary, the wearer can activate the LED on the side mirror to direct a light beam into the ear cavity.

Abstract: An image processing method including: determining whether an operation mode of a system is a control mode for still image display or a view mode for video display; and performing processing in accordance with the operation mode. Processing in the control mode includes: specifying a specific video frame image including a suitable image of a subject of image processing, from among video frame images of a video constituted of a plurality of video frame images each including an image of the subject; displaying the specific video frame image as a still image; and receiving control related to image processing from a user. Processing in the view mode includes: performing image processing with respect to each video frame image that is input, one video frame image at a time; and displaying the result of image processing for the user to view.

Abstract: Saving Face, hair-styling tool burn protector. The exact size nor shape of this product's design is as relevant or unique to its function as is the combining of the components themselves. Used cautiously by an adult, it will prevent “flash-burns” on the face caused by the brief touch of a hot hair-styling iron while styling hair around the forehead.

Abstract: A backpack comprising a frame and a harness attached to the frame. The frame has a loop structure defining an opening and a torsion panel traversing the opening. The loop structure may be formed of a coil spring covered by a sheath. The backpack may further strapping, such as bungees, for supporting removable pack bags.

Abstract: A tape dispensing case is provided. The tape dispensing case may include a base that has a sidewall extending from an outer perimeter of the base. The tape dispensing case may further include a cap that releasably attaches to the base. A housing is formed in between the base, the sidewall, and the cap. A spindle is fixed within the housing. A core inner surface of a tape roll may fit over the spindle. A holster clip may be attached to the tape dispensing case so that a user may attach the tape dispensing case to themselves.

Abstract: A wrist strap includes a receiving member for receiving an electronic device and a surrounding strap. The receiving member includes a base board and a side plate extending from an edge of the base board. The base board defines a slot. The slot defines a receiving hole and two positioning holes. The surrounding strap includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a protruding portion located between the first end and the second end. The free end of the protruding portion includes two fixing pieces. Each fixing piece protrudes a fixing portion toward the surrounding strap. The protruding portion and the two fixing pieces extend through the receiving hole of the receiving member, the receiving member and the surrounding strap rotate relative to each other to make the two fixing portion be locked in the two positioning holes.

Abstract: A wrist strap includes a fixing strap and a surrounding strap. The fixing strap includes a fixing end and a movable end. The fixing strap defines a recess between the fixing end and the movable end. The recess defines a receiving hole penetrating the fixing strap and two grooves at two opposite sides of the receiving hole. The surrounding strap includes a first end and a second end. The surrounding strap includes a protrusion between the first end and the second end. The protrusion includes two fixing portions toward the surrounding strap. The protrusion extends through the receiving hole of the fixing strap. The fixing strap and the surrounding strap rotate relative turn to each other to make the two fixing portions lock in the two grooves.

Abstract: A high strength retention loops for a wearable band of an electronic device and method of forming the retention loop. The retention loop of the wearable band may include a bottom layer, a tensile member encircling the bottom layer, and a top layer positioned adjacent to and substantially encircling the bottom layer and the tensile member. A distinct retention loop may include a single piece of folded leather material having an exterior portion, and two interior portions positioned adjacent the outer portion. The distinct retention loop may also include a tensile member positioned between the exterior portion and the two interior portions.

Abstract: A tool yoke or harness system comprising a modified lanyard or neck strap and a yoke combination for a simple, secure, and portable tool holder. The support yoke provides a semi-rigid and stable platform for connecting the lanyard braids and for providing a platform to secure tools thereto. The resultant combination enables a user to comfortably and readily find whatever tool is needed, while at the same time having a stable yoke system that does not swing or move excessively. The yoke system can further comprise a cell phone pouch or pocket.

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: 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: An accessory fastening device can include a first clamping member having a first clamping surface, a second clamping member having a second clamping surface that faces the first clamping surface, and a locking arm that is rotatable between an unlocked state and a locked state. Rotation of the locking arm to transition the locking arm from the unlocked state to the locked state causes the second clamping surface of the second clamping member to advance toward the first clamping surface of the first clamping member.

Abstract: A drill-powered rotational brush apparatus features an electrically non-conductive tubular housing, and a metal input shaft rotatably supported in the housing has an external end reaching out from the housing for engagement in the chuck of the drill. A connection is provided between an internal end of the metal input shaft and a brush whose radial bristles reside externally of the housing at the second end thereof. The connection features an electrical insulator that electrically isolates the metal input shaft from the brush and any portion of the connection that lies externally of the tubular housing beyond the second end thereof, thereby protecting the user form the risk of electrical shock. The connection end of the brush matches the cross-sectional size and peripheral shape of the external end of the input shaft to allow coupling together of two like apparatuses to collectively form a longer brush assembly.