Abstract: A heel stabilizer for use with human footwear that reduces or eliminates upward movement of the heel within footwear is disclosed herein. The heel stabilizer preferably includes two gripping portions or parts that grip the heel on the medial and lateral surfaces of the foot, preferably above the widest part of the heel. The heel stabilizer may be integrated directly into footwear. Alternatively, the heel stabilizer may be a separate insert that can be inserted into footwear.

Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear may have material layers and a plurality of strand segments. The material layers are located adjacent to each other and in an overlapping configuration, and the material layers are located in a lace region and a lower region of the upper. The strand segments extend from the lace region to the lower region. The strand segments may be located and secured between the material layers in the lace region and the lower region. The strand segments may form both an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper in an area between the lace region and the lower region. The material layers may define an opening between the lace region and the lower region, and the strand segments extend across the opening.

Abstract: A holding assembly for articles can be used with a flexible manufacturing system to hold an article in place. The holding assembly can be used with a printing system to print onto the article. The holding assembly can expand to fit the article. The holding assembly can include a moldable surface that can be provided with a temporarily fixed geometry through the use of a vacuum. The holding assembly can help provide a flattened outer surface for the article to facilitate printing.

Abstract: A belt buckle (10) for a seat belt includes a buckle housing (16), a locking mechanism for locking a plug-in tongue inserted in the buckle housing (16), a release button (22) which is movable in a first direction relative to the buckle housing (16) for unlocking the plug-in tongue, and a safety mechanism for preventing automatic displacement of the release button (22) in the first direction. The safety mechanism includes a mass body (36) movable in the first direction relative to the buckle housing (16) and a movably supported coupling lever (24) including an axis of rotation which is stationary relative to the buckle housing (16). The coupling lever (24) is coupled to the mass body (36) and to the release button (22) so that, upon acceleration of the belt buckle (10) in a second direction opposed to the first direction, it transmits an inertia force acting on the mass body (36) in the first direction to the release button (22) in the opposite second direction.

Abstract: Belt buckle for releasable connection of a belt to another belt or object. The belt buckle has a male buckle part with a plug-in extension and a female buckle part with a receptacle, and a locking device. The plug-in extension of the male buckle part is insertable into the receptacle of the female buckle part and the buckle parts are lockable to each other in a locking state by the locking device. In the locking state, the buckle parts are arrangeable relative to each other in a neutral position, in which the locking device can be brought into an unlocking position to separate the buckle parts. The buckle parts are additionally arrangeable relative to each other in a blocking position, pivoted in relation to the neutral position, in which the locking device is blocked in a locking position to prevent the buckle parts from being separated from each other.

Abstract: A molded surface fastener, including: a large number of male fastening elements projecting upward from the surface of a plastic plate, each of the male fastening elements having a stem projecting upward from the plastic plate and an engaging projection projecting sideways from the stem, where each of the male fastening elements has a height (H) of 1.5-3.0 mm, a length (D) from the uppermost tip to the lower end of the engaging projection of 0.675-2.25 mm, and a ratio length (D) to the height (H), (D)/(H), of 0.45-0.75, where the plate coverage of male fastening elements is 25-45%, and where each of the male fastening elements has an anti-sticking projection projecting away from the plate above the engaging projection.

Abstract: Provided is a fastener for an angle-adjustable earring. The fastener includes: a housing has a hollow box shape with an open front end; a latch member received in the housing; a pin member fixed to the latch member and inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the latch member; a control member having a protrusion that controls a position of the latch member that is locked; an elastic member that elastically supports the control member; and a cap member having a slide hole, the cap member being attached to the open front end of the housing in a state in which the elastic member, control member, and latch member are installed in the housing, in which the pin member extends from the latch member to the outside of the housing through the slide hole so that an angle of the pin member is adjustable.

Abstract: A mounting holds a grooved gemstone invisibly to a setting. One end of the mounting has arms or extensions to receive the gemstone and protrusions extending inwardly from the arms to fit in the grooves of the gemstone, the mounting further comprising a holding configuration for holding the mounting to the setting. Insertion of the mounting into the setting may in one version distort the holding configuration and levers the arms to press harder into the groove.

Abstract: A portable article, which may be a portable tote for use in traveling or otherwise non-permanent use, is provided. The article includes first and second sections that may be foldably connected to allow for an open and closed configuration. Handles and snaps or other connection members are connected to the sections to allow for carrying and holding the article closed, which will aid in the mitigation of items falling out of the article. One of the sections includes one or more protrusions extending therefrom. Attached to the one or more protrusions is a tube for holding a product. The tube includes an aperture through a portion thereof to allow for the protrusion to extend at least partially therethrough, which will at least temporarily hold the tube in place and connected to the article. Other holders may be included to hold additional items within the article as well.

Abstract: A case for a smartphone electronic device protects and extends the battery life of the smartphone. The case has a first case portion and a second case portion, which assemble together to protect the top, side, and bottom edges of the smartphone. The lower case portion includes a battery to extend the battery life of the electronic device.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an apparatus for facilitating power transmission to and synchronization of a mobile device, which includes at least one integrated tool. For example, the integrated tool may be one or more of: a keychain, a bottle opener, a writing implement, a business card holder, or other useful tools that may be integrated with a communication medium that enables the transmission and/or synchronization of mobile devices.

Abstract: A fluid application device for applying a fluid to a surface and removing the same as necessary. The device may generally comprise a fluid applicator and a textile base member for sanitizing gym equipment, wiping windows, applying sunscreen, and the like. The fluid applicator may comprise a spray applicator, a permeable bladder, and the like. The textile base member may include but is not limited to a hand towel, a wristband, and any other known textile configurations. In one embodiment, the present invention may be used by gym patrons to sanitized gym equipment before and/or after use. The present invention may also be used to clean other surfaces including but not limited to household windows, vehicle windows, and the like. Additional embodiments of the present invention may also be used either to apply sunscreen on a user or as a fishing towel to clean hands and remove odor.

Abstract: A cosmetic product applicator includes a brush. The brush includes a core having a longitudinal axis (X), and one or more protrusions projecting from the core. The protrusions in turn include at least one straight first protrusion having a longitudinal axis oriented in a first radial direction of the core, and at least one bent second protrusion. The bent second protrusion includes a base portion extending from the core and has a longitudinal axis oriented in a second radial direction of the core, and an end portion extending from the base portion and has a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the straight first protrusion.

Abstract: A bridging device for securing a load carried by a user over a vest having interior side facing the user and exterior side facing away from the user that comprises a first axle capable of being coupled to the load in an area proximal to the exterior side, a second axle capable of being coupled to a support element worn by the user in an area proximal to the interior side; and at least one connecting element connecting the first axle to the second axle, wherein the connecting element is capable of maintaining a tension between the load and the support element.

Abstract: A lanyard attachment assembly has a sleeve with an inside surface and an outside surface. The inside surface defines a passageway through the sleeve. A strap passes through the passageway and forms a closed loop to link the closed loop to the sleeve. The assembly optionally includes a connector with a connector opening therethrough. When the assembly includes a connector, the strap passes through the connector opening where the closed loop links the connector to the sleeve.

Abstract: A utility belt assembly for use in association with an article of clothing including a belt member, wherein the belt member includes a first end, a second end, an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper end, and a lower end; a first bracket, wherein the first bracket is positioned on at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the belt member; a second bracket, wherein the second bracket is positioned on at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the belt member; wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are spaced apart from one another to define a first track therebetween; a securement member, wherein the securement member contacts at least one of the upper end and the lower end of the belt member, and wherein the securement member releasably associates the utility belt assembly with the article of clothing; and an accessory member, wherein the accessory member includes a guide member slidably positioned on and/or within the first track.

Abstract: A belt loop array for mounting a pouch or holster to waist belts of three or more different widths. The belt loop array consists of a plurality (five shown) of belt loop straps: a single intermediate strap, a pair of short straps and a pair of long straps, which are sewn or otherwise affixed to the back of a pouch or holster to form belt loops of three different widths. The loop straps are affixed to the pouch in a side by side arrangement with the intermediate strap interposed between the short loop straps and long loop straps.

Abstract: Hair brushes are disclosed that include a brush head having opposing front and back sides with a hollow portion therebetween. The back side includes a plurality of longitudinal apertures that extend between first and second ends of the brush head, at least one of the longitudinal apertures having a length L. The front side includes first and second sets of apertures separated by a medial portion. At least one of the apertures of the first and second sets of apertures has a length dimension of at least about 0.3 L to about 0.6 L.

Abstract: A head for an oral care implement has a mounting surface and at least one twisted tuft including a plurality of filaments and having a base mounted on the mounting surface. The twisted tuft has an outer lateral surface, a longitudinal axis, a lower cross-sectional area extending in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and that is arranged at the base, and an upper cross-sectional area extending in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and that is arranged at the twisted tuft's free end. The lower cross-sectional area and the upper cross-sectional area have substantially the same shape and size. The filaments forming the outer lateral surface are substantially straight and inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis in either a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction. The upper cross-sectional area is twisted relative to the lower cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An oral-care implement having a longitudinal axis, a bristle carrier, and a plurality of cleaning including a spring-loaded cleaning element movably disposed in a channel formed in the bristle carrier and comprising a spring portion disposed in the channel and a projecting portion longitudinally adjacent to the spring portion and outwardly extending from the channel at an angle of projection relative to the longitudinal axis. The spring portion can elastically deform inside the channel to conform to the channel's shape, thereby causing the projecting portion to change its length and angle of projection.

Abstract: The adaptive system includes a power toothbrush (10) which determines bristle force or pressure applied by the user against the teeth. The toothbrush includes a processing system (28) for comparing the determined force with a threshold value of excessive force and a threshold adaptive value which is below the excessive force threshold but serves as a warning for the user. The system is capable of raising the initial adaptive value threshold (64) following the user exceeding the adaptive value for a selected number of brushing events and then further for decreasing the adaptive value (66) back toward the initial adaptive value when the increased adaptive value is not exceeded for a selected number of brushing events, thus providing the ability to encourage/coach the user toward a brushing force which is below the threshold adaptive level and into a safe region of operation.

Abstract: Described in this application is a kit for adapting a paint brush having a handle opening. The kit includes a tool for improving the usefulness of the paint brush; a bushing receivable within the handle opening of the paint brush; a screw for passing through the tool and bushing and joining the tool to the paint brush; and a locking nut for securing the screw to the paint brush.

Abstract: A combination shaving brush and hollow vented holder for the brush. The holder is provided with a female threaded end and an opposite non-threaded end. The brush has male threads on the handle. The brush handle enters the holder via the non-threaded end and the male threads engage the female threaded end to secure the brush within the holder with the bristles of the brush suspended centrally within the holder where they can air dry. A vented cap snaps onto the second end of the holder to protect the bristles of the brush during transport and also serving as a base for resting the holder on a surface. The brush is removed from the holder via the threaded first end without disturbing the bristles of the brush by rotating the brush in the same direction as when securing to the holder to disengage the male threads from the female threads.

Abstract: A sanitizing device for toothbrushes is described. The device has a lower housing body, and a vessel for containing a sanitizing liquid being connected to the lower housing body in an upper position according to a vertical axis. The lower housing body has removable basins adapted to contain a head of the toothbrush substantially arranged along the vertical axis. The removable basins are hydraulically connected to the vessel for the controlled flowing down of the sanitizing liquid from the vessel to the basins. The lower housing body is removably associated to a cap in an upper position according to the vertical axis, the cap being cup-shaped to enclose the vessel and possible portions of the toothbrush that project upwards from the lower body.

Abstract: A collapsible table includes upper and lower pole members, a hub, and a tabletop. The upper and lower pole members are pivotally attached to the hub. The upper pole members extend upward and apart from each other from the hub when in their operable configuration and extend downward from the hub and generally parallel to each other when in their stowage configuration. The lower pole members extend downward and apart from each other from the hub when in their operable configuration and extend downward from the hub and generally parallel to each other when in their stowage configuration. The tabletop is removably attachable to the upper pole members and can be suspended by and between the upper pole members when the upper and lower pole members are in their operable configurations.

Abstract: A support device includes a bearing unit, and a supporting frame. The bearing unit includes two bearing members. The supporting frame includes a supporting mechanism combined with the bearing unit, and a stand unit connected with the supporting mechanism and supporting a bottom of the bearing unit. When the support device is disposed at an expanded position, the bearing members are parallel and juxtaposed to each other, and the supporting mechanism bridges and supports the bottom of the bearing members. When the support device is switched to a collapsed position, the bearing members are arranged in an upright manner and are located at two opposite side of the supporting frame. Thus, the support device has a largely reduced volume and has an enhanced strength to withstand a larger force or weight.

Abstract: Described is a device that can be used to hold a plurality of items such as plates, bowls and glasses on a patio table. The device is attached to the pole of the table umbrella and can be attached or detached in seconds without the use of any tools.

Abstract: A rack mounting kit is configured to allow mounting of a telecommunications equipment chassis into a rack by a single person. The rack mounting kit includes two complimentary brackets that form a shelf-like feature. The complimentary brackets also include a mating latch for interfacing with a chassis to secure the chassis in place. Additionally, a cross brace is provided that is removably installed onto the two complimentary brackets to provide additionally rigidity to a rack while a chassis is being installed. The cross brace can be removed once installation of the chassis is complete.

Abstract: A transportable boot storage hanger designed for space-efficient and low-wear storage of multiple boots may have: a) a topmost support engaging element; b) a first vertical support rod having a top end engaged with the topmost support element and a lower portion of the first vertical support rod engaged with a hanger connecting element; c) the hanger engaging element having an opening into which a multiple boot hanging frame is removably inserted or permanently attached; d) the multiple boot hanging frame having at least two major outward arms extending away from the opening; e) each of the at least two major arms having a vertical arm and a sole support element angle upwardly away from the first vertical support rod; and f) the sole support element having a top toe support stem and a lower heel support stem.

Abstract: A power cord management system for managing flexible electrical power cords associated with hair or bathroom handheld appliances includes a power cord storage body. A pair of spaced apart cord wrapping elements are coupled to the power storage body about which the flexible electrical power cord may be wrapped for storage. At least one of the cord wrapping elements is movable between a storage and release position. The cord wrapping elements are configured to retain the wrapped power cord upon the power cord storage body when the at least one of the cord wrapping elements is in the storage position and wherein the wrapped power cord may be removed from the power cord storage body without unwrapping the wrapped power cord when the at least one of the cord wrapping elements is moved to the release position.

Abstract: A ganging mechanism is configured to releasably attach a first object to a second object. The ganging mechanism includes a first part that is coupled to the first object. The first part includes a movable portion that carries a first ganging member. The movable portion is positionable between a stowed position and an extended position. The second part is coupled to the second object. The second part includes a receiver portion that receives the movable portion in the extended position. The second part includes a second ganging member that is configured to couple to the first ganging member resulting in the first object being ganged to the second object. The first and second ganging members are releasably coupled to one another by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: An article of furniture wherein two or more components of the article of furniture are connected by a barbed fastener that extends through bores formed in the components. Barbs project from the fasteners and engage an outer surface of the bores to prevent the fastener from backing out of the bores.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a slide rail to either a first bracket or a second bracket includes a retaining member, a first locking member pivotably attached to the retaining member, and a second locking member pivotably attached to the first locking member. The retaining member includes a sidewall forming a positioning pole. The positioning pole includes a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion. When mounting the slide rail to the first bracket, the first positioning portion engages in a through hole of the first bracket, a first abutting portion abuts against the first bracket. When mounting the slide rail to the second bracket, the second positioning portion engages in a through hole of the second bracket, a second abutting portion and the first abutting portion engage with the second bracket.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a shelf system and method of installing the shelf system. In a preferred embodiment the shelf has a first piece and a second piece. The first piece is a shelf and the second piece attaches to a corner. The shelf and second piece are connectable in a mortise and tenon arrangement.

Abstract: A supplementary organizer and storage device is disclosed in which the device comprises a central portion having a first side and a second side both descending down from the central portion, the first side having a pocket for receiving an object and the second side having a pocket for receiving an object, the central portion for being placed on top of an appliance and the first side and the second side for draping over top of the appliance.

Abstract: A rocking chair includes a seat, a backrest that is tiltable rearward, a locking spring portion that imparts resistance to the rearward tilting of the backrest, and a resilience adjustment member that changes the degree of resistance of the spring portion to the rearward tilting of the backrest. The resilience adjustment member is a cam that is rotationally operable by a person seated on a seat and the position in which rocking load due to the rearward tilting of the backrest is applied to the spring portion is changed by the cam, so that moment applied to the spring portion changes and the degree of resistance of the spring portion is adjusted.

Abstract: A leisure chair includes a seat movably mounted on top of a base. The seat includes a front rod extending between two lateral rods. A backrest is connected to the rear side of the seat. A footrest unit includes at least one first link and at least one second link. Forward movement of the seat causes the at least one first link and the at least one second link to pivot and causes the footrest unit to fold and move to the storage position below the seat. The at least one first link and the at least one second link form a folded part of the footrest unit. Rearward movement of the seat causes the at least one first link and the at least one second link to pivot and extend and causes the footrest to extend and move to the extended position in front of the seat.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided that may include a seatback and a seat bottom. The seatback may extend generally upright. The seat bottom may be connected to the seatback and may include a frame and a seat bottom adjustment mechanism. The seat bottom adjustment mechanism may include first and second cushion pans that are movable relative to the frame and movable relative to each other between first and second configurations. The first and second cushion pans may support one or more seat cushions.

Abstract: A transformable sporting chair system which can be transformed from a working seat for use in the outdoors, to a transportable configuration for carrying the chair to or from an outdoor location. The chair features a frame which can be nearly entirely disassembled and reassembled into the working or transport configuration. The chair includes a holding element for holding tools or equipment, such as a hunting bow. The chair may also be strapped to a tree using ratchet straps. An alternative system includes a removable mounting bracket and accessory mounting system for mounting cameras, tool holders, and other useful equipment for use with the chair.

Abstract: A posture support system that includes a base portion, a vertical arm portion extending from the base portion, a horizontal arm portion extending from the vertical arm portion, and a support portion extending from the horizontal arm portion. The base portion includes a rectangular board that rests on a flat surface. The vertical arm and horizontal arm portions are fully adjustable to accommodate different users when a user rests against the support portion to perform work, such as typing, on the flat surface. The posture support system induces proper seated posture.

Abstract: A clip for a yoga mat which secures a towel to the mat. The clip has a frame portion along with a cam lever or actuator. A user of the device rotates the cam lever about an axis from a first position to a second position. As the cam lever is rotated toward the second position, a portion of the cam lever makes contact with a movable portion of the frame. The cam lever forces the movable portion from a top location toward a bottom location which shortens a space between two members of the clip. The towel and mat are secured when the device is in the second position.

Abstract: A cover system for a seat having a base, a back, armrests and a tray is provided. The cover system includes a main cover with a bottom portion extending across the base of the seat and a top portion extending across and over the back of the seat. The cover system further includes first and second armrest covers defining an open end opposing a closed end. The first and second armrest covers extend over the armrests of the seat with the closed ends thereof abutting outwardly facing ends of the armrests. The cover system also includes tray cover adapted to extend over the tray of the seat. The tray cover has at least first and second securing components extending from opposite sides thereof. The first and second securing members secure the tray cover relative to the tray of the seat.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.

Abstract: An adapter plate for securing an item of merchandise to a merchandise security device is provided. For example, the adapter plate includes a body configured to be secured to an item of merchandise, wherein at least one slot is defined in the body. The at least one slot is configured to receive a first fastener for securing the body to the item of merchandise, and the body is laterally adjustable relative to the item of merchandise via engagement of the first fastener with the at least one slot. The body is configured to engage a second fastener for securing the body to the merchandise security device.

Abstract: A hanging mechanism includes a portion which is insertable into a belt buckle of a belt to engage a ratchet mechanism associated with the belt buckle. The hanging mechanism is used to suspend the belt for display purposes or for storage in a closet, etc.

Abstract: A picture mounting has: a web having a display panel which has a display surface on its front face, the display panel having a perimeter defined by a frame having a plurality of spars; each spar being made of leaves created from the web and extending from the perimeter of the display panel, each of the leaves being folded at least twice, in a rearward direction to create a spar having a polygonal cross-section; each spar having an adhesive region located on a surface of one of the leaves and by means of which a picture is adhered to the respective spar; the spars being mutually interlocking thereby to retain the spars adjacent the rear surface of the display surface and thereby to create the frame.

Abstract: A portable blanket is made from flexible material and has opposed front and back faces bounded by perimeter edges, and has a first surface area in an unfolded condition. The flexible material incorporates a folding guide thereon, the folding guide having lines which represent a sequence of two or more folds defining a folded condition of the blanket, the folded condition having a second surface area smaller than the first surface area.

Abstract: Provided is a cake shield for protecting cakes and baked goods from airborne contaminants. The cake shield has a cover portion that houses a cake, and a lid that fits over the cover portion. A plurality of apertures is disposed along the upper wall of the cover portion. Candles and decorative elements are inserted through these apertures into the underlying cake. Thus, when a user blows out his or her birthday candles, their exhalation is largely blocked by the cover portion, and does not reach the cake surface. When the cake is no longer in use, the lid is placed over the cover portion and rest thereon. The lid covers the apertures, preventing dust and debris form falling on the cake while it is stored.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a novel and uniquely shaped pizza box and cup holder in combination. In a first embodiment the pizza box is of a shape and size to contain a single slice of pizza and support at least one beverage therein. The pizza box with the beverage is easily carried with one hand and the box when opened is functional as a plate and cup holder. The box may be produced in various sizes of engineering choice. The box is easily made and integrally formed from one piece of material. A further embodiment includes the pizza box being of a shape and size to carry more than one slice of pizza and more than one beverage.

Abstract: A convertible mat (10) is provided and comprises a generally planar base (20) and a border extending around the base, the border comprising border sections (25, 26, 27, 28) joined together by webs, the webs being single, substantially non-folding web sections (35, 36, 37, 38) which cause the border sections to be movable together between a first position in which they are coplanar with the base and a second position in which they are inclined whereby to form a tray.