Abstract: Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen beverages are described. The methods and articles generally include first and/or second frozen pellets. Upon mixing the frozen pellets with an appropriate liquid for a sufficient time, a frozen beverage is obtained. Articles of manufacture including frozen pellets, as well as optional objects such as straws, spoons, and mixing containers are disclosed. Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen pellets are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to pet food compositions designed to induce the animal to cease feeding upon consumption of the appropriate nutritional amount. The invention further provides methods of inducing satiety response in animals and methods of controlling the amount of food intake in animals.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an animal feed suitable for feeding mammals, birds and fish, comprising an alkyl ester of a fatty acid, wherein said fatty acid has a chain length of 5-12 carbon atoms, and wherein the dosage of said ester in said animal feed is 50 ppm by weight or higher, based on the total weight of said animal feed.

Abstract: A cooking rack for bacon, or other food products, includes several articulated planar members defining a series of connected V-shaped structures. Each planar member, which may be defined by a plurality of generally parallel wires or other members, is generally porous. Bacon strips are placed on the planar members, and the rack is placed in a cooking vessel. The porosity of the planar members allows air to flow around the bacon during cooking, and allows liquids to fall from the bacon into a vessel below. The V-shaped structures may include spacers which prevent adjacent strips of bacon from touching each other.

Abstract: The viscosity of aqueous dispersions of normally solid organic peroxides may be advantageously lowered through the use of surfactants which are polyglyceryl esters of C6-C12 fatty acids. The reduction in viscosity facilitates milling the peroxides to reduce particle size and also provides dispersions of small particle size peroxides which may be readily poured or pumped. The aqueous dispersions are useful as components of pharmaceutical, personal care, and cleaning products and the like and are effective decolorizing agents for food products, industrial products and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are infant formulas and corresponding methods of using them to promote retinal health and vision development in infants. The formulas, which are free of egg phospholipids and comprise fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals, including docosahexaenoic acid and, on a ready-to-feed basis, at least about 50 mcg/liter of lutein, wherein the weight ratio of lutein (mcg) to docosahexaenoic acid (mg) is from about 1:2 to about 10:1. The formulas are also believed to be especially useful in reducing the risk of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein composition comprising a milk basic protein fraction; and at least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of soybean polysaccharides, xanthan gum, pectin, gum arabic, gum ghatti, carrageenan, locust bean gum, sodium caseinate, lecithin, and carboxymethylcellulose. The protein composition significantly improves the heat resistance of the milk basic protein fraction. The present invention achieves heat treatment of a protein composition and food, beverage, feed, and pharmaceutical comprising such a protein composition at a temperature exceeding 90° C. without deactivation of the milk basic protein fraction.

Abstract: A liquid beverage enhancer product including a shelf-stable highly concentrated liquid flavor and color solution including at least 10% non-water solvents with humectant properties including propylene glycol, glycerol, ethanol and other alcohols. The liquid beverage enhancer product in combination with beverages or non-beverage food products. A method of enhancing a beverage by adding a liquid beverage enhancer product including a shelf-stable highly concentrated liquid flavor and color solution having at least 10% non-water solvents with humectant properties to a beverage, and enhancing the flavor and color of the beverage. A method of enhancing milk, milk substitute beverages, and protein containing products, by adding the liquid beverage enhancer product having a pH of greater than 4.6 to milk, milk substitute beverages, or protein containing products, and enhancing the flavor and color of the milk, milk substitute beverages, or protein containing products without curdling.

Abstract: A smoking article comprises a first filter section, and a second filter section located downstream of the first filter section. The first filter section comprises a material with a first pressure drop per unit length, the second filter section comprises a material with a second pressure drop per unit length, and the second pressure drop per unit length is greater than the first pressure drop per unit length. The smoking article comprises a ventilation system configured to selectively provide ingress of a variable level of ventilating air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an independent, tobacco addiction-dispelling and tobacco toxicity-detoxifying filter, and a process for preparing the same. Said process is characterized in enabling organic substances in tea leaves to exude by air entraining and heating, immersing with a suitable amount of water and stirring, enhancing the effect on dispelling tobacco addiction and detoxifying tobacco toxicity, adding a part of celluloses by using the adhesiveness and water resistant effect of the exuded organic substances to produce tea powder, tea slices and tea particles; packaging the tea powder, tea slices, tea particles and active substances and additives within the filter via a device to form a cigarette holder, a cigarette filter rod or a cigarette holder bullet core having an absorbing resistance controlled to be within the applicable scope.

Abstract: The present invention provide a new and novel holder for storing unlit articles to be smoked, such as cigar, and holding such articles when they are lit and not currently being smoked. When the holder is in a closed position, it acts as a carrying case for a number of articles to be smoked of any size (adjustable for lengths). When opened, the unit can be easily mounted to any frictional engagement device, such as a golf cart ball holder tray or easily with the cup-holder adapter. The device can also easily be applied to any cup holder typically found within golf carts, boats, and vehicles and any other structure that includes a cup holder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring of biometric and contextual variables to assist in screening for, quantification of, and prediction of smoking behavior, and for assisting in smoking cessation are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette device, the electronic cigarette includes: a main rod with a nozzle configured at its one end, wherein, the main rod is further configured with a projection assembly at its another end away from the nozzle, the projection assembly includes a projection light source, a slide unit configured in front of the projection light source and a light source control unit connected with the projection light source to control operation of the projection light source; the slide unit includes a slide and a locking groove for insertion of the slide, and the locking groove is defined by two parallel and spaced glasses; the light source control unit includes a light source control circuit and a light source control switch connected with the light source control circuit. The electronic cigarette has a function of projecting various image light-shadows.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic cigarette including a nozzle, a battery rod assembly and an atomizer assembly. The nozzle defines vent holes. The nozzle and the atomizer assembly are located at two ends of the battery rod assembly respectively, and the battery rod assembly defines a smoke vent communicated with the atomizer assembly and the vent holes. Since the nozzle and the atomizer assembly locate at the two ends of the battery rod assembly respectively, the nozzle is far away from the atomizer assembly, and the atomizer assembly is of good sealing, thus it can avoid smoke liquid being sucked into smoker mouth problem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation method of a porous ceramic, the porous ceramic, and a use thereof in the electronic cigarette. The method of preparing a porous ceramic includes: mixing amorphous silica, aluminum oxide and iron oxide uniformly to obtain a mixture; sintering the mixture at a temperature of 1000° C. to 1400° C. for 0.5 hour to 3 hours to obtain a precursor; grinding the precursor to obtain precursor powder; mixing the precursor powder, sodium silicate, and porogen uniformly to obtain a premix; mixing and extruding the premix with water to obtain a molded body; and heat preserving the molded body at a temperature of 200° C. to 600° C. for 1 hour to 6 hours, and sintering the molded body at a temperature of 700° C. to 1200° C. for 0.5 hour to 3 hours to obtain the porous ceramic.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizing assembly includes a heating component, a holder, an electrode, and a cover. The heating component includes a liquid conducting element and a heating element in contact with the liquid conducting element. The holder includes two arms extending from a first end thereof. The two arms and the cover cooperatively define a receiving space. The heating component is received in the receiving space. The electrode is arranged in the holder and is insulated from the holder. Two ends of the heating element are connected with the holder and the electrode respectively. The holder further includes a connection part arranged at an opposite second end, and the connection part is configured for detachably engaging with an external component.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizer for an electronic cigarette includes an atomizing tube, an atomizing assembly, a first fixing sleeve arranged at a first end of the atomizing tube, and a fixing tube received in the first end of the atomizing tube adjacent to the first fixing sleeve. The fixing tube receives the atomizing assembly and is connected to the first fixing sleeve. The atomizing tube defines a liquid reservoir. The fixing tube defines a liquid guiding chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizer of an electronic cigarette includes an atomizing tube and an atomizing assembly arranged in the atomizing tube. The atomizing assembly includes a ceramic tube and a heating element. The heating element is in contact with an inner surface of the ceramic tube. The ceramic tube defines a plurality of liquid absorption hole.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes an atomizer and a battery pack. A pluggable connecting means is provided between the atomizer and the battery pack. The pluggable connecting means is designed as an elastic snap connection or a detachable clip means so that the atomizer and the battery pack can be connected together pluggably to prevent the threaded connection.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present invention relate to a heating assembly for electronic cigarette vaporizer. In certain embodiments, heating assembly includes: a pair of vaporizer shields, certain heating elements, an e-liquid medium, a pair of vapor guides, and a vaporizing chamber side cover. Vaporizer shields are disposed on a heating element base. An e-liquid medium opening is defined between the vaporizer shields. Each of the heating elements has a first terminal and a second terminal. The e-liquid medium is vertically positioned in the e-liquid medium opening. The e-liquid medium has certain heating element grooves for installing the heating elements. The vapor guides are placed between vaporizer shields and the e-liquid medium. The vaporizing chamber side cover is configured to surround the first vaporizer shield and the second vaporizer shield, the e-liquid medium. The vaporizing chamber side cover defines two e-liquid conduit openings, one on each side of the e-liquid medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an atomizer assembly for an electronic cigarette and an atomizer thereof. An atomizer assembly for an electronic cigarette comprising an atomizer and a cartridge; the cartridge comprising: a cartridge body defining a reservoir chamber for storing liquid solution, the reservoir chamber comprising an opening which communicates the interior of the reservoir chamber with the exterior of the reservoir chamber; and a sealing member mounted to the cartridge body, the sealing member comprising a first sealing portion for sealing the opening; the atomizer comprising: a base detachably and rotatably connected to the cartridge body; an atomizing device mounted to the base for atomizing the liquid solution; and a piercing device mounted to the base for piercing through the first sealing portion and guiding the liquid solution to the atomizing device.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizer includes a liquid supply and an atomizing assembly. The liquid supply is configured for storing tobacco liquid, and has an open end. The atomizing assembly is detachably connected to the open end. The atomizing assembly includes an atomizing cavity and an atomizing unit. The atomizing unit is configured for heating the tobacco liquid to form aerosol. The atomizing assembly includes a connector configured for connecting with the liquid supply. The connector defines a liquid inlet. The open end is provided with a sealing component having a liquid outlet. The connector is engaged in the open end. The liquid supply further includes a rotation component abutting against the sealing component. The connector is capable of driving the rotation component to rotate between a first position where the rotation component blocks the liquid outlet, and a second position where the liquid outlet communicates with the liquid inlet.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided according to the present application, which includes an annular body. The annular body includes an atomizer assembly, a power supply assembly, a connecting block, a first arc-shaped segment and a second arc-shaped segment. An accommodating chamber is provided in the first arc-shaped segment, and a first electrode connector electrically connected to the power supply assembly is provided in the first arc-shaped segment. The atomizer assembly includes an atomizing sleeve, a second electrode connector, a liquid accommodating space arranged in the atomizing sleeve and an electric heating wire assembly. The electronic cigarette may be worn on the wrist of the user securely, which can avoid falling of the electronic cigarette, and avoid unnecessary loss. Further, may the electronic cigarette can be conveniently carried by wearing it on the wrist, thus the user may puff on the electronic cigarette anytime and anywhere.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette sucking rod comprises a nozzle cover and a connecting module respectively inserted into opposite ends of the sucking cylinder, a conduit in the sucking cylinder, a liquid guiding component and an atomizing device between the liquid guiding component and the connecting module; the nozzle cover and the liquid guiding component respectively seal opposite ends of the liquid smoke compartment, opposite ends of the conduit are inserted into the through holes of the nozzle cover and the liquid guiding component, and a smoke passage extends through the liquid guiding component and the conduit. The liquid guiding component comprises a liquid separation seat and a liquid reservoir; the liquid separation seat comprises a seat body and a vent pipe; the vent pipe has its one end engaged with the conduit, and another end sleeved with the liquid reservoir and lead to the atomizing device; the liquid separation seat defines a liquid guiding hole.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine and a method for producing a cartridge for an electronic cigarette comprising a supporting base and at least one electrode fitted to the supporting base are disclosed: a conveyor, which comprises a pocket for feeding the supporting base along a conveying path; a gripping device for gripping the electrode; and an actuating device, which moves the gripping device cyclically back and forth in a fitting direction perpendicular to the conveying path, so as to fit the electrode gripped by the gripping device to the supporting base during a forward stroke and to detach the gripping device from the electrode fitted to the supporting base during a return stroke.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electronic cigarette atomizer with a convenient-to-mount heating wire, which includes an oil storage atomization main body, a suction nozzle and a base. The base is provided with the heating wire and a heating wire fixing seat. More than two mounting holes are formed in an outer lateral surface of the heating wire fixing seat, more than two clamping blocks capable of moving up and down are arranged therein, and the clamping blocks are connected with the mounting holes in a one-to-one correspondence manner. Two ends of the heating wire are inserted into the mounting holes in the one-to-one correspondence manner, and are clamped and fixed under action of the clamping blocks. The electronic cigarette atomizer is simple and ingenious in structure, easy to product and machine and favorable for batch production.

Abstract: Shown is an e-cigarette. The e-cigarette includes an atomizer and a battery rod component that are connected to each other. The atomizer includes a mouthpiece, an atomization component, and an e-liquid vial component. The mouthpiece is connected to the atomization component by means of the e-liquid vial component. The e-liquid vial component includes an e-liquid tube having an e-liquid chamber, an e-liquid isolation sheet is disposed inside the e-liquid tube at the end of the e-liquid chamber, a recess is disposed at the inner side of the e-liquid isolation sheet, and a gasket is sandwiched between the e-liquid isolation sheet and the e-liquid tube. A communication hole is provided on the gasket. The gasket divides the e-liquid chamber and the recess into two cavities that are different in size and are communicated by means of the communication hole. An e-liquid guide rope is inserted in the e-liquid isolation sheet, and the e-liquid guide rope is inserted in the recess of the e-liquid isolation sheet.

Abstract: A head worn visor having an array of battery operated fans in a chamber that includes contiguous air supply ducts that draw clean air from behind the user that is discharged through the visor fan array outlets in a downward force in front of the eyes to deflect irritating vapors that cause tearing from preparing food. The visor chamber houses the wiring and electrical connections to the fans and the dry cell battery compartment. The device operation is controlled by an on/off switch that activates the electrical circuitry.

Abstract: A blanket that may include a layer of material with trapezoidally shaped notches in two opposite sides of the material. An upper panel of the material may be configured to wrap around a user's upper legs with the user in a sitting position, and a lower panel of the material may be configured to wrap around the user's lower legs. Fasteners removably attach right and left edges of the lower panel together. A method of covering a portion of a user's body with a blanket may include placing the blanket on the user with an upper panel of the blanket over the user's upper legs, and a lower panel of the blanket over the user's lower legs, wrapping left and right edges of the lower panel around the user's lower legs, thereby surrounding the user's lower legs with the lower panel.

Abstract: A knee pad holding mechanism for holding a knee pad over the knee region of a pantleg having a first length of fabric material and a second length of fabric material operatively attached to a pantleg on opposite sides of the knee region, each length of material forming a plurality of loops for receiving a strap associated with the knee pad. The plurality of loops associated with the first and second lengths of material are arranged in opposed relationship to each other and allow a user greater flexibility to adjust the vertical location of a knee pad relative to the user's knee. The plurality of loops can be individually formed on opposite sides of the knee region, or they can be formed using any number of a plurality of sections.

Abstract: Described herein are combination bag/vests which, in a bag configuration, serve as a functional bag and which, in a vest configuration, include a system for attaching one or more modular accessories to the vest in a desired configuration. Also described herein are such combination bag/vests wherein the vest configuration operates as a tactical personal body armor vest and the bag configuration conceals the tactical vest portion while permitting the one or more modular accessories to remain in the desired configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a pants assembly comprising an outer shell, inner pants, and a retaining system with first and second retainers mounted to the inner pants and outer shell and a belt at least partially encircling the inner pants and being at least partially on an outer side of the outer shell for allowing fit adjustment of the inner pants and outer shell around the wearer's waist. The inner pants and outer shell are coupled together by the belt while the outer shell is movable relative to the inner pants.

Abstract: A lighted artificial tree includes a first tree portion including a first trunk portion, first branches joined to the first trunk portion, and a first light string. The first trunk portion has a trunk connector and a first trunk wiring assembly, the first trunk wiring assembly is electrically connectable to the first light string and the trunk connector, and at least a portion of the first wiring assembly is located inside the first portion. The second tree portion includes a second trunk portion, second branches, and a second light string. The second trunk portion has a trunk connector and a second trunk wiring assembly, the second trunk wiring assembly electrically connectable to the second lighting string and the trunk connector. The second tree portion may be mechanically coupled and electrically connected to the first tree portion by coaxially coupling the first trunk portion to the second trunk portion.

Abstract: A process for creating transitory colored hair that is composed of two different colored hair groups having different length hairs in each hair group, and the hair groups are combined then the top one-third (?) combined hair is dyed or color processed. First, hair group 1 is obtained consisting of hair strands 12 inches to 24 inches in length and color processed to color A. Next, hair group 2 is obtained consisting of hair strands approximately two-thirds the length of hair group 1, which is color processed to color B. Hair group 1 and hair group 2 are combined into one hair piece. Then, the top one-third segment of combined hair is color processed to color B. Optionally, the top one-third segment of the combined hair groups can be color processed to color C.

Abstract: A deployable head covering device for selectively covering a portion of a user's head includes a band that has opposing ends. The band is resilient. The band is arcuate such that the opposing ends are proximately positioned. The device includes a panel with a top end that is complementary to the band. The top end is coupled to the band. The panel is flexible. The panel is reversibly positionable between furled and unfurled configurations. The opposing ends are configured to reversibly separate, such that the band is configured to reversibly couple to a head of a user. The panel is configured for selective positioning in the unfurled configuration, such that the panel selectively covers a portion of the head of the user.

Abstract: An assembly is presented for covering a head of a wearer of an eye mask. The eye mask includes a mask strap to secure the eye mask around the head. The assembly includes a head covering to cover at least a portion of the head, with a first slot extending from a left side to a right side of the covering. A strap is received within the first slot such that opposing ends of the strap are operatively connected to the mask strap on the left side and right side of the covering. The head covering may also include a second slot that extends along a rear side of the covering to receive the mask strap such that the mask strap extends from a left side to a right side of the covering through the rear slot. A method is also presented for wearing the head covering and the eye mask.

Abstract: Various embodiments are presented for one or more wearable electronic devices which may be mounted on or integrated into, e.g., helmets, clothing, gear, vehicles, body portions, etc. These embodiments may be used in a variety of contexts in which user injury may occur, e.g., in outdoor sports, construction environments, military exercises, etc. In some embodiments, the device is comprised of motion monitoring sensors connected to a microcontroller (some embodiments may include pressure sensors, water sensors, temperature sensors, chemical sensors, sonic sensors, electromagnetic and radiation sensors, etc.). The microcontroller may perform all or a portion of a real-time analysis of motion and/or other sensor data provided by the monitoring sensors.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for improved helmet having an outer shell with a face mask disposed thereon along with an inner shell so that the outer shell floats without the inner and outer shells separating while maintaining an air gap between the inner shell and the head of a user which prevents direct contact between the helmet and the head or neck of a user. An outer collar closely surrounds the sides and back of the outer shell and is attached to the shoulder pads preventing direct impact to the rear of the outer shell and also much of the area behind the ear of a user. Gel pads are placed between the two helmet shells and the top of the helmet collar and between the shoulder, chest and back pads and the body of the user. A head and neck restraint and third-party neck brace are also shown.

Abstract: Protective headgear apparatus (such as a helmet used for contact sports) is formed to comprise a non-rigid outer shell in the form of multiple layers of open-cell foam, each layer having a different density. A flexible, lightweight metal frame (i.e., a “cage”) is disposed to contact the inner surface of the outer shell (i.e., bonded in a manner that essentially “locks” the frame to the foam layer), and an open-cell foam cushion layer (in a waffle-like pattern) is bonded to the exposed surface of the metal frame. The various foam layers are preferably impregnated with activated carbon particles that electrostatically absorb (i.e., “capture”) the energy caused by blows to the outer shell. The captured energy is thereafter distributed throughout the volume of the foam layer itself, so as to minimize the amount of energy that reaches the wearer's head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles of manufacture having a formulation distributed therein, wherein the formulation comprises an active agent which manifests a desirable property when released from the articles of manufacture. The present invention also relates to methods for manufacturing these articles of manufacture, to vehicles for applying the formulation to these articles of manufacture, and to perception indicators indicating the presence and the amount of formulation comprising an active agent applied to an article of manufacture.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components such as a lighting apparatus. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include a chamber designed to receive the lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus can be installed in the chamber after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the lighting apparatus can include provisions for facilitating the installation of the lighting apparatus in the chamber, including a removable handle portion that can help guide the lighting apparatus within the chamber.

Abstract: A luminous shoe of the disclosure includes a sole and a light-emitting device located at the sole. The light-emitting device includes a control box, a controller located in the control box, and a light belt exposed out of the control box and electrically connected with the control box. The light belt includes a housing, a FFC received in the housing, N first circuit boards located on the FFC and electrically connected to the controller, N luminous elements located on the first circuit boards and electrically connected to the controller. The controller drives the N luminous elements lighting based on a first pre-defined lighting mode, a second pre-defined lighting mode, and a third pre-defined lighting mode randomly.

Abstract: A shoe covering may include an interior member and an exterior member. The interior member may be configured to be positioned adjacent a shoe outsole during use. The exterior member may be configured to be positioned adjacent a ground surface during use. The shoe covering may be configured such that it may be relatively easily engaged with/disengaged from a shoe. An aspect of the shoe covering may be configured to provide the user with increased traction, comfort, cushioning, and/or protection of spikes on the shoe as compared to use of a shoe without the shoe covering engaged with the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an auxetic sole structure that includes a plurality of apertures. The apertures may include ten sides in an initial configuration, and the number of sides may increase in a second configuration when a force is applied. Adjoining members of the sole structure are hingedly connected, so that they can rotate with respect to each other in the plane of the sole structure. The rotation allows the auxetic sole structure to expand when tension is applied.

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 different cushioning characteristics to a sole member using varying patterns of apertures. 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: An article of footwear may have an upper with a knitted component. Alone or in combination, the knitted component may include regions with different degrees of stretch-resistance; the knitted component forms a collar with a half-gauge knit; the upper includes a strand with sections that are inlaid within the knitted component, and the sections are positioned immediately adjacent to each other; the strand forms a plurality of loops, pairs of the loops are positioned immediately adjacent to each other and configured to receive a lace; and the knitted component includes a thermoplastic polymer material, and the strand is unbonded to the thermoplastic polymer material.

Abstract: Footwear components are made from lightweight textile structures (e.g., including circular knitted structures made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as socks or sock-type structures). The textile structures are selectively supported at various areas to provide desired local characteristics. Methods are provided for making such components, precursors to such components, and articles of footwear containing such components.

Abstract: Footwear components are made from lightweight textile structures (e.g., including circular knitted structures made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as socks or sock-type structures). The textile structures are selectively supported at various areas to provide desired local characteristics. Additional aspects relate to methods of making such components, precursors to such components, and articles of footwear containing such components.

Abstract: A charm holder device for attaching charms to a shoe is shown and described. The charm holder device allows a charm to be selectively attached to and detached from the shoe. In certain examples, the charm holder device includes a substantially planar surface that is attached to the shoe and a decorative body projecting away from the substantially planar surface. A charm keeper is attached to the decorative body for attaching charms. In some of the described examples, the charm holder device is placed between the heel of the shoe and a ground-contacting portion of the shoe's sole such that the charm holder and the charm are spaced apart from the ground-contacting portion of the sole in a direction perpendicular to the ground-contacting portion of the sole.

Abstract: A tensioning system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a reel member configured to rotate about a central axis. The reel member includes a shaft and at least one flange disposed along the shaft. The flange includes an aperture extending through the flange. The aperture is configured to receive a lace. The reel member can tighten the tensioning system by winding the lace around portions of the shaft disposed on both sides of the at least one flange. In some cases, the aperture can be chamfered to assist with sliding the lace through the aperture.