Abstract: Convertible garments and methods associated therewith generally provide a way of producing and wearing a garment that may be worn as a bikini top or bottom. A unitary, monolithic, integral, and/or continuous piece of fabric is formed having a middle section and at least four straps extending from opposing corner or edge regions thereof. The method includes configuring the garment as either a bikini top or bikini bottom based on how the invention is placed across ones' body and how the straps are tied together.

Abstract: A garment or accessory includes an outer layer coupled to a liner that is partially removable via fasteners. The outer layer includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The liner includes an edge. A portion of the edge is coupled to the inner surface of the outer layer. The fastener includes a first member coupled to the inner surface of the outer layer and a second member coupled to the liner at an uncoupled portion of the edge of the liner. A space is formed between the liner and the inner surface of the outer layer. The space is accessible through the uncoupled portion.

Abstract: A waterproof garment is provided that includes a waterproof garment textile defining a garment opening, and a sealing sleeve joined at the garment opening. The sealing sleeve includes a substantially waterproof textile composite in the form of a tube extending between (i) a first end having a first opening and configured to fit tightly around a wearers body part and (ii) an opposing second end having a second opening and joined to the waterproof garment textile by a seam around the garment opening. The textile composite includes a stretchable textile with a substantially waterproof coating layer applied to the stretchable textile.

Abstract: A compressible liner for a helmet or other apparatus subject to shock loading comprises three substantially co-extensive layers mutually engaged by respective cone-like protuberances and cone-like recesses. The intermediate layer is of a different compressibility and provides for de-coupling of the layers in an oblique impact.

Abstract: A wearable power generation device, wearable clothes capable of generating power, and a power generation method are provided. The wearable power generation device includes at least one magnet unit, at least one electromagnetic induction unit, and at least an energy storage unit electrically connected to the at least one electromagnetic induction unit. The magnet unit and the electromagnetic induction unit are respectively disposed to be worn on different parts of an animal body. During movement of the animal body, the magnetic flux passing through the electromagnetic induction unit is changed to generate an induction current by changing the relative position of the magnet unit and the electromagnetic unit. The energy storage unit is configured to convert the induction current generated by the electromagnetic induction unit into electric energy for storage.

Abstract: A clip element secures a towel or other cloth-like item around a person's body. The clip secures a cloth item that is wrapped around a user's body where one end of the cloth is flat against the wearer's skin and the other end of the cloth has been gathered and tucked behind the flat cloth and preventing separation of overlapping and tucked portions of the cloth item. Unlike previous clips where the clip exerts the pressure, the bulk from the cloth and the barrier that is the wearers torso, creates the leverage to hold the towel in place. The flexible bridge allows a user to pull out on the bottom front portion of the clip while catching the back portion of the clip behind the cloth on the wearer's torso to “thread” the cloth up to the top of the clip.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a thin, soft and flexible satin hair edge protector. Outside surface consist of a smooth satin material. Inside embedment, a soft felt rectangular shaped cushion with symmetrical ends and a rounded front to mimic the contour of a human's hair edge. A thin layer of spray adhesive seals felt and satin together. The satin hair edge protector's fabric edges are trimmed and secured closed by sewing thread. A clear fray solution is applied around the sewn cut edge to prevent unraveling. A double sided adhesive strip accompanies the posterior side and serves as the attachment between the satin hair edge protector and wig. The satin hair edge protector is designed to be simple, and easy to assemble inside wig. Also the utility model is unique to its kind, thin in shape, relieves hair edge irritation which may cause hair loss, promotes comfort and stabilizes wig placement.

Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to methods usable for determining measurements for custom clothing manufacture, including receiving a raw image of a clothing article and a scale reference, and applying perspective correction to adjust the raw image to produce an adjusted image. The method also includes determining a scale reference from the adjusted image, for use with a line measurement tool; and receiving user inputs that positions ends of the line measurement tool on measurement reference positions on the adjusted image of the clothing article. The method further includes generating multiple clothing article distances between the measurement reference positions on the adjusted image of the clothing article using the line measurement tool; and storing at least three clothing article distances for use in producing a custom clothing article with a fit based on the favorite clothing article in the raw image.

Abstract: A protective cap for protecting a brain within a head from concussions and brain injuries commonly associated with sports or assault is provided. The protective cap comprises a cap having an outer surface and an inner surface. The cap is constructed from an aramid material and conforms to the shape of the head and snugly fits the head. The cap provides a lightweight, comfortably fitting, safe, effective, and discreet means of protecting the head from impact.

Abstract: A hat accessory that includes: an adjustable belt; a series of holes at one end of the belt; and a ornamental buckle, where the ornamental buckle enables the attachment of the belt to a hat. The adjustable belt is adapted for placement around a bottom rim of the hat. The adjustable belt may also be used on a cap, where the ornamental buckle is positioned above a bib of the cap.

Abstract: A support for mounting at least one lighting element on a safety helmet, the support comprising a body having: (i) at least one helmet attaching portion configured for directly or indirectly connecting the support to a portion of the safety helmet, and (ii) a plurality of lighting element attaching portions configured for directly or indirectly connecting the at least one lighting element to the support, wherein the plurality of lighting element attaching portions are configured to facilitate the attachment of the at least one lighting element in a corresponding plurality of positions, such that light projected from the at least one lighting element is focused or directed at a plurality of corresponding angles. An adjustable lighting system and a cable retention arrangement for a safety helmet are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tether system for use with a protective helmet worn by a user includes multiple tethers, each tether having a first end adapted to attach to a shell of the protective helmet and a second end adapted to attach to an article worn by the user, wherein the tethers limit movement of the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet with an airbag assembly coupled to the shell of the helmet. The airbag assembly includes an airbag and an inflation device. The inflation device is configured to at least partially inflate the airbag upon deployment of the airbag assembly. The helmet also includes a s processing circuit disposed at least partially within the shell. The processing circuit is configured to receive helmet data regarding a second helmet, transmit deployment data regarding inflation of the airbag assembly, and control operation of the inflation device to inflate the airbag based on the helmet data.

Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an impact absorbing material comprising arrays of various hexagonal or other deformable polygonal-shaped structures positioned between an exterior surface and an interior surface. When force is applied to the exterior surface, the structures of the impact absorbing materials deform (e.g., buckle) in a desired manner, reducing the force received by the interior surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a protective helmet includes an outer shell and an inner liner provided within the outer shell, the liner comprising an energy absorber including a first layer, an opposed second layer, and a plurality of energy absorbing columns provided between the layers, wherein the columns include relatively long columns that are attached to both the first and second layers and relatively short columns that are attached to only one of the first and second layers.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to helmet padding systems. One helmet padding system includes a rigid shell and a spacing pad. The rigid shell is configured to cover at least a portion of a top of a user's head and be worn under a baseball cap. The rigid shell includes a pair of slots configured to extend in a direction from a back of the user's head to the front of the user's head when the rigid shell is worn on the user's head. The spacing pad is positioned within the rigid shell. The spacing pad includes a layer of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A catcher's mask comprises a two-piece plastic shell composed of a rigid front shell and a rigid rear shell. The front and rear shells are connected by a strap harness attached to the front shell and have padding assemblies. The front shell has ventilation holes including ear holes positioned over the wearer's ears and a full jaw protector integrally formed as part of front shell. A wire faceguard is removably attached to the front shell extending over the ear holes. A top upper member of the faceguard comprises a center bar part, a left side bar part bent upwardly with respect to the center bar part to form a left eyebrow area, and a right side bar part bent upwardly with respect to the center bar part to form a right eyebrow area. The rear shell has a concave padding assembly comprised of a concave TPU shock absorbing layer, and a nested concave comfort layer.

Abstract: In this publication is described a traditional forest helmet visor (1), plus in accordance with the invention a lightweight and ventilated plastic frame-body (3) that is connected to downparts of the visor (1) and a fabric-curtain (2) fastened into the inner circle of the framebody (3). The true function of the framebody (3) is to position a lightweight and elastic fabric-curtain (2) to an optimal location near the upper part of neck. For setting work mode the backsides of the framebody (3) can be connected either to the hearing protector structure or those can be connected together by express hooks being in each other's endparts. With these solutions the fabric-curtain (2) can be positioned as aimed broadly round the circle of the upper neck. As a result the fabric-curtain (2) is properly interlaced and efficiently supplyes protection for the bare nec and face areas together with the current workwear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular shoe (1700) in particular a sports shoe, with a sock like outer shoe (1750) and a frame (1710). The sock like outer shoe is provided for a releasable arrangement around the frame. The sock like outer shoe may comprise a plurality of profile elements (1765), wherein at least one of the profile elements extends from an outer side of the sock like outer shoe. A region of the at least one of the profile elements may be configured to releasably engage in a formfitting manner with a lower side of the frame of the modular shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction with varying properties. In some aspects, the properties comprise different yarn types. Various warp or weft knitting processes, including circular knitting, may be utilized to form the textile element.

Abstract: Non-toxin adhesiveless slipper includes an upper portion and a lower portion; wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are bonded with each other by an adhesive film. A processing method for bonding an upper portion and a lower portion together, including steps of: a. heat melting the EVA and the EAA to form a fluid compound, and blowing the fluid compound on a bottom surface of the upper portion to form an adhesive film; b. placing an isolated paper on the adhesive film; c. placing the upper portion into a heat-pressing machine to ensure the adhesive film and isolated paper securely attached on the bottom surface of the upper portion; d. placing a rubber sheet on a mold to process a heat pressing and then removing the remaining rubber on the contours of the mold to form the lower portion; e. placing the upper portion and the lower portion into a sectional die, and then processing the heat-pressing.

Abstract: Footwear includes memory foam in at least a non-load bearing portion of the footwear to provide three-dimensional contouring to a foot. The footwear includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a pair of sides connecting the top portion with the bottom portion, and an opening formed between the top portion and the pair of sides to receive a foot. At least one of the top portion and the pair of sides includes memory foam providing three-dimensional contouring.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a removable outsole, midsole, and upper is provided. A portion of the upper may have a perimeter lip that may be coupled to a perimeter channel in an upper surface or side of the outsole. The midsole may be securely placed into the upper to further secure the upper to the outsole. The fit of the outsole, upper, and midsole generates a securely assembled article of footwear ready for user wear. In aspects, the removable outsole, midsole, and upper may be changed to customize the article footwear for the user.

Abstract: A rapid-entry and rebounding fit shoe having one or both of a rapid-entry heel element and a rapid-entry tongue element and both snap back for fit. The rapid-entry shoe directs a user's foot into or otherwise accommodates a user's foot with respect to, a shoe opening, and thereafter secures a rear portion of rapid-entry shoe about a user's heel as well as forefoot.

Abstract: A sole structure may include a bladder network. The bladder network may include multiple bladders interconnected by one or more conduits. At least a portion of the bladder network may contain a fluid. The sole structure may further include one or more stems. Each of the one or more stems may be positioned to impinge upon an external surface of, and at least partially deform, a corresponding conduit.

Abstract: A design of heel of footwear which reproduces the ground contacting portion, or minimally the key elements of the ground contacting portion of the heel of the wearer in shape and placement in relation to the foot and function. That is a shape of heel in the footwear which does not imbalance the natural functions and leverage of the foot in bipedal locomotion through addition of material outside the confines of the shape and measurements of the wearer's own heel in the sagittal plane. This design of heel will afford the wearer the grace, smoothness and ease of stride enjoyed while barefoot. The wearer of a shoe with such a shape of heel will not suffer from shocks and strains to the foot and supporting members caused by the shape of the shoeheel. These being the types of shocks and strains contributing largely to shin splints and plantar fasciitis and attendant pathologies.

Abstract: Selectively textured footbeds for athletic footwear are described. A footbed includes a rearfoot portion and a plurality of discrete raised areas extending from the rearfoot portion. The discrete raised areas are constructed and arranged to engage a rearfoot region of a plantar surface of a foot. The footbeds provide a sensory input to the plantar surface to allow a user to determine whether and/or how to adjust his or her gait.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a cushioning sole system that provides customized cushioning characteristics to different regions of a sole member. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member. The sole member can include a set of apertures that are formed along various surfaces of the sole member.

Abstract: A sole structure may include a damping pad. The damping pad may include a chamber, a foam element located within the chamber, particles located within the chamber and at least partially filling cavities in the foam element, and a set of electrodes positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the particles.

Abstract: An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed internally to the outer bladder to provide enhanced support. A valve member may also be disposed internally to the outer bladder. The valve member can include a contoured edge to provide a contoured shape for the outer bladder.

Abstract: A shoe upper of a shoe includes first and second shoe upper sections together surrounding a foot, while covering a tiptoe and a heel of the foot, and a protector provided on part of an outer surface of the second shoe upper section and made of a single type of abrasion resistant resin material. The protector includes a tiptoe protector arranged to correspond to a tiptoe portion of the second shoe upper section, and a medial region protector provided on a medial region, of the second shoe upper section, extending from a backend of the tiptoe protector to a portion of the midfoot. The medial region protector has a deformable portion which has a mesh structure and is more deformable than the tiptoe protector, and a plurality of reinforcement ribs which divide the deformable portion into a plurality of regions.

Abstract: A shoe fastening device and/or technique used to fasten a shoe is disclosed herein. A shoelace can be laced into a shoe in any number of lacing patterns. The two ends of the shoelace may be secured to the shoe. An overhand knot may be present when the shoelace is in a loosened configuration.

Abstract: A shoelace centering device for securely holding a shoelace centered between bottom eyelets of a shoe and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length is provided. The shoelace centering device comprises a first securing portion and a second securing portion. A hinge connection is provided between the first and second securing portions with the hinge connection allowing the first and second securing portions to move from a non-contacting open position to a contacting closed position. A locking mechanism releasably secures the first and second securing portions in the contacting closed position. Upon positioning the bottom eyelet shoelaces between the first and second securing portions when the first and second securing portions are in the non-contacting open position. Upon releasably securing the first and second securing portions together in the contacting closed position, the shoelaces are anchored from shifting and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length.

Abstract: A device and method to facilitate the opening and closing and closing of a ski boot. The devices includes a buckle attachment section, a ski pole cooperation section and a securing member. The buckle attachment section has a cavity which is dimensioned to receive a free end of the buckle therein to prevent unwanted movement of the buckle attachment section relative to the buckle. The ski pole cooperation section has a ski pole receiving opening. The ski pole receiving opening extends through the ski pole cooperation section and is dimensioned to receive an end of a ski pole therein. The securing member secures the device to the buckle of the ski boot. The device allows the buckles of the ski boot to be latched and unlatched with minimal twisting of the skier's body.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, a knob operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the housing, and a stop mechanism. The device is configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a first direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool within the housing that incrementally tensions a tension member and thereby tightens the article. The device is also configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a second direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool that incrementally loosens the tension member's tension. The stop mechanism is configured to prevent rotation of the spool in the second direction when the tension member's tension achieves or falls below a tension threshold.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing having an interior region and a spool positioned within the interior region and rotatable relative thereto. A tightening mechanism is operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing. A tension member is coupled with the spool and is configured to be tensioned upon rotation of the spool via the tightening mechanism. The device also includes a tension limiting mechanism that allows the tension member to be tensioned via the tightening mechanism until a tension threshold is achieved. After the tension threshold is achieved, further operation of the tightening mechanism does not substantially tension the tension member due to the tension limiting mechanism.

Abstract: A piece of luggage with a body of the piece of luggage and a carrying strap, which carrying strap has a snap-in mechanism at at least one end and the body of the piece of luggage comprises at least one receiving mechanism, wherein the snap-in mechanism is adapted to be inserted into the receiving mechanism and to be releasably connected with the same, it is provided that the snap-in mechanism comprises a base element and two snap-in arms, wherein the snap-in arms are rigid and the base element comprises a spring mechanism which the two snap-in arms are adjustable relative to each other.

Abstract: An item of wearable jewelry, such as a bracelet, includes a support having an energizable indicator. A sensor detects a triggering event, and a control unit energizes the indicator to generate a default indicating condition by default, and to change the default indicating condition in response to detection of the triggering event.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cut gem comprising a girdle having four girdle sides and four girdle corners, a table realized by a flat facet, a crown which extends between the table and the girdle, in a first direction, and a pavilion which extends in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, between said girdle and a tip of the pavilion. The gem is noteworthy in that the crown has 24 facets, the pavilion has 32 facets and in that the four girdle sides are identical in the form of an arc of a circle, the concavity of which is oriented towards the outside of the gem.

Abstract: A self-righting cane is provided that includes a handle portion having a grip and a collar. A shaft extends from the handle portion and is joined to the handle portion at the collar. A base supporting portion includes a weight disposed within the base supporting portion. The weight has an aperture such that the shaft connecting to the base supporting portion through the aperture. The weight disposed within the base supporting portion self-rights the cane and prevents the cane from falling over.

Abstract: Disclosed is an umbrella that can be used as a canopy to protect a user against rain or sunlight. The umbrella may comprise an elongate member having proximal and distal end portions, a support structure that is connectable to a canopy able to be disposed about the distal end portion of the elongate member, the support structure being be adjustable between an erect position, whereby the canopy is able to be tensioned by the support structure, and a collapsed position, whereby the tension in the canopy is able to be released. The umbrella may also include a plurality of biasing means configured to inhibit the support structure from inverting.

Abstract: A device for protecting one or more credit or charge cards from radio frequency scanning is disclosed. The device comprises a rectangular-shaped planar element sized for fitting within the banknote slot of a personal carrying accessory, wherein the planar element is composed of a top layer of plastic material having an interior surface including printed information, a middle layer of a metallic foil that inhibits the transmission of radio frequency signals, and a bottom layer of plastic material having an interior surface including printed information, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer of plastic material completely cover a surface area of both sides of the middle layer, and wherein the device has a thickness of about 0.3 mm and exhibits a bending stiffness substantially equal to paper.

Abstract: A luggage case (100, 600, 700, 800, 900) may include opposing sidewalls forming minor faces (105, 106), opposing sidewalls forming major faces (101, 102), and opposing end walls (103, 104) together forming an article defining an enclosed space (109). A line of separation (150) may be formed in said minor faces (105, 160) and end walls (103, 104). A first portion of the line of separation (150) may extend along a first portion of opposing minor faces (105, 106) at a location proximate one of said opposing major faces (101, 102) and corresponding one of said opposing end walls (103, 104) positioned therebetween. A second portion of the line of separation (150) may extend along a second portion of said opposing minor faces (105, 106) in a direction away from said one of said opposing major faces (101, 102) and towards other of said opposing major faces (101, 102).

Abstract: A compact diaper bag includes externally accessible dispensers of baby care supplies such as diaper/hand wipes, disposal bags and absorbent tissues. When the bag is opened, interior pockets for baby-care items such as diapers, lotion, powder, spare clothes, hand sanitizer, and the like can be accessed. The bag can be further expanded into a diaper changing configuration comprising a changing surface flanked by two dispensing bag portions attached on opposing sides of a foldable pad structure that functions as a more or less padded baby support and comprises said changing surface. All dispensers (e.g. wipes, bags, tissues) are accessible and within easy reach in both an expanded (changing station configuration) state and a collapsed (folded) state of the bag. Moreover, the diaper bag in its compact/folded state includes a separate pocket accessible from outside the closed bag (e.g.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a case for a mobile electronic device is provided for cases having a generally rectangular shape, two long side walls extending substantially parallel to another, and two short end walls extending substantially parallel to one another between the long side walls. The method includes molding a case portion of a first material of a first hardness forming a substantial portion of the side walls and end walls, and a second material of a second hardness extending around the inner periphery of the first material wherein the first hardness is greater than the second hardness, presenting a strip to an outer periphery of the case portion, applying heat and pressure to a backing layer, and removing the backing strip from which the foil has been removed. The present method is advantageous in that it provides a case with a durable and chemically resistive finish.

Abstract: A protective case and mounting system for a handheld electronic device is provided. The protective case can include a removable mounting system comprised of an interlocking member and a plurality of mounting bases. The protective case may further include a non-slip member to prevent the device from slipping on a surface and a magnet for attaching the device to a magnetic surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-compartment cosmetic and personal item container with multiple layers which are stacked on top of each other, with the ability to hold vertical tall items and horizontal flat items at the same time. Vertical tall cosmetic and personal items like lipstick, eye-shadow, eye-liner, makeup brush, perfume, nail polish, nail file, nail cutter, deodorant, lotion, etc. are contained in multiple vertical sub-compartments that form one compartment layer, with each sub-compartment holding one vertical tall item. This layer with multiple vertical sub-compartments can be stacked onto single container layers each holding one horizontal flat cosmetic or personal item like powder, rouge, foundation, sponge, cream, etc. One or more horizontal flat compartments can be stuck or screwed onto the top or the bottom of the compartment layer with plurality of vertical tall sub-compartments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spectacle case for the storage and protection of spectacles and lenses thereof against pressure and abrasion. The spectacle case, according to the invention, is made of a material body, which may be a flexible material such as natural or synthetic leather, paper, textile or plastic material or a rigid material such as a metal or plastic material the material body having a rectangular front face and a rear face, with rounded corners, separated by a central rectangular area and being folded towards one another by fold lines, the back rear face being is provided with a central trapezoidal recess, characterized in that the central rectangular surface is provided with a median opening penetrated by an opening/closing spectacle case connector clamp.

Abstract: An organizational aid suitable for use with a tablet or other personal electronic device having at least one pocket, at least two spaced-apart, non-slip surface portions attached to a back surface of the organizational aid, a first array of magnets or ferrous metal elements disposed between the at least one pocket and a backing sheet of the organizational aid to releasably hold the organizational aid by magnetic attraction to an outwardly facing surface of an article such as a shell, skin, case or sleeve comprising a second array of magnets or ferrous metal elements, the shell, skin, case or sleeve also being configured to receive and releasably support the electronic device.

Abstract: An implement for removing nail polish includes a container having a closed end, and an open end to a chamber for holding an amount of a liquid nail polish remover. A first pad is secured to the open end, is coupled fluidly to the chamber, and extends outwardly from the open end of the container to a first outer extremity. A second pad is secured to the closed end that isolates the second pad from the chamber, and extends outwardly from the closed end of the container to a second outer extremity. The first outer extremity is broad and round relative to the second outer extremity, which is comparatively narrow and blunt-pointed. The first pad has a first density and a first softness, and the second pad has a second density greater than the first density and a second softness less than the first softness.