Abstract: The technology described herein relates to weight and activity monitoring footwear. In an implementation, an article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a sole, a plurality of pressure sensors, a motion sensor, and a microcontroller. The sole has a plurality of pressure chambers. The plurality of pressure sensors take pressure readings from the plurality of pressure chambers. The motion sensor senses motion of the article of footwear. The microcontroller is operatively coupled with the plurality of pressure sensors and the motion sensor and is configured to detect when a subject enters a standing state from the motion of the article of footwear, and in response to detecting the standing state, determine a weight applied by the subject against the sole from the pressure readings. The plurality of pressure chambers are disposed to support the weight applied by the subject against the sole in the standing state.

Abstract: A convertible shoe enables people to easily modify a single shoe to form a total of at least three different shoe types. This reduces the bulkiness/amount of a traveler's luggage and reduces the burden of traveling without limiting a traveler's options of available shoe types. The convertible shoe can include a front removable shoe upper to convert between an open-toe and a closed-toe shoe. The convertible shoe can further include a rear removable shoe upper to convert the shoe between closed-back shoe and a sandal-type shoe. The sandal-type shoe can include a removable strap to convert between a strapped and a strapless sandal-type shoe.

Abstract: A skate boot includes a boot shell having first and second opposite side portions cooperating to define a foot receiving opening therebetween. The first and second side portions have a facing portion extending from the foot receiving opening. A band having a first end portion is received in the boot shell and attached to the boot shell at or adjacent the second side portion. The band extends across an interior of the boot shell and is slidingly received through an opening defined in the first side portion so as to have a second end portion of the band extending outside of the boot shell. The second end portion of the band defines an aperture for receiving a lace.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing a base portion of the article of footwear and providing a sheet. A pneumatic pressure differential is applied to the sheet to displace the sheet toward the base portion and shape the sheet against the base portion. The sheet is coupled to the base portion. Excess material is removed from the sheet such that a remainder of the sheet defines a portion of the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a first sole member, and a second sole member. The first sole member is connected to the upper. Together, the first sole member and the upper define a cavity. The first sole member includes an outer surface and a textured inner surface, the textured inner surface defining a pattern of shapes. The second sole member is positioned in the cavity. The second sole member includes a textured lower surface directly engaging the textured inner surface of the first sole member. The textured lower surface of the second sole member is complementary to the textured inner surface of the first sole member.

Abstract: An outsole for an orthopedic device includes a heel part, a forefoot part, and a mid-foot part separating the heel part from the forefoot part. A longitudinal axis extends in a longitudinal direction between an anterior end of the forefoot part and a posterior end of the heel part. A transverse axis intersects the longitudinal axis and extends in a transverse direction between a lateral edge of the outsole and a medial edge of the outsole. A bottom surface extends along the longitudinal axis and between the medial and lateral edges. The bottom surface defines an apex at the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse axes and at least one apical line passing through the apex and subtending an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis. The bottom surface curves through the apex and along the at least one apical line in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear (e.g., outsole components) have one or more of: a base plate having a V-shaped support structure with lateral and medial support members extending forward from a base support area located in a heel or rear midfoot area of the outsole component; a base plate having a matrix structure with recesses or openings formed between rib elements that make up the matrix structure; and/or a base plate having a rear heel support. The base plates may be made, at least in part, as unitary, one-piece constructions, using selective laser sintering or other three-dimensional printing and/or rapid manufacturing additive fabrication techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insole or footbed for a shoe. The insole includes a forefoot portion having a first thickness at a latitudinal midpoint thereof, a midfoot portion attached to the forefoot portion, and a hindfoot portion attached to the midfoot portion. An energy plug is attached to the midfoot portion and hindfoot portion and covering lateral portions of the dominant foot thereof. The hindfoot portion has a second thickness at a latitudinal midpoint thereof, the second thickness being less than a first thickness. The hindfoot portion includes a support stabilizer at an outside lateral portion of the dominant foot thereof.

Abstract: An upper for a shoe, where said shoe comprises said upper and a sole connected to the lower edge of the upper via injection molding, the upper including knitted areas with a low stitch density providing ventilation through the upper, where the lower edge is knitted with a high stitch density, thereby limiting the flow of molding material through the edge of the knitted upper.

Abstract: An article of apparel includes a first layer and a second layer. An auxetic structure penetrates the first layer. The auxetic structure includes a plurality of interconnected members forming an array of cell units. Each of the plurality of interconnected members form cell walls with interior recesses defined within the cell walls. The second layer is coupled to the first layer via the auxetic structure.

Abstract: A bonded mesh composite panel can be used to form a three-dimensional upper shell that includes extensions used for double-lasting and/or to otherwise provide a shelf to support foam padding. The foam padding may be, e.g., a foam midsole. The extensions of the upper shell may be located in a lower portion of the shell and may be bonded to the foam midsole in a heel, midfoot and/or forefoot regions.

Abstract: An article of footwear including cleat sets and/or cleat members can include provisions for maximizing traction between a chassis and multiple types of ground surfaces. In some embodiments, a chassis can include cleat sets and/or cleat members disposed in different locations to achieve maximum traction on multiple types of surfaces. In other embodiments, a chassis can include distinct types of cleat sets and/or cleat members that each maximize traction for a distinct type of surface. Each chassis includes a distinct type of cleat configuration. Different cleat configurations may be used to provide varying degrees of traction. In some embodiments, the chassis can include varying levels of flexibility, to provide user with options to customize the stiffness and support of the article of footwear.

Abstract: An apparatus for buffing a shoe part includes a housing adapted to be articulated around at least a portion of the footwear part. A rotating spindle is positioned in the housing and has a buffing surface for engagement with the footwear part. A carriage is slideably connected to the housing and holds the spindle such that the buffing surface can be moved closer to and further away from the footwear part. An actuator is in the housing and in contact with the carriage. The actuator applies force to the carriage to increase the force of the buffing surface onto the footwear part. A biasing member is in the housing and in contact with the carriage. The biasing member exerts force onto the carriage in a direction opposite the force exerted by the actuator.

Abstract: A method of making a steaming apparatus for an article of footwear includes providing a set of sheets and applying a series of welds and cuts to the sheets. The resulting steaming apparatus can have a steaming chamber adjoined to a plurality of wing portions. The apparatus also includes provisions for securing the article of footwear within the steaming chamber such that a majority of the upper is subjected to steam. Articles of footwear may be placed in the steaming system to help customize the articles of apparel for a user's fit and comfort.

Abstract: A housing for a belt buckle includes two housing halves, which consist of plastic material and are connected to one another, and have a plurality of connecting pins, which likewise consist of plastic material and, for the purpose of connecting the housing halves, each have a first end arranged on a first of the housing halves and have a second end inserted in each case into a mount provided on the second of the housing halves. The housing halves are each covered on the outside by a soft body, wherein the soft bodies each consist of a softer plastic material than the housing halves and the connecting pins.

Abstract: Described is a fastening tape that includes a plurality of attachment portions extending upwardly from a bottom portion of the fastening tape. The fastening tape also includes at least one inner wall disposed adjacent to at least some of the plurality of attachment portions and at least one outer wall offset from the at least one inner wall such that a cavity is disposed between the at least one inner wall and the at least one outer wall. Finally, the fastening tape includes an injected foam member disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A smart zipper includes a zipper, a voltage generator, a voltage detector, and a processor. The zipper includes a first left tooth and a first right tooth. The first left tooth is electrically connected to a first left wire and is supplied with a supply voltage. The first right tooth is electrically connected to a first right wire. The voltage generator generates the supply voltage. The voltage detector detects the voltage of the first right wire to generate a first detection signal. The processor determines first coupling information about whether the first left tooth is electrically connected to the first right tooth, according to the first detection signal.

Abstract: A cover attachment structure includes a sheet-shaped cover member, a base, and a fastener member. The fastener member includes a first element row and a second element row. The base has a recessed groove extending along a surface thereof. Fastener elements of the first element row and the second element row are received in the recessed groove and locked in the recessed groove in a state in which engaging head portions of the fastener elements engage with each other. The recessed groove is configured such that a minimum groove width thereof in a width direction orthogonal to a length direction of the recessed groove is less than 2 times a length, in the width direction, of either one of the fastener elements received in the recessed groove.

Abstract: A jewelry ring that includes a sleeve-like or annular substrate made of a precious metal or a precious metal alloy having a specific density ?1, and which has an inner surface for contacting a finger, an outer surface, two lateral surfaces and a central cavity for accommodating the finger. A bundle of fibers is wound in multiple windings on at least a part of the outer surface. The fibers are connected to one another by a plastic adhesive having a specific density of ?2<?1. The fibers have a specific density ?3<?1. Also a method for manufacturing a jewelry ring, which includes wetting the bundle of fibers with plastic adhesive, fastening a start of the bundle to the sleeve-like or annular substrate, winding the bundle on the sleeve-like or annular substrate, applying pressure to the bundle, curing the plastic adhesive and grinding off peripheral-most fibers.

Abstract: A method for creating an apparent visual appearance of a large rectangular gemstone in a setting comprising the steps of: mounting a plurality of outer stones along sides and ends of a setting; and mounting a rectangular shaped center stone in a first plane that lies above a second plane that contains the plurality of outer stones, the center stone being disposed within a center of the plurality of outer stones and in a partially overlapping manner such that an appearance of the center stone and the underlying outer stones emulates an appearance of an emerald cut gemstone having larger dimensions than the center stone.

Abstract: Kits and methods of play for creating decorative objects are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a kit comprises a plurality of rubber sticks, each stick with a continuous internal pattern that extends down the entire length of a longitudinal axis of the stick; a coring device, wherein the coring device includes a core cutter that is designed to cut holes through the plurality of rubber sticks; a cutting device designed to cut segments from the plurality of rubber sticks; and, a plurality of retainers designed to couple a plurality of segments together.

Abstract: A combination mount and wallet for a cellular phone removably mounts the cellular phone to a dashboard of a vehicle, and removably receives one or more credit cards, driver's license, etc. A base is affixed to the dashboard of the vehicle. A mount plate is carried by the base on an articulated joint, such as a ball-and-socket joint. The mount plate has a hook portion of a hook-and-loop type fastener. A card or wallet is affixed to the cellular phone. The card or wallet has a loop portion of the hook-an-loop type fastener. Thus, the card or wallet can be removably affixed to the mount plate, and thus the dashboard via the hook-and-loop type fastener. In addition, the wallet forms a pocket with the cellular phone to receive the one or more credit cards, driver's license, etc.

Abstract: A protective case includes an inner liner, a first aperture, a second aperture, and an outer shell. The inner liner is configured for receiving the electronic device and the first aperture is configured to permit access to the touchscreen interface of the electronic device. The second aperture is configured to permit optical access to the camera of the installed electronic device. The outer shell includes an attachment mechanism for attaching an accessory to the protective case. One of the attachment mechanism of the outer shell and the accessory includes a receiver configured to slidably receive a rail member of the other of the attachment mechanism of the outer shell and the accessory. The attachment mechanism of the outer shell may include a snap feature having an interference fit with a corresponding snap feature of the accessory to keep the accessory removably secured to the protective case.

Abstract: An item of luggage having a first and a second luggage part. The first and the second luggage parts each have an outer side and an inner side, and having at least one hinge. The first and the second luggage parts are connected to one another via the at least one hinge and can be pivoted in relation to one another by the hinge. The hinge has a first and a second hinge part, and these are connected to one another in an articulated manner The first hinge part is connected to the first luggage part and the second hinge part is connected to the second luggage part.

Abstract: A flexible luxury strap is provided having a plurality of beads attached (or linked) to each other to form a substantially rectangular array of alternating first and second rows. The array has a length and a width. The first row has a number of substantially identical beads greater than the number of beads in the second row. The second row has a bead of an elongate shape whose length defines the width of the array. In some instances, the bead of an elongate shape may be formed by adhering a plurality of smaller beads together. Substantially all or all of the beads may be crystals.

Abstract: A hair brush for use in a hairdressing store, a beauty shop, or at home, is able to easily and freely create a hair style by arranging frictional brush pins to a brush portion of the hair brush so that the hair is easily entangled around the brush portion. A plurality of frictional brush pins are aligned in line to form a frictional brush pin array in a longitudinal direction of the brush portion. Further, a plurality of frictional brush pin arrays are arranged in a circumferential direction of the brush portion at a predetermined interval. A constricted portion is formed between adjacent frictional brush pins so that the hair is entangled by the hair brush due to the constricted portion.

Abstract: A hair dyeing comb for dying hair. The hair dyeing comb comprises a housing having an elongated body having a first end and a second end, wherein the elongated body includes an interior volume for storing hair dye. The first end of the elongated body includes a handle and the second end includes a plurality of tines extending perpendicularly from a bottom end thereof. Each tine of the plurality of tines includes an interior volume in fluid communication with the interior volume of the elongated body. Each tine further includes one or more apertures that dispense hair dye therethrough. The handle includes an actuator that dispenses hair dye from the one or more apertures on each of the plurality of tines upon selective actuation.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gel nail photocuring machine with multicolor light effects, comprising: a machine body and a control module. The machine body has a curing cavity and one or a plurality of multicolor indicator light module provided on the machine body to produce color light effects on a housing of the machine body, wherein the multicolor indicator light module has a composite light source and a uniform illumination unit provided on one side of the composite light source. The control module is provided on the machine body and is connected to the multicolor indicator light module on the machine body, wherein the control module provides a color difference control instruction to the multicolor indicator light module according to a preset instruction in order to control an output power of each of a plurality of base-color light-emitting units of the composite light source, thereby instructing the multicolor indicator light module to emit light of various colors.

Abstract: A light source and a power source are held between upper and lower shells of a fake nail tip. The fake nail tip is provided with its shells hinged open and the light source unactivated. As the shells are brought together, an electrical contact is made between the power source and the light source, which causes the light source to illuminate the fake nail tip. The shells are then fastened together to maintain the light source illuminated.

Abstract: An automatic hair powder dispenser includes a housing, a cartridge that is installed in the housing and accommodates hair powder, a blower fan unit that is installed in the housing so as to be in communication with the cartridge, and a battery that is installed in the housing and supplies electric power to the blower fan unit. Two or more flow tubes through which air supplied from the blower fan unit flows in different directions are provided in the cartridge, thereby efficiently dispersing the hair powder in the cartridge and easily and uniformly discharging the hair powder.

Abstract: Applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the skin, in particular the eyelids, comprising an applicator member (10), the latter having on its external surface a recess (12) and an applicator tip (15) having a substantially flat main facet (20) extending from the recess (12) towards the distal end of the applicator member (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the skin, notably the eyelids, comprising an applicator member, the latter having, on its external surface, an indentation and a substantially flat main facet situated between the indentation and the distal end of the applicator member, the width of the main facet increasing with increasing distance from the indentation, at least along a major part of the length of the main facet.

Abstract: Provided is a wiper for a cosmetic container, capable of obtaining sufficient strength even when a force in a rotating direction is applied.

Abstract: A makeup mixing plate and cover product is configured to open and close over a makeup plate to protect and maintain makeup items used intermittently over a duration of time. The makeup mixing plate and cover product includes a makeup plate base and a makeup plate lid that is configured to cover a makeup mixing plate that a makeup artist uses as a workspace while applying makeup to a makeup recipient. The makeup mixing plate and cover product includes several magnets that are attached to the makeup plate base and the makeup plate lid to magnetically connect the makeup plate lid to the makeup plate base in a closed configuration of the makeup mixing plate and cover product, the magnets being disconnected to an open configuration of the makeup mixing plate and cover product.

Abstract: A 2-in-1 tool for lip protection substances is described. The tool is equipped with a first container configured to contain lip balm disposed at a first end, and a second container configured to contain lip gloss disposed at a second end. The first container has a removable cap, which provides access to a spherical container containing the lip balm. Likewise, the second container contains a lip gloss applicator which is configured to unscrew from a junction between the first container and the second container. The shape of the tool as a whole resembles a lollipop, and may be equipped with a ‘flavor charm’ affixed to a bottom of the second container.

Abstract: Provided is a cosmetics container including a body and an end lid able to close the body. The body includes an accommodating tube. A flexible porous block used for absorbing cosmetic liquid is placed inside the accommodating tube. The end lid includes a lid body, a support rib and a brush head. The top end of the support rib is connected to the internal top end of the lid body. The bottom end of the support rib is connected to the brush head.

Abstract: A facial pad retains a creamed or gelled beauty material between two films each borne by a sheet body with flexibility and elasticity. A facial pad includes two sheet bodies with flexibility and elasticity to one side of each of which a film is stuck, and a creamed or gelled beauty material that is retained between the two sheet bodies the respective one sides of which are caused to face each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a dry hydrogel sheet including the steps of: preparing a cellulose ether dispersion solution; transferring the dispersion solution to a coater while maintaining the temperature of the dispersion solution in the range of a gelation temperature of the dispersion solution to a boiling point of a dispersion medium; applying the dispersion solution transferred to the coater as a sheet; preparing a hydrogel sheet by cooling the applied dispersion solution to induce gelation; and drying the hydrogel sheet. Since the dry hydrogel sheet prepared by the method has a low moisture content, it is possible to ensure the stability of active ingredients, quantify functional components to be applied to the dry hydrogel sheet, and ensure the uniformity of the surface appearance and thickness of the dry hydrogel sheet, which results in the improvement of the quality of a final product.

Abstract: A decorative item comprises at least one area of hook or loop fastening and a cover comprising a substantially see-through portion, wherein the see-through portion is configured to overlay the area of hook or loop fastening. The item comprises a pocket for storing decorations having an opening located under the cover.

Abstract: A hydration system is provided. The hydration system includes a container configured to receive and maintain a quantity of liquid, a pump connected to the container, a hose system comprising a plurality of hoses connected to the container and the pump and configured to receive liquid from the container, and an end piece connected to one of the plurality of hoses configured to be used by a user of the hydration system. The pump is configured to circulate liquid through the hose system and container to maintain a relatively similar liquid temperature for all liquid contained in the hose system and container.

Abstract: Kits, assemblies and components for positioning a device, methods of positioning a device, and positioned devices. In some aspects, a device is an electronic device, a smart phone or a camera. A representative method comprises placing a magnetic element (e.g., a magnet) in a pocket in an article of clothing, and magnetically adhering to the magnetic element a magnet-adhering element (e.g., a metal plate) to which a device is attached. A representative kit comprises a magnetic element and a device attached to a magnet-adhering element. A representative positioned device comprises a magnetic element to which a device attached to a magnet-adhering element is magnetically adhered.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a multi-purpose clip. In various embodiments, the clip may be used to temporarily or permanently couple an item to a support object, such as a holster to an article of clothing, for instance. The clip comprises a loop portion arranged to be coupled to the support object and a key portion arranged to be coupled to the supported item, via a keyhole at the supported item.

Abstract: Kits, assemblies and components for positioning a device, methods of positioning a device, positioned devices. In some aspects, a device is an electronic device, a smart phone or a camera. A representative method comprises adhering at least a first attachment element (suction element and/or releasable adhesive material) of an attachment assembly (comprising the first attachment element and a first interface element (at least one magnetic element and/or at least one magnet-adhering element)) to a first surface, and magnetically adhering a device assembly (comprising a first magnet-adhering element and a device) to the attachment assembly, the first interface element attached to the first attachment element, the device attached to the first magnet-adhering element. A representative positioned device comprises a device attached to a first magnet-adhering element which is magnetically adhered to a magnetic element (which is attached to an attachment element that is adhered to a first surface.

Abstract: A rotatable hook assembly is disclosed, which has a twist handle rotationally coupled to a bag hook for holding bag handles. The assembly may have a lockable attachment such as a cup holder.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a function part. The handle includes an installation end in which an insertion hole is defined axially. An opening is defined through the wall of the installation end and communicates with the insertion hole. A guiding groove is formed axially in the inside of the insertion hole. The function part includes a head with bristles, and an insertion which extends from one end of the head and has a through hole defined therethrough. A spring member is secured in the through hole and includes a protrusion. The insertion is inserted into the insertion hole of the handle, and the protrusion is movably engaged with the guiding groove until the protrusion is engaged with the opening when the insertion is positioned in the insertion hole. The spring member is not deformed when the protrusion moves along the guiding groove.

Abstract: A robot cleaner including a body, a driven wheel, and a side brush coupled to the body. The side brush includes a hub configured to rotate about a pivot axis and a plurality of bristles. Some bristles may form a first angle with the pivot axis and others form a second angle with the pivot axis which is larger than the first angle. Some bristles may have a first bristle length and others have a second bristle length which is larger than the first bristle length. The robot cleaner may include a side brush deflector to deflect debris propelled by the side brush towards the vacuum inlet. The side brush deflector includes a plurality of deflector bristles extending downwardly from a floor facing surface of the robot cleaner towards a floor such that some of the bristles pass through or underneath a portion of the deflector bristles.

Abstract: A paint brush and method include a ferrule extending around and in contact with a plurality of bristles and a spacer apparatus positioned to space apart the plurality of bristles to provide at least one reservoir within the plurality of bristles. The spacer apparatus defines at least one opening extending through the spacer apparatus that allows fluid passage therethrough to the at least one reservoir to assist in removal of paint from the plurality of bristles when fluid is provided therein.

Abstract: A disposable hairbrush liner and a method of its use are disclosed. A disposable hairbrush liner for use with a hairbrush includes a non-woven cotton sheet and at least one substance applied to the sheet. The non-woven cotton sheet is comprised of cellulose and the substance is the extract from a natural plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved paintbrush with an integrated clip. The integrated clip rotates, and when not in use does not hinder the user. The design allows for a user to use the paintbrush unfettered until the user desires to hang the paintbrush for storage or drying. When the user desires to use the clip, it is rotated from within the paint brush handle to the position of use. When the user desires to utilized the paintbrush for painting, the clip can be stored within the paintbrush handle in a manner where is does not interfere.

Abstract: A table comprising a table base and a tabletop is disclosed. The table base comprises a top surface comprising one or more removable adhesives. The one or more removable adhesives adhere strongly when a force is applied in a horizontal direction and weakly when a force is supplied in a vertical direction. This prevents horizontal movement but allows vertical movement when a vertical force above an adhesion threshold is applied. The tabletop comprises a usable first side and a usable second side alternately mounted to the table base by means of the removable adhesives.