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: The present invention provides a sole for a footwear article. The sole is formed from an elastomeric compound comprising at least one elastomer, and at least one graphene based material, in an amount ranging from 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % relative to the weight of said at least one elastomer, essentially uniformly distributed in said at least one elastomer.

Abstract: Provided in the present disclosure is an outsole including a sheet body which includes a substrate sheet and an injection molded article fixed to the substrate sheet, and a shoe that has the injection molded article having a certain melt viscosity and thereby being excellent in grip performance and long-term durability.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a midsole, an upper disposed above the midsole, and an outsole disposed below the midsole. The midsole includes a lattice structure having an upper side and a lower side, wherein the upper side is a user-facing side and the lower side is a ground-facing side. A first platform is integrally formed into the upper side of the lattice structure. A second platform is integrally formed into the lower side of the lattice structure. The lattice structure extends from the first platform to the second platform.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

Abstract: A sole structure for articles of footwear and a method of manufacturing them comprising at least one polymeric foamed component expanded through supercritical fluid (SCF) expansion of a shaped pre-expanded polymeric material. The polymeric foamed component may include apertures situated and fashioned in the formation of the pre-expanded polymeric material to promote uniform expansion and optimal curing conditions during the SCF expansion process. At least one polymeric foamed component having one set of physical properties that may be bound to or assembled in conjunction with one or more sole components having the same or another set of physical properties.

Abstract: An article of apparel, such as a sock or a shoe, is disclosed as having a foot-supporting area for extending adjacent to a plantar surface of a foot. The foot-supporting area has various zones of differing thickness that attenuate forces upon the plantar surface to different degrees. The apparel may be manufactured through a process that includes utilizing a force mapping device to obtain data relating to forces upon the plantar surface of the foot. The sock is then formed to have zones of different thickness located to correspond with the areas of the plantar surface subjected to different magnitudes of forces.

Abstract: A cushioning article comprises a first and a second polymeric sheet bonded to one another and enclosing an interior cavity. The polymeric sheets retain a gas in the interior cavity. A tensile component disposed in the interior cavity includes a first tensile layer, a second tensile layer, and a plurality of tethers spanning the interior cavity and connecting the first tensile layer to the second tensile layer. An inwardly-protruding bond joins the first polymeric sheet to the first tensile layer, protrudes inward from the first polymeric sheet toward the second polymeric sheet, and partially traverses the plurality of tethers. The first polymeric sheet is displaced from the first tensile layer adjacent to the inwardly-protruding bond by the gas. A method of manufacturing a cushioning article is disclosed.

Abstract: A tensioning system for use with an article of footwear includes a pulley assembly. The pulley assembly may include a first disc and a second disc connected by a central shaft. A tensioning element can be engaged around the central shaft. A ring element can be used to prevent the tensioning element from disengaging the pulley when there is slack in the tensioning element. The pulley assembly can include a guide portion that guides a tensioning member so as to restrict the entry angle of segments of the tensioning member.

Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear (100) and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to automated tightening of a footwear platform including a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, a footwear lacing apparatus can include a housing structure, a spool, and a drive mechanism. The housing structure can include a top section and a bottom section. The spool can include a superior surface, a lace spool under the superior surface and a spool shaft with a keyed connection pin. The spool can also be integrated into the top section of the housing structure. The drive mechanism can couple with the spool via the keyed connection pin on the spool shaft. The drive mechanism can be adapted to rotate the spool to tighten or loosen a lace cable integrated into the footwear.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus related to a homing mechanism within a drive mechanism of a lacing engine for an automated footwear platform are described. In an example, the homing apparatus can include an indexing wheel, a plurality of Geneva teeth and a stop tooth. The plurality of Geneva teeth can be distributed around a portion of a perimeter of the indexing wheel. Each Geneva tooth of the plurality of Geneva teeth can include side profiles conforming to a first side profile that generates a first force when engaged by an index tooth on a portion of the drive mechanism. The stop tooth can be located along the perimeter of the indexing wheel between two Geneva teeth. Additionally, the stop tooth can include side profiles conforming to a second side profile that generates a second force when engaged by the index tooth.

Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The tensioning system may be used with various sensors to determine how the motorized tensioning device should be controlled.

Abstract: A track and field shoe can include an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a toe box portion. The sole structure is attached to the upper and includes a spike plate. The spike plate has an anterior portion, a posterior portion, a plurality of spikes, and a plurality of rails. The spikes extend in an inferior direction from the anterior portion of the spike plate and are configured for engaging a track surface. The rails extend in a superior direction from the anterior portion of the spike plate and extend over an exterior surface of the toe box portion of the upper, and the rails comprise longitudinal axes that extend in a superior/inferior direction.

Abstract: A cleat assembly for a shoe comprising an anchor for anchoring to the shoe, a cleat, a first biasing member circumscribing the anchor and engaged with the cleat, and a second biasing member biasing the first biasing member. The second biasing member can directly engage the first biasing member or a bushing that circumscribes the anchor. So constructed, the cleat assembly provides multiple degrees of freedom. That is, the cleat assembly provides effective axial shock absorbance coupled with 360° tilting of the cleat for enhancing a user's ability to suddenly change direction when wearing a shoe equipped with the cleat assembly, thereby minimizing stress and impact on muscles, joints and ligaments and enhancing the performance of athletes wearing such shoes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a shoe with an air pump device bellows which is arranged in the heel region, wherein an upper (2), a midsole (3), and an outsole (4) are first provided. The lower face (32) of the midsole (3) has a recess (36) for forming a cavity for the bellows and a surface which surrounds the recess on all sides and which comprises a surface profile, and the upper face (41) of the outsole (4) has a surface with a surface profile which complements the surface profile of the lower face of the midsole. The horizontal extension of the upper face (41) of the outsole (4) and of a sole section (22) of the upper (2) is greater than the horizontal extension of the midsole (3) such that the outsole (4) and the upper (2) protrude beyond the centered midsole (3) on all sides.

Abstract: A slipper and a method of manufacturing the slipper are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the slipper includes an upper, a footbed, and a bottom. In some embodiments, the slipper is formed by joining medial and lateral sides of the upper, attaching a footbed to the upper, and then attaching the bottom to the upper.

Abstract: A method for using a magnetic button with a preexisting button and a preexisting button hole associated with the preexisting button that is held onto an article of clothing by a thread, and the preexisting button hole has a perimeter.

Abstract: The Belt Ratcheting Device (BRD) facilitates unidirectional belt fastening and fast release. The BRD includes a turning gate rotatably installed diagonally in a channel. The turning gate has a blade holder with sharp blade front. Attached at the rear is a resilient plate which acts as a spring. The BRD has two states: “active” and “inactive”. In the active state the device works as a belt ratchet i.e. allowing the belt to be pulled forwards but restricting any belt motion backwards. In the inactive state the ratcheting is disabled and the belt is released. Usually, the BRD is kept in active state by a preloaded resilient plate. After fastening, the belt remains fastened until the BRD is switched manually into inactive state by pulling a latch. The blade's smooth side and channel's smooth surfaces minimize belt wear. BRDs facilitate belt fastening for garments and footwear.

Abstract: A tool belt (1) comprises a belt strap (2) and a belt buckle (3), wherein the belt buckle (3) comprises a male (5) and a female part (7). The male part (5) comprises a latch plate (27) and the female part (7) comprises a female interface (9) for receiving the latch plate (27). The latch plate (27) is attached to a first end (2a) of the belt strap (2) and the female part (7) is attached to a second end (2b) of the belt strap (2), and the female part (7) comprises a locking mechanism (15) adapted for connection and disconnection of the latch plate (27) to or from the female interface (9), and a length adjustment mechanism (17) adapted for adjustment of the length of the belt strap (2).

Abstract: A reusable closure system for providing easy closure and opening of an object such as a sheet forming a barrier. The reusable closure system generally includes a backing member adapted to be secured to an object, such as by an adhesive. A closure member may be connected to the backing member, with the closure member including a first portion which is removably connected to a second portion by one or more magnets. An optional outer closure member may be connected to the closure member, with the outer closure member including a zipper. Thus, the reusable closure system may be secured to various objects to allow for selective opening or closing of the objects in a versatile, user-selected manner.

Abstract: A device releasably attachable to a zippered compartment, so as to secure the compartment against unauthorized access is disclosed. The device includes an anchor for mounting the device to the zippered compartment, and a releasable lock for engaging a slider head of the zippered compartment. The anchor includes a clamp, clip, and contact surface so as to engage a portion of the zipper of the zippered compartment. The releasable lock includes a latch. Method of releasably attaching the device to the zippered compartment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wrist-worn device having the form of a continuous loop. The device comprises a plurality of elongate links, each link comprising at least one magnet, the links being connected to form a chain with neighbouring links being pivotable with respect to one another about a pivot axis that is substantially radial with respect to said loop. The magnets of neighbouring links have a respective positioning and polarity to provide an attractive force between the pair of neighbouring links when the pair of neighbouring links are in a side-by-side arrangement, whereby the chain of links has a first configuration in which the links are retained by the attractive force in the side-by-side arrangement, and a second configuration of greater length than the first configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a wearable electronic device, having at least one pre-formed stress point that is readily broken when subjected to an excessive external force, thereby causing the wearable to separate, rather than transferring forces, and potential injury, to a user.

Abstract: A rosary includes a first section of a chain closed as a ring with five groups of beads divided in decades sliding freely thereon, the five groups of beads being spaced by a single bead that separates each group from the others; a second chain section connected to the first chain section and terminating with a crucifix, wherein the crucifix is divided in two parts and wherein, in proximity to each one of the two parts of the crucifix, there is at least one recess suited to house a part of the first ring-shaped chain section, so that when the two parts of the crucifix are joined in order to accommodate the part of the first ring-shaped chain section therein, the rosary assumes the shape of a bracelet.

Abstract: An illuminated, multi-function cane for use by low-vision individuals is described and claimed. The device's various pulsating lights enable low-vision people to travel at night with assured confidence that they will be seen by drivers and cyclists from a safe distance exceeding one mile on a dark street! While at a high traffic lit city intersection the Lumi cane is very noticeable with its strobing rainbow lights 200 yards away, even with competition from other bright artificial lights. Even in dense fog Lumi's LED lights are visible at 40 to 75 yards distance.

Abstract: A cotton-based single use grocery bag for carrying groceries or other items. The single use grocery bag is also used for cleaning furniture, cleaning counter tops, washing dishes, etc.

Abstract: The present invention contains a select number of tools appropriate for use in creating life story works with older adults in long-term care facilities. The present invention is a portable, well-organized toolkit providing the user with the necessary tools for capturing and preserving older adults' life stories, photos, and/or memorabilia.

Abstract: Provided is a foldable electronic device accessory including a first housing having one surface to which a first body of a foldable electronic device is coupled, a second housing having one surface to which a second body foldably connected to the first body about an axis is coupled, a slide portion having one surface disposed to face the other surface of the second housing and configured to reciprocate toward the axis on the other surface of the second housing, and a first cover configured to enclose the other surface of the first housing, the other surface of the second housing, and the other surface of the slide portion, wherein the one surface of the first housing and the one surface of the second housing face each other in a folded state, and wherein the other surface of the first housing and the other surface of the second housing do not face each other and form a plane in an unfolded state.

Abstract: A hair styling device comprises an optical radiation source (L) for radiating hair (H), a sensor unit (S) for measuring effects from radiating hair (H), and a feedforward control device for controlling the optical radiation source (L) in dependence on a signal from the sensor unit (S). The optical radiation source (L1, L2) may produce a first flash having a first energy density that may be lower than required for photo-thermal hair reshaping, the optical radiation source being controlled to produce a subsequent flash in dependence on a sensor signal obtained in response to the first flash, which subsequent flash may have at least the first energy density. The sensor unit (S) may include a sensor arranged before the optical radiation source in a hair flow direction.

Abstract: A hair-style retaining auxiliary for use with a hair-style retainer is provided. The hair-style retainer at work has at least a first portion in contact with hair. The hair-style retaining auxiliary includes a base attached onto the first portion of the hair-style retainer; and a plurality of soft hook members integrally formed with and protruding from the base, and configured as a non-linear structure for locally changing linear distribution of hair in contact therewith.

Abstract: A cosmetic kit provides cosmetics which are customized (personalized) for each user and a cosmetic provision device which uses the kit to supply customized cosmetics. The cosmetic kit includes a plurality of cosmetic bases, and is used for customized cosmetics which are prepared by mixing the plurality of cosmetic bases in accordance with recipe information determined on the basis of user unique information. The cosmetic kit provides that when a container containing at least two cosmetic bases selected from the plurality of cosmetic bases is rotated at a prescribed speed, and a near-infrared measurement of the bases in the container is performed at prescribed time intervals, the time (T) required to obtain an nth measurement, in which the rate of change between the absorbance in the nth measurement and the absorbance in the previous ((n?1)th) measurement is 100%±5%, and the rate of change with respect to the absorbance in the following ((n+1)th) measurement is 100%±5%, is not more than 35 minutes.

Abstract: An eco-friendly brush is disclosed. The present disclosure relates to an eco-friendly brush in which the brush may be biodegraded at disposal, thereby preventing environmental pollution, even solving harmful problems caused by the adhesive, and enabling various types of bristle bundles to be interchangeably installed. As an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is provided to include: a handle made of biodegradable resin; a neck part made of the biodegradable resin, and having the rear end part thereof to which the front end part of the handle is detachably coupled; a brush fixing ring made of the biodegradable resin, and having the rear end thereof to which the front end part of the neck part is detachably coupled; and a head part inserted into a rear end part of the brush fixing ring and fixed therein, and having a bristle bundle integrally implanted on the front surface thereof.

Abstract: Portable mirror assemblies and kits. Each portable mirror assembly includes a mirror member, a frame, a support arm, and a mounting member. The support arm has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the support arm can be removably coupled to the frame at a first connection point. The mounting member has a connector and an engagement element, and the connector can be removably coupled to the second end of the support arm at a second connection point. The engagement element can be demountably secured to an attachment surface.

Abstract: A collapsible vessel reconfigurable between expanded and collapsed configurations. A sleeve combination has an inner sleeve rotatable relative to an outer sleeve. A liner is retained by the sleeve combination. The sleeves have opposed major walls divided by opposed fold line formations. Arrays of flexion apertures span a lateral range from adjacent to the respective fold line formation toward a central portion of the major wall, and an aperture density can vary generally based on distance from the fold line formation to promote a true-round confirmation of the expanded vessel. A lid structure with a disk and opposed retaining tabs can be selectively engaged with the liner, and a retaining strap can be pivotally coupled to the sleeve combination with a first orientation encircling the sleeve combination and a second, longitudinal orientation. A storage bag with first and second longitudinally-disposed stays can receive and further compress the vessel.

Abstract: This disclosure provides cleaning implement comprising a holder and a removable cleaning head. The cleaning head may be of various types, including brushes, sponges, dusters, and loofahs. The holder has two arms connected at a junction. Opposite the junction, the holder includes a locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a hingedly connected locking member on the first arm, which includes a latch portion which engages a catch disposed on the second arm. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a hingedly connected locking member on each arm, which interlock when moved to a locking position. The arms may be flexible so that they can be pushed toward each other to facilitate the coupling and decoupling of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: The cosmetic product applicator has an arithmetic mean height Sa of a surface of the applicator in at least one portion A of the applicator that is strictly greater than 10.0 ?m, this height being calculated in accordance with the following formula: S a = 1 A ? ? ? A ? ? z ? ( x , ? y ) ? ? dxdy , in which: A is the portion of the applicator in question, and x, y and z represent the coordinates of the surface of the applicator in an orthogonal system of Cartesian coordinates, with z corresponding to a measurement axis of the height.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a specifically designed portable toothbrush, that is pre-filled with toothpaste. It is an aim of the present invention to prevent users from accidentally missing to pack toothpaste or apply toothpaste, before brushing. Accordingly, the present invention comprises a toothbrush with a toothpaste filled handle, that can dispense toothpaste on the bristles either manually or automatically. The present could be easily packed into a travel bag, eliminating the need for carrying cumbersome toothpaste tubes that can leak onto belongings. Further, the present invention could be made available in vending machines, hotel gift shops, and at lobby desks to provide a quick and sanitary solution for those who have left their toothbrush at home. Thus, the present invention is a convenient, portable, and disposable product that specifically helps people on the go to maintain a healthy oral hygiene.

Abstract: A PVA brush cleaning method includes immersing a PVA brush in a cleaning solution containing an organic matter, thereby removing a siloxane compound in the PVA brush; and applying vibration to the PVA brush, thereby removing impurities in the PVA brush.

Abstract: A shearing device (1) having a blade (2) with at least one blade cutting edge (5) which is helically coiled, and rotatable, about an axis of rotation (R) of the blade (2). The blade cutting edge (5) is assigned a counterpart blade cutting edge (4) of a counterpart blade (3). The shearing movements, by which for example bristle filaments (7) of brushes (8) for machining can be cut to length, are generated by relative rotational movement of the at least one helically coiled blade cutting edge (5) with respect to the preferably static counterpart blade cutting edge (4) of the counterpart blade (3). Since the blade (2) and the counterpart blade (3) can keep their spacing to one another constant during operation, there is a relatively low risk of injury during the use thereof.

Abstract: A height adjustable work surface is described that may be utilized as a standalone desk or table, or integrated with a larger work surface to provide selective height adjustability to only a portion of a work surface. The height adjustable work surface preferably utilizes a modular trapezoidal frame structure, including trapezoid tube weldments, corner castings and machined hardened connector pins. The lift mechanism preferably includes parallelogram linkages, pneumatic gas cylinders, sliding brake bar mechanism and brake release handles to provide height adjustment functionality.

Abstract: A flexible lap food and beverage drip guard is disclosed. The food and drip guard may include a non-slide surface to act as a desk top for mobility devices such as, for example, cell phones and lap top computers. The device may further include textured upper surface to divert the flow of fluids to a catch pocket on either side of the device, and the bottom surface may be textured or honey combed to provide insulating properties to the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a book holder capable of holding books having various thicknesses and, specifically, to a book holder capable of holding a thick book open, as is, without folding the pages thereof.

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: An exemplary storage system generally includes at least one back channel mountable along a support surface (e.g., a back wall of a closet, etc.). At least one wall or panel of the storage system is mountable (e.g., via a connector, etc.) along the back channel. The storage system may also generally include one or more of a hang rod, side bracket, shelf trim, end cup, support bracket, and/or shelf. The shelf may be supportable by the back channel, a pair of side brackets, and at least one support bracket. The side brackets may be mountable along sidewalls of the closet and/or to the at least one wall of the storage system that is mountable along the back channel. The hang rod may supportable beneath the shelf when first and second end portions of the hang rod are supported by respective first and second end cups.

Abstract: A rack to be suspended from a support structure includes a hook portion, an upright portion, and a shelf. The hook portion defines a cavity configured to receive an upper edge of a wall of the support structure therein. The upright wall is connected to and extends from the hook portion. The shelf is connected to the upright wall at a location spaced apart from the hook portion along a height of the upright wall. The shelf projects outward from the upright wall to a distal edge of the shelf that is spaced apart from the upright wall. The shelf defines a plurality of slots through the thickness of the shelf. The slots are open along the distal edge and are configured to accommodate one or more of multiple reclosable container caps or multiple tubes connected to the reclosable container caps.

Abstract: A household appliance (10) is disclosed which comprises a liquid tank (12), wherein the tank is adapted for translational movement between a use position in which the tank is positioned within a 5 housing (15) of the household appliance and a servicing position in which the tank is at least partially extracted from the housing, the household appliance further comprises biasing means (30) for biasing the tank towards the servicing position, and releasable latch means (36; 38; 58) for selectively arresting 10 the tank in the use position or releasing the tank for movement towards the servicing position.

Abstract: A folding rocking chair includes two supporting portions. Each supporting portions includes a first support, a second support, a stand member, a first rocking member, a second rocking member, a first foot member and a second foot member. The stand member, the first rocking member and the second rocking member are all rotatably connected with the first support. The first foot member is rotatably connected with the first rocking member. The second foot member is rotatably connected with the second rocking member. The first foot member and the second foot member are rotatably connected with the second support. The second foot member is rotatably connected with the stand member and is slidable along the stand member. A seat member is rotatably connected with the stand member and the first foot member and is telescopically moveable.