Abstract: A liquid aerosol formulation for an electronic smoking article includes an aerosol former, optionally water, nicotine, and an acid. The acid can include one or more of pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, decanoic acid, 3,7-diemthyl-6-octenoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A method of curing tobacco. The method comprises the steps of contacting a tobacco material with a curing additive comprising one or more salts and curing the tobacco material under conditions and temperature for a time sufficient to produce cured tobacco wherein the amount of the one or more salts contacted with the tobacco is at least 5 percent of the dry weight of the cured tobacco.

Abstract: A method for providing an encapsulated flavorant or chemesthetic agent in a smoking article includes forming an emulsion including: (i) a first aqueous solution, comprising one or more cross-linkable polysaccharides; and (ii) a hydrophobic additive comprising one or more flavorants or chemesthetic agents. The method also includes extruding the emulsion into a second aqueous solution in the form of an elongated structure, cross-linking at least a portion of the one or more cross-linkable polysaccharides, removing the cross-linked elongated structure from the second aqueous solution, introducing the cross-linked elongated structure into a filter, or into a rod including a smoking composition, or both; and forming the filter or the rod of the smoking composition into a smoking article. The method can include a drying step.

Abstract: An insertable filter unit for insertion into a smoking article filter having a recess, wherein the insertable filter unit comprises an outer casing defining a cavity for storing a smoke modifying agent, and wherein the insertable filter unit is arranged to be inserted into the recess of the smoking article filter by a user.

Abstract: There is provided a portable extinguisher for extinguishing a single smoking article at a time. The extinguisher includes an outer vessel, an inner sleeve, an opening, and a lid. The opening is sized to receive a single smoking article into the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve is within the outer vessel and is at least partially separated from the outer vessel. The inner sleeve includes at least one aperture allowing fluid communication between the inner sleeve and the outer vessel. The lid is for closing the extinguisher. When the lid is closed, escape of fluid from the extinguisher is prevented.

Abstract: A simulated smoking device (1) comprising a simulated cigarette having a substantially cylindrical cigarette-like shape and a refill device (2, 50) having a substantially cuboid housing with a cigarette pack-like shape containing refill gas (32, 59) for the simulated cigarette and having means for selectively retaining the simulated cigarette. The simulated cigarette may be retained wholly within the housing. It may be retained at a location different from the refill location. A dose counter may be provided to give a visual indication of the doses in the refill device.

Abstract: There is provided a smoking article having a mouth end and a distal end, the smoking article including a combustible carbonaceous heat source; an aerosol-forming substrate; at least one air inlet downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate; an airflow pathway extending between the at least one air inlet and the mouth end of the smoking article; and an airflow directing element downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. The airflow directing element defines a first portion of the airflow pathway extending from the at least one air inlet towards the aerosol-forming substrate and a second portion of the airflow pathway extending downstream from the first portion towards the mouth end of the smoking article. The airflow directing element includes an aerosol-modifying agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device including a housing formed of one body or a plurality of bodies; one or more primary function elements, said primary function elements being configured for aerosol delivery; and at least one secondary function element that is not configured for aerosol delivery. The secondary function element can be selected from the group consisting of an accessory housing, an accessory rail, a clip, a writing instrument, an ink reservoir, a stylus, a bottle opener, a cutting instrument, a nail file, a screw driver, a chewable appendage, and combinations thereof. The secondary function element can be removably, permanently or retractably associated with an aerosol delivery device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device, an input for such devices, and methods of preparing such devices. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of forming an aerosol delivery device, which can comprise providing a fibrous substrate, providing a shell, wetting the fibrous substrate with a wetting liquid, and inserting the wetted fibrous substrate into the shell. After the inserting step, the shell further can comprise one or more of a heater, a liquid transport element, and an electrical connection. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an input that can comprise a liquid transport element, a heater in a heating arrangement with the liquid transport element, and a wetted fibrous substrate wrapped around at least a portion of the liquid transport element.

Abstract: An electronic smoke apparatus comprising an inhale sensor, a smoke source containing vapor-able smoke flavored substances, an electric heater for heating up the smoke flavored substances, and a power management controller to control power supply to operate the heater; wherein the power management controller is to adaptively supply operating power to the heater according to characteristics of a smoking inhaling event detected at said inhale sensor.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system is provided, including an encapsulated volatile liquid source including: a sorption element; a volatile liquid having a vapour pressure of at least about 20 Pa at 25° C. sorbed on the sorption element; and a sealant having a melting point of between about 40° C. and about 120° C. encapsulating the sorption element. The volatile liquid comprises a 2-oxo acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smoke-free cigarette with a thermal unit for the autarkical generation of heat and a nicotine reservoir in which nicotine or a nicotine-containing compound is contained, wherein the thermal unit comprises a crystallizable medium which releases heat during its crystallization.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette or vaporizer may include a cartomizer having an outer cartomizer shell defining an internal cavity and a heating chamber. The internal cavity may be dimensioned to receive a removable fluid container housing a vaporizable fluid. The heating chamber may be capable of receiving the vaporizable fluid from the fluid container. The cartomizer may also include a heating element and a mouthpiece. An airflow channel may be in fluid communication with the heating chamber and the mouthpiece. Cartomizer electrical contacts may be provided on the cartomizer. Cartomizer electrical circuitry may be provided to direct an electric current between the cartomizer electrical contacts and the heating element. The vaporizer may also include a battery segment removably connectable to the cartomizer.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette having a liquid container which is detachable by pressing and rotating is provided according to the present application. The electronic cigarette includes a suction end, a liquid container, an atomizer assembly, and a battery rod assembly. An accommodating groove is provided in the atomizer assembly. A space is provided between a movable member and the accommodating groove, thus the liquid container is rotatable freely with respect to the atomizer assembly. A first engaging portion is provided in the accommodating groove. A second engaging portion is provided on the surface of the movable member. When the first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion, the free rotation of the movable member with respect to the atomizer assembly is prevented, thus the liquid container may be rotated with respect to the movable member to be removed from the atomizer assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping a collar is provided. The collar shaping device includes a U-shaped, semi-rigid element having a first end and a second end adapted for surrounding a shirt collar. The semi-rigid element is coextensive with the shirt collar and includes a gap between the first end and the second end. The first end and the second end curve inwardly and downwardly to match the contours of a shirt collar. A middle portion of the semi-rigid element is integrally formed between the first end and the second end and is adapted to rest against the back of a user's neck. The collar shaping device is fitted in the cavity under a shirt collar and supports and reshapes a shirt collar.

Abstract: Next-to-skin garments for men include an internal stretch panel. An opening in the stretch panel receives a wearer's external genitalia. A three-dimensional pouch is defined between the stretch panel and a front portion of the body of the garment. Embodiments provide garments such as undershorts, boarding shorts, and athletic shorts.

Abstract: An interchangeable brassiere device for wearing under various garments, such as backless and sleeveless shirts and dresses. The interchangeable brassiere device includes a pair of brassiere cups so as to be positioned on and provide support to a user's chest. The device further includes a plurality of interchangeable side panels that are removably secured to the ends of the brassiere cups that allow the brassiere cups to be removably secured to a user's chest. A first pair of interchangeable side panels extend from the ends of the brassiere cups, wherein the side panels include an adhesive so as to adhere to a user's skin. An alternative pair of side panels can interchange with the first pair of side panels, wherein the first ends of each alternative side panel are removably secured to the brassiere cups and the opposing ends of the side panels are removably secured to each other.

Abstract: A seat pad (1) for cycling trousers comprises a front portion (11) adapted to be arranged in a crotch area of a cyclist, and a back portion (12) adapted to be arranged in a perineal area of the cyclist. The front portion (11) and the back portion (12) are joined by one or multiple seams (15) which are running sideways of a longitudinal center line (19) of the seat pad between opposing peripheral areas (17, 18) of the seat pad, wherein the seat pad takes a three-dimensional concave shape in the joining region (14) of the front portion (11) and back portion (12). The three-dimensional concave shape is formed in that opposing seam joining lines (161,162) of the front portion (11) and the back portion (12) are joined along the one or multiple seams (15) thereby closing a respective tapered gap (13) between the front portion and back portion on each side of the longitudinal center line (19).

Abstract: A one piece, self-supporting total body covering for protection against insects to be used by campers, hikers, fisherman, hunters or by professionals who work in the outdoors such as scientists and photographers. The garment will be mostly made of a see-through material impervious to insects. What is new and different about this garment is that it will create and area inside the netting large enough to eat, read, etc, and keep the user protected from insects and comfortable for long periods of time. It will be easy to deploy, wear, remove and transport.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating garment includes a clothing main body that has a front portion, a rear portion, and a pair of side portions. The clothing main body is formed with at least two first channels respectively at the front and rear portions, two second channels respectively at the side portions, and a third channel connected to upper ends respectively of the first and second channels and in spatial communication therewith. Two first airflow guides are disposed respectively in the first channels. Two second airflow guides are disposed respectively in the second channels. Two fans correspond respectively to lower openings of the second airflow guides for producing airflow.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a protective garment and a method of manufacturing such garments are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the protective garment can include an elastic lumbar panel attached to a rear portion of a body of the protective garment in a waist region, left and right shoulder elastic straps each including a first end attached to a front portion of the body and a second end attached to the rear portion, a left side elastic waist strap attached to the front portion and extending around a left side of the garment where it is attached to the rear portion, and a right side elastic waist strap attached to the front portion and extending around a right side of the garment where it is attached to the rear portion.

Abstract: A removable skin protection apparatus to provide a layer of protection between a caregiver's arm and a baby's head. A removable skin protection apparatus 1 is worn on the arm of a caregiver. The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the issues of contact dermatitis to an infant's sensitive head, through skin to skin contact with caregiver and or clothes worn by caregiver. It can be easily fastened to user's bare arm or arm while clothed with a long sleeve or jacket, from the bicep down, across the crook of the arm to the forearm acting as a barrier between the baby's head and the caregiver's arm while the baby is being held.

Abstract: A garment for health care use is disclosed. The garment comprises at least one rear panel, at least two front panels and a plurality of releasable seams, positioned along peripheral regions of said at least one rear panel and said at least two front panels for releasably connecting said at least two front panels to said at least one rear panel. Each of the at least two front panels is permanently connected to the at least one rear panel at least one position. At least a portion of one the front panels overlaps the other. The rear and front panels each comprise a plurality of flaps or regions which can be folded over when in use as worn by a wearer, to expose different areas of said wearer's body.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a gripping glove with a gripping aid to increase the grip span of a user. In some implementations, the gripping aid may be composed of a crush resistant, flexible material and further include a crest or fulcrum to increase the speed, strength and/or torque of each swing of a tool (e.g., a baseball bat, sledge hammer, or the like). In some implementations, the gripping aid may also provide a reduction in vibrations and superficial hand traumas normally caused when the tool strikes an object.

Abstract: Multi-ply apparel neckpieces may feature sewn edges that provide increased flexibility of the apparel neckpiece in high stress areas, such as the knotting area and/or the neck area. Specifically, apparel neckpieces that feature edges sewn along a woven fabric's warp and weft are described. In at least one embodiment, an attaching thread may sew together two or more pieces of fabric, where at least one of the pieces of fabric is a woven fabric. The attaching thread may penetrate the fabric with a plurality of incision points, each pair of adjacent incision points connected by an interpoint portion of the attaching thread. The two or more pieces of fabric may be attached such that the pieces of fabric and the attaching thread are substantively at the same tension at rest.

Abstract: An add-on pocket flap assembly is described that can be selectively and removably placed in the rear pocket of a pair of jeans (or other pants) to give the pants a designer look without the expense associated with purchasing designer jeans. As can be appreciated, the illustrated product is typically sold and used in pairs. The flaps are typically embroidered and/or adorned in a manner that is typical on the permanent flaps of designer jeans.

Abstract: A long acting, combination lap, body and hand warmer that includes a relatively large, insulating shell body with a closeable wide top opening and a longitudinally aligned internal pocket in which a microwaveable heating pad is disposed therein. The shell body includes a rear panel, and a front panel that from the internal pocket with a closed bottom, two closed side edges, and a top opening. Disposed over the front and rear panels are insulating layers that reduce prevent heat lost and also prevent excessive heat transfer that may burn the user if the heating pad were placed in direct contact with the user's skin. Formed on the front surface of the shell body is a sleeve cover attached along its top and bottom edges to the shell body. The two lateral edges of the sleeve cover are detached forming two side openings to a pouch configured to receive the user's two hands.

Abstract: Pants or shorts include a waist portion; first and second legs extending from the waist portion, the first and second legs defining a crotch region between the first and second legs; and a vented crotch gusset extending across the crotch region from the first leg to the second leg. Also discussed are pants including a waist portion; first and second legs extending from the waist portion, the first and second legs defining first and second knee regions, respectively; and a knee vent in each of the first and second knee regions.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a hair extension to a recipient's hair. The method comprises defining an anchoring structure for receiving attachment of the hair extension; positioning the hair extension adjacent to the anchoring structure; employing a hair extension attachment apparatus to attach the hair extension to the anchoring structure; wherein the employment includes manipulating a user manipulable hand member of the apparatus to position a shield mechanism between the recipient's scalp and the fastener as the fastener is being crimped; and to crimp a fastener to attach the hair extension to the anchoring structure. An apparatus is provided for attaching a hair extension to the recipient's hair. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for crimping a fastener to attach the hair extension; and a shield mechanism for preventing the fastener from contacting the recipient's scalp as the fastener is being crimped.

Abstract: A process of making a female G-string that minimizes the chances of passing a sexually transmitted disease amongst partners. The G-string is made of a flavored latex material that is transparent and disposable.

Abstract: A protective headgear having multiple functional layers or functional cells. The protective headgear may have various layers or cells to prevent penetration, absorb energy, and provide chemically-activated cooling in response to an impact. The protective headgear may also have a separate outer shell. The protective headgear may further have sensors for detecting impact levels to the headgear. The sensors may be operatively connected to actuating devices within the headgear for actuating the chemically-activated cooling in response to an impact. The sensor may also be operatively connected to a wireless transmitter device for conveying impact data to a remote monitoring device.

Abstract: A visor assembly for an aviation helmet includes a lens, lens/strap anti-tear interface assemblies, retainer plates, and attachment strap assemblies. A friction strip mounted on the brim of the helmet operates to increase the friction between the visor lens and the helmet. The combined function of the friction strip and the configuration of the strap assemblies operate to maintain the visor in a deployed (as-worn) positioned in front of the wearer's face, even during high speed wind blasts of up to 600 KEAS (Knots Equivalent Air Speed).

Abstract: A helmet for sporting activities. The helmet includes an outer shell and a lower portion, the outer shell designed to be positioned on a skull, the outer shell including an upper portion to cover at least the crown portion of the skull, the material forming the upper portion having mechanical properties suitable for the upper portion to satisfy a certification standard defined for the intended use of the helmet. The lower portion is affixed to the upper portion so as to form a single unitary element, the lower portion extending continuously so as to at least partially cover the lateral portions and rear portion of the skull, the lower portion being made of a material having a different modulus of elasticity than that of the material forming the upper portion.

Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.

Abstract: One or more tuning elements may be associated with a receiver, such as a pocket or other channel, disposed on an item of footwear, such as a snowboarding boot. The receiver adjustably receives the tuning element. The adjustable arrangement of the tuning element and receiver allows the intended user of the item of footwear to tune the item for performance, comfort, cosmetic, or other characteristics. In certain embodiments, the tuning elements are removably associated with a boot to allow for flex control.

Abstract: The invention is directed to transmitting ground surface information to a foot sole of a shoe wearer accurately. Sole structure 1 includes a sole body 2 having a sole bottom surface 20 on a ground surface side and a sole top surface 21 on the opposite side thereof, a plurality of first protrusions 3 formed of elastic member and disposed on the sole bottom surface 20, and a plurality of second protrusions 4 formed of elastic member, disposed on the sole top surface 21 and located at positions corresponding respectively to positions of the first protrusions 3. A sectional shape of the first protrusion 3 is formed so that it gradually becomes smaller as it leaves the sole bottom surface 20. A distal end portion of the first protrusion 3 is formed of an arcuate shaped surface that protrudes downwardly. A sectional shape of the second protrusion 4 is formed so that it gradually becomes smaller as it leaves the sole top surface 21.

Abstract: A foot support structure for an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device may include a first foot support portion disposed in a first orientation and a second foot support portion disposed in a second orientation different than the first orientation. A twist portion may extend continuously from the first foot support portion to the second foot support portion and twist from the first orientation to the second orientation A common face of the foot support member may extend over at least part of the first foot support portion, at least part of the second foot support portion and the twist portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are a shoe sole and a manufacturing method for the same are disclosed. In order to enhance flexibility and smoothness of a shoe sole, there are provided a mid sole 10 that is disposed beneath an upper layer 12 of a shoe; one or multiple protrusions 20 that protrudes in a downward direction from a lower surface 11 of the midsole; an outsole 30 that includes an upper surface 31 attached to a lower surface 11 of the midsole and includes one or multiple holes 32 that is disposed in an inner side, the protrusion passing through the outsole piece 40; and one or multiple outsole pieces 40 that are attached to beneath each protrusion. With the above configuration, it is possible to effectively absorb the impact due to prompt deformation of the sole when a user walks along an uneven, protruded ground.

Abstract: A footwear assembly structured to require adjustments to the foot and/or leg of a wearer in order to maintain stability while standing, walking, etc. The footwear assembly includes an upper, an outer sole and an inner sole. The outer sole includes a hollow interior substantially filled by a resistive, deformable material. Foot pressure applied to the outer sole will result in a movement of the plurality of particles, wherein the resiliency of the shell will allow it to assume a variety of different configurations dependent at least in part on the portion of the outer sole to which the foot pressure is applied. The resiliency of the shell will further facilitate a normal biasing thereof and the particles contained therein into a normal, non-compressed orientation.

Abstract: An improved running shoe is disclosed that dissipates the impact forces of the heel step by utilizing a pressurized inner bladder designed for bi-directional collapse. The shoe comprises a rear portion for accommodating a heel, a forward portion for accommodating toes, a shoe sole; and a compressible bladder. The compressible bladder is preferably contained within said shoe sole and partially inflated. The inner bladder has a heel portion extending proximate to an outside end of the rear portion of the shoe but tapered inward at the impact point and a toe portion extending proximate to an outside end of the forward portion of the shoe. The inner bladder collapses at the heel upon the initial heel step, significantly reducing the heel step impact forces. The heel step section of the inner sole is then re-pressurized utilizing the natural forward motion of the toe step. Preferred embodiments of the shoe include accordion pleats around the heel and a rounded heel to further dissipate impact forces.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole attached to the upper, and an impact absorber attached to the upper at least along a midfoot region of the upper and capable of absorbing a portion of a lateral impact when the impact absorber is moved into contact with a top surface of the sole. The impact absorber is be integrally formed with the sole and has a width that varies along a length of the impact absorber. The width of the impact absorber decreases in a forefoot region and a heel region. The upper rolls to contact the top surface of the sole upon lateral impact. The sole and the upper may be attached asymmetrically.

Abstract: An article of footwear (1) comprising a first casing (21), the first casing (21) extending lengthwise from a rear end (24) to a front end (25), widthwise between a lateral edge (26) and a medial edge (27), and heightwise from a base (28) to an upper end (29), the first casing (21) comprising yarns (44, 45, 46, 47, 48) linked to one another mechanically, at least a portion of the yarns comprising at least one hot-melt filament. The yarns (44, 45, 46, 47, 48) comprising at least one hot-melt filament are distributed over the entire first casing (21), and the shape of the first casing (21) is set by melting the yarns comprising at least one hot-melt filament.

Abstract: A device for attachment to footwear to make sound when an individual completes a proper marching step is provided. The device includes a toe strike plate disposed a toe step surface and a heel strike plate disposed a heel step surface. The strike plates produce an identifiable sound when they contact the ground during a marching step. The produced sound is used to improve marching technique and to synchronize marching steps. Methods of training and learning how to march in a group using the device are also provided.

Abstract: A retention system for footwear can include opposed closure elements and a tensioner configured to urge the opposed closure elements toward each other in response to a tensile force applied to the tensioner. Opposed first and second anchors can be spaced from the tensioner. A retainer can have opposed first and second retainer couplers. The first retainer coupler can operatively engage the first anchor and the second retainer coupler can operatively engage the second anchor such that a tensile load applied to one or both of the first and second retainer couplers urges the retainer toward one or both of the first and second anchors. Each of the retainer couplers can be operatively engaged with the tensioner such that a tensile load applied to the tensioner urges the first retainer coupler and the second retainer coupler into tension and thereby urges the retainer toward one or both of the anchors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wire clamping device that has a simple configuration and is operated in a simple manner so as to improve convenience of use and product productivity and durability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catching element of a male-female or male-male self-gripping device, which comprises a rod portion (1) and a catching portion (2), the rod portion extending in an axis that is transverse to a base strip (B) and the catching portion projecting laterally from the rod portion, characterised in that at least the catching portion is made of a thermoplastic material having a bending modulus of more than 1000 MPa, specifically more than 1200 MPa, in particular more than 1500 MPa at 25° C., the catching element being produced by moulding, specifically by injection moulding, and when the thermogram is plotted for the hook, in other words when differential scanning calorimetry is carried out, an absence or almost-absence of relaxation enthalpy near the glass transition can be seen during the first rise in temperature.

Abstract: There is provided a slider for slide fastener. A pull tab holder body includes flanges extending in a width direction and a longitudinal direction. A slider body includes slide groove portions formed in a front end portion of an upper blade to receive the flanges. One of the pull tab holder body and the slider body has a protrusion portion protruding toward the other. The other of the pull tab holder body and the slider body has a recess portion. The flanges are inserted into the slide groove portions and upper surface portions of the upper blade located above the slide groove portions are crimped toward the flanges, so that the protrusion portion is engaged with the recess portion and the pull tab holder body is fixed to the slider body.

Abstract: A zipper of the disclosure includes a pair of opposite tapes. A plurality of teeth are positioned at a bonding area of each tape. Each of the plurality of teeth 100 defines a positioning groove, and includes a post located in the positioning groove. A portion of the bonding area of the tape corresponding to each tooth defines at least one positioning hole. The post of each tooth passes through a corresponding positioning hole to fix the tooth on the tape firmly.

Abstract: A fabric article includes a fabric having a first edge, a polymer coating extending along the first edge, and a locking feature integrally formed with the polymer coating that interconnects with a second edge of the fabric.

Abstract: A decorative device having a first decorative member and a second decorative member. The first decorative member has a bore extending from the top end to the bottom end and a magnet disposed within the first member adjacent the bottom end. The second decorative member has a magnet disposed within adjacent the top end. The magnets are of sufficient strength that when the decorative members are placed on opposite sides of a surface the magnets attract one another and hold the decorative members in place creating the illusion that the device passes through the surface.