Abstract: A moisture-diverting band device is provided, including first and second longitudinally-extending, parallel band portions. The first band portion is adapted to be disposed adjacent to a moisture-producing surface, and is comprised of a porous hydrophobic material. A longitudinally-extending U channel is engaged between corresponding longitudinal edges of the first and second band portions, and is comprised of a non-porous hydrophobic material. A longitudinally-extending band divider is disposed between the first and second band portions. The band divider is comprised of a hydrophobic material and has opposed first and second longitudinal edges, with the first longitudinal edge thereof extending into the U channel. The band divider is configured to direct moisture passing through the first band portion toward the U channel, wherein the U channel is configured to divert the collected moisture toward opposed longitudinal ends thereof. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A carry and conceal garment is provided that allows a wearer to carry an article along the wearer's waist without alerting others to its presence. The garment comprises an outer garment layer and an inner garment layer. The inner garment layer forms to the wearer's torso and is adapted to be tucked behind the carried article and into the wearer's pants waist. The outer garment layer is positioned over the carried article and loosely over the wearer's pants waist. The outer garment layer comprises a first tubular shell, whereby the inner garment layer comprises a second tubular shell. The tubular shell of the inner garment layer is either coextensive with the tubular shell of the outer garment, or is one that is limited to the mid-torso of the wearer and is affixed to the midportion of the tubular shell of the outer garment layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable, vented, and insulating cold weather garments. More particularly, the present invention relates to garments with chambers to retain an insulating fill material. Perforations along the seams between the insulating chambers may achieve optimal evaporative moisture transfer from the inside (proximal to the body of a wearer) of the garment to the outside environment.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to breathable, vented, and insulating garments. More particularly, the technology described herein relates to garments with chambers to retain an insulating fill material. Openings along seams between the insulating chambers may achieve evaporative moisture or air transfer from the inside (proximal to the body of a wearer) of the garment to the outside environment. In an aspect, the garments comprise one or more insulated zones provided with one or more vented-insulation sections provided at locations on the garment configured to align with one or more areas of a wearer's body that are more sensitive to environmental conditions (e.g. temperature) and/or are prone to faster heat loss.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles, brassieres, clothing items, and other implementations, including an article that includes an underlying structure, a fastener coupled to the underlying structure, with at least part of the fastener placed at a first location of the underlying structure, and a protective cover positioned at a location proximate the first location at which the at least part of the fastener is coupled to the underlying structure, the protective cover configured to be placed over the fastener so that the at least part of the fastener is substantially placed in an interior space defined by the protective cover placed over the fastener at the first location of the underlying structure when the article is not in use.

Abstract: An artificial floral design detachably attaches an artificial flower to a side mirror of a vehicle for decorative purposes and to signify a special event. The artificial flower displays prominently, such that onlookers can easily view the artificial flower. The artificial floral design for decorating a side view mirror of a vehicle is composed of three main elements, a strap, an artificial flower attachment means that mounts onto the strap, and an artificial flower that detachably attaches to the artificial flower attachment means.

Abstract: A hat brim includes: an upper surface; a lower surface; and a face, the face extending from an outer edge of the upper surface to an outer edge of the lower surface, a face height of the face measuring at least about ¼?. A method of manufacturing a hat includes: forming a brim, a rear edge of the brim attached to a lower edge of a crown, the brim including an upper surface; a lower surface; and a face, the face extending from an outer edge of the upper surface to an outer edge of the lower surface, a face height of the face measuring at least ¼?; and incorporating face indicia onto the face of the brim.

Abstract: Whiplash reduction systems and devices and methods to use the same. In an embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a front anchor strap coupled directly or indirectly to a headgear; a top anchor coupled to the front anchor strap, the top anchor having a connector coupled thereto, the connector configured to connect to at least one rear strap; a first retainer configured to fit within apertures defined within the headgear and to wrap around at least part of the headgear and at least part of the front anchor strap to secure the front anchor strap to the headgear at or near the apertures; and a plate having a central portion defining a recessed portion and further having a first side portion and a second side portion.

Abstract: A helmet can include a helmet body and a shield. The helmet body can include a front portion and a tail portion, and the shield can include two ear portions connected by a brow portion. The shield can be releasably coupled to the helmet body. The ears of a helmet user can be exposed with respect to the helmet body and covered with respect to the shield. The brow portion of the shield can extend across the front portion of the helmet. The tail portion of the helmet can be tapered and the front portion of the helmet can have a rounded leading edge, such that the helmet body has a tear drop form factor.

Abstract: A protective helmet including an outer shell including at least one aperture, an elastomeric diaphragm connected to an inner surface of the outer shell and covering the at least one aperture, an inner shell slidingly connected to the outer shell where the inner shell is spaced apart from the outer shell, and at least one expandable bladder positioned between the outer shell and the inner shell and operatively arranged to displace the elastomeric diaphragm in the at least one aperture of the outer shell.

Abstract: An Integrated Head and Neck Tandem-Bracing Device for Protective Helmets is introduced for hazardous activities such as hockey, American football, and others which require safety helmet protections against head impact trauma. The default vulnerability in such hazardous events is the lack of solid securitization of the neck of helmet wearers during such activities. The novel art is designed to protect the wearer against external impact injuries to the head but essentially to the extent the neck is solidly braced, in-tandem, between helmet and torso, at instance of an impinging impact. The novel device presumes optimal protections based upon safeguarding the integrity of the central nervous system: head, neck, and all vertebrae, the torso. This standard of care and the novel technology are integral for maintaining vital safety measures which have been unanticipated by conventional equipment.

Abstract: A protective helmet having a cover plate over a front vision area and a cover plate knock out assembly for moving the cover plate a predetermined distance away from the helmet so that a finger of a user can get behind the cover plate to enable its removal from the front vision area of the helmet. The cover plate knock out assembly comprises a step-shaped actuator element and a light blocking cover. The upper portion of the step-shaped actuator pushes the cover plate away from the helmet when the lower portion of the step-shaped actuator is pressed. The cover plate made of clear plastic includes a spring tendency when slightly compressed when attached to the helmet thereby pushing the upper portion of the step-shaped actuator into a resting position in the helmet.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole system secured to the upper. The sole system includes a bladder member with an illumination device. The bladder member is formed from at least a partially transparent or colored outer polymer layer that encloses a fluid. The illumination device is located within the sole system. Light from the illumination device may pass out the sole system by passing through the bladder member, thereby imparting the configuration of an illuminable fluid-filled bladder member.

Abstract: A shoe sole structure of a cycling shoe for bicycles has a sole and an insole. The sole is made of rigid materials without deforming, and has at least one engaging hole, and at least one ventilating hole. The insole is made of soft materials, abuts against a top surface of the sole. When the insole is deposited in the cycling shoe and abuts the sole, and the user's foot wears the cycling shoe and the weight of the user's foot is applied on the insole and the sole of the cycling sole, since the material of the insole is softer than the material of the sole to enable the insole to deform, and the weight of the user's foot is pressed on the insole, and the insole completely abuts the user's foot and the sole without forming any interspaces between the user's foot and the sole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shielding device for foot pain and discomfort generally associated with diabetics suffering from the effects of peripheral neuropathy. More specifically, the discomfort experienced when the users foot comes in contact with surrounding objects such as floors and bedding. This invention is comprised of six elements, but is not limited to using all six of them simultaneously. This device has an applied stationary or removable stiff and very smooth surface making contact with the foot, or an applied removable stiff appliance contained within a sleeve adjacent to the foot. Additionally the device has a protective perimeter boundary between the foot and the surrounding environment, with a secure means to wear the device. The invention is effectively a device with a perimeter and a securing fit held fast to the feet.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes an upper section, a mid-sole, an outsole, and an extension. The outsole is coupled to the upper section and the mid-sole. The extension is coupled to the outsole and/or the mid-sole. The extension is on a medial side of the athletic shoe when worn on a dominant side and it extends from a toe section of the athletic shoe to a mid-foot section of the athletic shoe and, from a bottom perspective, extends beyond the upper section to provide an increase in force during performance of a rotational athletic task.

Abstract: An article with a sole structure including a midsole component and an outer sole member are described. The sole structure includes a set of holes arranged in an auxetic configuration that permit the sole to expand in an auxetic manner. The set of holes extends through the midsole component and the outer sole member and both the midsole component and the outer sole member are exposed on an outer surface of the sole structure.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole assembly includes a central support structure that extends along the sole assembly in the longitudinal direction. The sole assembly includes forefoot wing portions extending away from the central support structure in the lateral direction in the forefoot region of the sole assembly. The sole assembly also includes stability rib portions extending away from the central support structure in the lateral direction in the midfoot region of the sole assembly. The central support structure provides varying amounts of stiffness and flexibility to the sole assembly and the forefoot wing portions and stability rib portions provide additional stiffness and flexibility to desired portions of the sole assembly.

Abstract: An expandable support member for an article of footwear includes a plurality of expansion components that are joined together. The support member can be expandable between a contracted position and an expanded position. The plurality of expansion components are configured to expand along a non-linear path when the support member moves between the contracted position and the expanded position.

Abstract: A warp knit element for an article of footwear includes a plurality of strap members that are separated by a slit. The strap members are formed of unitary knit construction to be joined at a junction. Edges that define the strap member extend generally in a warp direction on the knit element. The knit element can provide stretch resistance to the article of footwear.

Abstract: A reinforcement component for an article of footwear is formed by a folded knit element. The knit element includes a plurality of strap members that are separated by slits when the knit element is in a contracted position. In an expanded position, the slits become openings between the plurality of strap members. The knit element has an upper portion that is folded over a lower portion so that ends of the plurality of strap members are brought together and a plurality of loops are formed along a top of the folded knit element. The folded knit element forms the reinforcement component and the plurality of loops are configured to receive a lace. Forces applied to the reinforcement component by the lace are distributed through the plurality of strap members across the upper of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe retention system for converting a flip flop into a sandal includes a flip flop that may be worn on a foot of a user. A retainer is removably attached to the flip flop. The retainer engages an ankle of the user such that the sole portion is prevented from dropping away from the user's foot while the user walks.

Abstract: A footwear traction device is provided that is removably attachable to an item of footwear. The footwear traction device comprises a traction portion having one or more traction elements on a bottom thereof, a heel support portion disposed at a rear traction portion, and a forefoot support portion disposed at a forefoot traction portion. A cable extends through cable guides or channels and attaches the traction portion, the heel support portion, and the forefoot support portion together. A cable reel device is rotatably operable to adjust a length of the cable to selectively secure and unsecure the footwear traction device to the item of footwear. Shortening the length of the cable tightens the traction portion, the heel support portion and the forefoot support portion inwardly against the item of footwear, thereby securing the footwear traction device to 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: A footwear element includes a sole assembly extending along an extension direction between opposite front and rear ends; a flexible upper includes a lower portion adjoining the sole assembly and configured to receive a shoe of a user, and an upper portion extending from the lower portion away from the sole assembly; and a fastening element configured to cooperate with a locking mechanism provided on the apparatus for reversibly retaining the footwear element on the apparatus. The fastening element is removably mounted on the footwear element.

Abstract: A footwear customization kit is described. The kit comprises a container including an article of footwear, a stand, a steaming bag and a set of instructions. The article of footwear includes one or more customizable portions that can be deformed when heated, including an upper and a customizable insert. The stand and the steaming bag can be used to heat the article of footwear and the customizable portions in a steam environment. The customizable portions can be modified by a shape of a foot inserted into the article of footwear and can permanently retain the shape upon cooling.

Abstract: A webbing adjuster for maintaining orderly, adjustable strap arrangement and secure connections in, e.g., a helmet, which allows for strap adjustment and, upon cinching, secures straps in place. The adjuster can be used in mountaineering, with motorcycle and bicycle helmets, and in other applications that benefit from orderly, adjustable strap arrangement and/or secure connections.

Abstract: A cord lock includes a female member including first cord insertion portions through which a cord can be inserted to pass; a male member capable of moving in and out from an opening of the female member, and including second cord insertion portions through which the cord inserted to pass through the first cord insertion portions can pass; and an urging device provided between the female member and the male member to provide an urging force in a direction wherein the male member protrudes from the opening of the female member. The second cord insertion portion of the male member and the urging device are located adjacent to each other, and on opposed faces of the female member and the male member along an insertion direction of the cord, straight portions which can carry out at least a line contact are provided.

Abstract: A buckle assembly is configured to securely attach to a component and may include a buckle housing and a securing member. The buckle housing may include a first connecting protuberance or first protuberance-retaining structure, and a second connecting protuberance or the second protuberance-retaining structure. The securing member may include the other of the first connecting protuberance or the first protuberance-retaining structure, and the other of the second connecting protuberance or the second protuberance-retaining structure. The first protuberance-retaining structure is configured to slidably receive the first connecting protuberance in a sliding direction. The second protuberance-retaining structure is configured to securely retain the second connecting protuberance so that the buckle housing is secured with respect to the securing member.

Abstract: A snap fastener system for securely attaching a piece of communication equipment, such as a two-way radio speaker microphone, to an article of clothing is provided. The system includes at least one strap attached to the article of clothing at each end of the strap. One half of a snap fastener is attached to the strap, and the corresponding half is attached to the speaker microphone. The speaker microphone can be quickly and easily attached to the article of clothing simply be snapping the two halves of the fastener together. Similarly, the microphone can be easily detached from the clothing by unsnapping the fastener. Additionally, a clip on the back of the microphone can be used to clip the microphone to the strap. Thus, there are two separate ways of attaching the microphone to the clothing to ensure that the microphone can be safely secured to the clothing at all times.

Abstract: A male touch fastener strip includes an elongated base and a field of male fastener elements each having a stem extending from a broad face of the base and a head for engaging fibers. The fastener element stems and broad face of the base together form a unitary mass of resin, such as a resin containing a magnetically attractable substance. Wings extend from respective longitudinal edges of the base and define discrete corrugations extending in a series along the fastener strip and forming corresponding undulations in the rear face of the strip along its longitudinal edges. The corrugated wings can also support a foam gasket.

Abstract: A male touch fastener strip includes an elongated base and a field of male fastener elements each having a stem extending from a broad face of the base and a head for engaging fibers. The fastener element stems and broad face of the base together form a unitary mass of resin, such as a resin containing a magnetically attractable substance. Wings extend from respective longitudinal edges of the base and define discrete corrugations extending in a series along the fastener strip and forming corresponding undulations in the rear face of the strip along its longitudinal edges. The corrugated wings can also support a foam gasket.

Abstract: An oval shaped diamond, adapted to display a hearts and arrows pattern when exposed to light characteristic of the hearts and arrows pattern in a round diamond, comprising: an oval shape having two long sides symmetrical to each other, two short sides symmetrical to each other and four diagonal sides symmetrically located between the long sides and the short sides respectively, eight main crown facets, eight main pavilion facets, sixteen pavilion half facets; a uniform girdle of varying thickness separating the crown and pavilion facets, twelve subsidiary pavilion facets and eight crown star facets with each crown star facet including two facet sections of equal size and geometry on each of the two long and two short sides of the oval shaped diamond and two facet sections of non-equal size and geometry in each of the four diagonal or shoulder sides of the oval shaped diamond.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to improve properties of an umbrella taking into account convenience and comfort through ergonometric requirements, and to create a new fashion trend. The invention involves an umbrella with a hinged locking mechanism that can be in either an open position or closed position with a locking pin operated by a button to transition between closed and open positions.

Abstract: An embodiment of an article of luggage is disclosed, the luggage in one practice having compression and expansion capability comprising an interposed metal frame of split configuration having an expansion portion positioned between the split where the metal frame is attached to one side of the luggage. One of more expansion and locking devices permit compression of contents and also enables locking the luggage in its expanded shape.

Abstract: A case for an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a support and a sealing ring. The first housing has a first surface and a second surface that together form an accommodation portion. The second surface is connected to the first surface, and the second surface surrounds the first surface. The second housing is disposed in the accommodation portion. The second housing has a third surface and a fourth surface connected to each other. The third surface faces the first surface, and the fourth surface faces the second surface. The support is disposed between the first surface and the third surface for keeping a distance between the first surface and the third surface. The sealing ring is squeezed between the second surface and the fourth surface, and the sealing ring seals the accommodation portion.

Abstract: A case construction selectively encases and displays an electronic device, and includes a device-holding cradle and multi-section panel assembly attachable to the device-holding cradle. The device-holding cradle is sized and shaped to removably receive an electronic device, and provides an anterior device-receiving section and a posterior panel assembly interface. The posterior panel interface includes an anchor portion for attaching the panel assembly thereto and seat portion in adjacency to the anchor portion for allowing dynamic panel portions to rest thereupon. An attachment mechanism operates to attach the multi-section panel assembly to the device-receiving cradle such that a pair of panel portions from the four panel portions are pivotal about a select one of two pivot axes for supporting the device-holding cradle in either a landscape or portrait orientation angled display position relative to a support surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a case for portable electronic devices. According to various embodiments, a case may be capable of extending to accommodate different portable electronic devices. A discrete series of grooves within the case may provide the case with additional elasticity. A pattern of tessellations within the case may provide the case with additional elasticity. The increased elasticity may allow the case to be configured to frictionally engage and retain various portable electronic devices with slightly different physical dimensions.

Abstract: A writing utensil caddy includes a base member having a continuous peripheral edge. An elongate shaft extends upwardly from the base member, the shaft having a first end coupled to the upper surface of the base member and a second end opposite the first end. A handle is coupled to the second end of the shaft and extending perpendicular relative to the shaft. A plurality of primary holders are situated radially about the shaft of the handle assembly, each primary holder extend upwardly from the base member and having a tubular configuration defining an interior area and an open top allowing access to the interior area. A plurality of secondary holders is situated adjacent the peripheral edge of the base member and extend upwardly from the base member, each primary holder having a tubular configuration defining an open top allowing access to an interior area.

Abstract: The bag has a garment receiving entrance and a side preferably including a side gusset. An opening in the side extends from a point on the bag to the garment receiving entrance. A drawstring extends around the bag at the garment receiving entrance, except at a location aligned with the side opening. A zipper is movable along the opening in the side between a closed position, wherein the side opening is closed, and an open position, wherein the side opening and the garment receiving entrance combine to form a single large opening to facilitate the insertion and removal of garments into and out of the bag. The bag functions as a counter bag in one orientation and a dry cleaning carrier in a second orientation. In the second orientation, a hanger is situated in the bag with the hanger hook extending through a small opening at the top.

Abstract: A heat conducting mechanism for a personal care device comprising: a heat conductor and a mounting rack, wherein, the heat conductor is fixedly mounted on the mounting rack. The heat conductor is an aluminum plate, and a bamboo fiber layer or a carbon fiber layer is arranged at a working face of the heat conductor. According to the disclosure, the aluminum plate and bamboo fibers are combined, and the aluminum plate is easy to form, low in machining requirements and low in material cost. For example, for a using face, the bamboo fibers are additionally arranged at a surface of the aluminum plate. The bamboo fibers have good breathability and high wear resistance, and have the functions of natural antibiosis, bacteriostasis, mite removal, deodorizing and ultraviolet ray resistance, and thus the effect of environmental protection is achieved.

Abstract: A system and method for curling a lock of hair. A hair curling assembly contains a bi-stable ribbon spring. The ribbon spring is biased into a coiled configuration. The ribbon spring has positional stability in both its coiled configuration and its linear configuration. The ribbon spring is manipulated into its linear configuration within the hair curling assembly. The hair curling assembly is then positioned proximate the lock of hair to be curled. The ribbon spring is triggered back to its coiled configuration. The lock of hair winds with the ribbon spring into its coiled configuration, therein forming a curl in the lock of hair.

Abstract: A diffuser includes an air inlet for receiving an airflow from a hair dryer, a grille having a plurality of air outlets for emitting a first part of the airflow from the diffuser, and a plurality of projections upstanding from the grille for contacting the hair of a user and for emitting a second part of the airflow. Each of the projections has a respective air outlet located in an end portion of the projection which is remote from the grille. The projections are divided into a first set of projections and a second set of projections arranged about the first set of projections. The air outlets of the first set of projections are arranged to emit air towards the second set of projections, and the air outlets of the second set of projections face are arranged to emit air towards the first set of projections.

Abstract: A diffuser includes a baffle having an air inlet end, an air outlet end and an outwardly tapering wall extending between the air inlet end and the air outlet end, and which defines a diffusing air chamber, and a grille connected to the baffle, the grille including a plurality of air outlets. The air inlet end of the baffle includes an air inlet and a drainage channel, spaced from the air inlet, for receiving water which has entered the air chamber through the air outlets. The drainage channel has drainage holes for draining water away from the air inlet.

Abstract: A diffuser includes an air inlet for receiving an airflow from a hair dryer, a grille having a plurality of air outlets for emitting at least part of the airflow from the diffuser, a baffle having an outwardly tapering wall which defines a diffusing air chamber through which the airflow passes between the air inlet and the air outlets, and an external wall which surrounds the wall of the baffle to define a second air chamber therebetween. The second air chamber has a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A diffuser includes an air inlet for receiving an airflow from a hair dryer, an external grille having a plurality of air outlets for emitting at least part of the airflow from the diffuser, and an internal grille located between the air inlet and the external grille.

Abstract: A diffuser includes an air inlet for receiving an airflow from a hair dryer, and a grille with a plurality of air outlets for emitting at least part of the airflow. Each of the air outlets has substantially the same shape. The plurality of air outlets includes a first set of air outlets located in a first region of the grille, and a second set of air outlets located in a second region of the grille. The grille further includes at least one third region, located between the first region and the second region, which is substantially devoid of these air outlets.

Abstract: A diffuser includes a plastics baffle which has an air inlet end, an air outlet end and an outwardly tapering wall extending between the air inlet end and the air outlet end, and which defines a diffusing air chamber. A plurality of circumferentially spaced weld ribs is upstanding from the air outlet end. A plastics grille has a plurality of air outlets and an annular shelf to which the weld ribs of the baffle are ultrasonically welded.

Abstract: A hair comb and methods of use thereof for combing, cutting, styling and de-tangling hair and animal fur, comprising a double-sided symmetrical set of substantially triangular shaped teeth extending from a raised center support element of a comb body portion attached to a handle portion. Embodiments comprise a flat bottom surface and angled top surface of a comb body portion attached to a handle, said handle also comprising a flat bottom surface that is congruous with the flat bottom surface of the comb body portion. Optional detachable attachments are provided and the handle portion may be detachably attached to the comb body portion. Cut hair length is a function of the height of the center support element of the comb body portion, which varies according to embodiments.