Abstract: A helmet includes interconnected flexing panels and a multi-chamber impact absorption system comprising a bladder including a plurality of adjacent compressible fluid filled chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus to disperse and attenuate mechanical waves which travel through a human brain upon direct and indirect blunt head trauma. The apparatus comprises a pressurizable and ventable outer balloon shell encasing an inner hard shell. The pressurizable and ventable outer balloon shell releases a pressurized gas to atmosphere upon an impact to said pressurizable and ventable outer balloon shell. The pressurizable and ventable outer balloon shell is configured to compartmentalize an impact region, to reduce amplitudes of incident, reflected and transmitted mechanical waves and to dampen resonance of the mechanical waves delivered to both the apparatus and a human head.

Abstract: A helmet configured to protect a human head against mild traumatic brain injury upon impact includes an outer shell and a liner consisting of fluid fillable flexible fluid chambers fluidly connected to each other by fluid connections. The fluid chambers being spaced around the circumference of the helmet and configured to fill a space between the head and the outer shell when the helmet is positioned on the head. Impact resistant flexible pads are also in the liner and are spaced around an inner circumference of the outer shell adjacent to each of the fluid fillable flexible fluid chambers. A flexible inner shell inside the liner is configured to fit closely on the head. The flexible fluid chambers are configured to compress in response to impacting of the helmet on an impact side and to force liquids through the fluid connections to inflate other fluid chambers inside the helmet thereby cushioning the head against a rebound impact on the inside of the helmet.

Abstract: A pair of footwear, such as boots, with integrated magnets includes a left footwear, a right footwear, a first magnet, and a second magnet. The first magnet is mounted adjacent to an opening of the left footwear. The second magnet is mounted similarly on the right footwear. When the left footwear and the right footwear is worn, the first magnet and the second magnet are positioned in an area above the inner arch of the left foot and the right foot. When not worn, the first magnet is attached to the second magnet so that a shaft portion of the left footwear and the right footwear remain in an upright position. The upright position is beneficial for storing footwear and the longevity of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear. Further, the article of footwear can include a knitted upper and means for cushioning. In addition, the components of the article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an article formed of a knitted component. The article may be an upper for an article of footwear. The knitted component may have a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion of the knitted component at least partially forms a foot-receiving portion of the upper, where the second portion of the knitted component at least partially forms a strap of the upper, where the strap includes a first edge and a second edge secured to the first portion of the knitted component, and where the strap includes a third edge that extends from the first edge to the second edge.

Abstract: Ski boot with rigid shell comprising a lower shell (30) and a cuff (20) articulated in rotation to the lower shell (30), characterized in that it comprises at least a connecting ring (10) connecting the cuff (20) to the lower shell (30), this connecting ring (10) comprising a locking surface (11) collaborating with an opening (31) in the lower shell (30) so as to prevent the connecting ring (10) from rotating relative to the lower shell (30), and a rotation surface (12) collaborating with an opening (24) in the cuff so as to guide the rotation of the cuff (20) relative to the lower shell (30) about this second surface.

Abstract: A wearable article such as an article of athletic gear (e.g., a skate, an article of protective athletic equipment such as a helmet, etc.) wearable by a user and comprising an expandable user-engaging structure that is configured to be expanded (e.g., by heat or another stimulus) after manufacturing of the wearable article to conform it to the user or otherwise improve a fit of the wearable article on the user.

Abstract: A reusable, customizable shoe-insole having an encased viscoelastic material disposed on base of an insole and configured to assume an arch support structure in accordance with sole geometries of each additional user.

Abstract: Footwear and a method of manufacture of footwear are presented. The footwear has different insulation zones and each zone has a different level of insulation. For example, an article of footwear includes a first insulation zone, a second insulation zone, and a third insulation zone. The first, second, and third insulation zones each provide a different level of insulation for a specific part of a wearer's foot. The first insulation zone may be the heel region of the article of footwear, the second insulation zone may be the main part of the foot region of the article of footwear excluding both the heel region and a toe region of the article of footwear, and the third insulation zone may be the toe region of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A sole includes an outer sole assembly including a plurality of outer sole members spaced apart from each other by a plurality of gaps. In addition, the sole includes a middle sole assembly defining a plurality of grooves, and an intermediate layer comprising an elastomer. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer sole assembly and the middle sole assembly. The intermediate layer connects the middle sole assembly to the outer sole assembly. The intermediate layer is more elastic than each of the plurality of outer sole members. The intermediate layer is more elastic than the middle sole assembly. At least one of the gaps is vertically aligned with one of the grooves.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole. The upper includes an attachment region and a bottom portion that is bounded by the attachment region. The sole defines a concave inner surface. The concave inner surface includes a peripheral surface region and a central surface region. The attachment region of the upper is attached to the peripheral surface region of the sole. The bottom portion is held in tension over the central surface region.

Abstract: A modular article of footwear has a shock absorbing insert placed between the insole and the outsole thereof, for example at the heel. The insert includes a spring carrier having upper and lower portions, each having a plurality seats for receiving a respective ends of respective coil springs. Each of the springs extends between said upper and lower portions and is captured therebetween. A pair of opposed permanent magnets generates a separating force which supplements the supporting force of the mechanical springs. The insert may also contain a device for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy.

Abstract: An article of footwear or another product may incorporate a pressure chamber that includes (a) a bladder at least partially formed from a polymer material that is sealed to enclose a pressurized fluid and (b) a strand wound around the bladder and secured to the bladder. In manufacturing the pressure chamber, a bladder with an elongate configuration may be formed. A strand is wound around the bladder, and the strand is secured to the bladder. When incorporated to a sole structure of the article of footwear, for example, a portion of the bladder that includes the strands may be exposed at an outer surface of the sole structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure. The article of footwear further includes a first member that extends away from the sole structure. The first member at least partially defines a medial side and a lateral side of the article of footwear. Moreover, the second member has a body, a first support arm, and a second support arm. The body is attached to the first member such that the first member and the body cooperate to define a void that is configured to receive a foot. The body is also attached to the sole structure. The first support arm is attached to the first member on the medial side, and the second support arm is attached to the first member on the lateral side.

Abstract: An improved method for fastening shoes with shoelaces having a first end and an opposing second end includes a spanning member having a hole to accommodate the first end, and a slot preferably sized for an interference fit with the second end. The first end is passed through the hole and knotted, preventing it from passing back through the hole. The second end is pulled to tighten the shoelace, knotted and anchored in the slot, maintaining the taut shoelace securely in place. With multiple holes and multiple slots, the tautness of a shoelace can be adjusted. The spanning member remains in place on a shoe when not in use, held by the knot in the first end. For convenience, a user may tie another knot in the second end, with a loop sized to receive a finger, for easily grasping the second end and sliding it into a slot.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus is disclosed for generating a digital last for the manufacture of a shoe for a person. The method comprises obtaining a predefined digital last, the predefined digital last comprising an axis relating to the shape of the last; obtaining data of a foot of the person; and modifying the obtained predefined digital last based on the obtained data, wherein modifying comprises at least one of translation and rotation of the axis.

Abstract: The manufacturing of articles relies on the bonding of two or more components to form some forms of the articles, such as a shoe sole bonded with a shoe upper. The bonding may be achieved with a particulate that is applied to a surface of a substrate. The particulate is selectively fused to the substrate with a controlled energy source having multiple energy emitters individually controllable, such as a laser array. The selective application of laser energy allows for specific geometric structures of particulate to be formed on the substrate. The substrate having the fused particulate is mated with another component allowing the fused particulate to bond the first substrate and the second component.

Abstract: An illuminated seat belt buckle for a seat belt. The seat belt buckle has a buckle housing, a locking mechanism, an insertion slot for a belt latch of the seat belt, an actuating button for release purposes, and an illuminating device which has at least one light source and is arranged in the seat belt buckle. The buckle housing has a light-permeable and annularly closed light outlet opening from which the coupled-in light provided by the illuminating device emerges. The light outlet opening surrounds the actuating button and/or the insertion slot in an encircling manner.

Abstract: A buckle comprising a male coupler including a bar portion with an external surface, a first flange protruding from the external surface, the first flange being adapted for connection of a strap thereto; a female coupler with a hollow body having an opening therein, the opening including an end part at a first axial end of the hollow body and a slot part extending generally axially from the end part of the opening, the slot part having opposing lips extending along the slot, the hollow body having an internal surface complementary to the external surface of the bar portion; a detent for releasably holding the bar portion in the hollow body; and wherein the lips extend reentrantly and each lip is adjacent a respective inwardly-extending face in the bar portion.

Abstract: A fastener element has a central land portion and first and second bulging portions bulging from the central land portion toward the tape front surface side and the tape rear surface side in the element thickness direction. The first and second bulging portions respectively have a bulging end surface facing to the element thickness direction. The bulging end surface has a quadrilateral base end surface which is long in the element length direction and a tapered protrusion end surface protruding from the base end surface in the element width direction. Thus, it is possible to make the fastener element look like a single-sided metal element and to make a slide fastener which is formed by using the fastener elements lighter than a conventional slide fastener having single-sided metal elements.

Abstract: A slide fastener includes first and second rows of slide elements and first and second tapes secured with the respective rows of slide elements. The slide elements of the first row of slide elements are configured to engage with slide elements of the second row of slide elements and each slide element of the first and second rows includes a base, a head, a neck extending between the base and the head, a top surface, a facing surface, and one or more shoulders. A first vertical distance between a lowermost surface of the head and the first end of the first tape is greater than a second vertical distance between a lowermost surface of the base and the first end of the first tape.

Abstract: There is provided a slide cover for a slide fastener. A pair of second guide element passages are formed in a space among an upper plate, a lower plate, a pair of outer wall portions and a pair of inner wall portions to guide a pair of separated element rows into a first element guide passage of a slider. The upper plate, the lower plate and a connection post have a concave surface, which is recessed in a disengaging direction of the slider, in a surface facing toward an engaging direction of the slider. The pair of second guide element passages are configured so that tip ends of the pair of inner wall portions in the engaging direction are located at the same positions as or at a side of the engaging direction relative to tip ends of the pair of outer wall portions in the engaging direction.

Abstract: A process for customization of decoration that allows efficient production of small batches of custom awards medallions, medals and coins, particularly suitable for die cast medal medallions, medals and coins. The invention is also the medallions, medals and coins made by the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckle type jewelry lock catch, comprising a lock catch body, a buckle sleeve and a buckle, wherein one end of the buckle sleeve is provided with a buckle sleeve matching surface, the other end of the buckle sleeve is provided with a buckle inlet, and an internal wall of the buckle sleeve is provided with lock pins; an external surface of the buckle is provided with U-shaped clamping grooves, a spring chamber is provided inside the buckle, and a spring is provided in the spring chamber; and a thimble of the spring is provided at one end of the buckle, and a connecting mechanism of a jewelry chain is provided at the other end of the buckle. The present invention effectively combines firmness with beautiful appearance, and obtains unexpected technical effects, i.e. firmer and safer, thereby expanding the application range and being more suitable to be used in combination with precious jewelry.

Abstract: A self-defense ring having a single protrusion in the shape of a talon or claw to increase gripping strength and/or to increase open hand strike capability in case of attack by an assailant. The ring may be also worn during daily routines without causing injury to the user or to others.

Abstract: An ornamental component (300) for a bracelet and/or necklace, comprising a housing with a cavity defining projecting rims of end walls of the housing and a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material, wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in the inside surface (303) of the ring, said cut-outs defining associated at least two inwardly projecting projections of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface of the elongated member so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along an elongated member, an entirety of the cut-outs being free of material.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a carry (or carrying) bag is provided that includes an interior, substantially cut-resistant security panel assembly with a matrix of wires secured between or on one or more flexible material layers. Also in various embodiments, the security panel assembly may be positioned intermediate the bag outside wall and a lining of the bag, and in other embodiments, may also take the form of an expansion panel. Second or secondary locking fasteners are also provided to lock first or primary fasteners to or within the carrying bag, to provide security for compartments and pockets. A strap with one or more security cables, and various locking fasteners, may be attached to the carry bag. Methods for forming such security panel assemblies, expansion panels, and carrying straps are also disclosed.

Abstract: Handbags, including soft handbags, are easily customizable by attaching or changing handbag covers of virtually any design. The handbag covers can include, at least in part, an essentially collapsible material, and are relatively small and easily stored. Accordingly, the aesthetic and design of handbags can be easily altered without requiring the purchase of different handbags of different styles. In at least one implementation of the present invention, the handbag covers essentially envelope the base handbag. Additionally, one or more implementations of the present invention include handbag covers that attach to a base handbag via a plurality of attachment forces.

Abstract: A container is described, which may be used as part of item sortation within a facility, as well as item deliveries to end locations. In an example, the container may be configured to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The container may include a loading panel and an unloading panel. The loading panel may include a fastener such that an opening can be selectively created and closed in the expanded state. Accordingly, packaged items may be inserted and securely retained in the container through the loading panel. The unloading panel may also include a fastener such that an opening can be selectively created and closed in the expanded state. Accordingly, the packaged items may be unloaded from the container through this opening. The container may also be dimensioned to facilitate stowage of the container in the collapsed state and loading/unloading of packaged items in the expanded state.

Abstract: A cover for an electronic device comprises a back sheet portion comprising a first section and a second section and a front sheet portion comprising a first section and a second section. The second end of the front sheet portion is connected to the second section of the back sheet portion, and the first end of the front sheet portion is connected to the first section of the back sheet portion at a distance of the first end of the back sheet portion, the cover having an end section. The cover is foldable between a cover position and a support position. In the cover position, the back sheet portion and the front sheet portion are substantially planar and resting against each other. In the support position, at least a part of the end section rests against at least a part of the first section of the front sheet portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a portable electronics device case. The portable electronics device case includes a body having an interior face and an exterior face. Semi-flexible walls rise from the interior face, defining a perimeter encompassing a cavity dimensioned to securely contain a portable electronic device. A recess is disposed in the exterior face of the body and is dimensioned for receipt of a fastener strip. The fastener strip includes a fastener surface and a utility surface opposite the fastener surface. In certain embodiments, the utility surface includes a print surface, frictional surface, a reflective surface, a stand, a clip, a pocket surface, and other utility structures joined to the utility surface of the fastener strip.

Abstract: A case assembly includes a first case, a second case, a moving mechanism and a block. The first case has an inner surface and a groove located at the inner surface. The second case includes a main part disposed on the first case and a fixing part disposed on the main part. The moving mechanism is pivoted to the inner surface. The block is pivoted to another end of the moving mechanism. The block is slidable between a fixed position and a detached position. When the block is located at the fixed position, the block restricts the fixing part so as to assemble the second case and the first case together. When the moving mechanism drives the block to the detached position, the fixing part is not restricted by the block, and the moving mechanism forces a part of the second case to separate from the first case.

Abstract: The present teachings relate a platform that may fit over a user's thigh to hold in at least one predetermined position a personal electronic device. The platform may include at least one speaker and recharging unit. The platform may also include a mechanism to generally maintain the platform in its operative position, such as on a thigh of a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a card wallet for use with cards such as identification cards, credit cards, RFID cards. The card wallet comprises a base and lower and upper arms extending from the base. The lower arm and upper arms each comprise a channel portion and a protrusion disposed at an outer end portion. The base and channel portions of the lower and upper arms form a retention area. The protrusions moveable between a non-biased position where the retention area is closed and a biased position where the retention area is open. In operation, the protrusions of the lower and upper arms are moved to the biased position upon insertion of the cards at the protrusions allowing complete insertion of the cards and then return of the protrusions of the lower and upper arms to the non-biased position where the cards are retained within the retention area.

Abstract: A piece of luggage, suitcase, or other container with a lid-stay system, allowing the lid to stay open while a user accesses the contents in the piece of luggage, suitcase or other container in an interior thereof (main body and/or lid). The lid-stay system generally comprises at least one wing with a metal protrusion formed at a distal end thereof and at least one magnetic stopper element formed on the inside of the piece of luggage.

Abstract: A hair care appliance comprising a body, a fluid flow path extending through the body from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet and a PCB extending about the fluid flow path. The PCB may be annular. The PCB may be isolated from the fluid flow path. The PCB may comprise a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may extend substantially continuously about the fluid flow path and the second layer may extend partially about the fluid flow path. The second layer may be adjacent the first layer and may be downstream of the first layer. The body may comprise a duct and the fluid flow path extends through the duct. The PCB may extend about the duct. The body may comprise a primary fluid flow path extending about the duct which may be in fluid communication with the PCB.

Abstract: A tray is disclosed for securely holding a shaving razor and a shaving cartridge magazine when not in use.

Abstract: Provided is a compact container having an opaque thin film insert-molded onto a bottom surface of a transparent discharge plate. The compact container includes: an outer container (10); an outer container lid (20) hinged to one side of the outer container (10) so as to be opened and closed; a container body (30) mounted inside the outer container (10); a discharge device (40) for discharging a cosmetic product; and a discharge plate (60) disposed adjacent to the discharge device (40) and formed therein with a plurality of discharge openings (62), wherein the discharge plate (60) is formed of a transparent synthetic resin material, and an opaque thin film (64) is insert-molded onto a bottom surface of the discharge plate (60).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative plate formed on the lid of a compact case and a method for producing the same and, more specifically, to a decorative plate formed on the lid of a compact case and a method for producing the same, the decorative plate being configured to: prevent a printed phrase or picture from peeling or being erased, by forming a printing layer under a transparent plate so that the printing layer is not exposed to the outside, thus require no separate transparent coating, and thereby reduce production costs and allow long-term use; allow the printing layer to stand out more vividly by forming a pigment layer under the printing layer; and prevent an adhesive layer from being seen through the transparent plate when the decorative plate is bonded to the top of the lid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foundation container comprising a pump having convenient pressurization and, more specifically, to a foundation container comprising a pump having convenient pressurization, wherein the outer wall of a pump main body is formed in the shape of an inwardly concave janggu (a Korean traditional hourglass drum), thereby not delimiting a pumping method to vertically pressurizing the center of a pump upper body, but facilitating the discharge of the contents even though any region of the pump upper body is pressurized. In addition, the present invention relates to a foundation container comprising a pump having convenient pressurization, wherein productivity is improved due to easy mass production by integrating a pump upper body and a pump main body in one body and forming a discharge valve and a suction valve in the same shape so as to simplify the structure of a pump.

Abstract: The make-up item including an applicator having application head defining an envelope surface, and a make-up product dispenser, which includes a site for receiving the applicator, and having an outer valve provided with at least one dispensing opening which faces a portion of the envelope surface when the applicator is received in the site, the valve being able to assume a closed position and an open position wherein the valve releases product directly against the head of the applicator.

Abstract: A baked powder pencil includes a housing having a base portion with a hollow interior and an opening that opens into the hollow interior. A stick or pellet of baked powder cosmetic material is disposed at least partially within the hollow interior of the base portion. The stick or pellet of baked powder cosmetic material has an end portion that is arranged to extend through the opening of the base portion. The stick or pellet of baked powder cosmetic material is formed into a pre-defined three-dimensional shape and is configured to maintain its three-dimensional shape. The three-dimensional shape of the stick or pellet may have a head section with multiple, generally planar surfaces extending in multiple respectively different planes, or a head section with a semi-spherical or semi-spheroid shape.

Abstract: Cosmetic applicators for applying a cosmetic to a body part of a person are disclosed. The cosmetic applicators include containers in which cosmetics of different colors are respectively contained. The applicators are constructed so that the cosmetics can either be applied together or to be applied individually.

Abstract: Cosmetic applicators for applying a cosmetic to a body part of a person are disclosed. The cosmetic applicators include containers in which cosmetics of different colors are respectively contained. The applicators are constructed so that the cosmetics can either be applied together or to be applied individually.

Abstract: A mascara application system includes an applicator for mascara and a mascara container. The applicator may include two brushes, and have a reverse tweezers arrangement, by which the brushes may be spaced apart from one another when pressure is applied to a handle portion of the applicator, and the brushes may be positioned adjacent to one another when no pressure is applied to the handle portion. An optional applicator container may hold a handle portion of the applicator, while enabling its actuation to operate the applicator. The mascara container, which holds mascara and is configured to receive the brushes, may include a separate portal for each brush, as well as a squeegee or other element for removing excess mascara from each brush. Methods for applying mascara to lashes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that pre-warm topical preparation intended for application to skin. Specifically, the present invention relates to devices that pre-warm a premeasured amount of a topical preparation from a larger source without warming the full source.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide an industrial hygiene sampling system including a personal sampling belt and one or more sampling pouches. In one implementation, a belt body has an inner surface and an outer surface extending between a body proximal edge and a body distal edge. The inner surface is adapted to contact a body of the user. A first strap extends from the belt body to a receiving portion. A second strap extends from the belt body to a projecting portion. The receiving portion is adapted to receive and releasably engage the projecting portion to form a releasable buckle. One or more engaging strips is disposed on the outer surface of the belt body. The one or more engaging strips is adapted to releasably engage one or more sampling pouches, each having a pouch body defining an interior adapted to hold an industrial hygiene sampling device.

Abstract: An object-holding apparatus comprising a body having at least one cavity formed on said one surface. The cavity further comprises a pathway extending from the surface into the body. At least one object can be disposed into the pathway of the cavity and be held tightly in the pathway. The object-holding apparatus can be water-tight with a tube filled with a flexible filling material being inserted into the pathway of the cavity of the body of the object-holding apparatus. The object to be held in the pathway can include but not limited to tools such as drill bits, impact driver bits, other oversized or small tool accessories, other tools including but not limited to screwdrivers, pliers, as well as any other item which a user would like to hold securely. A method to make an object-holding apparatus is also presented.

Abstract: An electronic device harness assembly includes a yoke that may be placed around a neck of a user. A harness is movably coupled to the yoke. The harness may be positioned on a chest of the user when the yoke is worn around the user's neck. A clamp is movably coupled to the harness and the clamp may be positionable at a selected angle with respect to the user's chest. The clamp may engage an extrinsic electronic device. Thus, the extrinsic electronic device may be positioned at an accessible location with respect to the user.