Abstract: Electrically heated, cold weather garments, are provided that include carbon nanotube heating elements. A garment may include a lightweight, stretchable, form-fitting fabric for covering portions of the body of a wearer of the garment; a plurality of flexible, electrical heating element stitched to the fabric by sewing; an electronic controller for controlling current flowing through each of the heating elements in a pulse-width modulated fashion, to thereby independently control the heat generated by each heating element; a plurality of potentiometers for controlling the level of power supplied to each heating wire; and a master power level potentiometer for controlling the power supplied to each of the heating wires in a uniform and simultaneous fashion. A controller may utilize a combination of analog and digital-like signals to control in a pulse-width modulated fashion the current flow through the heating elements.

Abstract: A strap for a protective sport garment wearable by a wearer, the garment comprising at least first and second parts separated by a space. The strap has first and second layers made of stretchable material a padding element confined therein for offering impact protection. The strap also has a first end portion affixed to one of the first and second parts and a second end portion detachably affixed at a selected location on the other one of the first and second parts. In use, the strap is movable between first and second lengths for allowing the second end portion of the strap to be affixed at the selected location for allowing adjustability of the first and second parts.

Abstract: A glove, including an 18 gauge knitted liner, a foamed nitrile coating disposed on at least a portion of the knitted liner; and a plurality of cavities disposed on a surface and throughout the foamed nitrile coating, wherein the glove exhibits an EN level 4 abrasion resistance and methods of making the glove are disclosed.

Abstract: A configurable garment capable of being worn in a plurality of positions on a user, one of the plurality of positions including a combination of a scarf and a headband, wherein the configurable garment is formed from a unitary body section of material that includes at least two closed loop sections coupled together by a connection, the connection including at least one seam, is provided. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An adornment assembly for an article has a base assembly made up of a plurality of layers in stacked relationship. A first of the layers has a thickness between oppositely facing first and second surfaces. A second layer has a thickness between oppositely facing third and fourth surfaces. The first surface is for application to an exposed surface on an article. The base assembly has an exposed surface on one of the layers that faces oppositely to the first surface. A discrete component has a thickness between oppositely facing surfaces and is applied to the base assembly so that one of the oppositely facing component surfaces is exposed for viewing together with the exposed surface on the one of the plurality of layers on the base assembly. At least a part of the thickness of the discrete component resides within the combined thickness of the base assembly.

Abstract: A health suit for improving sweating and tanning in various weather conditions includes a transparent material that is configured to allow ultraviolet rays and infrared energy to pass through the material and penetrate the skin with minimal deflection or absorption by the material. The health suit may also include an anti-fog layer or other set of anti-fogging features, moisture absorbing material, and a heat retention feature to improve sweating and tanning in various weather conditions.

Abstract: A novelty hat containing one or more magnets, wherein the magnets are integrated into structure of the hat, whereby the wearer can hold small metallic or magnetic items in place on the hat by placing them on a location on the hat holding the one or more magnets.

Abstract: A dosimetry apparatus includes at least one sensor in a housing, a cover configured to permit compression waves to pass through, the cover is seated over the at least one sensor, and a dosimetry processing device with a memory. The dosimetry processing device is coupled to the at least one sensor in the housing. The dosimetry processing device is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory comprising: obtaining readings from the at least one sensor; storing the readings with a time and date stamp when obtained; conducting an analysis based on the obtained readings; and outputting at least one of the stored readings or the conducted analysis.

Abstract: Whiplash reduction systems and devices and methods to use the same. In an embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a front anchor strap coupled directly or indirectly to a headgear; a top anchor coupled to the front anchor strap, the top anchor having a connector coupled thereto, the connector configured to connect to at least one rear strap; a first retainer configured to fit within apertures defined within the headgear and to wrap around at least part of the headgear and at least part of the front anchor strap to secure the front anchor strap to the headgear at or near the apertures; and a plate having a central portion defining a recessed portion and further having a first side portion and a second side portion.

Abstract: A chin strap includes a protective shell including a curved and convex contour extending between lengthwise ends of the shell, the shell further including a first curved edge extending between the lengthwise ends of the shell and a second curved edge extending between the lengthwise ends of the shell. A cross-section along a lengthwise central axis of the chin strap defines a first shell portion including the first curved edge and a second shell portion including the second curved edge. The first shell portion of the cross-section defines a first surface area between the lengthwise central axis and the first curved edge, and the second shell portion of the cross-section defines a second surface area between the lengthwise central axis and the second curved edge, where the first surface area is less than the second surface area.

Abstract: A catcher's mask comprises a two-piece plastic shell composed of a rigid front shell and a rigid rear shell. The front and rear shells are connected by a strap harness attached to the front shell and have padding assemblies. The front shell has ventilation holes including ear holes positioned over the wearer's ears and a full jaw protector integrally formed as part of front shell. A wire faceguard is removably attached to the front shell extending over the ear holes. A top upper member of the faceguard comprises a center bar part, a left side bar part bent upwardly with respect to the center bar part to form a left eyebrow area, and a right side bar part bent upwardly with respect to the center bar part to form a right eyebrow area. The rear shell has a concave padding assembly comprised of a concave TPU shock absorbing layer, and a nested concave comfort layer.

Abstract: An adjustable helmet having first and second shells and a single actuator comprising at least one tooth, the single actuator being moveable between: a first locked position, wherein the at least one tooth retains the first and second shells and the first and second shells define a first hollow space; a released position, wherein the at least one tooth no longer retains the first and second shells such that one of the first and second shells is moveable relative to the other of the first and second shells; and a second locked position, wherein the at least one tooth retains the first and second shells and the first and second shells define a second hollow space, the second hollow space being different than the first hollow space.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a navicular support structure on a medial side. The navicular support structure includes a non-stretch, tensioned material that reduces an interior volume of the upper of the article of footwear and redirects applied forces from the midfoot region of the article of footwear to other regions, such as the forefoot region.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components. A sole plate can include one or more specialized compartments designed to receive a component. The sole plate can be configured to provide greater stability to a sole structure. In some cases, the sole plate can be used to receive a component that can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system. Tabs within the sole plate can assist with retaining components within the sole plate and provide additional surface area for mounting the sole plate to other components of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A rocker shoe has a lower rocker surface extending across the plantar surface of the shoe sole from the heel and terminating short of the toe. A rocker shoe construction kit has a rigid or substantially rigid rocker piece having an upper surface for securing over a major portion of a lower plantar surface of the sole of a shoe upper and a lower surface of predetermined rocker shape, a cushioning layer for securing over the lower surface of the rocker piece, and a layer of tread material configured for securing over the lower surface of the cushioning layer and any exposed portion of the plantar surface of a shoe.

Abstract: A novel tracking system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a long-range tracking device is incorporated into a removable footwear insole and a short-range tracking device is incorporated into another removable footwear insole. The long-range tracking device includes a location determining device, a wireless communication device, and a power source. In a more particular embodiment, the location determining device is a GPS receiver, and the communication device is a cellular modem.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a lateral wedge positionable under a foot of a user. The lateral wedge has posterior and anterior ends, and upper and lower surfaces. First and second sides extend between the upper and lower surfaces. A thickness is defined between the upper and lower surfaces that tapers from the first side toward the second side such that the lateral wedge provides a lift under the foot to unload pressure from an affected compartment of the knee by supporting a one side of the foot in an elevated position relative to the other. At least one trim line extends in a direction between the posterior and anterior ends. The lateral wedge is trimmable along the at least one trim line to vary or control the amount of lift provided by varying the thickness of the lateral wedge along the first side relative to the second side.

Abstract: There is provided a shoe upper that can be produced with high productivity. A heel cover portion (2) and a body portion (3) of a shoe upper (1) are integrally formed in a seamless manner by a knitting pattern. In the top section, a portion having a knitting width of greater than or equal to a predetermined width from an upper end to a lower end, at a position corresponding to a heel of a wearer, is assumed as the heel cover portion (2), and a portion including a remaining portion of the top section, excluding the heel cover portion (2), and the bottom section is assumed as the body portion (3), where an end in a knitting width direction of the heel cover portion (2) and an end in a wale direction of the body portion (3) are connected at positions of edges (L2, L3) on a side surface of the shoe upper (1) of the edges (L1 to L3) to become the boundary lines of the heel cover portion (2) and the body portion (3).

Abstract: An article of footwear with adjustable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with adjustable tensioning systems that are disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. The adjustable tensioning system includes a comb body structure having flex portions made of a plurality of extending fingers with a flexibility that can be controlled by the adjustable tensioning system. Depending on the level of tension applied by the tensioning system, or lack thereof, a range of flex profiles having varying amounts of stiffness are available to the wearer to adjust the overall stiffness of the snowboard boot.

Abstract: A warming rack for holding footwear includes a base and an array of support posts supported by the base. The base defines a length extending between a first end and a second end and a width between a pair of opposing side edges. The array of support posts is configured to retain multiple articles of footwear above the base. Each support posts includes a first portion extending from a proximal end in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the base to a bend line, and a second portion extending at an angle relative to the first direction from the bend line to a terminal end. The second portion is configured to retain a corresponding article of footwear in a fixed position when the second portion is received by an interior void of the footwear.

Abstract: A buckle includes a female part having a housing and an engaging portion provided at an inner surface of the housing, and a male part including a base and an inserted portion to be inserted into the housing of the female part. The inserted portion includes a base end coupled to the base, a free end opposite to the base end, and an engaged portion to be engaged with the engaging portion. When a force is applied to the male part for pulling the male part out of the housing, the engaged portion has a contact surface that is in contact with the engaging portion. Relative to a first center point at the center of the base end in the thickness direction of the inserted portion, a second center point at the center of the contact surface in the thickness direction is positioned downward.

Abstract: A fastener for detachably securing a first item to a second item comprises a connector comprising a U-shaped rod having a central portion between two legs and a main body configured to be attached to the second item. The main body comprises a housing having a slot configured to allow passage of a central portion therethrough into the housing, and a downwardly biased securing pin provided within the housing. The slot has an upstanding lip provided at a lower edge of the slot that defines two downwardly extending openings. Each of the openings are configured to allow the two legs to extend out of the housing when the central portion is in a secured position where the central portion is lowered in the housing relative to the slot. The securing pin is configured to exert a downward bias against the central portion in the secured position.

Abstract: The inventive fastener member, fastener structure, and support member can reduce rattling and noise without reducing the ease of assembly. The fastener member 10 includes guided portions 12A, 12B that are guided in the mounting direction D1 by guide portions 22A, 22B. Elastically deforming portions 30A, 30B formed on the guided portions 12A, 12B can elastically deform in a direction that intersects with the mounting direction D 1. When the fastener member 10 is mounted, the elastically deforming portions 30A, 30B deform elastically, so it can be easily assembled without interference between the guide portions 22A, 22B and the guided portions 12A, 12B. After it is mounted, the fastener member 10 is supported without play by the guide portions 22A, 22B of the support member 20 due to the elastic force generated between the elastically deforming portions 30A, 30B and the receiving portions 40A, 40B.

Abstract: A slide fastener of the present invention includes: a first fastener stringer; a second fastener stringer; and a slider which couples or separates the first and second fastener stringers, in which the second fastener stringer separated from the slider is inserted into the slider wherein the first fastener stringer and the second fastener stringer are coupled in a vertical direction. Accordingly, a row of fastener elements of the second fastener stringer separated from the slider is inserted into the slider by first and second fastening members when a fixing pin and an insertion pin are coupled in a vertical direction, and as a result, the coupling operation is convenient.

Abstract: A fastening device has a first fastening member with a plurality of teeth and a second fastening member with a plurality of sockets which are sequentially engagable in tooth and socket pairs in an engagement direction by relative rotation of the tooth and socket. Each tooth has a first surface and a second surface fixed relative to the first surface. Each socket has a recess defined by a first wall and second wall fixed relative to the first wall. Upon engagement, the first and second surfaces of the tooth abut the respective first and second walls of the recess and prevent relative movement of the tooth in the engagement direction and a portion of the first wall of the socket closely abutting the first surface of the tooth is disposed between the tooth and a portion of the first fastening member and prevents relative separation of the tooth and socket.

Abstract: A formable decorative item that includes an outer sleeve having an outer decorative surface and an inner cavity, an elongated flexible plastic insert that is disposed within the inner cavity of the outer sleeve, and an elongated resilient wire element mounted with the elongated flexible plastic insert and that extends substantially a length of the elongated flexible plastic insert. The elongated resilient wire element is constructed and arranged so that the elongated resilient wire element can be formed in a predetermined configuration and maintained in that predetermined position so as to correspondingly maintain the outer sleeve in the predetermined position.

Abstract: A bracelet and a method of assembling or manufacturing the same in which the bracelet includes a plurality of interlocking first and second bangles that are translatable relative one another such that the bracelet is transitionable between a first state and second state in which the bracelet has a diameter having a smaller dimension in the first state and a larger diameter in the second state, the bracelet being biased toward the first state.

Abstract: A ring assembly including a shank having a band defining a head mounting area with a through hole defined through the band in the head mounting area. The through hole defines internal threads; and a head including a mount with a post extending therethrough, the post including an area of external threads configured to engage the internal threads to releasably secure the head to the shank. Methods for forming and demonstrating ring assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, an umbrella hub assembly comprises an a cylindrical portion and a socket coupled to the cylindrical portion. The socket can have a fixed end, a free end, and a cylindrical wall defining a concave space extending from the free end toward the fixed end. The socket can have an access aperture disposed through the cylindrical wall. The assembly can further include an umbrella rib comprising a first end, a second end, and an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis. The first end can be configured to be received in the concave space through the free end such that the socket engages the umbrella rib and such that the first end is accessible through the access aperture.

Abstract: A solar-powered umbrella has a cap structure that is connected by hinges to struts. The struts are relatively rigid and positioned above the umbrella shade and house solar panels. When the umbrella is opened and closed, the struts rotate via the hinges from an open to closed position. When the solar panels are exposed to the sun, light is converted to electrical energy to charge a rechargeable battery. The battery supplies power to one or more USB ports. A user can recharge an electronic device (e.g., smartphone or tablet computer) by connecting to a port of the umbrella using a cable.

Abstract: An automatic non-collapsible umbrella includes a handle, a control mechanism, a center post, a detent mechanism, a runner assembly, and a skeleton. A cylindrical main seat of the control mechanism includes a spring biased open button for opening the umbrella, and a spring biased collapse button adjacent to the collapse button for closing the umbrella.

Abstract: A luggage article having surface features providing enhanced corner strength is provided. The luggage article includes a housing at least partially formed by an outer layer and defining in part a first side, a second side, and a third side. A corner region is defined at the intersection of the first, second, and third sides, and an apex region is defined at least partially by the corner region. The luggage article may also include a first elongated surface feature formed by the outer layer and extending at least partially across one or more of the first, second, and third sides at a first distance spaced away from the apex region and curving relative to the apex region. The luggage article may also include a second elongated surface feature. The first and second surface features may define a curve similar to each other along a portion of their respective length.

Abstract: A luggage article (2) having surface features providing enhanced corner strength is provided. The luggage article may include a shell (4) at least partially formed by an outer layer (6), and including first and second shell portions (28) selectively secured together at a split line (26), the first shell portion defining a first corner region (24). The luggage article may include at least one first surface feature formed by the outer layer, the at least one first surface feature having a depth. The depth of the at least one first surface feature may be greater nearer the first corner region. The depth of the at least one first surface feature may decrease with distance away from the first corner region.

Abstract: A bag expander is preliminarily inserted into a bag when the bag is in a compressed condition, such as for shipping and/or storage. The expander is expanded within the bag when the bag is to be expanded such as for purposes of display for sale. The expander includes side walls which are positionable against the bag interior and coupling members articularly connected together and to the side walls. One or more rubber bands or other spring mechanisms are coupled to the members to urge them apart when the expansion is desired. The members are folded when the bag is compressed and expanded by the rubber band or the like to expand the bag to its expanded displayable condition. Sliding mechanisms are connected either (a) on and within the interior of the members or (b) between the members and the side walls to provide a selected sliding movement (a) amongst the members themselves or (b) between the members and the side walls to enable the expander to be placed in its collapsed or extended position.

Abstract: Luggage cases of the soft-side construction are perceived to be lighter than hard-side cases. However, many rigidifying elements in soft-side cases tend to add to the weight of a soft-side luggage case. This reduces its weight advantage over molded shell luggage cases. Using a textile body in the luggage case to form both the grip of a carry handle and a portion of the outer surface of the luggage helps reduce the weight of the luggage. The textile body may be attached to a thin resilient wire hoop to resist distortion of the luggage case when is it lifted by the handle. This construction saves weight in comparison to conventional luggage case constructions.

Abstract: A luggage carry handle assembly for a luggage case is provided. The handle assembly may include a recessed region positioned on the top side of the luggage case, and a carry handle movably mounted to the recessed region on top of the case. The carry handle moves pivotally relative to the recessed region and the luggage case.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing comb for untangling hair. The liquid dispensing comb includes a handle attached to a head, wherein the head is hollow and includes a shaft extending from the handle and a plurality of tines extending perpendicularly from the shaft. A plurality of apertures are included along the length of each tine so to allow liquid to pass therethrough. Further, each tine alternates in length so as to allow the comb to access varying depths of a portion of tangled hair. A bladder is disposed within the interior of the handle, wherein the bladder can store and selectively release liquid into the head of the comb. In use, the bladder is actuated or pressed, wherein liquid is forced outward therefrom, into the tines, and out through the apertures, such that the hair is wetted with water or untangling liquid as the user combs through tangled hair.

Abstract: Provided is a drawing apparatus including a drawing mechanism configured to perform a drawing on a nail of an object being a finger or a toe, and a processor. The processor acquires a first captured image of the nail and a second captured image of the nail, the first and the second captured image being images captured from a first direction by an imaging device located at a position along the first direction from a first location of a surface of the nail, the first captured image being an image captured by the imaging device at a position where a distance along the first direction between the imaging device and the first location of the surface of the nail is a first distance, and the second captured image being an image captured by the imaging device at a position where a distance along the first direction between the imaging device and the first location of the surface of the nail is a second distance different from the first distance.

Abstract: A nail care device for cleaning and buffing nails comprising; a housing having a front housing cavity that is open on one end with the open end configured for horizontal insertion of a digit nail, a digit positioner placed at said open front cavity, an open at one end hallow interchangeable bristle case with bristles protruding inward providing contact to nail directly connected to an axle enclosed in the middle of the housing cavity, a motor connected to said bristle case by said axle and that motor be located directly behind a closed end of the bristle case, a ball bearing ring for smoother rotation of bristle case disposed in housing cavity between said front cavity and said bristle case, a power source providing power to said motor and, a power control.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus that enables visual check when placing a nail on a movable section and accurately positions the nail in a drawing area in the apparatus is provided. The drawing apparatus includes: a finger insertion section in which a finger is inserted from an insertion opening; and a movable section that is provided in the insertion section, is biased toward a first position near the insertion opening, and moves the finger from the first position to a second position by pushing, against the bias, the finger inserted in the insertion opening.

Abstract: An airtight cosmetic compact, wherein the airtight feature is created by interaction between a seal facing downwardly from the inside of the cover and the upwardly facing recess of the base. The cover locks on the base by either thread elements on both cap and base or by bayonet like cams, allowing the cover to be twisted on the base compressing the cover against the base and engaging the seal with the base recess. By compressing the seal against the base and holding it in place through the threaded engagement the air-tightness of the compact is achieved and guaranteed.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an applicator for applying a product (P) to keratin materials, having:—an applicator element (5),—a stem (4),—a linking element (9) fixed to the stem (4),—an articulation (11).

Abstract: A bottle assembly comprises a bottle having an end wall having a substantially U-shaped compartment for receiving a lip balm container and a coupling assembly for removably grasping the lip balm container as the lip balm container rests within the substantially U-shaped compartment, the coupling assembly removably coupling the lip balm container to the bottle. The coupling assembly can be configured to be mounted onto a top surface of the bottle and can have a connecting ring thereon for coupling to a carabiner.

Abstract: A makeup assisting apparatus includes an image acquirer that acquires a captured image of a face to which makeup is applied and that maps, when the captured image of the face is captured from an oblique direction, the captured image of the face to a stereoscopic shape of a face to generate an image of the captured image of the face seen from the front. An applied makeup acquirer acquires applied makeup from the image, the applied makeup being a way of applying the makeup. A makeup evaluators evaluates the applied makeup by comparing the applied makeup with a reference makeup, which is makeup to be used as a reference by a user having applied the makeup to the face and an evaluation presenter presents a result of the evaluation to the user.

Abstract: A system for optically acquiring data from hair comprises a hair-holder including: upper and lower plate assemblies respectively having downward-facing and upward-facing opposing surfaces defining a gap therebetween, the lower plate assembly having a window-void therein, the upper plate assembly further comprising a sideward-facing sample-thickness-regulating surface above the gap; and an alignment-wall mechanically coupled to both plate assemblies and having a side-facing alignment surface within gap or sideward-facing into the gap, the alignment surface being straight along a longitudinal direction parallel to both of the opposing surfaces, the hair-holder being configured so that: when an externally-tensioned sample of hair is loaded onto the hair-holder by laterally moving the sample towards the alignment surface, a presence of the sideward-facing sample-thickness-regulating surface regulates an amount of hair permitted to enter the gap, thereby regulating a thickness of hair above the window-void to at l

Abstract: An eyebrow shaping apparatus, including: a camera, for capturing one image of each of two eyebrows of a user at an initial state; an image processor, for horizontally flipping one of the two images, and for searching for differences between the horizontally flipped image and the other image, and for suggesting corrections in at least one of the captured images for obtaining a requested state having two equal mirrored images; CNC (Computer Numerical Control), for producing a program including physical steps for modifying the eyebrows from the initial state to the requested state; and a painting tip, a hair removing tip, and a robotic arm, for executing the program.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for non-invasive repositioning of sagging skin, cellulite and fat tissue. The apparatus includes a flexible tape having at least three sections. The first segment includes an adhesive and a removable liner thereon. An opposed second segment includes an adhesive and a removable liner thereon. An intermediate segment is located between the first and second segments which is devoid of adhesive.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to a hammock strap. The hammock strap includes an elongated length of strap material that is separated into a first strap and a second strap. The first strap and the second strap are woven together at one or more separation points to form eyelets between the first strap and the second strap.

Abstract: A combination of a hairbrush having a brush head with a concave central portion and captive ends, along with a thermal coating that includes a desired amount of at least one of aluminum, silver, and/or diamond dust in the coating, results in a hairbrush that can be raised to approximately 200° F. in a short timeframe. A conventional hairbrush without either the coating or the captive ends was unable to achieve the desired temperature.

Abstract: A dental dispensing tip includes a body having a first body end, a second body end, and a fluid passageway extending between the first and second body ends. A brush cup is provided at the second body end and has a brush barrel defined therein. A brush applicator is secured within the brush barrel and includes a plurality of bristles, wherein a first end of the brush applicator is received within the brush barrel and a second end of the brush applicator extends out of the brush barrel. A delivery cannula is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and has a bent end entering the plurality of bristles at an intermediate location between the first and second ends to deliver the dental solution to the plurality of bristles.