Abstract: A method for making tobacco provides to use chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) tannin extract or fractions thereof to reduce the tobacco nitrosamines, the chestnut tannin extract or fractions being applied to the tobacco plants on the field, through the soil or directly on the pre-harvested tobacco leaves, or in a tobacco post-harvesting step for manufacturing finished products, thereby, in addition to reducing nitrosamines, the method also increases the antioxidating and antiradical secondary metabolites; the method being applied to all tobacco types, such as flue-cured, air-cured, fire-cured and sun-cured tobacco.

Abstract: A method of producing smoking articles, the method comprising a first step of providing a continuous array of first filter members (42), second filter segments (20) and tubular members (40). A tubular member (40) is provided between each pair of consecutive first filter members (42) and a second filter segment (20) is provided between each first filter member (42) and each tubular member (40). Each second filter segment (20) contains one or more breakable capsules, wherein each breakable capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core containing an additive. The continuous array of first filter members (42), second filter segments (20) and tubular members (40) is then wrapped with a continuous sheet of plug wrap (44) to form a wrapped filter array, wherein the plug wrap (44) has a basis weight of less than 90 grams per square metre.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first hopper configured to provide a reservoir for objects, a second hopper positioned to receive objects from the first hopper, and an object insertion unit in operable communication with the second hopper and configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the continuous supply of filter material. The object insertion unit comprises a rotatable insertion wheel having a peripheral face, the peripheral face defining a plurality of spaced pockets for receiving individual objects therein; and a vacuum system disposed in operable communication with the insertion wheel and configured to apply a vacuum to at least a portion of the pockets to maintain the individual objects within the pockets during rotation of the insertion wheel. The upper hopper has an upper region that is adapted to contain and permit passage of objects and has a relatively high cross-sectional area relative to a lower region of the upper hopper.

Abstract: A smoking article (10) comprises a tobacco rod (12) and a filter (14) connected to the tobacco rod (12). The filter (14) comprises a first filter segment (18, 20) comprising one or more breakable capsules, wherein each breakable capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core containing an additive. The filter (14) further comprises a hollow tube segment (22) downstream of the first filter segment (18, 20) and positioned between a downstream end of the first filter segment (18, 20) and the mouth end of the filter (14). The hollow tube segment (22) defines a cavity (24) at the mouth end of the filter (14). A plug wrap (23) circumscribes the first filter segment (18, 20) and the hollow tube segment (22), wherein the plug wrap (23) has a basis weight of less than 90 grams per square metre.

Abstract: A lighter includes a heating element, a data store to store a smoking management plan including one or more rules, and a processor, operatively coupled to the data store and the heating element, to selectively disable activation of the heating element based on the smoking management plan.

Abstract: An integral disposable electronic cigarette may include an integral hollow cigarette where combustion can be arranged at a cigarette end position, so that the electronic cigarette is more similar to a non electronic cigarette; a lateral intake structure between the battery and the atomization plant may be adopted, which prevents an air flow from affecting normal use of the battery; moreover, a three seal ring structures can be adopted, which greatly improves the safety and reliability of the electronic cigarette.

Abstract: An atomizer is disclosed. The atomizer of the present invention comprises a main unit, a pipe, and a vaporizer. The vaporizer of the present invention comprises a pneumatic switch which is triggered by the airflow from the main unit. There is no conducting wire between the main unit and the vaporizer. The length of the pipe is determined according to the requirement of the user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the atomizer is remote controllable.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette (100) and a connecting head (3) for an electronic cigarette are provided. The electronic cigarette (100) includes an inhalation rod (2), a battery rod (1), and a connecting head (3). The connecting head (3) of the electronic cigarette (100) makes the inhalation rod (2) and the battery rod (3) connected into an integral and formed a central airway in an internal thereof. The connecting head (3) includes an exposed step (31), a first connecting end (31) and a second connecting end (33) disposed at the two sides of the exposed step (31) respectively along a radial direction. The first connecting end (31) is used to connect with the battery rod (2) of the electronic cigarette (100), and the second connecting end (33) connects with the inhalation rod (2). A surface of the exposed step (31) disposes at least one air inlet (311). When assembling the electronic cigarette (100), the air inlet (311) is exposed on the surface of the electronic cigarette (100).

Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device, the device including: a heater including at least one heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; and a power source for providing power to the heating element, including the steps of: controlling the power provided to the heating element such that in a first phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases from an initial temperature to a first temperature, in a second phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element drops below the first temperature, and in a third phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases again. Increasing the temperature of the heating element during a final phase of the heating process reduces or prevents the reduction in aerosol delivery over time.

Abstract: An electronic vapor provision device comprising a power cell, a vaporizer and a liquid store, wherein the vaporizer comprises a heater and a heater support, wherein the liquid store comprises a porous material.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods to generate an inhalable vapor in an electronic vaporization device. The vaporization device may generate a vapor with one or more defined characteristics. In some cases, the vapor may have a predetermined aerosol number density and/or a predetermined average aerosol diameter. The vaporization device may generate a vapor from a vaporizable material. In some cases, the vaporizable material may be a liquid material housed in a cartridge. The vaporization device may comprise a rechargeable power storage device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an exemplary aerosol generating device for heating a tobacco block. The aerosol generating device includes a shell, a mouthpiece assembly at an end of the shell, and an atomizing assembly received in the shell. The atomizing assembly includes a hollow heating body configured for inserting into the tobacco block. The heating body includes an inner surface and an outer surface for heating the tobacco block.

Abstract: An e-vaping device includes a liquid storage portion for storing an e-liquid; a memory device storing cartomizer information; a vaporizer including a heating element, the vaporizer being in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion and configured to vaporize e-liquid stored in the liquid storage portion; a power supply configured to provide power to the vaporizer; a controller configured to control provision of power to the vaporizer based on the cartomizer information; and a switching architecture configured to selectively prevent a flow of current through the heating element, when the memory device sends data to the controller.

Abstract: The present invention related to a functional briefs for men is characterized in natural separation and storage of penis and scrotum without any measures or restrictions when wearing the functional briefs for men, and no escape of penis and scrotum from the containing pocket without regard to the shrinkage or the expansion of the penis and the scrotum, or exercise or daily activities. The characteristics explained hereinbefore are advantageous in having a fresh sense of touch in the briefs and in preventing the uncomfortable feelings of the scrotum and male infertility due to sweat and increasing temperature.

Abstract: This invention discloses contoured, buttocks enhancing hosiery type undergarments and foundation garments having permanent inner structures of a buttocks enhancing contoured and tapered form system comprising of an open-cell foam pad or shaped silicone gel casing in its rear panel portion fabricated and housed within two-ply fabric portions of highly stretchable yarn, with a further tummy slimming and smoothing function, which eliminates the need for additional or separate buttocks expanding or shaping devices, or girdle type supplemental undergarments. The buttocks enhancing contoured and tapered system is sandwiched and laminated within the two-ply fabric yarn of which the panty portion of the foundation garment is fabricated. The tapered and feathered edges of the contoured buttocks enhancing system allows for a seamless and virtually invisible transition to the single-ply leg portions of the undergarment.

Abstract: A garment with shaping benefits is provided. In one aspect, the garment may comprise an outer layer configured as a dress and an inner shaping layer comprising a front panel and back panel. The front panel may comprise a first portion to attach the inner shaping layer to the outer layer on the front and a second portion to provide a shaping benefit. The back panel may be attached to the outer layer on the back and also provide a shaping benefit. The inner shaping layer may not be visible from the outside of the outer garment. In certain aspects, the garment may be an upper body garment, such as a shirt dress. In some other aspects, the garment may be a full body garment, such as a skirt dress.

Abstract: A brassiere and a decorative element having a relatively flat configuration, a set of suspension straps symmetrically arranged about a vertical plane between the brassiere cups serving to locate the decorative element symmetrically about the vertical plane above, and free of contact with a bridge between the cups, the suspension straps on each side of the decorative element including a first suspension strap attached to a mid-section of an associated cup and to an adjacent side edge of the decorative element and a second suspension strap spaced above the first suspension strap and attached to said adjacent side edge of the decorative element, the first and second suspension straps being arranged to maintain a face of the decorative element facing in a direction to which said cups project.

Abstract: A forearm support garment includes a support portion adapted for resting on at least a portion of a user's upper back and shoulders, and left and right depending portions for supporting a corresponding one of a left forearm and right forearm of the user. Each depending portion includes a forearm receiver connected to the support portion for receiving the corresponding forearm and a suspender extending between the support portion and the forearm receiver for maintaining the corresponding forearm at an angle relative to the corresponding upper arm of the user. The forearm receiver includes a first receiver end adapted to be located near a corresponding elbow of the user and a second receiver end adapted to be located near a corresponding wrist of the user, the forearm receiver extending continuously between the first receiver end and the second receiver end.

Abstract: An upper body garment having shape forming structures. In one embodiment, the upper body garment includes an outer bodice and an inner camisole. The camisole includes a waist panel that incorporates elastic material for shape forming and a waistline adapted to resist slipping along a wearer's body.

Abstract: A temperature regulating fabric formed from micro porous inner and outer layers of fabric laminated around a plurality of totally independent TE devices together with antennae and energy harvesting electronics within, all deposited upon a flexible substrate to form a thermal module. These completely independent thermal modules are positioned at preselected locations intermediate the laminated inner and outer fabric layers to form the temperature regulating fabric, which is used to construct temperature regulating devices powered by harvested ambient RF energy for both cooling and warming applications.

Abstract: A unitary garment heating device that integrates with a garment to provide uniform heat throughout the garment. The device includes a plurality of nodes that position on various areas of the garment to distribute the heat. The nodes are fabricated from a conductive metallic yarn. A continuous conduit having no junctions carries current for generating heat, and connects the nodes to form a unitary heating device. The conduit is fabricated from the same material as the nodes, thereby forming a unitary device. The lack of junctions on the conduit helps eliminate problems such as shorts, and moisture exposure form rain or sweat. The conduit runs in a series circuitry to minimize shorts and arcing. The conduit is covered with a laminate and urethane to inhibit contact with moisture. A communication apparatus, such as a smart phone, monitors and regulates the temperature. A power supply and microprocessor are also attached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blast cabinets, such as water jet cleaning cabinets, sand-blasting cabinets, and other enclosed workspaces for cleaning or finishing parts. Specifically, blast cabinets are typically fitted with gloves secured to access holes in the cabinet, allowing the user to reach into the cabinet and safely handle parts and blasting equipment. The present invention relates to an elastic glove adapter cuff which attaches to a blasting cabinet in place of the gloves, allowing the user to choose the most suitable glove for the work being done.

Abstract: A disposable medical gown (100) includes a body covering portion (101) and optionally one or more sleeves (107,108). The body covering portion (101) defines a head insertion aperture (104) between a frontal body covering portion (103) configured to cover a frontal body portion of a wearer and a rear portion (203) configured to cover at least parts of shoulder blades of the wearer. A torso opening (201) is disposed on a side of the rear portion (203) opposite the head insertion aperture (104), and extends distally from the rear portion (203). One or more perforations (202) extend across the rear portion (203) at least partially between the torso opening (202) and the head insertion aperture (104), and facilitate easy removal of the gown (100). A user removes the gown (100) by pulling the front portion (103), thereby tearing the perforations. Elastic gatherings can be included to snug the gown about the torso or limbs of the user.

Abstract: Described herein are sweat-diverting devices which can be adhered to a wearer by an adhesive. The sweat-diverting devices described here may be adhered over a portion of the face without circumscribing the head. Such sweat-diverting devices may comprise a first leg and a second leg that are joined at a base of the device to form a channel therebetween, where at least a portion of the base is more rigid than the first and second legs such that an acute angle between the first and second legs is maintained when the sweat-diverting device is applied on a wearer's forehead. In some variations, the thickness of the base is greater than the thickness of either of the legs, which may help to maintain a separation between the tips of the legs even when the sweat-diverting device is applied to a wearer's forehead.

Abstract: Biodegradable disposable gloves and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed in which the elastomeric material used to manufacture the gloves includes a polylactic acid polymer component in combination with a biodegradable plasticizer.

Abstract: The combined feature of a long vertical Zipper inserted into the back of a pair of traditional jeans and complimenting undergarments with a vertical open overlapping flap is simplifying the use of a bathroom (from a woman's prospective) while dressed in full leather gear during motorcycle rides. It can be a long and difficult task to undo and redo all layered clothing underneath the leather Chaps during rest stops—Jeans and Chaps now stay in place. I invented this amazing feature for traditional pants in order to simplify certain tasks related to bathroom breaks during motorcycle rides while wearing protective Chaps. This invention will benefit everybody who owns a motorcycle or other similar recreational vehicle and/or a pair of leather Chaps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening strap 45; 180; 211; 250 for fastening to a loop 35, 40 of protective clothing 10, 50 formed of a metal-ring mesh 26 as well as to such protective clothing 10; 50, the fastening strap 45; 180; 211; 250 comprising at least one engagement element 70; 185 as well as a recess 90; 205 correspondently configured with regard to the engagement element 70; 185, the engagement element 70; 185 and the recess 90; 205 engaging with each other and forming a loop section 155 which is configured to grip the loop 35, 40 of the protective clothing 10; 50 and to fix the fastening strap 45; 180; 211; 250 to the loop 35, 40 of the protective clothing 10; 50.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus including a method of making a printed article of clothing of fabric are described herein. A customer computer is connected for data exchange with a production computer, wherein the customer sets the design of a desired article of clothing via the computer connection by setting design parameters for a respective selection target from several possible selection targets. Based on the design setting, several print parts are printed on a printing medium by means of a printer, said printing medium being either directly a fabric panel, or an intermediate medium the print of which is transferred to fabric later. Fabric pieces are cut out from a fabric panel. The fabric panel either originates from direct printing, or from the print transfer from the intermediate medium. Otherwise, the fabric panel is unprinted and the cut fabric pieces are subjected to the print transfer later. Finally, the fabric pieces are sewn together to form the article of clothing.

Abstract: A long sleeved upper torso hooded garment which is worn by a user and comprising a detachable hood, the detachable hood including a top head portion, two opposed lateral portions, a back head portion, wherein there is a natural pocket portion in the back head portion of hood, above the hem or elastic neckline member, giving the natural pocket portion the ability to accommodate at least some of a user's loose hair; a front head opening portion, and a neck portion circumferentially extending around user's neck, the hood including a circumventing channel that encloses a drawstring at the edge of facial opening which is used to decrease the size of the facial opening, the upper torso portion of garment includes four openings, the two opposed lateral portions for allowing the users arms to pass through ending at the wrists' opening, the top opening for connecting the torso piece to the base of hood piece, and the bottom largest opening in which the user places the head, arms, and upper torso through to put on, or

Abstract: There is provided a convenient-to-carry helmet stand. The portable helmet stand includes a first body portion, a second body portion, and a receipt surface on which a crown portion of a helmet can be placed in an operating mode of the portable helmet stand. The first body portion and the second body portion are operationally connected to one another such that the first body portion and the second body portion can be disposed, in an operating mode of the portable helmet stand, to delimit an operating mode width between themselves.

Abstract: A helmet mount for electronics is provided. The helmet mount includes a clamping bracket for affixing to a helmet chin guard. In addition, the helmet mount includes an adjustable arm, swivel bracket and electronic device. A first end of the arm is rotatably attached to the clamp bracket, and a second end of the arm is rotatably attached to the slider bracket. Meanwhile, the electronic device is attached to the slider bracket that allows it to slide in an arcuate manner. Preferably, the clamp bracket includes a first clamping member and second clamping member which are both movable and rotatable relative to one another.

Abstract: A body impact bracing apparatus is introduced for hockey, American football, rugby, hazardous motor-cycle/vehicle racecourse, big-truck arena sports, and even rodeo bull riding, whereby protective helmets are expected to provide adequate safeguards against high-impact injuries. The default vulnerability in such impacts is the lack of securitization of one's neck, regarding tandem movements between head and torso. New technology now protects against these injuries to both by rendering the helmet effectively immobile with respect to head and torso at split-second instance of impact either to protective helmet, shoulder harness, or to the torso. It presumes optimal protections based upon safeguarding the segmented integrity of the CNS: head, neck, and torso/spinal cord. Using electronics and laws of motion: inertia and counterpoise body weight, this technology absorbs impacting forces against the body, “distributing” them, and so attenuating and softening their overall effect.

Abstract: The S.A.T. (Spring Absorption Technology) helmet is designed to more effectively absorb the impact from an object that comes in contact with the helmet worn by an individual. The S.A.T. helmet is designed with 2 shells separated by 1 or more springs. The springs act as a repelling feature that will help absorb the force from an object that comes in contact with the helmet with S.A.T. to help protect against potential head injuries.

Abstract: This invention is an insole which consists of four layers: one layer of 100% alpaca fiber, one layer of burlap, and two more layers of 100% alpaca fiber. All layers are joined by densely needle felting them together. The burlap is sandwiched between the felted alpaca layers. The insoles are made in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large. While additional and/or alternate sizes could be created, each size is designed to allow approximately ½-inch of excess insole around the heel and both sides of the foot. This allows the insole to cup the foot slightly if the wearer's shoe or boot allows space for this.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper that includes a knitted component and a sole structure secured to the upper. The knitted component may define a tube formed of unitary knit construction, and a strand may extend through a length of the tube. As another example, the knitted component may have a pair of at least partially coextensive knitted layers formed of unitary knit construction, and a plurality of floating yarns may extend between the knitted layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type may vary in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. Additionally, the knitted component may incorporate a thermoplastic yarn that is fused in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. A flat knitting process or a variety of other knitting processes may be utilized to form the knitted component.

Abstract: An apparatus for cushioning and protecting body parts of a human or animal is described. The apparatus includes a blend of dual durometer resilient flexible materials with a plurality of degrees of hardness to personalize the properties of comfort, proper fit, structure, and protection. The resilient flexible materials comprise thermoplastic, thermoset, casting, curing, epoxy, or resin materials, and a soft part is customizable.

Abstract: Defined herein is a golf shoe that includes an outsole, and at least one cleat non-removably coupled to the outsole. The at least one cleat includes a hub and a plurality of flexible arms extending radially outward away from the hub. An undercut is defined between each of the plurality of flexible arms and the outsole.

Abstract: A layered construction for a footwear insole connect an intermediate layer between a bottom layer and a top layer. A sealed passage for airflow is created between a plurality of three-dimensional pockets (connected on the top layer), a plurality of apertures (traversing through the intermediate layer), and a reservoir (positioned interior to the bottom layer). The three-dimensional pockets are deformable beneath the weight of a person's foot, which causes air to flow through conduits of the top layer, the apertures of the intermediate layer, and into the reservoir. When a person lifts their foot the three-dimensional pockets return to their normal shape, with air circulating back into the three-dimensional pockets from the reservoirs. The bottom layer can also be contoured to provide better support for a person's foot, matching a concave portion with the foot's longitudinal arches and a pair of wings with the transverse arch.

Abstract: A high-heeled shoe for a human foot which enables a person wearing it to stand and walk in an anatomically correct (suitable) position, i.e. to walk just like when she walks with heelless flat shoes; enables the body to stand in balance and the foot to rest on all points. The high-heeled shoe is formed with a curving inclined supporting sole which extends into the heel with the curve being adjusted with arctangent values and a correction factor and toe and heel angles appropriate for a human foot to provide perfect conformity with the human foot for straight body posture suitable to anatomy.

Abstract: A performance foot support apparatus operable to provide support to a foot of a user while disposed within a shoe. The performance foot support apparatus includes a body having an opening proximate the top to provide access to the interior volume. The body includes a sole having a first layer wherein the first layer has a nitrile rubber coating thereon. The sole further includes a second layer of foam material which has a protective layer superposed thereon. A heel cup is present that is operable to protect the heel of a user. A plurality of apertures are journaled through the sole and heel cup. The body includes an upper layer that is manufactured from an elastic material. Five toe compartments are included within the body operable to receive the toes of a user. Phalangeal support pads are disposed within the interior volume operable to support the phalangeal joints.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier and a tensile member. The outer barrier may have an upper portion, an opposite lower portion, and a peripheral edge. The upper portion and lower portion may be bonded together in a bonded region spaced inward from the peripheral edge. The bonded region may have a convex shape. The tensile member may be located within the outer barrier, and may be formed to have at least one gap. The bonded region may extend at least partially into the gap.

Abstract: A sole for rehabilitation footwear has a body and a shock-absorbing layer. The body has a connecting frame and a holding groove. The holding groove is formed in a bottom of the body along a periphery of the body between the connecting frame and a bottom surface of the bottom of the body. The shock-absorbing layer is connected to the body and has a mounting flange. The mounting flange is annularly formed on and protrudes from a top surface of the shock-absorbing layer along a periphery of the shock-absorbing layer and is mounted in the holding groove of the body.

Abstract: Cell flow device and method provides a sequential linear flow of pressure resistance includes a family cell of two or more continuance cells. These continuance cells have the same or different size and shape. They also have different degrees of elastomeric capability and are in fluid connection with the advantage of a properly calibrated valve(s) and will transfer air, gas, liquid, or other substance or media, or mixture thereof by a sequential linear flow of pressure resistance from a reservoir or external source through different degrees of elastic potential energy, geometric advantages, or introduction of a force. Thereby, the family cell performs the predetermined function in any device that uses the technology for a wide array of uses for users and operators thereof.

Abstract: Described are shoe uppers in which at least a portion thereof is formed of a multilayered material. The multilayered material includes at least one nonwoven fiber layer with unidirectionally oriented fibers and a matrix material, wherein the multilayered material has elastic properties that allow the multilayered material to deform when stretched over a three dimensional mold.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear including an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate and a plurality of elongate support members extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member. At least two of the plurality of support members may be disposed on opposite sides of the first ground engaging member and are substantially parallel with one another, but not aligned with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method contemplating an indicia marked on a package to identify a particular construction of color-mismatched footwear contained in the package. The indicia includes a brand identifying the footwear as being color-mismatched, a style identifying a characteristic construction of the footwear, and a generation level identifying an arrangement of the colors for the color-mismatched footwear.

Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a holding fixture for holding portions of a shoe during painting. The fixture has a lower jig and an upper jig. The lower jig has an outer wall from which a contacting surface extends. The contacting surface is sized to apply a compressive force to the midsole along a desired paint line, and prevents paint from moving onto the midsole below the contacting surface. The top jig has a lower surface configured to be placed in contact with the top surface of the midsole when the midsole is held in the lower jig and is shaped to apply a downward and outward force on the midsole at an edge defined by the top surface of the midsole and the outer perimeter surface of the midsole, to thereby prevent paint from moving onto the top surface of the shoe portion.

Abstract: A holding assembly comprises a first button shaped portion having a first contact portion comprising a ferromagnetic plate. A magnetic core is embedded in the first contact portion. A magnetic shield is disposed on the first contact portion to direct magnetic flux from the magnetic core towards the first contact portion. A second button shaped portion has a second contact portion comprising a ferromagnetic plate. A magnetic shield is disposed on the second contact portion to direct magnetic flux from the magnetic core towards the second contact portion. The second button shaped portion is positionable on a non-magnetic sheet with the second contact portion opposing the first contact portion to clamp to the non-magnetic sheet where the magnetic flux is substantially contained within the holding assembly.

Abstract: A fastener for quickly affixing a button with at least a hole to a fabric and a method for manufacturing the fastener are disclosed. The fastener comprises a needle, one or preferably multiple ratchets, and a locking hub—all connected by the primary thread and the secondary thread. Attaching a button can be quick and easy with a lock that works as a beginning-and-ending knot, formed by a ratchet and the locking hub. When an embodiment of the fastener comprises multiple ratchets, a break point may be provided between two ratchets to quickly rid of the needle and the primary thread after the button is attached to the fabric. An embodiment with multiple ratchets may also accommodate buttons of various thicknesses and sizes.

Abstract: A latching buckle assembly wherein one buckle component includes a removable cross-bar adapted to receive an attachment strap in looped relation. The cross-bar is adapted to hold the attachment strap in place during use while permitting free relative rotation. When the cross-bar is removed, the webbing can be disengaged from the buckle member to facilitate replacement if required.