Abstract: An apparatus for heating a flavored coating and mixing the heated flavored coating with an edible substrate is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame adapted to support a kettle, the kettle for containing the flavored coating and the substrate to be mixed, a first heater box operative as a heat source, and a second heater box operative as a heat source. The first heater box is removably secured to the frame to permit removal of the first heater box and substitution therefore with the second heater box.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for partially frozen beverages includes at least one bowl for storing a beverage product, with a freezing cylinder positioned in the bowl. The beverage dispenser further includes a cooling system for supplying a cooling medium to the freezing cylinder to cool the beverage product when stored in the bowl, along with a dispenser assembly for dispensing the beverage product from the bowl. The beverage dispenser includes an auger which rotates about the freezing cylinder. A driven hub is positioned on and rotates with respect to the freezing cylinder, and the driven hub engages a rear end portion of the auger. A driver hub is positioned inside of the freezing cylinder and is magnetically coupled to the driven hub, such that rotation of the driver hub causes a corresponding rotation of the driven hub, and thus, rotation of the auger.

Abstract: A machine for producing products such as ice cream, frozen beverages or granita comprises a product container which is provided with a tap for dispensing the product. A cylinder with a substantially horizontal axis, which forms the evaporator of a refrigerating circuit of the machine for cooling the product in the container, projects from a rear wall into the container. A mixer element is present around the cylinder and rotates coaxially with the axis of the cylinder by means of a motor unit connected to the mixer element by means of a drive shaft which passes along the axis of the cylinder and which is connected to the mixer element at one end of the cylinder which is opposite to the said rear wall. The motor unit is at least partially housed inside the cylinder through the said rear wall, so as to reduce the overall dimensions of the machine.

Abstract: A multi-outlet soft frozen dessert apparatus for a self-service restaurant with multiple freezers attached to the wall dividing the client area of the restaurant from the kitchen area is provided. The freezers of apparatus may include an evaporation tube comprised of an aluminum alloy micro-channel parallel flow extruded tape. The mix vats of the apparatus may include circulating water in a hydraulic system having added antifreeze to suppress a freezing temperature in the range of ?2° C. to ?5° C. to assure adequate approach temperature to cool a mix in the mix vat. The apparatus may include scrape blades mounted on a helical part of the beater-scraper that scrape a thin layer of ice crystals from an internal surface of the inner cylinder and fold the ice crystals inside the mix bulk.

Abstract: A preformed serving of a frozen confection configured to be received in a substantially hollow edible container is provided including a body of a frozen confection. A first portion of the body has a shape generally complementary to the edible container. When the body is received within the container, the first portion extends substantially below a surface of the container such that the body of the frozen confection is substantially wedged therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to concentrate, dry and formulate biomaterials such as polysaccharides, gums and related biopolymers, and microorganisms such as cells, spores, and the like from dilute solutions using spent germ and other oil bearing residues. In addition, the spent germ can serve as a carrier for such biomaterials. The sorbed materials are useful in animal feeds.

Abstract: A beet processing process including the step of washing of the beets and the step of partial pressing of the beets for the production, on the one hand, of a press cake containing more than 20% sugar relative to the dry matter content and, on the other hand, of a sugar juice at a concentration greater than 15% dry matter content. The process further includes the step of separation of the press cake and of the sugar juice.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the environmental impact of animal waste are described. In particular embodiments, the methods comprise administering to an animal an enzyme, such as alkaline phosphatase, that is effective to reduce the amount of a detrimental compound, such as ammonia or phosphorous, that is present in or released from animal waste. Also provided is a method for increasing phosphorus digestion in an animal. Compositions suitable for use in such methods are also described.

Abstract: A method of producing a frozen, microwaveable, coated food product, said method comprising the steps of: providing a portion of a solid or solidified substrate; coating the portion with an aqueous precoating liquid to form a precoated portion; applying a coating of bonding crumb to the precoated portion to form a crumb coated portion; applying a batter to the crumb coated portion to form a batter coated portion; applying a coating of coating crumb to the batter coated portion to form a breaded portion; frying the breaded portion by contacting said breaded portion for at least 100 seconds with hot oil having a temperature of at least 150° C., thereby producing a fried coated portion having a core temperature in excess of 70° C.; and freezing the fried coated portion by introducing said fried portion into a freezer; wherein the core temperature of the fried coated portion is not less than 50° C., preferably not less than 60° C.

Abstract: A frozen, microwaveable, coated food product comprising: a core of cooked edible material having a weight equal to 15-95 wt. % of the food product; a fried coating that envelops the core of edible material and has a weight equal to 5-85 wt. % of the total weight of the food product, said coating comprising at least three coating layers, including an inner crumb layer, an outer crumb layer and a batter layer that separates the inner crumb layer from the outer crumb layer; wherein both the inner crumb layer and the outer crumb layer comprise a milled farinaceous dough extrudate containing 0.05-5 wt. % of added hydrocolloid.

Abstract: A chewy and intermediate moisture bar is provided that uses a dairy-based binder generally without the need to employ gums, humectants, and sugar syrups as a binder to achieve the moist and chewy texture. In one aspect, the bar includes a dry base uniformly blended with a dairy-based binder that uses high levels of dairy proteins as the main binding component. A method of forming the chewy and intermediate moisture bar is also provided that may use a lay or delay period to allow moisture equilibration or migration from the binder to the dry base.

Abstract: This invention relates to fat containing consumable food products comprising ?-cyclodextrin. The food products have reduced levels of bioavailable fat but have substantially the same fat, cholesterol and caloric content as a like food without ?-cyclodextrin. The invention also relates to methods for reducing the bioavailability of fats in fat containing food products without reducing caloric intake as determined by bomb calorimetry and to methods for increasing high density lipoproteins in a subject and reducing or controlling weight by administering the food products of this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing Vitamin D content in mushrooms is disclosed. A mushroom slurry of comminuted or pulverized mushrooms or mushroom parts and liquid, such as water, is passed under a UV light source and subjected to one or more pulses of UV light. The slurry may be conveyed to the UV light source by a vibrating conveyor. After UV light exposure, the treated slurry may be dried and ground into a powder, or the treated slurry may be filtered and the insoluble portion may be dried and ground into a powder. The irradiated mushroom powder has a mass fraction of Vitamin D2 of at least 2500 IU/gram of powder, and more preferably at least 20,000 IU/gram of powder. Irradiated mushroom powder may be incorporated into consumable food product for humans or animals, and/or may be incorporated into topical preparations for cosmetic use.

Abstract: Provided are treats having an outer portion and an inner portion which contains a filing. The filling may include ground or diced meat and further includes additional ingredients for health benefits or palatability. The treats are highly palatable to pets and therefore very well-suited to delivery of health ingredients.

Abstract: Technology for utilizing, as a raw material for food or beverage products, malt sprouts having been removed as the cause of odd taste, despite containing nitrogen sources and various active substances in high proportion, in the production of beer or whiskey is provided by a process for producing a food or beverage product wherein a malt sprout of controlled particle size are used as a raw material. In particular, a process for producing a food or beverage from malt sprouts wherein the ratio of particles of less than 150 ?m size is 60 wt. % or less. This process for producing a food or beverage products preferably comprises the steps of immersing malt sprouts in a liquid so as to leach malt sprout components with the liquid and, after the leaching, removing the residual malt sprouts.

Abstract: Thorough spraying and draining freshly cut produce and the equipment processing it in a one-pass system that uses a dilute solution of chilled ultrapure water and chlorine dioxide or chlorine or both significantly reduces bacterial counts. Raw produce is sprayed as it is conveyed to cutting heads and as the cut pieces fall into a hopper above a conveyor. The conveyed cut produce is vibrated and tumbled while being sprayed from above. At the end of the process, the cut produce is sprayed with potable water and deposited in a dryer basket. Drainage from the equipment is collected and processed through a multi-stage water filtration system to potable quality. The near freezing water temperature, its ultra-purity, and the concentrations of biocides in the sanitizing spray are carefully established, monitored and maintained by a process controller.

Abstract: One variation of a method for dispensing toppings onto topping vehicles includes: indexing a first topping vehicle to a first position adjacent a first topping module, the first topping module comprising a first hopper containing a first topping of a first topping type; indexing a second topping vehicle to a second position adjacent a second topping module comprising a second hopper containing a second topping of a second topping type; retracting a first blade of the first topping module; advancing the first blade through the first topping; retracting a first retaining plate to dispense a topping slice from the first topping onto the first topping vehicle according to a first topping order for the first topping vehicle specifying the first topping type, the first retaining plate offset from the first blade opposite the first hopper; advancing the first retaining plate; and indexing the first topping vehicle to the second position.

Abstract: The coating composition of a low ignition propensity cigarette paper according to an exemplary embodiment includes pregelatinized starch, maltodextrin, resistant maltodextrin and ethanol.

Abstract: A filter cigarillo comprises a bunch, which includes tobacco surrounded by a binder. A first section, different from a general bunch and providing some strengthening effect, is arranged at one end of the bunch. A natural-leaf wrapper surrounds the general bunch and the first section. A second section, which comprises filter material, is arranged downstream of the first section. The second section is connected to the natural-leaf wrapper by an outer tipping.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes an outer tube extending in a longitudinal direction, an inner tube within the outer tube and including a pair of opposing slots, a liquid supply comprising a liquid material, a coil heater, a wick and a mouth end insert. The coil heater is located in the inner tube. The coil heater is formed of an iron-free, nickel-chromium alloy and has substantially uniformly spaced windings. The wick is surrounded by the coil heater such that the wick delivers liquid material to the coil heater and the coil heater heats the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol in the inner tube.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a battery assembly and an atomizer assembly within a housing with the battery assembly electrically connected to the atomizer assembly. The housing has one or more air inlets. A liquid storage component is in contact with a porous component of the atomizer assembly, with the porous component having a run-through hole. A heating wire is in an air flow path through the run-through hole.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a shell and a mouthpiece. The external wall of the shell has an air inlet. An atomizer and a liquid-supply are in contact with each other. The air inlet, atomizer, and an aerosol passage are interconnected.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a battery assembly, an atomizer assembly and a cigarette bottle assembly. An external thread electrode is located in one end of battery assembly. An internal thread electrode is located in one end of atomizer assembly. The battery assembly and the atomizer assembly are connected by the screwthread electrode. The cigarette bottle assembly is inserted into the other end of the atomizer assembly and both form a cigarette type or cigar type body.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a battery assembly, an atomizer assembly and a cigarette bottle assembly. An external thread electrode is located in one end of battery assembly. An internal thread electrode is located in one end of atomizer assembly. The battery assembly and the atomizer assembly are connected by the screwthread electrode. The cigarette bottle assembly is inserted into the other end of the atomizer assembly and both form a cigarette type or cigar type body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are abdominal-restraint garments comprising an outer garment layer and an inner abdominal-restraint layer. The inner abdominal-restraint layer can be attached to the outer garment layer. In some embodiments, a front bottom and/or back bottom of the inner abdominal-restraint layer are attached to an inner side of the outer garment layer. The front top of the inner abdominal-restraint layer can be configured to be even with the front rise of the outer garment layer or extend above the front rise of the outer garment layer. The inner abdominal-restraint layer can be configured to extend across a garment-wearer's abdominal region. In some embodiments, the abdominal-restraint garment is a pair of pants, jeans, a pair of shorts, a skirt, leggings, or tights. Also disclosed herein are methods of assembling the abdominal-restraint garments disclosed herein.

Abstract: A bra particularly suited for use during stress echocardiogram tests. The bra includes two cups for breasts, with at least one of the cups being removably securable. The bra also includes at least one retaining and/or supportive band that keeps one of the cups completely or at least partially in its normal position on a person while the other cup is not secured. In some aspects, the retaining and/or supportive band also is removably securable and/or forms at least part of one of the cups. The bra may further include at least one window in at least one of the cups for electrocardiogram leads. The bra may also include one or more strap adjusters, at least one window in at least one of the cups on the heart side for access of a sonogram or other sensor or imaging device, and one or more clasps for test leads.

Abstract: Functional pants include a pant body, two front bands, two rhombic bands and two back bands. The two rhombic bands are disposed corresponding to the wearer's gluteus medius muscles that work to extend and lift the legs during a long-distance running. The rhombic bands are adapted to enhance the extensibility and reduce fatigue of the gluteus medius muscles. The front and back bands alternatively impart a stretching force to the wearer when the wearer's legs are repeatedly kicking and lifting during running, enabling the wearer to run with less effort. Thus, the functional pants have a significant effect on reducing fatigue, and are suitable for long-distance runners.

Abstract: A knee pad assembly for work tasks requiring kneeling, including a knee pad, a method of attaching the knee pad to a user's leg, and a tool or accessory receiver attached or integrated to the knee pad. The tool or accessory receiver provides easy and convenient access to tools or accessories at the knee of the worker.

Abstract: A personal cooling assembly includes a housing. A distal edge of a perimeter wall of the housing relative to the back wall of the housing defines an opening into the housing. The housing may insertably receive an electronic device. A plurality of intakes extends through the back wall. The housing includes a plurality of ducts. The plurality of ducts each has a first end and a second end. Each of the ducts extends through the perimeter wall. The first end of each of the ducts is in fluid communication with at least one of the intakes. The second end of each of the ducts is directed outwardly from the housing. A motor is coupled to the housing. A fan is coupled to the motor. The motor rotates the fan. The fan urges air inwardly through the plurality of intakes and outwardly through the second end of the plurality of ducts.

Abstract: A glove is formed from elastomer having Mooney viscosity, ML(1+4)(100° C.) of 100-220, that contains 25-30 weight % of acrylonitrile, 62-71 weight % of butadiene and 4-8 weight % of unsaturated carboxylic acid, and does not contain sulfur crosslinking agents or vulcanization accelerators. The unsaturated carboxylic acid comprises a first fraction of substituents and a second fraction of substituents, the first fraction of substituents forming cross-links via bonds with each other, and the second fraction of substituents forming cross-links via bonds with a bivalent metal. Glove properties include thickness 0.05-0.15 mm, swelling ratio 240-320, tensile stress 22-35 MPa, elongation to break 480-620%, and tensile stress at 500% elongation 15-35 MPa. By chlorine treatment of both inner and outer surfaces of the glove, the inner surface has decreased tackiness and the outer surface has increased smoothness. Content of metal and metallic salt impurities and an anion contained in the glove is decreased.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing false eyelashes includes a supply wheel and a take-up wheel, the supply wheel comprising a tape having a plurality of pockets, where the pockets secure individual or clusters of false eyelashes until they are dispensed from a dispensing pivot. The spent tape is returned to the take-up wheel.

Abstract: A garment is provided, having a hood for covering a head while exposing a face of a hooded user through a front periphery. The hood includes a collar portion which is circumferentially extending and is capable of wrapping about a neck of a user. The collar portion includes a neck periphery, which is circumferentially extending about a portion of the collar portion and is where the hood terminates, the neck periphery being capable of laying proximate to a nape of a user's neck. The collar portion includes a first circumferential end and an opposing second circumferential end. Extending downwardly from the first end of the neck periphery is a first panel and extending downwardly from the second end of the neck periphery is a second panel. The first and second panels are long and soft enough to lay on a torso and be selectively maneuvered about a user's face.

Abstract: A safety helmet has a protective shell, an inner liner with several attachment branches, and at least a first securing clip to fit an accessory on the outer surface of the shell. Each attachment branch of the liner comprises a fixing part inserted and blocked in a slide of the shell by said first securing clip which acts both as latch to attach the liner to the shell and as female loop for clipping of a second securing clip connected to a chinstrap.

Abstract: A football helmet with shell, faceguard, padding and comfort liner system, has replaceable nose bumpers for connecting a top center of the faceguard to the shell, button and keyhole connectors connecting the liner to an inner surface of the padding and T-nut connectors for connecting the padding to an inner surface of the shell. Front portions of the comfort liner have harder foam cushions than other portions of the liner to improve impact absorption. Selected areas of the padding system contain pads with inner and outer molded thermoplastic urethane parts of different durometer, each including a sheet with plural alternating hollow protrusions. The faceguard has an upper bar with raised ends above a lower edge of the front portion of the shell that form a face opening and on either side of the nose bumper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an outsole for a shoe, the outsole including a sole plate, extending from a heel part, via a midfoot part, into a forefoot part of the outsole, at least one first reinforcing rib integrated into the sole plate, and a reinforcing plate disposed above or below the at least one first reinforcing rib. The present invention also relates to a shoe, including a shoe upper including a closure region and a sole region, and at least one reinforcing element attached to the inside of the shoe upper, arranged in a midfoot part of the shoe upper, and including a plurality of flexible bands extending between the closure region and the sole region.

Abstract: A base (1) is provided for a ski boot (2) and comprises a one-piece sole (4) defining heel and toe portions (6, 7) that is adapted to be secured to one or more outsole elements (8, 9, 10). Preferably, toe and heel outsole elements (8, 9) are bonded to the toe and heel portions (6, 7) respectively to form a base (1) with a unitary construction. The sole (4) also has a fiber-reinforced composite structure wherein a majority of the fibers in at least a mid-section (7) of the sole (4) between the heel and toe portions (6, 7) are angled at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the sole (4).

Abstract: An article of footwear may incorporate a chamber with an outer barrier and a tether element. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity, and tether element may be located within the interior cavity and joined to opposite sides of the barrier. Upon pressurization of the chamber, the tether element may extend across the interior cavity and be placed in tension by the outward force of a pressurized fluid within the interior cavity. The tether element may have a variety of configurations. For example, the tether element may have a diagonal orientation, or different tether elements may have different lengths. A tether element may also have plates or tie pieces secured to opposite sides of the chamber, with one or more tethers extending between. Also, the tether element may include one of more sheets that extend across the interior cavity.

Abstract: A shoe with interchangeable attachable heel that includes a connection seat disposed upon a sole of an extant shoe, said connection seat disposed between a shank and a counter of said extant shoe, wherein a top plate, disposed atop at least one attachable heel, is expediently connectable to the connection seat by sliding engagement therewith and superimposition thereupon, whereby a lozenge-shaped protrusion disposed atop the top plate is positional for engagement interior to a connection aperture centrally disposed upon the connection seat, and each of a pair of arcuate rails slidingly engages interior to each of a pair of arcuate channels disposed upon the connection seat, whereby a plurality of pegs are extendable interior to each of a plurality of holes disposed upon the connection seat and the attachable heel is expediently securable for custom wear upon the connection seat, as desired.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include a motorized tensioning system including a tensile member and a motorized tightening device attached to an outer surface of the article of footwear, the tightening device configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a tightening device cover configured to be removably attached to the article of footwear over the tightening device.

Abstract: Systems for producing traction, wherein each traction system is an apparatus that provides traction on snow and ice covered surfaces. A pair of Back Country skis each are mounted with an apparatus; having DC powered controls, tilt switch, pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) gas powered pneumatic actuators operating gripping parts; controlled by a servo unit. A pair of foot wear (hiking boots) having a DC powered servo-solenoid-valve units controlling pressurized CO2, gas powering pneumatic rotors, operating, hydraulic pumps, actuators with gripping parts. A pair of snowmobile skis each having an assembly of parts; driven by an hydraulic rotor that pivots the skis, adjusting their position when cornering, providing traction, according to a snowmobile steering system. And is powered and controlled by at least one of: hydraulic steering system, an electro-hydraulic steering system; an electric power steering system using an electric motor instead of hydraulic rotor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and machine for automatically fabricating zippers. The method comprises steps: parallel placing two tapes on the machine, injection-molding a plurality of plastic teeth on two opposite edges of the tapes, leaving untoothed blank regions on the tapes periodically, and applying plastic films onto the tapes; transporting the filmed tapes to a punching device to punch a positioning hole on each blank region; inserting each section of the plastic teeth, which is between two adjacent blank regions, into at least one slider, and using the positioning holes as reference points to injection-mold a plurality of bayonets on the blank regions respectively, wherein each positioning hole corresponds to a set of bayonets; and cutting off the tapes at the blank regions to obtain a plurality of zippers.

Abstract: A clasp for releasably holding opposed ends of an elongated filament element. The clasp includes a housing having opposed sides each having a receiving port for accommodating respective opposed ends of the elongated filament element, and an open center chamber, a slide member received in the open center chamber of the housing, including opposed walls that each have a locking aperture, having an open center passage, and an end actuation button having locked and released positions, a locking disc engaged between the slide member and housing, and a spring disposed within the open center passage of the slide member and positioned between the locking disc and the end actuation button.

Abstract: A decagonal shaped diamond, adapted to display a hearts and arrows pattern when exposed to light comparable to the hearts and arrows pattern in a round diamond. The decagonal shaped diamond should be cut to form ten main crown facets of substantially equal size symmetrically arranged relative to one another surrounding a table facet twenty star facets with two star facets polished on every main crown facet, ten main pavilion facets, an equal number of crown half facets as pavilion half facets, ten subsidiary pavilion half facets, twenty subsidiary pavilion facets and ten main girdle facets with the girdle facets polished at a given angle relative to one another for forming the decagonal shape of the diamond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jewelry (100) having decorative elements (90) in the jewelry (100) that are mobile and can be changed allowing the personalization of the jewelry (100). The plurality of decorative elements (90) is mounted and un-mounted into/from the main frame (10) through the lock system (40) provided at the main frame (10). The main frame (10) forms a track for the elements to oscillate freely. The lock system (40) allows the decorative elements (90) to be secured into the main frame (10). A secondary frame (20) provides firmness to jewelry (100). A flip-over safety lock (70) is provided to further secure the decorative elements (90) and at the same time to hide the mechanical arrangements.

Abstract: An improved crutch assembly and walking aid is provided. The crutch assembly can be retrofitted to an existing walking aid and provides spring assisted motion. The assembly includes a ball-in-socket joint and a spring operably connecting the joint to a walking aid shaft.

Abstract: An umbrella clamping system for clamping an umbrella to a chair includes an umbrella having a canopy, selectively movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, and a vertical shaft supports the canopy and has a base attachment member at a bottom end thereof. A clamp assembly securely receives the umbrella base attachment member and is configured for attachment to an external horizontal structural element. The clamp assembly includes a body, an upper clamp affixed to an upper end of the body for receiving the umbrella base attachment member and is selectively adjustable between an opened release position and a closed gripping position. A lower clamp is affixed to a bottom end of the body and has opposed first and second jaws defining a horizontally oriented gripping opening therebetween and adjustable one with respect to the other for attachment to the external horizontal structural element.

Abstract: A suitcase with a hollow container body defining an internal compartment and having: a supporting wall; an upper wall opposite to the supporting wall; a first opening, closable, for accessing the compartment. The upper wall has two edges adjacent each other and delimiting a second opening closable and central to said top wall. The suitcase further comprises a support having two flaps folded one over the other to form a U-shaped pocket which divides the compartment in two half-compartments. Each of the flaps is associated with a corresponding edge of the top wall and at least a first flap is slidable with respect to its corresponding first edge to reduce or extend the depth of the pocket for the extraction/housing of a product in the latter.

Abstract: A mobile office comprising a wheeled luggage with telescoping handle; a top surface comprising an integrated seat; multiple internal and external storage compartments; a removable organizer drawer; and a removable table with extendable legs.

Abstract: A cover is described that is magnetically attached to a tablet device. The cover includes at least as flap. In the described embodiment, the flap includes a plurality of segments where the first segment includes a first plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a first edge of the flap and where a second segment includes a second plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a second edge of the flap opposite the first edge.

Abstract: A fine jewelry holder adapted for storing, displaying, and transporting fine jewelry and especially for necklaces and bracelets. The jewelry holder having a plurality of snap-strips, with at least two snap-strips having male type snaps arranged thereon and a plurality of the snap-strips having female type snaps arranged thereon. The two male type snap-strips stitched to a base in mutually parallel positions spaced apart and with male snaps facing away from the base. A plurality of parallel, spaced apart female type snap-strips stitched to each said male snap-strip with one end of each female snap-strip stitched under one of the male snap-strips and positioned orthogonal thereto; and pairs of the female snap-strips extending from the opposing male snap strips in mutual collinear convergence and with female snaps facing away from the base.