Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a concentrated liquid food that enables easy injection and suppresses gastro-esophageal reflux. The object can be solved by a concentrated liquid food, comprising: (A) a polysaccharide that becomes gelated or thickened by combining with calcium; (B) a calcium source; optional (C) a chelating agent; (D) a protein having emulsifiabilty; and (E) a soybean hemicellulose, (with the proviso that, when the calcium source (B) is a water-soluble calcium source, the concentrated liquid food comprises the chelating agent (C)), wherein the concentrated liquid food has a viscosity of 250 mPa·s or less before contact with a simulated gastric fluid, and has a viscosity of 1,500 mPa·s or more after contact with a simulated gastric fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides nutritional compositions, preferably printed, comprising at least one nutrient for which a deficiency in nutrient intake and/or nutrient status in a subject was detected. Such nutritional composition is comprised by an administration unit, and the nutrient is present at an amount corresponding to the difference between the target value and actual value of the nutrient intake and/or status in the subject. The invention further provides medical uses of such printed nutritional compositions, e.g. in the treatment or prophylaxis of malnutrition. The invention also provides administration units comprising such the nutritional compositions, as well as a system and method for producing the same.

Abstract: This document provides methods and systems for stabilizing nicotine and incorporating nicotine into one or more oral products. This document also provides oral products. Nicotine can be stabilized by mixing liquid nicotine with cellulosic fiber such that the liquid nicotine absorbs into pores of the cellulosic fiber to form a cellulosic fiber-nicotine mixture. In some cases, a cellulosic fiber-nicotine mixture can be combined with one or more binders and molded into an oral product.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing packaged curved edge cigarette rolling papers including stacking a cigarette rolling paper blanks to form a leaf stack. The leaf stack is enclosed within a folded cover to form a covered leaf stack. A band is wrapped around the covered leaf stack to hold the leaf stack in alignment with the cover while the cover and leaf stack is die cut to form packaged curved edge cigarette rolling papers. The curved edge is continuous arc, for example an elliptical arc which eliminates the corners that can interfere with cigarette hand rolling.

Abstract: A smoking article comprising one or more rod articles, an inner layer extending around the rod articles, and an outer layer extending around the inner layer. The inner and outer layers are integrally formed. The outer layer comprises a selection portion configured to move over an underlying part of the inner layer to select a property of the smoking article.

Abstract: Provided is a material (cigarette component) that enables the elimination or minimization of illicit cigarette production. Specifically, related is a cigarette filter tow band including a crimped bundle of filaments. The tow band includes a detectable marker for identifying the source of the tow band.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water pipe having an elastic body that defines an air passage. The water pipe also includes a stem having a bowl receiving portion. A groove is formed in the bowl receiving portion and an elastic lip formed adjacent to the groove. A flange formed about the upper edge of bowl fits in the groove and the elastic lip holds the flange compressively within the groove. The elastic body and the stem are formed of a heat resistant silicone. The bowl may be formed of stainless steel, brass, titanium, glass or ceramic.

Abstract: The invention allows for the simplified operation and maintenance of a hookah apparatus. In a first aspect of the present invention, an electrically-powered hookah apparatus is provided. The hookah apparatus comprises a vessel and a housing. The housing comprises a first section and a second section. The first section is removably fitted over the vessel, and the second section comprises a combustion unit including an electronics unit. The combustion unit comprises a capsule holder configured to hold capsules of combustible material and a heating unit configured to heat the capsules. The electronics unit comprises a power unit and a programmable controller connected thereto, the controller configured to controllably power the heating unit. In a second aspect of the present invention, a capsule of combustible material is provided. In a third aspect of the present invention, a method of operating an electrically-powered hookah apparatus is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a smoking pipe having an elastic body that defines an air passage. Preferably the elastic body is formed of a heat resistant silicone. The elastic body included a bowl receiving portion and a stem which define an air passage. The bowl receiving portion also including a groove formed at the proximate to the first end of the air passage and an elastic lip formed adjacent to the groove. The bowl may be removably positioned within the bowl receiving portion with the flange seated in the groove and the elastic lip holding the flange compressively within the groove. The bowl may be formed of stainless steel, brass, titanium, glass or ceramic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for resin cleaning are disclosed. In particular, systems and methods are provided for a resin cleaning and sterilizing system that utilizes at least two ultrasonic cleaners. A first ultrasonic cleaner provides removal of resin on a smoking apparatus, and a second ultrasonic cleaner provides sterilization of the smoking apparatus.

Abstract: The present cigar holder device is provided for holding cigars.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices. The aerosol delivery devices may include a housing and a cartridge including an atomizer and a reservoir configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition. The cartridge may be configured to move relative to at least a portion of the housing between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. Related assembly methods are also provided.

Abstract: A electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes a mechanical valve that is (i) pushed up from its seat to enable automatic filling of the vaporiser with e-liquid from a fluid transfer mechanism and (ii) returns to seal against its seat at other times when the vaporiser is being vaped or inhaled from (e.g. when filling is complete).

Abstract: An electronic vaporizer device is provided for vaporizing or atomizing inhalants. The device comprises a separable and selectively connectable device having at least a first portion and a second portion. A novel threaded connection arrangement is provided with a male connector and a female connector. The male connector comprises a thread arrangement that is compatible with various devices. The female connector is adapted to receive only the male connectors of the disclosure.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article, a method of manufacturing an electronic smoking article, and a method of achieving a smoking experience without combusting tobacco are disclosed. The electronic smoking article includes an authenticated first section, which includes an aerosol generation unit having at least one heater; an authenticated second section, which includes a power supply operable to apply voltage to the at least one heater for heating a liquid in at least a portion of the aerosol generation unit to form an aerosol; and a conductive ink circuit embedded within the first and second sections, and wherein the power supply and the aerosol generation unit are electrically connected upon joining the first and second sections, and wherein each of the first and second sections has a portion of the conductive ink circuit.

Abstract: A sling housed and located within a man's underpants such that it crosses in front of a man's body under and around his scrotum thereby creating a separation designed to create comfort by preventing the scrotum from contacting the legs, thighs and genital organ is disclosed. The sling is made of a fine mesh like material that prevents the scrotum from sagging and drifting between a man's legs adding comfort during wear by placing the scrotum in a snug and comfortable position. In use, a man puts on his pair of boxers and reaches in dropping his scrotum into the sling wherein the sling tucks up between the scrotum to where the man's genital organ meets the scrotum. The scrotum is now comfortably situated in its own soft pouch wherein the genital organ is left free to dangle as it does during the normal use of men's briefs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sock comprising a leg portion, and an elastic band portion coupled to the leg portion, wherein the band portion is knitted using only a covering yarn, wherein a bottom of the band portion is coupled in an integrated manner to a top of the leg portion via knitting, wherein the band portion has inner and outer portions, wherein the band and leg portions are knitted with each other such that each of first loops of outer and inner yarns of the leg portion passes through and hooks on both of first and last loops of the band portion, and, thereafter, the covering yarn is cut, and, then, the leg portion is continuously knitted using the outer and inner yarns thereof.

Abstract: A compound stocking has a principle portion having a closed toe end and an upper, open end, formed to cover an athlete's foot and ankle, and an outer, movable portion, in part elastic, having an open end and joined at an opposite end to the principle inner portion along a join line around the athlete's leg above the ankle. With the outer portion drawn up and the athlete's foot in an athletic shoe having spikes on a front sole area, and with the shoe laced up along a lacing region, the outer portion is outside and above an upper edge of the shoe, and wherein with the outer portion then pulled down over the heel and mid portions of the athletic shoe, the upper edge of the shoe and the lacing region are covered, but the spikes are not.

Abstract: A portion of a bra, such as a bra wing or bra cup, includes a double-faced fabric made with a polyurethane-based elastomer yarn. A silicone pattern is printed on a first face of the fabric, and at least partially penetrates the first face. In a first zone on the first face of the fabric, the printed silicone pattern has a first surface density, and in a second zone it has a second surface density. The first surface density imparts a first elastic modulus to the fabric in the first zone, while the second surface density imparts a second elastic modulus to the fabric in the second zone that is different than the first elastic modulus. A plurality of zones can be provided in order to provide a smoothing and/or support effect to the portion of the bra.

Abstract: Garment comprising a module with a removable electronic display, fastened to the garment through supple magnetic means The garment comprises a supple-sheet support (100) including a cut-out (102) formed in an apparent region. The electronic module (200) is a flat module arranged on the inner side of the support, which comprises a flexible circuit supporting electronic components and a display (206). The support (100) comprises, around the cut-out and the surface thereof opposite to the panel, a peripheral band carrying a first magnetization pattern with ranges magnetized alternatively with a given magnetic polarity and with a reverse magnetic polarity. The module (200) includes at the periphery (204) thereof a frame of similar dimensions carrying a second reverse magnetization pattern, conjugated with respect to the first magnetization pattern, when the module and the support are arranged opposite to each other in the overlapping peripheral region.

Abstract: A hooded shoulder wrap for allowing a user to cover their upper body while in a bed or chair without restricting mobility. The hooded shoulder wrap includes a trapezoidal base section operative to be wrapped around the neck, shoulder and upper torso area of a user, a hood member for use to cover the head and neck, and two sleeve sections through which a user can selectively slide their arms. In use, the hooded shoulder wrap may be advantageously employed in addition to conventional blankets to optimally cover a user, with the blankets covering the user's entire lower body and lower torso and the hooded shoulder wrap covering the upper torso, shoulders and head/neck.

Abstract: A lower garment with a crotch opening is provided. A front cover is releasably attached to the front side of the lower garment and is sized to cover a front portion of the crotch opening. A rear cover is releasably attached to the rear side of the lower garment and is sized to cover a rear portion of the crotch opening. The front cover and the rear cover are removable from the lower garment independent of each other. Therefore, only a portion of the patient's body that needs to be exposed is exposed, while other portions are covered.

Abstract: An electrical safety device adapted to be worn by a human user is provided. electrical safety device may take the form of a glove, wherein the electrical safety device continuously monitors for and alerts the user of the presence of predetermined levels of electric current and voltage differentials before contact is made, obviating human error and the necessity of carrying additional tools when working around electrical devices.

Abstract: A glove with thickness from about 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm having stress retention greater than 50% at 100% stretch, tensile stress at break greater than 17 Mpa and elongation at break greater than 550% is made from a carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene elastomer comprising 20-30% acrylonitrile, 63-77% butadiene and 3-7% carboxylic acid dry weight of elastomer and crosslinked by 1.0-4.0 phr aluminum ion compound.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a glove base and glove which enhance water-absorbing properties for moisture on a surface of a hand and easily release moisture to the outside from the entire glove even if the glove is configured only of a fiber-made base or even if coating is provided to a surface of the glove. [Solution] A glove base of the present invention is a glove base made of fiber and having a hand shape, wherein water-absorbing properties of a first fiber exposed mainly to inside of the glove base are higher than water-absorbing properties of a second fiber exposed mainly to outside of the glove base, the first fiber absorbs and moves moisture on a surface of a hand on the inside to the second fiber, and the second fiber moves the moisture moved from the first fiber mainly in a surface direction.

Abstract: A protective device for use in a high temperature and liquid environment provides a glove integrally formed with a protective member in the thumb webbing region. The protective member is not readily detectable when viewing the outside of the glove. The protective member is cut resistant and constructed to protect a workman's hand as a sharp and hot object passes over the protective member contacting the outer surface of the glove.

Abstract: A linesman's outer glove (14) includes a hand portion (30) configured to cover a hand portion of a linesman's inner glove (12). The outer glove (14) also includes a cut resistant layer (100) positioned inside the hand portion (30) and covering the palm portion (42), the back hand portion (40), and the finger portions (44). The outer glove (14) further includes at least one pad (50) secured to at least one of the palm portion (42) and finger portions (44). The at least one pad (50) includes a substrate (60) and at least one flame resistant polymer rib (62) disposed on the substrate. The at least one rib (62) is configured to improve the gripping performance of the outer glove (14).

Abstract: Articles of apparel including an encapsulated insulation panel with a plurality of spaced apart insulation sections, methods of making the encapsulated insulation panels, and methods of making the articles of appeal are provided. Methods of making articles of apparel may include bonding an encapsulated insulation panel to a first fabric layer with an adhesive film. Methods of making articles of apparel may also include coupling the encapsulated insulation panel to a second fabric layer with an adhesive tape to form a multilayer fabric. The bonding and coupling of an encapsulated insulation panel to the fabric layers may be performed with using one or more presses.

Abstract: A new method and system for accessorizing body wear of a user. Various conventional accessories are attached to clothing that covers the legs and a user's other parts. The way in which the accessories are held ensures that the accessories to not fall off and/or injure others during the typical heavy motion of a user's legs throughout a typical day.

Abstract: Described herein are shields adapted for permanent attachment or removable attachment in the armpit area of a shirt. The shields are multi-layered fabrics that absorb perspiration, and in certain aspects, are used to control, reduce, or prevent perspiration from bleeding through and being shown on the outer surface of a garment. For example, these garments can include, but are not limited to, a multilayered fabric having at least a first fabric layer configured to wick moisture away from a person's body, at least a second fabric layer configured to absorb the moisture, and at least a third fabric layer that does not absorb moisture. As further described herein, various antimicrobial agents can be included in at least one fabric layer. These antimicrobial agents can be used to reduce or prevent the growth of microbes in and/or on the fabric, and these antimicrobial agents can be used to reduce or prevent odors derived from odor producing microbes.

Abstract: A garment with garment surface is provided with a pocket having a pocket opening. The pocket is provided with a zipper for selectively closing the pocket opening. The zipper has a slider operable between an open and closed position by a tab. A tab locking element is used to secure the slider at or near its closed position.

Abstract: A garment, such as a pair of jeans, is made of a component with an outer surface and a pocket panel attached to the component to form a zipper. The zipper is recessed from an edge of the pocket to form a hidden means of dosing the pocket.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to breathable, vented, and insulating garments. More particularly, the technology described herein relates to garments with chambers to retain an insulating fill material. Openings along seams between the insulating chambers may achieve evaporative moisture or air transfer from the inside (proximal to the body of a wearer) of the garment to the outside environment. In an aspect, the openings along the seams are offset with interior openings, wherein the interior openings are connected to the exterior openings by a passage between garment layers.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to vented and insulating garments having an interior garment assembly comprising an interior panel and a middle panel attached at one or more seams defining chambers for retaining thermally-insulating fill material. The seams have a first plurality of openings extending through the interior and middle panels. An exterior garment assembly has a second plurality of openings positioned on the exterior garment assembly such that the second plurality of openings are offset from the first plurality of openings when the exterior garment assembly is worn with the interior garment assembly. The offsetting of the openings may achieve moisture vapor or air transfer from the inside the garment to the outside environment. The exterior garment assembly and the interior garment assembly may be discrete garment pieces or may be attached at one or more locations.

Abstract: An article of apparel includes at least one panel including a first edge and an opposing second edge. The at least one panel includes an auxetic structure defining a primary elongation direction and a secondary elongation direction. A plurality of lace coupling pairs are positioned along the first edge and the second edge of the at least one panel. Each lace coupling pair defines a lace pull direction that is perpendicular to a line extending through two adjacent lace couplings of the lace coupling pair. Each lace pull direction is defined by the plurality of lace couplings substantially in alignment with either the primary elongation direction or the secondary elongation direction of the auxetic structure between the two adjacent lace couplings of the lace coupling pair.

Abstract: A hair extension is formed by wrapping a mid-region of a length of yarn around a stick or pole. The removal of the stick or pole created a hollow interior, with the portal on one end of the hair extension and tapering of the other end. One can then attach the hair extension to hair. The hair extension is light weight by virtue of the hollow interior and can return to its original shape, structure, and length when forces acting on the tapered end stretch the length of the extension.

Abstract: A hair extension tape fixing tool includes two tape pressing plates and two pivoting half bodies that hold the plates. The elastic pressing plates are rectangular and have predetermined length, width and thickness. A method of attaching extension hair to a client's hair with the extension tape fixing tool includes steps of choosing strands of client's hair; bringing the tape patch of extension hair near the chosen strands of client's hair; positioning the strands of client's hair uniformly on the tape patch; and pressing the strands of client's hair on an adhesive surface of the tape patch with the hair extension tape fixing tool.

Abstract: A compact, ergonomic, lighted, retractable seam ripper is provided, having a housing, a retractable seam ripping blade, an LED, a battery, and a switch. The housing has generally planar exterior sidewalls and lower peripheral surface, a generally arcuate upper peripheral surface, a blade opening in the upper surface, and a longitudinally extending first and second rail generally parallel to the lower peripheral surface. The retractable seam ripping blade is mounted on a blade holder translatable along the first rail. A spring integral with the holder has a locking projection that engages locking depressions in the second rail. An actuating member between the spring and housing dislodges the locking projection from each of the locking depressions. The switch connects the LED to the battery when actuated.

Abstract: A dual blade retractable seam ripper is provided. The seam ripper has a generally cylindrical tube and a unitary injection molded slide block structure. The tube has a control slot and two capped ends with blade extension openings, one major and one minor. The unitary structure has a major seam ripping blade and a minor seam ripping blade, each carried by a support. Each blade projects through the corresponding cap opening. One support is attached to a leaf spring cantilevered at the other end. The spring carries a control button which projects through and moves within the slot and a locking pin which extends beyond the spring. Depressions in the tube engage and dis-engage with the locking pin as the button moves and is pressed.

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: Footwear having a pivotable bottom portion are generally described. For example, the footwear may include a sole having a first portion and a second portion pivotally coupled to one another. The first portion may include a tongue and the second portion may include a recess for receiving the tongue. A rod may be arranged to extend across a width of the sole and through the tongue for pivotally coupling the first portion to the second portion. In various aspects, the footwear may further include a stopper coupled to any of the tongue and the second portion proximate to the recess for limiting relative pivotal motion of the first and second portions.

Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear include sipes that define discrete hexagonally-shaped sole elements at the ground-engaging or ground-facing surface. At least some of the arch-supporting hexagonally shaped sole elements may be elongated in one direction as compared to at least some of the corresponding hexagonally shaped sole elements in the heel and/or forefoot support areas. Additionally or alternatively, the sole structure may include a perimeter rim and/or side wall integrally formed with and extending upward from a foot-supporting surface at least at a rear heel area of the sole structure. This perimeter rim and/or side wall forms a rear heel pocket that engages at least a portion of the heel area of the upper (e.g., the rear heel area) with an interior surface of the perimeter rim and/or side wall.

Abstract: A method includes: (a.) providing a fabric comprising a first surface and a second surface; (b.) placing the fabric on a support structure adapted to permit gas circulation through at least a portion of a surface of the support structure, wherein the fabric is placed such that the first surface of the fabric faces the surface of the support structure and such that the fabric is arranged at least in part over a raised or embossed portion of the support structure; (c.) providing at least one coating comprising a first coating surface and a second coating surface opposite the first coating surface; (d.) placing the coating at least partially on the second surface of the fabric, such that the first coating surface faces the fabric; and (e.) applying a gas pressure differential between the second coating surface and the first surface of the fabric.

Abstract: Described is a shoe upper for a shoe, in particular an athletic shoe, wherein the shoe upper is laceless and comprises: (a.) a lateral portion; (b.) a medial portion; and (c.) at least an elastic intermediate portion between the lateral portion and the medial portion, wherein the stiffness of at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion is at least 2 times higher than the stiffness of the elastic intermediate portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface. The sole component may also include an arrangement of ground engaging members extending downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate. The baseplate may further include a reinforcing shank arrangement including a plurality of reinforcing strips formed of a different material than portions of the baseplate adjacent the reinforcing strips, wherein at least one of the reinforcing strips forms at least a portion of a base platform from which at least one of the ground engaging members extends.

Abstract: A shoe has a heel as well as an embellishment fitted around the heel and which is detachably clamped around the heel. The embellishment comprises a clamping bracket as well as an ornament 11 which has the look of an artistically shaped artificial flower. The clamping bracket has a slightly conical shape as has the top part of the heel of the shoe, where the angle of the conical shape of the clamping bracket and that of a part of the heel are equal.

Abstract: A footwear securing device is provided. The device includes a front strap, a mid strap, a rear strap, an ankle strap, a connector strap, and a base plate; the base plate configured to attach to a sole of a shoe and comprising a front portion, a mid portion, and a rear portion, the front portion comprising a front slot, the mid portion comprising a mid slot, and the rear portion comprising a rear slot; and the front strap configured to enter the front slot, the mid strap configured to enter the mid slot, and the rear strap configured to enter the rear slot.

Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.

Abstract: A button includes a body and a button cap. The button cap includes a plate and a clamping portion extending from the plate. The plate and the clamping portion cooperatively define a receiving space. The body includes a mounting panel. The mounting panel is stuck to the plate and is received in the receiving space. The mounting panel is clamped by the clamping portion to fasten to the button cap.

Abstract: A hook fastener includes a stem having two lateral edges, a first surface, and a second surface. A cap extends from an upper end of the stem, and the cap includes an upper surface, a first end, a second end, and a pair of overhanging portions. The upper surface of the cap is sloped between the first end and the second end. The first and second ends are at opposite longitudinal ends of the cap, and each overhanging portion extends in a lateral direction from the stem.