Abstract: Beverages comprising rare sugars and sweetness enhancers are provided herein, wherein the sweetness enhancers are present at or below the sweetness recognition threshold concentration. Also provided are methods for improving the sweetness of a beverage comprising rare sugars by adding a sweetness enhancer in a concentration at or below its sweetness recognition threshold. Beverages comprising natural high potency sweeteners and rare sugars with sugar-like characteristics are also provided, wherein the natural high potency sweetener and rare sugars are present in particular weight ratios.

Abstract: A method of producing cellulose encased sausages where an encased sausage is partially cooked, the partially cooked sausage is hot peeled, and the cooking of the peeled sausage is finished in its packaging.

Abstract: The application relates to a process comprising retorting a food product comprising thermally inhibited flour for a time from about 15 minutes to about 80 minutes to achieve a F0 value of at least 10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermented infant formulae comprising non digestible oligosaccharides for improving intestinal tract health by decreasing protein digestive effort, by decreasing the amount of endogenously formed proteases concomitant with an increased protein digestion, and a reduced protein fermentation.

Abstract: A smoking article comprising a filter segment, the filter segment comprising a tow material and triacetin, wherein the filter segment further comprises an amino acid acetate salt and glycerine. The amino acid acetate salt and glycerine stabilize the triacetin in order to maintain the structural firmness of the tow material.

Abstract: A container that may be employed to store a tobacco-containing material is provided. The container may include a lower body portion and an upper lid. The lower body portion may include an intermediate bottom wall that may separate the lower body portion into upper and lower internal storage compartments. An environment modification material may be received in the lower internal storage compartment. The tobacco-containing material may be received in the upper internal storage compartment. The environment modification material may control humidity in the container to preserve the freshness of the tobacco-containing material and/or perform other functions. Vent channels cooperatively formed by the lower body portion and the upper cover may further contribute to humidity control.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a combustible heat source having a barrier, the method including providing a mold defining a cavity; placing a particulate component in the mold cavity; placing a laminar component, adjacent the mold, to cover the cavity opening; and compressing the particulate component to form the combustible heat source, wherein, during the compression step, the barrier is formed by punching the laminar component using a punch and the mold, the punch acting on the barrier to compress the particulate component and affix the barrier to the combustible heat source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smokeless cigarette, cigar, or pipe having at least one depot (10) for storing and for defined release due to external heat input of nicotine and/or compound comprising nicotine to an airflow to be guided through the depot (10). According to the invention the depot (10) comprises at least one heat transfer segment (16) for targeted heat input for defined release of the nicotine and/or nicotine compound to the airflow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette preventing its nozzle from falling off, comprising a shell with a hollow inner chamber. The shell is configured with an atomizer, a cylindrical liquid storage component and a storage battery and a cup holder therein, and has its one end to be inserted with a cylindrical nozzle. The nozzle coaxially defines a vent extended therethrough, and is configured with expanding portions at its outer sidewall for tightly engaging with an inner wall of the shell by expansion, the vent is configured with plural reinforcing ribs axially extended on its inner wall and a support tube positioned on its inner wall; the nozzle, the cup holder and a part of the shell collectively form a liquid smoke cup for accommodating and positioning the liquid storage component, and the liquid storage component is configured with a conduit communicated with the vent of the nozzle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices. The aerosol delivery devices include mechanisms configured to deliver an aerosol precursor composition from a reservoir to an atomizer including a heating element to produce a vapor. An actuator may displace a rod to dispense the aerosol precursor composition to the atomizer. Thereby, the rod may move a piston in a pump housing to dispense the aerosol precursor composition. The atomizer may define a chamber in which the heating element is positioned and at which the aerosol precursor composition is vaporized.

Abstract: The inductive heating device (1) for aerosol-generation comprises a device housing comprising a cavity (13) having an internal surface for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-forming insert (2) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor. The device housing further comprises an induction coil (15) having a magnetic axis, the induction coil (15) being arranged such as to surround at least a portion of the cavity (13). The device (1) yet further comprises a power source (11) connected to the induction coil (15) and configured to provide a high frequency current to the induction coil (15). Therein, a wire material forming the induction coil has a cross-section comprising a main portion, the main portion having a longitudinal extension in a direction of the magnetic axis and a lateral extension perpendicular to the magnetic axis, which longitudinal extension is longer than the lateral extension of the main portion.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a shell and a mouthpiece. The external wall of the shell has an air inlet. An atomizer and a liquid-supply are in contact with each other. The air inlet, atomizer, and an aerosol passage are interconnected.

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

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for holding a shirt collar in a position and orientation on a shirt front. The apparatus includes a first elongate collar stay adapted for attachment to an inside surface of the shirt collar or positionable within a collar stay pocket of the shirt collar, the first elongate collar stay having a first adherence portion for removable contact with inside surface of the shirt collar or the collar stay pocket; and a second elongate collar stay moveably connected to the first elongate collar stay, the second elongate collar stay adapted for attachment to an outside surface of the shirt opposite the inside surface of the shirt collar and in relation thereto, the second elongate collar stay having a second adherence portion for removable contact with the outside surface of the shirt opposite the inside surface of the collar and in relation thereto.

Abstract: Underwear adapted to add an inner structure to a traditional covering comprising waistband and fabric panels conventionally covering the buttocks, hips, and genital areas. The inner structure may include a fabric panel bearing a ridge intended to occupy the cleft separating the buttocks, with the fabric panel adhering closely to the buttocks. The inner structure may also or instead include a fabric scrotum guard which covers the rear of the scrotum and which separates the scrotum from the inner thighs and separates the right and left perineal folds where inner thighs meet the lowermost trunk. The scrotum guard may include adjustment structure for adjusting tightness of the fit with the Y formed at the scrotum and the entire perineum. The front of the traditional covering may have an opening for retrieving the penis which opening is arranged horizontally rather than in the traditional generally vertical orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are lower-body garments having wide, abdominal-shaping waistbands, and methods of making the same. The garments disclosed herein have wide, abdominal-shaping waistbands with features tailored to smooth and restrain the garment-wearer's abdominal area and/or reduce the undesirable “muffin top” effect that can occur when garments cinch at the waist.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a body slimming garment system comprises a connection strip bonded to an overshirt at the yoke of the overshirt. The connection strip extends and is bonded to an inner belt around the torso of a user. One or more wings are bonded to the posterior of the inner belt extending radially from the user. The inner belt comprises one or more hook-and-eye components and one or more clasp locker components arranged adjacently. A primary wing comprises one or more hook-and-eye components, and one or more clasping lockers on a side of the primary wing. A second side of the primary wing comprises one or more hook-and-eye components and one or more clasping locker components each arranged adjacently. A secondary wing comprises one or more hook-and-eye components and one or more clasp lockers.

Abstract: A brassiere comprising a wing having a top edge and a bottom edge, at least one strap and at least one cup for receiving a breast, the cup having an around cup edge section, an underarm edge section, a neckline edge section and an apex, the around cup section of the cup having a wire, wherein the brassiere further comprises a control panel generally extending from the apex of the cup into the wing, the control panel having an upper edge and a lower edge and wherein the wire terminates proximal to the lower edge of the control panel.

Abstract: A need for a flexible bra that can be worn with multiple different necklines has been identified. Thus there is provided a garment including: a band arranged in use to extend around the torso and two cups attached to the band via a releasable attachment means.

Abstract: A support structure of a bra cup contains: a bra cup body and an underwire channel. The bra cup body includes a concave face and a convex face, and the concave face has an imaginary point defined on a central position thereof. The underwire channel is hollow and is in an arcuate strap shape, and the underwire channel is mounted on a peripheral side of a bottom of the bra cup body. The underwire channel includes an external layer, an internal layer, and a hollow portion. The hollow portion has an opening arranged on one end thereof and configured to accommodate an underwire. The underwire channel further includes a flexible mesh sheet arranged on one surface thereof facing the bra cup body. The flexible mesh sheet has a reinforcement section extending outwardly from the underwire channel to the imaginary point of the concave face of the bra cup body.

Abstract: A climate control vest having a flexible exterior layer defines a head opening area, left and right arm opening areas, a front surface, a back surface, and a belt configuration. A flexible middle layer is positioned between the flexible exterior layer and a flexible first interior layer. There is at least one pocket positioned to be over an individual's (i) front torso or lumbar areas, (ii) back torso area and (iii) back lumbar area to receive a temperature altering or control apparatus, each pocket is defined by a flexible second interior layer attached to certain portions of the flexible first interior layer except for an opening to receive the temperature altering or control apparatus.

Abstract: A pair of pants that allows a wearer to easily don and remove the pair of pants while the wearer wears other articles of clothing, apparel or footwear (such as shorts, gym shoes, golf shorts or boots), a cast, a leg brace or the like. The pair of pants has a waistband that encircles a waist of the wearer of the pair of pants, a first leg having a first inner leg seam and a first outside leg opening, a second leg having a second inner leg seam and a second outside leg opening, a crotch seam between the first and second legs, the pair of pants being made of a fabric that is slidably supported on the waistband, at least a portion of the pair of pants enabling the fabric to slidably move on the waistband to enable the wearer to increase a size of at least one of the first outside leg opening or the second outside leg opening to facilitate the easy donning and removal of the pants. The pants have overlapping portions or wings that can wrap around the pants to close the first and second outside leg openings.

Abstract: An article of swimwear for providing targeted compression areas includes inner and outer fabric layers that are bonded together with adhesive layers having different compressive strengths. For example, a first adhesive layer is disposed between first fabric portions of the inner and outer fabric layers. In addition, a second adhesive layer is disposed between second fabric portions of the inner and outer fabric layers. The first and second fabric portions may be laterally adjacent each other or spaced apart. The first adhesive layer provides a first compressive strength to the first fabric portions of the inner and outer fabrics when bonded there between, and the second adhesive layer provides a second compressive strength to the second fabric portions of the inner and outer fabrics when bonded there between. In certain implementations, the first compressive strength is greater than the second compressive strength.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for preventing or treating an injury to an individual. Also provided are devices and methods for alleviating pain or discomfort caused by equipment or other padding or articles of clothing or uniform. The device can include a disposable padded tape having a plurality of force absorbing zones. It can also include an adhesive layer for attaching the device to a body contacting surface.

Abstract: A vented coveralls is disclosed. Said vented coveralls comprising a bottom portion and a top portion. Said bottom portion having two legs and a top portion having two sleeves. Said top portion having a front, a back, a first side, a second side and one or more vents. Said vents are capable of allowing an air flow to pass through said vented coveralls. Said bottom portion comprises a trouser portion and said top portion comprises a shirt portion of said vented coveralls.

Abstract: A knee protection device includes congruently joined outer and inner cover members having cooperatively disposed arcuate configured portions disposed to minimize engagement between strap portions of the outer and inner cover members with a back portion of a knee portion of a leg of a person using the device. The device further includes an outer pad member fabricated from relatively pliable material and disposed adjacent to the outer cover member, and an inner pad member fabricated from relatively more pliable material than the outer pad member and disposed between the outer pad member and the inner cover member. The positions of the outer and inner pad members, relative to the outer and inner cover members, are maintained by thread inserted through the outer and inner cover members and adjacent to the pad members after the pad members have been centrally disposed between the cover members.

Abstract: A magnetic fastener is provided that permits existing garment buttons to be retrofitted for use by persons having diminished motor abilities. The magnetic button system comprises a button cover received over an existing button and having a magnet housed therein. The magnet is attracted to a magnetic or ferromagnetic element on a button hole engagement member received in a button hole of an existing garment.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for attaching ear accessories to a helmet allows an accessory to be attached at a point outside the helmet shell utilizing, for example, a slidable mounting rail, and to reach under the edge of the helmet shell so that the accessory is supported in contact with the wearer's head. The hinge mechanism is well suited for use in connection with military helmets that have a “bulge” or protrusion over the ear.

Abstract: A lighted visor and method of retrofitting a protective suit with a lighted visor are disclosed. The lighted visor includes a shield and at least one light source that is conformable to the shape of the shield or visor on which is it disposed.

Abstract: A locking clip and anchor assembly for a tether. The clip includes an opening with at least one tab extending into a portion of the opening. The clip is also configured to attach to a tether or strap. In exemplary embodiments, the anchor assembly includes a post, biased support, biasing mechanism, and base. The clip is configured to be connectable to the post and movable to latched and unlatched conditions with respect to the anchor assembly. In the latched condition the clip has a limited range of rotation possible about the post.

Abstract: An improved protective shell for a helmet, where the shell has angled panels forming pyramid-like surface structures covering the surface of the helmet. Each pyramid-like structure has three or more panels conjoining to form an apex. In one embodiment, each of the panels is a triangle having a base and a point that conjoins adjacent panels, thereby forming the apex. The limited number of apex points and the orientation of the angled panels reduce the probability that an impacting object will deliver a square blow to the helmet. The probability is increased that such blows will be only glancing in nature, thereby reducing the severity of the blow and head injury to the wearer.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) exhaust valve-based impact attenuating fluid filled cell for use in cushioning impact and decelerating of a wearer's body portion (e.g. head, shoulder, torso, etc.) after an impact. In combination with the use of accelerometers, pressure sensors, location and other electronics supply signals to a microcontroller, the controlled opening/closing of said exhaust valve (resulting in the expelling of said fluids with an optional combination with cell refill means) when certain parameters exceed a threshold.

Abstract: A textile with high weave density which comprises a main-yarn made of a Japanese paper yarn and a sub-yarn thinner than the main-yarn interwoven with each other, wherein the textile has a weave texture structure including warps A and wefts A made of the main-yarn, and warps B and wefts B made of the sub-yarn, wherein in the weave texture structure, warp rows have a repeating row structure where a plurality of warps B are located between two warps A and weft rows have a repeating row structure where a plurality of wefts B are located between two wefts A, and wherein the warps A and the wefts A cross each other in a plain weave texture structure.

Abstract: A skate assembly includes a shell structure and a removable tendon guard. The shell structure includes a heel portion, a lateral ankle portion, and a medial ankle portion. The heel portion is formed to cover a human heel. The lateral ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The medial ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion are spaced apart to form a notch extending toward the heel portion. The removable tendon guard is removably attached between the lateral ankle portion and medial ankle portion to cover the notch.

Abstract: A water-vapor permeable shoe-sole combination (15) with an upper side (5) having at least on through hole (31) extending through the thickness of the shoe-sole combination, a barrier unit (35) with an upper side forming at least part of the upper side (50) of the shoe-sole combination, made of a water-vapor permeable barrier material (33) that forms a barrier against penetration of foreign bodies, by means of which the at least one through hole (31) is closed in a water-vapor permeable manner, a reinforcement device (25) formed for mechanical reinforcement of the shoe-sole combination (105), constructed with at least one reinforcement web (37) arranged on at least one surface of the barrier material (33) and at least partially crossing the at least one through hole (31), and at least one walking-sole part (117) arranged beneath the barrier unit (35).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.

Abstract: An injection molded sole (10) has an upper ungrooved portion (2) and a lower tread portion (4). At least two, continuous, undulating S-shaped grooves (6) extend generally longitudinally of the tread portion between the toe and heel ends thereof, and a plurality of grooves extending generally transversely intersect the longitudinally extending undulating grooves. The grooves have a minimum depth of about 5 mm and define individual separated tread areas (28) which can be moved apart during flexing of the sole (10). The flexibility of the sole is such that when it is incorporated in footwear, it does not restrict rolling movements of the foot when walking so that a gait can be adopted which is akin to barefoot walking.

Abstract: In a sole for a flexible shoe having a soft-elastic midsole which comes in contact with the ground at least partially during running, which has laterally open, trough-shaped elements which project downwards towards the ground and which are aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction thereof, a midsole is divided into a medial and a lateral part by a longitudinal slot extending from the heel into the ball region. The midsole can have an edge strip which bridges the trough-shaped elements in each case. The midsole is covered by an incompressible but elastically resilient plate framed by the edge strip and that the trough-shaped elements are deformable as far as closure of the lateral openings thereof in the region of the edge strip under the action of forces acting vertically and/or in the longitudinal direction which occur during running.

Abstract: A shoelace winding reel for a shoelace winding device that is compact and light weight, with superior durability and assembly workability. The shoelace winding reel is housed in a reel storing section of a base member and is configured to be rotatively driven by a dial. The shoelace winding reel includes a rotation shaft portion arranged on an inner side of the shoelace winding drum and an annular portion configured to connect an inner circumferential surface of the shoelace winding drum and an outer circumferential surface of the rotation shaft portion. An annular groove portion is configured to sandwich a tip end portion of the shoelace.

Abstract: An athletic shoe comprising an upper portion; a sole; and a cleat assembly comprising a base for coupling to the sole, wherein the cleat assembly includes a post assembly having a biasing member; and a cleat body, wherein the cleat body is disposed on the post assembly; wherein the post assembly has 360° tiltability, relative to the sole; wherein the cleat body also has 360° tiltability, relative to the sole. A cleat assembly for an athletic shoe is also provided.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning assembly includes a housing that may be positioned on a support surface. The housing has a pair of openings and each of the openings may have a pair of shoes placed therein while the shoes are worn. A dispensing unit is positioned within the housing and the dispensing unit includes a plurality of adhesive pads. The plurality of adhesive pads is aligned with the openings. A selected one of the adhesive pad adheres to a sole of the pair of shoes when the shoes are positioned within the openings. Thus, the adhesive pads inhibit the sole of the pair of shoes from releasing dirt into an area.

Abstract: A clasp including a protrusion portion with a protrusion, and a receiving portion defining a receiving cavity configured to receive the protrusion portion is described. The protrusion is securable in the cavity via frictional fitting of the protrusion into the cavity. The frictional fitting of the protrusion into the cavity creates a secure association between the receiving portion and the protrusion portion, and the receiving portion includes a first arm and a second arm extending from a receiving portion base. The first arm includes a first arcuate recess and the second arm includes a second arcuate recess opposing the first arcuate recess, and the first arcuate recess and the second arcuate recess define adjustable width of the cavity.

Abstract: A hook fastener including a base strip and a field of hooks, each hook having a stem and a cap, the cap including at least one lateral overhang, and each hook being further delimited by two opposing substantially planar surfaces, wherein the overhang includes a swelling located at a distance from the stem so that the thickness of the overhang increases in the swelling, the bottom surface of the overhang forming a cavity for receiving filaments.

Abstract: A waterproof, open-end zipper includes a first zipper tape with a first engagement rail unit, a second zipper tape with a second engagement rail unit, a zipper slider slidable to force the first engagement rail unit and the second engagement rail unit into engagement with each other or separate them from each other, a box located at one end of the first engagement rail unit for receiving one end of the second engagement rail unit, a locating rod fixedly located at the first engagement rail unit, and a locating hole located at the second engagement rail unit for receiving the locating rod after insertion of the second engagement rail unit into the box to prohibit relative displacement between the first and second zipper tapes.

Abstract: Provided is a fastener, which has advantages over the prior art in that a retaining force is not dependent upon the biasing force of a spring, the fastener hardly comes out, and is less restricted in size than the prior art. The fastener has another important advantage over the prior art in that it forms no hole in plain cloth. A fitting portion (2) and a base portion (3) are assembled to have a clamping unit (1) opened. A stopper (4) is pushed together with the plain cloth into the inside of the clamping unit (1). This clamping unit (1) is closed to hold the plain cloth between the outer circumference of the stopper (4) and the leading ends of holding means (26 and 36). With slide portions (22) being fully fitted in groove portions (32), retaining pawls (23) are fitted in pawl receivers (33b).

Abstract: An earring removal device is provided to remove a stud type earring. The removal device includes tips that easily interface with the earring post and backer to facilitate removal. The tips are coupled to an arcuate structure with a spring characteristic. Simple squeezing of the arcuate structure actuates the tips to separate the backer from the post. The spring characteristic is biased to keep the tips spaced apart, or open, in the absence of a squeezing force.

Abstract: A sunshade includes: a support frame; and a canopy connected to the support frame and including a light-transmissible fabric sheet of undyed yarns and an opaque enamel coating coated on at least one side of the fabric sheet. A method of preparing a canopy includes: providing a light-transmissible fabric sheet of undyed yarns; coating an enamel composition on at least one side of the light-transmissible fabric sheet to form an opaque enamel coating on the light-transmissible fabric sheet; and drying the opaque enamel coating.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a case for a portable electronic device (PED) includes a stand that is configured to support a PED in an upright position. The stand may be pivotally coupled to a sliding member that can move along the case's back side. The sliding member and stand may move between a first position in which the stand supports the device in an upright position and a second position in which the stand lies flush with the rear face. Thus, the stand may selectively support the case in an upright position or be compact for easy storage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an eyelash curler capable of separating eyelashes from each other at roots thereof and of beautifully curling eyelashes. The eyelash curler 1 has a pair of frame portions 12 and 12 extending in a vertical direction, a movable member 60 that is movable in the vertical direction along the pair of frame portions 12 and 12, a stationary member 50 fixed above the movable member 60, and an elastic member 70 placed on the movable member 60. The eyelash curler 1 has arm members 10 and 20 operable to move the movable member 60 upward to bring the contact area 70A of the elastic member 70 into contact with the stationary member 50 and a comb member 80 attached to the movable member 60.

Abstract: There is presented a compact housing for a compact cosmetic container. The housing comprises a godet receptacle adapted to receive a godet containing a cosmetic product. The housing is movable between a closed configuration, in which the cosmetic product of the received godet is covered, and an open configuration, in which the cosmetic product of the received godet is uncovered to allow a user to access the cosmetic product. When the housing is in the open configuration, the godet receptacle is movable between a locked configuration, in which removal of the godet from the godet receptacle is prevented, and a release configuration, in which removal of the godet from the godet receptacle is permitted. When the housing is in the closed configuration, the godet receptacle is in the locked configuration.