Abstract: A process is provided for the treatment of tobacco. The process comprises securing the tobacco within a moisture-retaining material and exposing the tobacco material to an ambient processing temperature of above 55° C., with the tobacco having a packing density of at least 200 kg/m3 on a dry matter weight base at the start of the process and a moisture content of between about 10% and 23%. The treated tobacco may have desirable organoleptic properties.

Abstract: A product and method of making thereof for the consumption of smokable substances such as tobacco or herbs. The product is comprised of tobacco, homogenized tobacco and/or natural leaf materials and has a hollow conical shape that allows for the easy insertion of smokable substances. Additionally, the conical or frustoconical shape of the product provides for larger amounts of smokable substances in the end of the product the consumer lights, resulting in an initial slower prolonged burn and more even distribution of nicotine. Additionally, placement of a supporting insert into the interior of the product supports the conical shaped of the product when packaged along with supporting during the process of being filled.

Abstract: A filter for a smoking article includes a filter component formed from a solution of cellulose acetate and a degradable polymer in aceton, the degradable polymer being soluble in acetone and degrading in the presence of water. In a first aspect of the invention, the filter component is a filter segment (16) formed of a plurality of fibres formed from the degradable solution. In a second aspect of the invention, the filter component is a wrapper (39) circumscribing at least a segment of the filter.

Abstract: A waterless vacuum based smoking apparatus utilizes vacuum created by translation of a cartridge within a chamber of a sheath body in order to accumulate within the chamber smoke or vapor from a combustible or vaporizable substance, which can then be expelled for inhalation by a user by reversing the translation of the cartridge within the chamber. Measurement and tracking functionalities are provided so that a user may accurately assess and monitor their intake.

Abstract: A kit and method of forming an apparatus for smoking a combustible article comprising an upright container having an open top, operable to contain a liquid in a bottom portion thereof, the upright container having a hole bored through a sidewall thereof, a tube sized to be received within the hole and a sealing member sized to surround the tube within the hole so as to seal the tube within the hole.

Abstract: A container configured to hold one or more units of a product is provided. The container may include a lid and a base. The lid may include a top wall and one or more lid sidewalls extending to a lower lip. The base may include a bottom wall and one or more base sidewalls extending to an upper lip. A channel may be defined at the one or more base sidewalls that extend around the perimeter of the base. A sealing member may be received in the channel. The sealing member may be configured to engage an inner surface of the one or more lid sidewalls when the lid is coupled to the base. Thereby, a storage compartment defined by the base may be sealed shut. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A nicotine delivery system is disclosed. The nicotine delivery system comprises an actuating mechanism and a housing that has a longitudinal axis and defines a chamber that is configured to receive a plunger and has an outlet for the passage of formulation out of the chamber. The actuating mechanism comprises an actuator and an actuation member. The actuator cooperates with the actuation member such that when a plunger is received in the chamber the plunger and the chamber slide relative to each other in an axial direction by a predetermined incremental distance upon each operation of the actuator to displace a predetermined volume of formulation from the chamber through said outlet.

Abstract: An atomizer includes a connector, a heat generation mechanism, an air pipe, a liquid container, a fixing sleeve, a paster and a mouthpiece cover. The connector is provided with at least one inclined air inlet communicated with an outer periphery of the connector and the air pipe; at least one groove is provided on the outer periphery of the connector at a portion where the connector and the liquid container are connected; the liquid container is a transparent non-metallic member, the fixing sleeve is provided with an observation window, and the paster is provided with a hole corresponding to the observation window; the mouthpiece cover is provided with a cigarette liquid collecting groove; and a liquid inlet slit communicated with the cigarette liquid collecting groove is provided between the air pipe and the mouthpiece cover, and the liquid inlet slit has a width L no less than 0.4 mm.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided, which includes: a setting assembly for setting time and the number of times of suction; a main controller, which is connected to the setting assembly and is for controlling the number of times of generation of a switch instruction within a preset time to be not bigger than a preset number of times of suction; and a switching assembly, which is connected to the main controller and an atomizer and is for controlling, based on the switch instruction generated by the main controller, turning on or turning off of the atomizer. With the electronic cigarette, the number of times of suction of a smoker within the preset time is controlled to be not bigger than the preset number of times of suction, thereby controlling the smoking quantity of the smoker within the preset time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid storage device for a cotton-free electronic cigarette, comprising a liquid storage cup for storing cigarette liquid, and a liquid percolation piece having a plurality of liquid percolation holes; wherein the liquid storage cup has a cylindrical shape, an inner wall of a liquid outlet end of the liquid storage cup is provided with at least two locking members, the liquid percolation piece has a circular edge which engages with an internal circumferential surface of the liquid outlet end of the liquid storage cup, the liquid percolation piece is inserted into the liquid outlet end of the liquid storage cup and is passed through the at least two locking members to be locked. The liquid storage device ensures the smooth supply of cigarette liquid and prevents cigarette liquid leakage. The liquid storage device of the present invention can be easily and efficiently assembled.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette, comprising an outer casing (1), and a vaporization assembly (2) and battery assembly (3) mounted inside the outer casing (1); the electronic cigarette further comprises an electrical connector (4) mounted inside the outer casing (1); the vaporization assembly (2) comprises at least one vaporizer (22); one end of the electrical connector (4) resiliently abuts against each vaporizer (22), and the other end of the electrical connector (4) resiliently abuts against the battery assembly (3). The configuration of the two ends of the electrical connector of the electronic cigarette resiliently abutting against the vaporizers (22) and the battery assembly (3) is such that assembly of the electronic cigarette is simple, which is advantageous for automated assembly and production.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette particularly adaptable to vaporize liquid material also having exhale filter function is disclosed herein. The exhale function is useful to prevent second hand smoke in an enclosed environment, for example. An innovative diverter valve assembly comprises a unique duckbill valve configuration diverting air through a cooker chamber and into a mouthpiece in an inhale function and diverting exhaled air around the cooker chamber in the exhale function and through a filter assembly. A preferred embodiment further introduces a unique shape to the smoking instrument being elliptical in the cross-section and tapering to proximal and distal ends.

Abstract: An atomizer (26) for an electronic smoking device (10) is provided comprising at least a first heating wire (40) and a second heating wire (50). The first and second heating wires (40, 50) are wound together to form a common heating coil (28). Further, the first and second heating wires (40, 50) differ in at least one physical parameter leading to different thermal properties of the heating wires (40, 50). Additionally, an electronic smoking device (10) comprising the atomizer (28) and a cartomizer (700) for an electronic smoking device (10) are provided.

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 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 comprises nicotine without harmful tar. The cigarette includes a shell, a cell, nicotine solution, control circuit, and an electro-thermal vaporization nozzle installed in the air suction end of the shell. The advantages of the present invention are smoking without tar, reducing the risk of cancer, the user still gets a smoking experience, the cigarette is not lit, and there is no fire danger.

Abstract: A barrier garment apparatus and methods of its use are provided. In an embodiment, the barrier garment apparatus is shaped like an undergarment and worn during oral-vaginal and/or oral-anal sex to protect another person's mouth, lips, tongue, saliva, nose, and breath from contact with the wearer's vulva, perineum, anus, and surrounding areas, in order to prevent the transmission of bacteria, sexually transmitted infections, fluids, tastes, and scents. The barrier garment apparatus is thin, substantially non-porous, elastic, effectively skin-tight, and aesthetically attractive. The barrier garment apparatus can be, for example, a device, a panty, a boyshort, a short, a lingerie item, a barrier, a garment, an undergarment, a membrane, a prophylactic, and/or a system.

Abstract: A pair of socks and a pair of complementary fasteners to hold the pair of socks together while the socks are being washed, dried and stored in a drawer. The pair of fasteners are connected to one another so that one sock is attached to the other. In one preferred embodiment, a snap is attached inside the first sock and a receptacle is attached inside the second sock. Protective flaps lie over and cover the snap and receptacle inside the socks. With the snap and receptacle uncovered, the snap is moved into mating engagement with and detachably connected to the receptacle. In a second preferred embodiment, a locking ring is attached outside the first sock and a clip is attached outside the second sock. A retractable hook of the ring is removably received through an opening in the clip, whereby the ring is detachably connected to the clip.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a garment that includes integrated waterproof impact resistant speakers. Related methods of manufacturing the garment are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to clip apparatuses for use in breast feeding. Specifically, the clip apparatus allows a user to secure the same on an article of clothing or fabric so that the user can track breastfeeding of an infant. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.

Abstract: A system which consists of bands, assembled and anchored to a flap which is inserted to the side seam of a garment of a motorcycle or Jet Ski driver, the bands as strong as the seat belt are elongated sewn down along the back of the to the sides. The bands are part and parcel of the handholds threading through and securely fixed at the torso area of the driver. The parallel bands are secured in such a manner that forces pulling back on the handles do not go through the buckle, zipper, or other fasteners for the belts. Previous safety gear has been developed to secure passengers to the drivers but that gear is susceptible to failure because when passengers pull back, the loads go through fasteners, which can fail because they are improperly secured and not strong enough to withstand passengers “hanging on for dear life” during extreme accelerations. This System secures passengers by containing forces pulling back on the handholds within a rugged and permanently closed portion of the center front band.

Abstract: A clothes structure with temperature falling device is provided, which has a fan provided in a low-permeability layer outside a clothes major body, and an air delivery space provided between the low-permeability layer and a lining layer inside. When the fan sucks the air from the outside of the clothes major body through air intake end and delivers the air to the inside of the clothes major body, air will flow uniformly in the air delivery space and to everywhere in the clothes major body. Then proper quantity of uniform air flow is output from an inner lining layer with meshes to everywhere of user's body to make user feeling cool and comfortable.

Abstract: A cooling backpack apparatus includes a frame secured to a harness with the harness configured for removable securement to an operator. A battery pack having a battery pack enclosure encases a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack is removably or permanently secured at least indirectly to the frame. A cooling fan is secured to the frame and electrically connected to the battery pack. An air input port receives air into the cooling fan, and an air output port permits exit of forced air generated by the cooling fan directly to the operator wearing the harness. An air chute is provided for guiding the flow of air from the air input port to the air output port.

Abstract: A protective device for protecting the fingers of a user from cuts while hair threading is presented. The protective device has a guard configured to overlie at least a portion of a finger of a user. The thread for hair threading is wrapped around a portion of the guard so that the thread does not directly come into contact with the skin. The guard has an attachment member configured to maintain the thread in the desired position relative to the finger of the user.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of foldable or collapsible garments, and, in particular, foldable or collapsible garments, such as jackets or coats that can be folded into a bag containing straps so that when the garment is folded into the bag, the bag may be carried on a person's shoulders or held in the person's hand. In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a foldable garment comprising: (a) a body having an interior surface; and (b) a bag coupled to the interior surface of the body, such that the foldable garment may be folded into the bag, wherein the bag comprises straps. Such a foldable garment may be useful by providing an easy way to carry the garment when a person would like to take it off and it may also provide a convenient way to store the garment.

Abstract: A covering designed to fit over all or part of a person's hand which contains one or more openings is provided. The opening(s) allow a person to use their thumb and/or fingers while still wearing the covering. A method of making the covering and tools for making the covering are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying areas of a processing plant in which a glove is damaged. The system includes utilizing color-coded sets of gloves in different areas or processing steps within the plant. All the gloves used in a particular plant are provided with a unique identifier. If a piece of a glove is located in the product within the plant, the color of that piece indicates the area or process of the plant in which the glove was used. If a piece of a damaged glove is located in the product at a remote destination, the unique identifier in that piece is matched with a registry to determine the plant in which the glove was used. The color of the piece then helps the plant to identify where the damaged glove was used. The system and method are particularly helpful in the food processing industry, especially meat processing.

Abstract: A costume kit for assembling a three-dimensional costume garment from a two-dimensional storage state are provided herein. Also provided are methods of assembling a three-dimensional costume garment from a costume garment kit. The kit includes a plurality of substantially flat decorative panels that can be arranged and manipulated in a specified order to create a three-dimensional costume garment. The kit may also comprise securing devices and instructions. The assembled costume garment may provide a layered effect for added detail. The costume garment may further include one or more cushioning panels for providing comfort to the user during use, preventing slippage during use, and/or providing added depth to the costume. Corresponding decorative and, optionally, cushioning panels are secured together through corresponding securing apertures defined by the panels. A securing device is used to secure the various panels together and to form a three-dimensional costume garment.

Abstract: At least one pocket may be integrated into, coupled to, or otherwise provided by any suitable neckwear, where the pocket may enable the wearer of the neckwear to securely hold objects in the pocket during use of the neckwear.

Abstract: A garment is disclosed for aiding in the consumption and distribution of one or more beverages. The garment can include one or more of a sunglass holder, an interior pocket configured to hold a flask, an insulated pocket, one or more exterior pockets, and rollable cuffs having a thumb hole and a high-friction grip portion centrally positioned on the cuff exterior.

Abstract: A waist belt for load bearing applications, comprising a downward facing conically shaped sacral plane fitter segment having a first and second ends, the sacral plane fitter segment being configured so as to rest on the sacral region of the lower back of a wearer, a first sub-iliac crest segment issuing from the first end of the sacral plane fitter segment and a second sub-iliac crest segment issuing from the second end of the sacral plane fitter segment the first and second sub-iliac crest segments being configured so as to rest on the sub-iliac regions of the pelvic bone and a first abdominal relief cut segment issuing from the first sub-iliac crest segment and a second abdominal relief cut segment issuing from the second sub-iliac crest segment, the first and second abdominal relief cut segments being configured so as to curl under the abdomen.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a cap includes a cap having a pair of cords extending downward from opposing sides of the cap. The assembly also includes a first closure having a body, a through hole extending through the body, and an engagement mechanism configured to engage a second closure. The second closure includes a body, a through hole extending through the body, and an engagement mechanism configured to couple to the engagement mechanism of the first closure. The first cord extends through the through hole of the first closure, and the second cord extends through the through hole of the second closure.

Abstract: The invention is a hunting hat with a see-through polypropylene mesh in dull camouflage (camp) pattern that matches the rest of the hat to provide undetectable cover from above. The improved hunter's head wear constructed of camouflage orange colored material and having, nylon mesh material with more accurate placement of elastic on substrates. The camouflage hat covering permits a full range of head movements without loss of visibility.

Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer.

Abstract: Presently disclosed embodiments provide a safe and easy way for a child, or other wearer, to independently tighten or loosen the chinstrap on his or her helmet while it remains buckled on his or her head. Disclosed embodiments comprise a knob attached to a side of the chinstrap webbing. The knob is an adjustment mechanism used to loosen or tighten the helmet chinstrap. After the wearer, possibly a child, buckles the helmet chinstrap below his or her chin, the wearer can reach up and twist the knob to loosen or tighten the chinstrap to achieve the proper fit. In some embodiments, each knob may have a cord or the like affixed at one end to an interior assembly and affixed at another end to the chinstrap material. In operation, the chinstrap may be buckled under the chin, and then the knob may be rotated forward, the attached cord is shortened and, thus, the chinstrap may be tightened.

Abstract: The invention provides a unique construction for a sports helmet, as well as a novel approach to protecting the head of a sports player from head injury. The helmet of this invention is comprised of an outer layer comprised of a flexible material, an inner layer comprised of a flexible material, wherein the outer layer and inner layer define a space layer, wherein the space layer contains a gas, gel or liquid, and wherein the inner layer of the helmet is configured to fit around a human head.

Abstract: An airbag inflation system includes a processing circuit configured to receive object data including positional data regarding an object and at least one of a relative velocity and a relative acceleration of the object relative to a first helmet and control operation of an inflation device to inflate an airbag based on the object data.

Abstract: A protective jaw pad for a sports helmet having a shell with at least one side area for covering at least part of the jaw of a wearer, the jaw pad including a first resilient shock absorbing member of thermoplastic polyurethane, the first member having a sheet portion with multiple hollow protrusions, tapering side walls of the protrusions extending substantially to an inside surface of the side area of the shell and being compressible for absorbing shocks applied to the shell. The pad includes a second resilient shock absorbing member. A plastic cover is removably attached to the first resilient shock absorbing member, and encases the second shock absorbing member. The plastic cover and the first shock-absorbing member are releasably attached by a hook and loop fastener. The first shock absorbing member has multiple slots for receiving a T-nut at a variety of locations therealong.

Abstract: A shoe component, wherein the shoe component is formed by 3-dimensional weaving such that the shoe component has one or more woven layers, each having a warp direction and a fill direction, wherein the shoe component has one direction of stretch; a shoe containing at least one of the shoe components in an upper; and a shoe in which the entire upper, and optionally the midsole and/or outsole, are entirely formed by 3-dimensional weaving.

Abstract: A sole structure and an article of footwear that includes an upper midsole component, a lower midsole component, and a plate. The lower midsole component includes a raised portion that acts as a fulcrum or pivot point. The raised portion may be attached to the plate. The plate may be able to pivot in response to forces on the lateral side and the medial side.

Abstract: Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include one or more of: (a) an upper; (b) a sole structure including a midsole and an outsole, the outsole having a plurality of polygonal lugs arranged about a base surface of the outsole. The outsole may include one or more regions wherein the characteristics of a portion of the lugs within a region differ from the characteristics of a portion of the lugs in another region. The lugs may differ, for example based on size, construction and/or spacing between the lugs. Methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear also are disclosed.

Abstract: A shock absorbing structure is formed by including a column member, an elastic ring member that is provided by being fitted onto the column member, and upper and lower pressure receiving portions that are connected by the column member, wherein the column member is capable of being deformed and restored at least in a pressure receiving direction, the ring member has an effective working height set to be lower than the column member, and is formed to be in a non-bonded state with the upper and lower pressure receiving portions, and at a time of pressure reception, the column member undergoes compression deformation in the pressure receiving direction first, and thereafter, the ring member undergoes compression deformation in the pressure receiving direction next, whereby multi-stage shock absorbing performance is exhibited.

Abstract: An article, such as an article of footwear or an article of apparel, includes an upper having a gradient-like coloring pattern. The article further includes protruding elements configured in a pattern that corresponds to the coloring pattern. The article may have a layered structure including a base layer, a coloring ink layer and a layer of protruding elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe, and in order to provide a shoe excellent in convenience, easy to put on and take off, inexpensive, light-weight, comfortable to wear, promoting health and exhibiting excellent extensibility, the easily wearable shoe according to the present invention is characterized by the shapes of an outer layer and inner sacs corresponding to various body organs, additionally including a shoe outer layer, sacs of a stretchable material joined mainly inside the outer layer, and an intake inlet/outlet that is formed of a valve that takes in and discharges an air-like gas into/from the sacs, facilitating the insertion of a foot by injecting the gas from the intake inlet/outlet into the sacs and causing the sacs and the shoe outer layer to be flexible, discharging the gas from the intake outlet so as to cause the shoe outer cover and the sacs to contract and come into close contact with the foot, being capable of freely setting an effect from the shoe on a body organ due to the shapes

Abstract: An article of footwear with a marking system is disclosed. The marking system is configured to help locate one or more portions of a foot during training of an athlete. The marking system includes markings disposed on an upper of an article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoelace includes a cord having two ends, two aglets, one at each end of the cord, and two or more magnets integrated within the shoelace.

Abstract: A lacing system having multiple anchor types, i.e., interior anchors, end anchors, and dynamically adjustable anchors, that, in combination with parallel lacing technology, provide instant and reliable fastening for shoes, boots, and other articles of manufacture. The lace is threaded and anchored so that, a single arcuate pull on the movable fastener(s) causes the multiple lace segments to move through the eyelets of the shoe, and align in unison, so that the entire shoe opening contracts (or opens wide) simultaneously. The fastener(s) can be hook and loop, ratchet buckles, adjustable buckles, or cord locks. The laces are replaceable. The adjustable opening is customizable for different width feet providing “gross” adjustment. The fastener provides “fine” adjustment. Methods and diagrams are disclosed for threading, anchoring, and customizing the lacing, as well as for indicating that the lacing is correct.

Abstract: A securing device for attaching hockey skates to a foot. The device includes a series of fastening mechanisms distributed about the shoe along the length of the tongue. The series of fastening mechanisms provides protection and mobility for the foot. Each fastening mechanism includes a buckle, a receiving lip, an insertion lip, a pivot plate, a mounting plate, and an engagement strip. The mounting plate and the engagement strip are integrated into the shoe. The buckle is attached to the mounting plate through the pivot plate and includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a first cavity, a first plurality of teeth, and a locking hook. The buckle may be affixed to the engagement strip through the engagement of the first plurality of teeth and the engagement strip. The buckle may be secured into a locked configuration with the positioning of the locking hook into the keeper indentation.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a fastening system is disclosed. The fastening system is adjustable and includes portions that can be directly attached to the article. The article can include elements that are capable of distributing tension over the article. The article may include a fastener and one or more tensile elements.