Abstract: A hand-warmer assembly and method of using the same. According to one embodiment, the hand-warmer assembly includes a hand-warmer and a leash connector. The hand-warmer may include a sleeve or a mitt having an open end for receiving a user's hand and a closed end. A pocket for holding personal effects may be provided on the exterior of the hand-warmer. A closure mechanism, such as a drawstring, may be provided to close the open end around the user's wrist or arm. The leash connector may include a strap and a clasp. The strap passes through the closed end of the hand-warmer, with a first end external to the hand-warmer and a second end within the hand-warmer. The first end of the strap is coupled to the clasp, which may be secured to a pet collar or leash. The second end of the strap forms at least one loop.

Abstract: A headband with one or more protective inserts. The inserts may be strategically positioned to provide protection for specific areas of a person's head that are most vulnerable to impact, depending on the sport or other activity. The inserts may be directly attached to the headband, or may be enclosed in pouches which are directly attached to the headband. The headband may be worn with or without additional headgear, and may be configured to cooperate with the additional headgear as to form, fit, and functionality.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a garment capable of providing a user with improved convenience and privacy. The invention includes a garment for concealing a hands-free oral delivery device with a fluid container and a pocket configured to hold the fluid container. The garment further includes a tube coupled to the fluid container for transporting a fluid, a channel formed within the garment to contain the tube, and a sheath for concealing the tube outside the garment. A method is provided for manufacturing a garment to conceal a hands-free oral delivery device that includes forming a pocket to contain a fluid container, forming a channel to contain a tube, and forming a hollow drawstring to conceal the tube. Various embodiments of the invention include a smoking device, a medicine dosage device, an inhaler, a pressurized gas canister for containing compressed gas, and a pouch for containing liquids for consumption.

Abstract: A garment, especially a sports garment, having a section which at least partially covers the body of a wearer, wherein the section has at least one venting element for allowing an air flow to flow from the outside of the garment through the section. into the inner of the garment for cooling a part of the body of the wearer. To improve the cooling during the movement of the wearer of the garment an actuating mechanism is arranged for opening and closing the venting element in dependence of the movement of a part of the body of the wearer during the use of the garment.

Abstract: A layered material for use as a reflective radiant barrier on objects such as hats, clothing, duffle bags, shade structure canopies, infant carrier canopy, and soft sided coolers. The invention has a planar backing having a back surface and a front surface; a planar radiant barrier material having a back surface and a front surface, the front surface of the planar radiant barrier comprising a reflective radiant barrier, the back surface of the planar radiant barrier material being coupled to the front surface of the planar backing and a mesh material having a plurality of substantially uniform openings, the mesh material disposed on the front surface of the planar radiant barrier material.

Abstract: A filament for artificial hair is excellent in terms of volume and luster and not subject to yarn cracking or yarn breakage. The filament is a filament of a thermoplastic resin, its shape of a cross section in a direction perpendicular to a fiber axis is a multilobal shape having three or more interlobe gap regions, widths W2 of the interlobe gap regions are 10 to 60% of a width W1 of the filament, and depths H2 of the interlobe gap regions are 5 to 30% of a height H1 of the filament.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial eyelashes and a method of manufacturing the same, and the artificial eyelashes include: a column member which extends in a direction of a central axis by a predetermined length; a tape which has a first surface which is attached to an outer circumferential surface of the column member in a circumferential direction of the column member in a state in which the first surface is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis of the column member, and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface; and a plurality of yarns each of which has a fixed end which is separably attached to the second surface of the tape, and a free end which extends from the fixed end.

Abstract: A hat system relating to reducing and/or eliminating physical interferences between hat bills and eyewear by the introduction of strategic hat bill cutouts along the periphery of the bill as a means for providing additional physical clearance for user-chosen eyewear. Additionally, users of the preferred hat system may also take advantage of bill cutouts as a means to secure eyewear on the face during sports, or other moments of high activity. Further, the hat system incorporates a camouflage covering to camouflage such strategic hat bill cutouts. Even further, the hat system provides unique design elements provided by geometrically-shaped bill cutouts in combination with, or without, coverings.

Abstract: A flexible, fibrous energy managing composite panel includes multiple flocked energy absorbing material (FEAM) layers separated by dividers. The FEAM layers can be single side or double side and can be fabricated from monofilament fibers having different properties (e.g., length and denier) flocked onto various substrates. The dividers can include sheets, fabrics, films, foam, spacer fabrics to separate the flock fibers in adjacent layers. The composite panels can be processed for breathability and flexibility. Other embodiments include piezoelectric FEAM layers and dividers for electronic sensing applications, and application of composite panels to body armor and the outer shells of helmets.

Abstract: A sports shoe includes an upper wherein a majority by weight of the upper is made from a thermoplastic base material and a sole wherein a majority by weight of the sole is made from the same thermoplastic base material. The sole and the upper are individually fabricated and joined to each other. The thermoplastic base material includes at least one of the following materials: thermoplastic polyurethane TPU, polyamide PA, polyethylene terephthalate PET, or polybutylene terephthalate PBT.

Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.

Abstract: The present invention in a first embodiment comprises flip flop style footwear displaying themed foot bed as well as charm elements attached to the upper foot strap. Said charm elements will be attached by method of a fastener integrated into the upper foot strap. Charm elements will be supplied with the pair of flip flop footwear and will also be interchangeable to suit the consumer's personal choice and style. It is therefore another aspect, advantage and objective of this invention to utilize environmentally sensitive materials for flip flop elements such as the foot bed and or lower sole portions. Such materials may be comprised of recycled foams and rubbers (i.e. yoga mat material).

Abstract: A customizable replacement strap converter system for flip flop sandals provides the ability to convert flip flop sandals into lace-up sandals. Converter pegs are inserted into a stock sandal sole after the stock straps have been removed. A plurality of straps is then threaded through loop bands of the converter pegs in order to create a custom strap arrangement 21.

Abstract: A sandal for use during or after a pedicure including: an inner sole; a toe divider along the top area of the inner sole, where the toe divider includes series of ridges; an inner strap; and an outer strap, where the inner strap and outer strap removably connect to each other over the top of a user's foot. The sandal further includes a means to connect the inner strap to the outer strap. In one particular embodiment, the means to connect may include a hook and loop connector. The inner strap and outer strap are preferably made of a flexible material. Further, the series of ridges preferably includes four ridges for placement between a user's toes.

Abstract: Golf shoes include one or more of the following: (a) a foot stabilizer system that interacts with a shoe securing system to securely engage and/or wrap around a foot of a wearer; (b) a natural motion sole, optionally including flex grooves that allow a weight transfer from back-to-front and/or from side-to-side; (c) a six cleat configuration (e.g., four cleats in a forefoot region, two cleats in a heel region, and no cleats located directly under a big toe); (d) a forefoot moderator plate positioned to moderate or reduce user feel of the forefoot cleats; (e) a lateral half heel counter extending from a rear heel area to a lateral midfoot or lateral forward heel area of the shoe; and/or (f) one or more medial, forefoot, sidewall traction elements at or near a big toe area of the sole.

Abstract: An insert (1) for the customization of a footwear (100), more particularly of a sports footwear, is provided. A footwear that is customizable by using the aforementioned insert as well as a method for the customization of a footwear, the method using the aforementioned insert, are also provided. The insert (1) comprises a layer made of thermo-formable material (3) and a layer made of cork (5) coupled to each other. The presence of the layer made of thermo-formable material (3) allows customization of the footwear according to the morphology of the foot of the individual user; the presence of the layer made of cork (5) allows good thermal insulation and effective transmission of the movements from the user's foot to the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper with multiple components. The upper includes a fastening system, a shield, and a tongue. The shield and the tongue are each attached to the upper. The shield and the tongue may be readily moved to facilitate entry of a foot into the article of footwear, or exit of a foot from the article of footwear.

Abstract: A multiple shockproof, hygroscopic and breathable shoe pad includes, from bottom to top in succession: a support bottom layer (1), wherein a lower end face of the support bottom layer (1) is provided with a plurality of protruding portions (5), an upper end face of the support bottom layer (1) is provided with air holes (6), and the protruding portions (5) and the air holes (6) are alternately arranged; an elastic interlayer (2), wherein the elastic interlayer (2) is provided with air holes (6), and is coated with an antibacterial deodorization layer; a hygroscopic interlayer (3), wherein the hygroscopic interlayer (3) is provided with air holes (6), and is coated with an antibacterial deodorization layer; and a breathable waterproof layer (4), coated with an antibacterial deodorization layer; and the support bottom layer (1), the elastic interlayer (2), the hygroscopic interlayer (3), and the breathable waterproof layer (4) are successively bonded.

Abstract: A footwear construction having a strobel-stitched bottomed upper and a sole assembly with a topsole disposed above the strobel board. The topsole is manufactured from a foam having an average modulus at a stress of 535 kilopascals of from about 750 kilopascals to about 950 kilopascals. The foam also has an energy efficiency of at least about 78%, and a dynamic compression set of less than about 10%. The sole assembly may include an inner sole disposed above the topsole. The inner sole may be manufactured from EVA foam. The topsole may have a thickness of at least 1 mm, the inner sole may have a thickness of at least 3 mm, and the total thickness of the topsole and inner sole may be at least 5 mm. The sole assembly may include a midsole, and possibly an outsole, disposed below the strobel board.

Abstract: A footbed having the ability to fixedly secure the forefoot portion of the foot while allowing the heel portion to laterally move during activity is provided. The footbed can include a sock liner positioned thereon wherein the sock liner is more firmly secured to the footbed in the forefront region than in the heel region to allow lateral movement.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a midsole for providing cushioning for a wearer's foot and providing structure for coupling the midsole to an upper. The midsole may include a body and a flange integrally formed with the body and extending outwardly from an outer perimeter of the body. The flange may be configured to couple with the upper. The midsole may be a single integrally formed piece. The midsole may eliminate the need to include a strobel board as part of the article of footwear. Methods for manufacturing an article of footwear including a midsole are also provided.

Abstract: A material that includes at least one layer made of an auxetic structure and articles of footwear having soles comprising the materials. When the material is under tension, it expands in both the direction under tension and in the direction orthogonal to the direction under tension. The articles of footwear have soles that have at least one layer made of a material that has a pattern of apertures to provide the auxetic structure. The apertures are surrounded by sole portions that can rotate or pivot to change the size of the apertures. An outer covering can be mated with an outsole structure formed by the auxetic structure. The outer covering includes features that mate with the apertures in the outsole structure. The outer covering is elastic and can stretch to accommodate expansion of the auxetic structure.

Abstract: The optimized shoe invention comprises five embodiments and two methods to optimize both the performance and comfort of footwear for walking and running and for robotics, prosthetics and orthotics. First, there are three versions of enhanced heel-lift shoes for energy return much higher than that of just “springs in shoes.” Second, to minimize foot impact shoe there are ten enhanced optimal springs with 1% hysteresis loss. Third, for ankle and knee joints there is a rotating-arms enhanced optimal spring. Fourth, said enhanced optimal springs are incorporated into conventional shoes. Fifth, there is an automatic gear change mechanism to change the sole spring stiffness so that the sole is always close to full compression—so that the performance and comfort is always optimal. The optimal force curve method features a pre-loaded constant force curve tuned to a particular use. The shoe tuning method provides precise sole energies by slicing springs.

Abstract: An article of footwear and method of making an article of footwear are disclosed. The article includes an outsole having an outsole member. The outsole member includes a first piece and a second piece. The first piece is spaced from a base by a first vertical distance. The second piece is spaced from the base by a second vertical distance, the first vertical distance being greater than the second vertical distance.

Abstract: A shoe sole including: an outsole 1 and a mid sole 2, wherein: the outsole 1 includes: a plurality of cleats C1 arranged while being spaced apart from one another in a first direction D1; and a plurality of cleats C1 arranged while being spaced apart from one another in a second direction D2; ones of the cleats C1 that are adjacent to each other in a third direction D3 are continuous with each other in the third direction D3 via a first connecting portion 12 of the outsole; ones of the cleats C1 that are adjacent to each other in a fourth direction D4 are continuous with each other in the fourth direction D4 via a second connecting portion 13 of the outsole; a plurality of through holes H are provided, each through hole H being defined in an area surrounded by three or more of the cleats C1; and the lower surface 20 of the mid sole 2 includes: an attachment surface 22 attached to the upper surface 11 of the outsole 1, and an exposed surface 23 of the foamed material exposed through the through holes H.

Abstract: Articles of footwear with a sock-like upper and methods for constructing thereof are provided. In one embodiment, an upper comprises a first layer including a first interior and a first exterior, a second layer including a second interior and a second exterior, where the first layer and the second layer comprise a same material and are physically coupled at one end of each layer, and a plurality of sub-structural components positioned between the first exterior and the second interior. In this way, manufacturing articles of footwear with a sock-like upper may be simplified, while the comfort and fit of the articles of footwear may be improved.

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: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is attached to the sole structure. The upper includes a forefoot region that is configured to receive a plurality of toes of a foot. The upper includes a first zone having a first elasticity, a second zone having a second elasticity, and a third zone having a third elasticity. The third zone is disposed between the first zone and the second zone. The third elasticity is greater than the first elasticity and the second elasticity. The third zone is configured to bias the first zone and the second zone toward each other. The third zone is biased generally toward the sole structure and configured to be received in a space located between two of the plurality of toes of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes portions having extended floated portions to distribute forces acting on the knitted component and resist stretching of the knitted component when the article of footwear is worn during a sport or athletic activity.

Abstract: A boot includes a sole, an upper and an inner lining. The upper is connected to the sole and cooperates with the sole to define an accommodating space that is adapted for receiving a human foot therein. The upper includes a vamp portion that is connected to the sole, and a shaft portion that extends upwardly from a top end of the vamp portion and that includes at least one ventilating lace layer and a rear supporting strap disposed on and connected to the lace layer and adapted to be corresponding in position to a heel part of the human foot. The rear supporting strap extends upwardly from the top end of the vamp portion so as to support the lace layer to stand in an upright direction.

Abstract: The present invention is for a slip resistant shoelace comprising a shoelace tube and one or more friction inducing features such as a plurality of beads placed inside the shoelace tube. The plurality of beads of the shoelace interlock with each other while in a knot and thus resist slipping of the knot in the slip resistant shoe lace. The interlocking occurs as one or more beads of the plurality of beads of one section of the slip resistant shoelace fit in space available between two consecutive beads of the plurality of beads of another section of the slip resistant shoelace which are passing over each other in the knot. The interlocking prevents the shoelace from getting loosened and untied inadvertently. The slip resistant shoelace can be tied and untied in the traditional manner.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a cinching apparatus that is configured to move the upper between an open position and a closed position. The cinching apparatus includes a spring pad with a first, second, and third portion. The third portion is elastic and configured to deform elastically from a first position toward a second position. The third portion is configured to move the first portion relative to the second portion generally in the longitudinal direction as the third portion deforms between the first position and the second position. Also, the cinching apparatus is configured to move the upper from the open position toward the closed position as the third portion of the spring pad moves from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring inside dimensions of shoes. In this method a foot model can be obtained after the processes of a plastic filling material being filled into the shoe, shaping, being taken out from the shoe and being restored; then more accurate data of the inside dimensions of the shoe can be obtained by measuring the foot model. Further disclosed is a measuring tool able to be used in the present measuring method. By using the measuring method and the measuring tool, errors encountered when going shopping for shoes can be reduced to the maximum degree by a simple operation, such that the problem that an ordinary consumer could buy a pair of perfect fitting shoes only if he/she tries them personally can be solved.

Abstract: The invention describes a bell buckle (10) for a vehicle seat belt comprising a casing (12) in which at least one locking element (16) adapted to lock a plug-in tongue insertable into the belt buckle (10) and an ejection element (18) adapted to eject the plug-in tongue are provided. Each of the ejection element (18) and the locking element (16) is adapted to adopt a locked position and a home position, wherein in the home position the locking element (16) is adjacent to the ejection element (18) and thus is blocked.

Abstract: A button assembly includes a back member, a socket or a stud secured with an eyelet or a rivet to the back member and a shell crimped onto the back member. Indicia may be disposed on the exterior surface of the shell. The button assemblies, each with a unique image, can be used to form a puzzle or provide a method of personal expression or a method of communication.

Abstract: Loop components for hook-and-loop fasteners and methods of making the same. The loop components comprise single-layer nonwoven webs having a first side, a second side opposite the first side and a thickness therebetween. The fibers of the nonwoven webs are partially fused on the first side to create a skin layer. The nonwoven webs have a basis weight ranging from 20 gsm to 50 gsm and a pressure drop index ranging from 40 to 100.

Abstract: Method of forming an adjustable-length, stretchable, fabric cord, typically elastane-based, for use in making jewelry, eyeglass necklaces, hair bands and more. Elastane-based fabric cord is typically used in conjunction with beadwork and other jewelry components.

Abstract: A ball-shaped mechanism for connecting two ends of a ball chain. The mechanism is formed of two ball halves that may be separated to receive two link members and then secured together to hold the link members in place. Each of the ball halves has two opposing slots that are sized and shaped to receive a link member. When the two ball halves are brought together along their respective equatorial planes, the respective slots form pockets that secure link member ends within the ball-shaped connection mechanism.

Abstract: A necklace includes at least one first chain having a first ring and a first transverse bar, a second chain having a second ring and a second transverse bar, and a third chain having a third ring and a third transverse bar. The second chain and the third chain have different lengths. The second ring and the third ring are removably connected to the first transverse bar, and the first ring is removably connected to the second transverse bar and to the third transverse bar. Chains used to create the necklace may alternatively be used to create a bracelet.

Abstract: An ear piercing stud includes a post including a sharpened first end and a second end and a setting portion including a base secured to the second end of the post and a plurality of prongs configured to retain a stone in the setting portion. The prongs have a substantially constant thickness along length and width dimensions thereof. The base has a substantially same thickness as the plurality of prongs. The plurality of prongs are bent into a configuration having two side portions coupled together at an angle. Ridge-like strengthening structures run in a lengthwise direction along a central portion of each of the plurality of prongs. The setting portion is formed of a heat treatable gold alloy that increases in strength upon heat treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jewelry, specifically a sprig of mistletoe, encased in resin and worn around the neck, wrist, ankle or ears, or hung as a decorative piece; and a method of manufacture of said jewelry.

Abstract: A method of forming an article such as a jewellery ring or bangle comprising: providing a first substantially annular-sectioned element and a second substantially annular-sectioned element, an outer diameter of the first element being less than an inner diameter of the second element; forming a circumferential groove in one of the first and second elements by a process of rolling; positioning the first and second elements together with the second element positioned circumferentially around the first element; and expanding the first element such that the circumferential groove in the one element receives therein the other of the said elements.

Abstract: The present application includes an assembly for transporting luggage including a carrying member configured to releasably couple the luggage to a traveler around the core portion of the body. The carrying member coupled to a portion of the apparel and to the luggage handle. Loads exerted by the weight of the luggage are placed over the lower body. The method includes the steps of obtaining a carrying member and attaching it to a traveler, followed by attaching the luggage to the carrying member. The traveler may remove or adjust as necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a travel bag having an extra storage compartment. The auxiliary storage compartment is formed of a flexible textile material and is attached to top of the travel bag in a folding manner. The auxiliary storage compartment is usually stored to be in close contact with the outside of the main body of the bag. When in use, the auxiliary storage compartment is unfolded upward for assembly so that another auxiliary storage compartment is formed. During travel, belongings such as a handbag, a camera, a cellular phone, etc. can be conveniently stored and kept temporarily during an immigration inspection at an airport or the like. Accordingly, utility of the travel bag can be more improved.

Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus, system and method of providing a stylus receiving tool. The apparatus, system and method may include a body portion having an anterior end, a posterior end opposite the anterior end, an exterior portion and an interior portion each extending from the anterior end to the posterior end; and a receiver suitable for receiving a stylus, formed within the interior portion, and having an open portion at the anterior end.

Abstract: A locking assembly for portable containers includes at least one open shell that defines within it a compartment for accommodating objects. The shell is partially closed, in first configuration, by at least one respective covering unit coupled to the shell and moves between two configurations, for free access to the compartment. The locking assembly includes at least one lever for actuating a slider, which can be slideably coupled to a reference outer surface of the shell or the unit. The slider moves between a first limit position, wherein it is engaged with a respective abutment coupled to the other one of the shell or the unit, arranged in the first configuration, for their mutual locking, and second limit position, wherein the slider is distanced from the abutment to allow the transition of the covering unit between the configurations and free access to the compartment.

Abstract: A scissor lift for raising and lowering a heavy object, including an upper platform for supporting a heavy object, including a release mechanism, and guided rollers mounted on axles, a lower frame including guided rollers mounted on axles, a scissor lift mechanism fastened to the axles of the upper platform guided rollers and to the axles of the lower frame guided rollers, that raises and lowers the upper platform, a locking mechanism including protrusions protruding outward of the upper frame, each protrusion corresponding to a different height of the scissor lift mechanism, wherein at least one guided roller within the upper platform includes a spring-loaded pin for engagement in the protrusions, thereby locking the scissor lift mechanism into place at a height corresponding to the protrusion into which the spring-loaded pin is engaged, and a release mechanism that unlocks the scissor lift mechanism.

Abstract: The invention discloses a hair curler, including the first plate and second plate, the first plate is equipped with the first heater, and the second plate is equipped with the second heater. When the first plate and the second plate are in closed condition, there will be a reserved space of 0.06 mm to 0.12 mm between the first heater and the second heater. When the strand of hair is fewer between the first heater and the second heater in the use of the appliance, hold the plates until to nearly closed condition, considering there is a reserved space of 0.06 mm to 0.12 mm between the two heaters, while the dimension of human hair is about 0.08 mm, that means the strand of hair between the plates won't be grasped firmly. In this way, the clamping force caused when closing the plates will be greatly reduced, the hair will go smoothly through the reserved space without getting clamped off or damaged by the large clamping force.

Abstract: A curling iron providing angular adjustment of a heatable wand to a handle is disclosed. The curling iron comprises a pivot joint between the elongated handle and the elongated heatable wand. A manual detent is biased to constrain the pivot joint against rotation, thereby locking the elongated heatable wand in a selected position relative to the handle, and to release the wand for adjustment to another position. Release and adjustment may be performed by operating a manual control to release the pivot joint and rotating a wheel of the pivot joint to adjust angle of the wand relative to the handle. Alternatively, a single manual control can be manipulated to both release the pivot joint and also adjust the angle of the wand.

Abstract: To provide a dryer that can simply and effectively massage the scalp. The main body of this dryer, which dries the scalp and provides vibratory stimulation to the scalp, is provided with a blower which sucks air from the outside and blows the air towards a blower port, a heater and/or a heater which heats the blown air, a scalp massage attachment which is attached in the blowing direction of the blower port, and a vibrator which generates vibration to vibrate the scalp massage attachment.