Abstract: A coupling unit and method for inserting a support fitted with a hygroscopic pad in a base during the manufacture of a disposable cartridge for an electronic cigarette; are provided: a first seat that accepts the support fitted with the hygroscopic pad; a second seat that accepts the base and can be axially aligned with the first seat; a transfer device that inserts the support fitted with the hygroscopic pad in the base by applying a relative axial movement between the support fitted with the hygroscopic pad and the base; and a suction device, which is coupled to a first end of the base opposite to a second end of the base through which the support fitted with the hygroscopic pad enters, and causes suction that acts inside the base.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer is configured to be usable both for non-liquid vaporizing media and for liquid vaporizing media. In some embodiments an electrically conductive check valve blocks vaporizing media from leaking out of air intake apertures during periods of nonuse, and delivers electric power to a heating element during use. In some embodiments, no wick structures extend into a fluid chamber, but a wick extends from a wick holder downstream of the fluid chamber to a vaporizing chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizer includes an atomizing assembly and a liquid supply. The liquid supply includes a connection end. The atomizing assembly is detachably connected to the connection end. The connection end defines at least one liquid outlet, through which the tobacco liquid flows into the atomizing assembly. The atomizing assembly further includes a sealing element and an elastic element. The sealing element is configured for sealing the liquid outlet when in a first position, and the elastic element abuts against the sealing element. When the atomizing assembly is connected with the liquid supply, the atomizing assembly is configured for driving the sealing element to move to a second position where the liquid outlet is opened. When the atomizing assembly is detached from the liquid supply, the atomizing assembly is configured for driving the sealing element to return to the first position where the sealing element seals the liquid outlet.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a mouth end insert having at least two diverging outlets. The electronic cigarette can also include an air flow diverter which directs incoming air away from a heating zone of the heater.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a mouth end insert having at least two diverging outlets.

Abstract: A dress shirt in one embodiment featuring a torso portion in a resiliently deformable material comprising a front portion and a back portion, the front portion features closures with at least two snaps as closures on the bottommost portion, the back portion features an elasticized hem and two darts, and wherein the lower region of the torso is at least partially tapered and is long enough to cover a sufficient portion of the intended wearer's buttocks in order that the resilient deformability of the fabric comprising the lower region causes the lower region to adhere to the intended wearer's buttocks so as to prevent the torso portion from substantially shifting out of position when the dress shirt is worn.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing tension in garments for improving privacy control by the wearer. The apparatus incorporates materials having elastomeric properties which may be placed in proximity to a wearer's crotch during operation. The tension is directed to preventing, concealing and/or obfuscating the curvature or shape of private features of the wearer, such as a woman's labia, from visibility through the garment. The apparatus may include one or more components providing tension for privacy control. The apparatus may include angled seams to obfuscate a woman's private features.

Abstract: Technologies for monitoring breastfeeding include a smart breast support garment computing system of a breast support garment. The smart breast support garment computing system includes a use sensor and a latch sensor. Further, the smart breast support garment computing system is to determine whether the breast support garment is in use based on the sensor data generated by the use sensor and a state of a breast latch of the breast support garment based on sensor data generated by the latch sensor. The smart breast support garment computing system further records one or more breastfeeding events in response to a determination that the breast support garment is in use and the breast latch is open.

Abstract: A system having garments and locating devices. Each of the garments includes at least one hidden pocket, and each of the locating devices is adapted to be disposed in one of the hidden pockets. The locating device may be a GPS or a GPS/IPS device. The system may also have adapters, and each of the adapters defines a pocket adapted to receive the locating device. The adapters also have a surface adapted to be heat-sealed to fabrics.

Abstract: A wearable image sensor is described. In one example an apparatus includes a camera attached to a garment to capture an image of a view of an area surrounding a user that is wearing the garment, the image including an item. A data interface is attached to the garment and coupled to the camera to send the camera image to an external device and to receive description information about the item from the external device. A power supply is attached to the garment and coupled to the camera and the data interface to power the camera and the data interface. The apparatus presents the received description information to a user of the garment.

Abstract: A self-disinfecting personal protective garment comprises a plurality of pockets covered by a porous external layer. Each pocket contains (or can be filled with) a disinfecting solution. Applying compression to the flexible chamber of the pocket (such as by inflation of adjacent inflatable chambers) causes pressurization of the disinfecting solution and forces the solution to flow from the pockets across and through the porous external layer and ultimately to spread over the external surface of the protective garment—so as to eradicate the pathogens on the surface and disinfect the protective garment. Also described is a conversion kit configured to add a self-disinfecting feature to a conventional protective garment. The protective garment of the invention may be used by healthcare workers treating Ebola patients or patients with other highly contagious infections—to extend the time of garment usage, simplify garment removal procedure and increase their personal safety.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising a muscle in a given agonist and antagonist muscle pair of a user's human body by providing an elongated elastic band having a first length when no external forces are applied thereto, elongating the elastic band to a second length that is greater than the first length, securing the elastic band to a garment in a manner whereby when the elastic band is installed on the garment an axial force is imposed on the body of the user and the elastic band is disposed in aligned proximate relationship with at least one of the muscles in a given pair of muscles comprising an agonist muscle and antagonist muscle pair.

Abstract: A protective clothing article including a wearable member placeable over the torso of a user, includes an upper portion for engaging the user's shoulders, and a lower portion disposed, when worn by the user, at a vertical position generally similar to the pelvis of the user. At least two deployable airbags are disposed on the lower portion of the clothing article at a vertical position generally similar to the pelvis of a user. A compressed air source is provided for injecting air into the air bags upon deployment of the air bags to inflate the airbags. The clothing article also includes at least two sensors capable of detecting and sensing information relating to the direction and velocity of movement of the user.

Abstract: An article, garment and method protect a user's coccyx. Articles include: a core member constructed of an elastic composite, the core member including a upper lobe and a lower lobe, the core member further having an outer face, an inner face and a thickness between the outer face and the inner face; an arched outer shell attached to the outer face of the core member, the outer shell having a thickness less than the thickness of the core member, the outer shell biasing the core member toward an arched configuration; and a layer of resilient material attached to the inner face of the core member.

Abstract: A protective shin guard includes a floating knee section attached to a shin section, both sections being formed of a hard outer shell overlying a non-rigid inner padding layer. The hard outer shell of the shin section is defined by a unique pattern of flexible hinges. An alternate embodiment that uses pliable transition inserts is also described. In addition, the shin guard is attached to the leg by a novel strap system including two elastic calf straps and one greater-than 360 degree (360+) behind-the-knee compression strap that combine to provide maximum protection to the user's shin and knee while maintaining flexibility.

Abstract: The creation provides a mask having the function of heat preservation. The mask includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and an intermediate layer. The inner layer is in contact with the user's face. The intermediate layer is located between the outer layer and the inner layer. The intermediate layer contains a base layer and a coating layer located on the base layer. The coating layer includes a paraffin particle and a first polymer, wherein the paraffin particle is dispersed in the first polymer.

Abstract: An elastomeric article, specifically an unsupported glove with two layers where the outer layer has ESD properties and its method of manufacturing is described here. The outer layer is especially formulated with a combination of fillers to reduce the surface resistance and volume resistance and helps to dissipate static charge which builds up as a result of triboelectric action.

Abstract: A clothing article surrounds a wearer's upper torso. The article includes connected front portion, a collar. A sleeve is formed in the front portion. A jacket, and coat with an attachable/detachable scarf will be folded and stored in the inter portion of the front side of the collar area with elastic at each end and Velcro onto the inner portion of your collar, therefore eliminating the lost of them by any consumers, and especially children. A sleeve like collar attached to the coat and jacket for storing a scarf and making it easily deployable while in use.

Abstract: A garment for being worn on a portion of the body. The garment having one or more low profile pockets connected with the garment. Each of the one or more low profile pockets having an opening to an outer surface of the garment. The opening is hidden by a flap of material of the garment. A pouch is securely coupled to an inner surface of the garment. At least one of the one or more low profile pockets can be placed on the garment over a recess in the portion of the body of the human on which the garment is worn.

Abstract: A pocket assembly includes an outer panel coupled with a middle panel. The middle panel is coupled between the outer panel and a clothing article. A base is coupled with the outer panel. An elastic portion is formed in the base or the outer panel, or both. A first compartment is formed between the outer panel and middle panel. A second panel is formed between the middle panel and the clothing article and is accessible only through a bottom opening. The elastic portion stretches, in response to downward force, to increase the size of the bottom opening. A back panel may, in implementations, be coupled between the middle panel and the clothing article, and in such implementations the second compartment may be comprised between the middle panel and the back panel. The pocket assembly has only a single opening allowing entry into the first compartment from outside the pocket assembly.

Abstract: A fire-retardant garment that combines a new fastener with improved fastener placement to prevent exposure of a wearer's skin or clothes to the fastener itself without some of the disadvantages of the prior art is disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the fire-retardant garment has improved fasteners and improved placement of the fasteners. The fire-retardant garment comprises improved fasteners that combine both the fastener and the length adjuster in order to prevent the metal or other material from the length adjuster from coming into contact with a wearer's skin or clothes. Furthermore, the placement of the fastener and the fastening point lower on the garment has the benefit of keeping metal parts or other dangerous parts away from the wearer's skin or clothes.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for attaching the artificial eyelashes to a tape strip. The system includes an elongated tape strip having at least one surface with an adhesive and having opposing edges that run along a length of the elongated tape strip. A plurality of artificial eyelashes having lash ends are attached with the at least one surface along the length of the elongated tape strip. Further, each of the plurality of artificial eyelashes have physical characteristics such that at least two of the plurality of artificial eyelashes have physical characteristics that are different than one another.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of creating custom fitted undergarments with the steps of (1) separating a two dimensional undergarment pattern into pattern pieces; (2) converting each undergarment pattern piece into a digital representation; (3) obtaining data about a body's size and shape in three dimensions; (4) creating a three dimensional digital avatar of the body using obtained data and (5) fitting the digital representation of the undergarment representation pieces to the three dimensional digital avatar of the body to create a custom fitted three dimensional undergarment design.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles for decreasing heat loss from a human body, particularly a small child or an infant. In some embodiments, the articles are infant headwraps consisting essentially of one sheet of a non-woven, polymeric material containing a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate material, with a plurality of flaps and fastening devices. Such articles described herein can be used to prevent hypothermia in small children and/or infants by decreasing radiant heat loss.

Abstract: Protective helmet for the head formed by an internal shock-absorbing body (3) and an external shell. The internal shock-absorbing body (3) has a built in interior reinforcement structure (5) made of filaments (6) formed by a fibre core and a coating made of carbon resin and nanofibres.

Abstract: A method of storing a hard hat tether attached to a hard hat includes the steps of providing a hard hat; providing a clip holder having a latch plate with a latch opening that defines at least one attachment handle; providing a clip member defining a tether opening and having a locking mechanism constructed to removably secure the clip member to the clip holder by capturing the attachment handle; providing a hard hat tether having a first tether end portion secured to the clip member by extending through the tether opening of the clip member, a second tether end portion, and a tether body portion secured to the clip holder; securing the second tether end portion to the hard hat; and attaching the clip member to the attachment handle of the clip holder, thereby storing the clip member.

Abstract: A sun/weather visor for attachment to a safety helmet is provided. The sun/weather visor comprises a visor and an attachment device connected with the visor and configured to attach the visor to the exterior of the safety helmet, so that the visor extends forward of the front of the safety helmet and provides a sun visor for the safety helmet. The visor and attachment device are configured such that the visor will deform or separate from the safety helmet when the visor impacts a solid body, to prevent the visor from interfering with the safety aspect of the safety helmet design.

Abstract: In one aspect, a protective headwear is provided and includes a support member configured to engage a user's head, an outer shell coupled to the support member and rotatable relative to the support member between a first position and a second position, and a member coupled between the support member and the outer shell to reduce angular velocity of the outer shell as it moves from the first position to the second position. In one aspect, the protective headwear is a welding helmet.

Abstract: Presented is a protective helmet (10) for use in combat and weapons training using non-lethal training ammunition. The helmet (10) has an attachment unit (36) for contact with the wearer's head, from which the other parts of the helmet (10) are supported. The other two main parts of the helmet are a helmet unit (12) which basically covers the rear half of the user's head, while the front half of the wearer's head is covered by a visor body (14) which includes a transparent face shield (24). Then the visor unit is rotated to an open position, the wearer's face is fully exposed, and when in a closed position, the wearer's face is fully visible to a trainer, and the face shield provides a field of view of greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A foldable helmet according to the present invention is a foldable helmet having a plurality of helmet fragments connected to each other to be rotatable about a common shaft and having a cap shape when the plurality of helmet fragments are unfolded in a stepped fashion. Each of the plurality of helmet fragments includes a slide-type connection means for connecting the inner peripheral surface of one helmet fragment to the outer peripheral surface of another helmet fragment inwardly adjacent thereto, along the circumferential direction, such that the unfolding is easy and the shape thereof is stably maintained at the time of the unfolding. According to the present invention, the plurality of helmet fragments are easily unfolded and folded. Therefore, when not in use, a user can fold the helmet fragments in a sliding fashion so that the size of the foldable helmet can be significantly reduced, thereby making the foldable helmet easy to carry and store.

Abstract: The present invention is a shoe for women, which has a removable heel that would enable women to wear a single pair of shoes that can be used in either heel or flat form, whereby the shoe has a unique feature that allows the heel and flat component of the shoe to changeably lock in and unlock through an interlock.

Abstract: A footwear-based gymnastics-training device for enabling a user to temporarily retain the user's feet in a together position, the footwear-based gymnastics-training device. The device having a pair of footwear constructions, the pair of footwear constructions being a left foot construction and a right foot construction, the left and right foot constructions being outfittable upon the user's left and right feet. Matable temporary fastening means are cooperably associated with the left and right foot constructions for temporarily fastening the left and right foot constructions together when outfitted upon the user's left and right feet, the pair of footwear constructions and matable temporary fastening means thus being cooperable for temporarily retaining the user's feet in the together position.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a footbed having functions of acupuncture point massage and reducing pressure, which is positioned at a location corresponding to shoe sole inside a shoe and includes a cushion and a plurality of massage components. The cushion is one-piece formed by latex material and has a top surface matching with a foot sole of human body and provided with a plurality of deformed holes thereon. The massage components are protrudingly disposed at a bottom of the cushion and each has a deformed space therein, a top of the deformed space is communicated with the deformed hole corresponding thereto, each of the massage components is provided with a protruded part disposed at an inner wall thereof corresponding to a bottom of the deformed space, and the protruded part has a tip extended toward the deformed hole and not exposed out of the deformed hole.

Abstract: A therapeutic vibration shoe device provides therapeutic vibration to a foot of a person through a shoe worn by the person. The device includes a sole and an upper coupled to the sole wherein the upper and the sole define a shoe configured to be worn on a foot of a person. A vibration unit is coupled to and positioned in the sole such that the vibration unit vibrates the sole. A battery is coupled to the shoe. The battery is electrically coupled to the vibration unit.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention lies in providing an insole with heat generated by pressing system, which can keep warm for wear's feet easily and safely even in the low temperature. The technical solution is that an insole with heat generated by pressing system comprising an insole, a power pressing module disposed inside the insole and electrically connected with each other to form an electrical circuit, two flexible conductive strips, and at least one resistance heating chip; said power pressing module providing power generated ay pressure, which is arranged in a heel cup of the insole, sequentially comprising a first conductive layer, a first composite sintered body, a second conductive layer, and a second composite sintered body, and an insulated strip arranged between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and surrounded the first composite sintered body.

Abstract: A heated insole for a shoe has an insole body and a removeable heating member. The insole body has a recess. The heating member is configured to be removable from and insertable into the recess while the insole is disposed within the shoe.

Abstract: A midsole for footwear, and footwear that incorporates the midsole, where the midsole includes a resilient core disposed between an upper housing and a lower housing, and including and a sidewall assembly extending from the perimeter of the upper housing to the perimeter of the lower housing, the sidewall assembly being configured to accommodate a compression of the midsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include a midsole having a flex-frame defining a plurality of cells. Some or all of the cells may be substantially filled with a foam material. The flex-frame may be made of a solid material having a greater stiffness than the foam material. The flex-frame may be unitary in construction.

Abstract: Footwear and soles for footwear are disclosed. The sole may include an energy transfer base. The energy transfer base may include top and bottom surfaces, and opposed first and second side surfaces. The energy transfer base may include at least one cavity. The at least one cavity may define upper and lower portions of the energy transfer base. The upper portion may be configured to move away from a nominal position and toward the lower portion when a force applied to the upper portion toward the lower portion has a magnitude that is above a predetermined value, and to move back to the nominal position when at least one of (1) the force is no longer applied or (2) the magnitude of the applied force is at or below the predetermined value.

Abstract: A footwear accessory (hereafter referred to as “SockTip”) that facilitates reduced shoe toe-box creasing and enhanced comfort of footwear, for example, dress, casual, and athletic shoes. The SockTip includes instep and toe elements with the instep element constructed with increased thickness atop the toe and metatarsal areas and along the sides of the foot when worn. Worn with toed footwear, SockTip's increased thickness, generally over top and aside of the foot metatarsal area, pads the shoe-toe box, thereby reducing the onset of creasing and facilitating enhanced shoe comfort.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe heel engagement system and method of using the same to secure a user-heel-shoe interface and prevent unintended slipping and discomfort. The heel engagement system includes an elastomeric molded system having a plurality of projecting bumpers and stress concentration geometry features. The geometry stress concentration features may be linear or curved and may have multiple profiles. The geometry stress concentration features are arranged at least transverse to a heel arrangement, and may optionally be aligned with a heel arrangement and in arcuate form relative to heel or a foot-heel curvature improved security and shoe comfort that allow for easy bending-without buckling to fit the inner shape of a shoe. The geometry stress concentration features allow for easy air flow, moisture flow, and easy installation and adaption to the foot-shoe geometry.

Abstract: A ratchet belt system comprises a belt having a notch strip extending along a portion of the length thereof. The notch strip is formed of a plurality of adjacent notches, each being configured to engage a ratcheting tab of an associated buckle. In an embodiment, the tab is coupled to a release lever that is oriented toward a receptacle portion of the buckle for ergonomically improving the release mechanics. In another embodiment the belt comprises a first notch strip about a first surface of the belt and a second notch strip about a second surface of the belt opposite of the first surface. Other improvements include accessories configured to engage with the ratchet belt system for display and storage thereof.

Abstract: A side release buckle has a male buckle member and a female buckle member. To separate the buckle members, the male buckle member is further pushed toward the female buckle member, and abutting recess slopes of pressing arms of the male buckle member slide along abutting segment slopes of abutting segments of the female buckle member to transversely bend the pressing arms inward. Then, the abutting segments can depart from the abutting recesses by further slightly pressing the pressing arms, and the male buckle member may be removed. The pushing is accomplished by the wrist and the arm, which is an easy way to apply force. The pressing can be easily accomplished by the fingers, since the pressing arms have been bent. Even if the pressing arms are strengthened in structure to enhance the engagement strength, the buckle members also can be easily separated by the same way.

Abstract: A fastener assembly contains: a first disc with a plurality of tip teeth, an engaging cylinder, a second disc, a retaining element, and a third disc. The engaging cylinder includes a first engagement structure formed on an inner wall thereof, and the engaging cylinder is connected with the first disc to form a main fastener. The second disc includes a through hole defined on a central position thereof and plural recesses radially extending from a peripheral side of the through hole, wherein the engaging cylinder inserts through and retains with the through hole of the second disc so that the engaging cylinder engages with the second disc. The retaining element is cylindrical or columnar and includes a second engagement structure arranged on a first end thereof, wherein a second end of the retaining element is coupled with the third disc to form an auxiliary fastener.

Abstract: A method of bonding or debonding objects includes providing a first object including a first substrate with moveable features thereon which provide an actuated and a non-actuated state having different protrusion from the first substrate or a different curvature. A second object has an array of loops thereon. The moveable features while in one of the actuated state and non-actuated state are positioned, sized and shaped to fit within the loops. The moveable features include or are mechanically coupled to a material which responds to application of an actuating condition including electrical current, temperature, or an electromagnetic field by changing between the actuated state and the non-actuated state. Electrical current, temperature, or an electromagnetic field is automatically applied or changed to trigger a state change between the actuated state and non-actuated state that results in a bonding event or a debonding event between the first object and the second object.

Abstract: A snap button zipper includes two zipper tapes, a plurality of male and female snap buttons each including a clamping part and an engagement part for interlocking, and a zipper slider movable to force the male snap buttons into engagement with or away from the respective female snap buttons. The clamping part of each of the snap buttons includes two clamping panels, two sliding guide portions respectively defining a respective planar surface for coupling the zipper slider and guiding the zipper slider to move along the zipper tapes, and two mounting panels for fixation to opposing top and bottom walls of the respective zipper tape. The zipper slider includes two sliding guide grooves for receiving the male and female snap buttons, and a plurality of stop blocks respectively for contacting and moving along the planar surfaces of the sliding guide portions of the male and female snap buttons.

Abstract: A zip fastener (10) comprises two opposed sets of teeth (14) which are shaped such that those on one set (12a) can fit between those on the other set (12b). At least some adjacent teeth of opposed sets (12a, 12b) have facing surfaces (17a, 17b) shaped so as engage and to inhibit lateral separation of the sets, and such that each tooth can undergo at least limited angular movement relative to the adjacent tooth. The teeth (14) within a set (12) are held at a predetermined spacing along the set by linking strips (16) aligned generally along the centre line of the set (12). Each tooth (14) defines a strip location (20) facing the opposed set of teeth, such that the linking strip (16) on one set (12a) fits in the strip location (20) on the other set (12b). Since the tooth spacing is set by the linking strips (16), the sets (12) of teeth (14) can lie on a curved path.

Abstract: A closure device with a first and a second closure part, which each include at least one connecting region, is provided. For closing the closure device, the first closure part is attachable to the second closure part along a connection axis and by rotation about the connection axis relative to the second closure part is movable into the closed position, wherein in the closed position the two closure parts are held at each other via their connecting regions. The connecting regions each include at least one sliding surface and at least one blocking surface such that the closure parts are rotatable along their sliding surfaces relative to each other about the connection axis into the closed position, when the two closure parts are pressed towards each other by external forces along the connection axis.

Abstract: A jewellery item, or a gold, silver, or costume jewellery item, accessories and the like include an annular band having a predetermined width and a plurality of modular elements of an elongated shape, at least one of the modular elements being connected to at least three additional modular elements by at least three connection points, the modular elements being hinged with each other about each connection point such that the jewellery item is adjustable between a contracted condition and an extended condition, wherein the width has different values along the overall extension of the jewellery item.

Abstract: A clasp for connecting one or more jewelry items together has a male body and a female body. The male body engages with the female body by placing an insert of the male body into an insert-receiving volume of the female body. The insert-receiving volume is defined by a shell, the shell being formed by a first surface and a second surface which are joined by a lateral surface. The insert has a planar body and a spring arm which is hingedly connected to the planar body. A lip of the shell normally prevents the insert from being moved into or out of the shell, but the free end can be pressed down by a connected tab, such that the free end does not encounter the lip. The spring arm returns to a default equilibrium position when external force is not applied via the tab.