Abstract: An electronic vaping device includes a liquid storage portion, an electric heater and electronic circuitry. The liquid storage portion is configured to store liquid vapor-forming substrate. The electric heater includes at least one heating element, the at least one heating element configured to heat the liquid vapor-forming substrate. The electronic circuitry is configured to self-activate the electric heater for a first time interval during a period of inactivity of the electric heater to determine depletion of the liquid vapor-forming substrate based on a relationship between a power applied to the at least one heating element and a resulting temperature change of the at least one heating element.

Abstract: A battery device includes a main body and a rear cover removably connected to the main body. The main body has a first battery receiving compartment. The rear cover has a second battery receiving compartment. The first battery receiving compartment is configured to receive at least two batteries while the second battery receiving compartment is configured to receive at least one battery. For the battery device, since the back cover is provided with the second battery receiving compartment cooperating with the first battery receiving compartment in the body, the apparatus applying the battery device has at least two supportable power levels. In this way, the battery device can be switched between a low power and a high power, eliminating the need of another battery device.

Abstract: This item of male underwear, in the form of boxer shorts or underpants, has, at the front, a molded central portion (16) and elongate reinforcement elements (20, 20?, 21, 21?, 22, 22?) made, for example, from silicone, provided in three areas (A, B, C) of the front face (11), i.e.—A support area (A) located at the bottom of the central portion (16), the elongate elements (20, 20?) being shaped substantially like a cradle in this area,—A control area (B) located at the top of the central portion (16), the elongate elements (21, 21?) being shaped substantially like an inverted cradle in this area,—A reinforcement area (C) located to each side of the central portion, the elongate elements (22, 22?) having, in this area, an inclined direction linking the edges (19) of the central portion (16) to the top of the front face (11) in such a way as to pull the support area (A) upwards and towards the sides.

Abstract: A device for securely and comfortably holding and swaddling a baby in a relatively fixed position on his back horizontal or in an inclined position on a mattress in a bed. The device is removably connected to a mattress and includes a first harness wrap around the legs and waist that holds the baby in an upright position. A second swaddle wrap holds the baby's chest and can hold and snuggle his arms if desired.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a lingerie item comprising at least one holding element (3) capable of holding said lingerie item when it is being worn, said holding element (3) consisting of a textile material provided, on the inner surface (31) of same intended to come into contact with the skin, with a discontinuous coating (4) of elastomeric material capable of preventing said lingerie item from slipping. According to the disclosure, said discontinuous coating (4) of elastomeric material comprises a pattern of protrusions (41) of elastomeric material in the form of grains of rice having a distribution of omnidirectional orientation in the reference system of the inner surface (31) of the holding element (3), said protrusions (41) comprising dimensions and a distribution such that the density of protrusions per surface unit of the holding element (3) is at least 10 protrusions per square centimetre, and preferably between 10 and 40.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a garment having a cup portion with two cups, a body portion integrated with the cup portion, and a band are disposed on the garment such that is extends beneath the cup portions. The band is either on the body portion or adjacent the body portion. The garment also has support structures with a configuration, each following proximately a contour of the lower part of its respective cup, wherein a portion of the support structure is formed on and fixed to the band and a portion of the support structure extends on the body of the garment and is attached thereto. As such the support structure configuration is approximately arcuate. The garment also has additional control regions. The control is provided by fabric or materials that have less stretch than the body fabric from which the body of the garment is made.

Abstract: A bottom garment with buttock lifting feature with a tape attached to an inner side of the seat area corresponding to each of the back pockets, such that the tape extends downwardly from the waist area along and inside a stitching line of the outer lateral edge of the back pocket to the lower end of the outer lateral edge, then extends laterally from the lower end of the outer lateral edge along and inside a stitching line of the bottom edge to the lower end of the inner lateral edge, and finally extends upwardly from the lower end of the inner lateral edge along and inside a stitching line of the inner lateral edge to the waist area.

Abstract: An airbag deployment system includes a helmet, a torso protection assembly, and an airbag assembly. The airbag assembly is coupled to one of the helmet and the torso protection assembly and includes an airbag, an inflation device configured to inflate the airbag, and a first coupling device. The first coupling device is configured to couple to a second coupling device provided on the other of the helmet and the torso protection assembly upon inflation of the airbag. The coupling resists relative movement between the helmet and the torso protection assembly.

Abstract: A protective clothing device having an article of clothing having an inner layer and an outer layer is disclosed. The protective clothing device may have at least one thin force absorbing member coupled to the inner layer or outer layer of the article of clothing. In one embodiment, the protective clothing device may be a protective hat.

Abstract: The invention is a supremely adjustable face mask. Moveable elements can be easily raised or lowered by the wearer to selectively cover different parts of the face in order to adapt to changing climate or social conditions. The garment is advantageously manufactured as a simple sleeve with accessory bands and cutouts placed so as to create adjustable coverings when the garment is worn.

Abstract: An upper body garment has a first access seam spanning a first sleeve of the garment on an underside from a cuff to an arm pit and spanning a body of the garment from the arm pit to a lower hem. The first access seam can be secured by magnets or other fasteners located intermittently along the sleeve and body which are easily opened for access to treatment areas. Furthermore, when the magnets are opened, the first access seam opens completely on one side of a patient body to peel away over IV needles and other connections for removal using a neck opening and a second sleeve. When the garment (or a new garment) is put back on by the patient through the neck and second sleeve, the first sleeve can be re-secured over connections to the body by rejoining opposing magnets.

Abstract: Provided is a cut resistant glove having stretchability and being superior in the texture and fit while a string made of a metal or glass fiber is prevented from sticking out, irrespective of the gauge number. A cut resistant glove having a glove main body manufactured by plating knitting using a ground yarn and an additional yarn, in which the ground yarn includes a core material, and a cover yarn wound around the core material, the core material having a string made of a metal or glass fiber, and the additional yarn being made of an organic fiber, and in which the ratio of the average thickness of the additional yarn to the average thickness of the ground yarn is no less than 0.9 and no greater than 2.5. The core material preferably further has a support yarn made of an organic fiber arranged along the string.

Abstract: Interchangeable accessory for removable attachment to garments including attachment and interchangeable sections. The attachment section formed by an inner peripheral ring with interspersed inner and outer ridges, an outer peripheral ring with concavity at an inner-edge surface, and a gap between the outer peripheral ring and the inner peripheral ring for interference fitting. The interchangeable section being a plug with inside and outside peripheral edges which form a cylindrical extension from the plug surface, the inside peripheral edge configured to snap-fit onto the inner ridges, and a cap including an inner circumferential tab having an inner periphery dimensioned smaller than the outer peripheral edge of the plug such that the cap is connectable to the plug in a removable manner.

Abstract: An illuminating undergarment carries a series of illuminating devices for emitting light and presenting a glow from underneath an outer garment. The undergarment can be tailored in any suitable form factor, such as a slip for placement under a skirt or skirt portion of a dress or other form factors for use under dresses, blouses, pants, etc. The undergarment comprises a series of illuminating device retention members affixed to a surface of the undergarment body. The undergarment body can be sectioned into segments, enabling changes in length and/or shape. The illuminating devices are removably attached to the undergarment by the retention members. The illuminating devices can be arranged in a random pattern, a pattern representing an object, a pattern representing text, etc. and any combination thereof. The illuminating devices can be powered by a portable power supply and controlled by a circuit and/or a switch.

Abstract: A sleeve gusset for securing an exterior shell layer of an apparel item and an inner liner layer of an apparel item to a sleeve of an apparel item and a method of manufacturing a sleeve gusset is provided. The sleeve gusset comprises an interior facing with a sleeve edge and a body edge and an exterior facing with a sleeve edge and a body edge. The sleeve edge of the exterior facing is coupled to the exterior shell layer of the apparel item while the sleeve edge of the interior facing is coupled to the sleeve. The body edge of the exterior facing is coupled to the body edge of the interior facing. The body edge of the interior facing is further coupled to the inner liner layer.

Abstract: A system and method of selectively connecting at least two articles of clothing is provided. First and second articles, which may comprise a glove and jacket sleeve or cuff, have mating geometries and at least one fastener to securely and selectively connect the two articles. In certain embodiments, magnets are provided as fasteners to connect the articles. For example, in certain embodiments, a method and system is provided that comprises features adapted to allow connection of an accessory (e.g. ski glove) to a portion of another article (e.g. jacket).

Abstract: An adaptable shirt stay for maintaining shirttails in a flat and fully extended position. The shirt stay is provided in a kit that includes a pair of thigh bands, a crotch panel, a plurality of thigh belts and a plurality of straps having at least one clasp on one end for anchoring the shirttail to the thigh bands, the crotch panel or a combination of thigh bands and crotch panel. The straps are adjustable for accommodating a plurality of shirts of many different lengths and styles of shirttails. The shirt stay provides easy access to undergarments through a crotch panel that selectively opens when the shirt stay is in place. The shirt stay optionally has a plurality of downward straps with clasps attaching to the thigh bands for maintains stockings in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for adorning a size control portion, formed in at least one of lower lateral sides of an opening portion of headwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an adorning portion having at least one face that is 3-dimensionally adorned, a support portion connected to the adorning portion to support the adorning portion, and a detachable coupling portion formed in a part of the support portion and detachably coupled to the size control portion. According to the present invention, an apparatus for freely and variously adorning a size control portion provided in a lower edge portion of a head receiving portion of headwear at low cost, and the adorning apparatus can be used in headwear.

Abstract: Methods and devices for attaching a battery to a helmet and attaching a battery to an additional device are disclosed. A battery may be mounted to the rear center of a helmet. Attaching and detaching a battery to and from a helmet may be performed with a tool or by hand. The battery may be used to power multiple devices through separate contacts, and a device may be attached to the battery while the battery mounted to a helmet. The battery also may be detached from the helmet and serve as a portable energy source.

Abstract: A protective helmet including an outer shell including at least one aperture, an elastomeric diaphragm connected to an inner surface of the outer shell and covering the at least one aperture, an inner shell slidingly connected to the outer shell where the inner shell is spaced apart from the outer shell, and at least one expandable bladder positioned between the outer shell and the inner shell and operatively arranged to displace the elastomeric diaphragm in the at least one aperture of the outer shell.

Abstract: A system for use in connection with a protective helmet having at least one accessory connection mechanism includes a visor accessory which includes a frame including at least one rearward extending member. The system further includes an adapter including a helmet connector adapted to form a releasable connection with the accessory connection mechanism of the protective helmet and an accessory connector adapted to form a releasable connection with the at least one rearward extending member of the visor accessory. The accessory connector is adapted to be stowed on the at least one rearward extending member when the adapter is not in use to connect to the accessory connection mechanism of the protective helmet.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a rotating shaft 16 rotatably supported and having an internal passage 20 formed within the rotating shaft, first and second connecting portions 26 and 28 connected to both sides of the internal passage within the rotating shaft and adapted to externally send a fluid passing through the internal passage and to receive an external fluid, and a check ball 18 embedded in the internal passage and adapted to control a flow of the fluid. Furthermore, check ball seating portions 24a and 24b adapted to communicate with the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and to have the check ball seated therein are formed on both insides of the internal passage 20. When the internal passage 20 is inclined by rotation of the rotating shaft 16, the check ball closely adheres to a check ball seating portion at a low position due to gravity or buoyancy and restricts a fluid flow from the internal passage to any one of the first and the second connecting portions.

Abstract: A sole for a shoe, in particular for a running shoe, the sole having a polyurethane injected midsole, a longitudinally extending shank, and an outsole. The shank extends from the forefoot of the sole through an arch area to a heel area and has an opening in its heel area for receiving polyurethane during injection of the polyurethane for the midsole. Further, the shank has a cavity for receiving a comfort element. The heel area of the shank is offset to be closer to the outsole than the shank in the arch area. The sole provides a low weight sole while still providing comfort to the wearer of the shoe. By placing a comfort element in the cavity, in the heel area of the shank, which comfort element has a higher elasticity than the polyurethane of the midsole, the sole provides improved energy absorption and energy return.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear incorporating insulation material, such as a low bulk insulation material, to provide warmth in cold weather, yet with the style, agility, and breathability of a typical conventional shoe or boot. Additionally, in a further embodiment, the invention includes these features in a shoe or boot which is also waterproof and breathable. These aspects of the present invention are achieved through a placement, or mapping, of low bulk insulation to maximize the footwear article attributes of warmth, style, agility, and breathability.

Abstract: A process for producing a shoe sole, having a hybrid material of a polyurethane foam as a matrix material and an inlay component of expanded particles of a thermoplastic polyurethane is provided. The process includes preparing an inlay form by joining the expanded particles of a thermoplastic polyurethane in an amount and size of the desired inlay; preparing the shoe sole by placing the prepared inlay form in a shoe sole mold such that an edge of the inlay component is 0.2 cm or more from an edge of the shoe sole mold; embedding the inlay form within a reaction mixture in the shoe sole mold; and reacting the reaction mixture to form the matrix in the shoe sole mold.

Abstract: A sole member for an article of footwear includes a composite sole structure and a reinforcing member. The sole structure may comprise two layers of woven composite material. The two layers have substantially similar woven patterns. The sole structure includes bulging portions with centrally recessed portions. The reinforcing member fits into channels associated with the bulging portions.

Abstract: A sole includes an outer sole assembly including a plurality of outer sole members spaced apart from each other by a plurality of gaps. In addition, the sole includes a middle sole assembly defining a plurality of grooves, and an intermediate layer comprising an elastomer. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer sole assembly and the middle sole assembly. The intermediate layer connects the middle sole assembly to the outer sole assembly. The intermediate layer is more elastic than each of the plurality of outer sole members. The intermediate layer is more elastic than the middle sole assembly. At least one of the gaps is vertically aligned with one of the grooves.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a midsole assembly that includes a fluid-filled bladder element having a substantially arc-shaped heel portion and having a lateral arm portion and a medial arm portion spaced from the lateral arm portion. Each of the arm portions extend from the heel portion. The bladder element is configured to be positioned with the heel portion in the heel region of midsole assembly, and the arm portions extending from the heel region to a forefoot region along a peripheral region. A method of manufacturing and a mold assembly for such an article of footwear are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outsole for footwear that reduces grip and enables controlled slippage on a surface during wear. The outsole includes a plurality of low profile tread projections, each tread projection having at least one long, thin, and flexible extension member. An increased width of the extension member where it adjoins the tread projection acts as a pivot point at which the extension member may flex and bend degrees. During wear, the flexible extension members bend over or collapse, becoming sandwiched between the tread projections and a surface. The bent extension members reduce the contact area between the tread projections and a surface, thereby reducing grip and enabling slippage.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member provides partial decoupling between the upper and the sole structure. The connecting member can include an upper layer and a lower layer that are attached at a central attachment portion.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of a tensile strand located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strand moves freely. The tensile strand travels through the spacer textile material in a non-linear direction. Further, the channels may be formed in the spacer textile material in non-linear directions. The spacer textile material with a tensile strand may be incorporated into an article of footwear.

Abstract: An upper including: a plurality of panels provided in a medial side portion and/or a lateral side portion, the panels being separated from one another in a longitudinal direction of a foot, covering at least a portion of the side surface of the foot, and being pulled by a fastening member toward a center portion between the medial side and the lateral side of the foot; and a plurality of string-like non-stretchable string portions that are extending in the longitudinal direction, the string portions placed between a pair of the plurality of panels that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An improved shoelace has an elastic inner core having a plurality of elastic members and a woven string covering the elastic inner layer. The woven string has a plurality of narrow sections and wide sections evenly disposed on two ends of the elastic inner core. Each narrow section wraps around the elastic inner core, each wide section is longer than each narrow section and separated from the elastic inner core. When the elastic inner core is not pulled, the wide sections overlap and fold onto the elastic inner core 10 and has a cone shape with at least three times thickness than the narrow section. When the elastic inner core is pulled, the wide sections are stretched straight.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure comprises a fluid filled member and a plurality of slots. The slots are associated with connecting portions that connect portions of the sole structure in the generally longitudinal direction and provide for increased fit, flexibility and stability.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener is disclosed that includes a thermoplastic backing and multiple, upstanding fastening elements that have a post with a proximal end attached to the thermoplastic backing and a distal end comprising a cap larger in area than a cross-sectional area of the post. The basis weight of the mechanical fastener is in a range from 25 grams per square meter to 75 grams per square meter, and the height of the multiple, upstanding fastening elements is up to 300 micrometers. Fastening systems and disposable absorbent articles including the mechanical fastener are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a buckle type jewelry lock catch. The lock catch includes a lock catch body, a buckle sleeve and a buckle. One end of the buckle sleeve is provided with a buckle sleeve matching surface, the other end of the buckle sleeve is provided with a buckle inlet, and an internal wall of the buckle sleeve is provided with lock pins; an external surface of the buckle is provided with U-shaped clamping grooves, a spring chamber is provided inside the buckle, and a spring is provided in the spring chamber; and a thimble of the spring is provided at one end of the buckle, and a connecting mechanism of a jewelry chain is provided at the other end of the buckle. The buckle type jewelry lock catch effectively combines firmness with beautiful appearance.

Abstract: The specification relates to a gemstone setting. The gemstone setting includes a gemstone, a mounting surface and a braze joint. The braze joint is formed from a reactive metallic alloy with the reactive metallic alloy adhering the gemstone to the mounting surface. The braze joint is substantially concealed from a direct line of sight from a top portion of the gemstone by preventing excessive alloy from getting outside a desired braze area.

Abstract: A mold for imparting a marking including a requisite optical element has two and a half dimensions (2.5D) to the outer surface of an article formed from a ductile material. The mold includes a marking surface for imparting the mark to an outer surface of the article. That imparting is done by localized plastic deformation of the material from which the article is formed upon the mold and the article being urged against each other. The marking surface includes a micro-structure formed by an arrangement plural micro meter sized recessed or protruded entities. The entities are arranged in a predetermined arrangement in relation to each other, and the entities are arranged as a micro-structure having two and a half dimensions (2.5D). The entities are arranged in an inverse arrangement compared to the optical element, and to provide the recesses extending from the marking surface into the mold.

Abstract: A storage device including a body having an inner compartment, wherein the body has first and second outer portions and a middle portion positioned therebetween. The storage device further includes a strap attachable to the body in a first configuration wherein the strap is coupled to the body at or adjacent to the first and second outer portions and extends therebetween and is not coupled to the middle portion such that the strap is wearable over a shoulder of a user in a manner of a courier-type bag, and a second configuration wherein the strap is coupled to the body at or adjacent to the first and second outer portions and releasably slidably attached to the middle portion to thereby define a pair of loops. Each loop is shaped and configured to receive an arm of a user therethrough such that the storage device is wearable on a back of the user in the manner of a backpack.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a protective cover for a mobile display device including a housing, a backplane, a liner, and a lip. The housing includes an outer portion and an inner portion, where the outer portion of the housing has a rectangular frame structure to provide a protective shell along an outer edge of the mobile display device, and where the inner portion receives and secures the mobile display device. The backplane is comprised of a rigid material and is coupled to a backside of the housing and provides a protective shell along a back side of the mobile display device. The liner has a corrugated soft rubber or polymer construction including a successive pattern of protrusions separated by a distance and is coupled to the inner portion of the housing. The lip is coupled to a front side of the housing to retain the mobile display device within the housing.

Abstract: A protective cover for use with a portable electronic device includes a flexible membrane configured to wrap around at least a portion of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is installed in the flexible membrane The flexible membrane is configured to cover at least sides and a back of the installed portable electronic device. The flexible membrane has elasticity such that it snugly fits the installed portable electronic device to protect the installed portable electronic device. The flexible membrane includes a first opening that aligns with a microphone of the installed portable electronic device for allowing sound transmission from outside the protective cover to the microphone of the installed portable electronic device and a second opening for accessing one or more interactive control features of the installed portable electronic device.

Abstract: A fastener system that provides the ability to attach objects together. The fastener system includes a key and a housing, which connect together by insertion of a prong and a magnetic attachment. The key includes a prong that fits into a recess at a center point. The housing includes an aperture at the lower end to allow attachment to an item, and a slot at the upper end to receive insertion of the key.

Abstract: A footwear carrying system may include first and second separate carriers, each having a first attachment point near a first end of the carrier, a second attachment point near a second end of the carrier opposite the first end, and a third attachment point along a side of the carrier. A first strap may be adapted to connect the first and second attachment points of the first carrier, and a second strap may be adapted to connect the first and second attachment points of the second carrier. The third attachment points of the first and second carriers may be adapted to connect the first and second carriers together. The carriers may be suspended from one or more shoulders of a wearer, or attached to another carrier using the straps or a connection between the first and second carriers.

Abstract: A device having multiple bowls for mixing colorants. The device includes lateral tabs adjacent each bowl for erasably labeling the tabs with the identification of the contents of the corresponding bowl. A centrally located timer mechanism is provided to time the colorant mixture setting times and a marker ring is rotatably provided around the timer mechanism to selectively indicate the bowl in use and being timed.

Abstract: A hand held appliance including a body, a handle, a fluid flow path flowing from a fluid inlet into the handle to a fluid outlet from the body and a baffle wherein the fluid flow path is non-linear and the baffle directs flow within the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path may flow in a first direction within the handle and a second direction within the body. The baffle may be provided to direct flow between the handle and the body. The baffle may extend from the handle into a space defined within the body. The handle may include a wall that defines the fluid flow path within the handle. The baffle may form a partial continuation of the wall. The body and the handle may be molded as a first part and a second part. The baffle may be formed from a handle part and a body part.

Abstract: A diffuser includes a plastics baffle which has an air inlet end, an air outlet end and an outwardly tapering wall extending between the air inlet end and the air outlet end, and which defines a diffusing air chamber. A plurality of circumferentially spaced weld ribs is upstanding from the air outlet end. A plastics grille has a plurality of air outlets and an annular shelf to which the weld ribs of the baffle are ultrasonically welded.

Abstract: A pack system adapted for carrying hand tools includes a tool-carrying container constructed to be worn on a user's person and having a bottom portion, a first shell portion, a second shell portion defining and enclosing a main storage compartment. A releasable closure is connected between the first and second shell portions. At least one tool panel is removably disposed within the main storage compartment and has one or more tool receivers each constructed to retain a hand tool. A panel-retaining structure between the tool panel(s) and the bottom portion of the pack releasably retains the tool panel(s) in the main storage compartment.

Abstract: Backpacks with cooperatively adjusted hip belt segments and compression strap segments. A backpack includes a pack body, a shoulder strap, and a belt assembly. The pack body includes a back panel and an exterior panel. The belt assembly includes a compression strap segment, a hip belt segment, an adjustment strap, and a releasable fastener. The backpack includes a belt assembly waist loop with a belt assembly waist perimeter. Each adjustment strap is configured to selectively adjust each of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter. The belt assembly is configured such that, responsive to the user applying a tension force to the adjustment strap, each of a pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter decreases by a respective degree that depends upon a ratio of the force required to decrease the pack volume to the force required to decrease the belt assembly waist perimeter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an exoskeleton system to be worn by a user. The system includes a load carriage arrangement configured to carry an applied load. The load carriage arrangement includes a frame, for example a frame for a backpack, and at least one non-rigid member. The at least one-non rigid member is arranged to transfer at least a first part of the applied load carried by the load carriage arrangement to the ground bypassing the user's musculoskeletal system. The system may further include a load sharing arrangement configured to transfer a second part of the applied load to the user's musculoskeletal system.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending a plurality of articles from a user having a torso comprising a belt securable around a mid-torso of the user and an inner stationary flexible member suspended beneath the belt and extending completely around a lower torso of the user. The apparatus further comprises an outer rotary flexible member suspended from and rotatable about the inner stationary flexible member, the outer rotary flexible member extending at least partially around the torso of the user and being operable to attach a plurality of objects thereto.