Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides. The bottom surface opposes the inner surface to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a first series of projections extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a second series of projection extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a quantity of particulate matter disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a midsole has an auxetic bladder member formed from inflated components surrounding star-shaped apertures. The inflated components form one or more auxetic bladders, and may have a triangular geometry. The inflated components are fluidly connected to adjoining components. Adjoining inflated components are hingedly connected, so that they can rotate with respect to each other in the plane of the midsole.

Abstract: A method for knitting a shoe upper capable of forming a new stretch preventing section different from a conventional stretch preventing section, and a shoe upper obtained through such knitting method are provided. The shoe upper including a base knitted fabric portion (1F) that covers a foot of a wearer is knitted. In the knitting, a stretch preventing section (20) configured by a knitted fabric of a plain structure is knitted, where one end in a wale direction is connected to the base knitted fabric portion (1F) and another end in the wale direction is not connected to the base knitted fabric portion (1F). The stretch preventing section (20) in which one end is fixed and the other end is not fixed is curled to a tubular shape. The curled stretch preventing section (20) is thicker than the other portions, thus suppressing the stretch of the shoe upper.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for coating outer, internal and inner surfaces of an item of footwear with a water- and/or oil-repellent coating by a low-pressure plasma polymerization coating process, by degassing the item of footwear prior to said coating process.

Abstract: Buckle assemblies and associated systems and methods for use with child seats and other restraint systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a buckle assembly includes a housing having an opening shaped to receive a first tongue of a first web connector and a second tongue of a second web connector. The buckle assembly also includes a spring having a first ejector arm carrying a first magnet and a second ejector arm carrying a second magnet. A switch assembly is positioned within the housing, and insertion of the tongues into the housing to latch the buckle assembly moves the magnets toward the switch assembly to activate switches in the switch assembly and produce a signal confirming buckle engagement.

Abstract: A buckle in a seatbelt apparatus includes a buckle stay 20, a buckle base 10 coupled to the buckle stay so as to be able to tilt in a first direction X and to pivot in a second direction Y, with respect to the buckle stay 20, and an elastic member that returns the buckle base 10 tilted in the first direction X and the buckle base 10 pivoted in the second direction Y to an original position. A support shaft 30 has a pair of arm portions 32 provided at an upper portion 31 of the support shaft 30 and extending in a lateral direction. Tip portions of the arm portions 32 are coupled into respective engagement grooves 16 formed in a pair of side plate portions 12 of the buckle base 10.

Abstract: A strap of the safety belt has a fixed tongue which is attached to the buckle and forms a plurality of through holes adapted to receive a respective plurality of releasable retaining pins which attach other tongues of the belt to the buckle. The forces that the fixed strap of the belt transmits to the buckle are distributed and discharged directly through all retaining pins.

Abstract: A counter release buckle is provided herein. More particularly, a counter release buckle disengages in a direction opposite the direction that the buckle member is tensioned in. The counter release buckle releases each of the buckle members in the opposite direction of tension that is or would be placed on the buckle member. The buckle also engages the opposing buckle portions by moving them in the direction that the tension is or would be pulling on the respective buckle member.

Abstract: A zip fastener consisting of two zipper tapes, two series of interlocking teeth and a zipper slider is disclosed. Each interlocking tooth includes a front engagement end piece and a rear extension end piece respectively extended from a tooth body thereof in reversed direction. The rear extension end piece provides a track for supporting and guiding sliding movement of the zipper slider and an augmented portion that exhibits a visual indication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite pull tab and a zipper applying same. The pull tab comprises two metal decoration parts spaced from each other, namely a first metal decoration part and a second metal decoration part; connecting through holes are respectively provided on an inner leg portions of the two metal decoration parts; an electrostatic eliminating unit is electrically connected between the inner leg portions of the two metal decoration parts; the pull tab further comprises a plastic encapsulation part; the plastic encapsulation part is welded on the inner leg portions of the two metal decoration parts and fills the connecting through holes so as to fixedly connect the two metal decoration parts as a whole; the electrostatic eliminating unit is accommodated in the plastic encapsulation part; and outer leg portions of the two metal decoration parts are respectively exposed outside the plastic encapsulation part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a waterproof fastener tape includes the steps of: forming a viscous waterproof layer on a releasable substrate; attaching the viscous waterproof layer formed on the releasable substrate to a fastener tape base fabric, and peeling the releasable substrate off the viscous waterproof layer that has been attached to the fastener tape base fabric; promoting curing of the viscous waterproof layer formed on the fastener tape base fabric to form a reduced-viscosity waterproof layer; and after the promoting of curing of the viscous waterproof layer, covering an exposed surface of the reduced-viscosity waterproof layer formed on the fastener tape base fabric with a releasable cover.

Abstract: An interior compartment of waterproof carrier is accessed by an opening that is closed by a waterproof primary zipper. An external or secondary zipper reversibly joins flaps attached to the carrier over the waterproof zipper. The external zipper may be closed when the primary zipper is open.

Abstract: A ring with interchangeable jewelry is provided, the ring comprising a ring having a circular band made of elastic material and a plurality of jewelries fastened on a strip. The circular band has a receptacle with a slit on the inner surface and a plurality of holes on the outer surface. The jewelries and the strip are pushed into the receptacle through the slit and the jewelries are inserted into the corresponding holes while the strip stays in the receptacle. The jewelry can be conveniently attached to or detached from the ring.

Abstract: User-wearable rings are disclosed that are expandable, antimicrobial, and/or breathable. Each ring is shaped into a toroid formed at least partly of an expandable polymer having an elastic modulus no greater than 5 gigapascals (GPa). The toroid is sized to fit snugly over a digit of a user and is configured to expand as needed. Some ring implementations include antimicrobial elements disposed within the expandable polymer. In some implementations the antimicrobial elements include ionic silver. Some ring implementations include precious materials, such as precious metals or crushed pearl, interspersed within the expandable polymer. Some ring implementations include one or more colorants having a color matching the color of one or more precious materials interspersed in the ring. Some ring implementations include grooves formed on an inner surface of the ring and allowing moisture, dirt, grime, and the like to exit from between the digit of the user and the ring.

Abstract: The Liquid Dispenser that can be worn as jewelry of the present invention includes a dispenser having a bladder assembly and an outer shell. The outer shell opens to receive the bladder assembly, which includes a flexible bladder, neck and valve. The outer shell has an opening, exposing the enclosed flexible bladder to enable a user to apply pressure directly on the flexible bladder through the opening. When a user applies pressure to the flexible bladder, liquid passes through the valve for use. In an alternative embodiment, a flexible bladder is contained within a watch base. The watch base includes a flexible watch face that when pressed by a user, applies pressure to the flexible bladder. In yet another embodiment, a pump/valve device in combination with hollow tubes that store liquid enables a user to press a flexible dome on the device to release fluid stored in the hollow tubes.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a supporting frame, an umbrella frame supported by the supporting frame, an umbrella awning, and a functional module. The umbrella includes a guiding arm, an upper hub securely coupled at a top end of the guiding arm, a plurality of awning arms radially and pivotally extended from the upper hub, and an awning cap detachably coupled on the upper hub. The umbrella awning is supported by the awning arms to define a shading area under the umbrella awning, wherein a center portion of the umbrella awning is securely sandwiched between the upper hub and the awning cap to retain the umbrella awning in position. The functional module is detachably coupled on the awning cap for providing an additional function of the umbrella.

Abstract: Provided is a versatile bag, including: a containing portion, one side of which is open, thereby forming a main containing chamber for storing belongings; and a deformable portion, which changes the shape thereof, thereby covering the main containing chamber or covering the outside of the containing portion. Embodiments of the present invention can implement a bag that has various shapes and uses.

Abstract: A case having gripping hole for tablet/mobile phone comprises a base plate for placing a tablet/mobile phone thereon; a releasable holding means for the tablet/mobile phone, the releasable holding means is fixed on the base plate; a cover plate for covering the tablet/mobile phone, a plurality of gripping hole arrayed in a line are on the cover plate and parallel to a long side of the cover plate, the gripping hole can be a rectangular hole; and an elastic connecting strip connects the base plate with the cover plate together. People can easy hold the case with tablet/mobile phone by using the gripping holes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a hair roller which can be separated into a pair of half-cylindrical roller pieces, pairs of half-cylindrical roller pieces, and a method of storing half-cylindrical roller pieces by nesting the half-cylindrical roller pieces. The hair roller of the invention includes a whole cylindrical body separable along a vertical axis into half-cylindrical roller pieces which include a plurality of mating devices configured to selectably couple the half-cylindrical roller pieces to form the whole cylindrical body, wherein the half-cylindrical roller pieces are capable of being nested. The pair of half-cylindrical roller pieces of the invention are identical in shape, which include a plurality of tabs and orifices, where the tabs have protuberances which protrude into a corresponding orifice when the lateral edges of the pair of roller pieces are aligned.

Abstract: A hair styling device for use with an end styling attachment. The hair styling device comprises a housing, and the housing comprises a motor, a fan, a heating element, and an air concentrator. A styling attachment is configured to be removably attached to an end of the air concentrator and the styling attachment comprises a comb and an air diffuser. The comb of the styling attachment may comprise three paired rows of teeth having differing lengths and shapes, and the styling attachment may further comprise temperature and/or proximity sensors therein.

Abstract: A laser shaving device (1) comprising a housing (2) having a skin engaging face (4) and a recess (6) extending into the housing (2) from said skin engaging face (4). The skin engaging face (4) lying in or intersecting a plane (8) that extends across the recess (6) and being positionable against a skin surface (5) such that the skin surface (5) assumes a substantially domed-shape extending in a direction out of the plane (8) of the skin engaging face (4) into the recess (6).

Abstract: A cosmetic powder container that, when softly pressurized, as rubbing upward a lower surface of a rubber container where contents are stored in a state of an upper case being opened, the rubber container is deformed and thereby contents are discharged in an extrusive manner, therefore making it possible to discharge contents as needed while checking the contents being discharged with user's eyes.

Abstract: Various examples related to a cosmetics container are disclosed. According to one example, the cosmetics container can comprise: an outer container part; an inner container part coupled in the outer container part and containing cosmetics therein; first and second moving parts provided at the upper and lower parts of the inner container part and moving the cosmetics by pressure; a side button part provided on the side surface of the outer container part; and a side pumping part mounted on the side surface of the inner container part, connected to the first and second moving parts, and providing pressure and moving the cosmetics from the first moving part to the second moving part by the pressure, whenever the side button part is pressed to reciprocate left and right. Additionally, other various examples are possible.

Abstract: A sheet pack comprising an absorbent layer impregnated with a treatment composition containing at least one ingredient that when topically applied to skin stimulates a gene that is variably expressed over a 24 hour period in native untreated skin cells; the sheet pack contained in a package with user instructions to topically apply the sheet pack to the skin at a time when the gene that is stimulated by the ingredient is being maximally expressed in native untreated skin cells; and methods for treating skin and methods for making a sheet pack.

Abstract: A water bottle holder for equestrian environments includes a cup configured to hold a water bottle, a pair of arms configured to be positioned in proximity to opposing sides of a jump post of an equestrian jumping standard, and a removable pin configured to be inserted through apertures in the pair of arms and a hole of the jump post that is at the desired height. The cup can include a drainage hole. The cup can be configured to hold other items. The water bottle holder can include a tether that connects the removable pin to the rest of the water bottle holder. The water bottle holder can include hooks in the pair of arms and a standoff to secure the water bottle holder to a horizontal structure. The water bottle holder can include knobs for attachment to a keyhole track that can be associated with the jumping standard.

Abstract: A clasp device for securing relatively small personal items. The clasp is moveable between a default closed position and an open position, for respectively securing and releasing at least a portion of the personal item.

Abstract: The present disclosure is, in one aspect, directed to a customizable, modular lanyard system, which system includes a plurality of interconnectable sections that can be used to form a user customizable lanyard of a desired length and/or configuration. Each section of the plurality of interconnectable sections can have universal connectors at each of its ends. Each section of the plurality of interconnectable sections also can include a flexible material having at least one of a color, user selectable, design, or patterning and/or one or more graphic representations, themes, scenes, or character depictions. The system further can have a base that can be connected to the one or more of the universal connectors, which base can include a connector that allows for attachment of one or more articles to the user customizable lanyard.

Abstract: A neck strap structure supporting an article and used with a loaded object having at least one shoulder strap is provided. The neck strap structure includes a neck strap body and an auxiliary member. The neck strap body has a contact part wherein two ends of the neck strap body are connected to the article. The auxiliary member includes a first auxiliary part and a second auxiliary part separate from the first auxiliary part. The first auxiliary part is coupled to the contact part of the neck strap body, and the second auxiliary part is detachably coupled to the loaded object. The first auxiliary part includes a first fastener and the second auxiliary part includes a second fastener corresponding to the first fastener. A stress exerted by the neck strap body is diverted from a neck of the user to the loaded object.

Abstract: A cell phone bag with a slim profile having a first side, a second side and an interior portion. The first and second sides are made of leather and include stitching to keep them in contact with each other. The interior portion of the bag includes at least two pockets for holding a cell phone. The bag also includes two straps for securing the bag to a user.

Abstract: An improved toothbrush includes a head, which has a surface on which multiple bristles are mounted. The head has an end on which a shank is formed. The shank has a lower end on which a first coupling member is formed. A handle has upper and lower ends, which are respectively formed with a second coupling member and an opening. The second coupling member is engageable with and coupleable with the first coupling member. The handle has a first receiving chamber formed therein and in communication with the opening. A first lid is detachably mounted to and covers the opening. The handle includes a press-down section formed in each of a front end portion and area end portion thereof, such that the press-down sections correspond to the first receiving chamber.

Abstract: An oral care implement and a method of forming the same. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement having a handle and a head. The head has a basin cavity formed therein which has an open top end. An aperture is formed into the basin cavity that forms a passageway to an outer surface of the head. An applicator is positioned within the basin cavity so that a portion of the applicator protrudes through the aperture. The oral care implement also includes a head plate with a plurality of tooth cleaning elements mounted thereon. The head plate is coupled to the head and encloses the open top end of the basin cavity.

Abstract: A hand attachable animal washing apparatus, attachable upon the hand of a user, is provided enabling singlehanded control of water flow and application of water into the coat of an animal. Control of water flow though a molded body portion is effective by singlehanded operation of a valve assembly disposed interiorly within the molded body portion. A user is enabled to open and close the valve assembly by compressing a compressible portion disposed proximally overlying the user's palm when wearing the apparatus upon one hand. A user may thereby control and apply to water applied to an animal with one hand while securing and comforting the animal with the other hand.

Abstract: A roof cleaning system for removing snow from a roof includes a crane that has a boom and a man box that is coupled to the boom. The crane positions the man box above a roof of a building. A sweeper is coupled to the man box and the sweeper sweeps snow from the roof. The sweeper is operationally coupled to the crane.

Abstract: An effective assembly for a toothbrush holder is achieved by applying a biasing member's force to cause two portions of an enclosure, each receiving one of two rollers. In this way, the biasing action can be used both for the roller action as well as for keeping the enclosure closed around the toothbrush head.

Abstract: Paint brush edge guide tool for a brush handle, has a proximal attachment, a stabilization plate disposed adjacent the handle, and a first elevated plate rising above the stabilization plate. The elevated plate rises at an acute angle away from the 3-D brush plane, being twisted about an axial centerline of the plane. An elevated terminal plate extends beyond the first elevated plate and is twisted about the centerline. The terminal plate distal edge extends beyond the terminal edge of the 3-D brush plane and the terminal plate is disposed at an obtuse angle from the elevated plate such that the terminal plate edge extends longitudinally beyond the 3-D brush plane and lies substantially adjacent the facing region of the 3-D brush plane. The terminal plate is twisted about the centerline. The interface between the elevate plate and the terminal plate may be a flex joint.

Abstract: The paint brush guide with swivel mounted secondary guide plate has handle clip or strap to removably attach to the brush handle. First and second elevated plates are disposed above and at an acute angle from the 3-D paint brush plane. A swivel mounted secondary guide plate on the second elevated plate has a distal guide edge operable in first and second guide positions, defined as first and second extreme obtuse cut-in angles for the paint brush. These first and second cut-in angles are on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the paint brush. Further, the first and second elevated plates are longitudinally twisted or rotated over the 3-D brush plane. The second elevated plate form an A-shape forward edge. A hinge between the first and second elevated plates permit flexation. Stops can limit the rotation of the swivel mounted secondary guide plate.

Abstract: A support member that is retractable and then can be extended and locked into place in order to support such item. The locking mechanisms for the support member include at least two push button assemblies. In order to retract the support member, a user pushes in the first push button and slides a first telescoping portion of the support member over a second telescoping portion of the support member, which then automatically pushes in the second push button to complete the retraction of the support member.

Abstract: A user console for controlling a remote surgical robotic instrument may include an adjustable ergonomic seat assembly comprising a seat pan, where the seat assembly is configurable between a seated configuration and an elevated configuration, and where the seat pan has a higher anteverted position in the elevated configuration than in the seated configuration. The user console may further include a display configured to receive real time surgical information, and one or more controls for remotely controlling the robotic instrument. The display and/or the one or more controls may have multiple positions and change position automatically according to a seating profile associated with at least one user.

Abstract: A storage apparatus with a shelf having first and second planar members hingeably coupled to each other by a hinge mechanism, and first and second walls spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the first and second walls have a means for holding the shelf at a location between the first and second walls, wherein the shelf is configured so that the first and second planar members are pivotable at angles relative to each other about the hinge mechanism for insertion into and removing from the location between the first and second walls.

Abstract: A connector component for use with a storage unit is provided. The connector component is configured to fit around and engage a frame support member of the storage unit and to receive and attach to an end portion of a shelving component used with the storage unit. The connector component can include a sidewall having two opposing ends. The sidewall can be configured in the form of a loop that forms an opening extending through the connector component, where the opening is configured to receive the frame support member of the storage unit. The connector component can further include a slot defined between the two opposing ends to allow the connector component to receive the frame support member. Each opposing end of the sidewall can include a channel extending along the height of the sidewall in order to receive and engage the end portion of the shelving component.

Abstract: A table assembly includes a tabletop having a first end and a second end and a pair of bench panels each having a first end and a second end. A first support and a second support is provided. Each of the first and second supports has a unitary structure. The first support is coupled to each of the first ends of the tabletop and the bench panels. The second support is coupled to each of the second ends of the tabletop and the bench panels. Each of the bench panels is positioned below and outwardly laterally spaced from the tabletop. The tabletop and the bench panels are horizontally oriented and the bench panels are coplanar.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to provide a visual indication of a weight of products stocked on a display assembly, such as a shelf of a shelving unit. The visual indication is provided by virtue of the display assembly having a product support member with a curved configuration that sequentially flattens as additional weight is added thereto. A laser device can be mounted proximate to the assembly and oriented to determine a distance to the product support member and a control circuit can be configured to receive the distance and analyze the distance to determine a deflection of the product support member to determine a current stock level.

Abstract: A furniture member may include a base frame and a seat assembly mounted on the base frame. The seat assembly may include a seat frame, a seatback, a seat bottom, a rocker member, a legrest mechanism, and a tilt mechanism. The rocker member is attached to the seat frame and rollingly contacts the base frame. The rocker member supports the seat assembly relative to the base frame such that the seat assembly is movable between a rocked-back tilt position and a rocked-forward tilt position. The legrest mechanism is mounted to the seat frame and attached to a legrest platform. The legrest mechanism may include a drive rod coupled to a pantograph linkage that is movable relative to the seat frame between retracted and extended positions. The tilt mechanism selectively locks the seat assembly in one of an infinite number of tilt positions between the rocked-back and rocked-forward tilt positions.

Abstract: A ground seat, having a buttocks support having a downwardly facing surface adapted for placement upon the ground, a back support connected to the buttocks support for selective movement between stowed and usable positions, and a belt connected to the back support and movable between connected and disconnected positions and sized to be wrapped in its connected position around a user's bent legs.

Abstract: A modular furniture assembly includes: a base member having a frame assembly, a transverse member having a frame assembly, a foot configured to contact a support surface, and a mounting platform having a plurality of apertures therethrough. The mounting platform is configured to be mounted on the base member frame assembly and the transverse member frame assembly, thereby connecting the frame assemblies. The foot is selectively mounted on the mounting platform, such that the foot is configured to contact the support surface when the modular furniture assembly is in an upright configuration. The mounting platform connects the base and transverse member frame assemblies together and also acts as a platform for receiving a variety of different types of feet.

Abstract: A chair for fishing alternatively upon a pier and a pond bank, the pond bank being sloped at an angle with respect to the pier, the chair including a seat; left and right legs which are fixedly attached to and extend downwardly from the front end of the seat; left and right quills which are fixedly attached to and extend downwardly from the rear end of the seat, wherein the extensions of the left and right legs are greater than the extensions of the left and right quills; wherein the stems have lower ends, wherein the stems are received within the quills, wherein the quills and stems are adapted for, upon the pier fishing extending the stems' equally with respect to the legs' extension and for, upon pond bank fishing, retracting the stems until the legs' and stems' lower ends are a plane sloped at the angle.

Abstract: A thoracic support for a seatback of a seat is provided. The thoracic support has a center portion extending in an upright direction and adapted to be positioned adjacent the seatback to align adjacent a thoracic region a user's spine and having a first hardness. A pair of side portions are each disposed on opposing lateral sides of the center portion. The side portions have a second hardness less than the first hardness of the center portion. The pair of side portions and the center portion to define a smooth forward support surface.

Abstract: A device for regulating the temperature of a person while seated. The device includes a chair having a seat member and a back-panel member. The interior of the seat member is hollow. Apertures are disposed in the seat member. A fan is disposed in the chair that is configured to cool a user by pulling air through the apertures, into the hollow interior of the seat member and then out of the chair. In some embodiments, the interior of the back-panel member is also hollow and the fan is disposed in the back-panel member so that, in operation, air is pulled through the apertures, the hollow interior of both the seat and the back panel and out of the chair.

Abstract: A convertible furniture piece includes a base frame, pivotable arms connected to the base frame, and a back member rotatably connected to the pivotable arms, the back member comprising first and second portions coupled together by a linkage system. The connection of the pair of pivotable arms to the base frame comprises a first pivot point that enables translation of the back member between a generally upright couch position and a horizontal table position, with the first and second portions of the back member being joined in each of the couch position and the table position. The connection of the back member to the pair of pivotable arms comprises a second pivot point that enables translation of the back member between a generally upright couch position and a bed position, with the first and second portions of the back member being rotated relative to one another in the bed position.

Abstract: A pressure control layer (1) for use in a mattress or in a cushion for a seat. The layer (1) includes a plurality of interconnected fabric pockets (11) each enclosing at least one spring member (13). The fabric pockets (11) are made from elastic material. The pressure control layer (1) also has upper and lower fabric sheath portions (5,7), and each fabric pocket (11) has at least one elongate seam (9) formed between the upper and lower fabric sheath portions (5,7), these elongate seams (9) interconnecting and defining the periphery of the fabric pockets (11).