Abstract: Smokeless tobacco products suitable for oral consumption are provided. The smokeless tobacco products include a tobacco composition and at least one fibrous structure enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of the tobacco composition such that the fibrous structure and the tobacco composition form a cohesive structure capable of maintaining cohesion when placed in an oral cavity, wherein the fibrous structure includes one or more of (i) a warp knitted structure; (ii) a plurality of reinforcing fibers attached to the tobacco composition; (iii) a braided sleeve; and (iv) a spacer fabric. A process for preparing a smokeless tobacco product adapted for oral consumption is also provided, the process including the step of enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of a tobacco composition with a fibrous structure to form a composite structure.

Abstract: An electric vaporizer heating chamber that provides a user with two options for heating various smoke forming substances has a first heating compartment and a second heating compartment. The first heating compartment and second heating compartment are enclosed by a chamber casing and are positioned in between a lower heat insulator and an upper heat insulator. The first heating compartment is supported by a heater seat which also insulates the chamber casing. A heating coil is positioned within the first heating compartment and allows substances placed in the first heating compartment to be combusted. The second heating compartment can be placed within the first heating compartment overtop of the heating coil in order to vaporize substances placed in the second heating compartment. A battery connector is also housed within the chamber casing and provides electrical connections for supplying current to the heating coil in order to heat the heating coil.

Abstract: A functional garment includes a single breast supporting device that includes a breast cup, a connector, and a support strap. The breast cup supports a single breast of a user. The breast cup connector comprises an elastomeric material extending along a lateral side of the breast cup. The support strap connects to the connector and connects to the breast cup. The functional garment simultaneously provides orthopedic support to the user and visual enhancement of the breasts. Other implementations are disclosed.

Abstract: A nursing brassiere comprising an outer fabric layer affixed to a lower fabric layer along edge seams with a single attachment point within the center of the brassiere making it usable for both nursing and hands-free pumping.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for protecting the external ear from the elements, heat, cold, wind, rain and/or snow. In some embodiments, an ear protector comprises a conforming anchor with an opening through which the external ear may be passed. The ear protector further comprises an insulating outer covering that, in combination with the anchor, forms the ear protector with a chamber positioned between the outer covering and the anchor. During use, the chamber is configured to receive the external ear, with the anchor's opening conformably positioned in proximity to at least a portion of the ear's root. The perimeter of the conforming anchor's opening resiliently deforms during passage of the external ear through the opening and into the chamber, and then conforms to the geometry of at least a portion of the ear root in order to securely and comfortably maintain the ear protector in position over the external ear without additional external support.

Abstract: A post-surgical garment comprises a wrap-around material with pouches for comfortable placement of surgical drains. The garment provides a wrap around piece designed to keep the post-surgical drains and the tubing of the drains secure while showering, sponge bathing or during daily activities. A post-surgical drain is slipped through an opening on the side of the garment and any attached tubing is fed through. The post-surgical drain and excess tubing is placed in a pouch. Flaps are securely closed to cover the opening. The garment is then closed in the front with a secure closure.

Abstract: A first mating fastening member embedded within a finger member of a glove so that a glove mating portion extends out of an exterior surface of a glove finger member and a mating ornament fastening member is either embodied into or extends out of a bottom of the ornament so that the ornament mating member is removably affixed to the glove mating portion to retain the ornament onto the glove finger member so that the ornament retention mechanism including the combination glove mating portion and ornament mating portion is concealed.

Abstract: An absorbent sleeve configured to rest above a shoulder of a user and enable a user to envelop a user's head, thereby enabling the user to absorb fluids disposed thereon by manual manipulation thereof, without the sleeve being in substantial contact with other parts of a user's body. The sleeve includes a cylindrical member having a looped layer of absorbent material. The cylindrical member includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The absorbent sleeve includes a first cinch loop coupled about the first aperture of the cylindrical member. The absorbent sleeve includes a second cinch loop coupled about the second aperture of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member includes a waterproof layer disposed on an exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer.

Abstract: An ergonomic facemask for a headpiece, including a wire cage having a plurality of horizontal wires and a plurality of vertical wires. The plurality of horizontal wires includes a horizontal wire configured to extend forward of a user's face at a height between the user's nose and the user's upper lip, and the plurality of vertical wires includes a center vertical wire that extends along the sagittal line of a user's face. The mutual arrangement of the center vertical wire together with the horizontal wire adequately shields a user's face while avoiding interference with the user's field of view.

Abstract: An improved bicycle helmet includes an inner layer having a concave shape, an outer layer having a convex shape, and a sun visor. The outer layer covers the inner layer and includes an outer layer attachment member and an outer layer lock member. The sun visor includes a shade member and a sun visor attachment member connected to and distal to the shade member. The sun visor attachment member is adapted to rotatably engage with the outer layer attachment member to form a fulcrum. The sun visor lock member is adapted to operatively engage the outer layer lock member so as to releasably lock the sun visor into a fixed position. The sun visor lock member and the outer layer lock member operatively engage so as to allow the sun visor to be releasably locked into one of a plurality of fixed positions. the sun visor attachment member and the outer layer attachment member rotatably engage via a snap fit fastener.

Abstract: Systems and methods of manufacturing a shoe outsole are provided wherein at least a portion of the resulting shoe outsole includes embedded particles. An example method includes applying adhesive to at least one region of the shoe outsole, depositing selected particles onto the adhesive to provide the shoe outsole with a first coat of particles, and at least partially curing the adhesive. The method continues by applying additional adhesive over the first coat of particles, depositing additional particles onto the adhesive to provide the shoe outsole with a second coat of particles, and at least partially curing the subsequent application of adhesive.

Abstract: A method of making a skate boot upper, including integrally molding a boot portion from a first material, the boot portion including at least an instep portion and at least part of a tendon guard, manufacturing two quarters of a second material more rigid than the first material, and assembling the upper by attaching edges of the quarters to the boot portion with the quarter overlapping the boot portion only along said edges. Also, a method of making a skate boot upper, including manufacturing a boot portion from a first material, the boot portion including at least an instep portion and at least part of a tendon guard, manufacturing two quarters of a second material more rigid than the first material, and assembling the upper by attaching edges of the quarters to the boot portion through stitching, adhesive or lamination.

Abstract: A footwear assembly has a sole assembly with an insole board having a peripheral edge, a heel portion, a forefoot portion, and an arch portion. The insole board has a lateral side, a medial side, a top surface, and a bottom surface facing away from the top surface. The footwear assembly has an upper with a lower side portion having a lateral forefoot flange, a lateral arch flange, a lateral heel flange, a medial forefoot flange, a medial arch flange, and a medial heel flange. The lateral forefoot flange is stitched to the top surface of the insole board along the forefoot portion, and the lateral arch flange and the lateral heel flange wrap around the peripheral edge along the insole board's lateral side and are attached to the bottom surface at the arch portion and heel portion without being stitched to the insole board's top surface.

Abstract: A foot support structure for an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device may include a first foot support portion disposed in a first orientation and a second foot support portion disposed in a second orientation different than the first orientation. A twist portion may extend continuously from the first foot support portion to the second foot support portion and twist from the first orientation to the second orientation A common face of the foot support member may extend over at least part of the first foot support portion, at least part of the second foot support portion and the twist portion.

Abstract: A securing device for preventing removal of a shoe comprising a web selectively attachable to an outer surface of a shoe and configured to at least partially cover the shoe. The web includes a bottom portion having a center section securable to a front region of the shoe and a leg support section securable to a user's leg. The web further includes a top portion removably couplable to the bottom portion. The top portion includes a coupled position at least partially covering a lace of the shoe and an uncoupled position leaving the lace of the shoe exposed to an ambient environment.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole assembly that is further comprised of a chassis, a reinforcing member and a forefoot plate. The reinforcing member includes lateral and medial forefoot portions that fit with corresponding recesses in the forefoot plate and the reinforcing member in the forefoot region of the chassis. The reinforcing member includes a central portion that figs with a corresponding recess in the heel region of the chassis. The chassis and the forefoot plate include ridges on their outer surfaces. Cleats extending from ridges in the forefoot of the chassis are vertically aligned with protrusions on ridges in the forefoot plate. The protrusions can help diffuse forces applied by the cleats against the inner components of the sole and foot to reduce point loading.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear may include providing a last shaped to resemble a human foot. The method may also include forming at least one footwear component at least in part from a susceptor material that is thermally reactive to an electromagnetic field. The method may further include covering at least a portion of the last with two or more footwear components, wherein the two or more footwear components includes the at least one footwear component formed at least in part from a susceptor material. In addition, the method may include applying an electromagnetic field to the susceptor material, causing induction heating of the susceptor material and joining the two or more footwear components by melding the two or more components with the induction heating.

Abstract: A multifunctional belt comprising an elongate belt strap having an end flap segment selectively transitional relative to a body segment between a looped configuration and an extended configuration. A fastener is coupled to the belt strap for securing the end flap segment in the looped configuration. A buckle is coupled to the belt strap and includes a buckle frame, a cross bar, and at least one tool bit. The buckle frame defines a longitudinal frame axis, and the cross bar extends between opposed portions of the buckle frame and defines cross bar axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal frame axis. The tool bit is pivotally coupled to the cross bar and is pivotable about the cross bar axis. The tool bit is sized and positioned to be captured between the end flap segment and the body segment when the end flap segment is in the looped configuration.

Abstract: A latching device secures a strap to a piece of sports equipment. The latching device includes a buckle and a base. The buckle has a main body portion. The main body portion has an integrally formed collet and has a first slot and a second slot. The first and second slots each having a plurality of teeth shaped members that are configured to secure the strap to the buckle. The base is attached to the piece of sports equipment. The base has a first shaft and an annular ring. The first shaft has a first end and a second end. A ball shaped member is attached to the first end of the first shaft. The annular ring is formed on a periphery of the base surrounding the first shaft. The ball shaped member is releasably received in the collet to releasably engage the buckle with the base.

Abstract: The buckle of the present invention is a buckle, of which engagement claw can be engaged with a serrate engagement groove of a band. The buckle includes: a buckle main body composed of a base plate and a roof frame, and two side plates connecting the base plate and the roof frame; and an operation piece being installed inside the roof frame, and having the engagement claw that can be engaged with the engagement groove of the band. The operation piece is movably supported by a connecting shaft connecting the two side plates in an intermediate point. The buckle main body is provided with a control piece for controlling a swing of the operation piece. The engagement claw is engaged with the engagement groove of the band, and the control piece functions as a spring for biasing the engagement claw toward the engagement groove side in such a locked state.

Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastener. The method includes providing a slit web having mechanical fastening elements, applying tension to the slit web in the machine direction, and spreading the slit web in the cross-machine direction by directing its side edges over two rotating diverging disks to provide a spread mechanical fastening web. The slit web includes a plurality of interrupted slits that are interrupted by intact bridging regions of the web. The two rotating diverging disks are laterally spaced and have a support surface between them that contacts the slit web during the spreading. The spread mechanical fastening web includes multiple strands of the slit web attached to each other at least at some of the intact bridging regions and separated from each other between at least some of the intact bridging regions.

Abstract: Slide fasteners configured such that opposing elements engage with one another in a non-planar relationship. The elements may engage one another, for example but not limited to, at an angle between approximately 60 degrees and approximately 179 degrees. In some embodiments, each element includes a head and at least one shoulder with angle keeping surfaces and engagement surfaces that abut corresponding surfaces when engaging with a corresponding element to interlock the heads and shoulders of opposing elements. Slide fasteners of the invention may be well suited for use with curved surfaces, corners, ridge lines, edges, or the like of an article.

Abstract: A reusable zipper system for allowing a zipper to be installed and removed onto different objects interchangeably. The reusable zipper system generally includes an inner member and an outer member. The inner member is removably secured to an object via adhesive around an opening to be fitted with the present invention. The outer member is removably secured over the inner member. After cutting a slit through the inner member, a zipper assembly which includes zipper tracks and a zipper head may be used to selectively open or close the flaps. When desired, the inner and outer members may be removed from the object to be used elsewhere.

Abstract: A bracelet clasp including a securing member provided with an adjustment device for adjusting the useful length of the bracelet, this adjustment device including a base plate secured to the second end of the first strip, a cap pivotally hinged to the base plate, the first strand passing between the base plate and the cap and being held by a holding device, second device for locking the cap in the closed position on the base plate. The second locking device include a push-piece arranged to be moved between a first rest position in which the cap is locked in a closed position on the base plate, and a second pushed-in position in which the cap is unlocked from the base plate.

Abstract: A jewelry item has a closure that uses shape memory to provide two stable positions. For example, an earring has a setting and a pin, and the closure closes the pin over the ear. The closure consists of a leaf spring extending outwardly in a first loop part from a first location on the setting and looping back in a second loop part to a second location adjacent the first location on the setting. The loop parts each have shape memory and are set with different remembered shapes. The two different remembered shapes work against each other to flip the closure between two stable positions, a first position in which the closure connects to the pin to close the earring and a second position in which the closure is spaced away from the pin to open the earring. The design is particularly suitable for a huggie style earring.

Abstract: A sand based jewelry and methods of making sand based jewelry is provided. The jewelry having a quantity of sand mixed with a quantity of binding medium. The binding medium and sand mixture are capable of being solidified and mounted to a jewelry setting. The jewelry setting attached to a jewelry item.

Abstract: Devices and systems are described including a walking aid including a linear rod having a first end and a second end, a hand grip disposed in proximity to the first end of the linear rod, two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet at the second end of the linear rod, at least one sensor configured to detect a parameter of a walking surface in proximity to the second end of the linear rod, and a controller including a microprocessor and circuitry, the controller operably coupled to the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet and the at least one sensor, and including circuitry configured to receive information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface from the at least one sensor and circuitry configured to actuate at least one of the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet in response to the information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface.

Abstract: An electric umbrella having roller sets contains: a first stick section, a second stick section, a third stick section, and a transmission mechanism. The second stick section is fitted in the third stick section, and the third stick section is fitted in the first stick section, a lower portion of the second stick section is in connection with a handle. The first stick section includes an upper runner disposed on a top including a first roller set disposed therein, and two ends of the driving rope are fixed on two sides of the lower runner, the driving rope rolls across the first roller set and slides between a top of the third stick section and the first roller set, and the transmission mechanism in the second stick section and drives the third stick section through a driving source in the handle drives the umbrella skeleton to expand or retract.

Abstract: A protecting cover is provided. The protecting cover includes a first cover portion which is bendable and to which a first electronic device may be detachably coupled, a second cover portion which is bendably connected with the first cover portion and to which a second electronic device may be detachably coupled, and a third cover portion which is bendably connected with the first cover portion, in which the first cover portion, the second cover portion, and the third cover portion may be used as a cradle by being bent.

Abstract: A protective case for accommodating a number of variable sized electronic devices is provided. The case comprises internal features including rigid support members and biasing members for securing an electronic device and allowing the selective orientation and positioning of the electrical device for optimizing viewing.

Abstract: A brush is provided herein, the brush having heating elements dispersed on and protruding from its face and spacers arranged to maintain a specified distance between protruding ends of the heating elements and a scalp of a head that is being brushed. The spacers are dispersed on the brush's face at a specified density that assures maintaining the specified distance with respect to a resilience of the spacers.

Abstract: A device to add height to a pony tail comprising a dome-shaped appendage integrally connected to a clip through a stem, the appendage having a plurality of arrow-shaped dowels of various shapes and lengths on its surface to trap and hold the hair in place over it so that the hair does not slide and fall to the sides, exposing the device. The clip of the device is comprised of a handle and two prongs connected at their bases through a round pin with a spring inserted around the pin to maintain the two prongs in continuous tension so that the clip with the appendage stays securely within the pony tail and does not fall off.

Abstract: A press-type dispensing container that includes an outer case that includes a hollow tube portion and a compressible region; and an inner member including a support portion that is configured to support a personal care product, wherein the inner component is contained within the outer case and is configured to migrate towards the shaft portion when the compressible region of the outer case is compressed by a user is presented.

Abstract: An applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular mascara, comprises a twisted core and fibers which extend from the core and are held by the core, the core having a main longitudinal direction of extension, known as the main axis (X), and the core being rectilinear along the main axis (X). The fibers form an envelope (E) with their free ends, the envelope (E) comprising faces (F1-F4) which alternate about the main axis (X), the faces (F1-F4) being curved, a cross section made transversely to the main axis (X), known as the cross section, having a substantially polygonal shape so as to form edges between the curved faces (F1-F4).

Abstract: A backpack with a torso length adjustment mechanism is provided. The backpack includes a holder fixedly connected to a bag, a mesh back support having a back mesh contactable to the back of the user and a supporting element for spacedly supporting the back mesh on the holder. The backpack includes a shoulder strap length adjusting mechanism having a force transmitting element for transmitting a force from the holder to the shoulder straps of the backpack. The force transmitting element is lockably movable on the holder between a first position in which a size of the shoulder straps is the largest and a second position in which the size of the shoulder straps is the smallest. The shoulder strap length adjusting mechanism includes a locking mechanism at the holder for releasably locking a movement of the force transmitting element.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices and methods for carrying quantities of materials preferably fluids. The device of the invention is preferably a wearable garment such as, preferably a vest or poncho, with one or more bladders or compartments adapted to hold a fluid. Preferably the garment comprises fluid connections between the bladders. The connections allow for the distributing the load over the carrier, which is preferably a person. The invention is designed to be inexpensive to manufacture, capable of easy manufacture in large numbers, and, if desired, disposable or repurposed. The device significantly enhances the ability of an individual to provide water or other fluids or materials to individuals or groups such as families. Preferably the invention allows for the transport of potable water from a supply point to the point of end use with minimal or no discomfort to the wearer.

Abstract: A holder for securing eyeglasses, sunglasses or other personal items that may be securely incorporated into an article of clothing or accessory at the time of manufacture. The holder includes a base member that can be inserted into or attached to the article of clothing or accessory. A hanger is connected to the base member and includes a loop connected to a support base. One or more openings can be provided on the base member. The support base and base member can be integrally formed. The support base can be formed from part of the article of clothing or accessory. The holder allows a wearer to insert a piece of a pair of eyeglasses, or a part of another personal item, through the loop and allows the item to assume a secure and relatively flat position. The holder may also include an RFID tag and/or a covered loop.

Abstract: A protection case for protecting a wearable electronic device includes: a protection case body that comprises first and second cases; and one or more coupling parts that are provided in the protection case body. The coupling parts couple the first and second cases to each other and couple the wearable electronic device while enclosing the wearable electronic device when the coupling parts are coupled to each other, and separate the first and second cases from each other and separate the wearable electronic device when the coupling parts are separated from each other.

Abstract: A constriction resistant tether for a child's article includes an elastomeric body, preferably constructed of any FDA approved food grade or higher grade semi-rigid elastomer. A portion of the tether body has a zig-zag, or modified serpentine shape that resembles a non-coiled tension spring. At one end of the body is an anchoring member for securement to a point of attachment such as a child seat, high chair or wheelchair. The anchoring member may possess a small annulus with a tail having spaced knobs along its length extending therefrom, or the anchoring member may be a plug or bulbous member that snaps into or interlocks with a custom sized and shaped aperture defining an attachment point.

Abstract: A preferred sleeve for a bottle includes a floor and upwardly extending sidewalls, terminating in an upper rim which forms a shoulder extending partially over the interior space. A detent or detent form is provided along an upper rim, diametrically opposite the shoulder. One or more openings may be provided in the lower portion of the sleeve to facilitate removal of the bottle by tilting it away from the shoulder.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator brush including a plurality of discs assembled relative to one another with each disc having a body with a plurality of bristles and/or combs extending radially therefrom. The adjacent discs are maintained at an angular relationship with respect to one another independent of a disc specific keying element.

Abstract: A table may be sized and configured to nest with an adjacent table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table may include a table top with a round or circular configuration and the table top may have a receiving portion, a downwardly extending lip, a contact surface and an engaging portion. The contact surface may have a ring-shaped configuration and be sized and configured to contact an upper surface of a table top of an adjacent table when the table is nested with the adjacent table. The engaging portion may also have a ring-shaped configuration and may be sized and configured to be disposed in a receiving portion of a table top of the adjacent table when the table is nested with the adjacent table.

Abstract: A height adjustable desk can include a work surface; and at least one leg assembly connected to the work surface. The at least one leg assembly can include: a first member; and a second member moveable relative to the first member along a longitudinal axis; and a counterbalance mechanism connected to the desk and configured to counteract a force exerted on the work surface. The counterbalance mechanism can include: a wheel; a gas spring having a cylinder and a moveable piston; a wheel moveably connected to the gas spring; and the tension member is connected to the leg assembly.

Abstract: A table assembly, the assembly comprising a first member having a length dimension parallel to a substantially vertical extension axis, a second member supported by the first member for sliding motion along the extension axis between at least an extended position and a retracted position, the second member forming an internal passageway, a table top mounted to one end of one of the first and second members, a spring that generates a variable spring force that depends at least in part on the degree of spring loading, the spring having first and second ends, aligned substantially parallel to the vertical extension axis, located at least partially within the internal passage formed by the second member and linked to each of the first and second members and a rotatable cam member engaged with the spring, the cam member and spring applying a force between the first and second members tending to drive the second member into the extended position, the cam member rotating around an axis as the second member moves bet

Abstract: A non obstructive laptop desk and chair apparatus which combines the use of a laptop computer with the use of a recliner armchair is disclosed. The laptop desk and chair apparatus comprises a recliner armchair having a chair seat, an angular adjustable back, a pair of armrests each with an upper arm surface, a board having upper and lower flat surfaces and a front side configured to be adjacent a user. A leg assembly attached to the front half of the lower flat surface of the board includes a pair of feet that are elongated cylindrical in shape and include a friction enhancing surface. A strap attached via hooks and eyelets to the front two corners of the upper flat surface of the board extends around a portion of the recliner armchair between the angular adjustable back and the chair arms.

Abstract: An arched shelf assembly provides a pair of arched arms that carries multiple tiers of shelves and disperses forces associated with the load on the shelves. The assembly supports multiple tiers of tempered glass shelves in a stacked, spaced-apart relationship. The shelves are configured to carry a load. The arc shape of the assembly creates enhanced structural integrity by compressing stress forces from the load to the ground. The compression of these stress forces resolves forces into compressive stresses, thereby minimizing tensile stresses on the assembly. In essence, the arc works to transmit the stress forces to the ground. The assembly also pivotally articulates into a collapsed position for enhanced portability, collapsibility, disassembly, and assemblage. To enable hinged articulation, the assembly utilizes hinges, barrel hinges, and buckle hinges that enable hinged articulation of the support frame up to 90° and separation of the components of the assembly.

Abstract: A divider adapted to be mounted on a shelf for segregating items stored or displayed on the shelf, and also a method and system of dividing a shelf for the storage and the display of items.

Abstract: Multifunctional device can be used, inter alia, as a stool, table, bench, or toilet, and can be carried on one's back. There are also many accessories that, in embodiments, are added to the basic structure, such as a back rest, a shooting stick with adjustable height, an umbrella, a hunting blind attachment, a privacy skirt, and toilet paper holders. The basic structure contains, in embodiments, shaped functionality for propping elongate items, e.g., a rifle or fishing pole.

Abstract: A seating cushion for treating and alleviating pain and discomfort related to pelvic pressure and pelvic organ prolapse. The seating cushion applies pressure to the pelvic crotch area of a user. The seating cushion comprises a base cushion portion for providing padding and an elevated and elongated central portion for applying pressure to the pelvic crotch area of a user while the user is seated thereon.