Abstract: The invention relates to shortening particle compositions that are suitable for use in preparing batter or dough products such as biscuits, pizza crusts, pot pie crusts, cinnamon rolls, or dry mixes for same. Typically, the shortening compositions are low in trans fatty acids and in saturated fatty acids. For example, the shortening particle composition may comprise less than about 3% wt. total trans fatty acids and a total of about less than about 61% wt. saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for mixing of particulate filling material into a consumer ice mass. The arrangement includes a rotor cylinder having: a first rotor blade, a second rotor blade and a third rotor blade for the mixing-in of the consumer ice mass and the particulate filling material by rotation, wherein: the first rotor blade has a first notch configured to accommodate the second blade and the third blade, and a second notch configured to accommodate the front bearing, the second rotor blade has a first notch configured to accommodate the first rotor blade, a second notch configured to accommodate the third blade, and a third notch configured to accommodate the front bearing, and the third rotor blade has a first notch configured to accommodate the first rotor blade and the second rotor blade, and a second notch configured to accommodate the front bearing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polar lipid mixtures, comprising glycerophospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidyl-inositol (PI), and sphingolipids such as sphyngomyelin (SM). Most importantly, the ratio of phospholipids in said mixture is comparable to that of HMF, and is represented by SM>PC>PE>PS>PI or SM=PC>PE>PS>PI. Processes for the preparation of said mixtures and uses thereof are also described herein.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for preparing micro-ingredient feed additives for use in designated feed rations. A micro-ingredient system of the invention includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to control system components based on programmed commands corresponding to micro-ingredient batches to be prepared. Slide gate mechanisms are used to prevent loss of micro-ingredients delivered to a receiving receptacle of the system. During delivery of the micro-ingredients to the receptacle and during processing, the micro-ingredients can become airborne and subsequently lost. The slide gate mechanisms also provide controlled access to the receiving receptacle to prevent system errors such as contamination of ingredients in the receptacle, or improper batching of a prescribed micro-ingredient mixture to be delivered to a designated feed ration.

Abstract: An apparatus for enzymatic inactivation of puree, or juice, from vegetable or animal food, having a treatment section of food of vegetable origin obtaining a treated product. The treated product exiting from the treatment section is directed towards an extraction section. The treated product enters the extraction section at a temperature T0. The apparatus also has a storage and recirculation section having an enzymatic inactivation circuit crossed by a hot product at a temperature T2 normally about 85° C.-90° C. The main product present in the extraction section is struck, near the sieve, or directly on its surface, by a flow of hot product coming from the enzymatic inactivation section. The mixture so obtained in the extraction section has at least one part of inactivated product and is then discharged through an outlet.

Abstract: A method for preparing a purple sweet potato concentrate that is free from starch, rich in anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, minerals, and soluble dietary fiber with low viscosity, attractive color, and with natural sweetness is presented. The method first prepares and liquefies the purple sweet potatoes and fixes the colorization by adjusting the pH value. Next, amylase and an enzyme complex of hemicellulase, pectinase, cellulase, glucoamylase and protease are added in sequence under conditions effective to produce the juice with the above mentioned properties. The juice is then centrifuged and membrane-filtered to produce a purified purple sweet potato juice which is vacuum-concentrated to yield a purple sweet potato concentrate. Purple sweet potato powder can be obtained by vacuum drying the sediment and concentrate mixture.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates the creation of a low fluoride oil processed from a phospholipid-protein complex (PPC) formed immediately upon a (i.e., for example, krill) catch. Further, the oil may also have reduced trimethyl amine and/or trimethyl amino oxide content. The process comprises disintegrating the s into smaller particles, adding water, heating the result, adding enzyme(s) to hydrolyze the disintegrated material, deactivating the enzyme(s), removing solids from the enzymatically processed material to reduce fluoride content of the material, separating and drying the PPC material. Then, using extraction with supercritical CO2 or supercritical dimethyl ether, and/or ethanol as solvents, krill oil, inter alia, is separated from the PPC. In the extraction the krill oil can be separated almost wholly from the feed material.

Abstract: A frame for a main body of an upper driving type juice extractor includes an upper frame; a lower frame; a connection frame configured to connect the upper frame with the lower frame, wherein the upper frame has a first through-hole and a second through-hole. Further, a frame assembly for a main body of an upper driving type juice extractor includes a frame including an upper frame having a first through-hole and a second through-hole, a lower frame, and a connection frame configured to connect the upper frame with the lower frame; a driving part mounted at an upper portion of the upper frame; and a lifting part installed at the lower frame, wherein a driving shaft of the driving part is inserted in the first through-hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides methodologies, including the utilization of genetically modified (GM) tobaccos, for the development and production of consumer acceptable PREPs encompassing the following: 1) production of low tar-to-nicotine ratio cigarettes, which allow smokers to obtain satisfying amounts of nicotine more efficiently than conventional cigarettes while reducing whole smoke deliveries; thereby reducing smoker “compensation” that exists with conventional low-yield cigarettes; 2) reduction of harmful tobacco-specific nitrosamines in tobacco products by genetic means and by extracting nicotine from tobacco and combining such with genetically modified reduced-nicotine tobacco; 3) production of improved expanded tobacco which utilizes genetically modified increased-nicotine tobacco; and 4) production of reconstituted tobacco which includes any combinations of the following: genetically modified increased-nicotine tobacco, genetically modified reduced-nicotine tobacco, tobacco leaf fractions, and fre

Abstract: A system for preparing smokeable material comprising a wall providing an upper chamber and a lower chamber with a grate between the chambers. Feed smokeable material in the upper chamber has its size reduced with a size reducer a sufficient amount that it can pass through the grade into the lower chamber as fill smokeable material. A support below the lower chamber is provided for supporting a wrapper. There is an opening in the lower chamber for fill smokeable material to pass into the wrapper. An axially moveable tamper can tamp the fill smokeable material in the wrapper. Biasing means bias the wall and tamper into the upper position. A mechanism is provided for moving the tamper from its upper position to its lower position against the biasing means for tamping the smokeable material in the wrapper.

Abstract: The present invention describes the cigarette holder with advanced smoking effect. The invented cigarette holder offers the means for making a full draw of the low temperature smoke into the lungs using minimal suction effort.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and structural fibers. The structural fibers forming a network in which the smokeless tobacco is entangled. The structural fibers have a composition different from the smokeless tobacco. The tobacco-entangled fabric can have an overall oven volatiles content of at least 10 weight percent. In some embodiments, the structural fibers form a nonwoven network. In some embodiments, fibrous structures of the smokeless tobacco are entangled with the structural fibers.

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: There is provided an electrically operated aerosol generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The system includes a liquid storage portion for storing liquid aerosol-forming substrate, an electric heater including at least one heating element for heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and electric circuitry for determining depletion of liquid aerosol-forming substrate heated by the heater based on a relationship between a temperature of the heating element and power applied to the heating element. There is also provided a method in an electrically operated aerosol generating system including a liquid storage portion for storing liquid aerosol-forming substrate and an electric heater including at least one heating element for heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the method including determining depletion of liquid aerosol-forming substrate heated by the heater based on a relationship between a temperature of the heating element and power applied to the heating element.

Abstract: The present application discloses a personal vaporizer system with an e-liquid reservoir isolated from the atomizer. The isolation of the e-liquid reservoir from the atomizer eliminates particles contamination of the e-liquid held in the reservoir and chemical reactions between the atomizer and the e-liquid. Since the residence time of “fresh” e-liquid in the atomizer is only the necessary to vaporize a very small amount of e-liquid, particles contamination of the produced vapor and chemical reactions between the e-liquid and atomizer components are dramatically reduced. This represents a huge health benefit for the consumer, compared to all others personal vaporizers with an e-liquid reservoir. The disclosed system can be used in any type of personal vaporizer, for example in the electronic cigarette market.

Abstract: A vaporizer device for vaporizing substances is provided, containing active and/or aroma materials, including a mouthpiece with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and including: a heating device with a thermal resistor being a metallic foil or a thin sheet configured as a dual coil and/or sinuous line with two ends and dimensions of the cross-section of a cigarette or a small cigar, wherein the interspaces of the dual coil and/or sinuous line allow fluid flow therethrough, contact tabs are connected to respective opposed ends of the dual coil and/or sinuous line and are not in direct contact with one another, and at least one permeable and wettable vaporizer membrane in large-area contact with the thermal resistor, wherein the thermal resistor and the at least one vaporizer membrane are arranged orthogonally or at an angle to the direction of the fluids passing through the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic cigarette, including an inhalation rod and a battery rod. The inhalation rod includes a cartridge and an atomizer disposed in the cartridge operable to produce aerosol; wherein one end of the inhalation rod is embedded with a mouthpiece cover, and a through-hole of the mouthpiece cover is removably embedded with an air valve serving as a switch for an inhalation port of aerosol passage. The electronic cigarette of the embodiment of the present invention, by using the technical means of in the through-hole of the mouthpiece cover removably embedded the air valve serving as the switch for the inhalation port of aerosol passage, making the electronic cigarette no longer available for smoking right after taking in mouth, then effectively prevents infant smoking by mistake like a toy.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprises a main rod body with one end thereof being provided with a suction nozzle and the other end being internally provided with a battery, a one-way valve is provided in the main rod body for providing a gas passage when inhaling gas and shutting off the gas passage The one-way valve comprises a valve seat with two penetrating ends, and a valve core and a valve flap mounted inside the valve seat; the valve seat or the valve core is provided with a gas guide hole; and the valve flap is affixed to an orifice at one end of the gas guide hole and generates elastic deformation corresponding to the operation of inhaling or exhaling gas so as to control the open or closed state of the gas guide hole.

Abstract: A smoking article may include a cigarette incorporated within an electrically powered aerosol generating device that acts as a holder for that cigarette. The smoking article possesses at least one form of tobacco. The smoking article also possesses a mouth-end piece that is used by the smoker to inhale components of tobacco that are generated by the action of heat upon components of the cigarette. A representative smoking article possesses an outer housing incorporating a source of electrical power (e.g., a battery), a sensing mechanism for powering the device at least during periods of draw, and a heating device (e.g., at least one electrical resistance heating element) for forming a thermally generated aerosol that incorporates components of tobacco. During use, the cigarette is positioned within the device, and after use, the used cigarette is removed from the device and replaced with another cigarette.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizing device includes a main body, a mouthpiece, a liquid chamber, at least one heating element, and a permeating component. The main body defines an air inlet and an air passage. The air inlet is in communication with the air passage. The mouthpiece is arranged at an end of the main body. The mouthpiece defines an air outlet in communication with the air passage. The liquid chamber is configured for storing tobacco liquid. The at least one heating element is arranged in the air passage. The at least one heating element is configured for heating the tobacco liquid to form aerosol. The permeating component has a heat absorbing surface. The at least one heating element is in contact with the heat absorbing surface. The permeating component is configured for guiding the tobacco liquid to the heat absorbing surface for atomization.

Abstract: A vaporizer for thermally vaporizing solid or liquid carrier materials is taught. The vaporizer includes a support member, and an air heating assembly carried by the support member. The air heating assembly includes a radiating element having a central tubular member with an upper end wall defining a reservoir for liquid carrier materials and a lower end wall spaced apart from the upper end wall defining an air chamber therebetween. A chamber element is received about the radiating element to close the air chamber and direct airflow therethrough. A heating element is carried within the tubular member of the radiating element. A hand piece including a vaporization chamber is couplable to an exit aperture of the chamber element.

Abstract: The present device has at least two chambers for receiving vaporizable components, two heating elements, and circuitry to control heater behavior.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizer includes a liquid supply, a mouthpiece at a first end of the liquid supply, an air pipe, a liquid supply, and an atomizing device at an opposite second end. The atomizing device includes a main body, a liquid conducting element, and a heating element. The main body has an atomizing chamber. The liquid supply defines at least one air inlet at the first end. The air pipe and the liquid supply cooperatively define an annular air passage. The main body defines at least one liquid inlet and at least one air hole. The air passage is in communication with the atomizing chamber via the at least one air hole. The liquid supply has a housing, and the housing defines liquid outlets. The liquid outlets communicates with the at least one liquid inlet, and the liquid conducting element is configured for absorbing the tobacco liquid.

Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body and/or stretch resistance, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.

Abstract: A cycling garment, said garment being a jersey, a jacket or a vest having a structure realized with an outer fabric layer and further comprising an inner fabric layer having different breathability properties from the outer layer, wherein the inner layer is internally joined to the outer layer and forms an inner lining of at least part of said cycling garment.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include a base layer and a cover layer. The cover layer may be stitchlessly-secured to an exterior surface of the base layer and positioned to extend along a side area and from a pelvic region to a leg region of the base layer. A width of the cover layer may be greater in the pelvic region than the first leg region. In some configurations, a frictional resistance of the exterior surface of the base layer may be greater than a frictional resistance of a surface of the cover layer.

Abstract: A convertible garment and a method of converting a convertible garment is disclosed. A convertible garment includes a piece of fabric possessing a periphery, and a plurality of fasteners disposed on the piece of fabric along the periphery at substantially regular intervals. One of the plurality of fasteners is configured to fasten to each of the other fasteners to form armholes. The convertible garment is configured to adopt a first configuration in which the fasteners are not fastened to one another so that the convertible garment is wearable as a scarf. The convertible garment is configured to adopt a second configuration in which one of the plurality of fasteners is fastened to each of the other fasteners so that the convertible garment is wearable as a vest.

Abstract: A bib and corresponding mounting clip are disclosed. A bib body may include one or more of an upper reinforcement member, a plurality of body reinforcement members, and a plurality of pocket reinforcement members. The upper reinforcement facilitates having the bib body be suspended from the mounting clip at a single location or region. The plurality of body reinforcement members allows the bib body to be shaped to “funnel” food particles and the like, for instance into a pocket incorporated by the bib body. The plurality of pocket reinforcement members may be used to retain such a pocket in an open configuration.

Abstract: Protective headgear for use in dangerous and/or hazardous locations may comprise: a headgear shell; a locator device on the headgear shell for providing location data; a motion sensor on the headgear shell for providing motion data; a memory on the headgear shell and having a unique identifier stored therein and configured to store the location data and the motion data; a transmitter-receiver for transmitting the location data, the motion data and the unique identifier to a remote database and for receiving notification data therefrom; and a user interface responsive to the received notification data to provide a visual notification or an audible notification or a physical notification or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An integrally formed safety helmet structure includes an assembly of a helmet shell or a shell body, a foam filling body enclosed in the shell body and a structure body. Geometrical array texture structures are disposed at the assembling interfaces between the shell body, the structure body and the foam filling body. In manufacturing, by means of a mold or molding module and solid foaming technique, the foam filling body is integrally formed to bond with the shell body and the structure body and the geometrical array texture structures so as to form a compact and rigid multilayer complex reinforcement structure. The complex reinforcement structure not only can enhance the structural strength of the entire safety helmet, but also has the advantages of material-saving, lightweight, high security and easy manufacturing.

Abstract: Heel dampening systems and footwear including the same. Articles of footwear include an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes at least an outsole and a heel assembly. The heel assembly includes a heel dampening system, an upper heel layer that includes a cushion aperture, and a lower heel layer. The heel dampening system includes a heel dampening layer configured to at least partially absorb an impact force and a cushioning projection that extends from the heel dampening layer and at least partially through the cushion aperture in the upper heel layer.

Abstract: A shoe quick tightening system includes two shoelace segments with aglets at the ends threaded through openings on the shoe, a pull-tab is connected to an aglet clip with at least two aglet channels to receive the two shoelace segments and aglets, and a clip cover engaged with the clip and enclosing the aglets within the clip and cover, the pull tab including hook and loop fastener portion adapted to couple with a mating hook and loop fastener portion on a surface of the shoe.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a buckle assembly includes a release actuator that can apply a first force and a second force to release a web connector. The release actuator is slidably coupled to a frame that includes a pair of opposing openings. A pawl is pivotally mounted to the frame via the opposing openings and includes a latch portion positioned to releasably engage the web connector. A biasing member is operably positioned between the release actuator and the pawl, and the release actuator is movable to compress the biasing member and exert the first force against the pawl. The release actuator is also movable to contact the pawl to exert the second force against the pawl. The first and second forces urge the pawl to rotate and disengage the latch portion from the web connector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novelty and promotional buttons. The button includes a magnet that is exposed through an opening in a button back to adhere the button to a ferrous metal substrate.

Abstract: A display position of an image is moved in accordance with positional information of a display device having a curved display surface. Displacement of a display device is sensed by a camera portion and an acceleration sensor, and the display position is determined in accordance with the displacement, so that the image is displayed in the display position. In the case where the display device rotates and the like, a desired piece of information can be displayed automatically in a display region that can be easily seen.

Abstract: Double bent metal wires having a spring loaded configuration forming clasps, devices, apparatus, systems and methods for easily attaching and detaching ends of jewelry strands together. The opposite end has a hook with a spring catch for closing the hook and allowing the clasp to attach to a loop end of a fishing hook. The spring catch is formed from two legs each having bent ends attached to a base of the hook by a crimp ring to an end of a jewelry strand. To open the loop on the clasp, the spring catch can be pushed away from the hook opening, for attachment to loop ends of a jewelry strand. The clasps can be used with attaching jewelry ends of strands such as necklaces, bracelets, chains, and anklets together.

Abstract: A jewelry kit, comprising: a card; two pendants; two pockets and two earwires. The pendants may be removeably secured to the card by one or more pre-formed guides. Each of the two pockets is configured to removeably secure one of the two earwires. After the two pendants and the two earwires are removed from the card, the two pendants are configured to be connected to the two earwires and then worn by a user.

Abstract: A sun/rain protector for a person inside a backpack secured to the back of a person by belts; a retractable mechanism and flexible cover, wherein said flexible cover is mounted to the frame that is mechanically coupled to the backpack. The flexible cover is made of a flexible material affixed to a portion of the circumference of the frame, so that the material blocks the sun's rays from the head and neck of the person when the frame is manually positioned to a proper protecting position. Further, above the flexible cover, the present invention has a solar powered USB mobile device charger for the user's convenience having one or more solar panels and one or more USB connecting ports.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unit-expandable communication device case that can achieve various functions. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the unit-expandable mobile communication device case includes a case, couplers, and a unit. The case has a flat plate which has a plurality of coupling holes formed with regular intervals in any one of a column direction and a row direction, and is detachably attached to a mobile communication device. The couplers are coupled to the coupling holes. The unit has one or more coupling holes and detachably attached to the case by being coupled to the couplers.

Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device includes a structural member, a cushioning member, and a flexible member. The structural member and cushioning member are overmolded to cover the installed electronic device. The flexible member has a first panel connected to the back portion of the structural member and a second panel connected to the first panel by a hinge section. The second panel of the flexible member has a magnet that is configured to connect with a metallic tab that is adhered to the side of the structural member. The metallic tab is configured to allow the first panel of the flexible member to connect with the metallic tab in a closed position that covers the touchscreen of the electronic device and in an open position when the first panel of the flexible member is folded away from the touchscreen and covering the back of the protective case.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a novelty bag is provided that includes at least one panel connected to a bottom panel, and least one handle connected to the panel. There is at least one orifice in the at least one panel, and the orifice is adapted to receive a lighting element. A pouch is also connected to the panel, and a light module and a sound module are disposed within the pouch. The pouch includes at least one slit adapted to allow sound to travel through the pouch. An activation mechanism is disposed within the at least one handle, and the activation mechanism is in electrical communication with the light module and the sound module.

Abstract: An epilator includes an epilation head and a massage roller arranged next to the epilation head. The massage roller is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and includes pairs of elementary massaging members positioned in a V-shape relative to each other. Each elementary massaging member may be a round, elliptical, or polygonal disc.

Abstract: A manicure hand-rest which has an upper surface (1) that is contoured in relief with a rear apron (4) for support of either hand and with seven mutually-splayed recesses (6) extending on a forward region (5) from the apron (4) to a contoured peripheral edge (7) of the hand-rest for receiving the fingers and thumb of the respective hand. Of the seven recesses (6), three (63-65) are used by the fore, middle and third fingers of both hands in reverse orders from one another, whereas the thumb and small finger of each hand use respective pairs (61, 66; 62, 67) of the recesses. The ends of the recesses (6) may be bevelled over into the edge (7) to facilitate bending down of the fingertips.

Abstract: An applicator device comprising a tubular base, a sleeve mounted rotating on the tubular base between a storage position and a use position, an end cover designed to close the sleeve, a maneuvering mechanism comprising first and second parts rotatably mounted relative to each other, and a cup carrying a stick of product, the first and second parts being driven in rotation respectively with the tubular base and the sleeve and being designed to move the cup axially when the sleeve rotates on the tubular base. The first and second parts of the maneuvering mechanism are mounted axially sliding respectively relative to the tubular base and to the sleeve, and are moved axially in the outlet direction of the stick of product when the sleeve is rotated towards the storage position from an intermediate angular position.

Abstract: Consumer product application device and method involving a plurality of reservoirs and intelligence for selectively controlling the delivery of consumer products from each of the plurality of reservoirs in series and/or in combination to an applicator element. The reservoirs may be part of a removable cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for molding a shape of bristles of a mascara brush for eyelashes, a mold in used in the method. Two strands of iron cores are twisted and brush bristles respectively having dorsal portions are radially spread between the twisted iron cores through post-process so as to form a mascara brush, wherein the dorsal portions are formed by the brush bristles of the same length on the basis of the iron cores without difference in the length of the brush bristles, so that a mascara solution contained in the dorsal portion does not run down when being applied to eyelashes, and the mascara provides more volume and a beautiful eyelash make-up when a sufficient amount of the mascara solution is applied.

Abstract: A makeup applicator is provided for automatically applying makeup to a face located in an application zone, and includes computer memory; a scanning device positioned to obtain facial-structure, facial-position, and facial-tone information from the zone; a carriage; carriage actuators for moving the carriage laterally and transversely adjacent the zone; a cosmetic airbrush unit coupled to and movable with the carriage; and a processor in data communication with the memory, the scanning device, and the carriage actuators. The cosmetic airbrush unit has an output nozzle, a supply passage for supplying makeup from a cosmetic reservoir to the output nozzle, and a valve selectively allowing the makeup to flow through the supply passage and the output nozzle. Programming causes the carriage actuators to move the carriage, and the airbrush unit valve to allow the makeup to flow through the supply passage and the output nozzle, applying the makeup to the human face.

Abstract: A pack having a body defining a volume for the containment of items. The body has a height, width, and depth, and, optionally, at least one body strap coupled to the pack body. An elevator system is associated with a compartment of the pack. The elevator system includes: (i) a cradle that is movable upwardly and downwardly in the compartment and which is configured with a support portion to receive an item storable in the compartment; and (ii) a coupling system that couples the cradle to a user grasp element disposed on the pack. The pulling of the grasp element lifts the cradle from a lower position in the compartment to a raised position. The raising of the cradle is sufficient to allow a stored item that is enclosable in the compartment to protrude from the compartment.

Abstract: An inflatable carrying device of watercraft by a single human carrier comprising one or more inflatables having a shape to enable it to be secured to one or both shoulders of the carrier, and a shear and tensile strength to support at least in part the watercraft. Various embodiments of the inflatables include an incurvate side about 240-300 degrees to secure to the shoulders, a length extending at least transversely across the seating area of the watercraft, a length about the width of one shoulder of the carrier, and a height to provide forward visibility for the carrier to avoid obstacles. The device makes possible single human transport of watercraft which lack a design structure for solo transport such as a kayak having a cockpit and a sit-on-top kayak.

Abstract: An earplug container is combined with a reusable clip such as a snap bolt fastener and the clip is rigidly attached to a wall of the container, for example by an E-clip or by integral molding. The resulting clip-on earplug container provides a secure and compact earplug case for attachment to the exterior of clothing of an active user such as a lumberjack or tree trimmer. Other exemplary embodiments are also described.