Abstract: A garment having one or more wipe zone structures positioned in predetermined locations on an outer-facing surface of the garment providing for the transfer of moisture and/or particulate matter from a wearer's skin upon contact with the wearer's skin is provided herein. The wipe zone structures may be comprised of repeating patterns of surface treatment that have been deposited in predetermined locations. Methods of manufacturing a garment having wipe zone structures are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present nursing cover comprises a panel having a semirigid support retained in a sleeve in the upper side of the panel which forms an opening that allows a caregiver easier access to a nursing infant when the nursing cover is in use. A pouch for storing the nursing cover when not in use is attached to the upper side of the panel.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a raincoat or windbreaker has an attached accessory extending from the shoulder region between backpack straps for covering the backpack and shedding precipitation such as snow and rain. The garment accessory includes a flexible planar material coupled in a water shedding engagement with a rear facing portion (back) of the garment, such that the flexible planar material is adapted to shed water over a created void adjacent the rear facing portion, the void resulting from a backpack or other load suspended from straps extending over a shoulder portion of the outerwear above the coupling. A slot in the rear facing portion is adapted to receive the deformed flexible planar material when not deployed over the void, and a zippered receptacle or pouch on an opposed side of the rear facing portion is in communication with the slot for receiving the deformed flexible planar material.

Abstract: An article that includes a vortex-generator device may include various features. For example, the article may include a material layer and one or more elongate members coupled to the material layer. In addition, the one or more elongate members interconnect two or more vortex generators.

Abstract: Reflective articles of wear are disclosed. The reflective articles of wear can include an elastomeric material and reflective components coupled to the elastomeric material. The elastomeric material forms a plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for protecting at least a user's neck area from impact forces directed thereto, has a neck-protective structure about the neck area at a distance for bearing and absorbing the impact forces, and a base structure coupled to the protective structure. The protective structure is demountably attachable to an upper body area of the user for supporting the protective structure thereon and for absorbing the impact forces absorbed distributed from the protective structure.

Abstract: Ventilating face masks and methods and systems for face mask ventilation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a mask ventilation system can comprise an expandable base layer comprising side edges and a ventilation layer external to the expandable base layer comprising side edges. When the expandable base layer is in an expanded state, the side edges of the ventilation layer and the side edges of the expandable base layer can define one or more ventilation gaps between the expandable base layer and the ventilation layer for diverting at least a portion of the wearer's breath away from the surface, wherein the diversion can decrease the relative humidity on the surface.

Abstract: An adaptive clothing apparatus designed for assisting persons with impaired mobility and/or impaired cognitive function includes a plurality of panels for covering the wearer's torso. The intuitive apparatus includes a front panel having attached thereto a wrapping panel, being a posterior torso encapsulator (PTE) panel, and a receiving panel. The PTE panel is equipped with dual fastening systems, being a side torso fastening system positioned in a lower section of the PTE panel and a shoulder fastening system positioned in an upper section of the PTE panel. The asymmetrical design of the apparatus allows the side torso fastening system to be positioned along the side of the user's torso forward of the user's axilla, such that the apparatus can be secured around a wearer by a care provider without difficulty, and without causing injury to the wearer, whether the wearer is in a standing, sitting, or lying position.

Abstract: A gown (500) includes a first component (100) defining a front body covering portion (102), a first sleeve portion (104), a second sleeve portion (105), and at least a first tie (106). A second component (200), which can be rotated 180 degrees about a central axis relative to the first component, defines a rear body covering portion (202), a third sleeve portion (204), a fourth sleeve portion (205), and at least a second tie (206). The first component is then thermally bonded to the second component by four seams (401,402,403,404).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparel system for an upper torso of a wearer. The apparel system may comprise a first layer of a breathable fabric and a water resistant second layer. The second layer may be stowed in a pocket located on the front of the first layer. The second layer may be transitioned from within the pocket to cover at least a portion of the first layer to protect the wearer from external conditions. In some embodiments, the second layer may be affixed to the first layer at an area within the pocket.

Abstract: Aspects herein disclose a sleeve construction for a garment comprising a right sleeve with a first pocket located superior to an elbow area of the sleeve. The pocket opening of the first pocket is positioned on an anterior aspect of the right sleeve and the pocket space extends across the anterior aspect of the right sleeve. The garment further comprises a left sleeve having a second pocket located superior to an elbow area of the left sleeve. The pocket opening of the second pocket is positioned on a medial aspect of the left sleeve and the pocket space extends across the posterior aspect of the left sleeve.

Abstract: A garment has an excellent feel as well as cold protective properties and waterproof breathable performance. The garment includes a multi-layer woven fabric comprising a face-side fabric, a back-side fabric, a filling packed between the face-side fabric and the back-side fabric, and a waterproof breathable membrane, the face-side fabric and the back-side fabric being woven together to form the multi-layer woven fabric, the waterproof breathable membrane being provided on one surface of the multi-layer woven fabric.

Abstract: A garment with reflective material applied to an outer surface of the garment is provided herein. The reflective material is positioned on the garment based on modeled sun exposure. A method for modeling sun exposure to determine the positioning of reflective material on a garment is also provided herein. A system for modeling sun exposure, determining the position of reflective material on a garment, and applying the reflective material to the outer surface of the garment is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber for artificial hair having a hollow in a center of a fiber cross section. A ratio of an area of the hollow to an entire area of the fiber cross section is 5% to 50%. The fiber cross section has a flat multilobed shape, and the hollow has a first side and a second side that are inclined 70 to 110 degrees relative to a major axis of the fiber cross section. The present invention also relates to hair ornament products including the above fiber for artificial hair. Thus, the present invention provides a fiber for artificial hair having a favorable curl setting property when curling with a hair iron and a favorable combing property after curling with a hair iron, and hair ornament products including the same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hair addition for adding volume, texture, and density to the side of a user's head and hairline. The hair addition, in one embodiment, includes two or more wires to which wefts of hair are attached. The hair addition further includes one or more double layer portions of hair and one or more single layer portions of hair. In another embodiment, the hair addition includes one or more wires to which wefts of hair are attached. At least some of the wefts of hair are slidable along the one or more wires. The hair addition further includes elastic cordage connecting to the one or more wires one each end of the one or more wires and an intermediate connector connecting the wires and the elastic cordage.

Abstract: A hair band device having a head covering assembly including a headband and a securing band. The headband is configured to wrap around a crown of a head of a user-wearer. The securing band configured to wrap around a nape of a neck of a user-wearer secure the headband to the head of the user-wearer. The hair band device provides a foundation for securing a hair-piece to the head of the user-wearer and conceals baldness during an in-use condition. The device helps support thinning edges, offering a way for individuals to conveniently cover up thin hairlines.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing eyelash prostheses are described.

Abstract: This invention provides a cap with a superior comfort feature. The cap teaches a sweat band with a pellon attaching the band to the cap, a layer of memory foam, and a layer of wicking fabric. The goal behind the cap is to wick away perspiration from the user and at the same time enhance the comfort of the fit with memory foam. The memory foam ban extends approximately 280 degrees around the inside of the cap, thereby providing support and comfort on all sides of the user's head. The memory foam can be infused with a variety of substances, ranging from biologically-reactive chemicals to aromatherapy agents.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a garment having a hood system comprising an outer hood and a yoke structure positioned adjacent and internal to the outer hood. The outer hood is affixed to a neckline opening of the garment along the sides of the neckline opening but is detached from the neckline opening in the back. The yoke structure is selectively attached to the outer hood in two or more disparate location and is affixed to the neckline opening of the garment at the location at which the outer hood is detached from the neckline opening. The hood system is useable for distributing tension forces generated by pulling the front of the outer hood forward to, for example, cover a wearer's eyes when resting.

Abstract: Embodiments of The Hover Cover are comprised of one central rod, a left middle rod, a right middle rod, a left-side rod, a right-side rod, a left-side arm, a right-side arm, a central support, a crossbar, a brim-support, a brim, a hat cover, and a sizer. The central rod, the left middle rod, and the right middle rod span nearly the length of The Hover Cover and are connected on the back side of The Hover Cover to the back fitting and on the front side of The Hover Cover to the brim-support. The left-side rod and right-side rod extend from the back fitting to the brim-support on their respective sides of The Hover Cover. The crossbar transects The Hover Cover and is integrally formed with the brim-support. Connected to the crossbar is the central support. The brim extends forward from the brim-support.

Abstract: A shock absorbing system for use with protective head gear includes a compressible member containing separate chambers that are inflated with a volume of a fluid (gas), and positioned between the skull and shell of the head gear. In one embodiment, the compressible member has at least one orifice that may vent fluid upon impact. The venting of fluid is directed outside of the shell through an expansion reservoir that may assume a bellows structure. This structure acts as a restrictive and temporary compartment for fluids. The expansion reservoir may assume a structure that permits temporary fluid transfer for the duration of impact. The structure will resist the introduction of fluid and actively return fluid to the “donating” chamber. The sealed and autonomous interior of the outermost chamber consists of smaller autonomous chambers that are inflated to higher pressures.

Abstract: A football helmet comprises a plastic shell having a recess formed in the shell, a shock absorbing pad in the recess and removably connected to the shell, and a floating shell plate removably attached to the shock absorbing pad and further connected to the shell by a tab-slot engagement. The helmet may further comprise an inner liner comprising a shock absorbing element, an inflatable liner element, and a mobility layer disposed between the shock absorbing element and the inflatable liner element, the mobility layer having a plurality of raised elements formed therein to separate the shock absorbing element from the mobility layer thereby forming a gap between the shock absorbing element and the mobility layer, enabling relative movement of the inflatable liner with respect to shock absorbing element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for knitting three-dimensional shoe blanks, comprising: knitting a heel and lateral portion; continuing knitting a rear sole portion; continuing knitting a front sole portion; continuing knitting a toe cap portion; and continuing knitting a tongue portion. When the knitting comes to the first connecting selvage edges at the two sides of the rear sole portion, the first connecting selvage edges can be knitted together with the lateral live stitches in the heel and lateral portion, so that the heel and lateral portion can be combined with the rear sole portion. Also, when the knitting comes to the second connecting selvage edges at the two sides of the toe cap portion, the second connecting selvage edges can be knitted together with the latitudinal live stitches in the front sole portion, so that the toe cap portion can be combined with the front sole portion.

Abstract: A 3D shoe blank is an integral knit fabric without any sewn portion made by a double-bed flat knitting machine and includes an upper portion having two technical surfaces and knitted from at least a first yarn by skip-needle double-knitting, a front sole portion connected to the upper portion by a cast-on line and two connection lines to form a pocket structure, a rear portion connected to the front sole portion, and a heel portion extending from a center rear end of the rear portion. A portion of the front sole portion corresponding to the upper portion is knitted from at least a second yarn by skip-needle single-knitting. Two opposite sides of the heel portion are respectively connected to left and right rear ends of the rear portion to form a 3D rear shoe portion with two joining lines formed between the heel portion and the rear portion.

Abstract: A 3D shoe blank is an integral knit fabric without any sewn portion made by a flat knitting machine and includes an upper portion knitted from at least a yarn, a front sole portion knitted from the upper portion with a folding line therebetween and two connection lines at two sides of the front sole portion and the upper portion, so the front sole portion is folded and connected to the upper portion to form a pocket structure, a rear portion knitted from the front sole portion, and a heel portion extending from a center rear end of the rear portion, two opposite sides of the heel portion respectively connected to a left rear end and a right rear end of the rear portion to form a 3D rear shoe portion with two joining lines between the heel portion and the rear portion on the two opposite sides.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a braided footwear upper is provided. The method includes braiding a two-layer, single-tube structure with a first end that couples a first braided layer to a second braided layer, and second end that couples the first braided layer to the second braided layer of the tubular braided structure. The first end is proximate the second end. At least one yarn from the first end, and at least one yarn from the second end are braided with at least one draw yarn. The draw yarn is braided to be easily removable, such that the first end is selectively de-coupled from the second end. When the draw yarn is removed, the double-layer tubular braided structure is expandable to form a larger diameter tubular braided structure.

Abstract: A system for forming a braided footwear upper is provided. The upper has a medial side and a lateral side, and a toe end and a heel end. The braided footwear is made from a number of yarns that are braided together. The heel-axis finishing system includes an alignment mechanism that orients the medial side and the lateral side at the heel end. The lateral side and the medial side come together at the heel to form a heel axis. A joining mechanism is associated with the alignment mechanism. The joining mechanism couples at least one braided yarn from the medial side to at least one braided yarn from the lateral side along the heel axis. By joining the aligned yarns as they are severed, the heel area transitions from the medial side to the lateral side with an appearance of seamlessness.

Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear is provided, having a braided structure comprising a first yarn having a first cross-sectional shape and a second yarn having a second cross-sectional shape different than the first cross-sectional shape. The first cross-sectional shape comprises an outer surface parallel to an inner surface in a rectangular orientation. Additionally, the first yarn is oriented such that at least a portion of the outer surface comprises the first side of the first yarn and at least a portion of the inner surface comprises the second side of the first yarn.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing is provided, with an initial step of providing an automated braiding machine having a braid ring assembly and a plurality of spools associated with the braid ring assembly, each of the plurality of spools containing a strand of braiding material. When initially braiding the article of footwear, the spools on the braid ring assembly are in a first set of positions. Continuing, the article of footwear is braided beginning with a first end of the article of footwear with the spools on the braid ring assembly in the first set of positions. Upon reaching a transition point of the article of footwear, the spools on the braid ring assembly are positioned in a second set of positions. Finally, the article of footwear is braided from the transition point to the second end, with the spools on the braid ring assembly in the second set of positions.

Abstract: Present aspects are directed to a braided article of footwear comprising a mechanical lock structure. The braided upper comprises a tubular braided structure with a plurality of apertures. The midsole comprises a plurality of protruding studs that are configured to receive the plurality of apertures. The midsole receives the braided upper and the plurality of protruding studs extend below a bottom surface of the braided upper via the plurality of apertures, locking or securing the braided upper and midsole together, thereby creating a mechanical lock structure.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to braided articles and methods for their manufacture. The braided articles may include articles of footwear having braided uppers. The braided uppers may include a base yarn and a high performance yarn. The high performance yarn may form a braided structure within the braided upper. The braided structure may be continuously braided to provide continuous support to a wearer's foot when the article of footwear is worn as intended, by a wearer.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to braided articles and methods for their manufacture. The braided articles may include articles of footwear having braided uppers. The article of footwear may comprise a sole and a braided upper comprising a toe portion having a toe seam, a heel portion comprising a seamless braided structure, and a throat portion. The toe portion may comprise a base yarn. The throat portion may comprise a stretch yarn. Additionally, the heel portion may comprise both the stretch yarn and the base yarn.

Abstract: A system includes a shoe, an altimeter, an accelerometer, a processing component, a memory and an output component. The altimeter is disposed at the shoe and detects a first altitude when the shoe is disposed at the first altitude at a first time, detects a second altitude when the shoe is disposed at the second altitude at a second time and generates a detected altitude signal based on a difference between the second altitude and the first altitude. The accelerometer is disposed at the shoe and detects acceleration in a direction of the second altitude and the first altitude and generates a detected acceleration signal. The processing component generates a step count signal based on the detected altitude signal and the detected acceleration signal. The memory stores step count data based on the step count signal. The output component outputs an output signal based on the step count data.

Abstract: An insole board for a high-heel shoe, said insole board includes a heel supporting area having a concave heel cup adapted to underlie a heel of the wearer, a medial arch support area adapted to underlie the arch of the wearer's foot and extending toeward of but short of the ball of the wearer's foot, and a forefoot area adapted to underlie the ball of the foot and forefoot of the wearer. The medial arch support area has a raised contour for supporting a portion of a sole of the wearer's foot underlying the wearer's arch, and the forefoot support area includes a hollow having a resiliently deformable material therein.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure and the upper collectively define an interior cavity therebetween. The sole structure further includes a reinforcing element spanning from the sole structure to the upper within the interior cavity.

Abstract: A mid-sole, or insole, particularly for shoes, is constituted by a body which has an upper surface which has a plantar-like perimetric shape. From the lower surface of the body a first plurality and a second plurality of elastically compressible protrusions protrude downward, each one having an axial cavity. During walking or running, they protrusions adapt rapidly to movements and to the shape structure of the foot of the user, with optimal characteristics of cushioning and thrust.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a first plate and a second plate both extending longitudinally in a flexion region of the sole structure. The second plate is disposed above the first plate in the flexion region. The second plate has a fixed portion fixed to the first plate, and has a free portion. A coupler is operatively connected to one of the first plate and the free portion of the second plate. The coupler is selectably movable transversely relative to the first plate and the second plate between a first position and a second position. The coupler is spaced apart from the other one of the first plate and the free portion of the second plate in the first position, and operatively engages the other one of the first plate and the free portion of the second plate in the second position.

Abstract: Extruded components for articles of footwear and methods of making such articles of footwear are disclosed. A carrier can be formed from a first material, the carrier including an attachment surface configured to attach to an upper and a receiving surface having a plurality of receptacles. A second material can be extruded into a plurality of the receptacles to form cushioning elements of a sole.

Abstract: Each year in North America there are approximately 175,000 non-contact ACL injuries. One of the main causes of these injuries is the rotational and translational forces created when a player makes a sudden change in direction or stops. Every athlete subjects their lower extremities to various forces that are unique to his or her mass, speed, and strength. These forces are affected by composition of the playing field surface, shoe sole design and construction, and other factors. Using these and other factors, the level of force at which injury is inevitable (pre-injury force) is determined and an athletic shoe is created which will provide a mitigating deformation induced by a particular athlete's pre-determined, pre-injury force threshold. A mitigating deformation of as little as 2 degrees can significantly reduce injurious forces. After the athlete has progressed through that particular force-generating movement, the shoe's sole instantly returns to its original shape.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for the prevention of VTE and related conditions to promote blood flow in a foot, the apparatus including: at least two inflatable bladders (20, 21) adapted to be disposed in use under the foot; and one or more pumps (31, 32) configured to repeatedly inflate and deflate the bladders with a fluid, applying compressive force to the foot in use.

Abstract: Provided is a heat-resistant waterproof breathable material (5), comprising: a heat-resistant waterproof breathable layer (7); a surface protection layer (6) provided on one side of the heat-resistant waterproof breathable layer; and a breathable supporting layer (8) provided on the other side of the heat-resistant waterproof breathable layer. Also provided is a breathable waterproof vulcanized rubber shoe (10), wherein a part thereof is made from a heat-resistant waterproof breathable material (15).

Abstract: A knitted component may include a first portion, where the first portion at least partially forms an underfoot area of an article of footwear. A second portion may be included, where the second portion at least partially forms an outer surface of a medial or a lateral side of an article of footwear. A forward portion may extend from an end of the first portion and may include a toebox area in a toe region of the knitted component. A knitted connection structure may be located between the toebox area of the forward portion and the second portion, where the second portion includes a first course, where the toebox area of the second portion includes a second course, and where the first course is secured to the second course through the knitted connection structure.

Abstract: A knitted component may have a first portion, where the first portion has a first layer and a second layer, and where the first layer and the second layer each have opposite-facing surfaces. The first layer and the second layer may be secured via at least one knit structure of the knitted component at a boundary of the first portion. The first layer may form at least one of: (a) an overfoot portion of an article of footwear such that the pocket forms a void of the article of footwear for receiving a foot and such that the first layer forms a top surface of the void, and (b) an underfoot portion of the article of footwear such that the first layer forms a bottom surface of the void of the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear formed from a flat pattern to include a side seam and/or utilizing aperture alignment of multiple flat pattern pieces is disclosed. In aspects, an article of footwear, such as an upper, is formed from a flat pattern and modified into a dimensional article of footwear that includes a side closing. The side closing may comprise adjoined side edges of the flat pattern upper that are secured to each other with a securing element to maintain the dimensional article of footwear in its shape. Alignment of the parts may be provided through at least partial alignment of apertures in the flat pattern upper and apertures in a securing element and/or other flat pattern pieces, including using multi-purpose apertures, allowing streamlined processing and manufacturing of footwear.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a semi-rigid apparatus for use in conjunction with the sole and upper of a shoe or sandal. The apparatus involves a heel stabilizer shank enclosing a portion of the heel, with a shank extension from the medial side, a lightweight support structure running along the bottom of the foot between the outsole and insole stiffening the heel and midfoot. Both elements are made from a single piece of material that can be injection molded, 3D printed, or the like. The purpose of this apparatus is to provide all day comfort, protect the heel from lateral shifting, and stiffen the heel and midfoot for less strain on the foot.

Abstract: The specification discusses various lacing engine configurations for use in an automated footwear platform. For example, lacing engines with mechanisms to detect lace cable position and/or lace cable tensions are discussed. In an example, the lacing engine can include a housing, a lace spool and a detection mechanism. The lace spool can be at least partially disposed within the housing, and be adapted to collect a portion of the lace cable in response to rotation in a first direction during tightening of the footwear platform. The detection mechanism can detect a state of the lace cable manipulated by the lacing engine.

Abstract: In an example, a lacing engine apparatus can include a housing and a drivetrain. The housing can be securable within a footwear article. The drivetrain can include a motor, a sun gear, a planet gear, a rotating ring gear, and a spool. The spool can be secured to the ring gear and can be rotatable therewith. The spool can be configured to control a lace of the footwear article and can be configured to wind the lace as the ring gear rotates in a first direction.

Abstract: A shoe outsole structure includes: a first outsole component made of a deformable soft resin material and configured to entirely support a plantar surface spreading from a forefoot to a hindfoot; and a second outsole component integrally formed on top of the first outsole component, made of a hard resin material which has a higher rigidity than the first outsole component, and configured to support a region, of the plantar surface, which is continuous from a rear portion, of the forefoot, located rearward of metatarsophalangeal joints to the hindfoot.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the quality of a surface treatment applied to an article in a manufacturing process are provided. A surface treatment may be applied to at least a portion of an article. A thermal profile of the article may be obtained and used to determine temperature indications of different regions of the article to which the surface treatment has been applied. A standard model of the article may be obtained that includes model regions having model temperature ranges. The temperature indications of the article can be compared with the model temperature ranges to determine if any temperature indications are outside of a corresponding model temperature range. The article may be a shoe part. The surface treatments may include the application of heat, plasma, dye, paint, primer, and/or the application of other materials, substances, and/or processes.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a computer-implemented system and related methods for the design, evaluation, and/or manufacture of protective patient footwear, such as shoes, braces, boots, casts, corrective footwear, and orthoses. The system includes suitable hardware, software, and related peripherals, which function to acquire data related to the patient's particular footwear needs, such as by image capture, including three-dimensional scanning. The system may also acquire data through other sources of input, such as through one or more sensors for detecting various physiologic parameters associated with the lower extremity, or through input of medical conditions, prior indicators, exam, analysis, lab results, or the like, such as through medical practitioner input or other input protocols.