Abstract:
Conformable spring-loaded earloops for over-the-ear style headsets are disclosed. The earloop for a headset generally comprises a prehensile member having a connecting member and a stabilizer portion and a ring integrally formed with and extending from the connecting member. The stabilizer portion is adapted to curve at least partially around and behind an ear to clip onto the ear in substantially a first plane. The ring is configured to removably receive and rotatably secure a receiver capsule of a headset therein and to direct the receiver capsule toward a concha of the ear. The prehensile member and the ring define an open-ended curved space to facilitate donning of the earloop. Upon application of an external force, the stabilizer portion is resiliently adjustable relative to the ring out of the first plane toward and away from the ear and/or in the first plane toward and away from the ring. The stabilizer portion returns to a static resting state configuration upon removal of external forces. The stabilizer portion has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the connecting member to facilitate the connecting member in functioning as a hinge for resiliently adjusting the stabilizer portion. The earloop further provides for adjusting the height between a center of the ring and the point along an interior surface of the stabilizer portion that rests upon the apex of the ear when worn. At least some of the inner portion of the stabilizer portion may be an elastomeric material.
Abstract:
A full-gussetted luggage article and an associated method for making a full-gussetted luggage article are provided. The full-gussetted luggage article includes an integrally molded full-gusset and a skin disposed over the full-gusset. An associated method of making a full-gussetted luggage article and a unique handle assembly for a full-gussetted luggage article are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention features a brush or hair grooming instrument that can be configured to orient bristles or teeth inwardly toward a contact region along generally parallel lines with relatively little contact force, thus expanding the effective area over which the instrument contacts the hair. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the instrument comprises a rigid support having a longitudinal axis and a flexible membrane having first and second ends pivotally attached to the rigid support. The flexible membrane comprises a plurality of substantially rigid sections integrally joined along parallel lines of flexure, with the parallel lines of flexure disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rigid support. The flexible membrane may be biased into a normal or relaxed configuration and transition into a flexed or bent shape through a more or less pronounced "snap" action. A plurality of combing elements are secured to and extend from the flexible membrane. The present invention can be easily adapted to various shapes and types of grooming instruments, including handled brushes of different head shapes, handled combs and palm-type brushes, as well as to a variety of brushing devices.