Abstract: The invention relates to a device (40) and a method for handling fragments (10) of a broken needle (11), for example in the context of a needle exchange of a broken needle (11) for a new needle (17). The fragments (10) of the broken needle (11) are arranged in a container (16) in a predetermined position. An image (32) of the fragments (10) of the broken needle (11) is then recorded with the aid of a camera (23). The recorded image (32) is stored for documentation (32) at at least one storage location and/or analysed as to whether all the fragments (10) of the broken needle (11) are present. After recording the image (32), the container (16) is closed in order to avoid the fragments (10) of the needle (11) being lost away from the sewing workstation.

Abstract: The present invention provides hats with attachment assemblies allowing them to be detachably secured in an exterior-side out configuration to a belt of medium width worn around the wearer's waist, without requiring the hats to be inverted, reversed, or folded in a complex fashion, and without any need for pockets, linings, zippers or the like. The hats may also be provided with retention members for holding the hats in a simple folded configuration when carried on a belt.

Abstract: A garment including a hood configurable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position and a head engaging-member connected to the hood is disclosed. The head-engaging member may be adapted to be worn around a portion of a user's head when the hood is in the deployed positioned to stabilize the hood and prevent the hood from obstructing a line of sight of the user wearing the garment.

Abstract: Performance layering technology includes apparel, headwear and/or footwear. The performance layering technology of the apparel, headwear and/or footwear has interchangeable color and textural accent panels. These interchangeable color and textural accent panels are configured to conform to various color schemes. In addition, the interchangeable color and textural accent panels can be included behind cutouts or embroidery so color appears through the cutouts or the embroidery. Wherein, the performance layering technology is configured to provide cool and warm relief to athletes.

Abstract: A lighting system for a helmet, and in particular an aircrew member's helmet, which lighting system includes reconfigurable strips of light emitting diode (LED) lights.

Abstract: A head and neck restraining system is disclosed herein. The system includes a helmet, a neck brace structure, and a tether system. The neck brace structure includes a neck extension that is attached to shoulder extensions. The tether system includes a single tether with double thickness terminal ends. The double thickness terminal ends have a plurality of pass-through openings that are adapted to receive a removable securing pin that threadedly secures the tether to the neck brace. The tether also secures the helmet to the neck brace and limits its range of motion during an accident. The tether is removable secured to the neck brace on one side then extends from the neck brace to the helmet, then continues from the helmet to the back of the neck brace, then continues further from the back of the neck brace to the opposite side of the helmet, and then is removable secured to the other side of the neck brace. The tether may be slideablely or fixedly attached to the helmet and neck brace.

Abstract: A helmet includes a shell, a brim, ridges, and multiple flexible structures. The shell is shaped to receive a user's head. The brim covers the user's forehead and areas above the temples and ears and protrudes from the outer surface of the shell. The ridges are located along the back and top of the helmet and also protrude from the outer surface of the shell. The flexible structures, which are made of a material that is more flexible than the shell, the brim, and the ridges, are positioned in separation gaps between the shell and the brim and ridges. The shell, brim, ridges, and flexible structures are fused together as a single unibody. When the helmet is subjected to an impact on the brim or the ridges, the corresponding flexible structure deforms so that the brim or ridge moves relative to the shell. The deformation of the flexible structure attenuates the force of the impact, which improves the helmet's ability to protect the user from impacts.

Abstract: Provided is a head protection device with multiple face shields, where the head protection device is configured to be able to provide a flow of air to a user of the head protection device. The air flow may be provided by an external air providing device.

Abstract: A face shield for a hockey helmet, comprising a transparent visor portion, a bottom portion, right and left side portions, and a top portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from the top edge of the visor portion. The top portion comprises a top central transversal bar, right and left bars extending upwardly and rearwardly on the right and left sides from the top edge of the visor portion and a central projection between the right and left bars projecting upwardly and rearwardly from the top edge of the visor portion. The central bar and central projection define a transversal gap therebetween and the central bar, right and left bars and central projection define right and left hollow spaces therebetween. The transversal gap and right and left hollow spaces together define a central aeration aperture being sized to prevent a hockey stick blade or puck from impacting the wearer's face.

Abstract: An article of footwear, lacing engine, and method includes a motor, a transmission operatively coupled to the motor, and a lace spool. The lace spool is operatively coupled to the transmission and includes a top lace groove in a top surface of the lace spool and a circumferential channel, wherein the lace is configured to be inserted in the top lace groove and be taken up around the circumferential channel based on a turning of the lace spool from action by the motor and transmission. A fastener is configured to couple the lace spool to the transmission and is inserted into the lace spool via the top surface, the fastener having a head having a head width sufficient to partially cover the top lace groove, leaving a top gap having a gap width less than a thickness of the lace.

Abstract: An article of footwear and related method includes a midsole, an upper secured with respect to the midsole and forming a throat, and a plurality of laces extending across the throat of the upper. A motorized lacing system is positioned within the midsole and is configured to engage with a primary lace to increase and decrease tension on the primary lace. The motorized lacing system includes a motor, a lace spool, operatively coupled to the motor, configured to spool and unspool the primary lace based, and an elongate spool, the primary lace coupled to the elongate spool, configured to spool and unspool the plurality of laces based on operation of the motor and via the primary lace, each of the plurality of laces spaced along the elongate spool from one another.

Abstract: An article of footwear and related method includes a midsole, an upper secured with respect to the midsole, and a lace extending through the upper. A motorized lacing system positioned within the midsole, configured to engage with the lace to increase and decrease tension on the lace. The motorized lacing system includes a motor, including a motor shaft, a spool, coupled to the motor shaft, configured to spool and unspool the lace based on the turning of the motor shaft, a processor circuit, and an optical encoder. The optical encoder comprises a three-dimensional encoder defining a major axis and having a surface having a first plurality of segments positioned between a second plurality of segments, and an optical sensor, positioned within optical range of the cylindrical encoder, configured to output a signal to the processor circuit indicative of a detected one of a first and second plurality of segments.

Abstract: A portion of ankle movement can be harnessed into stored energy that can be released for various purposes, such as to assist in movement or to charge a battery. This harnessing can be achieved in various manners. In one example manner, an offset pulley component can transfer ankle movement to a generator in a shoe insole. In another example manner, a slider can cause a brace arch to match an ankle arch such that the movement is appropriately harnessed.

Abstract: A footwear system can employ a brake and/or a clutch, such as a one-way clutch, to convert human motion into usable electricity. The brake and one-way clutch can be used together, such as on opposite ends of a spring. During a storage phase, the brake can be engaged and the one-way clutch disengaged so the spring stores an energy. After the storage phase, the brake can be removed to initiate the release phase since the brake is not stopping the spring, but the one-way clutch allows the stored energy to be released.

Abstract: A wearable system, such as a footwear system, can employ a generator. The generator can be an electro-mechanical generator with a portion that spins to create an electricity. The portion that spins can be spun in such a manner that it does not stop, but instead a next spin beings before a previous spin completes. This can repeat until the generator reaches a terminal velocity.

Abstract: A soccer shoe absorbs and stores energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The shoe may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The shoe is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise be lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The shoe has a vertical component that extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and another component (horizontal) that extends longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a foam molded body, including: inputting a foam matrix material including a plurality of half-foamed granules of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) into a mold that is not affected by microwave; and heating the mold by microwave, wherein the half-foamed granules in the mold are affected by microwave such that the temperature thereof are raised to conduct foaming and are squeezed with each other, so as to form the foam molded body after cooling and demolding. The half-foamed granules include a plurality of first granules within a first grain size range, and a plurality of second granules within a second grain size range, and the median of the first grain size range is substantially larger than the median of the second grain size range. The first granules and the second granules are respectively disposed in different regions in the mold.

Abstract: A tread system for footwear. The tread combination is designed to reduce accidents in an indoor or outdoor environment that includes slip and fall causing materials, such as surfaces containing snow, water, or combinations thereof. The system includes an outsole having tread members configured for squeegeeing and channeling liquid away from the center portion of the tread to prevent forward slippage. Accordingly, the treading is designed to displace a liquid on a surface so that other portions of the tread can grip directly to that surface.

Abstract: A sole of a shoe including: a first base including as its main component a first thermoplastic resin; a projection including as its main component the first thermoplastic resin, the projection projecting from the first base; and at least one first reinforcement fiber oriented while being bent from the first base toward the projection.

Abstract: A holistically improved shoe that incorporates beneficial aspects relating to a variety of interconnected elements, including comfort, sustainability, washability, ease of manufacturing, style, freedom and natural movement of the foot, as well as the sensory experience of a user. The shoe contains a removable insert that is configured to be removed and washed in between uses or as needed, such that a sock or other liner is unnecessary. The shoe further includes a footbed and an outsole that contain matching tread patterns. The matching tread patterns of the present technology allow the footbed and the outsole to move in concert by splaying during a stride in order to better absorb shock by mimicking the natural movements of the foot.

Abstract: A method of forming and shaping a waterproof and moisture permeable shoe upper includes disposing a shoe upper and a waterproof and moisture permeable film on a shoe last, wherein at least one of the shoe upper and the waterproof and moisture permeable film includes microwave treatable material, and heating the shoe last with the shoe upper and the waterproof and moisture permeable film thereon by microwave, so that the shoe upper and the waterproof and moisture permeable film are combined by the microwave treatable material and shaped to form the waterproof and moisture permeable shoe upper after cooling.

Abstract: Presented are wear-resistant polymeric shields for reinforcing segments of footwear, methods for making/using such shields, and shoes with a high-strength, abrasion-resistant thermoplastic toe shield covering the shoe's front face. An athletic shoe includes an upper with an outer shell that receives a user's foot. A forefoot region of the upper's outer shell includes a toe box, while the forefoot and midfoot regions include a vamp. A sole structure is attached to the upper to support the user's foot. The sole structure includes a ground-engaging outsole and an outer-perimeter sidewall. A toe shield is bonded to and projects from outward-facing portions of the upper and sole structure. The toe shield is a single-piece structure fabricated from an abrasion-resistant, flexible thermoplastic copolymer. The toe shield may extend across forward portions of the vamp and toe box, a forward portion of the sole's sidewall, and a forward edge of the outsole's ground-facing surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an upper for an article of footwear includes: forming a foam layer; forming a preliminary upper by laminating an outer layer, an inner layer, and the foam layer intermediate to the outer layer and the inner layer; and molding the preliminary upper to a shape having a contour to substantially fit at least a portion of a foot to provide at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shoe upper including at least a first tape and a second tape, where the first tape and/or the second tape is elastic, where the first tape includes a first edge, where a first portion of the first edge of the first tape is not attached to the second tape, and where a second portion of the first edge of the first tape is attached to the second tape.

Abstract: A laced shoe comprising a fastener is presented. The fastener comprises at least one fastening element, configured as an extendable connector which is by its opposite ends attachable to regions of the shoe at, respectively, anterior and posterior parts of the shoe, such that when the shoe is worn by an individual, said at least one fastening element, in desirably extended and attached state thereof, properly fits the shoe to individual's foot.

Abstract: A tension member guide that is configured to direct or route a tension member about a path of an article includes a cover member and a guide member that is partially covered by the cover member. The cover member is attachable to the article and includes a pair of slits or incisions. The guide member is folded along a longitudinal length to form a loop or channel within which the tension member may be inserted. The guide member is positioned in relation to the cover member so that opposing end portions of the loop or channel are inserted through the slits or incisions such that the opposing end portions are positioned on an opposite side of the cover member from a remainder of the guide member.

Abstract: A shoe having a toe portion, a heel portion and first and second sides, the shoe including a sole, an upper and a closing mechanism extending from a top portion of the upper down along the first side of the shoe and then horizontally between the sole and the upper around the toe portion, around the second side and around the heel portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear and related method includes a midsole, an upper secured with respect to the midsole, and a lace extending across the upper, the lace having a securing member, a first segment of the lace having a first apparent length and a second segment of the lace, separated from the first segment by the securing member, having a second apparent length. A motorized lacing system is configured to engage with the lace to increase and decrease tension on the lace. The motorized lacing system includes a motor and a spool, coupled to the motor, configured to spool and unspool the lace, the spool having a plurality of notches, each of the plurality of notches configured to seat the securing member, wherein the first apparent length and the second apparent length is adjustable based on which of the plurality of notches the securing member is seated in.

Abstract: A shoe-fit testing device includes a pseudo skeletal structure and a pseudo soft tissue structure. The pseudo skeletal structure approximates the bone structure of a human foot and ankle, and the pseudo soft tissue structure encompasses the pseudo skeletal structure. The shoe-fit testing device is capable of transitioning between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. In the uncompressed state, the shoe-fit testing device has a joint girth that is measured at a first value. In the compressed state, the shoe fit testing device has a joint girth that is measured at a second value that is less than the first value. As such, the shoe-fit testing device approximates the flexibility and compressibility of the human foot without requiring a live model.

Abstract: A machine (10) for applying glue onto a sole of footwear comprises a support (17) for a sole and a glue dispensing device (14) and a movement system (13) for moving the device (14) relative to the support (17) under the control of a control system (15) so as to follow, with the device (14), gluing paths along a sole placed on the support (17). The glue dispensing device (14) comprises a radial brush (30) which is motorized to rotate about its central axis (31) and is designed to pass lightly with its radial periphery along a sole to be glued placed on the support (17), and a dispensing unit (33) designed to dispense glue on the periphery of the radial brush (30). Advantageously, the brush (30) is kept with its axis substantially parallel tangentially to the edge of the sole during operation of the machine for gluing the edge of the sole.

Abstract: A fastener device includes a first fastener part and a second fastener part which can be mounted on one another along a closing direction and are held against one another in a closed position, and are releasable from one another in order to open the fastener device. The second fastener part has a winding element on which a tension element can be arranged and which is rotatable relative to the first fastener part in order to wind up the tension element on the winding element in a winding direction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic magnetic buckle, which comprises a matching clamping head and a buckle base. The said clamping head comprises a clamping head housing, and the said clamping head housing has a cavity extending through the upper and lower ends of the clamping head housing. The said cavity is set with a buckle subassembly, the said buckle base is set with a clamping head matching with the said buckle subassembly, and the said clamping head and the buckle base are set with magnetic subassemblies which are mutually attracted. Clamping head and buckle base are attracted together through the matching of the magnetic subassembly. The buckle subassembly is matched with the clamping head to securely connect the clamping head and the buckle base. The present invention also discloses a method of using the automatic magnetic buckle.

Abstract: A lanyard coupler for selective attachment to a lanyard strap and an attachment member, the lanyard coupler including a body having a first end and a second end, an arm portion being formed toward the first end, the body tapering from the first end toward the second end. A strap receiving opening extends across a portion of the body, while a connector extends from the second end of the body.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a separable artificial muscle fastener includes: securing one or more muscle loops of an artificial muscle fiber to a substrate such that at least a portion of the one or more muscle loops extends out from the substrate; annealing the artificial muscle fiber to retain the one or more muscle loops; and cutting and removing a portion of the one or more muscle loops to transform the one or more muscle loops into one or more muscle hooks. When the one or more muscle hooks are engaged with one or more holders, actuating the one or more muscle hooks disengages the one or more muscle hooks from the one or more holders.

Abstract: Various implementations include a slide fastener that has a blocking element on one stringer that prevents engagement compatibility with standard elements on the other stringer. For example, at least one blocking element is coupled to a first stringer, and first and second blocking coupling elements are coupled to a second stringer. The contour of the blocking element and the contour of the blocking coupling elements are different from the contour of the standard elements on the stringers such that the standard elements do not engage with the blocking element or the blocking coupling elements in an alternating arrangement. However, the contour of the blocking element and contour of the blocking coupling elements allow for the engagement of the blocking element with the blocking coupling elements in an alternating arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bracelet or a necklace device having beads with a hole inside each beads and removable magnets, wherein a removable magnet goes through each bead from one end of a bead to the other end of the bead to connect to another bead, thereby, eliminating the need for a string or another structure to connect the beads together.

Abstract: Cane fabric-wraps are attachable and removable stretch fabric/foam wraps that once applied to a standard walking cane add new features to the cane and alter the shape, color and overall appearance of a traditional cane silhouette. The cane fabric wraps can have reflective elements for nighttime visibility on the front or visible surface, permanent address labels on the back or hidden surface and silicon material pieces (on the back surface) to prevent the wrap from sliding downwards when the cane is in use. The fabric wraps are typically secured to the cane with a three-step process. First with a snap at the top edge, secondly with a full-length hook & loop tape, and thirdly with a snap at the bottom edge. These three steps allow for installation onto the cane and removal from the cane. The overall shape of the wrap is designed to provide a large area for a variety of design and color application and also room for the reflective elements to be placed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pole handle (1) for walking poles, trekking poles, alpine ski poles, cross-country ski poles or Nordic walking poles, comprising a length-adjustable hand strap (2), wherein the strap length is fixed using a blocking element arranged in the handle body. A first end of the hand strap is secured in a top section (4a) of the handle body (4), wherein a mid-section (2d) of the strap is introduced into a recess (6) of the handle body (4), is deflected about a deflection element (11) in the recess (6), and passes downwards out of the handle body as the free second end (2b). The blocking element is pressed onto a lower strap section (2e) in order to block the adjustability of the length of the hand strap.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a frame assembly including a support pole and a canopy support structure associated with the support pole. At least a portion of the canopy support structure is movable relative to a central axis of the canopy support structure. An actuation mechanism including an actuator is operably coupled to a portion of the canopy support structure. The actuation mechanism is selectively operable to move the canopy support structure to at least one of automatically transform the umbrella to an open configuration and automatically transform the umbrella to a closed configuration.

Abstract: A twist lock mechanism for easily achieving a secure locking relationship between an outer member and an inner member is provided for use on an umbrella with a ball-joint based for adaptive orientation, and a spike receiving base or anchoring base mechanism.

Abstract: A thin card sized wallet is provided herein that is super-thin, comfortable to wear, and minimally sized to store and transport essential articles. The thin card sized wallet is formed from a single piece of folded material and includes an obverse face, a reverse face, a pouch, a first sleeve, second sleeve, third sleeve, and fourth sleeve. The pouch is situated between the obverse face and reverse face and is configured to receive articles therein. The first sleeve and second sleeve are situated between the obverse face and the reverse face to receive one or more cards therein. The third sleeve and fourth sleeve are situated on the obverse face to receive one or more cards therein. The wallet may further include radiofrequency identification (RFID) shields to protect RFID enabled cards from electronic theft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power bank storage device. The device includes a fixed plate, a push-and-pull plate, a limiting plate and snap-fitting components. The push-and-pull plate corresponds to the fixed plate in position and is rotatably connected at one end; a side surface of the push-and-pull plate close to the fixed plate is integrally connected with a box body with an opening upper end for storing a power bank; the limiting plate is mounted between the fixed plate and the push-and-pull plate, and between the open position and the closed position of the push-and-pull plate, one end thereof is slidably connected with the fixed plate, and the other end thereof is rotatably connected with the push-and-pull plate; and the snap-fitting components are fixed onto the fixed plate, and are snap-fitted with the limiting plate in the closed position of the push-and-pull plate.

Abstract: A luggage protector assembly includes an article of luggage that has a plurality of rollers thereon. A first enclosure is positionable on the article of luggage when the article of luggage is being loaded onto a vehicle for travel. The first enclosure surrounds respective ones of the rollers thereby protecting the respective rollers from is damaged. A pair of first straps is each wrapped over the article of luggage to retain the first enclosure on the article of luggage. A second enclosure is slidably coupled to the first enclosure. The second enclosure is positionable on the article of luggage when the article of luggage is being loaded onto a vehicle for travel. The second enclosure surrounds respective ones of the rollers thereby protecting the respective rollers from is damaged. A pair of second straps is each wrapped over the article of luggage to retain the article of luggage on the second enclosure.

Abstract: A water resistant device case including a front and back assembly that mate to enclose an electronic device is disclosed herein. The front assembly includes a rigid front frame, a touch screen cover bonded thereto, an inner bumper attached thereto, and an elastomeric main seal attached around a periphery thereof. The back assembly includes a rigid back frame, an elastomeric over mold formed on an exterior thereof, and an inner bumper attached thereto. A snap tab attached to the back frame mates with a snap hook on the front assembly to hold the front and back assemblies together when the device is enclosed within the case. A main water resistant seal and a secondary water resistant seal are formed around a perimeter of the front and back assemblies. A closed cell foam is used to seal apertures associated with the device's audio inputs and outputs.

Abstract: An eyewear protection apparatus includes: a first body shaped to cover a front surface of eyewear frames when attached to the eyewear; a second body shaped to cover a back surface of the eyewear frames; and a hinge mechanism pivotally connecting the first body and the second body.

Abstract: A device for holding at least one object, the device comprising at least two planar frames located adjacent one another, each planar frame comprising an opening leading to a space for receiving an object in a respective planar frame; and an object retaining member for maintaining an object in a space of an adjacent planar frame; wherein the object retaining member is formed of a side of the respective planar frame and is adjacent to the space of the adjacent planar frame; and wherein the opening of the respective planar frame is aligned in a different direction from an opening of the adjacent planar frame is disclosed. The device is suitable for, but not limited to, storing cards, coins and bank notes.

Abstract: A luggage includes a luggage main body, a partition board stitched with its bottom side to the bottom side of the luggage main body, an inner zip fastener provided between the partition board and the luggage main body so that the partition board can open or close a first storage chamber in the luggage main body, a luggage cover stitched with its bottom side to the bottom side of the luggage main body, and an outer zip fastener provided between the luggage cover and the luggage main body so that the luggage cover can open or close a second storage chamber that is defined between the luggage cover and the luggage main body.

Abstract: A purse having a strap, a main body bag, and an ornamental portion in a manner that allows the ornamental portion to be interchanged with different or additional ornamental portions. The ornamental portion also serves as part of the strap.

Abstract: Described is a holding structure for a bag. The holding structure comprises a first band and a second band arranged on a panel of the bag, each of the first band and the second band comprising an elastic material. The first band and the second band define an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with a partial overlap so that two at least partially superimposed holding regions are formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunctional hair straightening and curling device, including: an upper main body, a lower main body and a handle, wherein the upper heating body is disposed on the upper main body, the lower heating body is disposed on the lower main body, one end of the upper heating body and one end of the lower heating body are rotatably connected by a rotary shaft, a button is disposed on the upper main body, the upper surface of the upper main body is provided with first air outlets, the upper main body is provided with a first air outlet passage therein, the lower surface of the lower main body is provided with second air outlets, the lower main body is provided with a second air outlet passage therein, the handle is provided with a fan therein.