Abstract: A method of customizing the sole structure of an article of footwear includes providing a sole structure with a sole component having an inner surface and an opposite-facing outer surface. The sole component includes a plurality of inner recesses extending from the inner surface and a plurality of outer recesses extending from the outer surface, the plurality of inner recesses include a blind-hole inner recess, the plurality of outer recesses include a blind-hole outer recess, and the blind-hole inner recess is generally aligned with the blind hole outer recess along a vertical direction. The plurality of inner recesses and the plurality of outer recesses provide the sole component with an auxetic structure. The method further includes adjusting the flexibility of the sole component by selectively cutting or removing material from one or both of the blind-hole inner recess and the blind-hole outer recess.

Abstract: A sole for an item of footwear comprising: •a front portion; •a heel portion; and •a energy absorbing member positioned within the front portion, and having a first position in which the energy absorbing member protrudes from the sole, and a second position in which the energy absorbing member is substantially level with a surface of the sole.

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 item of footwear including a sole assembly that comprises at least an outsole and an insole, and further comprising one or more shear force-reducing coupling elements (30) disposed between the insole and the ground. The coupling elements (30) are adapted to permit limited displacement, in a plane parallel, in use, to the ground, of overlying components of the item of footwear. The coupling elements (30) provide less resistance to displacement of overlying components of the item of footwear in a first direction than in a second, reverse direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customizable footwear inserts having a plurality of removable sections. Removable sections may be permanently bonded to adjacent layers of the inserts to eliminate or minimize the tendency of removable sections surrounding the removed sections to fall out or migrate into the cavity created by the removed sections. In some aspects, multiple layers are provided to increase the comfort, support, and/or fit provided to the wearer of the insert. Further, some embodiments include a removable backing that, when removed, exposes an adhesive that may be utilized to, inter alia, adhere an original insole of footwear to the top of the footwear insert such that the user's foot is still in contact with the original insole when wearing the footwear.

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: The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear including a sole structure and an upper. The upper includes an area of dynamic modulation. Specifically, the footwear upper defines a discrete band whose elasticity and/or dimension is altered in the presence of a specified temperature. In an embodiment, the footwear upper includes a shape memory polymer operable to alter the circumference of the foot cavity and/or alter the expansion properties of the upper 105. By way of example, the discrete band may be positioned within the collar and/or along the instep of the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper with enhanced transition properties is described herein. The transition properties may be incorporated in an ankle collar trim transition region, a heel stay reinforcing structure, and/or a heel padding structure. Additionally, a method for manufacturing the article of footwear with enhanced transition properties in a heel region is provided.

Abstract: An arrangement of tensile strands is incorporated into a footwear article to provide at least part of an enclosure. The tensile strands may be adjustable to affect a size of the enclosure and an amount of compression of the enclosure.

Abstract: A tethered anchor point for a footwear lace element includes various elements. For example, the tethered anchor point includes a tensile strand that attaches to a portion of the footwear article. In addition, the tethered anchor point includes a tensile-strand reinforcement. The tensile-strand reinforcement provides a sliding surface against which the lace element of the footwear article may slide when the lace element is threaded through the tethered anchor point.

Abstract: An anchoring plate for a closure device for a sports footwear and a closure device for a sports footwear incorporating such anchoring plate are provided. The anchoring plate comprises—in addition to a body provided with hooking seats for the hooking member of the tensioning member of a closure device—an extendable member which is movably connected to the body and is provided with at least one additional hooking seat. In this way, a closure device incorporating the anchoring plate can move from a configuration in which the user's foot is firmly held inside the sports footwear to a configuration in which the user's foot has a certain freedom of movement inside the footwear, and in either of the configurations the elements of the closure device are retained in some way, so as not to be of hindrance to the user.

Abstract: A lacing system for an article may include a tensioning mechanism, a plurality of guide members, and a lace that is operationally coupled with the tensioning mechanism and that is routed along a lace path of the article via the plurality of guide members. The lace is routed along the lace path so that a first portion of the lace is routed directly from the tensioning mechanism to a top end of the lace path and so that a second portion of the lace is routed directly from the tensioning mechanism to a position that is adjacent a bottom end of the lace path. Tensioning of the lace, via the tensioning mechanism, causes the top end of the lace path and the position adjacent the bottom end of the lace path to be initially tensioned.

Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement (C) system for a marked line for adhering a sole (A) to an upper (B) and a three-dimensional measurement method therefor. A three-dimensional structure of a sole inner surface (A1) is measured automatically using a three-dimensional scanner (30), so as to form three-dimensional inner surface data (201) of the sole (A); and by conducting operation processing on the three-dimensional inner surface data (201) of the sole (A) and three-dimensional surface data (202) of the upper (B), a contour line (A2) of the sole inner surface (A1) is transferred to an upper lower surface (B1), so as to form a processing marked line of the upper (B), thereby improving the operation efficiency of adhering the sole (A) to the upper (B).

Abstract: Disclosed is a milling head for shaping a shoe support for an article of foot wear. The disclosed milling head includes abrasive surfaces that are configured to allow for the shaping of an unfinished block of support material on all of the top, side and medial arch area of the perimeter surfaces without removing the block of support material from a support such as a vacuum vise, and without the need to interchange milling heads. The disclosed milling head has a semi-spherical milling surface for milling a top surface of the shoe support and two conical milling surfaces for milling a perimeter surface and a medial arch area of the perimeter surface of the shoe support, respectively. The disclosed milling head saves costs of labor and time when shaping the block of support material.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for attaching an item to a substrate, using a prong ring with a ring and two or more prongs. When attached, the prongs extends from the ring on a first side of the substrate through such substrate and being bent. A lower die is positioned to approach the first side of the substrate. An upper die is on a second side of the substrate. The substrate is placed in a manner substantially perpendicular to the attaching movement of the upper and lower dies and a first redirecting member for redirecting the prongs which are bent inwardly. The first redirecting member cooperates with an abutting member positioned along the approach of the prong ring towards the first side of the substrate for inhibiting movement of the prong ring towards the substrate while the first redirecting member is used.

Abstract: An adjustable link for bracelets, including a first half link and a second half link arranged to be assembled to move with respect to each other, including an adjustment, and a locking mechanism cooperating with a complementary locking mechanism in order to form a captive assembly. The adjustment includes a screw, a hole passing through the first half link, and a blind threaded hole extending into the second half link, the through hole and the blind threaded hole facing each other, and being arranged to cooperate with the screw to continuously adjust the position of the first half link and of the second half link in the longitudinal direction in order to adjust the position between a maximum position and a minimum position.

Abstract: A body piercing stretching device, comprising a coiled casing, a protruding piece at the beginning of the coiled casing, a source of the structure allowing the coiled casing to expand by twisting the end most point of the coiled casing allowing it to expand, and a gripping member attached to the end-most point of the coiled casing to secure and direct the rotational path of said casing to facilitate manual expansion. Users of this device are individuals that wish to modify the opening of their healed body piercing in a safe, convenient, and economical manner. It can be offered by specialty retailers, body piercing and tattoo shops, body jewelry companies, and so forth.

Abstract: An umbrella for removably securing to a surface, such as a vehicle. The umbrella includes a shaft having a handle on a first end and a canopy on an opposing second end. One or more ribs are secured to the canopy in order to support the canopy in an open configuration. Each rib includes one or more weights in order to stabilize the canopy when secured to a surface. One or more magnets are secured to a lower end of each rib in order to removably secure the umbrella to a magnetic surface for hands-free use. An upper end of each rib is hingedly secured to the shaft. The ribs are operably connected to an actuatable button in the handle so as to extend the ribs outward from the shaft in order to expand the canopy into the open configuration.

Abstract: An intelligent shading object includes a base assembly, a support assembly coupled to the base assembly, a telescoping support rod housing coupled to the support assembly, a plurality of telescoping rods housed in the telescoping support housing, and a shading element, the shading element coupled to the plurality of telescoping rods. The intelligent shading object may include one or more photo cells installed on the shading element. The intelligent shading object may include comprising one or more light sensors installed on the shading element.

Abstract: A shading object includes a base unit, one or more support units coupled to the base unit, a louver system coupled to the one or more support units, and a plurality of shading elements coupled to the one or more support units and the louver system. The one or more support units are positioned next to each other when the shading object is in a closed position. The plurality of shading elements are folded when the shading object is in a closed position. The one or more support units are moved apart from each other when the shading object is in an open position. The louver system adjusts a horizontal and/or a vertical orientation of at least one of the plurality of shading elements. The base unit further includes one or more weight compartments to provide stability to the shading object.

Abstract: An accessory organizer for childcare accessories. Configured to function as a changing pad, a wristlet diaper bag, and a crib organizer Multiple pockets with elastic openings keep infant and child care products secure. At least one pocket may include a window or hole through which the accessory can be accessed. Different pocket sizes accommodate multiple accessories. Multiple fastening systems allow the organizer to be folded into different configurations. When laid flat, organizer is a changing pad. Folding the bottom and top together, then folding over and securing with a horizontal fastening strap creates the wristlet configuration. Folding the bottom so the back touches the back of the top allows the organizer to be secured to a crib, change table, stroller, etc. via at least one vertical fastening strap. Some fasteners are breakaway for infant safety. Allows a caregiver to pack, carry, and store a single set of childcare accessories.

Abstract: A decorative accessory, having a substantially tubular-shaped portion, a decorative element, and at least one cosmetic item. The tubular-shaped portion has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a cavity bounded by the inner surface. The decorative element has an extension member extending downwardly therefrom, where the extension member is secured to the tubular-shaped portion. The at least one cosmetic item is disposed within the cavity. The at least one cosmetic item includes a container, a cap, and a fluid medium disposed within the container.

Abstract: An illuminated handbag assembly includes a personal item carrier including a housing having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends upwardly therefrom. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into an interior of the housing. A handle is attached to the housing and a light emitter is mounted within the interior. A battery is mounted in the housing and is electrically coupled to the light emitter. A cellular phone charger is mounted within the housing and is electrically coupled to the battery for charging a cellular phone placed within the housing and placed in electrical communication with the cellular phone charger.

Abstract: A hair addition drying system and method is disclosed and includes a dryer defining an elongated internal drying chamber. An internal support assembly is provided to suspend elongated hair additions such that applied drying air flows over the hair additions in a manner that avoids tangling.

Abstract: A hair dryer includes a housing defined by a first housing and a second housing, the first housing defines a first protruding surface inside the housing, and the second housing defines a second protruding surface inside the housing, and a connection assembly configured to connect the first and second housings. The connection assembly includes a first connector removably received by the first housing, and a second connector removably received by the second housing, the second connector includes an elongated body having a first portion and a second portion, a cross-sectional diameter of the first portion is smaller than a cross-sectional diameter of the second portion, and a protruding edge is positioned between the first portion and the second portion. To connect the first and second housings, the first connector engages the second connector and contacts the first protruding surface, and the second connector engages the first connector, the protruding edge contacts the second protruding surface.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an active ingredient carrier for hair dryer, the carrier including a carrier layer formed with fabric or porous material to contain an active wettability ingredient, and first and second protective layers, each so formed as to have a thickness thinner than that of the carrier layer, and stacked at an upper surface and a bottom surface of the carrier layer, wherein a size of a pore of the first and second protective layers is smaller than that of pore in the carrier layer, and melting temperatures of the first and second protective layers are formed higher than a hot air temperature of a hair dryer.

Abstract: An hair heating cap includes a cap body which is provided with a wearing chamber, a pocket and a zipper, wherein the pocket is opened or closed by the zipper, and the wearing chamber is provided for accommodating a user's head. A plug is disposed inside the pocket and electrically connected to a heater and a power supply unit, the heater gets power supply from the power supply unit to produce heat whereby to perform hair caring. The power supply unit is hidden in the pocket of the cap body, and the power supply unit supplies power directly to the heater, which makes the hair heating cap look neat and tidy, and the user is free to walk when wearing the hair heating cap without being restricted by the length of the power wire.

Abstract: A flexible under-nail support device and method to apply the same that promotes long healthy fingernail growth by providing nail strength and support without any interaction or damage to the nail plate (upper nail) or the hyponychium (thickened epidermis under the nail). The device has an indention, with a preferred embodiment of an inverted V that is positioned under the fingernail and around the hyponychium. Its lateral sides are bonded to at least the nails' lateral undersides to provide extra strength to the nail. The bonded device is then clipped and filed to the natural nails length. The method includes healthy easy device removal and support replacement. As the nail grows, the process of attaching and removing supports is repeated and over time results in strong, long, healthy, aesthetically pleasing nails. For immediate nail lengthening, the device may be used as scaffolding with other technologies mitigating their respective health hazards.

Abstract: A built-in material scraping device for a cosmetic container is a material scraping device capable of being slipped downward with a liquid surface of liquid material stored inside the cosmetic container. An elastic piston piece is mainly into the container before a scraping element is installed on the mouth of the container, where a through hole is configured on the center of the piston piece, having a diameter equal to the diameter of a brushing rod, which is passed through the through hole to press the piston piece downward to move the stored liquid material to flow downward, thereby being convenient for the soaking of the brush head upon make-up use.

Abstract: A container for carrying cosmetic product comprises a central container with first and second openings, the first opening configured to accept a first vial and the second opening, configured to accept a second vial wherein the first opening and the second opening are substantially the same size, and wherein the first vial and the second vial are substantially the same size; and two caps, each cap having an open end and a closed end, the cap designed to accept a cap insert into the open end, wherein the cap insert comprises a rod, wherein the rod is configured to accept an applicator tip, and wherein the rod is configured to be inserted into the vial when the cap is placed over the first opening or the second opening of the central container.

Abstract: An applicator device or dispenser includes an applicator tip assembly and a housing which may, in some examples, have a reservoir for containing a product, such as a cosmetics product or a medicinal product. The applicator tip assembly may be coupled to the housing and may comprise a thermal storage applicator portion having an application face for applying the product to a surface, the thermal storage applicator portion being made from a material that is capable of storing and retaining and/or transferring thermal energy during application of the product. The applicator tip assembly may further comprise a main body portion having a product delivery passageway extending through the main body portion for dispensing a product to the application face of the thermal storage applicator portion, the main body portion configured to at least partially enclose the thermal storage applicator portion at a periphery of the thermal storage applicator portion.

Abstract: An adjustable device for supporting a load includes a belt for fastening about a user's waist. A rod includes two rigid elements. One of the elements is longitudinally slidable relative to the other element so as to adjust a length of the rod. A lower end of the rod is attachable to the belt and an upper section of the rod is attachable to a shoulder harness that is placeable on the user's shoulders for carrying the load. A control is operable by the user when carrying the load to unlock a locking mechanism that, when locked, fixes the length of the rod. When the control is operated concurrently with movement of the user's shoulders relative to the user's waist, the length of the rod is changed to adjust a distribution of a weight of the load between the user's shoulders and waist.

Abstract: A shoulder harness for supporting an electronic device includes a substrate having a pre-formed curvature such that the shoulder harness is biased to an at-rest state that is concave on a bottom-facing surface. A crest portion includes at least one slit adapted to secure the shoulder harness to a fastening element on a garment or other body-worn device. A front portion is coupled to the crest portion and extends in a forward direction from the crest portion. The front portion includes a receiving opening for attachment of the electronic device. A rear portion is coupled to the crest portion and extends in a rearward direction from the crest portion.

Abstract: The holster includes a solid basically flat rectilinear shape. In one embodiment, a horizontal slot through the thickness of the base receives a strap that is wrapped around the portable device, while a second strap, vertically oriented, is fixed in a keyway in the bottom of the base and threaded through a vertical slot in the thickness of the base and is brought upward over the horizontal strap. In a second embodiment a pair of horizontal straps are set in keyways and are wrapped around a portion of the portable device, holding it in place. All straps having a webbing having one side covered by the hook portion of a hook and loop fastening system and the other side covered by the loop elements of a hook and loop fastening system, allowing opposite sides, or faces, of any single strap to be fastened to itself.

Abstract: A brush (200) for delivering a glutinous substance (168) to a workpiece (170) from an end-effector (102) is disclosed. The brush (200) comprises a body (202), having a rotational axis (238) and comprising a first channel (208) that comprises an inlet (209) and a first outlet (280). The inlet (209) is coaxial with the rotational axis (238) and the first outlet (280) is offset from the rotational axis (238). The brush (200) also comprises tufts (222), extending from the body (202) and each comprising at least one bristle (220) and a tip (227). The brush (200) further comprises a first tube (210), communicatively coupled with the first outlet (280) of the first channel (208) of the body (202).

Abstract: A brush (400) for delivering a glutinous substance (168) to a workpiece (170) from an end-effector (102) is disclosed. The brush (400) comprises a body (402) having a rotational axis (438). The body (402) comprises a first end (407), a second end (411), opposite the first end (407), and a channel (408), comprising an axial inlet (409) and an outlet (480). The axial inlet (409) is at the first end (407) of the body (402) and is coaxial with the rotational axis (438). The brush (400) also comprises bristles (420), extending from the body (402) so that the bristles (420) are not parallel to the rotational axis (438) of the body (402).

Abstract: A brush (400) for delivering a glutinous substance (168) to a workpiece (170) from an end-effector (102) is disclosed. The brush (400) comprises a body (402), having a rotational axis (438). The brush (400) also comprises a shaft (404), coupled to the body (402) and coaxial with the rotational axis (438). Additionally, the brush (400) comprises a tube (430), having a first end (411) and a second end (412), opposite the first end (411). The tube (430) comprises a first channel (408), coaxial with the rotational axis (438) and having an inlet (409) and an outlet (480). Furthermore, the tube (430) extends from the body (402) in a first direction (A) along the rotational axis (438), to the second end (412). The brush (400) further comprises bristles (420) that surround a portion of the tube (430), wherein the bristles (420) extend from the body (402) in the first direction (A).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a scrub brush system comprising a plurality of bristles extending away from a bottom side of a brush base, the bottom side of the brush base attached to, and in fluid communication with an external fluid reservoir through a flexible conduit. Systems comprising and methods of using the scrub brush are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (102) for delivering a glutinous substance (168) from a cartridge (166) to a brush (298) is disclosed. The apparatus (102) comprises a sleeve (106) and a pressure-cap assembly (104). The pressure-cap assembly (104) comprises a pressure cap (110), proximate an inlet (124) of the sleeve (106). The pressure cap (110) comprises a pressure input (118), selectively operable to apply pressure to the glutinous substance (168) in the cartridge (166) when the cartridge (166) is received within the sleeve (106), the pressure cap (110) is in the closed position, and a leading end (167) of the cartridge (166) is in sealed engagement with a valve (154). The apparatus (102) further comprises a brush-arm assembly (176), configured to retain the brush (298) and capable of rotating the brush (298). The valve (154) is selectively operable to enable the glutinous substance (168) to flow from the cartridge (166) to the brush (298).

Abstract: A combined toothbrush and mouth care device includes a main body member having a proximal end and a distal end, a brush head having a plurality of bristles to brush a user's teeth coupled to the proximal end of the main body member and a flossing member to floss between the user's teeth integrally formed with the distal end of the main body member, wherein the brush head includes a first region having a first width and a second region having a second width less than the first width to reach the user's posterior teeth.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for desk including a first bracket, a second bracket, and at least one cross-arm assembly is provided. The cross-arm assembly has at least three connecting ends for connecting the first bracket and the second bracket respectively. The cross-arm assembly rotates about a first axis to change a shear angle thereof, and drives the first and the second brackets to move close to or away from each other relatively in a second axis.

Abstract: A stand includes a frame and a base. The frame includes a hook, a main body and a pivoting part. The main body is connected between the hook and the pivoting part. The hook has a groove, allowing the frame to be rotated relative to a rod by taking an extending direction of the groove as an axis of rotation. The base is pivoted to the pivoting part, allowing the base to be folded or unfolded relative to the frame so as to adjust an angle between the base and the main body of the frame.

Abstract: Technologies are described for a collapsible cart and method of assembly. The cart has a cart base and a removable cart table top. The cart base has a rectangular cart frame and a foldable leg extending from a first side, proximate each corner, of the rectangular cart frame. Each foldable leg is configured to rotate about a first end and to lock into an extended orientation, and to rotate into a folded orientation and become proximate the rectangular cart frame. A clasp assembly is proximate a second end of each of the foldable legs and are configured to clasp arms proximate each corner of the removable cart table top.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that provides a storage system designed to allow pickers to easily and efficiently pull products from all portions of the storage system from a single side of the storage system. The storage system includes a first storage rack that has a first plurality of columns and a first platform extending from one of the first plurality of columns. An outer edge of the first platform forms an end of the first storage rack. Positioned adjacent to the first storage rack is a second storage rack with a second plurality of columns and a second platform that extends from one of the second plurality of columns, where an outer edge of the second platform forms an end of the second storage rack. An aisle is formed by a predetermined distance between the outer edges of the first and second platforms.

Abstract: A bottle rack includes a bottle-supporting assembly having an elongate portion and support bars connected to the elongate portion, with the support bars being spaced longitudinally along the elongate portion and suitable to support bottles therebetween; and a panel having support bar apertures suitable for the support bars of the bottle-supporting assembly to extend through. The bottle-supporting assembly is secured onto the panel with the support bars extending through the apertures of the panel and the support bars are suitable to support the bottles such that the bottles are substantially perpendicular to the support panel. The bottle supporting assembly may be supplied in the form of a kit.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame assembly having a base portion constructed and arranged to engage a surface, a first frame member and a second frame member, a seat, a crank pedal mechanism, an adjustable desk, and an actuator. The second frame member is configured to movable between a first position in which the desk is positioned closer to the seat so as to allow the user seated on the seat to use the desk and a second position in which the desk is positioned away from the seat so as to allow the user to stand upright on the surface with the user's body positioned between the seat and the desk to use the desk in a standing position. The actuator is constructed and arranged to be actuated to enable the second frame member to be moved between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A support device includes a support element, a linking element and a blocking element. A mounting path is formed on the support element for holding a plurality of mounting elements of an object. The blocking element is configured to be driven by the linking element. When the blocking element is located at a first position, the blocking element blocks the mounting path of the support element. When the blocking element is located at a second position, the blocking element does not block the mounting path of the support element.

Abstract: A pull-out guide for a drawer, comprising a guide rail can be fixed to a body and a running rail which is movably mounted. At least one central rail can optionally be provided between the guide rail and the running rail, and a securing device with a holder is provided on the running rail, wherein a drawer can be fixed to the holder. The holder is mounted in a movable manner in the longitudinal direction of the running rail and is pretensioned towards the front in the pull-out direction by means of an energy accumulator. In this manner, a drawer can be easily mounted on the securing device, and manufacturing tolerances can be compensated for.

Abstract: A drawer glide mechanism can include a first elongate guide member, a second elongate glide member, a ball bearing component, and a v-notch socket. The first elongate guide member includes a distal end that is configured to fit within an opening in the v-notch socket. The drawer glide mechanism can further include one or more floating members and fixed members.

Abstract: A foldable chair includes front and rear legs, a seat frame, and a stabilizing mechanism. The front and rear legs are crossingly and pivotally connected to each other. The seat frame is supported by the front and rear legs and tilted when the foldable chair is unfolded. The stabilizing mechanism restrains the front and rear legs from moving relative to each other when the foldable chair is unfolded or in use, and prevents an undesired or inadvertent folding of the foldable chair. The stabilizing mechanism includes a positioner and a fastening device. The positioner is connected to the front and rear legs, and has a length adjustable to facilitate folding and unfolding of the foldable chair. The fastening device is disposed at the positioner, and configured to prevent the positioner from inadvertently adjusting its length when the foldable chair is unfolded.