Abstract: An antimicrobial article includes a first surface and an opposing second surface. The antimicrobial core is formed from an antimicrobial alloy comprising at least 50% molybdenum such that the antimicrobial alloy is configured to eliminate pathogens located proximate the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: Methods for delaying the maturity, coloration and/or senescence of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, or non-food crops by applying phosphorous acid and/or its salts to the plants; or by applying mixtures of gibberellic acid and/or its salts and phosphorous acid and/or its salts to the plants. Applications may be made pre- or post-harvest at various temperatures and pH ranges. The unique combinations of phosphorous acid/salts with gibberellic acid/salts in embodiments of the present invention have been found to increase the effect of the gibberellic acid/salts on delaying maturation, coloration and senescence of plant tissues, thereby prolonging the shelf life of fruit, vegetables and/or non food crops in ways not previously realized.

Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.

Abstract: A cooking aid comprising a sheet of flexible burn resistant material and a composition disposed on one face of the sheet, the composition comprising a mixture of vegetable or animal oil with a melting point below 20° C., vegetable or animal fat with a melting point above 20° C., and one or more herbs, spices and flavor enhancers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for creating blanks from pieces of dough, in particular triangular pieces of dough, from at least one web of dough, comprising a plurality of cutting tools which cut an edge of the pieces of dough as a result of a movement oriented against the at least one web of dough and comprising a conveyor belt device on which the at least one web of dough is conveyed. The cutting tools are arranged on a drum, which is driven in a rotating manner, via tool holders, said drum being superimposed with a vertical movement such that one or more cutting tools 1 which can be found circulating about the drum are moved parallel to the conveyor belt device as a result of the superimposed sequence of movements of the drum rotation and the vertical movement of the drum.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing color and/or unpleasant taste and/or malodor development in a composition comprising a plant material, such a cereal bran, in particular during solubilization processes of the plant material. Optimized solubilization methods are provided, wherein color and/or unpleasant taste and/or malodor development is controlled. Solubilized plant material, kit of parts, the use of such solubilized plant material, e.g. in food products or bioethanol are also provided.

Abstract: Fluid distribution systems for use in meat-handling facilities include a fluid distribution assembly for fluidly coupling with a fluid supply where the fluid distribution assembly comprises at least one valve for alternately supplying fluid to a first nozzle assembly and a second nozzle assembly. The fluid distribution assembly may further include at least one motor for oscillating the nozzle assemblies. Cabinet assemblies for use in meat-handling facilities may include a fluid distribution system. Valve assemblies may include a diverter for selectively supplying fluid to at least two outlets. Methods of washing at least a portion of a carcass include spraying fluid onto the at least a portion of the carcass with a first set of nozzle assemblies and with a second set of nozzle assemblies positioned over the first set of nozzle assemblies.

Abstract: A skinning device for removing skin from an animal carcass or carcass parts when conveyed by a conveyor means includes a frame, a housing rotatably mounted on the frame using a rotation mechanism, a motor driven tooth roll mounted on the housing, a support structure mounted on the housing encasing at least a portion of the tooth roll, a cutting blade positioned adjacent to the support structure between the support structure and the tooth roll, and a sensing structure for sensing incoming animal carcass or carcass parts. The rotation mechanism is operably connected to the housing and adapted to execute, in response to a reaction from the sensing structure, a movement of the housing including rotational movement around a longitudinal axis of the tooth roll from a first angular position to a second angular position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling machine for producing sausages and a method for monitoring the state of fouling of a collection container and/or a channel which is in communication with the collection container of such a filling machine, where the filling machine comprises a vane cell pump for delivering pasty mass, a vacuum pump for generating negative pressure of the vane cell pump, where the vane cell pump is via the collection container for the pasty mass that is dragged along in communication with the vacuum pump. The filling machine further comprises an inspection opening that is via a channel in communication with the collection container for inspecting the channel and/or the collection container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foodstuff casing having a textile supporting layer. The textile supporting layer has, on the side facing the foodstuff, an edible, however, essentially water-insoluble coating. The coating contains solid and/or liquid aromatic substances, dyestuffs and/or food flavorings and can be transferred onto foodstuff located inside the casing. An additional layer, largely or completely formed from water soluble material may be advantageously located between the transferable layer and the textile supporting material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing irregular slices of meat from meat products. The meat products can be rotated using an impeller having a plurality of paddles for urging the meat products against a slicing blade during rotation of the impeller in order to create a slice from the meat product. The meat products can impact the slicing blade in different orientations in order to create differently shaped, irregular slices of meat. A cutting blade downstream of the slicing blade can be used to reduce the width of the slices of meat.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatically portioning workpieces, such as food products, into both shape and other user-defined specification(s). Workpieces are portioned both to shape and weight, such as to a weight-specific uniform shape, by adjusting (e.g., scaling up and down or slightly modifying) a desired template shape until the desired weight is achieved depending on the varying thickness of each workpiece. For example, from a thicker workpiece, a smaller-sized piece having a predefined shape and weight is portioned, while from a thinner workpiece, a larger-sized piece having the same predefined shape and weight is portioned. The system permits a user to scan in and edit a desired (reference) shape to be used as a template in the portioning process.

Abstract: Method and system for the automatic monitoring of the process for the industrial cutting up and deboning of slaughtered animal bodies with respect to leaving the smallest fraction as possible of meat remaining behind on the bones extracted in the cutting process. For this purpose, images of segments that are detached during the cutting up of large pieces of the slaughtered animal body are recorded by an image recording device on at least one conveyor belt serving for transporting them away. Based on their different colors, images of these segments are differentiated from the conveyor belt, and bone, fat, and meat remaining on the bone of the images within the segments are also differentiated. By determining a quotient between a geometric quantity of the portions identified as meat for one or a plurality of segments and a geometric quantity of the same type determined overall for the same segment or the same segments, the fraction of meat in the separated segments is then determined.

Abstract: A poultry processing line is provided having a series of poultry carriers and a processing unit or processing units, wherein the poultry carriers are movable to and from the processing unit or processing units and the poultry carriers and the processing unit or processing units are synchronized to enable processing of the poultry by the processing unit or processing units. A switch is provided such that the poultry carriers and/or the processing unit or processing units are selectable between an operational position in which the poultry is processed by the processing unit or units and an inoperational or idle position in which the poultry is prevented from being processed by the processing unit or units.

Abstract: A paw selector for maintaining poultry paws in an ordered, indexed manner so that each paw can be matched with the carcass from which it was removed is provided. The paw selector has a tray coupled to a rotatable shaft. Rotation of the shaft causes the walls of the tray to rotate, thereby urging paws on the tray over a stationary tray bottom. Upon reaching a void in the tray bottom, the paws drop through the void onto a lower tray or into a predetermined receptacle for further processing. At least on sensor can maintain correlation between the paw and the carcass from which it was removed for disposal of any rejected paws.

Abstract: This invention relates to automated systems and methods for hanging live poultry for further processing. The system has an alignment conveyor, an alignment stunner, a hanging box, a vacuum system and a shackle. The alignment conveyor conveys poultry from an input point to the alignment stunner. The alignment stunner urges the poultry to move to a desired position on the alignment conveyor and stuns the poultry. The hanging box grasps the stunned poultry and places the poultry into the shackle for further processing. A computer and at least one sensor control operation of the system so that human intervention is minimized.

Abstract: A method for preparing a low-fat snack food fries the snack food, removes some of the oil accumulated by the frying, re-applies oil onto the surface of the snack food and then applying a seasoning or flavoring that adheres to the snack food via the surface coating of oil.

Abstract: A process for coloring treated and untreated green olives by using chlorophyll, chlorophyllin, and copper chlorophyllin salts is presented. The process includes soaking salt out of the green olives in sodium chloride of density from about 0% to about 7%. The process also includes sinking the green olives into a first fluid solution holding sodium hydroxide and other metal hydroxyl groups from about 0% to about 3.5%, chlorophyll chlorophyllin salts and copper chlorophyllin salts, in a ratio of olive liquid from about 0.45 to about 4. The process then includes leaving the green olives in the first fluid solution from about 1 hours to about 72 hours, removing the green olives from the first fluid solution, washing the green olives with water, and sinking the green olives into a second fluid solution holding an acid until a PH of the green olives becomes less than about 4.6.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are shelf-stable, clear liquid nutritional compositions having a pH ranging from 2.5 to 4.6 and comprising water; at least one source of EGCg in an amount sufficient to provide 200-1700 mg/L of EGCg; and at least one source of protein in an amount sufficient to provide 25-45 g/L of total protein. The shelf-stable, clear liquid nutritional compositions lose no more than 20% by weight solids of the EGCg content present in the initial formulation of the compositions to epimerization, degradation, or both epimerization and degradation during heat sterilization. In certain embodiments, the loss of EGCg is exhibited by the amount of epimerization product GCg present in the shelf-stable, clear liquid nutritional composition following heat sterilization. Methods for preparing the shelf-stable, clear liquid nutritional compositions are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable and white iron fortification and iron+iodine double fortification agents, their preparation and use in fortification of salt. These agents help overcome the normal difficulties encountered in iron and iodine fortification such as low iodine stability on storage, development of colour and odour, and use of unwanted additives to impart stability. In one of the invented products, both iron and iodine coexist in stable manner in the same matrix which allow for a more uniform distribution of iodine. The process of preparation is demonstrated to be scalable and utilizes commonly available raw materials which would enable the products to be synthesized in affordable manner.

Abstract: The invention discloses the use of sedoheptulose as a nutritional supplement.

Abstract: Both dairy and non-dairy based high protein ingredient systems that are available in either a liquid or dry powder blend. These ingredient system options have been balanced to provide a rich and creamy mouthfeel which can be easily added into a wide array of products to enhance their protein and nutritional levels without creating the sandy or gritty texture that typically forms. The liquid version has already been pasteurized or asceptically packaged for easy incorporation into other liquid products such as smoothies, yogurts, puddings, jells, toppings, fillings, carbonated or still beverages such as juices of milks, ice cream mixes, frozen yogurts and frozen desserts. The powdered version is designed to be easily blended into other dry mixes, batters, baked goods, cereals, dressings, hummus products, breads, and dry dessert mixes, while liquid additive versions may be added to water, milk products such as liquid milk and yogurt, etc.

Abstract: A juicing system with a drive mechanism and a juicer assembly, where the juicer assembly includes a main housing defining a cavity. A lid encloses a top portion of the cavity and has an opening therethrough. An auger is disposed within the cavity and has a top portion and a bottom portion. The auger is operably connected at one of the top portion or the bottom portion to the drive mechanism to rotate the auger. A rotatable cutting blade is disposed at the top portion of the auger. The rotatable cutting blade cuts foods inserted into the cavity through the opening. A juicing basket is disposed within the cavity, radially outwardly from the auger. The juicing basket has at least one screen with apertures therethrough of varying sizes. Food is pressed by the auger against the juicing basket to squeeze juice and pulp through the apertures.

Abstract: The invention provides an smokeless tobacco composition adapted for oral use, the composition including a tobacco material and an effervescent material. The effervescent material includes an acid component and a base component, wherein the acid component includes a triprotic acid such as citric acid and at least one additional acid. The invention also provides a method for making a smokeless tobacco composition that involves first forming a granulation mixture, granulating the granulation mixture, and then blending the resulting granules with further blending components. Thereafter, the material can be formed into a predetermined shape, such as by compression or extrusion. The acid component of the effervescent material is divided into two portions, the first portion added to the granulation mixture and the remaining portion added during the blending step.

Abstract: A smoking article provides one or more sheets of material that can be rolled and packaged, at least one sheet including cellulose. In one embodiment, cellulose and tobacco sheet material are separately rolled layers that can optionally be wrapped around a form casing (or pre-rolled inside) and then packaged. In another embodiment, the sheet is a laminated sheet of tobacco and cellulose layers that can be optionally wrapped around (or pre-rolled inside) a form casing. These sheets can be filled with custom tobacco to make one or more new cigars for an end user. In another embodiment, a complete cigar filled with tobacco material can be disassembled by an end user to produce tobacco and cellulose sheets, enabling the end user to form two new cigars using his or her own custom tobacco.

Abstract: A cigarette paper additive having harm reduction function and application thereof are provided. The additive contains alkali metal salts of butane tetracarboxylic acid or cyclobutane tetracarboxylic acid which are prepared by reacting the butane tetracarboxylic acid or cyclobutane tetracarboxylic acid with alkali. The application thereof is evenly adding the aqueous additive solution at different concentrations to cigarette paper by a metering rod-type film transfer sizing machine in a sizing section of the cigarette paper production, and the produced cigarette paper is used for cigarette production that can effectively reduce release of CO, phenol and tar in the mainstream smoke, and has better effects of harm reduction and tar reduction. The method of the invention is easy, does not need to alter the existing cigarette paper production process, and has low cost and higher industrial application value.

Abstract: Menthol-sorbed activated charcoal stably holding menthol during storage, and smoothly releasing menthol only during passage of tobacco smoke therethrough is provided. The menthol-sorbed activated charcoal is featured in that to activated charcoal having a specific surface area of 1500 m2/g or more but 1700 m2/g or less as measured by the BET method, menthol is sorbed at a sorption rate of 80% or more but 92% or less with reference to the saturated amount of menthol for the activated charcoal.

Abstract: A smoking glove includes a glove having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening located at a finger portion of the glove. The second opening is distal from the first opening at a distance of at least half a length of the finger portion of the glove. The smoking glove includes tubing, the tubing stretching from the first opening of the glove to the second opening of the glove. The tubing is located within the glove. The smoking glove includes a bowl located at a first end of the tubing.

Abstract: A novel electronic cigarette battery male connector that can be retrofitted to existing female cartomizer connectors is described. An air intake path starts at the outer circumference of the connector between the battery and the cartomizer of the electronic cigarette, running inside a notch on the connector. The air is brought into the battery through grooves formed on the distal end of the connector. Once inside the battery, the air path loops around and exits the battery housing towards the cartomizer, via a hole along the central axis of connector. In accordance with the desired air-intake path, the notch is cut out on the side of connector at strategic location and with strategic geometry.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a battery assembly, an atomizer assembly, and an electronic cigarette. The battery assembly is connected to the atomizer assembly to form the electronic cigarette. The battery assembly includes a battery sleeve and a first connection member, and the atomizer assembly includes an atomizer sleeve and a second connection member. The first connection member and the second connection member are connected with each other. A portion of the first connection member contacting the battery sleeve and/or a portion of the second connection member contacting the atomizer sleeve protrude(s) to form an anti-slip structure, and Teflon paste configured to enhance a connection strength between the first connection member and the battery sleeve and/or enhance a connection strength between the second connection member and the atomizer sleeve is spread on a circumferential outer wall of the anti-slip structure.

Abstract: A smoking device for generating and releasing smoking vapor free from contamination into the mouth of a user comprising a mouthpiece for providing vapor for inhalation to a user including a tubular casing containing a heater for heating a smoking substance at a substantially constant low temperature by regulating the flow of fuel by a thermal regulator and further having means for visual indication of the operation of the device.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include functionality for monitoring and controlling the thermal properties of the e-Cig. The system and method described herein may monitor a temperature based on a resistor (i.e. hot wire) near the wick and model the thermal cycle of an e-Cig. The model can be used for controlling the temperature of the e-Cig and preventing burning. The temperature control may dictate optimal conditions for atomization and smoke generation in an e-Cig while avoiding hotspots and burning to the atomizer or cartomizer.

Abstract: A vaporizer for use with a water pipe or hookah has electrically heated beating element. The heating element extends through a vaporizer body and carries a cup member atop thereof. A pre-determined quantity of a vaporizable substance is placed in the cup member and is heated to cause release of an inhalable gas. An adapter directs the inhalable gas beneath water surface of a water reservoir of the water pipe. By drawing on an outlet end of the water pipe the user can inhale the inhalable substance released during heating of the vaporizable substance.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a soft electronic cigarette comprising an atomization component, a power component, and an outer sleeve configured for accommodating at least one of the atomization component and the power component; an outer side of one end of the outer sleeve is coaxially mounted with a filter tip structure, and the filter tip structure includes a cylindrical flexible body and a first sticker coated on an outer surface of the flexible body. The soft electronic cigarette in a mouth has the same feeling as a filter tip of a cigarette. The soft electronic cigarette can completely meet psychological and physiological needs of smokers, enhance user experience, and be beneficial for improving the effects of quitting smoking. In production, it is convenient for assembly and disassembly, an operation of the production is made to be simple, and the production efficiency is improved.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided, which comprises an atomizing device and a burning device connected to the atomizing device. The burning device is configured to heat the atomizing device, and thus making the atomizing device to produce smog. The following beneficial effects will be achieved when implementing the present application. In the electronic cigarette, a burning device is used to control the atomizing device to produce smog. As a result, the pollution to the environment resulted from the battery can be avoided, which make the electronic cigarette more friendly to the environment. Besides, the cost of using the electronic cigarette is low.

Abstract: A real time variable voltage programmable electronic cigarette device has a main body, a controller, a memory, a visual indicator, a multidirectional joystick for operating and programming the electronic cigarette, a visual indicator for real-time status feedback, and a USB connector for computer connectivity. Programming the device includes the ability to create vaping profiles. The programmable function enables a user to set the voltage output and power output level applied to the atomizer when energized.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses an electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette comprises a cigarette rod provided with an air outlet for cigarette smoke flowing out, wherein the electronic cigarette further comprises a break means formed on an edge area around the air outlet to be convenient for users to smoke after removing the break means. In this disclosure, a break means configures around an air outlet for the cigarette smoke flowing out. In such case, firstly, removing the break mean while users use the electronic cigarette, which can be regarded as a mark for judging whether the electronic cigarette has been used or not. With such construction, it is convenient for users to judge whether the electronic cigarette has been used or not, which is more healthy and can avoid diseases transmitting crossly between users.

Abstract: This present application discloses an electronic cigarette, comprising an atomizer and a battery rod, a connecting structure, and an elastic structure; the connecting structure includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member; the first connecting member is provided with at least one engaging portion, the second connecting member defines a butt-jointed groove, a wall of the butt-jointed groove extends away from a rabbet of the butt-jointed groove to form at least one channel structure, the channel includes an inserting guide channel, a taking-out guide channel, and a bending channel, and the bending channel forms a buckled portion; the elastic structure is configured for supplying elasticity towards the rabbet of the butt-jointed groove to the first connecting member, so that the engaging portion is engaged with the buckled portion. The non-threaded connecting structure is simple and is convenient to operate, which improves users' experience.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizer includes a mouthpiece assembly, two heating assemblies, a fixing assembly, an atomizing sleeve, a switching assembly. The two heating assemblies are configured for heating and atomizing oils of two different tastes respectively. One end of each heating assembly is engaged with the mouthpiece assembly. The fixing assembly is hermetically coupled to the mouthpiece assembly, and is configured for securing the two heating assemblies. The atomizing sleeve is hermetically connected to the fixing assembly, with the two heating assemblies nested therein. The switching assembly is coupled to ends of the two heating assemblies away from the mouthpiece assembly. The switching assembly is configured for enabling one of two heating assemblies selectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic cigarette and an atomizer assembly mounting base thereof. The atomizer assembly mounting base used for an electronic cigarette, includes an elastic body engaging with an inner sidewall of a housing of the electronic cigarette, and a rigid support for supporting an atomizer assembly of the electronic cigarette. The elastic body defines a first central hole, and the rigid support is inserted into the first central hole. By virtue of the combination of the elastic body and the rigid support, on one hand, two spaces divided by the atomizer assembly mounting base in the housing of the electronic cigarette are not isolated completely, on the other hand, the rigid support provides better support for the atomizer of the electronic cigarette.

Abstract: A hosiery product, such as a sock, footie, trouser sock or panty hose, includes and inner layer of hosiery material, such as nylon or spandex covering the bottom and top surfaces of the wearer's foot, and outer layer of similar hosiery material, and at least one cushion section disposed between the inner and outer layers. The cushion sections include an elevated cushioning material that conforms to the contours of the wearers foot, such as macro-gel activated support discs or memory foam. The ball of foot cushion sections are elevated attached circles, arch and heel cushions. All layers are attached.

Abstract: The invention is multifunctional garment(s) and/or multifunctional garment system(s) and method(s) of using the same that comprises a first piece or a first piece and one or more additional pieces that can be removably attachable to one another in at least one fashion. The invention possesses the attribute and ability of removably forming a single article of clothing out of multiple article(s) of clothing, or vice versa, by means of the fixation of fasteners to at least one garment.

Abstract: Embodiments pertain to a facial solar shield device. The facial solar shield device includes a piece of fabric that includes a substantially lobe-shaped portion that includes a perimeter portion, a folded portion that defines an opening, and a sleeve formed along at least a portion of the perimeter portion. The facial solar shield device includes one or more pleats that form the piece of fabric into a cup-shape and a flexible shaping element. The method of creating the facial solar shield includes obtaining a piece of fabric that includes a substantially lobe-shaped portion with a perimeter portion and forming a folded portion that defines an opening. The method further includes forming one or more pleats in the piece of fabric to form the piece of fabric into a cup-shape and forming a seam along at least a portion of a perimeter portion of the piece of fabric.

Abstract: Protective components may include a plate element and a cushioning element that are secured together with a hook-and-loop fastening system. The cushioning element may include a pair of material layers and a pad or a plurality of pad components located between the material layers. The plate element may include a polymer material and the pad may include a polymer foam material.

Abstract: A knee padding for scrub pants may include a base layer having a first surface area and a plurality of intermediate layers wherein each one of the intermediate layers has a progressively larger surface area than the intermediate layer proximate the base layer, thus forming a stepped pyramid-like padding. The padding may form a knee pad and be secured to scrub pants with stitching creating a uniform pattern.

Abstract: Joint protectors are disclosed. One such joint protector includes a first pad having a first axis; a second pad having a second axis; a connector coupled to the first and second pads, wherein the connector is configured to attach the first and second pads to a user's limb such that the first pad is positioned on one side of the user's joint and the second pad is positioned on an opposite side of the user's joint. Furthermore, the joint protector is movable to be in a first state, wherein the first axis aligns with the second axis and the end of the first pad aligns with the end of the second pad, and to be in a second state, wherein the first axis is angled relative to the second axis and the end of the first pad is not aligned with the end of the second pad.

Abstract: Provided are a garment to be worn on a human head and a method of creating a garment to be worn on a human head. The method includes creating a desired hair pattern on a head of a model, and optically capturing an image of the desired hair pattern. The captured image is then printed or otherwise applied onto a region of material sized to be worn on the human head of a person who is to wear the garment.

Abstract: A garment includes a waistband having a first face and a second face, with a first support structure affixed to the first face and a second support structure affixed to the second face. The waistband is selectively adjustable between a first arrangement that provides the garment with a first style and fitting, and a second arrangement that provides the garment with a same style and different fitting.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet includes a cap structure having a plurality of structurally independent cap portions and mutually connected to flexible interconnecting members such that the helmet has at least one overall configuration of minimum dimensions when not worn, with the parts of the cap mutually adjacent to each other, separate from an operating condition having maximum dimensions when worn. The parts of the cap are held together by interconnecting members in positions at a suitable distance from each other configured to enclose a user's head. The portions include corresponding sections each extending continuously between the frontal and occipital extremities, of longitudinal extent between those extremities which predominates in comparison with their transverse extent, the sections extending substantially parallel and at a distance from each other so that in the configuration having the minimum dimensions adjacent sections abut each other along lateral sides which transversely bound each section.

Abstract: An ergonomic faceguard for a helmet, and a helmet including the ergonomic faceguard; the faceguard including a wire grid having a plurality of horizontal wires. The plurality of horizontal wires includes a horizontal wire configured to extend proximate to a user's chin, the horizontal wire including a pair of lateral sections for engaging a shell of a helmet and a front section extending between the lateral sections, with the lateral sections extending along a common plane and the front section deviating from the plane along which the lateral sections extend. The front section has an anterior point that is elevated at a height that is greater than a height of the lowest point in the front section.