Abstract: There is described herein a method of reducing the amount of at least matrix-bound NNK in tobacco material comprising the steps of: (a) providing tobacco material comprising at least matrix-bound NNK; (b) optionally measuring the level of at least matrix-bound NNK in the tobacco material; (c) heating the tobacco material for at least about 30 seconds to a temperature of greater than about 110 degrees Celsius in the presence of a liquid or steam to release at least a portion of the matrix-bound NNK from the insoluble tobacco matrix of the tobacco material; (d) optionally measuring the level of at least matrix-bound NNK in the tobacco material following step (c); (e) optionally comparing the levels of matrix-bound NNK obtained in steps (b) and (d); and (f) identifying tobacco material in which at least matrix-bound NNK has been removed from the tobacco material.

Abstract: A smoking article provides one or more sheets of material that can be rolled and packaged, at least one sheet including cellulose. In one embodiment, cellulose and tobacco sheet material are separately rolled layers that can optionally be wrapped around a form casing (or pre-rolled inside) and then packaged. In another embodiment, the sheet is a laminated sheet of tobacco and cellulose layers that can be optionally wrapped around (or pre-rolled inside) a form casing. These sheets can be filled with custom tobacco to make one or more new cigars for an end user. In another embodiment, a complete cigar filled with tobacco material can be disassembled by an end user to produce tobacco and cellulose sheets, enabling the end user to form two new cigars using his or her own custom tobacco.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for grinding and depositing ground material, the apparatus comprising a grinder configured to grind material and a chamber communicatively connected to the grinder, the chamber configured to receive the ground material. In use, the material is ground in the grinder then deposited in the chamber. In one embodiment, the chamber is configured to receive at least one pre-formed tube wherein, in use, the material is deposited in the at least one pre-formed tube in the chamber.

Abstract: A cigarette is provided with the tobacco column portion adjacent the filter assembly encased by a heat shrink material whereby as the burn approaches the butt the heat shrink material begins to contract radially and compress the encased tobacco column restricting the air flow therethrough. This reduces the diameter of burning column adjacent the filter assembly and thus extinguishes or at least confines the remaining tobacco in the cigarette.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a system and method to enable a person wishing to quit smoking to carry with him a smoking cessation device that will assist the user in behavior modification, and in particular curbing and dealing with nicotine cravings. The current invention makes use of widely available and familiar infrastructure of hand held devices such as cellular phones and cellular networks. Other mobile devices having digital displays may also be used such as mobile touchscreens (i.e. Ipad, Kindle, etc.) digital music players such as the iPod and other similar devices. Smoking cessation and craving reduction are achieved through coordinated messaging reinforcement coupled with craving reduction training including controlled deep breathing exercises prompted by the device.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system is provided, including an aerosol-generating device in cooperation with an aerosol-generating article. The article includes a first sealed compartment having a tubular porous element and a delivery enhancing compound sorbed thereon; and a second compartment having a volatile liquid. The device includes an outer housing adapted to receive the article; an elongate piercing member for piercing the first and second compartments. The elongate piercing member includes a piercing portion adjacent a distal end of the elongate piercing member; a shaft portion; and an obstructing portion adjacent a proximal end of the elongate piercing member. The piercing portion has a maximum diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft portion, and the obstructing portion has an outer diameter such that it fits within the tubular porous element of the article when the article is received in the device. A corresponding aerosol-generating device and aerosol-generating article are also provided.

Abstract: A vapor safety ring for a mechanical mod having a battery, atomizer and push button. The vapor safety ring includes a battery electrical conductor and an atomizer electrical conductor. LEDS are connected to the vapor safety ring and are electrically positioned between the battery electrical conductor and the atomizer electrical conductor. A microprocessor is electrically positioned between the battery electrical conductor and the atomizer electrical conductor and is programmed to control power flow to the LEDS and to the atomizer. Power is provided to the microprocessor and a mechanical mod electrical circuit is completed when the mechanical mod push button is pushed and the mechanical mod battery makes contact with the battery electrical conductor. In a preferred embodiment, the microprocessor is programmed to stop power flow to the atomizer if the push button has been held down for a time limit exceeding a preset value. In a preferred embodiment the preset value is 8 seconds.

Abstract: The invention is generally an electrical heating device for water pipes, and more specifically, a device for enabling a water pipe with electrical heating, which ignites or vaporizes aromatic substances via an electric-powered heating element. In exemplary embodiments, the device includes a housing that keeps the device's circuitry in thermal isolation from the heating element. The housing of the device may include openings to allow proper airflow and may be adapted for secure placement on top of the bowl of a water pipe. The device is placed on top of a bowl containing an aromatic substance, and a heating element is thereby placed in close proximity or in contact with the aromatic substance. Upon generating a heat output, the aromatic substance may be either vaporized or ignited for inhalation. Users may simply turn the device on and enjoy their experience.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article (100) and a method of preventing unauthorized use of an electronic smoking article (100) are disclosed. The smoking article includes a power supply (120) operable to apply voltage to a heater (144) for heating a liquid; a lock-out feature configured to prevent unauthorized use of the smoking article (100), which disables the power supply to the heater (144) until the lock-out feature is unlocked by an authorized user; a mixing chamber (170) downstream of the heater (144); and at least one air inlet (160) operable to deliver air drawn into the mixing chamber (170), the air being mixed with the volatilized liquid material in the mixing chamber (170) to form an aerosol.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette provided in the embodiments of the present application includes an electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette body is provided with a smoking end, an atomizer assembly for atomizing a cigarette liquid, and a battery assembly for supplying power to the atomizer assembly. The electronic cigarette body is further provided with a detection module, a microprocessor and a wireless signal transmission module. The detection module is configured to detect a rotation angle and an acceleration of the electronic cigarette body at a certain interval, the microprocessor is configured to calculate a motion trail of the electronic cigarette body according to a detection result of the detection module and transmit a calculation result to the wireless signal transmission module, and the wireless signal transmission module is configured to transmit the calculation result to a preset device bound with the electronic cigarette body.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizer includes a main body, a liquid supply, a piercing element, and an atomizing assembly. The liquid supply is configured for storing tobacco liquid. The liquid supply is received in the main body. The liquid supply includes an end wall having a fixing part, a sealing part, and a recessed part. The recessed part connects the fixing part and the sealing part. The piercing element is spatially corresponding to the recessed part. The piercing part is configured for pricking the recessed part in response to an external force, so that the tobacco liquid in the liquid supply flows out, and the atomizing assembly absorbs the tobacco liquid flowed out for vaporization.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizing core includes a cylindrical main body and an atomizing rod. The cylindrical main body has a central axis. The cylindrical main body extends from the main body along the central axis. The main body and the atomizing rod are both made of porous bodies. The main body defines a through hole along the central axis.

Abstract: A clothing includes a main portion, two sleeves, and two packets. The pockets are provided on the main portion substantially is right under the sleeves. Each pocket has an opening, and a perimeter of the opening is greater than that of a distal end of the sleeve. As a result, a wearer would be easy to put his/her hands into the pockets, and the pockets still are seen to be narrower than the distal ends of the sleeves in the front view.

Abstract: The present invention provides shirts, such as shirts that are worn as work uniform shirts, which are configured to provide significant improvements in a wearer's comfort, performance, and mobility over a predefined range of motions. Embodiments of the shirts comprise one or more stretch panels that are configured to provide for stretching of the shirt at an identified micro site in order to provide a wearer with enhanced mobility. In other embodiments, the manner in which the various portions of the shirt are shaped and connected together, and specifically the connection between the sleeve and the rear panel of the shirt, may be adjusted in order to provide a wearer with enhanced mobility.

Abstract: Provided is an underpant for a female wearer that enhances the modesty of a female wearer when the underpant is worn under tight-fitting carments

Abstract: An outer sock is disclosed, the outer sock covering a lower portion of a wearer's foot under his or her ankle, including: an upper edge section defining entrance portions for putting the wearer's foot, such as a rear portion, parts of lateral portions adjacent to the rear portion, a front portion, and remaining parts of the lateral portions; a toe portion; a boundary portion between the front portion and the toe portion; a sole portion; instep portions; a heel portion; a first knitted pattern formed at the rear portion, and the parts of the lateral portions; a second knitted pattern formed at the front portion; a third knitted pattern formed at the remaining parts of the lateral portions; a fourth knitted pattern formed at the boundary portion; a fifth knitted pattern formed at the toe portion, the sole portion, the instep portions, and the heel portion.

Abstract: A slipper sock is formed from an outer pouch and an inner pouch shaped to receive and encapsulate a person's foot. A border around an opening in the inner pouch is placed over a border around an opening in the outer pouch. The inner pouch and outer pouch are affixed together at the interface of the overlapping borders surrounding the openings of the pouches. The inner pouch which can be made of pile material is then inserted through the opening of and into the outer pouch and spread to conform to the shape of the outer pouch. The border of the inner pouch can form a collar surrounding the opening of the outer pouch.

Abstract: A brassiere includes a first wing and a second wing, a closure including a first closure portion on a first end of the first wing, and a second closure portion on a first end of the second wing; a pair of cups including a first cup connected to the second end of the first wing, and a second cup connected to the second end of the second wing; each cup including an inner contour shaped with a first volume, and an outer contour having a cup and diameter size larger than the inner contour, and filling material between the inner contour and the outer contour a gore connected between the first cup and the second cup; and a pair of straps including a first strap connected to the first cup and the first wing, and a second strap connected to the second cup and the second wing.

Abstract: A garment for a nursing woman includes at least partially overlapping layers of material. The layers extend between lateral sides of the garment. Some edges of the layers may be attached to edges of other layers or components, while at least one edge of each layer is a free edge. Free edges at least partially define nooks into which the funnels of breast pumps may be received. The free edges of the garment provide multi-directional support to the funnels to enable hands-free pumping. In some embodiments, medial edges of components of the garment cross one another and extend to contribute to the support of the funnels during use of the garment.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a buttock lifting trouser for male users made in denim fabric that is comfortable for male users. The trouser of the invention is made of fabrics containing spandex fibers to gather the tissues of the thighs and buttocks in order to house them in a cavity made by the cuts featured in this invention. The insertion of an anterior/posterior oblique panel accomplishes the function of protecting, ventilating and preventing pressure on the genital area. Cuts made in the rear pieces when assembled create the cavity sufficient to accommodate the buttocks and retain them. As a whole, it prevents the seams and cuts from causing harm or insult to the skin.

Abstract: A garment assembly for replacing a blouse or shirt such that a user does not get overheated while wearing a jacket includes a panel that may be positioned on a front side of the user's torso. A back side of the user's torso is exposed. A pair of upper straps is each coupled to the panel. Each of the upper straps engages the user's brasserie. The panel is retained on the user's torso. A pair of lower straps is coupled to the panel. Each of the lower straps is wrapped around the user.

Abstract: Described herein are garments comprising systems or mechanisms for allowing cape-breakaway. The garments can comprise a body portion with a flexible band attached thereto. The flexible band has two unconnected ends that form an aperture. The aperture expands with sufficient force is applied to the body portion causing the band to slip from the wearer's neck. Such garments and features promote cape-breakaway to prevent choking, strangulation, or entrapment by a cape.

Abstract: A generally planar, conformable evaporative structure, particularly for incorporation in a garment or an item of personal protective equipment as part of a system to cool the wearer's body, includes an envelope of substantially impermeable, flexible material containing: a layer of flexible wick material disposed adjacent to a major face of the envelope and adapted to hold a working fluid in liquid phase for evaporation by heat conducted through the envelope; a layer of flexible, breathable fabric in parallel with the layer of wick material; and an array of flexible ribs such as open helical coils within the layer of breathable fabric adapted to maintain pathways for the flow of working fluid in vapour phase towards a condensation zone.

Abstract: An article for protecting part of a user's body and a method of fabricating the same. The article may be a glove for protecting a user's hand from heat or a knee or elbow pad for protecting a knee or elbow from impact. The article includes a base having interior and exterior surfaces. One or more three-dimensional protective pads are applied to a part of the exterior surface of the base. In a glove, at least some of the one or more pads are provided on a gripping surface of the glove. The pads are fabricated from silicone or neoprene or Kevlar® and may include additional materials that improve the abrasion resistance of the pad such as fiberglass mesh. Protective layers of material, such as layers of silicone, may be applied between the base and the pads, or over the surface of the base and the protective pads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a body armor system designed to maximize protection, optimize mobility and reduce fatigue. More particularly, the system consists of a set of external, highly ergonomic hard armor plates in both ballistic and non-ballistic (riot) configurations, some of which utilize articulating, and/or interleaving segments, in combination with ballistic fabrics and or highly contoured pressed foam padding and harness systems that is flexible and lighter but still provides maximum protection. According to a preferred embodiment, an articulating plate assembly is formed by using plate segments that have at least two (2) step variation in the thickness of each plate along the adjoining seam line between each plate segment so as to facilitate an interleaving, articulating plate system that aids in defeating projectiles that may strike along the seam of adjoining plate segments.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable powder skirt coupling system including a lower body garment, a skirt member, a plurality of garment couplers, and a plurality of skirt couplers. The garment couplers include a male post positioned circumferentially around the external surface waist region of the lower body garment within partially enclosed flap regions. The skirt couplers include a claw member positioned circumferentially around the bottom internal surface edge of the skirt member. The claw members are oriented away from the bottom edge. The claw members are configured to fit within the partially enclosed flap regions and releasably couple with the male post of one of the garment couplers.

Abstract: A mask structure includes a mask body having at least one edge side; at least one subsidiary part connecting with and corresponding to the edge side, wherein an angle is formed between the subsidiary part and the mask body; and a band set fixing at the two sides of the mask body.

Abstract: A face mask includes a covering member configured to cover facial features of a face of a user, the covering member including an air-permeable filter member; and a facial image provided on an outward facing surface of the covering member, the facial image being generated based on an image of the user and representing covered facial features of the user. The face mask further includes a fastening member configured to secure the covering member over the face of the user.

Abstract: A running shirt with quick release sleeves. The shirt comprises a torso portion, a pair of quick release removable sleeves, and a pair of quick release zippers, one at each sleeve.

Abstract: An improved beach towel that can be converted to a swimsuit cover-up by simply wrapping the towel long ways around a wearer's body and buttoning the attached two buttons into the buttonholes that are along one length of the towel. In some embodiments, the inventive beach towel has two buttons attached to a face of the beach towel toward a corner of one end of the towel, and also has a series of evenly spaced buttonholes along the same length of the towel at the other end. The spacing between the two buttons matches a spacing of the buttonholes. This allows the wearer of the beach towel/cover up to wrap the towel around their hips, waist, or chest, and secure the buttons into appropriate buttonholes so that the cover up fits the wearer. The cover up can be easily adjusted for different sizes simply by choosing other buttonholes in the series of button holes.

Abstract: A fitness support and storage accessory has a glove and a sleeve for supporting a user's hand and forearm, respectively, while working out and a plurality of storage compartments for securing everyday items. The glove has a sleeve connector, while the sleeve has a glove connector; the sleeve connector and the glove connector allowing the glove to be removably attached to the sleeve. The plurality of storage compartments is integrated into both the glove and the sleeve, having a card holder, a phone holder, and a pouch. The card holder is integrated into the glove, while the phone holder and the pouch are integrated into the sleeve. Each of the plurality of storage compartments has a compartment closure to secure the items positioned within. The glove has a hand portion that can be configured as a fingerless glove for weightlifting or as a boxing glove.

Abstract: The present embodiment provides a glove and a support for a glove. The support is configured to releasably retain a glove in a position which enables the glove to be donned by a user. The protective gas glove includes a shielding rubberized expandable element with a transparent and retractable plastic protection shaped to receive the fingers of a user for easy and rapid fitting of all the fingers and palm of the hand. The retractable plastic protection collapse when the hand is pulled back against holding magnets on the dorsal area of the glove.

Abstract: A glove having an inner glove formed in the shape of a human hand, a protective member secured to the inner glove; and an outer glove attached to at least one of the inner glove and the protective member, the outer glove being formed in the shape of a human hand and configured to fit over the protective member and the inner glove.

Abstract: A disposable sweatband is constructed from an absorbent material, the disposable sweatband including a pliable planar body, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a first end, and a second end. The interior surface is pressed against a user's head, with the first end being attached to the second end in order to secure the pliable planar body and thus the disposable sweatband about the user's head. The means by which the first end is attached to the second end is open-ended, with possibilities including an integrated adhesive material with removable liner, separately provided adhesive material, and separately provided paper clip. The pliable planar body has a laminated construction, being formed by four overlapping individual layers. This increases absorbency. The pliable planar body is made from paper towels, specifically, which are disposable, inexpensive, and biodegradable.

Abstract: A pocket such as for a garment for a worker, including a panel securable to an outer surface of the garment to define a pocket between the panel and the garment outer surface with a pocket opening defined along one side of the panel. First and second connectors on the panel and garment outer surface within the pocket may be connected together to retain an object in the pocket by pressing the panel against the garment, where the connection may be released both by pushing an object into the pocket, and by pulling a retained object from the pocket. A stiffened side of the second panel retains the second panel in a bowed configuration outwardly from the first panel at the pouch opening.

Abstract: This invention is an improved padding used by athletes and others to prevent or greatly reduce the instances of injury due to blows to the body. This is accomplished through the utilization of a radial expanding and contracting structure encapsulated in a foam type material.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing insulation and constructing garments from the insulation are disclosed. Methods include arranging the fibers into a plurality of bundle structures. The fibers may be synthetic fibers. The method may include receiving the bundle structures into bundle channels. The bundle channels are formed by tacks. The bundle channels enable the uniform distribution of the bundle structures prior to stitching quilting stitch lines. Multiple quilting stitch lines are stitched after the bundle structures are uniformly distributed. The quilting stitch lines are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the bundle structures. The quilting stitch lines provide lateral as well as longitudinal stabilization of the uniform density of the bundle structures. The distance between the quilting stitch lines may be based on the loft of the fibers and/or a required durability of the garment. The quilting stitch lines are generally horizontal, while the longitudinal axis of the bundle structures are vertical.

Abstract: A stabilizing belt for use by a person in need of assisted mobility or in recreation, the stabilizing belt comprising a base, a belt to secure the base to a wearer, and at least one handle attached to the base. The base may be uniquely contoured to provide support and comfort for the wearer. A harness system may be provided for added security and stability. The harness system is versatile so as to go over the shoulders or under the legs, as necessary. The belt may further comprise handle supports for reinforcement, a pad for comfort, a cover for durability, and a pocket for versatility.

Abstract: A clothing includes a main clothing section and a hood, and the main clothing section is provided with a through hole close to the hood. A first band is connected to an exterior side of the main clothing section, and a second band is connected to an interior side of the main clothing section. The first and the second bands are provided with a coupler respectively to be engaged together through the through hole to hang the clothing on a hook. The couplers of the first and the second bands also can be engaged together by going over the hood instead to fasten the hood.

Abstract: An insert to hold an article, such as keys, credit cards, money, etc. in a cap is described. The cap may be worn by a user with the insert in place in the cap. The insert includes a head side surface generally opposite of a cap side surface. A first lateral side is generally opposite of a second lateral side. An upper edge is generally opposite of a lower edge. An extension extends from the upper edge. The extension defines a holding region.

Abstract: A helmet can include a helmet body comprising an energy-absorbing layer and an outer shell disposed over the energy-absorbing layer. An electronic device can be integrated with the helmet body. A first electrical contact can be formed at an exterior of the outer shell and adapted to be in electrical communication with the electronic device. A helmet visor can be coupled to the helmet body with at least one visor arm, the helmet visor comprising controls integrated within the visor. A second electrical contact can be formed at an inner surface of the at least one visor arm and adapted to be in electrical communication with the controls integrated within the visor. The second electrical contact can be adapted to mateably couple with the first electrical contact such that the electronic device and the controls are adapted to be in electrical contact.

Abstract: There are many protective helmets out there. Some use single shells with air shocks. Some helmets even have a two shell helmet with air shocks or air pockets. One helmet design has a two shell helmet with extension spring alone the longitudinal axis that allows the outer shell to slide and the extension spring has to extend to be effective. All the helmets out there have a unique qualities. The S.A.T helmet has the ability to protect its participants head from all angles not just from a frontal impact with a sliding motion. The S.A.T compression springs being made of multiple materials, make it more effective in protecting its participants whether the spring compression force is weaker (i.e. for a 10 year old football league) or stronger spring (i.e. for professional racecar driver). The compression springs also embodies multiple compression zones that allow the said compression springs to compress at different forces of impact. The S.A.

Abstract: A shock absorption system embodying a method for reducing the impact on helmets and other shock absorbing barriers is provided. The external retro-fitting system reduces the initial, external impact on pre-existing helmets so as not to be reliant on internal fit or space consumption.

Abstract: A head protection assembly is worn on a user's head to protect against impacts to the user's head. The assembly includes a helmet for wearing on a user's head. The helmet has an inner surface positioned opposite an outer surface. The inner surface surrounds the user's head when the helmet is worn on the user's head. The helmet has a forward opening. The forward opening has a perimeter edge for positioning around a face of the user's head. A cover is positionable on the helmet such that the cover covers the outer surface of the helmet. A pad is coupled to an interior surface of the cover such that the pad abuts the outer surface of the helmet when the cover is positioned on the helmet.

Abstract: An improved design for a helmet to reduce injuries caused by helmet-to-helmet collisions. Certain embodiments include novel quick release features that permit the detachment of a facemask from a helmet in 30 seconds or less, resulting in the ability to attend to an injured player in a rapid fashion and without the need for any additional tools to accomplish such removal. Other aspects relate to impact energy absorbing constructions, including shock absorbing systems and PEEK facemask designs, that when combined with the quick release features described, provide a superior helmet for a player's protection.

Abstract: A facemask for use on a user's face includes a substantially rigid body portion having side edges on either side thereof, arms extending rearwardly from each of the side edges of the body portion, and connectors coupled to the arms. The facemask is configured to be positioned over the bottom part of a user's face in order to cover the cheeks, chin, and/or nose of the user. The connectors are coupled to the arms in order to mount each of the arms onto a mount and to hold the body portion in position on a user's face. The connectors are removable from a mount upon the application of a predetermined level of force and replaceable on a mount.

Abstract: A hat that is operable to reduce the surface temperature of the head of a wearer wherein the hat is configured to promote an airflow the wearer's head. The hat includes a body that is formed to create a cavity sufficient in size to accommodate a portion of a human head. A brim is integrally formed with the body and extends outward therefrom. A plurality of mounting members are present with a portion thereof being secured to the brim and a second portion extending inward into the cavity. The mounting members are operable to create a void intermediate the head of a user and the hat wherein the void is consistent in width from the lower edge of the body to the top area of the body proximate the crown of a head of a wearer. A mounting band is further included to secure the hat to the head.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes portions having courses aligned along different knitting directions, including a first knitting direction and a second knitting direction. The knitting direction of the courses transitions gradually from the first direction to the second direction. The knitting direction of the courses of the knitted component is configured to be aligned so as to distribute forces acting on the knitted component when the article of footwear is worn during a sport or athletic activity.

Abstract: A graphical element laminate for use in forming a skate boot, including a base layer, a first thermoplastic layer laminated on an outer side of the base layer, a second thermoplastic layer laminated on an outer side of the first thermoplastic layer, and a graphical element printed on at least one portion of at least one of the first thermoplastic layer outer side and the second thermoplastic layer inner side. At least a portion of the second thermoplastic layer is transparent and/or translucent such that when the laminate forms part of the skate boot at least a portion of the graphical element is visible through the second thermoplastic layer from an exterior of the skate boot.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to high top golf shoes. The high top golf shoes may include an upper portion that limits angle rotation in a first direction different than in a second direction. The high top golf shoes may include an upper portion that includes material which flexes when in compression and that resists stretching when a tensile force is applied. The high top golf shoes may include an upper portion having different material than a mid-portion.