Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is concerned with a composition containing: (A) at least 10 ?g of particular substituted pyrroles per kg of dry matter; and (B) at least 100 mg per kg of dry matter of a pyranone selected from the group consisting of maltol, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one and combinations thereof; which composition, when dissolved in water at a dry solids content of 0.1 wt. %, exhibits: i. an absorption at 280 nm (A280) that exceeds 0.01, preferably exceeds 0.05; and ii. an absorption ratio A280/560 of at least 100, preferably of at least 200. The present composition can advantageously be used as an additive in beverages or foodstuffs to prevent or reduce light induced flavor changes. The invention also encompasses a process for the manufacture of the aforementioned composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food-forming-apparatus with: a rotating drum (5) which comprises product cavities in which a food product is formed from a food mass and a food mass feed member (23), which comprises a housing with an infeed channel (24) and at least one upstream sealing area (25) and/or a downstream sealing area (26) and a flexible pressure plate (7) which is pressed against the outer surface of the drum and thereby provides a seal between the food mass member and the drum. The drum has at its outer surface a multitude of rows of cavities.

Abstract: A filter element incorporating an adsorbent material is provided. The filter element may comprise a first section of filter material and a second section of filter material spaced apart to form a compartment therebetween. The compartment may be filled with one or more adsorbents or the compartment may be divided into two regions, wherein one compartment region is filled with an adsorbent and the other compartment region is either filled with an ion-exchange resin or remains empty. The section of filter material adjacent to the tobacco rod may include one or more channels therethrough for passaging smoke directly from the tobacco rod into the adsorbent-filled compartment. The mouth end section of filter material may contain a breakable capsule, wherein the breakable capsule is filled with a flavoring agent capable of altering the taste characteristics of mainstream smoke.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an inhaler component comprising: a housing (3) with a housing cover; a mouthpiece (4) with a mouthpiece opening (5) for the supply of an inhalable medium into the oral cavity of a user; a flavor reservoir (6) capable of communicating with the environment by diffusion, containing a flavoring (16), for the release of the flavoring (16) into the environment and for the olfactory perception of the same by the user, where a) the housing (3) comprises a housing component (3a); b) the mouthpiece (4) is separably connected with the housing component (3a); c) the housing cover comprises a first cover part (11) and second cover part (14); d) the housing component (3a) forms the first cover part (11); e) the mouthpiece (4) forms the second cover part (14), f) and the flavor reservoir (6) is structurally united with the mouthpiece (4), is superficially formed and is arranged flat on the second cover part (14) or itself forms the second cover part (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing ring and an atomizer in an electronic cigarette. The sealing ring comprises a bottom cover portion, an outer wall portion which is perpendicular to the plane of the bottom cover and is extended axially from the periphery of the bottom cover, an inhalation hole which is through the central of the sealing ring, an inner wall portion which surrounds the inhalation hole, an circular recess which is located between the inner wall and the outer wall, and at least one reflow hole which is through both the bottom cover and the circular recess. If the sealing ring and the atomizer are adopted in the electronic cigarette, a condensed smoke liquid can reflow back into the atomizer via the sealing ring, and can be heated and further atomized again. The invention can improve efficiency in the use of smoke liquid.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprising a cigarette-holder is provided, the cigarette-holder includes a variable color material; and when the electronic cigarette is smoked, the variable color material generates a chemical reaction or a physical change and causes a color of the variable color material to change. Thereby whether the electronic cigarette has been smoked can be determined by observing the color change of the variable color material.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to heat smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, wherein the apparatus comprises a region of insulation having a core region which is evacuated to a lower pressure than an exterior of the insulation.

Abstract: The brassiere with adjustable spacing between cups includes an elastic band adapted for releasable mounting about a user's torso and a pair of shoulder straps secured thereto. A pair of fabric cups are secured to the elastic band for supporting the user's breasts. A lower portion of each cup has a channel defined therein and an open end. Each end of an elongate, flexible support wire or member is slidably disposed within a respective one of the channels. Additionally, a pair of flaps are respectively secured to the pair of fabric cups. Each of the flaps has a free end for selective positioning adjacent a respective open end of each of the channels. The free ends may be secured together such that when the flaps are secured, the support wire allows the spacing between the cups to decrease, thus providing additional inward and upward support for the user's breasts.

Abstract: An upper torso garment and a lower torso garment each comprising a respective torso encircling band. The band includes an inner layer and an outer layer with each layer having a first series of courses. The first series of courses defined by a first, covered elastomeric, yarn and a second, low friction, yarn. The first and second yarns are knit such that the second yarn is float platted with the first yarn.

Abstract: A garment comprises a body having a waist area with a waist opening and a chest area with a head opening; sleeves extending from the body; a hood extending from the body about the head opening and having a face opening; and a waist opening closer on a lower portion of the waist area to retain opposite sides of the waist opening in contact so as to form a floor of a bag with the waist area of the body.

Abstract: A garment having a portion suitable for being combined with an inflatable member for protecting a user is described. The portion of the garment includes a covering surface suitable for forming a covering for the inflatable member. The covering surface comprises at least one insert made of elastic material.

Abstract: A glove, having a finger sheath comprising multiple pieces of fabric held together by seams; and reinforcements for the seams so that part of the sheath can be removed by cutting without the seams unraveling.

Abstract: Ventilated suit embodiments are disclosed. The ventilated suit typically comprises a hood portion, four limb portions, an air inlet port, and an air distribution system in fluid communication with the air inlet port and attached to the back portion of the ventilated suit. The air distribution systems comprises at least five air pathways that extend into the four limbs and hood of the suit, with the air pathways being in fluid communication with the air inlet port to distribute air outward into the limbs and hood.

Abstract: Provided is a hat formed from a single piece of fabric. The single piece of fabric comprises parallel regions of fabric including first and second headband regions and at least one intermediate region. The headband regions are joined at their ends to form a headband and the intermediate region forms the crown of the hat. The headband regions and the at least one intermediate region are of differing stiffness and/or thickness.

Abstract: A protective headwear assembly is provided having a built-in camera, including a camera lens disposed in a front portion thereof. The camera lens is configured to provide a downward orientation relative to a horizontal plane of the headwear so that the camera captures imaging near the feet of the wearer. In an exemplary embodiment, the headwear is adapted for use by skateboarders and provides, among other things, for the recording of tricks and feet placement/technique. The camera lens can be pivotally mounted to an outer shell of the headwear assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring head-accelerations data for a plurality of athletes. An exemplary system includes a plurality of athlete-mounted sensor units that record acceleration information and wirelessly transmit the recorded acceleration information and information identifying the sensor unit, if the recorded acceleration information exceeds a predefined threshold. A base unit receives the wirelessly transmitted acceleration information and the information identifying the sensor unit and makes the received information available to at least one output device.

Abstract: A protective helmet for successive impacts includes a head cap adapted to surround and move with a wearer's head and an outer shell which surrounds the head cap. An energy absorbing flexible liner predominantly comprised of radially oriented foam columns is attached to both the head cap and outer shell. The liner establishes a preset initial relative position and spacing between the head cap and the outer shell and compliantly absorbs energy imparted to the outer shell during a helmet impact to enable the outer shell to move linearly and angularly relative to the head cap during the helmet impact and to be returned to the initial relative position with the head cap following the impact.

Abstract: A belt fastener for detachably connecting two belt ends has a housing and a plug, which can be clipped into the housing. The belt fastener can be a safety fastener opening if a predetermined tensile load acts on the belt ends. A separate finger flap is hinged to a front end of the plug for clipping it into the housing. The finger flap preloaded outwards in direction away from the plug by a separate spring. The finger flap can be brought in abutment with a stop surface of the housing by means of a stop surface opposite of the attachment point. Both stop surfaces are tilted forward by an angle of inclination (?) of >0°, particularly of 20°. In addition, two stop surfaces can be convexly or concavely curved.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a protective headgear assembly having a suspension system with user controls for independently adjusting a front loop length and an occipital loop length. In an illustrative example, the front loop length may lie in a substantially horizontal plane, and the occipital loop length may lie substantially in a plane that intersects the front loop length at non-zero angle such that the occipital loop length descends posterior a user ear to cradle a user occipital. In some examples, an intersection of the front loop length and the occipital loop length may fit proximal the user ear after adjusting the frontal loop length and the occipital loop length to circumferentially fit a user head. In some examples, the user control for the front length may provide a macro adjustment and the user control for the occipital length may provide a micro adjustment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective helmet comprising a plurality of segments, at least two of said segments (106, 107) being connected together by way of a sliding connection for sliding purposes, said segments connected by said connection having complementary and approximately parallel indentations and protrusions, characterized in that, for each sliding connection, said protrusions of at least one of the segments are connected together by way of a transverse bar.

Abstract: A cap includes a crown portion being generally hemispherical in shape and having a hollow interior such that the crown portion defines an interior surface and an exterior surface and the crown portion further includes an apex and a generally circular base. A securement mechanism includes a first and a second elongate flexible strand where each of the flexible strands have a first, a second end, and a mid portion. A bead defines a pair of openings there through where a first end of the first flexible strand extends through a first one of the pair of openings and a first end of the second flexible strand extends through a second one of the pair of openings. The cap retains the second end of each of the flexible strands on opposing sides of the cap.

Abstract: Provided is a safety helmet that exhibits more than one color. Methods of manufacturing such safety helmets are also provided.

Abstract: A branched braid member has a central braid portion and one or more tensile strands or small braids at either end of the central braid portion. The branched braid member may be incorporated into a shoe upper.

Abstract: A skate boot having an outer shell and a toe cap. The outer shell has medial and lateral side portions having front medial and lateral end portions. The toe cap has rear medial and lateral extensions defining medial and lateral hollow spaces. The front medial and lateral side end portions of the outer shell are at least partially received in the medial and lateral hollow spaces of the toe cap for affixing the toe cap to the outer shell.

Abstract: A dual-density insole (or sock liner) for a shoe is disclosed. The insole includes a carrier with two cavities. Two inserts with a density or hardness level that is different from that of the carrier are positioned in the cavities for increased performance. The disclosed insole further exhibits a molded geometry marked with shaped protrusions.

Abstract: A variety of devices for protecting a user's foot from injury are disclosed. In one embodiment, the device may be a metatarsal protection device, which may include a first layer of material having top and bottom surfaces, with at least one of such surfaces including a series of cones or a pattern of hexagons thereon. The metatarsal protection device may also include a second relatively rigid layer of material overlying the first layer, and the first layer may be shaped to conform to the metatarsal region of the user's foot, such that the device is configured to protect the metatarsal region against injury. Other configurations and variations of a metatarsal protection device are also disclosed, as are other uses for the principles of the invention(s) disclosed herein (e.g., protection devices for other areas of the foot, etc).

Abstract: An article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a method of assembling the article of footwear are disclosed. The method includes folding the article of footwear from a flat configuration and attaching top and bottom lateral edges to form the article of footwear. A kit of parts containing an article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a set of instructions is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a method of assembling the article of footwear are disclosed. The method includes folding the article of footwear from a flat configuration and attaching top and bottom lateral edges to form the article of footwear. A kit of parts containing an article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a set of instructions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A material that includes at least one layer made of an auxetic structure and articles of footwear having soles comprising the materials. When the material is under tension, it expands in both the direction under tension and in the directional orthogonal to the direction under tension. The articles of footwear have soles that have at least one layer made of a material that has a pattern of sole elements with apertures. The sole elements have may rotate with respect to each other when the sole is under lateral or longitudinal tension, thus increasing the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the sole. One or more auxetic or flat liners may be used to prevent entry of debris into the apertures.

Abstract: A midsole for a running shoe is described, which shoe comprises a rear foot area (150) with a bottom heel portion (20) and an upper heel portion (142). The upper heel portion (142) is molded in one piece with the bottom heel portion and extended vertically to cover the tuberosity (68) of the calcaneus (69). According to the invention, the upper heel portion (142) is asymmetric about a vertical axis (B-B) dividing the midsole (1) into two halves wherein the area of midsole material supporting the heel on the medial side (143) of the upper heel portion (142) is larger than the supporting area of the midsole material on the lateral side (151) of the upper heel portion. This design stabilizes the foot during motion, and contributes to lowering the risk of injury during running.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure with a midsole component and an inner sole component. The midsole component includes holes arranged in an auxetic configuration. The midsole component and the inner sole component may have a different density. The midsole component and the inner sole component may have a different compressibility.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper for securing the article of footwear to a wearer. The footwear also includes a sole assembly operatively coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes a bladder that contains a fluid. The bladder has a posterior portion, an anterior portion, and a middle portion disposed between the posterior and anterior portions. The posterior portion has a heel recess that is approximately coincidental with a center of a heel of the wearer. The middle portion includes a neck chamber that extends between the posterior and anterior portions. The neck chamber is elongate and has a width that is less than both the posterior and anterior portions, and the anterior portion has a plurality of toe recesses that extend generally away from the neck chamber.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an auxetic sole structure formed from members surrounding apertures. The members may have a trapezoidal geometry. Adjoining members are hingedly connected, so that they can rotate with respect to each other in the plane of the sole structure. The rotation allows the auxetic sole structure to expand when tension is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for ratcheting multiple restraint webs includes first and second locking web retractors each coupled to one end of a different restraint web. When locked, the web retractors each prevent web movement in a web pay-out direction relative thereto. The apparatus further includes first and second ratcheting devices each coupled to a corresponding one of the web retractors, and each is movable in a direction that moves the corresponding web in a web take-up direction relative to its web retractor when the web retractors are locked. The apparatus further includes an actuator movable between two positions and coupled to each of the ratcheting devices. The ratcheting devices are each responsive to a moving force applied thereto by the actuator as the actuator moves between its two positions to move in the direction that moves its corresponding web in the web take-up direction.

Abstract: There is provided a locking arrangement that includes an entry element and a housing element, the entry element having a portion that is selectively disposable in the housing element via a movement of the portion of the entry element and the housing element relatively toward one another in an insertion direction, the entry element and the housing element being in a releasably secured disposition when the portion of the entry element has been disposed in the housing element via a movement of the portion of the entry element and the housing element relatively toward one another in the insertion direction and the entry element and the housing element being releasable from their releasably secured disposition via a movement in a release direction that is other than a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

Abstract: A slider for a slide fastener that is easily adjustable to a variety of sizes and types of slide fasteners, since it can be pivotally opened and closed horizontally and can be locked in the appropriate size according to the size of the slide fastener in which it has been previously inserted; the horizontal opening of the slider allows it to be inserted in both rows of teeth of a new or repaired slide fastener without unsewn parts of the garment or article of interest; additionally a method for the insertion of the slider in a garment or article of interest to be manufactured and/or repaired is disclosed.

Abstract: A child resistant zipper closure for a bag includes a slider having a flexible tab with a torpedo. To open a zipper closure, the tab must be held in a downward position to engage the torpedo between male and female tracks and result in separation of interlocked complementary profiles, while the slider is moved along the zipper closure.

Abstract: Bracelet alert device used as a visual alert device that acts as a child safety/awareness imperative, worn as a bracelet. The device functions to prevent the tragedy of a baby being left in a hot car. The device has three signature, giant beads, a color matching functional carabiner for attachment with the male end of the auto seatbelt buckle, a color matching functional male end seatbelt adapter piece to fastened with the female end of the child safety seat belt buckle, and a matching “official child safety apparatus” tag, includes a card stock bookmark or a magnet, displaying a symbol and meaning of the various charms on one side and the instructions for properly using the said bracelet alert device the other side.

Abstract: An umbrella has a lower pole and an upper pole and a fabric. The lower pole includes screw threads. A spring clip in an inverted V-shaped configuration has outwardly extending projections removably coupling together the upper pole and the lower pole. A handle is removably coupled to the lower pole to twist the lower pole. Each rib of a plurality of ribs has an interior end and an exterior end. The interior ends of the ribs are coupled to the upper pole. The fabric overlies the ribs. Each tip of a plurality of tips has an upper part and a lower part. Each upper part has a tubular recess receiving the exterior end of an associated rib. The periphery of the fabric is secured between the upper part and the lower part.

Abstract: A suitcase includes pivotally attached first and second shells, and latch means for releasably securing the shells when closed. A partition divides the second shell into first and second compartments. Second and third partitions sub-divide the second compartment into first, second, and third sub-compartments adapted to separately store two pairs of shoes, and a blow-dryer. A transparent flap releasably seals the shoe compartments using Velcro, preventing egress of dislodged debris. Fishnet secures the blow-dryer in the third sub-compartment. The first compartment receives a correspondingly shaped case that is partitioned to form a plurality of shaped sub-compartments, to receive correspondingly shaped toiletry items. A pivotal cover seals the case, and alternatively supports it in a selective upright position for hygienic display/use on a vanity countertop of a hotel room. A third shell is pivotally coupled to the second shell to form a tri-fold arrangement for use with a hotel luggage rack.

Abstract: Cases for portable electronic devices are described including multiple alignment elements (e.g. slugs, magnets or physical securing means) embedded in a panel, such as the back panel of the case. Various accessories, such as stands, cord spools, mounts, communication devices, speakers, displays, etc., may also have multiple corresponding alignment elements (e.g. magnets, slugs or cooperative physical securing means) in them that allow the accessories to be semi-securely attached to the case in a plurality of specific positions and/or orientations.

Abstract: A hair braiding apparatus includes a main housing having a lower portion defining a lower interior area. A rotor assembly is mounted to the lower portion of the main housing and includes a rotor motor having a plurality of rotors operatively coupled to the rotor motor. The rotor assembly includes at least a pair of orbital tracks configured to receive the plurality of rotors for movement therealong. A plurality of hair retention members are coupled to respective rotors for positioning hair to be styled. A processor is positioned in the lower portion and electrically connected to the rotors for actuating the rotors to move along the orbital tracks. A memory stores programming instructions to selectively control movement of the rotors and the platform.

Abstract: An airflow concentrator for electric hairdryer includes a airflow divider connected with the electric hairdryer, an airflow generated by the electric hairdryer is divided and deflected in the airflow divider, and then flowed out of the airflow divider, two connecters connected with the airflow divider respectively, and two airflow nozzles connected with the two connecters respectively, wherein the airflow flowed out from the airflow divider is deflected in the airflow nozzles, and then flowed out of the airflow nozzles.

Abstract: An eyeliner pencil includes two case sections each including a hollow insert in a cap, and an annular flange on the insert; a main case; a first guide member including surface protrusions; a first piercing member at an end of the first guide member; a first sponge put on the first guide member; a first core partially disposed in the first guide member; a first application head at an end of the first core and inserted through a sleeve member into the main case; a second guide member including tabs and a second core partially disposed in the second guide member; a second piercing member at an end of the second guide member; a second application head at an end of the second core; a second sponge put on the second guide member; a sleeve element put on the second guide member; and an applicator sleeve.

Abstract: A dispenser has a barrel, a piston upwardly movable within the barrel from a first position to a second position, and a body of personal care composition at least partially within the barrel between the piston and the barrel top end. An actuator is coupled to the piston to shift the piston upward (toward the top end). The actuator comprises a screw member having a threaded portion engaged to the piston for relative rotation about a first axis. A cap has a first condition mounted at the barrel top end. The cap is removable from the first condition. An upper portion of the barrel has a rim portion, a dome, a breakaway connection between the dome and the rim portion recessed below the rim, and a handle coupled to the dome to allow pulling of the handle to sever the breakaway connection to remove the dome from the rim portion.

Abstract: A load bearing and/or suspension system, having a harness element; harness straps extending from the harness element; a pair of suspension members, wherein each suspension member extends from a pair of harness straps; a ladder lock buckle attached or coupled to each suspension member; a pair of webbing segments, wherein a free end of each webbing segment interacts with one of the ladder lock buckles such that when the free end of the webbing segment is urged away from the ladder lock buckle, a second end of the webbing segment is drawn toward the ladder lock buckle; and a belt attachment element attached or coupled to the second end of the webbing segment.

Abstract: A jacket includes an inner harness, a jacket for wearing over the harness, and a load for attachment to the harness through attachment openings in the jacket. The load can be an airbag, a backpack, or other load or load carrying member for attaching to the harness. The jacket has at least one back opening providing access to the inner harness, to facilitate the attachment of the load to the harness. The jacket can be readily removed without disturbing the harness or its load. The removed jacket is effectively carried by the load and/or harness to which the load is secured. The inner harness can be used to carry loads without using the jacket.

Abstract: Devices and methods disclosed here can include a foot mount, such as an action camera foot mount. The action camera foot mount can include a harness having a toe loop and an ankle loop. The harness can include an elastic material and can be in tension between the toe loop and the ankle loop. The toe loop can encircle a toe of the user and the ankle loop can encircle an ankle of the user to secure the harness to the foot of the user. In an example, at least one midportion can be disposed between the toe loop and the ankle loop of the harness. A base member can be coupled to the harness and the base member can include a camera mount for attaching an action camera to the harness. In an example, the base member can be slidably coupled along the midportion.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided. The implement comprises: a handle having a core (118) comprising recycled material and a cover (112) enveloping the core (118); and a head comprising at least one cleaning element, the head (120) being connected to, or connectable to, the handle. Also provided is a method of manufacturing an oral care implement, the method comprising: providing recycled material; and enveloping the recycled material with cover material to form a handle of the oral care implement, the handle having a core comprising the recycled material and a cover comprising the cover material enveloping the core.

Abstract: An oral care implement having an internal reservoir. In one embodiment, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising: a handle having an internal reservoir containing an oral care fluid; a head coupled to the handle; an applicator located on the head; a partition member positioned within the internal reservoir that divides the internal reservoir into a storage chamber and an overflow chamber; a passageway extending through the partition member from the storage chamber to the overflow chamber, the passageway terminating as a first opening in a first surface of the partition member and as a second opening in a second surface of the partition member; and a wick member having a first end in fluid communication with the applicator and a second end terminating in an end surface that abuts the second surface of the partition member to prohibit axial movement of the wick member in a first axial direction.