Patents Issued in June 15, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170164648
    Abstract: Compositions comprise an amount of cinnamaldehyde that is orally tolerable, thus avoiding an unpleasant mouth feeling, and also tolerable in the gastrointestinal tract. The amount of cinnamaldehyde is supplemented by zinc, and the combination is effective to increase at least one of energy expenditure, sympathetic nervous system activity, or fat oxidation, relative to a composition lacking cinnamaldehyde and zinc but otherwise identical. The composition comprising the combination of cinnamaldehyde and zinc can be used in a method to support weight managementor promote weight loss, a method for preventing obesity or overweight, and a method for treating obesity or overweight. In an embodiment, the composition comprising cinnamaldehydeis administered to a human. The composition comprising cinnamaldehyde may be a medicament, a food product or a supplement. The composition can improve one or more of insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, cognitive performance, cognition, mood or memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Stephanie Michlig Gonzalez, Jenny Meylan Merlini, Susana Camacho, Johannes Le Coutre
  • Publication number: 20170164649
    Abstract: Procedure for separating the husk from the seeds or fruit, screening device and selection device It comprises introducing the seeds or fruit in a splitting machine that hits said husk of the seeds or fruit, splitting it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Salvatore LA CAGNINA
  • Publication number: 20170164650
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of an edible object, comprising providing an edible powder composition and at least one edible liquid, wherein the edible powder composition comprises a water soluble protein, a hydrocolloid and a plasticizer, and subjecting said composition to powder bed printing by depositing the edible liquid by spraying it onto the powder and thereby obtaining the edible object. Also food products obtainable with the method of the invention, particularly, a pasta, a cake object and a protein bar are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Jerome Villarama Diaz, Martijn Willem-Jan Noort, Kjeld Jacobus Cornelis van Bommel
  • Publication number: 20170164651
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides protein-enriched, tobacco-containing products, suitable for use as oral formulations. Products of the present disclosure typically include at least one tobacco material (e.g., a particulate tobacco material or a tobacco-derived extract), at least one protein-enriched material (e.g., a tobacco-derived protein-enriched material), and at least one sugar alcohol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: John-Paul Mua, Gong Chen, Thaddeus Jude Jackson, Anthony Richard Gerardi, Kyle Ford, Barry Smith Fagg, Melissa Ann Clark
  • Publication number: 20170164652
    Abstract: There is provided a smoking article having an aerosol generating substrate and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece indudes a cavity at least partially filled with a particulate material, such as activated carbon,and contains at least one breakable capsule of a liquid flavourant at least partially surrounded by the particulate material, such that the force required to break the capsule within the mouthpiece to release the liquid flavourant is less than three times the inherent burst strength of the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Yves Jordil, Charles Kuersteiner
  • Publication number: 20170164653
    Abstract: An airflow preheating device, includes a heating pipe and a flow guide pipe, where the flow guide pipe is embedded in the heating pipe; a flow guide device is provided on an outer wall of the flow guide pipe; a ventilation pipe is provided inside the flow guide pipe; an air flow space is formed between the ventilation pipe and the flow guide pipe; an air flow enters between the flow guide pipe and the ventilation pipe from a top end of the ventilation pipe, and then enters between the outer wall of the flow guide pipe and an inner wall of the heating pipe via an air flow hole on a wall of the flow guide pipe, and flows out via the flow guide device. Because an optimized air flow channel is used, an outer wall of a smoking set is not easily heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Jiatai CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170164654
    Abstract: A smoking article is provided and has opposed lighting and mouth ends. A mouth end portion is disposed at the mouth end and a heat generation portion is disposed about the lighting end. An outer wrapping material is wrapped at least about the heat generation portion and extends toward the mouth end portion, to define a cylindrical rod. An aerosol-generating portion is disposed within the outer wrapping material and between the heat generation and mouth end portions. The aerosol-generating portion is configured to generate an aerosol in response to heat received from the heat generation portion. Heat from the heat generation portion for aerosol formation is provided by igniting a combustible fuel element (e.g., a plurality of parts or pieces of clean burning carbonaceous material) located within an enclosed heat generation cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Balager Ademe
  • Publication number: 20170164655
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a cartridge (12) and an atomizing assembly (13); the atomizing assembly (13) is fixed in the cartridge (12); the atomizing assembly (13) comprises a reservoir (105), a liquid guiding medium (106) and a heating element (107); the reservoir (105) has a liquid storage cavity (108) storing tobacco liquid and a liquid outlet (109); the liquid outlet (109) communicates with the liquid storage cavity (108); the liquid guide medium (106) is porous liquid guiding material, and is connected to the liquid outlet (109); the heating element (107) is fixed in the cartridge (12), and a gap exists between the heating element (107) and the liquid guide medium (106); the liquid guide medium (106) guides the tobacco liquid out of the reservoir (105) via the liquid outlet (109) and stores the tobacco liquid; the gap exists between the heating element (107) and the liquid guide medium (106) so that the heating element (107) heats the liquid guide medium (106) without directly contacting the liquid
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: ZHIPING CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170164656
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprising a vaporizer having a first portion, which is provided with a resistor and a connector electrically connected to the resistor and a support comprising insulating material; and a second portion, which is provided with an additional electrical connector and a base element comprising an insulating material on which the further electrical connector is mounted; the support and the base element are different one with respect to the other; the connectors are connected together by means of a male-female coupling so as to keep together the first and the second portion and establishing a continuous connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Ivan Eusepi, Luca Lanzarini, Carlo Moretti, Luca Federici
  • Publication number: 20170164657
    Abstract: There is provided an aerosol-forming cartridge for an electrically operated aerosol-generating system. The cartridge includes a base layer and at least one aerosol-forming substrate disposed on the base layer and including a tobacco-containing material with volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are releasable from the aerosol-forming substrate. The base layer and the at least one aerosol-forming substrate are in contact at a contact surface, which is substantially planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.
    Inventor: Rui Nuno BATISTA
  • Publication number: 20170164658
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette capable of temperature control and a temperature control method therefor, the electronic cigarette comprises a casing (10), a liquid storage device (101) within the casing (10), an atomizing assembly, a power supply (102), and a circuit control board (103) having a smoking switch SW, the atomizing assembly comprises a heating unit and leads thereof made from thermo-sensitive material whose resistance varies along with the temperature in certain proportion, the circuit control board (103) comprises a power supply managing module (104) which determines temperature of the heating unit and leads thereof by continuously detecting their resistance when the smoking switch SW on, and sends corresponding control signal to make the heating unit and leads thereof connect to/disconnect from the power supply (102) to achieve temperature control, pernicious gas and burnt matter produced by heating unit dry-burn caused by lack of e-liquid threatening users' health is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Guangrong Lin
  • Publication number: 20170164659
    Abstract: A heating assembly for heating an aerosol-forming substrate is provided, including: a heater including an electrically resistive heating element and a heater substrate; and a heater mount coupled to the heater; wherein the heating element includes a first portion and a second portion configured such that, when an electrical current is passed through the heating element, the first portion is heated to a higher temperature than the second portion as a result of the electrical current; and wherein the heater mount surrounds the second portion of the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude SCHNEIDER, Julien Plojoux, Felix Fernando, Olivier Greim
  • Publication number: 20170164660
    Abstract: A garment for a person's lower body comprises a waistband, the waistband comprising a strip of elasticated material having a first end and a second end. A front panel is connected to and extends between the first end and the second end. The front panel extends from the waistband to cover a lower abdominal region of the person. The front panel is formed of one of an inelastic fabric and a stretch fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Tom Austin
  • Publication number: 20170164661
    Abstract: A cushioned sock assembly for reducing discomfort of an article of footwear includes a sock that may be worn. A pair of cushions is provided and each of the cushions is coupled to the sock. Thus, each of the cushions enhances a comfort of the sock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Lanette Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20170164662
    Abstract: A seamless postpartum garment is disclosed that is formed from a seamless double layer circular knit tube. The garment is flexible and stretchable throughout, and made from at least two different knit structures. Use of different knit structures at strategic locations on the garment, allow for it to provide compression and comfort at strategic locations on a woman's postpartum body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Ingrid Carney
  • Publication number: 20170164663
    Abstract: A travel accessory designed to provide comfort to the user during a trip contains a neck-rest, a travel cape, and an attachment mechanism. The neck-rest is removably attached to the travel cape so that the user can utilize the neck-rest and the travel cape independently. The neck-rest has a stuffing which is concealed within a hollow body of the neck-rest. The stuffing is secured in position with a fastening mechanism such as a zipper. Additionally, the neck-rest also contains a first pocket and a second pocket which are used for storing items used during travelling. For user convenience, the travel cape is designed with a first-arm receiving hole and a second-arm receiving hole. In order to transport the neck-rest and the travel cape a carrying bag is also provided. A plurality of storage pockets on the carrying bag allow the user to store items that are essential when travelling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Carrie R. Korenek, Paul Allen Korenek
  • Publication number: 20170164664
    Abstract: A method includes embedding clothing with at least one sensor and at least one control unit; a power unit powering on the at least one sensor and the at least one control unit; the at least one sensor monitoring a sensed condition; the at least one control unit conducting a heat prediction based on the sensed condition; and the at least one control unit controlling threads within the clothing based on the heat prediction to actively adjust properties of the clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: David M. Daly, David Joel Edelsohn, Kaoutar El Maghraoui, Jose Eduardo Moreira, Priya A. Nagpurkar, Jessica Hui-Chun Tseng
  • Publication number: 20170164665
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a garment having zippers for separating the garment into two halves. The garment has a zipper on the front and a zipper on the back. The halves can be mixed and matched according to preference for color, surface ornamentation, or material. Each half has an inside pocket that can be used for storing an additional garment half. The garment may optionally include a hood. In embodiments where the garment has a hood, the back zipper may unzip as the slider is moved in the downward direction, thereby allowing the user to separate the hood and fold the hood into a collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: S Jermikko Johnson
  • Publication number: 20170164666
    Abstract: A nursing cover for a user, the nursing cover including a closed loop band having a front portion and a top opening through which the user is allowed to penetrate and a plurality of flexible boning supports disposed on the front portion. The plurality of flexible boning supports provides structural integrity while the user nurses an infant underneath the front portion to prevent the nursing cover from interfering with the infant being nursed by the user, to allow better circulation of airflow for the infant underneath the nursing cover and to provide a better line of sight for the nursing mother to view her infant underneath the nursing cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: LindyJo Larnard
  • Publication number: 20170164667
    Abstract: A convertible swimsuit top may include a top portion, a mid-portion, and a slider. The top portion may include a lower edge and a row of protruding teeth along the lower edge of the top portion. The mid-portion may include an upper edge and a row of protruding teeth along the lower edge of the top portion. The row of protruding teeth along the lower edge of the top portion and the row of protruding teeth along the upper edge of the mid-portion may be configured to engage and disengage one another via the slider. The row of protruding teeth along the lower edge of the top portion and the row of teeth along the upper edge of the mid portion may extend for less than the entire length of the lower edge of the top portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Kristi Street
  • Publication number: 20170164668
    Abstract: An article of water resistant clothing that includes a water resistant underlay layer. The water resistant underlay layer includes at least one compression panel to compress a portion of a body of a user wearing the water resistant clothing. The article of swimwear includes a water resistant overlay layer disposed over the water resistant underlay layer. The water resistant overlay layer exposes at least a portion of the water resistant underlay layer through material of the water resistant overlay layer. The article of water resistant clothing includes a set of fasteners embedded in at least one of the water resistant underlay layer or the water resistant overlay layer to couple the water resistant underlay layer to the water resistant overlay layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Joanne Chan Bersamin
  • Publication number: 20170164669
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying areas of a processing plant in which a glove is damaged. The system includes utilizing color-coded sets of gloves in different areas or processing steps within the plant. All the gloves used in a particular plant are provided with a unique identifier. If a piece of a glove is located in the product within the plant, the color of that piece indicates the area or process of the plant in which the glove was used. If a piece of a damaged glove is located in the product at a remote destination, the unique identifier in that piece is matched with a registry to determine the plant in which the glove was used. The color of the piece then helps the plant to identify where the damaged glove was used. The system and method are particularly helpful in the food processing industry, especially meat processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: James L. Hull
  • Publication number: 20170164670
    Abstract: A data security pocket and garment is disclosed for better positioning and protecting data and information contained in a card or device for housing such information from its theft or misappropriation when it is placed in the pocket portion of the invention. The pocket portion of the invention is specially positioned on and secured to a portion of the garment or clothing surface near or adjacent to the arm-pit area with which it is used in combination, with its own design, to provide a more protective pocket environment for placement and transportation of a card, chip or other data/information carrying or storing device or means. The pocket and the garment in combination make up four layers from which the pocket is constructed, secured and positioned. These layers include the top pocket layer (12); the top security layer (14) and the bottom security layer (16), each fabricated from security anti-RFID material; and the garment, clothing or base layer (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Stanley Hale
  • Publication number: 20170164671
    Abstract: A fastener for a garment, particularly suited to use in a garment such as a brassiere, comprises a female part and a male part that interlock together. The female part is connected to a first garment piece and the male part is connected to a second garment piece. The fastener is an overlapping fastener of the type in which the male piece is engaged with the female piece by inserting a connector plate of a male part into an aperture of a female part at an angle and thereafter pivoting the male part relative the female part thereby snap-fitting the connector plate in place in the aperture. The male part has a recess formed therein surrounding the connector plate which provides added stability to the male part and significantly increases its tensile strength characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: Dubrosky & Tracy Patent Service Corp.
    Inventors: Gerhard Fildan, Karl Wanzenböck
  • Publication number: 20170164672
    Abstract: A thin garment closure includes a male member with a bar having a ball each end and a female member having a trough shaped to receive the bar. The bar is positionable in the trough when the male and female members are in a substantially transverse orientation, and when one member is rotated so that both members are substantially coplanar the closure is closed. The male member has side arms angled inward and connecting the male exterior side and the bar. The length of the bar is shorter than the length of the male exterior side. The trough of the female member has a concave region to receive each ball of the bar. In an embodiment, the concave region is enlarged toward the center of the closure to accommodate movement of the bar under tension. These features improve the tensile strength of the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: Dubrosky & Tracy Patent Service Corp.
    Inventors: Gerhard Fildan, Karl Wanzenböck
  • WIG
    Publication number: 20170164673
    Abstract: In at least a portion of a surrounding region of a wig base 10 attached to a user's head, a pressing member 30 of a predetermined width is fixed to the wig base 10 so as to cover the root of artificial hairs 20a planted to the wig base 10. The artificial hairs 20a pressed by the pressing member 30 in the peripheral portion of the wig protrude outward in the direction in which the wig base 10 extends, and the direction is close to the direction in which own hairs remaining on the head extend. Therefore, the tunnel phenomenon can be prevented, and the artificial hairs 20a suitably harmonize with own hairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Mutsumi KAWASAKI
  • Publication number: 20170164674
    Abstract: A hair extension may include a first weft having a band and strands of artificial hair extending from the band. The hair extension may also include a second weft having strands of artificial hair, where the second weft may be attached to a front side of the band of the first weft. The hair extension may further include at least one attachment mechanism attached to a rear side of the band of the first weft, where the attachment mechanism may be configured to attach the hair extension to the scalp or natural hair of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: David M. Rubenstein
  • Publication number: 20170164675
    Abstract: A temperature-adjusting hat, having a hat having an inside for accommodating a head and an outside, a thermoelectric couple having a first side and a second side having a temperature differential between the first and second sides, and wherein the first side is positioned near the inside of the hat, a power source connected to the thermoelectric couple, and one or more heat pipes connected to the second side, extending over the outside of the hat, wherein the one or more heat pipes has a constant temperature along a length. The hat may have a heat wicking layer in communication with the one or more heat pipes, configured to distribute a temperature from the heat pipes across the outside of the hat. The heat-wicking layer may be graphene or pyrolitic graphite. The heat-wicking layer may be copper sheeting or aluminum, and the first side is positioned to contact a forehead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: George Buchert
  • Publication number: 20170164676
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a baseball cap-type hat having a head covering portion as well as a forward facing bill. A sweat or liquid absorbing element preferably a terry cloth towel is removably attached to the bill or permanently affixed using hook and pile fastening means. In a preferred embodiment, the hook and pile fastening means half attached to the bill includes an opening to provide a storage compartment in which a key, coin, or other small object may be stored. If desired, the towel may be permanently stitched to the underside of the bill of the cap. In a further alternative, the towel may be made of a hyper-evaporative material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Robert L. Henrickson
  • Publication number: 20170164677
    Abstract: A head guard is provided which has a fabric layer and a padding layer. The padding layer can be attached to the fabric layer. The head guard is stretchable between a relaxed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expanding configuration has a convex shape such that it can conform to a head of a wearer. The head guard can be worn by a wearer in combination with a helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Federico Olivares Velasco
  • Publication number: 20170164678
    Abstract: A helmet for rotational energy management can include an outer energy management layer comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface can comprise a first slidable finish comprising a first glaze comprising a thickness less than or equal to 2 millimeters (mm). An inner energy management layer can be disposed within the outer energy management layer and further comprise an outer surface oriented towards the outer energy management layer and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The outer surface can comprise a second slidable finish that directly contacts the first slidable finish. The second slidable finish can comprise a second glaze comprising a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm. A space between the first slidable finish and the second slidable finish can be devoid of a lubricant and devoid of any interstitial slip layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Scott R. Allen, James R. Penny, Alexander J. Szela, Julio Valencia, Christopher T. Pietrzak
  • Publication number: 20170164679
    Abstract: An integral helmet, in particular a so-called full-face helmet, that is preferably designed with a shell construction, comprising a helmet upper-shell unit with an integrated neck unit and a chin protection unit with a jaw clamp, wherein the chin protection unit is detachably connectable to the helmet upper-shell unit so as to form the integral helmet, wherein the chin protection unit is designed for connection to the neck unit as an open chin bar unit with end areas that are separated from one another at a distance so that, in the assembled state, the end areas form a completely closed unit together with the neck unit. Also, a method for connecting and/or disconnecting, without the use of tools, a chin protection unit having a jaw clamp to, or from, a helmet upper-shell unit having an integrated neck unit, so as to form an integral helmet, in particular an integral helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Martin Friedrich SCHMITTER
  • Publication number: 20170164680
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a shoe with charging function, including a shoe body, an electricity generating apparatus, a battery, and an output interface, wherein: the electricity generating apparatus is configured to convert work done by a pressure applied to the apparatus into electrical energy, is mounted at the heel of the shoe body and electrically connected to the battery; and the battery is mounted at the counter of the shoe body and configured to connect the output interface for connecting a charging wire. In a process of running or walking, the shoe with charging function converts work done by a pressure applied to the apparatus into electrical energy stored by a battery, thereby eliminating certain defects of conventional charging manners, and meantime charging a mobile terminal. In periods of not being charged, surplus electrical energy is stored in the battery, environment-friendly, safe, and convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Xinghua Ge
  • Publication number: 20170164681
    Abstract: A safety slipper (10) includes a stretchable fabric material upper portion (12) and a porous anti-skid lower portion. The upper portion has a foot opening (16) and a profile heel pocket (17). The lower portion (13) is made from a scrim cloth type material having a knit of polyester threads (21) coated with a soft poly-vinyl chloride outer layer (22). The lower portion provides for a cris-crossing pattern or matrix of interconnected nodes (23) with spaces (24) therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Mary H. Frank
  • Publication number: 20170164682
    Abstract: A footwear ornamentation assembly includes at least one insert and a plurality of design members that can be mounted on the insert or a flip-flop for decoration purposes. The at least one insert is releasably affixed on top of a flip-flop sole. The plurality of design members present different appearances. A method for decorating a flip-flop using the flip-flop ornamentation assembly includes selecting the at least one insert from a plurality of inserts, affixing the selected insert to a top of the flip-flop sole, selecting one or more design members from the plurality of design members, and mounting the selected one or more design members to the at least one of the selected insert and the flip-flop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Elisabetta Pianta
  • Publication number: 20170164683
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes projection members providing sensory feedback. The projection members are movable relative to an upper of the article of footwear. When the upper encounters a surface of an object, the projection members may be displaced in a direction towards wearer's foot. The projection members may be configured so that they are inserted into apertures located on the upper, and extend above an outer surface of the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Dylan S. Van Atta, Patricia L. Smaldone
  • Publication number: 20170164684
    Abstract: A system assesses activity and displays a unitless activity value. A detector senses activity of a user. A processor reads sensed activity data from the detector. A display displays the unitless activity value. An enclosure houses the detector and the processor. The processor periodically reads the sensed activity data from the detector and processes the data to generate an activity number, the number being used to generate the unitless activity value based upon a maximum number and a display range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Perry Youngs
  • Publication number: 20170164685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole element, such as an insole, for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, as well as to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe. A sole element for a shoe comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion comprises a deformable material, which is adapted to generate heat by being deformed. The sole element moreover comprises a transport element adapted for selectively directing the generated heat from the second portion to the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Frank KIRK, Giridharan KIRUPANANTHAM, Christopher Edward HOLMES, Zachary Clinton COONROD, Harald KÖRGER, Peter Georg LAITENBERGER
  • Publication number: 20170164686
    Abstract: Shoes and/or shoe elements facilitate natural foot motion and/or reduce forces tending to fight natural foot motion. In at least some such structures, a wearer's heel is secured to the hindfoot region of a shoe (e.g., by a strap system) in a manner that permits heel/forefoot rotation and that allows the lower leg to remain straight. In other structures, a shoe can include a heel supporting component that is separate from a midsole component, and this heel supporting component can move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe along an interface between the heel supporting component and the midsole component. Other suitable shoe and shoe component structures also are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew A. Nurse, Bruce J. Kilgore, Gregory R. Leedy, Jennifer L. Bishop, John Hurd
  • Publication number: 20170164687
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device for supporting the foot and more particularly to a device for relieving pressure from specific areas of the foot, and for relaxing and shortening the musculatures of the foot by raising the arch. Through specific shapes and materials, the design intends to aid in alignment, add comfort, and prevent and relieve many foot problems and other lower extremity ailments. The device is uniquely designed to sit in the midfoot region of an article of footwear to relieve pressure from the heel and forefoot, redistribute pressure more evenly across the foot, and support the foot arches. The device may be constructed from flexible material which allows the orthotic to form to the shape of the shoe it is placed in. The medial wing portion of the orthotic device may utilize the medial wall of a shoe to increase arch support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Laina Gossman
  • Publication number: 20170164688
    Abstract: A foot support system for any shoe; walking, athletic, men, women's dress shoes, children's shoes. The system includes a base that conforming to the contour of a human foot, a heel post attached to the base and extending substantially under heel bone to relieve pressure on contact and provide stability and heel support, a transverse metatarsal stabilization bar located posterior or behind the metatarsal heads in the mid foot for stability of control of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal. A first ray extension originates at the metatarsal stabilization bar posterior to the metatarsal heads in the middle of the foot and ending distal-end to the mid-section of the first toe. Fifth ray extension originates at the transverse metatarsal stabilization bar posterior to the metatarsal heads in the middle of the foot and ending distal-end to the mid-section of the fifth toe. The orthotic system can be designed as an insert independent of a convention shoe sole, or may be incorporated into the sole of the shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Robert F. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20170164689
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an upper layer comprised of a plate member and a lower layer comprised of a plurality of segmented portions separated by flexing regions. The flexing regions may comprise portions of a compressible material. The sole structure accommodates vertical bending and torsion, while limiting lateral bending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Rushbrook
  • Publication number: 20170164690
    Abstract: A sole structure with an integrated cleat member includes a plate member with a protruding portion that forms a first portion of the cleat member. A second portion of the cleat member is attached to the first portion and may be made of a less rigid material than the first portion. A supporting structure can be disposed inside the protruding portion. A method of forming the sole structure can include reshaping a portion of a plate member to form a protruding portion, molding a cleat tip portion onto the protruding portion and molding a supporting structure into a concave inner portion of the protruding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Foxen
  • Publication number: 20170164691
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Baucom, Josh Fedderly, Jeff Rasmussen, Darlan Zacharia
  • Publication number: 20170164692
    Abstract: A fusing system includes an upper member and a base member. The upper member includes a pressing layer and the base member is associated with a last member. The pressing layer has a contoured portion that approximates the shape of a portion of the last member. The upper member can be associated with the base portion and a vacuum can be applied so that the pressing layer is pulled down onto materials disposed on the last member for purposes of fusing the materials together to form articles, such as articles of footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel A. Johnson, Yung-Tsung Tseng
  • Publication number: 20170164693
    Abstract: A safety belt buckle includes a base unit, an annular block mounted on the base unit, a cover covering the base unit, a locking device mounted in the cover, and a rotary driving unit mounted on the cover. Thus, the annular block made of metallic material is combined with the base unit to reinforce the whole strength of the base unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Wen-Yuan Wu
  • Publication number: 20170164694
    Abstract: A lock device is disclosed. The lock device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a hollow portion and a connecting section wherein the connecting section is at the periphery of the hollow portion. The second portion is configured to be engaged to the hollow portion of the first portion when the second portion is slid in a biased direction across the connecting section of the hollow portion and thus mounted on the first portion. A plurality of elastic clicks disposed on an inner surface of the first portion. The sliding movement of the second portion is stopped by one or more stoppers to interlock second portion with first portion, wherein the one or more stoppers are disposed at an end of the connecting section. The second portion is positioned parallel to the first portion in a locked state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: Jolly Come International Limited
    Inventor: Hoi Lung TANG
  • Publication number: 20170164695
    Abstract: A slide fastener assembly includes a first stringer tape and a second stringer tape. The first stringer tape includes a row of interlocking zipper teeth attached along an inner edge thereof. The second stringer tape includes a row of interlocking zipper teeth attached along an inner edge thereof and a hollow tube arranged along a selvedge edge thereof. The slide fastener assembly further includes a separate cord positioned within the hollow tube, thereby forming a beaded cord at the selvedge edge of the second stringer tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Gary DAVIS, Donnie RICE
  • Publication number: 20170164696
    Abstract: Provided is a slider having appearance or texture which cannot be obtained with a slider body made of metal or synthetic resin in the related art and further having properties superior than those of sliders in the related art. A slider of an embodiment of the invention includes a slider body formed by sintered bodies containing zirconium oxide as a main component and a tab held by a tab attaching portion of the slider body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Yabuya, Keiichi Keyaki, Hisanori Kato, Tomoko Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20170164697
    Abstract: A pull tab for zippers is formed by a cord having a cord retaining member attached to one end of the cord and a plug attached to other end of the cord. The cord retaining member has an internal cavity, a first aperture on a proximal end next to the cord and a second aperture on a distal end. The cavity and first and second apertures are sized so that when the cord is wrapped around the plug, the plug fits through the second aperture and cavity but does not fit through the first aperture. The pull tab is assembled by feeding the plug through a zipper tab and then the first aperture, the cavity and the second aperture, wrapping the cord around the plug, and pulling the cord to force the plug with the cord wrapping back into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: Duraflex Hong Kong Limited
    Inventor: Te Chien CHEN