Abstract: A cartomizer for an electronic smoking article, an electronic smoking article capable of providing a smoking experience without combusting tobacco, and a method of achieving a smoking experience without combusting tobacco are disclosed. The cartomizer can include an annular fluid reservoir having an air flow channel therein; a liquid material within the fluid reservoir; and a heater, which surrounds the fluid reservoir and is operable to heat the fluid reservoir to a temperature sufficient to at least initially volatilize the liquid material contained within the fluid reservoir to form a saturated vapor within the air flow channel.

Abstract: A male undergarment with an expanding iris opening for maintaining the penis of a male wearer in a natural position is provided. The iris opening may be defined by a protruding boundary sleeve extending perpendicular from a crotch portion of the undergarment. The undergarment also provides a veil attached along the crotch portion, affording privacy and comfort by being movable between a concealed condition and a revealed condition.

Abstract: A wader sock for use beneath a pair of waterproof boots or in a pair of hip or chest waders as would be used by an outdoorsman or fisherman. The socks are water resistant and have a neoprene construction sandwiched between two sheer layers of polymer fabric. The sock has several panels of conventional neoprene and a single panel of perforated neoprene spanning under the sole and behind calf panel that allows for the ejection of water when the wearer walks. There is a unitary piece foldable upper cuff with a top hook for connection to the waders.

Abstract: An article of apparel and method include a structure configured to enclose a human body part, a pressure sensor array including multiple pressure sensors separately positioned at locations within the structure, wherein each pressure sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of an amount of pressure being exerted on the pressure sensor by an external mechanical force, an electronic display, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive signals from the pressure sensors and, based on a sequence and a timing of the signals as received, determine a command related to a function of a device. The electronic display is configured to display information related to the function.

Abstract: A wrist protector includes a contact pad to be worn on a wrist of a user, a plurality of air tubes disposed on the contact pad, a pump configured to inject air from an outside into the plurality of air tubes, and a discharge valve configured to discharge the air stored in the plurality of air tubes to the outside.

Abstract: A barrier system, device, and method protects medical professionals and patients from exposure to contaminants and bodily fluids. The system includes a head unit (e.g., 708) shaped to be worn over the head of the wearer; a hood (e.g., 704) positioned over the head unit; one or more sensors (e.g., 1902) configured to produce one or more sensor-output signals; and a controller (e.g., 1904) connected to the one or more sensors and configured to produce one or more controller-output signals based on the one or more sensor-output signals. Further, a device inside a barrier system is controlled by (a) sensing one or more characteristics; (b) producing one or more sensor signals based on the sensed one or more characteristics; (c) converting and/or processing the one or more sensor signals to produce one or more controller-output signals; and (d) controlling the device based on the one or more controller-output signals.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a holster or pocket in a garment that is supported by a boning material. The garment is typically a waistband, girdle or corset made of elastic, spandex, nylon, polyester, cotton, Lycra, lace, stretchable or compression material. It is a garment that can be worn anywhere on one's torso, including extremities and can include the thighs, derriere and abdomen up to the arms and shoulders and include the front of the chest. The boning material resides between the outside area of the holster or pocket to provide the support necessary to keep the garment or holster material from sagging.

Abstract: An upper and lower garment disc-like dual connector and suspension device wherein the tucked-in upper garment, such as a shirt or blouse, is draped over and around and captured and held in the disc-like peripheral groove with a retainer device, leaving one disc surface area exposed to the outside of the upper garment for affixing any one of a myriad of fasteners, such as, Velcro, clips, buttons, snaps, hangers, etc., that attaches the upper garment to the lower garment such as pants, trousers, skirts, shorts, etc., behind and below the waistband, so that the upper garment becomes the suspenders of the lower garment. This easy-on, easy-off, transferrable, tucked-in apparel positive connection and suspension concept provides; suspension support of the lower garment, a neat tucked-in appearance at all times, is comfortable to wear, and is not visible from view while maintaining the lower garment in the desired position around the waist.

Abstract: A wearable communications assembly is worn by a user and includes a wearable device adapted to be worn by an individual in a defined area. A contextual sensor such as an environmental sensor is affixed to the wearable device in a manner such that the contextual sensor senses a condition of the defined area. The contextual sensor creates a contextual signal. The wearable communications assembly also includes a storage device electrically connected to the contextual sensor for receiving and storing the contextual signal such for download when the wearable communications assembly is in communication with system apart from the wearable communications assembly. The communication between the wearable communications assembly and the system apart therefrom may be wireless and/or wired.

Abstract: A helmet has a shell, the shell having an outer surface and an inner surface such that at least a portion of the outer surface is formed as a series of adjoining polygon shaped faceted regions that help distribute any force impacted on such regions across a relatively large portion of the shell. The faceted regions may be flat, curvedly contoured, or a combination thereof and extend through to the inner surface of the shell. The middle section has the faceted regions while the crown and the lower section may also have the faceted regions or may be contoured as is typical for a traditional helmet of that style.

Abstract: The ventilative sole structure includes a sole, a first one-way valve, and a second one-way valve. The sole's heel portion includes a hollow chamber inside and a bottom piece beneath the chamber. The first one-way valve is configured on a circumferential wall of the chamber. The second one-way valve is configured between a tread portion of the sole and the chamber. When a user wears a shoe with the ventilative sole structure, air enters the chamber through the first one-way valve when the user raises his/her feet, and air is released from the chamber through the second one-way valve towards the tread portion when the user treads on the ground and compresses the chamber, thereby enhancing ventilation and removing odor of the shoe.

Abstract: An orthotic support structure or shell may be used with footwear intrinsically or as a removable and transferable device. The footwear may be a sandal assembly including a sole, a strap and an orthotic shell. The strap is attached to the sole and configured to secure the sole against the foot. The orthotic shell is positioned within the sole and formed from a semi-rigid material. The orthotic shell includes a heel portion configured to support a heel region of the foot, and a midfoot portion connected to the heel portion and configured to support an arch region of the foot, the midfoot portion comprising an arched shank having a curved convex shape. The arched shank is configured to deflect under a downward force applied thereon which reactively rotates the heel portion toward the heel region of the foot.

Abstract: We disclose herein a rotatable sole assembly for a shoe which comprises a first plate (305), a second plate (320); and a coating layer (330) between the first and second plates. The coating layer (330) is configured to rotate one of the first and second plates with respect to the other of the first and second plates. The sole assembly is designed to reduce ACL injuries as well as the incidence of other lower leg injuries related to high torque forces.

Abstract: Describes are support elements for a sole of a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, a sole and a shoe with such a support element, as well as a method for the manufacture of a support element. As examples, the support element includes a first partial member formed of a first material, and a second partial member formed of a second material. The first partial member is mechanically joined to the second partial member in a connection region, wherein the connection region is configured to allow the first partial member to rotate or slide relative to the second partial member. The first partial member, the second partial member, and the connection region can be co-molded and joined together in a single fabricating step.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a fluid-filled chamber component having a central portion, a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central portion, and a plurality of channels formed between the plurality of lobes. The structure also includes a midsole component inter-fitted with the plurality of lobes of the fluid-filled chamber component and having a plurality of projections extending through the plurality of channels of the fluid-filled chamber component. The midsole component forms a portion of the peripheral side surface of the sole structure. At least a first lobe of the plurality of lobes has an exposed distal end wall and includes a projecting portion that extends further outward from the central portion of the fluid-filled chamber component than the portion of the peripheral side surface of the sole structure formed by the midsole component. The exposed distal end wall also includes a faceted surface.

Abstract: The invention is a high heel shoe with an upper that will provide comfort and flexibility for the wearer. In a preferred embodiment the upper consists of two at least two materials: 1) a firm fabric, such as leather, that will hold the shape of the design and have limited flexibility; 2) a flat knitted elastic, such as knit elastic, which will not narrow, or not narrow significantly, when stretched. In addition, the firm fabric is configured to have a flex-point and in a preferred embodiment is formed of two pieces of the firm material having a “split” between them providing the desired flex-point.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a fitting system with an upper member that is supported by the upper and a strand guide that is supported by the sole structure. The strand guide is flexible and flexes in concert with the sole structure. The strand guide has a guide surface. The fitting system further includes a tensioning system with a flexible strand that is configured to bias the upper member toward the strand guide. The flexible strand has a first section coupled to the upper member and a second section extending through the sole structure. The second section abuts the guide surface. The second section is configured to slide across the guide surface as a result of flexure of the strand guide. The first section and the upper member are configured to move relative to the sole structure as a result of sliding of the second section across the guide surface.

Abstract: A tightening mechanism is provided for use with a lace that is laced through an opening of an article. The tightening mechanism includes: a tightening mechanism base configured to attach to the article; a tightening mechanism housing disposed on the tightening mechanism base; a tightening mechanism rotatable reel positioned within the tightening mechanism housing and that can take up the lace; and a parameter detector operable to detect a parameter associated with the article and to generate parameter data of the detected parameter.

Abstract: Manufacturing and assembly of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by automated placement and assembly of shoe parts. For example, a part-recognition system analyzes an image of a shoe part to identify the part and determine a location of the part. Once the part is identified and located, the part can be manipulated by an automated manufacturing tool.

Abstract: Duty belt core constituting a rigid backbone of a duty belt, comprising a left hand side piece firmly attached to a left hand half of a front belt buckle, a right hand side piece firmly attached to the right hand half of the front belt buckle. Each of the left hand and right hand side pieces is connected to a common back piece via side-symmetrical length adjustment patterns and safety stops preventing accidental disengagement of the side pieces from the common back piece. A belt buckle provided with extensions, as well as use hereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controller's housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: A wearable device includes a main body and a wristband. The main body includes a main case and a bottom cover, a spring bar is disposed on the wristband, a connection member configured to couple to the spring bar is disposed on the main case and has two connection lugs, an accommodating hole is provided on each connection lug, one end of the accommodating hole has an opening, the other end of the accommodating hole is provided with a limiting portion, the limiting portion is provided with a through hole, a locating groove is provided on the connection lug, a button is disposed on the connection lug, the button is slidably disposed in the accommodating hole, a limiting groove is provided on the button, a limiting portion is disposed on the bottom cover, and the limiting portion is located in the locating groove and extends into the limiting groove.

Abstract: An electronic bead string includes a main bead, a plurality of secondary beads, a displacement sensor, a memory, and a processor. The main bead and the secondary beads are strung together to form a bead string. The displacement sensor is fixed in the main bead to output two-dimensional displacement signals, the memory stores the two-dimensional displacement signals, and the processor determines whether a rotation cycle of the electronic bead string is an approved rotation cycle according to the two-dimensional displacement signals.

Abstract: A protective case for a mobile device having a storage compartment for a user's personal items such as credit cards, license, cash, etc. is disclosed. The protective case includes a first or main panel and a second or sub-panel that are configured to cover the storage compartment and provide access thereto, via a hinged connection. Each panel may also function as independent pivot stand that can position the case in one or more operating/viewing positions.

Abstract: An electronic device protection apparatus conformal with an electronic device including a retaining sheath having a base section disposed so as to substantially cover the rear of the electronic device, and a rim section, including an inner channel, forming a perimeter around and receiving an exterior edge of the electronic device, at least one aperture defined by and extending through one or more of the base section and the rim section, the aperture configured such that an edge of the aperture at least partially surrounds a camera and flash unit of the electronic device, and at least one hood defined by and projecting from the one or more of the base section and the rim section such that the hood and the one or more of the base section and the rim section are a unitary member, wherein the hood substantially surrounds at least a portion of the edge of the aperture and is configured so as to define a non-reflective pass through, non-reflective of flash illumination of the flash unit with respect to the camera.

Abstract: A card holder for storing a plurality of transaction cards its a stacked configuration inside a case with an internal frame, a side opening and a lower opening. The lower frame is configured to hold a stack of transaction cards. Formed on a face of the case is a finger slot that allow the user to manually rotate the cards when in a stacked configuration inside the case so that the top edge of the cards are staggered and fan outward through a side opening. The lower opening on the case is configured so that when the cards fan outward through the side opening, the lower corners of the cards extend through the lower opening.

Abstract: Protective cases and case systems for a mobile device are disclosed. The cases include a multi component structure that defines a compartment that is dimensioned to receive a mobile device and includes one or more shock absorber elements embedded within its side walls. The multi-component construct may be configured as a standalone case or sleeve that reversibly fits within another external component or shell. The shock absorber element may be formed in multiple segments and may be formed of a softer material than adjacent regions of the case and co-molded into a channel in a supporting wall component that is formed of a more rigid material. The shock absorber component may have one or more channels formed in its outer surface and may extend internally into the device compartment to form relatively soft corner pads or cushions. When a shell is employed additional level of protection to the mobile device may be provided.

Abstract: Luggage that may be mechanically integrated with a platform, including a piece of luggage including a slit through which the piece of luggage is integrated with a platform for the piece of luggage, a handle fastened to the piece of luggage, for pushing or pulling the piece of luggage, luggage wheels fastened to a first outer surface of the piece of luggage, for rolling the piece of luggage, and a release mechanism extending from the luggage unit to the platform, through the slit, for unlocking the platform, wherein the platform locks and unlocks such that the platform is free to be raised and lowered when it is unlocked, and is not free to be raised and lowered when it is locked.

Abstract: A hairnet is formed of a knitted fabric with parallel lines of stitches connected by transverse threads. The density of threads in the parallel lines of stitches is greater than the density of the transverse threads.

Abstract: An integrated at least two component mixing and delivery system and method for creating a new mixture from a first component contained within a first enclosure and a second component contained within a second enclosure that is contained within the first enclosure and, via a series of operations that mix the two components and enable the application of through an applicator tip the placement of the new mixture on at least one surface or a portion thereof.

Abstract: A neck hairline shaving template comprising of a flexing contoured body utility device with hinges, which attach to an adjustable facial strap and fastens securely around the circumference of the neck and occipital scalp over the facial chin, upper lip, or forehead. The neck hairline shaving template creates a demarcation at the natural occipital scalp hairs where it meets the neck hairline about the lower ear lobes level. The neck hairline shaving template enable the self-user without the help of others to create a desired symmetrical neck hairline with the use of a trimmer or shaver, without over trimming or shaving of the occipital scalp hairs past the templates desired parameters.

Abstract: Provided is a wiper for a cosmetic container, capable of obtaining sufficient strength even when a force in a rotating direction is applied. A wiper for a cosmetic container includes a cylindrical first member to be fixed to an inner circumference of an opening of a cosmetic container, and a cylindrical second member that is double-molded on a lower end portion of the first member, wherein joining portions of the first member and the second member respectively include horizontal surfaces, on the horizontal surface of either one of the first member and the second member, projection portions projecting from the horizontal surface are formed discretely in the circumferential direction, and on the horizontal surface of the other member, recess portions in which the projection portions are inserted are formed.

Abstract: A modular cosmetics system and method of use is provided. In one embodiment, a modular cosmetic system is disclosed that includes a primary and a color component. The modular cosmetic system may also include a modifier. The primary, color, and modifier component may be combinable together in multiple ways to create every kind of makeup of any color and texture of a user's choosing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that pre-warm topical preparation intended for application to skin. Specifically, the present invention relates to devices that pre-warm a premeasured amount of a topical preparation from a larger source without warming the full source.

Abstract: Adhesive tapes with specific shapes for preventing or reducing wrinkles and the methods of using the tapes have a stiff low stretch direction and a less stiff more flexible direction. The shaped tapes are applied so that the stiffer direction of the tape is generally transverse or perpendicular to the muscle movement, or, alternatively so that the stiffer direction of the tape is generally transverse or perpendicular to the wrinkle lines.

Abstract: A sports bag coupling system comprising a sports bag; a sports glove; and a connector including hook and loop fasteners separably coupling the sports glove and the sports bag.

Abstract: The harness system comprising: a harness comprising: a back supporting element; a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap; a waist strap; at least one upper back load fixing element, and at least one lower back load fixing element, wherein the at least one upper back load fixing element and the at least one lower back load fixing element are configured to fix the back load, a back load configured to be harnessed to the harness comprising: a body configured to contain gear to be carried; at least one upper anchoring element configured to correspondingly engage with the at least one upper back load fixing element, and at least one lower anchoring element configured to correspondingly engage with the at least one lower back load fixing element. A method for using the harness system and additional embodiments thereof are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A backpack comprising a first lateral wall including at least one fastener disposed along a first peripheral front edge, a second lateral wall including at least one further fastener disposed along a second peripheral front edge, and a front flap pivotably movable between a closed position and an open position and having at least one third fastener disposed along at least a portion of a perimeter of the front flap, the at least one third fastener releasably engaging the at least one fastener and the at least one further fastener when the front flap is in a closed position.

Abstract: A valve housing adapter for a paint pen kit includes a protruding inlet, a protruding outlet and a valve. The protruding inlet is adapted to matingly fit a syringe housing and the protruding outlet is adapted to matingly fit a paint tube housing. The valve having a closed position configured to bias a plug so as to prevent fluid flow through a dispensing tip of the syringe housing in the closed position when the protruding inlet is matingly fitted to the syringe housing. The valve is further configured to flex to an open position whereby the plug is no longer restrained relative to the dispensing tip of the syringe housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an electronic display is described. The apparatus can be combined with an existing work surface to provide a multi-position workstation. In some cases, the apparatus includes a mounting portion configured to support an electronic display and a keyboard. The mounting portion may be movable with respect to the work surface between multiple positions, including for example, a sitting position and a standing position. Methods for positioning an electronic display and a keyboard are also included.

Abstract: A convertible shelving II unit includes one or more flat board forming a back panel configured to hang on a wall or attach to a metal surface, further includes rear face hinges, thereby allowing back panels to fold back to back. The present convertible shelving II unit includes one or more collapsible shelves hinged to the back panel. A bracket rod attached to shelves rotates down to support upright shelves and rotates up to collapse shelves, thereby allowing convertibility to extend height clearance between shelves. Wall mount holes and high-performance magnets on rear face of back panels configured to hang on a wall and attach to a metal surface. Back panels and shelves collapse parallel to each other includes convertibility to extend height of the shelving unit by attaching additional back panels end edge to end edge. The back panels can be unhinged and used on different surfaces.

Abstract: A rack assembly has two support frames and at least one shelf that are secured to the support frames by connecting assemblies. Each connecting assembly comprises a well secured to a medial surface of each vertical tube of the support frame, and a hook that extends from each end of each shelf, with each hook having an opening extending therethrough. The connecting assembly also includes a connector that is seated inside each well, each connector having a top plate that has an elongated opening, the connector also having a body that is sized and configured to fit inside a well, the body defining two wings with a space between the wings, and wherein each wing has a bump positioned in the center of the inner surface of each wing that faces the space. Each hook is inserted through the elongated opening of a corresponding connector with the bump on each wing fitted inside the opening of the hook to retain the hook inside the body of the connector.

Abstract: A bathroom management apparatus may be capable of dehumidifying and defrosting a mirror installed at a door. The bathroom management apparatus may include a cabinet having a front side that is open, a door configured to open/close the open front side of the cabinet, a mirror provided at a front surface of the door, and a heater configured to heat the mirror. The heater may be disposed behind the mirror to heat the mirror.

Abstract: An anti-vibration device for sound equipment includes an elastic stress frame, the elastic stress frame including a stress deformation portion and a plurality of support portions, the support portions protruding toward one side with respect to the stress deformation portion. The anti-vibration device prevents most resonance from intruding into the sound equipment, the elastic stress frame and the laminate plate for supporting the sound equipment, and the sound equipment can work stably without being influenced by sound waves and resonance, so as to achieve its own due performance, naturally reducing the distortion rate of outputted sound.

Abstract: A retracting mechanism for first and second furniture parts includes a guiding structure, a catch member, and a resilient member. The first furniture part includes an engaging feature. The catch member is displaceable between first and second guiding portions of the guiding structure and includes first and second features. While the second furniture part is displaced in a certain direction with respect to the first furniture part, with the catch member initially at the first guiding portion and with the engaging feature caught by one of the first and second features, the catch member is disengaged from the engaging feature such that the resilient member stores a force for assisting in retracting the second furniture part with respect to the first furniture part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pull-out guide, in particular for a domestic appliance or a piece of furniture, comprising a stationary guide rail and a running rail which is movably mounted on the guide rail. A damping device comprising a fluid damper which acts on one side is provided on the guide rail, said fluid damper having a damper housing and a piston rod which can be pushed into and drawn out of the damper housing. A first activator acts on the damping device shortly before reaching a closed position during a closing movement of the running rail in order to brake the movement of the running rail. A second activator acts on the damping device shortly before reaching the maximum open position during an opening movement of the running rail in order to brake the movement of the running rail. The pull-out guide is preferably used in a domestic appliance, in particular in a dishwasher.

Abstract: A garage door storage system which can be mounted on an interior surface of garage doors for securely storing various items or storage bins. A base bracket is connected to the interior of the garage door, and a mounting hanger is attached thereto for receiving and securing items or the storage bins thereon, even as the garage door transits between an up or down position.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable lounge garden swing having a fixed support structure and a seat support pivotally suspended from the support structure on a single pivot axis to provide a pendular movement when in motion. At least one lounge seat is pivotally coupled to the support structure where the lounge seat has a seating portion and a backrest portion that are fixed relative to one another but adjustable relative to the seat support to adjust the reclination angle of lounge seat. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention provides a lounge seat for a garden swing that has an adjustable reclination angle relative to the seat support and is positionable at a selected reclination angle through a reclination adjuster.

Abstract: A balancing chair can comprise a support structure, the support structure comprising a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion is coupled to a first pad and a second pad, the second pad resting between the first pad and the middle portion, and a base, comprising a first lateral runner and a second lateral runner, the first and second lateral runners coupled to and perpendicular to the bottom portion of the support structure, wherein the first lateral runner and the second lateral runner have first and second lower surfaces, respectively, that collectively define a lower curved surface of the base, the lower curved surface enabling the base to define a rocking motion from side to side.

Abstract: A chair includes a seat pan member, a movement support frame, and at least two movement support members operatively connected to the seat pan member and the movement support frame. The at least two movement support members are configured to support the seat pan member in a floating manner for dynamic movement with respect to the movement support frame in at least one degree of freedom in a horizontal seating plane.