Abstract: Articles of apparel including an encapsulated insulation panel with a plurality of spaced apart insulation sections, methods of making the encapsulated insulation panels, and methods of making the articles of appeal are provided. Methods of making articles of apparel may include bonding an encapsulated insulation panel to a first fabric layer with an adhesive film. Methods of making articles of apparel may also include coupling the encapsulated insulation panel to a second fabric layer with an adhesive tape to form a multilayer fabric. The bonding and coupling of an encapsulated insulation panel to the fabric layers may be performed with using one or more presses.

Abstract: An article with a color change portion and a method of changing color. The article includes at least one color change portion capable of changing colors. The color change portion includes composite material including a photonic lattice. The color change portion can change colors according to one or more performance parameters.

Abstract: A footwear covering assembly for protecting surfaces includes a panel. The panel is shaped substantially complementarily to an outsole of an item of footwear. The panel is flexible and substantially impermeable to water. An adhesive is coupled to an upper surface of the panel. The adhesive is dry and moisture activated. The adhesive is configured to contact the outsole of the item of the footwear so that the adhesive is activated. The adhesive is configured to couple the panel to the outsole. The panel is configured to retain debris and moisture between the panel and the outsole to protect surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sandals with adjustable, flexible and exchangeable upper ribbon design to provide comfort and style.

Abstract: A ventilation apparatus including a pump, a switching unit, and a fluid diffuser is provided. The pump attached to the footwear pumps fluid into and exhausts fluid from a cavity of the footwear. The switching unit in communication with the pump selectively changes modes of operation of the pump. The fluid diffuser connected to the pump within the cavity of the footwear includes a feed pipe for transferring the fluid pumped from the pump to the cavity of the footwear during a pump mode of operation and to transfer the fluid in the cavity of the footwear to an ambient environment external to the footwear during an exhaust mode of operation, for ventilating the footwear. In one or more embodiments, the fluid diffuser includes a diffusing member with one or more openings and/or a fluid distribution channel member for transferring the fluid to and from the cavity of the footwear.

Abstract: A massaging compression garment, comprising a body that includes a stretchy textile and a plurality of coin vibration motors coupled to the inside surface of the garment body. A battery is electrically coupled to the coin vibration motors. A power switch controls the flow of power from the battery to the coin vibration motors to cause them to vibrate.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe sole member including: a first foam member containing a first resin; and a second foam member containing a second resin, wherein the first foam member and the second foam member are fused, and the second resin has a melting point higher than that of the first resin by 20° C. or more.

Abstract: A midsole for an article of footwear including a three dimensional mesh including interconnected unit cells and methods of making the same. The interconnected unit cells each include a plurality of struts defining a three dimensional shape. The interconnected unit cells are connected at nodes having a valence number defined by the number of struts connected at that node. The valence number of the nodes may vary to provide customized characteristics to zones or portions of the midsole. The plurality of interconnected unit cells may be organized in a warped cubic lattice structure. The warped cubic lattice structure and the size/shape of interconnected unit cells may vary to provide customized characteristics to zones or portions of the midsole. The three dimensional mesh may be customized based on a biometric data profile for an individual, or group of individuals. The midsole may be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A comfort system for Cowboy and work boots, including an insole chassis, an insole chassis backing board, and cushioning pads for absorbing and attenuating shocks encountered by a wearer of the boots. Cushioning pads are secured to a surface of the insole chassis backing board, and apertures in the insole chassis allow the cushions to pass through. Additional cushioning pads are retained in recesses in the midsole. Pads on insole chassis backing board and midsole are vertically aligned. A steel toe inset is utilized in conjunction with the comfort system for work boots. A rim may depend below the midsole to receive a foamed plastic pad.

Abstract: A midsole for an article of footwear including a three dimensional mesh including interconnected unit cells and methods of making the same. The interconnected unit cells each include a plurality of struts defining a three dimensional shape. The interconnected unit cells are connected at nodes having a valence number defined by the number of struts connected at that node. The valence number of the nodes may vary to provide customized characteristics to zones or portions of the midsole. The plurality of interconnected unit cells may be organized in a warped cubic lattice structure. The warped cubic lattice structure and the size/shape of interconnected unit cells may vary to provide customized characteristics to zones or portions of the midsole. The three dimensional mesh may be customized based on a biometric data profile for an individual, or group of individuals. The midsole may be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method. The method may include placing an upper on a last, where the upper includes a lower perimeter edge secured to a lasting element, and where the last includes an opening for receiving the lasting element. The method may further include feeding the lasting element at least partially through an opening of the last and tensioning the lasting element to tighten the upper around the last by pulling the tensioning element at least partially through the opening.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole, an outsole secured to the midsole, and one or more plates positioned within the midsole. Each of the plates has a downwardly-facing concave side and an upwardly-facing concave side. The downwardly-concave side may be positioned on a medial side (or a lateral side) of the footwear, and the upwardly-concave side may be positioned on the lateral side (or the medial side) of the footwear. The undulating medio-lateral configuration of each plate may increase the overall support provided to a wearer's foot during a side-to-side or “banking” movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for creating wound material portions for incorporation into an article of footwear. More particularly, one method of manufacturing at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear, in accordance with the invention, includes the steps of providing a support structure, providing a fiber delivery system, tacking a first end of a first fiber onto the support structure, moving the support structure with respect to the fiber delivery system to wind the first fiber around the support structure, cutting a second end of the first fiber upon positioning of the first fiber onto the support structure, and treating at least a portion of the first fiber to fixedly hold it in a wound arrangement and form a fabric layer for incorporation into an article of footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric treatment for a textile component. An exemplary method of treating a textile element for incorporation into at least a portion of an upper of an article of footwear includes applying a thermoplastic polymer to a textile element having at least one first region and at least one second region, selectively activating the thermoplastic polymer in the at least one first region to modify at least one structural property of the at least one first region, and leaving the thermoplastic polymer in the at least one second region of the textile element unactivated, wherein the at least one modified structural property of the at least one first region differs from at least one structural property of the at least one second region.

Abstract: A shoelace accessory and method of using the same is characterized by a shoelace accessory that provides for one or more portions of material containing one or more grommets that may be fastened to one or more eyelets in a shoe, the shoelace accessory thereby replacing shoelaces in the shoe. In some embodiments, one or more joining and unjoining element, such as a zipper, may be provided in the shoe accessory's middle portion that may allow the shoe accessory to separate and create a gap that may accommodate the entry of a user's foot into the shoe, and that may allow the shoe accessory to close the gap and tighten the shoe accessory to the user's foot, thereby securing the shoe to the user's foot. When in use, the present invention may provide that the user may put on or take off a shoe with ease and safety, or otherwise perform tasks in a desired way.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ornamental strap with decorative elements for a foot wear. The strap is attached to footwear comprises adjustable leather top portion of strap that fits over top of the boot and secures rear portion of the strap to the boot. The rear portion of the strap wraps around the heel of the boot and connects to top portion of the strap on each side of the boot. The top portion of strap and the rear portion of strap are connected utilizing a steel button located at front of the rear or heel strap that will fit into pre-punched button holes located at the ends of top portion of strap. The decorative elements are provided for placement on the straps and could be placed at the heel and the sides of lower portion of strap can also be utilized for decorating.

Abstract: The invention is an improved method and apparatus for securing a riding spur to an equestrian legwear garment such as a chap or boot, wherein the spur can be quickly and easily attached, adjusted, or removed by a rider without dismounting the horse. Additionally, the invention can be configured so that the chap or boot may be removed from the wearer without first having to remove the spur.

Abstract: An apparatus for making an article of footwear is provided. The apparatus may include a last shaped to resemble a human foot and being formed at least in part from a susceptor material that is thermally reactive to an electromagnetic field. The apparatus may also include an induction coil disposed proximate to the last and configured to produce an electromagnetic field that causes the susceptor material in the last to increase in temperature by induction heating.

Abstract: A last assembly includes a plurality of retractable pins and a plurality of vacuum holes, both acting to hold footwear segments to the last assembly to facilitate manufacturing of, or modification to, an article of footwear. A method of making or modifying an article of footwear includes placing footwear segments on the last assembly by associating an extension portion of at least one footwear segment with the retractable pins, modifying the footwear segments and then removing the extension portion.

Abstract: A button cover for use in covering a button to reduce or eliminate damaging of adjacent clothing such as pants, shorts, etc. Some embodiments provide a relatively thin disk shaped cover having a resilient wire button clip extending from the back side of the disk shaped cover. The button clip provides a button mounting channel formed by two opposed resilient arms in the clip, with the two opposed arms interconnected by an intermediate section of wire secured to, or formed within, the body of the disk-shaped cover. The cross-section of the button clip from its intermediate, interconnecting section through to its opposed resilient arms can be U-shaped or otherwise shaped to orient the coplanar opposed arms with the backside of the body of the disk-shaped cover.

Abstract: A buckle structure for a seat belt of a vehicle contains: a body, a rotation member, a locking device, and multiple buckles. The body includes a fixing mount and a cover, the fixing mount includes multiple grooves, each of which is defined between any two adjacent of multiple protrusions. The rotation member is mounted on the cover, and the locking device is defined between the fixing mount and the cover. The locking device includes a central shaft and an actuation sheet, and the central shaft has two opposite semicircular columns. The actuation sheet has an aperture, a hollow pillar, and multiple openings, wherein the hollow pillar has two opposite semicircular cutouts, an arcuately concave channel, two release tabs, and two symmetrical sliding channels. A first end of each buckle is connected with the seat belt, and a second end of each buckle has a connection head with a hole.

Abstract: At a present tongue, a vertical rib is provided between a first elastic piece and a second elastic piece of a cover. When a guide bar is displaced toward a vehicle rear side, and the guide bar abuts the first elastic piece and the second elastic piece, the guide bar abuts the vertical rib. Due thereto, imparting of load to the first elastic piece and the second elastic piece by the guide bar can be suppressed, and elastic deformation of the first elastic piece and the second elastic piece can be suppressed.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (10, 50) has a first end (56) configured for fixing the seat belt buckle (10, 50) to a component of a vehicle and a second end (58) opposite the first end provided with a seat belt buckle tongue ejection button (28, 60) and a slot (26) for receiving a seat belt buckle tongue (10a), the seat belt buckle includes at least one clear polycarbonate light diffuser (34, 64, 66) and a light source (39, 40, 41) for providing light to be transmitted through the light pipe.

Abstract: Provided is a snap button in which a swaged portion of a to-be-swaged pin is not visible from users. The snap button comprises a snap button body and a cap to be connected to the snap button body with a cloth interposed between them. The snap button body includes a base; a pin to be swaged, which protrudes from an inner surface of the base, the inner surface being placed to face the cloth; and an engaging portion provided on an outer surface opposite to the inner surface of the base. The cap comprises a cap body including a cap base; and a metal eyelet attached to an inner surface of the cap base, the inner surface being placed to face the cloth. The eyelet comprises a cylindrical portion for receiving the pin which has pierced the cloth and swaging the pin on the inner surface of the cap base.

Abstract: A hook fastener includes a stem having two lateral edges, a first surface, and a second surface. A cap extends from an upper end of the stem, and the cap includes an upper surface, a first end, a second end, and a pair of overhanging portions. The upper surface of the cap is sloped between the first end and the second end. The first and second ends are at opposite longitudinal ends of the cap, and each overhanging portion extends in a lateral direction from the stem.

Abstract: Provided is a molding hook and loop fastener, in which a barrier erected near left and right side edges of a substrate includes at least two rows of vertical wall arrays, and the vertical wall array positioned on the outermost side includes a plurality of gaps provided at a predetermined pitch in a length direction. At least two of the gaps are provided on the vertical wall array positioned on the outermost side with respect to a region between the engaging elements adjacent in the length direction of the substrate. Due to this, in the molding hook and loop fastener, an outer side and an inner side of the barrier can be divided by the vertical wall array, and flexibility of the molding hook and loop fastener can be improved.

Abstract: A multi-functional knitting tool bracelet is disclosed. The invention is comprised of a bracelet assembly worn around the wrist of a user and is configured with a plurality of linked, square members having imperial and metric graduations and indicia. Said members having various apertures to cut yarn, receive crochet needles of differing diameters as well as stitch markers therein. One end of the aforementioned bracelet having apertures adapted to receive and selectively secure a crochet hook and a tapestry needle—and another end configured with a counting mechanism to record stitches and rows heretofore. The bracelet is joined around a user's wrist by means of an adjustable, magnetic clasp. Objectives of the invention include aiding the process of knitting, crocheting, quilting, tapestry projects and the like by having popular tools within reach at all times.

Abstract: A structure for a watch lug includes a watch case having a first positioning cavity and a second positioning cavity, a first watch lug inserted into the first positioning cavity, a second watch lug inserted into the second positioning cavity, and a coupling medium, wherein the first and second watch lugs are fixed to the watch case by the coupling medium.

Abstract: Attachment systems for attaching a wearable electronic device to a user including a sizing band and a retaining band are disclosed. The sizing band includes at least one sizing eyelet and a band-insertable end. The retaining band includes at least a post for insertion into the sizing eyelet of the sizing band and a concealment aperture configured to receive the band-insertable end of the sizing band. On a bottom surface of the retaining band can be a recessed guide bed configured to guide the band-insertable end along the bottom surface of the retaining band. A wearable electronic device can couple to both the sizing band and the retaining band by accepting an end portion of each band into receiving channels extending into opposite sidewalls of the housing.

Abstract: A vented or decorative finger ring and its method of manufacture that employs a co-injection mold casting of the vented or decorative finger ring that is formed with joined outer and inner rings where the inner ring includes a plurality of interconnected lateral and longitudinal slots or grooves, where the lateral slots or grooves are space apart and extend from the inner ring edges that each connect to a series of linked longitudinal slots or grooves formed around the inner ring that extend to the inner surface of the outer ring, forming air flow paths across the inner ring, between the inner ring edges.

Abstract: A method for producing a gemstone, in particular a diamond, in the shape of a star with several arms, the method including taking a basic, brilliant cut gemstone, the gemstone including a basic crown, a basic pavilion and a basic girdle joining the basic crown and the basic pavilion and defining a plane, cutting a plurality of facets in the respectively basic crown, pavilion and girdle, to obtain a transformed gemstone delimited by a periphery, laser cutting the periphery of the transformed gemstone to produce the star shape.

Abstract: A jewelry setting including a structure having an outer circumference in a round shape and setting a first set of stones, a second set of stones and a third set of stones, the first set of stones being set within the structure using a combination of prongs and a first set of mounting apertures, the second set of stones being set within the structure using a combination of the prongs and a second set of mounting apertures, the third set of stones being set within the structure using a friction setting and a third set of mounting apertures, the first set of stones, the second set of stones and the third set of stones being arranged so that the first set of stones, the second set of stones and the third set of stones appear to be a continuous, uninterrupted surface thus creating an illusion of a large stone in the round shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pole handle (1), in particular for trekking poles, Nordic walking poles, Alpine ski poles, or cross-country ski poles, comprising a handle head (2), a handle body (3), and a hook-like device (4) for securing a handling device. A movable, pivotal, or rotatable latching means (5) is arranged in the region of the hook-like device such that a loop-, ring-, or eye-shaped device, which is provided on the handling device and inserted into the hook-like device substantially from above, is fixed in the hook-like device in a self-latching manner. The hitching means is desiped in the form of a retaining lug which defines a constrained region (7) for the loop-, ring-, or eye-shaped device towards the bottom in the braced position. Additionally, a recess (8) is provided in the handle head and/or handle body from above, wherein a movably and/or rotatably mounted securing block (9) on or in which the engaging means is arranged is arranged in the recess.

Abstract: A cantilevered umbrella assembly with an arcuate guide track comprises a support column, a cantilever arm attached to the support column, and an at least partially arcuate configured guide track attached to the cantilever arm that defines a sweep axis and a plane. The guide track defines a first free end, a second free end and an apex between the first end and the second end along the sweep axis. The sweep axis defines a first tangent to the sweep axis at the first end, a second tangent at the second end, and a third tangent at the apex, wherein a first line drawn perpendicularly to the first tangent and a second line drawn perpendicularly to the third tangent form a first included angle in the plane of the guide track that ranges from 10 to 45 degrees.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shaft, a top cap and a runner. Multiple rib units and multiple stretchers are pivotably connected to the top cap and the runner. The rib units each have a first rib, a second rib and a third rib. The first, second and third ribs are pivotably connected in sequence. A canopy is mounted to the rib units. The second ribs each have a first connection portion on one end thereof, and the first connection portion has a seat which is connected to a link unit. The link unit has a joint which is connected to the third rib. The third rib has a positioning member to position the joint. The third rib and the joint are connected with each other to bear wind force applied to the second rib and the third rib, such that the second and third ribs do not deform.

Abstract: A multi-function wallet is provided which is adapted in one mode for carrying and storage of non-flat items concurrently with and conventional flat items. Additionally, the wallet or an engaged stand component is configured to securely yet removably engage a computing device with a viewable screen such as a smartphone, and hold it at multiple angles while in an inclined position so as to be easily viewable by a user.

Abstract: A multifunction suitcase system that provides greater convenience and ease of travel by providing a means for transporting and organizing additional items of luggage and personal belongings. The suitcase is able to be configured to provide the utility of a luggage cart, a shopping cart, a shopping basket, a stool, a table, and attachment points for LATCH system infant car seats.

Abstract: An assembly for holding and displaying a mobile device includes a mobile device case having engagement structure associated therewith, the engagement structure operable to retain the mobile device within the case. An arm restraint section is coupled to or formed in the case. At least two open sections are formed in the case adjacent the arm restraint section. At least one pliable arm has a first end, a second end and an intermediate section, the intermediate section being restrained by the arm restraint section of the case such that the first and second ends of the pliable arm extend through the open sections of the case and are free to move relative to the arm restraint section to enable a user to position the first and second ends of the pliable arm relative to the mobile device.

Abstract: A combination viewing platform and the protection carrying case having a first upper enclosure and a lower enclosure, the upper enclosure being hingedly connected at a first connection structure to the lower enclosure to form in a closed position a compact case. The upper and lower enclosures are juxtaposed with each other in a closed position with the upper enclosure having at an outside surface to which an elastic sleeve is attached, and at an inside surface, at least one mounting pocket for holding at least one personal electronics device having a screen display. The mounting pocket is securely connected to the inner surface of the upper enclosure for rotation at a second connection and a movable tab structure varies an angle of the display relative to the interior surface of the upper enclosure.

Abstract: A securement apparatus for a portable electronic device including a body having a panel and a plurality of elastomeric retainers secured to and extending from the panel. Each retainer forming a loop defining an opening, the openings adapted to receive therein a corner of a handheld electronic device. A tether is connected to and extending from the body. A strap is secured to the tether. An attachment device is operably connected to the strap to secure the apparatus to a member.

Abstract: A water resistant device case includes a front and back assembly that mate to enclose an electronic device. The front assembly includes a rigid front frame, a touch screen cover bonded to the front frame, an inner bumper attached to the rigid front frame and an elastomeric main seal attached around a periphery of the rigid front frame. The back assembly includes a rigid back frame, an elastomeric over mold formed on an exterior of the back frame and an inner bumper attached to the rigid back frame. A snap tab attached to the rigid back frame mates with a snap hook on the front assembly to hold the front and back assemblies together when the device is enclosed within the case. A main water resistant seal is formed around a perimeter of the front and back assemblies by the elastomeric main seal on the front assembly being held against an inner surface of the rigid back frame.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a frame and a coach's sporting bag coupled to and supported by the frame. The coach's sporting bag can comprise one or more of a plurality of divided chambers, a plurality of pockets, a built-in wireless device recharging station, a blue tooth transceiver, a speaker coupled to the blue tooth transceiver; and/or a drink holder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a luggage piece configured to engage with a luggage accessory. The luggage piece defines a housing and a cavity, and has an accessory frame located therein. The luggage piece further includes a receiver port located along an upper surface of the luggage piece. A vertical support may be configured to slidably engage with the receiver port.

Abstract: The application describes hair styling apparatus (1) for creating volume in a user's hair. The hair styling apparatus (1) comprises a heating member, a cooling member adjacent to the heating member, thermal insulation between the cooling member and the heating member and a tensioning member projecting from the heating member. The heating member comprises a heating contacting surface for heating hair in contact with the heating member. The cooling member has a cooling contacting surface for cooling hair in contact with the cooling member and the cooling member is cooled by an active cooling mechanism. The tensioning member tensions a user's hair against the heating contacting surface to improve heat transfer into a user's hair and applies stress to a user's hair as the hair contacts the cooling contacting surface adjacent the heating contacting surface whereby the hair is styled to create volume.

Abstract: This invention provides a hair tie comprising a first loop, a second loop, and an elongated elastic member connected at a first end to the first loop and connected at a second end to the second loop. Example embodiments of the invention can be wrapped a plurality of times around lock of hair to form a helix, wherein the length and/or diameter of the helix can optionally varied based on the thickness and/or length of the user's lock of hair.

Abstract: A support for a hair care appliance, the support including a stand portion that includes an aperture that extends through the stand portion and a collar that extends around the aperture, wherein the collar is adapted to retain an appliance with respect to the aperture so that fluid exiting the appliance is in fluid communication with the aperture of stand portion. The stand portion may include a first side and a second side wherein the first side is adapted to receive and retain the appliance. The collar may at least partially define an inner periphery of the aperture. The collar may include a first ring which at least partially defines the inner periphery of the aperture. The collar may include a second ring disposed radially inwards of the first ring.

Abstract: A support for a hair care appliance, the support comprising a first storage position and at least one further storage position, wherein the first storage position is configured to connect the hair care appliance to the support and the at least one further storage position is configured to connect at least one attachment for changing a property of fluid exiting from the appliance to the support. The support may include a stand portion and a base portion wherein the base portion is designed to sit atop a surface and the stand portion extends from the base portion and includes the first storage position and the at least one further storage position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetics container for preventing a flow of capsule cosmetics. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cosmetics container for preventing a flow of capsule cosmetics, the cosmetics container comprising: capsule cosmetics; a container body for containing the capsule cosmetics; flow prevention protrusions formed on the bottom surface in the container body to prevent flow of the capsule cosmetics; and a mesh net mounted on the top of the container body so that a user can press and rub, at the same time, the mesh net with a puff to break the capsule cosmetics rubbed by the mesh net, thereby discharging and using a cosmetics material filled in the capsule.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a smart phone case (1) having formations to hold a smart phone in the case, a back (9) from which the formations extend forwards, an open or openable front for the display of the smart phone and an openable make-up compartment (8) connected to the case. The openable make-compartment (8) is arranged to be behind the smart phone when closed, the compartment having at least one forwards facing make-up receptacle (11), the compartment when open facing in the same direction as the display and presenting make-up for the user's use in the or each receptacle. When the compartment (8) is open the user can use the screen side camera of the smart phone to display her photograph as she applies make-up.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing cosmetic treatment to skin comprise one material chemically active in a solid form preferably in a tablet form and a second material which is chemically reactive with the first material so that effervescence is produced during the reaction. The chemically active materials may be activated by a user for providing cosmetic treatment to skin. The activation releases effervescence which urges granules of the reacting materials onto the skin. The size of the granules lowers during the reaction thus providing continuously refining peeling to the skin.