Abstract: A combustible heat source for a smoking article and a method of manufacturing a combustible heat source are provided. The combustible heat source includes a barrier affixed to an end face of the combustible heat source, wherein a thermally-activated adhesive is provided between the end face and the barrier. The method includes providing a thermally-activatable adhesive between the end face of the combustible heat source and the barrier; affixing the barrier to the end face; and heating the combustible heat source with the barrier affixed to the end face thereof to activate the thermally-activatable adhesive.

Abstract: A flavor inhaler (100) comprises a cup (50) having a cup shape. The cup is inserted into the holder (30) in a direction in which an opening of the cup is directed toward the ignition end side and a bottom plate (52) of the cup is arranged at the non-ignition end side. The cup has a claw portion (54) that protrudes into an inside of the cup from an inner wall surface of a side wall (51) of the cup. The claw portion has at least an engagement portion (54A) that engages an end surface of the combustion type heat source (70) in a non-ignition end side.

Abstract: A vapor apparatus for the pulmonary administration of combustible substances includes a vessel capable of holding liquids, a stem for holding a nail assembly, a nail assembly for heating the combustible substances, a user interface for determining heating temperature and heating duration, and an elongate neck for the user's mouth. Other embodiments include a remote interface, a removable neck, a percolator, and sensors for determining attributes of the combustible material. The vapor apparatus may further include a tool for sealing the combustible material and manipulating the combustible material. Fans can be added for forcing air through the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material. The apparatus comprises a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material, a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field, and an elongate heating element projecting into the heating zone. The heating element comprises heating material that is heatable by penetration with the varying magnetic field to heat the heating zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material. The article comprises smokable material and a cover around the smokable material. The cover defines an outer surface of the article that may contact the apparatus in use, and comprises heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. A method of manufacturing such an article also is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material. The article comprises a mass of smokable material and an elongate member within the mass of smokable material. The elongate member comprises heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing such an article. The method comprises providing an elongate element comprising heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, and locating the elongate element within smokable material. The providing and the locating may form an elongate assembly comprising the elongate element within the smokable material, and the method may comprise cutting the elongate assembly at a predetermined longitudinal position along the elongate assembly to form the article.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material. The apparatus comprises a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material; a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field; and an elongate heating element extending at least partially around the heating zone and comprising heating material that is heatable by penetration with the varying magnetic field to heat the heating zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material. The article comprises a cavity for receiving smokable material, and a coil of heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the cavity. Also disclosed is a system comprising the article and apparatus. The apparatus has an interface for cooperating with the article, and a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator comprises a coil for generating a varying magnetic field for penetrating the coil of the article when the interface is cooperating with the article. An impedance of the coil of the magnetic field generator is equal, or substantially equal, to an impedance of the coil of the article.

Abstract: An inductive heating device (1) for heating an aerosol-forming substrate (20) comprising a susceptor (21) comprises: a device housing (10), a DC power source (11) for providing a DC supply voltage (VDC) and a DC current (IDC), a power supply electronics (13) comprising a DC/AC converter (132) comprising an LC load network (1323) comprising a series connection of a capacitor (C2) and an inductor (L2) having an ohmic resistance (RCoil), a cavity (14) in the device housing (10) for accommodating a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate (20) to inductively couple the inductor (L2) to the susceptor (21). The power supply electronics (13) further comprises a microcontroller (131) programmed to determine from the DC supply voltage (VDC) and from the DC current (IDC) an apparent ohmic resistance (Ra), and from the apparent ohmic resistance (Ra) the temperature (T) of the susceptor (21).

Abstract: An electronic cigarette and method for assembling same is provided, wherein the electronic cigarette comprises an electronic cigarette body including a smoking end, an oil reservoir configured for reserving tobacco tar, an atomizer assembly configured for atomizing the tobacco tar, and a battery assembly electrically connected to the atomizer assembly and configured for supplying power to the atomizer assembly; the battery assembly and the oil reservoir are arranged in parallel; the atomizer assembly includes a heating wire assembly which is arranged at one end of the oil reservoir and is deposited outside the oil reservoir; a smoking channel is provided inside the electronic cigarette body, wherein the smoking channel is arranged outside the oil reservoir and is configured for discharging the smoke atomized by the atomizer assembly to the outside of the electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette can prevent the oil from penetrating into the smoking channel.

Abstract: An inductive heating device (1) for heating an aerosol-forming substrate (20) comprising a susceptor (21) comprises: a device housing (10), a DC power source (11) for providing a DC supply voltage(VDC) and a DC current (IDC), a power supply electronics (13) comprising a DC/AC converter (132), the DC/AC converter (132) comprising an LC load network (1323) comprising a series connection of a capacitor (C2) and an inductor (L2) having an ohmic resistance (RCoil), a cavity (14) in the device housing (10) for accommodating a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate (20) to inductively couple the inductor (L2) of the LC load network (1323) to the susceptor (21). The power supply electronics (13) further comprises a microcontroller (131) to determine from the DC supply voltage (VDC) and the DC current (IDC) an apparent ohmic resistance (Ra), and from the apparent ohmic resistance (Ra) the temperature (T) of the susceptor (21).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and apparatuses for vapor cooling. The methods and systems can be used in conjunction with all vaping devices including e-cigarettes, hybrid communication device electronic vapor devices, robotic vapor devices, modified vapor devices “mods,” electronic vapor devices, and the like.

Abstract: A smoking article includes identification information encoded on the smoking article. The smoking article can be used with an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the smoking article and distinguishing the smoking article from other articles based on the identification information, A cleaning article includes identification information encoded on the cleaning article. The cleaning article cleans an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the cleaning article and distinguishing the cleaning article from other articles based on the identification information.

Abstract: Soled socks with non-skid bottom which are formed by placing a sole of woven or non-woven fabric material onto the soft plastic material.

Abstract: A device for securely and comfortably holding and swaddling a baby in a relatively fixed position on his back horizontal or in an inclined position on a mattress in a bed. The device is removably connected to a mattress and includes a first harness wrap around the legs and waist that holds the baby in an upright position. A second swaddle wrap holds the baby's chest and can hold and snuggle his arms if desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a garment (1) for a newborn (3) made from a film-like material, comprising a back portion (2) to be placed under the back, a leg portion (4) for placing under the legs and two wing elements (6, 8) for swathing a chest, arm and abdominal region of the newborn (3), wherein the leg portion (4) is arranged adjacent to the back portion (2) and the two wing elements (6, 8) are arranged adjacent to the back portion (2) on the arm side, wherein the leg portion (4) is designed together with a leg-cover portion (5) as a pouch element having an opening (10) facing the back portion (2) for inserting the legs of the newborn (3).

Abstract: Using a method of attachment such as, without limitation, button(s) or hook and loop (velcro), the present invention comprises a bib which can be fastened via snap button(s) or the like to a onesie, thereby combining the bib and onesie into a set. The present invention allows for a bib and onesie to be combined as a set. Additionally, the invention provides additional benefits such as increased support and protection and has style.

Abstract: A bib garment for protecting a baby's clothing is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a bib garment comprises an inner section, the inner section comprising a front layer constructed using a soft absorbent material and a liquid-proof material, the inner section further comprising a first back layer constructed using a soft hypo-allergenic material. The bib garment further comprises an outer section, the outer section comprising a back layer constructed using a liquid-proof material. A top end of the inner section and top end of the outer section are joined at a fold line. The bib garment further comprises a first strap and a second strap, each of the first and second straps having a first end attached to the fold line and a second end having removable attachment materials, wherein the second end of the first strap is removably attachable to the second end of the second strap.

Abstract: The present invention is a breast support band which provides comfortable support of the breasts in addition to wearing a bra and minimizes the adverse effects of pain from sports that is associated with excessive breast movement. The present invention is a wrap-around style band that is placed across the top of the breast, just above the nipples, which allows for easy wear, comfort and support. It is made from soft flexible material that comes in different sizes. Alternative embodiments allow for different fabric materials or back fasteners to be used.

Abstract: A smart clothing device that is utilized for simulated touch and concussive force provides a force simulation element positioned between a rigid outer material and a flexible inner material. The rigid outer material supports the force simulation element and ensures an impact force is directed inwards, towards the flexible inner material. The rigid outer material and the flexible inner material are formed into a garment corresponding to a desired body part upon which the impact force is to be directed. A control unit actuates the force simulation element in response to a command or signal received from a trigger device. The control unit can vary the specific amount of force and the duration for which the impact force is imparted on the desired body part. The trigger device can be any electronic device either running a software program or producing a detectable signal.

Abstract: An article of clothing to protect the wearer against airborne contaminants including but not limited to allergens, bacteria, mold, and viruses such as H1N1 and avian flu. The garment incorporates a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter or enhanced HEPA filter, where such enhancements may include but are not limited to improved anti-microbial properties such as a copper filter which reduces or eliminates the MRSA virus. The garment may be, but is not limited to, a sweatshirt (“hoodie”), jacket, shirt, blouse, scarf, vest, athletic wear, or hooded cap crafted of any fabric. The HEPA filter may be a permanently installed washable filter or a removable replaceable filter or incorporate portions of both. The HEPA filter is placed such that it covers the wearer's nose and mouth; such placement may optionally require the wearer to make attachments or the placement may be automatic.

Abstract: A seat pad for a cycling garment includes a rear portion oriented to align with a buttocks region of a cyclist and an intermediate portion oriented to align with a perineum region of the cyclist, the rear portion being separated into two seat surfaces including a padded area and having an elongated groove extending from one of a front end or a rear end of the seat pad towards the intermediate portion, the elongated groove having a length longer than a width at the respective one of the front end and the rear end of the seat pad. It also relates to a cycling garment including the seat pad.

Abstract: A nursing garment has a rear portion and a front portion, the front portion including an inner layer having a first opening located proximal to the nipple of one of the wearer's breasts. An outer layer superimposed on the inner layer has a second opening, the first and second openings being alignable with each other to allow the nipple to be exposed. A first curtain member disposed between the inner and outer layers is accessible through the second opening and is moveable between a concealing position and a revealing position. When in the concealing position, the first curtain member shrouds the first opening and obstructs access thereto via the second opening. When in the revealing position, the first curtain member is drawn out of the way of the first and second openings, allowing communication between the first and second openings and permitting the nipple to be exposed for nursing.

Abstract: Anti-slip slip-on slip-over roof safety shorts comprises an exterior special gripping surface and material combination for use by anyone with a need to be on steep sloped surface such as a roof to increase the sliding friction between the wearer and the steep sloped surface. The safety shorts are fastenable to slip on the body or over other conventional existing articles of clothing. Optionally, the special gripping surface can be applied to the interior surface of the roof safety shorts so that when the inside non-slip surface contacts with the existing wearer's conventional existing clothing it prevents slippage between the roof safety shorts and the wearer's conventional existing clothing. Unlike other articles of clothing with gripping material a special process, material, and techniques have been applied to slow and/or prevent the degradation of the gripping material when a 200 lb. man falls on the roof with the safety shorts.

Abstract: According to the various features, characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides reusable grip enhancing tubular members for the arm area, in particular sports sleeves for the arm and forearm, and reusable grip enhancing tubular members for the hand, in particular sports finger cots for the hand, and the uses thereof, and methods thereof, intended to increase the performance in arm and/or hand task activities.

Abstract: A universal breast protective garment for significantly reducing impact forces to the breasts is formed of one or more elastomeric materials and is structured and configured to adjustably fit around a woman's upper torso. Left and right breast pockets are formed on a front chest portion between outer and inner layers of soft elastomeric material (e.g., neoprene) and comfortably surround and configure to the wearer's breasts. Each pocket has an opening for inserting and removing a protective breast cup assembly that includes an inner cup formed of a compressible elastomeric polymer for absorbing and dissipating impact forces, and an outer shell formed of a semi-rigid polymeric material for deflecting impact forces and resisting pinching and squeezing. Shoulder straps, side panels and other areas of the garment are adjustable to accommodate a range of body and breast sizes and to enable proper fit on the wearer.

Abstract: A leg guard includes an anterior shin protective panel positioned to cover at least a portion of a user's anterior shin region, a lateral protective panel positioned to cover at least a portion of the user's lateral lower leg region, and a medial protective panel positioned to cover at least a portion of the user's medial lower leg region. The panels are mounted on one or more flexible liners in a vertically segmented orientation to articulate with respect to one another. Additional protective panels may be included to protect a user's knee, thigh, or foot. A strap for a leg guard may include a buckle having a protrusion positioned to engage an elongated opening in the leg guard. The strap may bias the buckle into a tilted position, while raised surfaces near the elongated opening resist release or rotation of the buckle.

Abstract: A hospital gown includes a sheet of material forming a body portion having an opening in the body portion for a Foley catheter. The hospital gown has sleeves that fully open along the top for donning or for introduction of medical device wires or fluid hoses. A first pair of nonferrous snap closures are horizontally spaced and attached to the first end panel proximately to a top edge. A second pair of nonferrous snap closures are horizontally spaced and attached to the second end panel proximately to a top edge to correspond to and to physically engage to the first pair of nonferrous snap closures when the first and second end panels are overlapped. The width of the overlap ensures coverage of the body for modesty. The nonferrous snap closures enable rapid donning of the gown and are compatible with use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.

Abstract: An improved gardening utility tool comprising: a glove; a set of finger extensions attached to the glove wherein the finger extension can move independently in an open arrangement; a first portion include in each finger extension having a first resiliency; a second potion attached to the first portion having a second resiliency having a proof resilience higher relative to the first portion; a plurality of releasable connections disposed on an internal later surface of the finger extensions releasably connecting the finger extension to form a composite tool in a closed arrangement of the finger extensions; a forward edge included in each finger extension having a shape taken from the group consisting of: flat, curved, concave, angled, concave angled, point and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring parameters of an object is provided. The measuring apparatus, according to one implementation, includes a right-handed glove configured to be worn on the right hand of a user and a left-handed glove configured to be worn on the left hand of the user. A first wireless communication device is attached to the right-handed glove and a second wireless communication device is attached to the left-handed glove. The measuring apparatus also includes a calculating device. The first and second wireless communication devices are configured to wirelessly communicate time-based signals with each other. The calculating device utilizes the time-based signals to determine a first dimension of an object.

Abstract: Gloves comprising a polymeric coating or layer, optionally including a fabric liner, and at least one reinforcement, disposed on a part(s) of the polymeric coating or layer and/or ac part(s) of the fabric liner, and methods of making the gloves are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved protective knitted glove assembly includes a knitted glove and two or more non-coplanar arrays of printed guard plates. The guard plates are small, regularly-spaced, generally uniform thickness, non-overlapping, hard polymer material members arranged in a predetermined pattern having an area parallel to a surface of the glove with major and minor dimensions. The major dimension to minor dimension aspect ratio of the guard plates is between about 3 and 1. The overall abrasion resistance of the glove assembly is substantially greater than an abrasion resistance of the knitted glove without the guard plates.

Abstract: A construction for a glove or other article of clothing for use in hazardous environments is disclosed, comprising a first layer comprising a laminate that includes an inner layer comprising a woven, nonwoven, or knit material, an intermediate layer comprising a barrier to the passage therethrough of liquids that overlies the inner layer, and a thermal layer affixed to and overlying the intermediate layer in at least a portion of a bridge area. The thermal layer is approximately 0.30 mm thick. The construction also includes a second layer attached to and overlying the first layer to form an outer portion for the glove or other article of clothing. The first layer and the second layer combined provides a thermal protection performance (TPP) of at least approximately 75% greater than a reference combination of the first and the second layer that does not include the thermal layer.

Abstract: The shooting gloves of this invention improves the shooter's ability to maintain the proper grip and hand orientation on a handgun. The shooting gloves have select areas on the outside of the glove covered by a viscid coating or sections of material that provide a tacky surface texture to the gloves. The viscid areas are strategically located on the gloves so that the viscid areas of the opposite glove contact each other when the shooter takes a conventional two handed grip of a handgun. The contacting viscid areas provide enhanced tactile feel and increased mechanical friction between the gloves that helps the shooter maintain the proper grip and hand position as the handgun is discharged. It should be noted that the viscid areas are located on the gloves not so as to directly contact the handgun, but are located on the gloves to directly contact corresponding or mating viscid areas of the other glove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a necktie with a two piece device, a front piece covered with necktie material and a back piece for wearing a tie without tying the tie, rather just mounting the tie on with the tie in the device and snapping the device together.

Abstract: A garment having a configurable pouch is disclosed. The garment includes the improvement of a pouch configured to fold over a pair of opposing pockets positioned on a front side thereof. The pouch comprises a sheet of material, or “flap” being attached to the garment. The flap is attached to the garment along a lateral seam extending about an area of the garment beneath the opposing pockets. The flap can be configured to hang downwardly from the lateral seam, with the opposing pockets being exposed. Alternatively, the flap can be configured vertically about the garment and engaged with one or more securing elements such that the flap is configured to form a pouch covering the opposing pockets. Other features and embodiments will be further described in the appended detailed description.

Abstract: A clothing system includes a clothing component having a first coupling portion and a second, coupling portion. The first coupling portion includes a first clothing coupling element and the second coupling portion includes a second clothing coupling element. A linking element includes first and second linking coupling elements at opposite ends. Each of the first clothing coupling element, the second clothing coupling element the first linking coupling element, and the second linking coupling element is selected from the group consisting of: (A) a clasp, comprising a loop receiving projection extending from a first longitudinally-extending edge, and a primary securing clip that is closed along a second, longitudinally-extending edge; and (B) a loop adapted for sliding over said loop receiving projection. The first and second clothing coupling elements are adapted to be removably coupled to the first and second linking coupling elements, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment for sleeping for the correction of sagging breasts and wrinkles, whose purpose is to provide rest for the breasts, as well as preventing and correcting breast sagging by restraint, preventing the skin from distending and losing consistency and elasticity. It is also the object of the invention to prevent and correct the appearance of wrinkles and “memory lines” in the whole area of the neckline and chest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hair extension. In a preferred embodiment, the hair extension comprises strands that are attached together in such a way as to provide a substantially flat configuration, such that opposed sides are defined. This helps the hair extension to lay flat against a person's head. The opposed sides may have different hair colours on them, allowing flexibility and additional styling options. Preferably, the aligned hairs are compressed into a narrowed tip section, which is used to fasten the hair extension to a person's natural hair, using a deformable member such as a micro ring. A method of manufacturing the hair extension, and a method of attaching the hair extension to a subject, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus and method provide for the attachment of hair extensions to natural hair, synthetic hair, wigs and dolls. The apparatus includes at least one snap fastener comprising at least one protruding member, at least one socket member and a flexible material. The protruding member is located at a first area of the flexible material. The socket member is located at a second area of the flexible material. The protruding member and the socket member are attached to the flexible material. A band comprises an endless ring having a central hole therein. The band is partially enveloped by the flexible material when the protruding member and the socket member are engaged and is adapted to secure to natural hair, synthetic hair, wigs and dolls. At least one animal, human or synthetic hair strand extends substantially unidirectionally from the snap fastener and the hair strand is attached to the snap fastener.

Abstract: A hat embellishing system includes a first magnet is positioned on an outer surface of an apex of a hat. A hub is attached to and extends upwardly from the first magnet. The hub is rotatably coupled to the first magnet. A plurality of blades is attached to and extends away from the hub. A second magnet is magnetically engaged with the first magnet. The second magnet is positioned on an inner surface of the hat opposite of the first magnet such that the first and second magnets are releasably engaged to the perimeter wall. The hub thereafter rotates with respect to the hat.

Abstract: Headwear reduces radiation exposure with a brim on a top crown that generally surrounds the head. The brim is above a bottom of the crown to avoid interfering with the ears, face, and/or adjustment strap of the cap, which may be of critical importance for those needing protection from sunlight. Brims are positionable a half-inch or more above the bottom of the crown and may completely or partially extend about the crown. Brims may extend at an angle of 20-degrees or more to provide clearance for the ears, face, and any adjustment structure. Brims may be integral with or nondestructively removable from the crown and may include bands or cut-outs for existing brims, bills, or adjustment structures for fitting of hats to which removable brims are added. Headwear may be rigid or a flexible canvas.

Abstract: A shovel head counterweight for a helmet has been described. The counterweight has a mass that acts to counterbalance other objects attached to a helmet, such as night vision goggles. The shape and thin profile of the counterweight distributes the mass across the surface of the helmet to decrease strain on the user's neck. In addition, the underside of the counterweight is contoured to snuggly fit against the curvatures of the helmet. The counterweight also has one or more fasteners for removably attaching the counterweight to the helmet. The fastener(s) can also be used to attach a bar for use as a shovel. The counterweight has a digging edge for shoveling and a concave underside for scooping dirt or other material.

Abstract: An aerodynamic control device includes a void opening. The void opening decreases a resistance of a turbulence generated by a component part located behind a center of a longitudinal width of a helmet and is formed so that one end is connected to the helmet and the other end protrudes backward from the helmet.

Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.

Abstract: Securely attached to the front of a bicycle helmet is a minimally sized band of sufficiently strong material that is positioned to provide a face protective barrier that is less then 35 millimeters high for a length of more then 200 millimeters long. This minimally sized, face protective structure will not only protect a bicyclist's face in a crash but will also give the highest degree of visibility and ventilation for the bicyclist to avoid a crash and allow a great amount of fresh air flow to cool the bicyclist and provide ample oxygen for breathing while bicycling.

Abstract: A fit system for a helmet can include an adjuster including a width adjustment track, and first and second pods moveably coupled to the width adjustment track with a first and second support arm, the second pod comprising a lateral offset from the first pod. The fit system can further include a dial moveably coupled to the adjustor, such that movement of the dial changes a size of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The fit system can further include a hanger flexibly coupled to both the first pod and the second pod and adapted to allow for adjustment of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The hanger can further be adapted to allow for movement of the first pod and the second pod in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral offset without movement of the dial.

Abstract: A shoe cover for wearing over a shoe includes an upper shell, a bottom sole, and an anti-static strip, with the upper shell and the sole are attached together to form an internal space for housing the covered shoe, with the sole made of a skid-resistant material to promote enhanced traction for the wearer, and with the anti-static strip attached to the shoe cover to promote contact with the walked-upon surface to prevent static electricity build up and shocks. In example embodiments, the static strip is attached to the shoe cover along a central longitudinal portion of the sole or along a side longitudinal seam joining the upper shell and the sole together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-scalable casual footwear that allows involve two subsequent footwear sizes, comprising an upper of bi-elastic material (1) and a mono-elastic (2), a bi-material outsole (3) and a mounting insole (4). Such footwear does not require additional components to fit, such as laces, rubber bands, straps, velcro, zippers, hooks, eyelets or any other that is treated as a resource for the purpose of this invention.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure includes a gap extending longitudinally through the sole structure. A tensioning member extends through the sole structure and across the gap such that tensioning the tensioning member contracts the gap and pulls opposing sides of the sole structure together. As the sole structure contracts, the upper is pulled down on the foot, thereby tightening the upper around the foot.