Abstract: A fiber preform includes a substrate. A fiber bundle includes reinforcing fibers arranged on the substrate in a shape of a shoe sole and attached to the substrate by a plurality of stitches of the thermoplastic thread to form a first preform layer having a principal orientation. An orthotropic composite material shoe sole is also provided that includes the fiber preform with a cured molded resin surrounding the fiber preform, the cured molded resin having a shape of the shoe sole. A method of forming a fiber preform for use in a composite material shoe sole is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a new shoe comprising a sole of a thermoplastic material adhered to an upper shoe with a hot melt adhesive that is applied between the sole and the upper shoe, wherein the hot melt adhesive is fused with the thermoplastic material. Advantageously, the fusion is brought about by heating the hot melt adhesive to a temperature THM such that it softens, heating the second body such that the thermoplastic material that has a melting temperature TM obtains a temperature TSUB below TM while making sure that (THM+TSUB)/2 is equal to or higher than (TM?10° C.).

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoe having a simpler structure compared to patent document JP-A 2010-162318, with reduced discomfort and enhanced repulsive force. According to an aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention, a shoe 10 comprising: a middle sole 14 having a foot contacting surface 40 and a ground contacting surface 42; an upper at least partially covering the foot contacting surface 40 of the middle sole 14; and an elastic structure 18 curving upwards towards the rear direction at least from the outer foot side of the ground contacting surface is provided. With such configuration, discomfort can be reduced and repulsive force can be enhanced.

Abstract: A running shoe sole has an elastically deformable supporting sole, which has a rear and front foot section connected to each other via a coupling section. An elastically deformable supporting device is arranged on the supporting sole and carries an outsole covering. The supporting device includes a rear foot part which engages around the rear foot section of the supporting sole in a U shape and a front foot part having two limbs which are arranged on mutually opposite lateral edge sections of the front foot section. The rear and front foot part each have a supporting surface, which runs obliquely inward toward the underside of the shoe sole or is curved, preferably convex, and on which the supporting sole rests and is supported in the lateral direction. The rear and front foot parts are made from a highly responsive thermoplastic elastomer of 45-50 Asker Shore C density.

Abstract: A footwear sole structure having a fluid-filled chamber including a tensile member is provided. The fluid-filled chamber includes a first barrier sheet, a second barrier sheet and the tensile member. The first barrier sheet is formed from a first thermoplastic material. The second barrier sheet is attached to the first barrier sheet and is formed from a second thermoplastic material. The first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet cooperate to define an internal cavity. The tensile member is disposed within the internal cavity and is formed from a third thermoplastic material. A first weld attaches the first barrier sheet, the second barrier sheet, and the tensile member together by melding the first thermoplastic material of the first barrier sheet, the second thermoplastic material of second barrier sheet, and the third thermoplastic material of the tensile member.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a fluid-filled chamber including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a fluid-filled segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure within the heel region, a second fluid-filled segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure within the heel region, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. The first barrier layer is attached to the second barrier layer within the web area.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a platform for footwear. The platform includes bevels and an internal channel for assembling an upper with the platform. A first bevel is defined in a first side portion of the platform and is configured to receive a portion of a first upper side. A second bevel is defined in a second side portion of the platform and is configured to receive a portion of a second upper side. An internal channel is positioned within the platform and extends between the first bevel and the second bevel. The internal channel is configured to receive a fastener to assemble the upper with the platform. The platform may also include a slot for receiving an edge portion of a sock liner to assemble the sock liner with the platform.

Abstract: A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.

Abstract: A shoe may include various features to improve performance, increase manufacturing efficiency, and provide environmental benefits over traditional shoes. In some cases, a shoe includes an upper portion constructed from a continuous textile that includes multiple regions having different textile properties to improve the performance of the shoe, including durability and comfort. The upper portion may define a cuff region and a flex region adapted to expand to allow a wearer to put on the shoe and to contract to retain the shoe on the wearer's foot. The shoe may further include a heel retainer adapted to conform to a shape of the wearer's foot and retain the shoe on the wearer's foot. Eyelets of the shoe may be positioned along an external surface of the upper portion to improve comfort and simplify manufacturing.

Abstract: Footwear is disclosed herein that comprises a base with a cut-out and/or a fold pattern, either of which, when actuated, is useful to transform the footwear from a closed/relaxed configuration to an open/actuated configuration in which the rapid-entry shoe has an expanded shoe opening to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual wearing the rapid-entry shoe.

Abstract: An upper for a sports shoe may include a component such as a vamp or a rear portion. The shoe component may include a UV curable microlattice structure with a plurality of regions such that each region has a different density. In some cases, the microlattice structure may include a high density microlattice structure, a mid-level density microlattice structure, and a non-structural region with a low density microlattice structure.

Abstract: A blank of flexible sheet material used to form and article of footwear upper and an article of footwear having a sole attached to the upper. According to one embodiment the blank of flexible sheet material includes a main bottom portion having a front toe area, a rear heel area and opposed sides, said main bottom portion being in the general shape of a foot sole. A front strap portion having an elongated shape extends outward from one of the opposed sides of the main bottom portion near the front toe area and having a free end, and a pair of heel-strap flaps extend outward from opposite sides of the main bottom portion near the rear heel area and configured to form an enclosed heel portion and a rear strap of the shoe upper. According to another embodiment the front strap is formed separately from the main bottom portion and pair of heel-strap flaps.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and cable routed along the upper and operable between a tightened state and a loosened state. A first strap includes a first plurality of bands each extending from a first end attached at a first side of the upper to a second end attached to a portion the cable on a second side of the upper. A second strap includes a second plurality of bands each extending from a first end attached at the second side of the upper to a second end attached to another portion of the cable on the first side of the upper. The first plurality of bands of the first strap are interweaved with the second plurality of bands of the second strap and are operable to move through the second plurality of bands when the cable is moved between the tightened state and the loosened state.

Abstract: A footwear traction device is provided that is removably attachable to an item of footwear. The footwear traction device comprises a traction portion having one or more traction elements on a bottom thereof, a heel support portion disposed at a rear traction portion, and a forefoot support portion disposed at a forefoot traction portion. A cable extends through cable guides or channels and attaches the traction portion, the heel support portion, and the forefoot support portion together. A cable reel device is rotatably operable to adjust a length of the cable to selectively secure and unsecure the footwear traction device to the item of footwear. Shortening the length of the cable tightens the traction portion, the heel support portion and the forefoot support portion inwardly against the item of footwear, thereby securing the footwear traction device to the footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sole arrangement (10) for an anti-slid shoe (1). Said sole arrangement (10) comprises an upper and a lower sole member (20, 50) wherein the lower sole member (50) is vertically movable in relation to the upper sole member (20). Spike holding units (15) are arranged at the upper sole member (20) and are configured to hold spike members (8) extending in a vertical direction inside the sole arrangement (10). The sole arrangement (10) further comprises a locking system comprising spacing means (12) and a movable locking plate (30) arranged between the upper and lower sole members (20, 50), configured to control the vertical distance between the sole members (20, 50) to prevent the spike member (8) from protruding through the lower sole member (50). The spike holding unit (15) extends downwards through an opening (17) in the locking plate towards a spike opening (16) in the lower sole member (20).

Abstract: A shoe accessory for a shoe is provided, the shoe having a number of eyelets configured to receive a shoelace. The shoe accessory having a shoe accessory base having a number of openings, the number of openings is configured to receive the shoelace via a threading method such that the shoe accessory base is secured on the shoe. A unique accessory attachment selected form a plurality of designs is configured to be removably attached to the shoe accessory base. The accessory attachment may be swapped such that an individual may swap a different accessory attachment based on the particular design, shape, color, logo, etc. that the individual wishes to display on the shoe.

Abstract: A last matching a user's foot can be provided through a simple configuration. A last for forming a footwear upper configuring an article of footwear comprises: a common portion invariable in shape and position, a movable portion invariable in shape and positionally variable with respect to the common portion, and a position adjustment mechanism that changes a position of the movable portion with respect to the common portion and fixes the movable portion in a predetermined position.

Abstract: There is provided a user-dedicated last that can be easily manufactured without using large-scale equipment. A last for forming a footwear upper configuring an article of footwear comprises a foot length forming member defining a shape of the last at least in the lengthwise direction of the article of footwear, and a plurality of foot width forming members defining a shape of the last at least in the widthwise direction of the article of footwear and assembled to the foot length forming member.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe cleat positioning device for use in determining the position of a bicycle shoe cleat is provided. The bicycle shoe cleat positioning device comprises a base portion, a holding portion connected to the base portion, a coupler configured to connect to the holding portion, a cleat connector, a connecting member, and a cleat positioning assembly. The cleat positioning assembly comprises a first positioner configured to determine a first position of the cleat connector about a first axis, a second positioner configured to determine a second position of the cleat connector along a second axis, and a third positioner configured to determine a third position of the cleat connector along a third axis.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing a string and/or netting includes a cord fastener and a cord. The cord fastener includes a clasp defining a first opening and a second opening spaced apart from the clasp. The cord is detachably coupled to the cord fastener, and includes a first end extending through the second opening, and a second end insertable into the clasp. The clasp is configured to allow the cord to be pulled through the clasp in a first direction, and to substantially prevent the cord from being pulled in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, the clasp includes a plurality of fingers that extend at an angle relative to a central axis of the second opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sanitizer bracelet that can be worn by the user anywhere the person travels throughout the day. The sanitizer bracelet includes a band portion and a body portion connected to opposite ends of the band portion. The body portion includes a sanitizer solution which is readily accessible for application on the individual's hand or other body parts for disinfection after touching a potentially contaminated surface.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a wallet comprising an open-sided shell, a flexible member coupled to the open-sided shell, and an elastic band coupled to the flexible member. The flexible member may comprise an internal surface and an external surface located opposite the internal surface. In some embodiments, the open-sided shell is coupled to the internal surface. The wallet may be configured to move between open, closed, and clamshell positions. In the clamshell position, the elastic band may be configured to wrap around an external surface of the flexible member, thereby holding the wallet shut.

Abstract: A base bag for changeable bag covers, a changeable bag cover, and a bag kit comprising the base bag, wherein the base bag comprises: a front wall and a back wall foldably connected to a bottom of the base bag, wherein each of the front wall and back wall are made of magnetic sheet material configured to attract to magnets of a changeable bag cover.

Abstract: A convertible clutch and footwear storage system is disclosed herein. The present invention includes a convertible clutch-style purse for conveniently storing various items. The convertible clutch includes a first compartment for storing personal items such as a wallet, money, ID, cosmetics, etc.; and a second compartment for storing footwear. The convertible clutch is movable from a folded condition to an unfolded condition. In the folded condition, the second compartment is sized to store flat shoes such as flip flops. In the unfolded condition, the second compartment is sized to store high heel shoes.

Abstract: An elongated container having a cap fitted to one end thereof, the other end being open. The cap is closed with an opening therethrough to the interior of the container. A microfiber cloth member is fittable within the container. A first drawstring extends from one end of the cloth member and a second drawstring extends from the other end thereof. The first drawstring includes a stop element at a free end thereof. The cloth member and the drawstrings are configured such that the cloth member can be moved in and out of the container by action on the first and second drawstrings.

Abstract: A protective case for a portable electronic device includes a housing with an open tray and a resilient cord. The tray is recessed into the rear of the housing. The cord spans the opening of the tray, creating a cord pattern of overlapping segments capable of securing items placed into the tray. In an embodiment, the tray may be separated from the housing and the cord separated from the tray. A user may customize the cord layout by threading the cord across the tray opening in a desired pattern based on the goods within the tray.

Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.

Abstract: A process for subjecting a surface of the skin or of the hair to an abrasive and/or stimulating action, including projecting onto the surface a flow of at least one composition including a vector liquid and solid particles, the flow being generated from the collision of at least two jets generated by at least two nozzles of a dispensing device, the nozzles oriented such that their jets encounter one another, and at least one nozzle being supplied with a pressure of at least 4 bar and with a vector-liquid flow rate of less than or equal to 10 L/min.

Abstract: A hair dryer (H) comprises a sensor (S) mounted on the hair dryer (H) to sense a hair property, and a removable attachment (A) provided with a first channel (C1) for passing air from the hair dryer (H) to hair, and a second channel (C2) for allowing the sensor (S) to sense the hair property through the second channel (C2), the second channel (C2) being distinct from the first channel (C1). The second channel (C2) may be an inner tube of the removable attachment (A). The second channel (C2) may have a conical shape.

Abstract: There is provided a cosmetic container that includes a head-massage function and that includes: a refill for containing a cosmetic liquid, a head-contact part that is attached to the refill, and that includes multiple projections, wherein the projections are arranged in one or more rows so that the projections disposed on the periphery of the head-contact part are higher than those disposed in the center of the head-contact part so that the projections form a curved shape, a case that detachably accommodates the refill inside the case, the case being slightly flattened in one direction in a plan view to form a jellyfish shape so as to enable the case's side to be gripped, an inner cap that accommodates the multiple projections so as to protect them, so that the inner cap prevents the cosmetic liquid from leaking out of the projections, a cap that accommodates the head-contact part and the inner cap so as to protect them, so that the cap holds in an upright state the refill, the head-contact part, and the case

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultraviolet (UV) curing apparatus for nail art, which is configured to focus-irradiate UV light to a curing material coated on fingernails or toenails and to quickly cure the curing material. The disclosed UV curing apparatus comprises: a housing having a receiving space in which user's fingernails or toenails are received; a light source, installed in the housing, for irradiating UV light rays; an optical module provided with a focusing lens for focusing the light rays irradiated from the light source to a target position in the receiving space; and a scanning unit, installed in the housing, for driving the optical module to be capable of reciprocating within the housing in one scanning direction, to allow the target position to move to the entire region of user's fingernails or toenails received in the receiving space.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic container including a detachable mirror includes: a lower container; a refill container coupled to the lower container and accommodated therein with a cosmetic product; an upper container for opening and closing the lower container; an upper container cover detachably coupled to the upper container; and a mirror attached to an inner side of the upper container cover.

Abstract: A cosmetic container with a discharge structure for mixing heterogeneous contents according to one embodiment of one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a container body in which heterogeneous contents are stored; a discharging device for discharging the heterogeneous contents stored in the container body; and a button configured to operate the discharging device and formed with a discharge passage and a discharge port, wherein a mixing shaft member and a mixing cap member are formed in the discharge passage and the discharge port, so that the heterogeneous contents are mixed with each other.

Abstract: A cosmetic carrying case and applicator is described. The cosmetic carrying case and application includes a pod connected to a base. The pod has a receiving surface located on an underside of the pod. Lip balm or another type of cosmetic material is contained within the receiving surface located on the underside of the pod. At least two sides of the pod act as finger grips for the user to grip in order to remove the pod from the base and to apply the lip balm or other cosmetic material. The pod acts as a surface for the lip balm or cosmetic material and applicator. The cosmetic carrying case can be adhered or otherwise attached to another object such as a wallet or cellular phone for easy access by the user.

Abstract: An eyeliner application system is provided. The system includes an applicate having a front side opposite a rear side, wherein an adhesive is disposed across the rear side. A dye is impregnated within the adhesive, wherein the dye transfers to a surface upon adhering the applicate to the surface. A backing material is removably securable to the rear side of the applicate. In some embodiments, the dye is heat activated, such that the dye is transferred to the surface upon application of heat across the front side of the applicate. In such embodiments, the system further includes a heating element securable over at least one eye.

Abstract: A neck cushioning device (or a “shampoo roll”) that relieves neck pain of a first user during the washing of the first user's hair and also relieves back pain of a second user who is washing the first user's hair is described herein. The device includes a unitary elongated piece having a first side disposed opposite a second side and a first end disposed opposite a second end and a portion affixed to the first end of the unitary elongated piece. The second side of the neck cushioning device rests on a horizontal surface. A body of the user rests on the first side of the unitary elongated piece, a neck of a user is rested on the portion, and hair of the user is received in a sink.

Abstract: A backpack (11) provides a protective utility vestment including a panel of armor material fully stored beneath the openable cover (22) an anterior chamber within the backpack, obscuring its existence. A pair of hand-graspable pull-tabs (31) connected to opposite lateral sides of the vestment allow rapid deployment of the vestment over the user's head and into position on the user's chest. The pull-tabs can be obscured on the shoulder supports (14,15) of the backpack until used. Decoy bands (43) on the shoulder supports can further enhance the obscuring effect. The pull-tabs can secure to the hip support pads (16,17) to further secure the vestment on the user's chest. A bottom deployed utility caddy can be stowed within a hidden medial compartment.

Abstract: An attachable backpack apparatus for reducing sweat and heat is described herein. The attachable backpack apparatus may comprise one or more of a body, a backpack attachment component, and/or other components. The backpack attachment component is configured to removably engage with carrying straps of a backpack a forming an as-used position of the attachable backpack apparatus. The as-used position of the attachable backpack apparatus causes the body to be disposed at or near a lower portion of the backpack. The attachable backpack apparatus may separate a portion of the backpack from a portion of the user's back. Contact between the backpack and the user is therein reduced, while maintaining the traditional strap-based engagement of the backpack to the user and without adversely modifying the backpack's structure. The separation may create a channel between the backpack and the user to allow air to pass through.

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

Abstract: A carrying belt for carrying a video camera or still camera on the body having a shoulder pad, a belt coupled to the shoulder pad that runs transversely across the upper body of a user, and at least one connecting piece for fastening the belt to the video or still camera. The belt includes a slide via which the belt is coupled to the shoulder pad so that the belt is movable in the direction of a longitudinal extension of the belt relative to the shoulder pad and is simultaneously secured to the shoulder pad transversely to the longitudinal extension. This solution is a development of a known carrying belt by allowing attachment of a still or video camera to the belt at the fittings provided for attaching a classical neck strap or to one of these fittings and a tripod belt bush on a camera.

Abstract: A sports accessory belt having a belt strip having an attachment mechanism and a base strip, and a hem, wherein an interior surface of the attachment mechanism is connected to an exterior surface of the base strip.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a portable, daily-use cleaning product. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus, device, or structural system that is adapted to clean or disinfect a restraining member, such as a seatbelt in a car or a restraining belt of an airplane seat or train, or a supporting member, such as a support bar in a subway car or metro bus, and other suitable examples.

Abstract: A horticulture brush having a handle with a bristle assembly at a distal end. The bristle assembly has a base that is removably engageable with a distal end of the handle. The bristles are planar on both sides and formed in rows with passages between the rows. A central row of bristles on the assembly is sized larger than surrounding rows which forms a blockage in the passages.

Abstract: A method for oral care. In one aspect, the method for oral care includes a) receiving sensor data from at least one sensor configured to detect motion of an oral care device during a brushing routine of a user, the sensor data corresponding to the detected motion; and b) determining a target brushing time based on the sensor data. In another aspect, the method for oral care includes a) receiving sensor data from at least one sensor configured to detect brushing intensity during a brushing routine of a user, the sensor data corresponding to the detected brushing intensity; and b) determining a target brushing time based on the sensor data.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device includes a head portion, RF electrodes located on the head portion and a non-conductive barrier located on the head portion that separates the electrodes from each other. The electrodes, bristles (if included) and the non-conductive barrier are mounted on a base and the base is arranged for either vibratory or rotational motion.

Abstract: To improve the brush-making field, a tuft-picking device (4) is provided, which includes the tuft picker (8) that is movable in relation to the material box (2) of the brush-making machine (1) and, on its front side (11), which in the operating position faces the bristle supply (3) held in the material box (2), includes at least one tuft-picking notch (12). The tuft-picking notch (12) has two opposing knife edges (14, 15), which delimit the notch opening (13) of the tuft-picking notch (12) and are oriented transverse to the direction of movement of the tuft picker (8). Another part of the tuft-picking device (4) is the counter piece (9), which is provided with the separating edge (17) facing the tuft picker (8). In order to allow bristle filaments (16) to be removed from the bristle supply (4) as gently as possible, at least one of the two knife edges (14, 15) and/or the separating edge (17) is rounded.

Abstract: A foldable table includes a supporting frame, a tabletop and an auxiliary support. The supporting frame includes first and second mounting assemblies pivotally connected to each other at their proximal sides. The tabletop includes a first panel coupled with the first mounting assembly and a second panel coupled with the second mounting assembly such that the first and second panels are rotatable with respect to each other between a folded position and an unfolded position. The auxiliary support includes an auxiliary bar coupled with the supporting frame or the tabletop. When the first and second panels are in the unfolded position, the auxiliary bar is disposed between and coupled with the proximal sides of the first and second panels. As such, the auxiliary support helps align the first and second panels or prevent the proximal sides of the first and second panels from warping, sagging, dislocation or misalignment.

Abstract: A floating tabletop leg cap configured for movable receipt onto the connecting portion of supporting member for positioning adjacent to an end portion of a table leg receiving the connecting portion. The floating tabletop leg cap including a resilient member affixed in a coupling between the supporting member and floating tabletop leg cap. Preferably, the resilient member is a compression spring configured to bias in a direction along a length of the table leg.

Abstract: A method of creating an edge effect for a countertop includes the steps of: cutting a first slab layer to a desired shape; applying a first epoxy resin layer to at least an outer edge portion of a bottom surface of the first slab layer; cutting a second slab layer; and attaching a second slab layer to a bottom surface of the first epoxy resin layer. The resulting edge of the countertop will comprise a striped design of slabs and epoxy. The invention allows for a thicker edge of a countertop with an aesthetically pleasing design.

Abstract: A blow-molded unitary structure includes a panel having upper and lower panel surfaces and a ridge extending downward beyond the lower panel surface. The ridge includes a first side surface, a second side surface, and a lower ridge surface joined with the first side and second side surfaces of the ridge. The ridge further includes a plurality of depressions formed at one or more of the first side surface, second side surface and lower ridge surface. The plurality of depressions enhances the strength of the ridge, and the ridge in turn enhances the strength of the structure.