Abstract: A shoe having an upper and a sole connected to the upper. The upper has, at least in part, a knitted material forming its outer surface. To ensure sufficient longitudinal elasticity in the forefoot region and a good fit, along with efficient production, the knitted material consists of a first knitted material layer produced from a first thread, wherein the first material layer has arranged on it a second knitted material layer produced from a second thread. The second material layer at least partially covers the first material layer. In the region of the front half, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the shoe, and/or in the heel region of the shoe, the second material layer runs, at least in part, in strip form in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the shoe so as to form a number of strips running parallel to one another.

Abstract: A shoe includes a concave body defining sidewalls and a sole of the shoe, and including a first layer received within a second layer. The first layer includes a portion of the sole and upwardly-projecting tabs constituting an inner circumferential wall defining an opening disposed entirely above the sole. The second layer includes a plurality of spaced U-shaped elements each of which includes two walls, forming a portion of an outer circumferential wall, and a bottom, forming a sole-shaped part of the second layer, connecting therebetween. The tabs are characterized by an elasticity that enables them to be pushed outwardly thereby expanding the opening to facilitate receipt of a foot therethrough, and are inwardly-biased thereby being configured to bear upon the foot when received within the cavity, thereby facilitating gripping of the received foot by the shoe.

Abstract: The self-anchoring sole structure of the present invention offers the consumer the ability to construct a variety of style, color, material, and design options by means of a customizable sandal system, comprising a sole having a top surface, a bottom surface, a toe portion and a heel portion, a channel around an exterior perimeter of the sole, and a plurality of bridges spaced around the exterior perimeter of the sole which extend across the channel, wherein the channel and the plurality of bridges are dimensioned to allow a length of material to be passed through.

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 shoe that grows comprises a sole having a toe, medial side, lateral side, and heel. The toe of the sole extends outwardly to form a toe cap. A vamp member is adjustably connected to a free end of the toe cap. At least one medial strap connects the vamp member to the medial side of the sole. At least one lateral strap connects the vamp member to the lateral side of the sole. An adjustable heel strap connects to the medial and lateral sides of the sole and extends around the heel of the sole.

Abstract: A disposable, low friction, breathable bootie is provided that accommodates the shape and size of a human foot. The bootie is made from a thin, flexible polymer sheet-like material in a generally tubular form. The bootie has a foot portion, a lower leg portion, and an ankle portion therebetween. The bootie includes a series of air vents in the foot portion and lower leg portion to provide airflow to the foot, while such vents are located to avoid key friction points between the foot and the ski boot during the donning and doffing processes. The bootie facilitates donning and doffing a ski boot. The vents provide breathability while the bootie is worn within the ski boot.

Abstract: The soft boot and liner include a moisture transfer system that includes an inner fabric layer carefully selected from technically advanced fabrics. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, spacer fabrics and breathable membranes, in various orders. Encapsulation technology and waterproofing are used as well. The outer fabric layer is also capable of working with the other layers to promote the transfer of moisture. Frothed foams and flocking with fibers are further characteristics of the present invention. The moisture transfer system is incorporated into a soft boot or skate or as a removable liner for a shell boot. Numerous other modifications and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: A high heel shoe has an insole, an outsole, and a shank embedded between the insole and outsole, the shank comprising a heel portion with a depression to accommodate a user's heel, and a lateral ridge element in front of the heel portion that exerts pressure against the forward movement of a user's heel when worn. The shank further comprises a front portion sloping downward from the lateral ridge along the arch of the insole, which optionally is padded.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, an orthotic footbed assembly includes a three-dimensional footbed that closely approximates a size and configuration of a particular foot and at least one orthotic feature additively coupled to the three-dimensional footbed. In at least some other embodiments, a method of making the orthotic footbed assembly includes direct printing of orthotic features onto a 3-D footbed. Another method includes indirect printing of orthotic features and applying these features onto to a 3-D footbed. And yet another method includes direct printing of orthotic features onto a 2-D blank footbed and then conducting a three-dimensional forming operation to make the orthotic footbed assembly.

Abstract: A protective guard for reducing injury to a shin of a person includes a conformable substrate and a plurality of core members disposed adjacent to a surface of the conformable substrate. The plurality of core members are arranged such that a first of the core members is rotationally movable about at least one axis relative to a second of the core members. A flexible fabric membrane comprised of natural or synthetic fibers is positioned adjacent to at least one of the conformable substrate and the plurality of core members.

Abstract: A static dissipating or conductive article of footwear with an electrical flow path in the upper. The upper includes at least one conductive element extending along at least a portion of the inside of the upper in a position where it will directly contact the wearer's foot. The upper may include a plurality of conductive elements located in different regions. The conductive elements may be positioned in line with a lacing system so that tightening of the laces urges the conductive elements toward the wearer's foot. The conductive elements may be a ribbon or other strip of fabric that includes one or more conductive threads. The ribbon or fabric strip may be woven in and out of a lining material on the inside of the upper.

Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe allows the shoe to be rapidly entered and readied for wearing by the user. The shoe may be any of a wide variety of shoe types, including shoes of a wide variety of styles and functions. The rapid entry features of the shoes utilize various movable elements that are attached to a sole portion or other portion of the shoe and allow movement of a portion of the shoe under pressure to allow rapid entry of the user's foot into the shoe. The moveable elements may include flexible elements, elements having constructed to have a memory of a native position, magnetic elements, and/or elastic elements.

Abstract: A method of making a sole for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes steps of attaching a double sided acrylic adhesive film to a composite plate. The composite plate is then attached to an outer member of the article of footwear using the acrylic adhesive film.

Abstract: Variable-density soles for articles of footwear and methods for constructing said soles are provided herein. In one embodiment, a variable-density sole for a footwear article comprises a first layer comprising a first density coupled to a bottom surface of an upper of the article of footwear; and a second layer comprising a second density greater than the density of the first layer, wherein the first layer is physically coupled to the second layer forming an interface between the layers. In this way, comfort of the article of footwear may be increased while decreasing the weight of the article of footwear. Further, forming the variable-density sole includes directly molding the first layer to a strobel board, stitching the strobel board to an upper, and injecting the second layer to the upper with the strobel board and the first layer. In this way, the production of a footwear article is simplified.

Abstract: The present invention is intended for use in the high/superhigh-heel shoes. The support surface (6) of the suggested high-heel shoe comprises a practically horizontal portion (7), the distance of which to the lowest point of the support surface is at least 5 mm. This portion is located in the zone of the maximum distance of the external part of a foot from the longitudinal axis (12) of a foot passing between the second and the third toes through the most remote from them point (A) of a heel. Such shape of the foot bearing surface of the suggested shoe improves wearing comfort of the high/superhigh-heel shoes.

Abstract: An upper comprising a flexible layer configured to receive a foot, a bladder coupled to an outer surface of the flexible layer, and an inflation mechanism operatively coupled to the bladder for inflating the bladder such that the flexible layer is drawn toward the foot. The bladder extends from a lateral side in a heel region across a throat region to a medial side in the heel region. The bladder comprises a plurality of fluidly connected segments, each segment forming an angle with an adjacent segment.

Abstract: An upper for a sports shoe may include a component such as a vamp or a rear portion. The shoe component may include a UV curable microlattice structure with a plurality of regions such that each region has a different density. In some cases, the microlattice structure may include a high density microlattice structure, a mid-level density microlattice structure, and a non-structural region with a low density microlattice structure.

Abstract: An oven may facilitate heating, curing, and/or drying processes for manufactured items, such as shoe parts, using multiple groups of infrared sources. Efficiencies of the oven are achieved through a deliberate airflow characteristic, which is accomplished with a configuration of apertures extending through a circulation plate. A higher concentration of apertures is formed in the circulation plate near a center zone relative to zones near an entrance and exit to the oven. Further, the shape of the apertures in the circulation plate aid in improved airflow within the oven.

Abstract: A belt buckle adapted for securing a plurality of tools. The multi-purpose belt buckle system includes a first component for screwing a screw and a second component for holding the first component. The first component is T-shaped and includes various types of screwdriver heads. The second component further includes a slot for holding the first component, at least one open wrench and least one means for connecting a strap/lace.

Abstract: A quick-release buckle has a male member and a female member configured to interlock, the female member having a body with a recessed receiving portion and one or more lips overhanging a portion of the recessed receiving portion; the male member having a keyed portion shaped complementary to the recessed receiving portion of the female member; wherein the keyed portion of the male member is receivable within the recessed receiving portion to interlock.

Abstract: There is provided a slider cover of a slide fastener. An upper mounting plate includes: an upper plate to be arranged above an upper blade of a slider and formed with a through-hole penetrating therethrough; and an upper wall protruding downward from the upper plate. A lower mounting plate includes: a lower plate to be arranged below a lower blade of the slider; and a lower wall for surrounding front, right and left sides of an outer periphery of the lower blade and protruding upward from the lower plate. At least one of the upper and lower mounting plates includes a protrusion protruding from an inner peripheral surface of at least corresponding one of the upper and lower walls and configured to come in close contact with a part of an outer peripheral surface of at least corresponding one of the upper and lower blades.

Abstract: A bracelet or flexible band comprised of a flexible member that on one end is interconnected to a knife and on another end, is connected to a sheath that selectively receives the knife in the locking fashion. When needed, the knife is rotated within the sheath to facilitate release thereof from a lock that is integral with the sheath. Once removed from the sheath, the knife can be used for self-defense, cutting rope or cord in an emergency situation, or for general utility cutting tasks.

Abstract: A belt of the present invention includes a belt main body (10) that extends in the form of a long. narrow band. A frame-shaped body (13) is attached to a first belt portion (11) corresponding to a side on an end in a lengthwise direction (Y) of the belt main body (10). Multiple through-holes (21, 22; 21, 22; . . . ) are formed in alignment in the lengthwise direction (Y) in the second belt portion (12) corresponding to a side opposite to the first belt portion (11) in the lengthwise direction (Y) of the belt main body (10). A locking member (14) is included which is to be attached to a through-hole (21, 22) of the second belt portion (12) so as to protrude from a front surface (12a) of the second belt portion (12).

Abstract: Assembly screw (1) for the pivoting attachment of at least two horology components in a position of assembly, the assembly screw (1) comprising at least one guide portion (3) allowing one of the horology components to pivot, and at least one threaded portion (4) allowing it to be fixed to another horology component, wherein this screw comprises a shoulder (5) intended to come into abutment against this other horology component and a zone (10) of lower mechanical rigidity to reduce the contact pressure applied at the shoulder (5) of the assembly screw when the horology components are in the position of assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to components of and methods of manufacture of environmentally-friendly, customizable consumer goods products. The invention disclosed herein relates to assembly features and methods involved with the manufacture of soft-good products as well as products incorporating soft-good materials with rigid structural materials to generate a product minimizing costly processes, chemicals, materials and/or shipping cost and the associated adverse environmental effects involved with production of consumer goods products using attachment features and interfaces. Embodiments of the attachment features and interfaces feature notches and mechanisms to affix discrete components to others through processes of interlocking with notches.

Abstract: A suitcase includes a kit to convert the suitcase to a luggage cart. A typical rolling suitcase additionally includes at least three sockets provided in spaced relation in the major bottom wall of the suitcase base and open to an outside of the suitcase, and at least three stem casters, each stem caster having a wheel rotatable in a housing and a stem attached to the housing, the stem being configured to be removably secured in one of the at least three sockets. When the at least three stem casters are secured in the at least three sockets and the bottom wall of the suitcase base is arranged facing the ground with the wheels of the at least three stem casters touching the ground, the suitcase is useable as a luggage cart by piling at least one further suitcase over the suitcase lid.

Abstract: An electronic device case is provided. The electronic device case may be adapted to secure electronic devices in a compartment space defined by a plurality of walls. A wall of the plurality of walls may be made from PVC matte or transparent material so that the electronic devices are visible while within the compartment space. The electronic device case may provide a plurality of grommets so that cables connected to the electronic devices may egress through the grommets so as to be utilized outside the compartment space, while the electronic devices are secured therein.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a co-molded housing component for an electronic device is disclosed. A component formed from a ceramic material is placed in a mold. The mold comprises a first section defining a first cavity configured to receive the first component, and a second section defining a second cavity that is in communication with the first cavity when the mold is closed. The second cavity is in the shape of a feature that is to be joined to the ceramic material. A polymer material is injected into the second cavity, thereby forming the feature from the polymer material and bonding the feature to the ceramic material. The polymer material is cured. The first component and the feature together form the housing component for an electronic device.

Abstract: A bag and replaceable panel system is described. The bag and replaceable panel system provides a bag with a removable panel or lid that may be replaced with another removable panel. The user may use different panels depending on the user's preferred functional features or aesthetic characteristics.

Abstract: A key locator with tracking capability. A bent rod-shaped first member has a bent first end portion and a second end portion. A second member is configured for selectively retaining keys. The bent first end portion and second end portion are opposed to each other. The bend rod-shaped first member incorporates a planar bent center region intermediate to the bent first end portion and the second end portion to form the interior of the key locator. The bent first end portion and the second end portion are not urged against each other and are configured to allow the bent center region to hang from an edge. The bent first end portion of the bent rod-shaped first member substantially permanently and flexibly interlocks with the second member. A tracking device is connected to the key locator and is in radio frequency communication with a user's smart phone. In a preferred embodiment the tracking device enables a user of the smart phone to find the key locator if it is lost or misplaced.

Abstract: A foldable display device includes a shell. The shell has an expanding state and a folding state. A first direction and a second direction are defined to be orthogonal. When the shell is at the expanding state, the shell has a first length L1 along the first direction and a second length L2 along the second direction. The ratio of the first length L1 to the second length L2 is between 1.3 and 2. When the shell is at the folding state, the shell has a third length L3 along the second direction and a fourth length L4 along the first direction. The ratio of the third length L3 to the fourth length L4 is also between 1.3 and 2.

Abstract: An item may be provided with a body that forms an enclosure. The body (12) may have body portions (16, 18) that open and close along a seam (14). An elongated magnetic fastener (36) may run along the seam. The magnetic fastener may have first (38) and second (40) portions on opposing sides of the seam. The first and second portions may include magnets. When the magnetic fastener is operated in a closed state, the magnets in the first and second portions attract each other and pull the first and second portions of the fastener together to close the seam. When the magnetic fastener is operated in an open state, the magnets in the first and second portions repel each other and push the first and second portions of the fastener apart to open the seam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bag system with adjustable flexible straps. The bag system with adjustable flexible straps includes: a bag and one or more adjustable stretch strap systems. The bag may be a backpack, a handbag, a purse, a duffle bag, or a piece of luggage. The present invention also provides an adjustable stretch strap system. The adjustable stretch strap system includes: a flexible elongated member, one or more first members, and two or more second members; and one or more hooks for coupling to the flexible elongated member.

Abstract: Luggage that may be mechanically integrated with a platform, including a piece of luggage including a slit through which the piece of luggage is integrated with a platform for the piece of luggage, a handle fastened to the piece of luggage, for pushing or pulling the piece of luggage, luggage wheels fastened to a first outer surface of the piece of luggage, for rolling the piece of luggage, and a release mechanism extending from the luggage unit to the platform, through the slit, for unlocking the platform, wherein the platform locks and unlocks such that the platform is free to be raised and lowered when it is unlocked, and is not free to be raised and lowered when it is locked.

Abstract: An apparatus manipulates the shape of hair using dielectric heating. Typically,the apparatus includes opposing first and second electrodes respectively provided on first and second arms that are movable towards and away from one another. Drive circuitry supplies electrical energy to the first and second electrodes, to cause an alternating electric field to be produced in the vicinity of the electrodes in use, and thereby cause dielectric heating of hair placed between the electrodes in use. Sensing circuitry senses a change in coupling of energy from the alternating electric field to the hair during heating of the hair. Control circuitry controls the drive circuitry to vary the electrical energy supplied to the first and second electrodes in dependence upon the sensed change in coupling. A related method manipulates the shape of hair using dielectric heating.

Abstract: An eyelash curling device is adapted to curl a user's eyelashes and includes a first arm having a first end and a second end, a second arm having a first end and a second end, the second arm joined to the first arm, and an applicator including an upper shell that is attached to the first end of the first arm, and a lower shell that is attached to the first end of the second arm. A surface of the upper shell may have a concave shape that extends about 90 degrees or greater from one side to another side. A surface of the lower shell may have a concave shape that extends about 101 degrees or greater from one side to another side.

Abstract: A sealing structure of a cream-type cosmetics container is disclosed, the sealing structure having an elastic protrusion formed to be bent and brought into close contact with a mounting groove when a pressurizing part, provided at the inner upper side of a finishing cap, makes contact with the upper end surface of a pumping guide cap during a process of coupling the finishing cap to a container body, thereby performing an efficient sealing function as the volume of a space formed by the pumping guide cap and the finishing cap is being reduced and pressure therein is increasing, and preventing a first valve member from opening a contents discharge hole, and in addition, preventing the leakage of contents even if the internal pressure of the container body increases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unit for applying cosmetic product for an applicator, said application unit comprising: a substantially longitudinal holder (34), comprising a first portion (38) suitable for being secured to the receiving area, and a second portion (48) that forms at least one compartment (64) for receiving the cosmetic product; a mass (36) of cosmetic product to be applied to human keratin materials, said cosmetic product being different from a material (94) that forms the holder. An outer surface (68) of the mass of cosmetic product includes at least one longitudinal bulge (70, 72) that extends in a continuous manner substantially over the entire second portion of the holder.

Abstract: A system for dispensing at least one makeup product, including a cup and a dispenser for filling the cup from the bottom with at least one product, the cup being secured to the dispenser at least while it is being filled with said product. The method for dispensing and evaluating makeup, including the steps of: allowing a video link to be established, for example over the Internet, from a camera at a first site to a second site, allowing the second site to operate either directly or indirectly a dispenser of such a dispensing system, present at the first site, this dispenser making it possible to vary the colour of mixture dispensed, and allowing a person present at the first site to apply the mixture dispensed and to send to the second site a corresponding image, so as to receive in return information relating to the result of the makeup.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to human keratin fibres, in eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a stem and, at the distal end, an applicator member having a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the stem has a rectilinear portion extending along a rectilinear longitudinal axis and curved portion extending along a curvilinear longitudinal axis, the distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and longitudinal axis of the stem curved portion, measured perpendicularly to the axis, increasing in the distal end direction of the stem, along at least a part of the length of the curved portion, and distance between the core longitudinal axis and longitudinal axis of the stem rectilinear portion, measured perpendicularly to the axis, decreasing by going away from the distal end of the stem, along at least a part of the length of the applicator member.

Abstract: A hair styling towel includes one or more slits or buttonhole-shaped openings through which a portion of the towel may be pulled to hold the towel in a desired draped or wrapped configuration about an individual.

Abstract: A facial skin indentation preventer has a central base core surrounded by an entrapment flap and a securing flap. The core and flaps have at least a single layer of soft moleskin, felt, or similar material forming an outer skin-contact layer that is non-adhesive. A rigid component is attached to the outer skin-contact layer in a center of the preventer, thereby defining a central base core. The central base core can have a cannula or similar item placed thereon. The flaps are then folded inwards, over the rigid component, creating a cannula pocket above the rigid component and entrapping and holding the cannula therein. An entrapment hinge and securing hinge ensure the folds remain rounded and soft. A flap attachment is used to lock the securing flap to the entrapment flap and ensure the cannula stays within the cannula pocket.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bag configured such that the length of a bag strap used to hold the bag on a user's body is easily adjustable and an adjusted region is not exposed to the outside, thus enabling a neat appearance to be reliably maintained and allowing the bag to be safely used. The bag includes a sack-shaped main body configured to receive objects and a bag strap normally connected to the main body and used to hold the bag on a user's shoulder, waist or the like. One end of the bag strap is coupled to one end of the main body, a wire of a predetermined length is connected to the other end of the bag strap, and the main body includes an adjusting means that adjusts the length of the wire by winding or unwinding, in the state where an end of the wire is fixed.

Abstract: An improved container for storing liquids includes a main body. The main body includes a front surface, a rear surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, a top surface, a base surface, and plurality of cylindrical surfaces. The top surface includes an aperture adapted to allow liquids to pass therethrough. The front surface, the rear surface, the left side surface, the right side surface, the top surface, and the base surface form an interior volume adapted to retain liquids therein. The plurality of cylindrical surfaces extend between the left side surface and the right side surface.

Abstract: A hydration device is provided that includes a sleeve that is worn securely on a limb, such as a forearm, of a user and contains a bladder for holding liquid such as water, sports drinks, etc. The bladder is removable and includes a refill port and a drinking valve. The hydration device can be designed to absorb impacts while being worn, yet is light-weight and flexible enough to conform to the user's body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator device for a fluid or paste-like make-up and/or care product across a complex surface of the human body, having an elongated general outer shape axisymmetric about an XX axis; wherein the general outer shape thereof comprises a first rounded volume (1) connected to a second rounded volume (2) by an area (3) with a cross section smaller than the largest cross section of the first and the second volumes: where said device comprises at least one flexible longitudinal arch (10, 11) embedded in at least one point of a core (15) extending along the XX axis, where said at least one arch is suitable for defining with the core a product reservoir having a variable volume, resulting in the pumping of the product.

Abstract: An oral care implement that includes a conical tuft of bristles. In one embodiment, the invention is an oral care implement that includes a handle and a head coupled to the handle, the head having a front surface. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend from the front surface of the head. The plurality of tooth cleaning elements include a conical tuft that has a bristle wall having an inner surface defining a cavity, the cavity having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface of the head. Furthermore, in some embodiments the bristle wall terminates in an annular top surface that is inclined relative to the front surface of the head. In some embodiments, the head includes more than one of the conical tufts, such as two of the conical tufts or four of the conical tufts.

Abstract: An expandable table which allows a user to easily increase the tabletop surface remotely. The expandable table includes a plurality of primary leaves, a plurality of secondary leaves, a motorized actuation disk, and a guide disk. The motorized actuation disk is concentrically and rotatably connected to the guide disk in order to delineate a travel path for each of the primary leaves and each of the secondary leaves. The primary leaves and the secondary leaves are radially distributed about and operatively coupled to the motorized actuation disk and the guide disk. In a retracted configuration, the primary leaves make up the tabletop surface. In an expanded configuration, the primary leaves and the secondary leaves are positioned offset to a rotation axis of the motorized actuation disk with the secondary leaves being interspersed between the primary leaves. Additionally. The centerpiece is raised in order to yield a substantially larger tabletop surface.

Abstract: A multi-function dining table. The dining table includes a tabletop supported by at least two pedestals, the tabletop being configured to be adjustable in a height direction relative to a floor such that the tabletop can be positioned at a sitting height, a counter height, and a standing height. The at least two pedestals are spaced and arranged to accept at least one storage cabinet under the tabletop and between the at least two pedestals.

Abstract: In a table having a height-adjustable table top and supporting structures, the table top is secured on the supporting structures so that the supporting structures support the table top. The supporting structures are placeable on a floor. The table includes at least one band which connects the supporting structures and the table top to each other, so that the table top is supported by the supporting structures in that it hangs at the supporting structures with the aid of the band. The table according to the invention permits a simple, convenient, quick and precise adjustment of the height of the table top according to the needs of the respective user of the table.