Abstract: A helmet including an insert provides the ability of including a highly energy absorbing feature within the insert. The insert includes a structure such as a Bingham plastic which, upon impact, absorbs the energy of the impact by converting from a solid to a liquid. Other energy absorbing features are contemplated. The energy absorption process occurs in one aspect in a nonreversible manner such that once a high enough level impact occurs on the insert, it must be replaced within the helmet. The insert has a fastener which enables it to be replaceable. In this manner, a highly absorbing feature of a helmet can be provided to reduce concussions while not requiring the complete replacement of a helmet.

Abstract: A football helmet is disclosed that includes a shell constructed of fiber reinforced epoxy resin, a liner made from expanded polypropylene, an impact absorbing layer situated between the liner and the shell, and a face guard. The impact absorbing layer is constructed from either expanded polypropylene or a viscoelastic polymer encased in a suitable thin yet resilient and elastic membrane. An optional impact absorbing band is also shown disposed around the inner periphery of the liner and encircling the player's head. The impact absorbing band serves to reduce impact forces occurring from side helmet impact with objects or players.

Abstract: A protective helmet and insert for reducing the possibility or severity of a concussion are provided. The insert comprises a shock absorbing portion and a flexible liner portion, the shock absorbing portion to be disposed between a helmet shell and the liner portion. The shock absorbing portion can possess a substantially constant resistive deformation force characteristic for reducing the peak G-force applied to the head during an impact. The insert can comprise a plurality of flexible liner connectors for movably interconnecting the liner portion to a helmet shell to allow for the flexible movement of the liner portion relative the shell. The liner connectors can be in the form of vent shaft walls that each defines a vent shaft for providing fluid communication between a headspace of the liner and an outer side of the shock absorbing portion to ventilate the headspace. A helmet comprising the liner is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement having a headband member with a notched track positioned on an end thereof, the adjustment mechanism including: a rotatable knob having a first contact member and a second contact member; and a rotatable hub member having a gear portion with teeth to engage the notched track of the headband member, such that rotation of the hub member in a first direction causes the headband member to tighten and rotation of the hub member in a second direction causes the headband member to loosen; wherein, upon rotation of the knob in the first direction, contact between the first contact member and the hub member causes the hub member to rotate in the first direction, and upon rotation of the knob in the second direction, contact between the second contact member and the hub member causes the hub member to rotate in the second direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating thermal energy (heat) from human locomotion is proposed and used to provide heating of the user's footwear. The apparatus takes the form of a pair of flexible, liquid-filled chambers connected by an energy-generating tube. One chamber is located in the heel region of a footwear insole, with the other in the toe region, such that as a person walks, the liquid moves back and forth within the tube. This movement is used to also move an energy-producing element (either an electromagnetic arrangement or viscous liquid) back and forth within the tube and convert the captured human locomotion energy into thermal energy, thus warming the footwear.

Abstract: Foot-supporting elements for articles of footwear or other products may include: (a) a first diagonally-oriented plate that extends from a lateral heel location of an article of footwear to a medial forefoot location of the article of footwear; and (b) a second diagonally-oriented plate that extends from a medial heel location of the article of footwear to a lateral forefoot location of the article of footwear. These foot-supporting elements may be utilized in foot-receiving devices that may include: (a) a foot-covering member (such as an upper); and (b) a foot-supporting element engaged with the foot-covering member.

Abstract: Bodywear apparatus configured to be worn by a human user and attachable to footwear of the human user in order to augment the abilities of the lower limbs of the user is disclosed. In another aspect, footwear apparatus configured to be worn by a human user in order to augment the abilities of the lower limbs of the user is disclosed. Such bodywear apparatus and footwear apparatus are configured to reduce the effort a user must exert and improve the user's performance during walking, running, hiking, marching, and various other gaits as well as jumping, hopping, and other activities. In an aspect, bodywear apparatus further comprises a supplemental power device configured to further augment the user's abilities by activating during portions of the user's gait cycle.

Abstract: An athletic shoe configured to efficiently attenuate dorsal, anterior, posterior, lateral, medial and plantar loading forces. The shoe toebox or forefoot upper includes a cutout region through what is generally inelastic outer shoe material, across which a panel of increased stretchability extends in juxtaposition with a key shoe-foot impact or pressure engagement area. The stretchable panel forms with the cutout a porous damping ventilating passageway into which a portion of the foot can enter and pass externally of an at-rest outer peripheral surface of the shoe material surrounding the cutout. Key shoe-foot impact or pressure areas include impact areas engaged by toes of a foot sliding forward within the shoe, and pressure areas engaged by bunions and bunionettes moving outward against the sides of the shoe. Upon removal of pressure by the moving foot portion, the stretchable panel retracts, and restores the cutout region back toward its initial configuration.

Abstract: A heated insole for a shoe has an insole body, a heating element, and a removable assembly. The insole body has a recess, and the heating element delivers heat to at least a portion of the insole body. The removable assembly is removable from and insertable into the recess of the insole body, and includes a battery and a control circuit that is configured to control heating of the heating element.

Abstract: A sole structure may include multiple macrolayers. Each of those macrolayers may include a spring plate and a layer of damping material. Macrolayers may be bonded or otherwise fixed relative to one another and provide constrained layer damping in response to impact forces occurring as a result of activity of a wearer of an article of footwear incorporating the sole structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly defining a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slope at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.

Abstract: A sole structure of an article of footwear includes a foam element and a non-foam element with different compressibilities. The foam element is positioned adjacent to the non-foam element. The non-foam element may define a plurality of apertures, with ends of at least a portion of the apertures being located adjacent to a lower area of the foam element. The non-foam element may also form a protrusion that may be located in a central area of the non-foam element and extends into the foam element. In addition, a portion of the non-foam element that forms a side of the sole structure may define an indentation.

Abstract: A boot sole adapted for attachment of a bottom and lower sides of a fishing or hiking boot. The boot sole includes a recessed cavity for receiving one or more cleats therein. The cleats are used for engaging rough and irregular surfaces. The cleats are attached to an inner sole. The inner sole is attached to a bottom of the boot using heating bonding or an adhesive. Disposed around the recessed cavity is a downwardly extending sole ring. The sole ring includes a flat surface for engaging a smooth ground or floor surface.

Abstract: Various articles, such as footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, watchbands, and the like, and methods of forming those articles are presented. The articles are generally formed, in whole or in part, using rapid manufacturing techniques, such as laser sintering, stereolithography, solid deposition modeling, and the like. The use of rapid manufacturing allows for relatively economical and time efficient manufacture of customized articles. Portions of the articles may be manufactured using rapid manufacturing and those portions may be joined with portions formed using conventional, non-rapid manufacturing techniques. The methods may also include performing a scan of an appropriate body part of a user, such as a foot, in order to create a customized article of footwear for the user.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of a tensile strand located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strand moves freely. The tensile strand may be disposed within or about the spacer textile material in any location on the material. The spacer textile material with a tensile strand may be incorporated into an article of footwear and/or article of apparel.

Abstract: A bonded mesh composite panel can be used to form a three-dimensional upper shell that includes extensions used for double-lasting and/or to otherwise provide a shelf to support foam padding. The foam padding may be, e.g., a foam midsole. The extensions of the upper shell may be located in a lower portion of the shell and may be bonded to the foam midsole in a heel, midfoot and/or forefoot regions.

Abstract: A securing device for attaching hockey skates to a foot. The device includes a series of fastening mechanisms distributed about the shoe along the length of the tongue. The series of fastening mechanisms provides protection and mobility for the foot. Each fastening mechanism includes a buckle, a receiving lip, an insertion lip, a pivot plate, a mounting plate, and an engagement strip. The mounting plate and the engagement strip are integrated into the shoe. The buckle is attached to the mounting plate through the pivot plate and includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a first cavity, a first plurality of teeth, and a locking hook. The buckle may be affixed to the engagement strip through the engagement of the first plurality of teeth and the engagement strip. The buckle may be secured into a locked configuration with the positioning of the locking hook into the keeper indentation.

Abstract: A waterproof slide fastener where first and second through-holes are drilled in a tape side edge portion of a waterproof tape at specific intervals from one another, and first and second halves of a fastener element are integrally connected to each other through first through-holes. A stopper includes a body portion and an extension portion extending from the body portion. First and second halves of the stopper straddle a pair of waterproof tapes and are integrally connected to each other through second through-holes. According to the waterproof slide fastener, a manufacturing step thereof can be simplified, and it is possible to effectively prevent water from entering the waterproof slide fastener even if it receives a lateral pulling force.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an item of jewelry, comprising a fastener (2), an outer part (3), and an inner part (4) rotatable therein. The fastener can move in a reciprocating manner relative to the outer part, and an entrainment means (5) is provided between the fastener and the inner part in order to rotate the inner part in one direction when certain movements are made.

Abstract: A carrying case (500) and handle (504) for accommodating a portable topical negative pressure therapy apparatus (200) comprising a device (202) and a waste canister (204) separable therefrom, the waste canister having an aspiration conduit (274) emerging therefrom is described, the carrying bag comprising an apparatus receiving pouch (502), said pouch having opening and closing means (522, 524) at a lower portion thereof and said handle (504) being directly attached to said apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock device, having a first connecting module and a second connecting module. The first connecting module can here be arranged in a closing direction on the second connecting module and is mechanically catch-lockingly engaged in a closing position with the second connecting module, and the first connecting module can be detached from the second connecting module by a movement of the first connecting module or of a part of the first connecting module in an opening direction, which differs from the closing direction.

Abstract: A luggage article may include at least one panel attached to other walls to form the luggage article. The at least one panel may be framed by rods and/or a coil spring member connected to corner pieces to form a peripheral frame that extends around and is attached to and supports the periphery of a lamina to thereby form a framed panel that is attached to the other walls to form the luggage article. The configuration of the rods, coil spring member and the corner pieces may result in reduced weight and improved memory and elasticity comparative to conventional frames, and may offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage frames.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic process for treating keratin fibers, preferably the hair, comprising at least the steps consisting in: a) applying to said keratin fibers a composition containing at least one substance chosen from fatty substances, non-silicone polymers and surfactants, b) applying a mechanical tension to said keratin fibers, and c) exposing said keratin fibers under mechanical tension to microwaves, at a pressure ranging from 50 000 to 250 000 Pa, in the presence of at least one solvent in vapor form on contact with the keratin fibers and without there being complete drying of the keratin fibers throughout the entire exposure to the microwaves, the solvent(s) in vapor form being entirely generated by evaporating at least one compound present, before emission of the microwaves, on contact with the keratin fibers, step a) taking place prior to step c).

Abstract: A mascara application device, comprising a container for mascara a manually operable actuator, feed mechanism carried by the container to feed mascara to a loading station, in response to operation of the actuator, a belt having applicator brushes to receive mascara at the loading station as the actuator is operated, guide means to guide actuator induced belt displacement relative to the container to position the brushes for mascara application to eye lashes.

Abstract: A pack with a variety of panels which can be deployed. A mid-panel is defined on the fabric housing. A head panel is attached to the mid-panel adapted to be folded and contained over the mid-panel. A leg panel is attached to the mid-panel adapted to be folded and contained over the mid-panel. The top finger loop is attached to the head panel and extends from the top. A bottom finger loop is attached to the leg panel extending from the bottom. Upon pulling the top finger loop and the bottom finger loop, the head panel and the leg panel, respectively, can be deployed from the fabric housing. A chest strap is deployable using an upper side finger loop. A waist strap is deployable using a lower side finger loop. The instant pack includes semi-rigid body boards contained over the mid-panel to add rigidity and enhance safety.

Abstract: An article of functional jewelry includes a magnetically responsive substrate with front and back surfaces, a bend dividing the substrate into first and second substantially planar regions, and a holding device. A magnet holds the article in position by sandwiching a piece of fabric between the magnet and the substrate. The holding device may include an aperture penetrating the first region forming a loop that supports an object such as a pair of eyeglasses or a scarf.

Abstract: A groomer for turf surfaces includes a groomer frame that mounts a first style of grooming brush for use on an artificial turf surface and a second style of grooming brush for use on a natural turf surface. The first style of grooming brush comprises a brush formed by spaced brush walls with each brush wall having a substantially single row of brush bristles with no bristles being placed between the brush walls. The second style of grooming brush is that similar to a push broom where the brush bristles are packed across the width of the brush head. When configured for artificial turf surfaces, a front row of scarifying spring tines helps the trailing brushes to level out the infill material and the attitude of the groomer frame can be tilted tail down to put more downpressure on the infill material. A debris remover attached to the rear of the frame can pick up and hold metallic debris that is often found in the turf surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a toothbrush with a handle and a bristle-carrying head part, which are connected to each other by a neck part, the head part having a multiplicity of tufts of bristles consisting of bristles. An anchor is oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis. Two or more tufts of bristles have a bristle tuft half with bristle ends standing up higher in relation to the bristle ends of the other bristle tuft half.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a mixture of oral care materials. In one aspect, the invention can be a dispenser (400) comprising: a housing (410) having a first reservoir chamber (430) containing a first oral care material (431) and a second reservoir chamber (440) containing a second different oral care material (441); a mixing chamber (450) disposed in the housing, a mixing screw (470) disposed within the mixing chamber and having an actuator (471) for rotating the mixing screw; a first delivery port (434) for introducing the first oral care material into the mixing chamber and a second delivery port (444) for introducing the second oral care material into the mixing chamber; a dispensing nozzle (460) for dispensing a mixture of the first and second oral care materials; and wherein rotation of the mixing screw draws the first and second oral care materials into the mixing chamber and expels the mixture of the first and second oral care materials from the nozzle.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a pressure sensor. In one embodiment, the invention can comprise a body comprising a handle portion and a head portion having a basin; a cleaning assembly comprising: a head plate; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, each of the plurality of tooth cleaning elements comprising a cleaning portion extending from a front surface of the head plate and a base portion extending from a rear surface of the head plate; the base portions of the plurality of tooth cleaning elements melted together to form a melt matte adjacent the rear surface of the head plate; the head plate of the cleaning element assembly positioned in the basin and connected to the head portion; a pressure sensor adjacent a rear surface of the melt matte; and an indicator operably coupled to the pressure sensor for generating a user perceptive signal upon the pressure sensor sensing a pressure that exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A paint brush attachable edging shield for covering a side of a paint brush's bristles to provide edging control of a surface being painted without the use of painters tape includes a base shield which has a rigid shield body with a narrowed top edge, a rigid, elongated connector rod disposed between the base shield and a swivel dial, and a attachment member which allows the assembly to be attached to the handle of a paint brush. When in place on a paint brush, the base shield can be selectively rotated between a shielding position in which it is positioned against the bristles of the paint brush so as to block one side thereof, and a recessed position in which it is away from the bristles to allow them to be dipped into a paint reservoir.

Abstract: Height-adjustable work table, preferably kitchen table comprising at least one cabinet on top of which a table top is located. The cabinet(s) is located on a number of electrically driven height-adjustable platforms. In that the platforms are mutually retained by at least one connection rail these appear as stable both during the assembly of the work table and of the assembled table. Between a surface, typically a floor on which the platform is located, and an underside of the cabinet a toe kick is placed. This toe kick is telescopic in height such that the toe kick regardless of the adjusted height of the kitchen table shuts off access under the cabinet. The connection rail may constitute an element of the telescopic toe kick.

Abstract: In an example, a lift mechanism can comprise: a first leg assembly, the first leg assembly including: a first member; and a second member moveable relative to the first member along a first longitudinal axis; a second leg assembly, the second leg assembly including: a third member; and a fourth member moveable relative to the third member along a second longitudinal axis; and a synchronization assembly connecting the first and second leg assemblies, the synchronization assembly configured to balance movement between the first and second leg assemblies, the synchronization assembly including a wheel assembly, the wheel assembly connected to a first tension member and a second tension member, the first tension member connected to at least one of the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly and the second tension member connected at least one of the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly.

Abstract: A modular structure includes a base assembly; and a roof assembly coupled to the base assembly, wherein the structure is selectively reconfigurable between a table configuration and a playhouse configuration.

Abstract: Furniture components, such as office furniture components, are configured to include electronic components that transfer electrical power to peripheral electronic devices via wireless technologies, including conductive and inductive technologies. The articles of furniture may include grommet devices received within work surfaces, the grommet devices incorporating or housing the electronics of wireless power systems. The articles of furniture may also include the electronics of wireless power systems physically embedded or integrated within work surfaces in a manner in which the continuous surfaces of the work surfaces are maintained, and the work surfaces may optionally further include lighting or other indication features to indicate the locations of the electronics to a user.

Abstract: A tray table apparatus including a tray table and a tray table support assembly coupled to the tray table. The tray table and the tray table support assembly are configured to transition between a stowed position and a deployed position. The tray table support assembly includes: a support shelf; a support arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the support shelf so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis and a second end, the tray table pivotably coupled to the second end of the support arm so as to be pivotable about a tray table pivot axis; and an adjustable pivot stop positioned to limit pivot movement of the support arm about the first pivot axis in the deployed position, such that a selected adjustment position of the adjustable pivot stop determines an angle of inclination formed between the support arm and the support shelf.

Abstract: In an infrastructure that uses a mobile order fulfillment system, mobile drive units may be dispatched and instructed to bring inventory holders that include fabric pods to a workstation where at least one of the inventory holders may be operated upon. Such fabric pods may include one or more fabric bin arrays.

Abstract: A motorized home storage system can be mounted to any type of ceiling for storing items off the ground. The motorized home storage system is designed to make use of unused ceiling space, allowing homeowners to store their items overhead and out of the way and create additional storage in homes. The system is designed for large and heavy items that can be easily stored due to the two tube motors. Tube motors can allow a storage platform to be lowered for easy access, loading, and unloading. Additionally, tube motors can allow the storage platform to be raised to the ceiling in order to be completely out of the way and off the ground. The system can include legs attached to the platform which can unsnap to turn the platform into a table.

Abstract: A storage member vertical adjustment mechanism for an appliance includes a concealed vertical track system that is positioned within an appliance cabinet. The vertical track system includes a retaining member and a concealing flange that extends parallel with and conceals the retaining member with an adjustment region defined therebetween. A storage member has an engagement structure that cooperatively engages the adjustment region. The engagement structure includes a laterally-extending vertical flange that engages the concealing flange and the retaining member in a vertical adjustment state and alternatively engages the retaining member in the vertically secured positions. The retaining member and the concealing flange laterally support the laterally-extending vertical flange within the adjustment region such that the engagement structure of the storage member is selectively inserted and removed from the adjustment region through one of the top and bottom receiving apertures of the adjustment region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) having a pair of front feet (3) and rear feet (4), each couple of front feet (3) and rear feet (4) being mechanically couplable by an extension shaft (6) being secured within said household appliance (1), said rear feet (4) of said household appliance (1) being formed as individual foot mechanisms (2) having a coupling end (11) introducible into an installation slot (8), the latter being directly exposed to the outside on rear surface of said household appliance (1) whereby a mutually interengaging mechanical relationship is provided between said household appliance (1) and said foot mechanism (2) so that said rear feet (4) of said household appliance (1) are individually removable and externally height adjustable.

Abstract: An item of seating furniture, including a base, a seating unit, a backrest unit having a back contact surface, and a headrest unit with a head contact surface. The headrest unit is movable between a storage position and an operating position. The headrest unit is arranged in the storage position in such that the head contact surface is fully behind the back contact surface and below the top edge thereof. The headrest unit is pivotable about a headrest rotation axis along a nonlinear movement path, or is movable along a linear movement path opposite the base. The backrest unit is movable along a second movement path deviating from the movement path of the headrest unit, wherein the movement of the backrest unit is coupled to the movement of the headrest unit via a movement mechanism of the headrest unit.

Abstract: A support comfort cushion is disclosed comprising a plurality of gel springs absorbs, a plurality of interlocking support members, and a base cushion, all of which serve to redistribute directional force as applied, proportionate to the weight and anatomy of an animal or human, i.e. those areas of anatomy most susceptible to pressure points, e.g. elbows, paws, neck, shoulders, back, hip joints. The gel springs contain bellows and adjacent gel spring junctions which act together providing transitional resistive slippage to dynamic influence of weight and movement, all the while providing counter-pressure, suspension.

Abstract: A chair system according to embodiments of the present invention includes a base comprising a seat for a user and one or more support legs, a back, and a flexible back support element rigidly coupled to the back and to the base, the flexible back support element comprising a flex zone, the flex zone comprising one or more notches, wherein the back is reclinable from an upright position to a reclined position, wherein the one or more notches are configured to narrow as the back reclines from the upright position to the reclined position, and wherein the one or more notches are open in the upright position and closed in the reclined position.

Abstract: A system for directing fluid flow in a mattress is disclosed. The mattress comprises a base support layer which is configured to spatially locate at least one insert support layer. The insert layer comprises a conduit to allow fluid flow.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: A child booster seat has a base assembly, a seat carried by part of the base assembly, and an actuator. The seat can swiveled between at least two different rotational seat facing orientations and can be selectively latched in either one of the at least two different seat facing orientations. The seat can be unlatched using one hand by moving the actuator and can be reoriented by swiveling the seat using the same one hand.

Abstract: A display unit may be a cooler merchandiser for displaying products, such as food and beverages. The cooler merchandiser may have a housing that contains a display portion for displaying one or more products and a cooling portion that may be configured to cool the products in the display portion. A frame may be attached to the housing and may extend along at least a portion of the perimeter of a surface of the housing. A removable insert may slide into the frame so that it is positioned adjacent to a surface of the housing. The removable insert may include a cardboard material and the housing may include a rigid styrene material. The removable insert may display a graphics that may be customized. An opening may be provided in the housing to provide access to the display portion and a thermo-protective barrier may be provided to cover the opening.

Abstract: A tool holder includes a main body, a positioning member and at least one rod. The main body includes a hanging portion and an assembling portion protrudingly formed with at least one first engaging block. The positioning member is assembled to the main body and extends toward the assembling portion to form at least one second engaging block. The first and second engaging blocks are for being engaged with two ends of one socket respectively, and two opposite ends of the positioning member are respectively fixed to the main body via a first fixing member. The rod has a first end and a second end, the first end is disposed on one said first engaging block, each rod is disposed through one socket, and the second end and one said second engaging block are fixed to each other via a second fixing member.

Abstract: A housing of a terminal is formed by at least one lower cover and an upper cover. The housing the lower cover and upper cover are fixed together in an articulated manner, the articulated fixing being able to take up at least one position closing the housing and a position opening the housing, in which the lower cover and upper cover are joined together.