Abstract: Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated manner. A material handling system suitable for use in an automated shoe-manufacturing process has a guide rail and first and second moveable holding elements, each of the holding elements having gripping elements for engaging a part or part stack during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A buckle for binding two items together that includes a male plate and a female plate. The male plate further includes a locking member that is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein the locking member in the locking position interacts with the locking mechanism to lock the male plate to the female plate along a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the binding axis. The female plate includes a locking mechanism that includes two arms extending from opposing ends of the female plate respectively and is adapted to slidably receive the male plate therewithin to secure the male plate face-to-face to the female plate along a binding axis.

Abstract: A clasp which has a primary body and a secondary body couples an elongated member. A bore has a groove within the primary body. A rod has a leg coupled to the secondary body and slidably engages the groove. A shaped locking channel is coupled to the groove. The leg engages with the shaped locking channel for coupling and decoupling the primary body with the secondary body.

Abstract: An ornamental rod-like body includes a strap-shaped ornamental body 1 for ornamental purposes includes a multiple granular ornamental bodies 2 selected from the group consisting of jewel, artificial jewel 2A, bead, noble-metal ball, and metal ball; a connecting member 3 configured to arrange the granular ornamental bodies in a plurality of rows and connect them to each other; and an adhesion member having a adhesive layer 4 made of hot-melt adhesive configured to be adhered to a backside of the connecting member. The strap-shaped ornamental body is adhered and secured via the adhesion member in a state where granular ornamental bodies are wound and exposed radially outward of the adhesion member.

Abstract: A cushioned step-cut gemstone is disclosed. The gemstone may include a crown disposed above a girdle and a pavilion disposed below the girdle. The girdle may include twelve straight-edged facets defining four sides and four corners of the girdle, wherein the four sides each comprise one straight-edged facet and the four corners each comprise two straight-edged facets meeting at a corner midpoint. The crown may include a table and two or more rows of step-cut facets between the table and the girdle. The step-cut facets may include side step-cut facets shaped like elongated trapezoids and corner step-cut facets, and each step-cut row includes twelve step-cut facets.

Abstract: An article of jewelry having a replaceable ornamental element has in combination a frame (2) provided with a central recess (3), an ornamental element (4) adapted to be received in the central recess (3), a first magnet (5) fixed to the bottom (6) of the ornamental element (4), and a second magnet (7) fixed inside the central recess (3) for removably assure the ornamental element (4) therein.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a silicone ring consisting of two outer-band halves formed by compression silicone-molding in a first mold and an inner-band formed by placing half of the outer-bands of the ring in a second mold, placing a spacer-insert mold over the second mold, inserting a silicone rubber in the cavities of a spacer-insert mold, inserting the remaining outer-band halves into a fourth mold, inserting the three molds into a compression chamber to vulcanize the outer-band halves and the inner-band together, wherein the first and second outer-bands form a complete ring, and a symmetrical inner-band is formed in between the first and second outer-band halves.

Abstract: This invention relates to a type of sunshade that has the distinctive feature of allowing sunlight and heat to pass, but prevents the passage of ultraviolet rays. The device, of conventional configuration, has a film consisting of three layers. Each layer consists of copolymers. Additives are added to these layers to absorb and stabilize ultraviolet rays. The invention allows the user, at the beach for example, to sunbathe and feel its warmth, while being protected from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: An umbrella is provided with a frame including a shank, a handle at a lower end of the shank, a grommet at an upper end of the shank, a runner slidably disposed on the shank between the handle and the grommet, ribs radially extending from the grommet, and stretchers having two ends pivotably secured to the runner and an intermediate portion of the rib respectively; and a canopy assembly including a canopy secured in covering relation on the ribs, protection members each secured to an edge portion of an inner surface of the canopy adjacent to a tip of each rib, and rib tip protection elements each secured to both the protection member and the inner surface of the canopy. Each rib has an end releasably inserted into the rib tip protection element.

Abstract: A carrying case includes a first compartment made of a rigid material, the first compartment defining an interior volume; and a second compartment coupled to the first compartment, the second compartment made of a flexible material, the second compartment defining an interior volume that is separate from the interior volume of the first compartment.

Abstract: A lunch tote for storing food is disclosed which includes an outer cover having a perimeter and first and second ends. A sidewall extends upward from the perimeter and has a distal edge. A liner having an outer perimeter is attached to the outer cover to form a pocket having an opening formed therein. A cooling mechanism is positioned in the pocket and is enclosed in a moisture-absorbing/insulating cover. A first insulating layer is positioned between the outer cover and the liner. An intermediate layer is positioned above the first insulating layer. A closure mechanism is secured to a portion of the distal edge. The closure mechanism is movable from a closed position, wherein the lunch tote is a closed container, to an open position, wherein the entire lunch tote is convertible into a serving tray. The lunch tote further includes a pair of handles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are involved with but are not limited to: a first case portion including a first interior portion, the first interior portion including a first layer, a support member, and a plurality of first protrusions, the support member pivotally coupled with the first layer to allow for pivotal movement of the support member about the first layer, the plurality of first protrusions coupled to the support member and extending therefrom, the plurality of first protrusions configured to affixedly engage with one or more smooth surface portions of a rear side portion of a portable device display assembly. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A container (1) has first and second body portions, (2,3) and a closure device operable to hold the first and second body portions (2,3) in a closed 5 position. The closure device comprises an engagement element (5) which extends from the first body portion (2) of the container, and a clasp (6) attached to the second body portion (3) of the container (1), and releasably engageable with the engagement element, thereby to hold the second body portion (3) in position with respect to the first body portion (2).

Abstract: An applicator for applying a product to head hair comprises a neck portion and a flexible/elastic spatula. The neck portion comprises inner threads and an upper end and the spatula comprises a free end at a distal end from said neck portion. The free end comprises an edge extending in a substantially orthogonal direction to the extension of the spatula, said edge having a dispensing opening. The spatula forms a flat shaped body portion between said neck portion and said flat shaped body portion. The applicator comprises a bridging portion, comprising a bottom extending in a substantially transversal direction to the neck portion. The substantially flat shaped body portion extends in a substantially orthogonal direction from said bottom, defining an internal channel extending from the dispensing opening to an inlet opening. The inlet opening is arranged at the lower side of the bottom in the interior of the neck portion.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus includes a drawing unit that forms a nail design on a nail of an object by performing a plurality of processes and a processor that extracts a feature value of the object and controls the drawing unit. The processor acquires information on a performed process with respect to the nail of one object, whose nail is provided to be formed with the nail design, based on process management information in which the feature value with respect to each of a plurality of the objects and an information on the performed process with respect to the nail of each of the plurality of the objects are registered in association with each other and the feature value with respect to the one object, and determines a specific process to be performed to the nail of the one object, and causes the drawing unit to perform the specific process.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus includes an object receiver into which an object is inserted, the object being at least one finger or toe having a nail to be drawn, an object holder that is configured to hold the object inserted into the object receiver and processor. The processor is configured to adjust a holding level by the object holder on the basis of a size of the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic automatic sprayer; wherein the cosmetic automatic sprayer comprises a shell in which a cup for containing cosmetic liquid, wherein a spraying mechanism connected with the cup and an air pipe connected with the spraying mechanism are arranged, and further comprises a slidable button and a shifting fork; wherein the spraying mechanism comprises a handle body, a spraying needle, a nozzle, a spring, a locking nut, an end cover nut and a shifting block; wherein the shell comprises a liquid outlet through which liquid sprayed by the nozzle is sprayed out; and, wherein atomized cosmetic liquid can be evenly sprayed onto a person's face and easily absorbed by the skin, resulting in a optimal and efficient application of the cosmetic.

Abstract: In some implementations, an applicator includes a container and an insert disposed in the container. The insert may include a flange extending radially outwardly from an elongate post, and a porous tip covering the flange. A passageway is provided to convey, via material comprising the porous tip, a substance contained in the container to an external surface of the porous tip for application.

Abstract: Cosmetic formula applicators with angled stem sections are provided for improved ergonomics and to aid in the evenly dispersed coating of a cosmetic material having suspended particles. In general, examples of the applicators described herein generally include a stem including a bore, a bar, and a plurality of application bristles configured to retain an amount of the cosmetic formula for application to a user. The bar may be positioned at an intermediate location within the bore and may include a bend to cause an angle in the stem. In another aspect, the cosmetic formula applicators with angled stem sections are configured for coupling to a cap for use with a container.

Abstract: A hands-free, skin ointment applicator or comestible holder wearable on the wrist area of a user has a wristband; an open-topped container with an ointment or comestible mound upstanding from the open top; a recessed cover integrally joined to the container for hands-free movement between closed and open positions protectively receiving the mound in the recess and exposing the upstanding mound for application to the user's face or mouth; respectively; magnets or Velcro for retaining the cover closed; and, a cover release tab for gripping by the user's mouth to pull the cover open. A web hinge joining the cover and container, guiding the cover to the closed position. A refill cartridge carrying the mound is mounted, releasably, in the container.

Abstract: A barber station apparatus is disclosed for enhancing the ability of a user to perform self-grooming functions. The apparatus may include a base assembly, an elongated member, a mirror assembly, and a docking assembly. The assemblies may be coupled together in a manner that enables the apparatus to be collapsed for storage and adjusted for different heights and positions of a user. The base assembly may be integrated with an air pump (e.g., vacuum) and may include support elements to support the other assemblies. The elongated member may retract into the base assembly and may be coupled with the docking assembly and the mirror assembly. The docking assembly may include a storage unit for hair grooming devices and the mirror assembly may include multiple interconnected mirrors that can expand around a user to enable the user to have a 360° view of a portion of their body (e.g., head, torso).

Abstract: Described is a strap pad for a shoulder strap. The strap pad includes a shoulder strap connector that is formed to wrap around and connect with the shoulder strap. Notably, a plurality of studs are affixed to and project from the shoulder strap connector. The studs are positioned to disperse the pressure and weight of the accompanying item across the muscles more evenly when the shoulder strap is positioned around the neck or shoulders of a user.

Abstract: A multipurpose rapid response rescue device comprising a throwable multipurpose camp and rescue bag that in one mode can be used as multi modal rapid response rescue device, which can be employed instantly to rescue a person in distress and in other modes can be used as a water pail or pillow with the camp and rescue bag containing a throwing weight and a rope therein with a one end of the rope secured to the camp and rescue bag so that when the camp and rescue bag is thrown to a remote area or person in distress and the other end of the rope is hand held the rope unfurls from the camp and rescue bag to provide for retrieval of the camp and rescue bag or an object secured thereto.

Abstract: The new design of a toothbrush is designed so that it's easier to used compared to a normal toothbrush. It is designed so that the two sides clean the teeth or gums in one go and the inside front can clean the back ends of the gums and also inside the two sides in the front of the toothbrush has lower length bristles to brush the top of teeth or gums, also it is designed to rotate or swivel by handle to brush or clean and gaps which separate the gums or teeth. There can also be five separate heads that can slot on and slot of easily and safely and for safety the two sides that have bristles that extend from the base of the toothbrush curve in at the top and are at different lengths or heights. These bristles bend but do not stay bent.

Abstract: A filter cleaning device has an improved structure which is capable of effectively cleaning dust in a filter used in an air conditioner. The filter cleaning device includes: a filter; a brush unit movably installed at one side of the filter to separate dust from the filter; a brush movement unit configured so that the brush unit is movable along the filter; and brush guides installed at two sides of the brush unit to guide a movement of the brush unit. Each of the brush guides includes: a first guide groove formed so that the brush unit is moved to be in contact with the filter; and a second guide groove formed so that the brush unit is moved to be separated from the filter.

Abstract: Embedded furniture systems include a wall having a recessed pocket, a furniture element hingedly connected to the wall and selectively moveable between a storage position in which the furniture element is vertically disposed in the pocket and a utility position in which the furniture element horizontally extends from the pocket, and a support structure hingedly connected to the furniture element and selectively positionable between an extended position in which the support structure protrudes substantially perpendicular to the furniture element and a retracted position in which the support structure extends substantially parallel to the furniture element. An illuminating mechanism illuminates a lighting element disposed in the support structure when the support structure is in the retracted position by bringing a contact element connected to the surface of the furniture element into communication with a circuit element connected to the surface of the support structure to complete an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A collapsible shelf assembly includes a plurality of uprights. Each of the uprights is selectively positioned between a collapsed position and an extended position. A plurality of shelves is provided and each of the shelves is slidably coupled between an associated pair of the uprights. Each of the shelves may support an object. Each of the uprights is selectively positioned between a maximum distance apart from each other and a minimum distance apart from each other.

Abstract: There is provided a trim profile covering fixture with at least one side covering element with a longitudinal axis, for a trim profile of a movable furniture component, in particular a drawer, wherein the side covering element has at least one mounting projection which may be inserted into an assigned mounting location on the trim profile and is held there in the inserted state, wherein the mounting projection has at least one clamping jaw which may be braced by an inner surface of the mounting location.

Abstract: A portable seating apparatus includes a frame having first and second sides. A seat is disposed between the first and second sides of the frame. The seat is suspended between the first and second sides of the frame by multiple tension members such as straps. A first arm rest and first base member are positioned on the first side of the frame, and a second arm rest and second base member are positioned on the second side of the frame. One or more straps extends downwardly from each arm rest to support the suspended seat. In some embodiments, the first and second sides are hinged such that the seating apparatus may be folded for transport and storage. An arm rest hinge is disposed on each arm rest, and a base member hinge is disposed on each base member in some embodiments.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that allows a practitioner to rotate a human subject in three different axes of rotation, independently from one another and without limitation on the degree of rotation, which allows for the treatment of various systems of the human subject.

Abstract: Products manufactured from a structural laminate generally include a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion fixedly coupled together such that the layers of the structural laminate are visible on at least one surface of the products. The second elongate portion is divided to produce a cut at an intermediate position such that at least one layer of the structural laminate is removed by the cut and an intermediate layer is exposed such that it is visible on an edge of the products. Additionally, a substrate is fixedly coupled to the elongate portions in an orthogonal orientation to layers in the structural laminate of the elongate portions. In some products, portions of the structural laminate are removed to produce voids in the surface, exposing intermediate features of the structural laminate.

Abstract: The removable wheelchair weather shield is a shelter. The removable wheelchair weather shield attaches in a removable manner to a wheelchair. The removable wheelchair weather shield protects an occupant of the wheelchair from the weather. The removable wheelchair weather shield includes a canopy and a support structure. The canopy forms a hood over the occupant. The canopy is formed in the shape of an arch. The supporting structure: 1) attaches the canopy to the wheelchair; and 2) raises the canopy above the occupant of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress and a topper resting atop the mattress and extending in longitudinal and lateral directions. The topper has a fluid flowpath having an inlet and an outlet. The flowpath exhibits a nonuniform resistance to fluid flow in at least one of the longitudinal and lateral directions. The bed also includes a blower connected to the inlet for supplying air to the flowpath. The resistance may be a monotonically varying resistance to fluid flow in at least one of the longitudinal and lateral directions and configured to preferentially drive fluid flow through the topper so that a larger proportion of the fluid flowing through the topper flows under a target region and a relatively smaller portion bypasses the target region.

Abstract: A comfort layer for a bedding or seating product has slow-acting pockets characterized by the individual springs of the comfort layer being pocketed with either semi-impermeable or non-permeable fabric. Each seam joining opposed plies of fabric around each of the coil springs of the comfort layer may be segmented, allowing air to flow between the segments, thereby increasing the luxury “feel” of the comfort layer. The method of making the comfort layer includes compressing the springs and creating pockets with a welding horn and an anvil.

Abstract: Powered recliner chairs, assemblies for use in the chairs, and components for use in the assemblies are provided. Electrical systems for use in the chairs, and components for use in the assemblies are provided. Control systems and methods for operating powered recliner chairs are also provided. Any given chair may be locally and/or remotely controlled.

Abstract: An infant support device for holding an infant. A fabric panel is taut between two or more anchor points. The anchor points may be disposed on a support frame or another structure capable of supporting the fabric panel and a weight of an infant. The fabric panel contains an aperture. A mesh insert is affixed to the fabric panel at the contour of the aperture. The mesh insert has a lower stiffness than the fabric panel. The mesh insert contains a plurality of holes sized to permit air to flow therethrough while preventing an infant's limbs and appendages from entering therein. Responsive to an infant being placed onto the mesh insert, the mesh insert elastically deforms thereby transitioning into a stretched configuration, in which the mesh insert urges the infant's spine into a convex curve.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a case configured to expand from a compact configuration into an expanded configuration. The cutlery dispenser also may include a wrapped cutlery band disposed within the case and configured to be dispensed therefrom. The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providing a cutlery dispenser including a case and a wrapped cutlery band disposed within the case. The method also may include the step of expanding the case from a compact configuration into an expanded configuration. The method further may include the step of dispensing at least a portion of the wrapped cutlery band from the case.

Abstract: Implementations of display cabinets may include: a first module having a base, a first shelving area and a second shelving area. The display cabinets may include a first door rotatably positioned adjacent to the first shelving area. Two or more hinges may be front mounted to the first module and front mounted to a side of the first door, where a first one of the hinges may be rotatably coupled into a receiver in the first shelving area and a second one of the hinges may include a pin that couples within a receiver coupled with the base. The display cabinet may have a first display portion coupled to one or more brackets within the base of the first module and a second display portion coupled to one or more brackets positioned on either side of a back panel of the first door.

Abstract: A food preparation table includes a food item catchment system including a modular grate and catch pan arrangement positioned atop an upwardly facing surface of the table and including multiple catch pans, multiple frames and multiple grates, each of which is removable for cleaning of the upwardly facing surface and for cleaning of the catch pans, frames and grates.

Abstract: An upright sleep system includes a base pillow and a top pillow. The base pillow includes a tapered shape, including a top edge having a top edge thickness and a bottom edge having a bottom edge thickness less than the top edge thickness. A user may rest his or her head against the top pillow or base during use, and the base pillow supports both the top pillow and the user's torso and arms. By utilizing the upright sleep system the users head, neck, chin, torso and arms can all be supported. The base pillow and tether provide a stable support for the top pillow to prevent the top pillow from becoming dislodged while the user rests. A base passage in the base pillow is shaped to receive a user's arm or arms to further enhance comfort and support. In some embodiments, the base and top pillow include an inflatable, airtight chamber.

Abstract: A pillow for supporting the head and neck of a user has a tubular body, wherein the tubular body may include a first conical half and a second conical half. A depression is formed between the first conical half and the second conical half, the depression supporting a user's neck.

Abstract: A plate caddy enables a user to carry up to two (2) dining plates using a single hand, while going through a buffet line, thereby providing a free hand to allow additional servicing of the user. The caddy includes a handle which is strapped securely to the user's hand, and a plurality of extended arms which act to support the plates while also securing the edge portions of the plates. The arms are adjustable to hold differently sized and shaped dinner plates, dessert plates, soup bowls, salad plates, and the like. The caddy may be quickly removed from the user's hand when desired.

Abstract: A disposable cup has a tamper evident removable membrane secured at or near a rim of an open end of the cup so as to seal off the interior surface of the cup. The membrane is cup-shaped and has a radially-extending rim corresponding to a radially-extending rim of the cup, a substantially axially-extending sleeve corresponding to an inner-side surface of the cup and a radially extending disc-shaped base substantially spanning the diameter of the cup. The cup further includes a plurality of compartments in an operatively bottom region thereof, which are at least partially filled with a consumable product. The bottom region of the cup is at least partially deformable under externally applied force to facilitate dislodgement of the consumable product from the compartments.

Abstract: A wedding veil support and display for the transport and display of wedding veils and accessories includes a display body adapted to fit under a veil, maintain the shape of the veil when transporting the veil, and, in cases where the display body is suspended from anything allowing a hook to hang, support the veil in an upright position such that the veil and any displayed accessories such as jewelry, may be viewed or photographed in a natural state, e.g., the manner in which the veil is intended to be worn, adjacent a bridal gown.

Abstract: A window curtain driving assembly is revealed. A pulley driving assembly is pivotally connected to a main body. Pulleys disposed on the pulley driving assembly slid in a curtain track. Thereby the window curtain driving assembly rotates along curves of the window track so that it can also be applied to the curved window track. An auxiliary pulley set is mounted and fixed on a top of the main body. The pulley mount is oriented toward a given direction by the second latch bar on one side of the pulley driving assembly being mounted in the auxiliary pulley set. Thus the window curtain driving assembly can also be applied to a straight curtain track for extension or retraction of a curtain.

Abstract: A kettle has a container and a guiding board. The container has a body. The body has an upper segment, a lower segment, and a through hole defined in the lower segment and having a top edge and a bottom edge. The guiding board is attached securely to an inner surface of the lower segment of the body, covers the through hole, and has a guiding segment. The guiding segment is attached securely to the inner surface of the lower segment of the body at a position below the bottom edge of the through hole, is curved in cross section, extends upward and toward the central line of the body, is free from forming a through bore, and has a top edge higher than the bottom edge of the through hole and lower than the top edge of the through hole.

Abstract: A rugged, one-piece, portable, collapsible, insulating chafing dish frame includes an integral wind screen and is configured for application in elegant formal events. The one-piece, portable and collapsible construction allows caterers and tailgaters to easily transport the frame to the desired location. The integrated wind screen allows the unit to be efficiently used in outdoor locations, such as by tailgaters and caterers. The insulating features can improve food service and decrease fuel consumption for the users. The hiding of conventional chafing dish frame components allows the unit to be associated with elegant formal events, increasing the usefulness to caterers.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) has: a beverage preparation module (2) comprising a module interface (21?, 25, 26) and an auxiliary device (10) comprising a device interface (15, 16). The module and device interfaces being arranged for assembling the module (2) and the device (10) together. At least one of the module and device interfaces (15, 16, 21?, 25, 26) comprises one or more dampening members (21?) so arranged that the module (2) and the device (10) are in direct contact only via the dampening member(s) (21?) when the module (2) and device (10) are assembled together via the interfaces (15, 16, 21?, 25, 26).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charcoal cooking of food utilizing a cook base and a removable cover mating with the cook base. The cooker has a substantially sealed interior cooking chamber for cooking food and an exterior portion with one charcoal heat source near the bottom of the cook base and another charcoal heat source on top of the removable cover, thereby separating the food and the fire.

Abstract: A toasting device includes a housing, a plurality of heating spikes extending outwardly from an upper surface of the housing, and a controller electrically coupled to infrared heating sources in the plurality of heating spikes. The controller is configured to control electrical power to the plurality of heating spikes to thereby control temperature.