Abstract: A high heel shoe has an insole, an outsole, and a shank embedded between the insole and outsole, the shank comprising a heel portion with a depression to accommodate a user's heel, and a lateral ridge element in front of the heel portion that exerts pressure against the forward movement of a user's heel when worn. The shank further comprises a front portion sloping downward from the lateral ridge along the arch of the insole, which optionally is padded.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes disposing a first polymer sheet and a second polymer sheet in a mold assembly, and disposing a preformed unitary outsole in the mold assembly adjacent the second polymer sheet. The method includes closing the mold assembly to compress the first and second polymer sheets and the outsole, and thermally bonding the first and second polymer sheets to one another in the mold assembly to form a cushioning component with a chamber, a top wall, a bottom wall, a medial side wall, and a lateral side wall. A bottom portion of the outsole is thermally bonded to the bottom wall, a medial side portion of the outsole is thermally bonded to the medial side wall, and a lateral side portion of the outsole is thermally bonded to the lateral side wall.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear having a midsole defining a sidewall channel in the forefoot and a sidewall channel in the heel. The forefoot and heel channels terminate at the arch. The sole assembly includes a plate disposed below the midsole. The plate may include an arch portion, forefoot legs extending along the medial and lateral sides of the forefoot and heel legs extending along the medial and lateral sides of the heel. The medial forefoot leg may extend almost the full length of the forefoot. The lateral forefoot leg may extend about half-way through the forefoot. The lateral heel leg may extend almost the full length of the heel. The medial heel leg may extend about half-way through the heel. The sole assembly may include an outsole with slots in the heel and forefoot. The slots may terminate short of the peripheral edge.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a midsole component and an outer sole member. The midsole component has an inner surface and an outer surface, and including a plurality of holes extending from the outer surface. The plurality of holes are arranged to provide the midsole component with an auxetic configuration. The plurality of holes includes a plurality of through holes, each extending through the midsole component and through both the inner surface and the outer surface, and at least one blind hole. The outer sole member is affixed to the midsole component and includes a blind hole extending from the outer surface.

Abstract: A closure system including a body for receiving an object. An activation device is connected to a base structure, and is activated by placement of the object within the closure system. The activation device operates between a raised or depressed configuration, depending on the position of the object within the closure system. A tightening mechanism is responsive to the operation of the activation device. When the activation device is in the raised configuration, the tightening mechanism is loose. When the user depresses the activation device, the tightening mechanism tightens around the object. A movable displacer in a locking device for locking the configuration of the closure system and removably insertable into a recess helps better control tension within the tightening mechanism and improves comfort by disengaging the activation device from the tightening mechanism. A lace lock for locking a lace is disclosed. A lace tension distributor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and system that can be used to assist actuation of a buckle release is disclosed. A device can include a first arm and a second arm joined by a U-shaped connecting portion. The device can also include a button contact feature. The device can be inserted over a buckle with the button contact feature over a buckle release button, and the device used to assist engagement of the buckle release button by a person operating the device. A system can include a device and various additional features or accessories.

Abstract: There is provided a slide fastener stringer. A substrate tape includes a first main side having a rough surface structure perceptible to the eye and/or the touch and a second main side opposite to the first main side. A gripping member is affixed to a longitudinal edge of the first main side of the substrate tape. A cover sheet is made of an artificial flexible material and has a 5 top surface provided with a predetermined design and a bottom layer made of a thermoformable material having a predetermined thickness. The bottom layer is attached to the second main side of the substrate tape such that the surface structure of the second main side of the substrate tape is not perceivable through the cover sheet.

Abstract: The invention provides a flexible ring structure made of loosely-linked prisms, which together define an interior channel. A tensioned spring runs through the length of the channel. The ring, which gives the appearance of a solid and rigid circular structure, can be compressed so as to conform to the cross-section of the finger or hand, and springs back to a circular shape when released. The invention makes it possible to wear an Eternity Ring or a bracelet of smaller diameter than could otherwise be put on the wrist.

Abstract: An image-displaying pendant includes a primary jewel, a secondary jewel, a plurality of tertiary jewels, a pendant-cage, a light-emitting diode, and a power source. The primary-jewel may be shaped geometrically as a pyramid having a base-facet, a plurality of lateral-facets adjacent to the base-facet, and an image integrated into n the base-facet which may be viewable through the plurality of lateral-facets. The pendant-cage may support and enclose the primary-jewel. The secondary-jewel may be coupled to the suspension member of the pendant-cage, and the plurality of tertiary-jewels may be affixed to the cage-base of the pendant-cage. The light-emitting diode may impart illumination to the image within the primary-jewel so that is prominently displayed within each facet of the primary-jewel.

Abstract: A gemstone with a chaton cut has tapering facets of a crown adjoin a flat table all the way round inclined relative to the table. The facets extend as far as a rondist at which the gemstone has the largest transverse dimension. A pavilion of facets, preferably terminating at a point, adjoins below the rondist. The gemstone is at least partially made of glass, and the crown angle (?) is between 40.5° and 42.5°.

Abstract: A portable sunshade or sunshade kit can include an expandable screen, a support rod, a connection spool, and/or a carry case. The expandable screen can have an outer wire loop that tensions a screen material and allows the screen to be folded into a collapsed configuration. The support rod can have a ductile core and a rubberized coating around the ductile core that grips a support object such as a chair or railing. A connection spool attached to the screen material can include a channel sized to at least partially receive the support rod. The connection spool can be adhered to the screen material. The carry case can be sized to receive the expandable screen in the collapsed configuration, the support rod, and the connection spool for ease of transport.

Abstract: A smart self-driving system includes a body, such as a piece of luggage, supported by a plurality of wheel assemblies. At least one wheel assemblies includes a wheel rotating motor configured to rotate a wheel of the wheel assembly to move the luggage in a given direction. At least one wheel assemblies includes a wheel orientation sensor configured to measure the orientation of the wheel. At least one wheel assembly includes a wheel orientation motor configured to orient the wheel in the given direction. The smart self-driving system is configured to move in forward direction that is different than a head direction of the body.

Abstract: A system for releasing a contained volume of gas. The system has a base with a pressure-release vent positioned within a flex region and a seal to disengagably seal the pressure-release vent. The seal has a gas vent path that extends from the pressure-release vent. The contained volume of gas passes through the gas vent path to apply force against the flex region and disengage the seal from the pressure-release vent, allowing the gas to exit through the pressure-release vent.

Abstract: A double open end zipper for both end positioning-based luggage includes first and second housing members respectively equipped with an N-shaped plastic strip at the rim thereof, and a double open end zipper including first and second zipper tapes respectively stitched to the N-shaped plastic strips at the first and second housing members in reversed directions with the box and pin of the first zipper tape respectively disposed adjacent to the pin and box of the second zipper tape subject to the guidance of a mark line at each N-shaped plastic strip, a seam allowance constraint block located at an outer rear side of the box of each of the first and second zipper tapes, two zipper sliders respectively coupled to first and second zipper tapes, allowing adjustment of the combined storage capacity defined in between the first and second housing members.

Abstract: A camping bag is provided having a main holding volume with specialized compartments, and a carrying strap. The main holding volume is closed by a dual cover: a waterproofed zippered sealing end flap; and a clamped sealing side flap. The compartmentalized interior provides containment for small handheld electronic devices. A USB port is further provided that can be used to charge a portable electronic device while being stored within the main compartment. The outside of the side flap includes outwardly directed solar panel that provides a lightweight charging source that will ensure remote charging capabilities. A telescoping flexible light attached to the exterior of the bag can provide positionable task lighting. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A device, system and method for treating the scalp hair of an individual including the storing, processing, and dispensing hair building material, wherein the device includes at one or more housings connected to a base and a plurality of bristle elements disposed in a flow receiving relation to hair building material contained within the different housings of the base. A vibratory force is exerted on the base, housings and/or hair building material contained therein to facilitate a con current dispensing of different portions of the hair building material in a manner which accomplishes and at least partial blending of the different portions of the hair building material in the area of a bristle portion of the base. Once blended the hair building material is distributed throughout intended portions of the hair of a user by the bristles.

Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a hollow case including an internal annular concave surface and bottom ports; a lotion enclosure including a threaded neck; a hollow supporting frame including an annular first flange on an outer surface and rested upon the neck, a smaller annular second flange in the concave surface, a forward snapping member, and an annular projection on an inner surface; a hollow conic member including a fastening element rested upon the first flange and secured to the snapping member; an applicator partially disposed in the supporting frame, fastened by the projection, and passing through the conic member, with the applicator including a cavity with a lotion guide member disposed therein; a cap including an internally threaded section secured to the neck, an internal annular shoulder, and an annular protrusion between the shoulder and the internally threaded section; and a cup-shaped member fastened in the cap.

Abstract: A cosmetic portioning machine is provided having a mixing chamber, with a plurality of inlets each of which provides an ingredient. A piston disposed in the mixing chamber to define a mixing volume. A dasher is disposed in the mixing chamber and mixes the ingredients together in the mixing volume so as to form a cosmetic. When the cosmetic product is thoroughly mixed, the piston urges the product out of the mixing chamber and through an outlet. A moveable sealing member is configured to pass through the outlet so as to seal off fluid communication between the mixing chamber and the outlet and to urge any remaining cosmetic product through the outlet.

Abstract: A double brush rod type mascara cosmetic case is provided, to which a double brush rod type of a first brush rod having a top portion coupled to a first cap and a first brush disposed at a bottom, and a second brush rod having a top portion coupled to a second cap and a second brush disposed at a bottom is applied, such that a mascara liquid in a case main body may be used even when the brushes applied as brushes or the brush rods are deformed due to carelessness in use, and to which a double closing structure of a first closure which doubly blocks and tightly closes an opened top portion of the case main body, and a second closure which doubly blocks and tightly closes an opened top portion of the first cap is applied.

Abstract: Devices and methods for displaying beauty and other visual products are disclosed. A display system can comprise a frame and a sample portion. Traits such as color and texture of a beauty product can be displayed on the sample portion, and the frame portion can interface with product shelving to align samples with relevant products in the display. The sample portion can be releasably attached to the frame to be removed by a user and be placed above a body part of the user to which a beauty product may be applied, or a body part can be placed in proximity to the sample portion even while it is attached to the frame. The user can advantageously view the beauty product as applied to the body part without applying the beauty product. The system is useful for fingernail polish display, for example.

Abstract: A hand held heatable vessel has a bottom and upward extending wall which terminates into a top having an open top receiving surface, a removable cap connects to the top receiving surface, the removable cap has an outer portion which removably sealably connects to the top receiving surface and has an interior channel extending therethrough and has a valve seat in a lower end thereof, a valve stem with a valve head seal is operably disposed in the interior channel and a spring is operably disposed about the valve stem in a manner to bias the valve head seal against the valve seat to a normally closed position. A secondary vessel is provided about the hand held heatable vessel.

Abstract: An improved bottle having a mating clip is disclosed. The bottle includes a guide, preferably located on opposing sidewalls of the bottle, to direct attachment features of a clip toward mating attachment features of a bottle in order to facilitate attachment of the bottle to the clip in a tactile fashion. The guide further serves as a release mechanism, in which an inward force applied to the guide will cause deflection of the bottle to separate the clip from the bottle.

Abstract: A retention device includes a body having a channel disposed in the body, the channel including a substantially linear axis and having at least one arcuate-shaped cross section beginning at a first distal end of the channel. A receiving socket is disposed in the body at a second distal end of the channel, the receiving socket including at least one recessed spherical-shaped section. A continuous slot extends through the body to the channel and defining a substantially linear section from the first distal end of the channel along the substantially linear axis of the channel to the second distal end of the channel. The continuous slot extends through the body to the receiving socket and defines a substantially 90-degree arcuate section from a first point orthogonal to the substantially linear axis at the second distal end of the channel to a second point on the substantially linear axis of the channel.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is concerned with a method of manufacture of a hair brush. The method has the steps of providing a base member having connection means at circumferential region thereof, providing a sheet material having a plurality of spikes extending from outwardly facing surface of the sheet material, the sheet material and the spikes are integrally formed by injection molding of a plastic(s) material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics polyester elastomer (TPE-E), polyether block amide copolymer (TPE-A), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyurethane (PU), with a hardness from substantially Shore D50 to D65, and with a flexural modulus from 30,000 PSI to 40,000 PSI, assembling the sheet material by fitting perimeter thereof to the circumferential region of the base member, the base member and the connection means are configured to allow the sheet material to secure to the base member. The outwardly facing surface assumes a convex curvature.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a substrate is provided. In one aspect, the cleaning device includes a brush engaged with a mandrel, and the brush forms an Archimedean screw thread form. The brush is formed of an absorbent material, preferably foam. In one aspect, the brush is seated within a groove in the mandrel.

Abstract: A circular paint “puck” is molded silicone or rubber with a diameter matching the bottom of a standard coffee cup or else a standard disposable paint mixing cup of 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz or 64 oz. The puck is a disk featuring cleaning surfaces on the top side and, on the bottom, suction cups for securing the puck to the bottom of the cup and preventing its moving during brush cleaning. A painter using the puck attaches it to the bottom of the brush-washing cup, fills the cup with water, and agitates paint brushes against the cleaning surfaces to clean them. The paint puck is made of flexible silicone rubber for economy, molding specialized surfaces, easy cleaning and easy removal from the cup. However, the silicone must have enough rigidity to provide a functional suction cup and for its cleaning surfaces to provide resistance to sticky, wet brush bristles covered in paint.

Abstract: A spatter control guard for use in connection with a cleaning brush having a cleaning head attached to a distal end of a handle, the spatter control guard comprising a supple planar expanse of material having (i) a central orifice configured and arranged to allow passage of the handle and prohibit passage of the cleaning head, and (ii) an area of about 20 in2 to about 300 in2 excluding the area of the central orifice, whereby the spatter control guard inherently droops under force of gravity at room temperature into a U channel protective cover over the cleaning head of a cleaning brush when positioned atop the cleaning head with the handle of the cleaning brush extending through the orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the assistive lifting force capacity of a height adjustable work surface. The apparatus includes a couple of plates which are mounted to a system for providing a system for adjusting the height of the work surface. The plates include a set of connection points for connecting the apparatus to a gas spring. The geometry of the holes and the positioning of the gas spring provide for a more consistent lifting force throughout a range of motion of the work surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tabletop attached furniture (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) including a plurality of legs (20) which stand on a floor surface (F) and a tabletop (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) supported on the plurality of legs (20), wherein each of the legs (20) is formed so that a width dimension (W1) when viewed from a first direction (X) along an upper surface of the tabletop (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) gradually increases upward from below and a width dimension (W2) when viewed from a second direction (Y) orthogonal to the first direction (X) within a plane following the upper surface of the tabletop gradually increases downward from above.

Abstract: A furniture pedestal support for an article of furniture such as tables, chairs, desks or racks, which may be a fixed length or adjustable and features a tubular upright column member the lower end of which has longitudinal slots and the slots receive radially attachable and removable legs held in place by a removable end cap. The legs may be stored in the tubular support and confined by the end cap for compact shipment and storage. Other features include the manner of attachment of parts for assembly and disassembly without tools and variability of height adjustment capability.

Abstract: A desk includes a base and a plurality of work surface assemblies mounted on the base. The base has a shaft and two stand connected to opposite ends of the shaft. Each of the work surface assemblies has a board and a leg having opposite ends connected to the board and the shaft of the base respectively. The shaft has a plurality of shaft sections connected in series. Whereby a user may pick a predetermined number of shaft sections in serial connection according to a number and a pattern of the work surface assemblies to be mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: A furniture device (1) with a height-adjustable top board includes a top board; extendable and contractable legs equipped with an upper support configured to support the top board, and a lower support configured to support the upper support to be movable upward and downward; and a decorative member (18) which covers the lower support (9A) of the legs. An arbitrary color is given to the decorative member.

Abstract: A support rod storage securing system includes a container for holding clothing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the container. A frame member is mounted to the container. A collapsible dressing station is removably mountable to the container such that the collapsible dressing station extends upwardly from the container. The collapsible dressing station includes an upper bar configured to receive clothes hangers. A pair of connectors each is attached to the frame member. The upper bar is removably mounted on the pair of connectors such that the upper bar is releasably retained in a static position within the container.

Abstract: A carriage is moveably supported upon a track for storage of food items therein. The track acts as sliding surface for the carriage that itself facilitates users accessibility to the items therein. An integral gripping end and an adjustable grip are situated at opposite ends of the track; these provide easy placement and engagement of the device upon a shelf within a refrigerator.

Abstract: An office desktop organizer system including a rigid, tubular section with a triangular cross-section joinable with more sections in series via a connector joint in between sections and end caps covering the opposite ends of the tubular sections. The connector joints may be straight or have a bend. Add on office implements, such as a storage shelf, a drawer, a pencil box, a tape dispenser, a bin, a phone dock, a note pad stand, a USB port, or an AC outlet power center, each having an overarching arm, are connectable to the tubular section by engaging the overarching arm thereto. Eyelets in the end caps and connector joints allow the tubular section to be mounted to a wall using a screw, push pins, tape, etc. where the screw or pin head fits into the eyelet.

Abstract: A work chair includes a chair body, a plurality of wheel sets mounted at the bottom side of the chair body, a seat cushion mounted at the top side of the peripheral wall of the chair body, two guide rails mounted at the chair body at one lateral side each defining a longitudinal sliding slot and locating notch in communication with the sliding slot, a tray, a pivot bolt pivotally connecting the tray to the sliding slots of the rail for allowing the tray to be moved along the sliding slots of the guide rails and having an engagement portion for selectively engaging in one locating notch of each guide rail to hold the tray positively at the selected elevational position for carrying tools.

Abstract: A cabinet assembly includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the positioning of a drawer within a cabinet. In particular, the cabinet assembly includes first and second adjustment strips, and third and fourth adjustment strips, coupled adjacent to a respective first and second side of the cabinet, with each adjustment strips including a plurality of slots aligned vertically. The cabinet assembly further includes a first track mount assembly adjustably mounted to each of the first and second adjustment strips along a first side of the cabinet, and a second track mount assembly adjustably mounted to each of the third and fourth adjustment strips along a second side of the cabinet. A drawer, including first and second drawer slide assemblies, is slidingly engaged to the first and second track mount assemblies.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism useful for retracting and extending furniture glides allows a minor lifting movement to actuate the caster/glide from a stored position to an extended, operative position. The same motion permits the caster/glide to be retracted to its stored position.

Abstract: A support adapted for mounting to wire shelving units, particularly a support adapted to be securely coupled and repositioned on upper and lower horizontally-extending wire members located at the front of wire shelving units.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for removably storing a storage container in an area having one or more overhead area supports so as to position the container below the area supports and above the floor of the area. The apparatus has a support rail that mounts to the area supports and a container engaging section that securely holds the container. The container engaging section has a static support assembly and a dynamic support assembly defining a container space for the container. The static support assembly engages one lip of the container. The dynamic support assembly has a dynamic support that connects to a moving mechanism so it will move along the support rail to engage an opposing lip of the container. A biasing mechanism biases the dynamic support toward the static support assembly to secure the container. The support rail can have a channel that encloses the biasing and moving mechanisms.

Abstract: A blade based cabinet system and method. A disclosed cabinetry system includes cabinetry system, comprising: a pair of mounting rails that are horizontally mountable to a wall; a set of blade assemblies, each having a substantially planar profile; and a mounting interface adapted to connect the set of blade assemblies to the pair of mounting rails, orthogonal to the wall to form a cabinet chassis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an intensive use furniture component having a sealing connection on a mounting surface for sealingly attaching to a floor or wall to prevent liquid from seeping under or behind the furniture component. The furniture component is formed by an outer shell having a side wall extending generally perpendicular to the mounting surface. A mounting flange is disposed adjacent the sidewall. A bolt hole is formed in the mounting flange. The sealing connection comprises a caulk channel formed as a channel in the mounting surface for receiving a bead of caulk to fill the seam between the mounting surface and the wall or floor to prevent fluid from seeping past the caulk channel to a space adjacent the interior mounting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to seating/reclining furniture, in particular an armchair or a chair, having a back part, a seat part and an adjustable footrest arrangement that is pivotable relative to the seat part between an inwardly folded basic position beneath a seating surface of the seat part and an outwardly folded position of use, wherein the footrest arrangement comprises a frame and a foot part pivotable relative to the frame, and wherein an adjustment member variable in length by means of an actuating motor for pivoting the foot part is supported at a front cross strut fixed to a frame and is connected to a movable rear adjustment traverse.

Abstract: The step stool includes a front frame member, a back frame member, a first side frame member, a top panel having a top front panel and a top back panel, and a support panel member. The top front panel is hinged to the top back panel at a top side middle hinge on the midline of the top panel. The support panel member reinforces the midline of the top panel in the assembled configuration. The base end of the support panel member is aligned with the base ends of the front frame member and back frame member to support the weight on the step stool. The top front panel and the top back panel fold around the support panel in the storage configuration.

Abstract: A type of folding sofa with a wrap-around skirt, that includes support legs and wherein the main sofa body is made from soft fabric. The main sofa body consists of a one-piece integrated seat, arm rest, and back rest fabric. A skirt is sewn along the back rest wrapping fabric, the arm rest wrapping fabric and the front of the seat fabric. This skirt goes all the way around the sofa to cover the support legs. The lower edge of the skirt is pegged to the front legs and the rear legs on both sides to form a stretched structure.

Abstract: A foam seating article includes a layer of molded foam surrounding a hollow shell made of hard plastic. A fabric covering encloses the shell and molded foam. The foam seating article can take the form of a chair, stool, sofa, chaise lounge, bench or Ottoman. The hollow shell can be formed using blow molding, injection molding or by capping both ends of a tube with disks. Air pressure inside the airtight hollow shell prevents the shell from collapsing inwards under the weight of an occupant. Alternatively, the hollow shell of the seating article can be accessed through a removable lid. The seating article includes no wood or metal. The layer of molded foam includes sections of different foam types, such as high density (HD) foam, memory foam and latex foam. Molding foam around a hard plastic shell is simpler and less costly than making conventional metal or wood framed furniture.

Abstract: A neck rest for supporting the neck and head of a human being, comprising a right and a left elongate support member, and a collapsible intermediate section interconnecting the support members. The support members and the intermediate section are sufficiently bendable to conform to the natural contour of the left and right neck and head portions of the human being. The neck rest further comprises a holding mechanism for maintaining the support members in bent position. The holding mechanism may be adapted to be in a locked state and in a released state.

Abstract: A therapeutic back support device including a back support portion that automatically and repeatedly moves forward to maintain engagement with a user's back as the user moves forward with respect to a chair seat. The back support portion substantially resists backward motion and provides substantially continuous therapeutic support to the user's spine pending a release signal.

Abstract: A seat unit for a wearable sitting posture assisting device includes at least one sitting means designed to form an adjustable and/or self-adjusting seat surface to be used in at least one at least partly sitting posture and in a walking mode, and a frame means designed to receive a weight force of a person sitting on the sitting means that is mounted on the frame means, and to a wearable sitting posture assisting device with such a seat unit.

Abstract: Cushions include a chassis core. having a rigid or semi-rigid base sheet; and a plurality of paired flat springs coupled to the rigid or semi-rigid base sheet, wherein each paired flat spring comprises a lower flat spring including a first terminal end, a second terminal end, and a flexible arcuate member extending from the first terminal end to the second terminal end, and an upper flat spring including a first terminal end, a second terminal end, and a flexible arcuate member extending from the first terminal end to the second terminal end, wherein the first and second terminal ends of the upper flat spring are fixedly attached to respective first and second terminal ends of the lower flat spring such that the upper flat spring is inverted relative to the lower flat spring. Also disclosed are processes for manufacturing the core chassis.