Abstract: A method of inhibiting the outgrowth of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in food and beverage products having a moisture content of about 38-80% by weight, a salt content of less than about 5.0% by weight, and a pH range of about 4.6 to about 8.5. The application of an organic acid or its salt with a fermentation derived antimicrobial peptide offers a robust solution to curtail growth of spores and vegetative cells without the need for chemicals, such as sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate or sorbate.

Abstract: An air frying system including a housing defining an inner chamber, a food container positioned in the inner chamber, an air heating and circulation system in communication with the food container, and a steam supply and circulation system in communication with the food container, wherein the air heating and circulation system and the steam supply and circulation system are independently controllable for cooking a food product in the food container.

Abstract: A ready-to-eat, shelf-stable tater-tot type snack food made from one or more of the following food products: vegetable (including starches from root vegetables), fruit, meat, bean, or meat analog. The tater tot-type snack food has a crispy outer layer or layers and crunchiness throughout the tater tot-type snack food. The tater tot-type snack food does not require cooking or warming prior to consumption. The tater tot-type snack food has extended shelf stability, especially when packaged in an oxygen free environment. The tater tot-type snack food can be manufactured using either freeze drying or vacuum frying techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jam mix composition for microwave cooking, the composition comprising fats and oils; jam using the same; and a method for preparing the same. The jam mix composition of the present invention has advantages in that the convenience for jam cooking is enhanced, a jam production time is shortened, the freshness and texture of fruits or vegetables are maintained, and destruction of nutrients can be minimized.

Abstract: What is provided are sugar substitute compositions comprising natural ingredients that provide added human health benefits and properties and characteristics of sugar, without the caloric content and glycemic index of sugar. Unlike artificial sweeteners, the sugar substitute compositions contain no chemicals or synthetic additives and taste and function like sugar. Specifically, the sugar substitute compositions comprise digestion resistant soluble fiber comprising an oligosaccharide matrix of glucose and/or fructose oligomers, which yield the sugar substitute digestion resistant property and allow it to simultaneously enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria in the human gut. In one particular embodiment, the sugar substitute comprises a digestion resistant soluble fiber, Luo Han Guo extract, and a flavor masking agent comprising Oryza sativa (rice) extract.

Abstract: A taste and flavor profile enhancing composition is described. The composition includes glucosylated steviol glycosides which can enhance the intensity of a taste and/or a flavor in a food or beverage product.

Abstract: A method for preparing an inhibited starch with improved warehouse storage stability is disclosed, wherein it comprises the steps of a) providing a slurry containing a native granular starch obtained from a starch containing raw material, b) adding at least one amino acid, or a combination of two or more of these, and at least one oxidant to the slurry with a view to inhibiting the granular starch, c) adding at least one organic acid or a bisulfite to the slurry with a view to eliminating residual reactant chemicals, off-tastes, and undesired smell, and d) adding at least one antioxidant to the slurry with a view to stabilizing the achieved inhibition of the starch during warehouse storage, as well as an inhibited starch with improved warehouse storage stability prepared with said method, use of said inhibited starch as an ingredient in a food product, and a food product containing said inhibited starch.

Abstract: The technology relates to nutritional supplements containing one or more minerals. In particular the technology relates to nutritional supplements comprising filamentous fungal biomass and one or more minerals selected from zinc, magnesium, selenium, chromium, copper and manganese, and a process to make the nutritional supplements.

Abstract: Compositions that provide sustained energy up to 8 hours with an amount of caffeine that is less than 25 mg are described. The compositions comprise at least an astragaloside compound, a ginsenoside compound, a stilbenoid compound, and caffeine. Many of the compositions further comprise an amino acid having anabolic properties (e.g., having a role in the regulation of protein metabolism), including one or more of the group of arginine, ornithine, citrulline, glutamine, and a precursor, analog, prodrug, and/or derivative thereof, as well as molecules that interact with arginosuccinate synthase and/or arginosuccinate lyase, and analogs, prodrugs and derivatives thereof. Methods of utilizing the described compositions include administering orally to a subject an effective amount of the described composition, such that the composition provides sustained energy for up to 8 hours with an amount of caffeine in the composition administered orally that is less than 25 mg.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article (1) comprising a smoking article rod portion (2) having a recess (13) and a mouthpiece (71, 91, 101) attachable to the smoking article rod portion comprising an elongate cylindrical element (20) arranged to be inserted into the recess by a user. The cylindrical element comprises an outer surface having at least one raised area (73, 103), and the at least one raised area is arranged to engage with an inner surface of the recess to provide a resistance to the movement of the cylindrical element within the recess. The at least one raised area is arranged to provide a lower resistance to movement of the cylindrical element into the recess than out of the recess.

Abstract: A cleaning unit for machines used in tobacco industry, configured to remove contaminations of a loose material from rod-like elements (S1, S2) arranged in a moving train (ST2), the train (ST2) comprising rod-like elements (S1, S2) separated with spaces (43) filled with the loose material, the train (ST2) being partially wrapped by a wrapper (101), wherein the cleaning unit comprises at least one suction nozzle (55, 89) for collecting the contaminations of the loose material, characterized in that the cleaning unit further comprises a shifting mechanism configured to shift covering elements (52, 64, 84, 85?, 85?, 91) to positions in which the covering elements (52, 64, 84, 85?, 85?, 91) at least partially cover spaces (43) filled with the loose material between the rod-like elements (S1, S2) during the movement of the train (ST2) in a vicinity of the suction nozzle (55, 89).

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article (120) comprising a smoking article rod portion (2) having a recess (13) and a mouthpiece (110) arranged to be attached to the smoking article. The mouthpiece comprises an elongate cylindrical element (20) having adjacent first and second portions each extending partially along the length of the cylindrical element, the first portion being arranged to be inserted into a smoking article recess by a user. The mouthpiece also comprises an annular element (111) arranged around the second portion of the cylindrical element, the annular element having a larger external diameter than the cylindrical element such that the annular element is larger than the diameter of the recess.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a pipe for cooled smoke and containment are disclosed. In some embodiments, the pipe includes a body and a cover movable engaged to the body. The body includes a first end, a second end, and an axis extending between the first and second end. The body further includes a receptacle positioned closer to the first end than the second end. The cover includes an aperture. The aperture can be selectively aligned with the receptacle of the body. Optionally, the body includes one or more channels that direct smoke to travel along the axis of the body in opposite directions. Further optionally, the body includes one or more reservoirs that direct smoke to travel in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

Abstract: A water pipe converter advantageously converts a standard, single person water pipe (or similar device) into a device that can be utilized by multiple users. The converter has a truncated cone shaped plug, which fits into the orifice of the water pipe. A plurality of hoses are fitted into the apertures or holes of the plug, thereby allowing all users to be connected to the water pipe at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic cigarette making system which is enabled to provide the various function of production of the cannabis cigarette by a single system which is further enabled to reduce the cost and the time of the production of the cannabis cigarette.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette, in particular to a tobacco curing electronic cigarette. The present invention provides a tobacco curing electronic cigarette, comprising a suction nozzle component and a tobacco curing component, wherein the suction nozzle component is in rotational connection with the tobacco curing component; the suction nozzle component is provided with a smoking channel; the tobacco curing component is provided with a tobacco curing chamber; the smoking channel communicates with the tobacco curing chamber; the suction nozzle component is provided with a stirring rod; and the stirring rod is penetrated into the tobacco curing chamber.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a cartridge configured to house a pre-vapor formulation for an e-vaping device, the cartridge including an inner portion and an outer portion configured to store the pre-vapor formulation. The outer portion includes a plurality of fibers configured to be mobile and/or configured to be substantially free of entanglement with one another. The fibers are configured to be substantially free of entanglement with one another based on the lengths of the plurality of fibers. For example, the lengths of the plurality of fibers may be in a range of about 3 mm to about 7 mm. The lengths may also be about 5 mm.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes a housing defining a reservoir configured to retain aerosol precursor composition, and a power source, heating element and boost converter contained within the housing. The power source is configured to generate a voltage output. The heating element is controllable to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition. And the boost converter is between the power source and an electrical load that includes the heating element, and configured to step up the voltage output of the power source to a higher voltage from which the heating element is powered to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition.

Abstract: A multi-functional temperature controlling intelligent electronic cigarette, having a main body, a tobacco toasting atomizer, a PCB, and a threaded port and two annular metal gaskets having different radii at an upper end of the main body; the two gaskets are connected to output ends of a positive pole and a negative pole of the PCB respectively; a tobacco toasting container is provided inside the atomizer; a heat sensitive resistor is connected onto the container; the atomizer is provided with a threaded connector whose two outer sides are each provided with a spring loaded pin; the two pins are different in their distances from the threaded connector; the two spring loaded pins are connected to a positive pole and a negative pole of the heat sensitive resistor respectively; when the main body is connected to the atomizer, the two pins are connected with the two gaskets respectively.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette, including an atomizer assembly, including: an upper cover; a shell having two through holes; a base having two blind holes; a heating wire having a limit cover and a support base; two silicon plugs; an upper sealing ring; a lower sealing ring; and a sealing plug. The shell is disposed between the upper cover and the base. Flavored liquid is filled in the shell, and the two silicon plugs are disposed in the two through holes of the shell and seal the two blind holes of the base, respectively. The two silicon plugs each include a breakable neck adapted to be manually broken so that the flavored liquid comes into contact with the heating wire. The upper sealing ring is disposed between the upper cover and the shell, and the lower sealing ring is disposed between the shell and the limit cover of the heating wire.

Abstract: A cartridge for an aerosol generating system is provided, including a liquid storage portion including a rigid support portion having a nozzle defining an opening configured to dispense an aerosol-forming substrate and a collapsible portion, attached to the rigid support portion; and a wick disposed in the nozzle, extending across a full cross-section of the opening. An aerosol generating system is also provided, including the cartridge; and a method is provided for forming the cartridge including providing a rigid support portion with a nozzle defining an opening; attaching a collapsible portion to the rigid support portion to form a liquid storage portion; and providing a wick in the nozzle, the wick extending across a full cross-section of the opening.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette and an atomizer device thereof are provided. The atomizer device includes a housing, a liquid reservoir chamber (115) formed in the housing, and an adjusting valve (13) engaging with the housing; a liquid injection channel (1131) is defined in the housing for injecting liquid solution into the liquid reservoir chamber (115); a first opening (1311) corresponding to the liquid injection channel (1131) is defined in the adjusting valve (13); the adjusting valve (13) is movable between a first position and a second position across a surface of the housing; when the adjusting valve is in the first position, the first opening (1311) communicates with the liquid injection channel (1131) to open the liquid injection channel (1131), and when the adjusting valve (13) is in the second position, the first opening (1311) misaligns with the liquid injection channel (1131) to close the liquid injection channel (1131).

Abstract: A cartridge is provided for use with an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium. The cartridge has a container for holding a liquid and a receptacle for receiving a solid material. A shell is provided around the outside of the liquid container. A channel is defined between the liquid container and the shell. Liquid exiting the container can flow, in the form of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol, through the channel to the receptacle and through solid material received by the receptacle in use.

Abstract: An atomizing head is disclosed, including a heating component, a liquid absorption component and at least one contact ring, wherein the liquid absorption component is wrapped around the outer circumference of the heating component, the contact ring includes a base and a first clamping flange extending at a certain angle from an circumferential edge of the base, the base covers one end of the heating component in an axis direction of the heating component, the first clamping flange presses against an outer surface of the liquid absorption component to fasten the liquid absorption component onto the heating component. During the assembling process of the atomizing head, it only requires the liquid absorption component to wrap around the heating component and be pressed against and fastened by the contact ring. Such assembling process is simple, and the atomizing head is easy to replace, with low cost. An atomizing device and an electronic cigarette are also disclosed.

Abstract: A heating device for an electronic smoking apparatus has a heating element encased in a bulb so that e-liquid does not come in contact with the heating element, but rather is heated indirectly by the bulb. The heating element is in electrical communication with electrical contacts exterior of the bulb, which contacts are placed in electrical communication with a power source such as a batter. The bulb can be made of glass, quartz, or similar inert silica-based compositions. The bulb can be shaped and sized to accommodate the components of a variety of electronic smoking apparatus.

Abstract: A collar assembly for a garment comprising a collar band, a fold, and a collar leaf. A fixing stitch affixes the collar leaf to the body of the garment. This prevents the collar assembly from rumpling and gives a neat and attractive appearance to the collar. The fixing stitch may be set back a prescribed distance from the front edge of the collar so that the collar is not too tight around the neck.

Abstract: This invention is a one-use, disposable hygienic shower sock for wearing in showers, locker rooms, or other similar areas where bare feet come into contact with damp or wet floors. The shower sock is made of a biodegradable plastic or fabric material with a water permeable upper portion and a water-proof sole. The inside of the shower sock may be treated with one or more preventative or treatment applications, such as an anti-fungal agent, an anti-bacterial agent, a plantar wart guard, a foot detox product, an anti-microbial agent, or an anti-viral agent. Essential oil based deodorizers, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender may also be applied inside the shower sock. The bottom of the sole may have an anti-slip gripping element to prevent the wearer from slipping on wet floors.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a bra adapted for athletic use, of the type comprising a first cup and a second cup, each of them bounded laterally by an outer edge and by an inner edge, and outfitted with a support structure and a base structure. Each cup is outfitted with a support structure connected to a base structure, the support structure comprising at least a first support strap of overall cradle shape which is elastically deformable and which extends at least from the outer edge to the inner edge of the respective cup to support the breasts of the wearer.

Abstract: Wrap-style breast-supportive tops comprise an outer fabric layer, an inner fabric layer coupled to the outer fabric layer and positioned to be between the outer fabric layer and a wearer when the wearer is wearing the wrap-style breast-supportive top, and a fastening system. The top is either a right-side out top or a left-side out top, with the fastening system configured to secure a left edge of the inner fabric layer adjacent to the right side of the wearer's upper torso and a right edge of the inner fabric layer adjacent to the left side of the wearer's upper torso.

Abstract: A wearable entry device (WED) is disclosed that may be integrated into a garment. The WED may be used to lock and unlock a vehicle door. In one example, surfing board shorts may include a WED.

Abstract: A suit wearable by a human user includes a torso section, two arm sections extending from an upper portion of the torso section, and two leg sections extending from a lower portion of the torso section. At least one of an arm section and a leg section includes at least one exterior surface region that is uneven and having at least one of a different surface friction property and a different surface roughness property in relation to at least one exterior surface region of the torso section.

Abstract: A multilayered thermally-insulating garment with ventilating inserts uses a thermally-insulative unitard, multiple venting inserts, and a chest opening to encourage perspiration of a user while exercising. The thermally-insulative unitard is a garment that is designed to be worn by a user and to promote perspiration. To accomplish this, the thermally-insulative unitard makes use of a multilayered construction that includes an interior layer, an intermediate layer, and an exterior layer. This construction enables the thermally-insulative unitard to trap the user's body heat, prevent sweat penetration, and remain flexible. The venting inserts are sections of a flexible and air-permeable material that are integrated into various portions of the thermally-insulative unitard. These sections are worn over the user's armpits, crotch, and buttock to enable air to flow past these portions of the user's body; thus, preventing odors.

Abstract: A skeleton support has a concave shape configured to fit around a nose and mouth of a user. The support includes a skeletal structure that defines a plurality of connecting regions which form a first common connection interface. A cover includes a mounting mechanism with a plurality of fastening units which form a second common connection interface corresponding to the first common connection interface. Each fastening unit is configured to removably engage a corresponding connecting region of the skeleton support to hold the cover together with the skeleton support and form a mask. Different skeleton supports or covers with a different size, shape, color, pattern, flexibility, or material that also include the corresponding common connection interface can be swapped out to adjust the mask.

Abstract: A sleep apnea prevention sleep-aid mask is described. The sleep-aid mask is configured to secure the lips of a user together in a natural state, in order to encourage the respiratory system of the user to employ the nasal passages rather than the mouth for respiration. A pad equipped with a perforated mesh or channel is positioned over the lips and mouth of the user, and secured in position on the user via an adhesive, which temporarily affixes the pad to the face of the user. The sleep-aid mask is preferably shaped and sized according to the specific size of the user's face, and is configured to limit the effective diameter of the mouth of the user, in order to cause continued use of respiration via the nasal passages.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and folding a gown which increases manufacturing efficiency and consistency and decreases the time to manufacture. Additionally, the method includes folding a gown for packaging which will allow a person to don the gown with minimal contact with the outer portions of the gown.

Abstract: A transformable article of clothing wearable by a person in a plurality of configurations. According to various embodiments, a transformable article of clothing comprises a central tubular portion coupled to a first member and a second member is configurable between a shawl and a scarf. In another embodiment, a transformable article of clothing comprises a first continuous loop coupled to a second continuous loop and is configurable among a hat, a hood, a scarf and a hand warmer. In yet another embodiment, an article of clothing comprises a mask portion and an ear muffler portion selectively retained on ears of the wearer. In still another embodiment, a transformable glove comprises a hand portion, a thumb portion, a first finger portion and a second finger portion with an opening in at least one of thumb and finger portions.

Abstract: An electrically insulated glove assembly includes a glove having a palm cover, a back hand cover and five finger sleeves. The palm cover and the back hand cover are attached along their respective lateral edges to facility full covering of a person's hand. The glove includes a front side and a back side. Each of the finger sleeves has a lateral edge positioned between each of the front and back sides. An elastomeric layer is positioned on the glove and completely covers the front side of the glove. A portion of the back side of the glove is free of the elastomeric layer. The elastomeric layer is flexible to allow bending of the palm cover and each of the finger sleeves.

Abstract: A protective glove is provided, where a palm side of the protective glove successively includes, from inside to outside, a base layer, a first coating layer, a palm functional layer, and a second coating layer; and a hand back side successively includes, from inside to outside, a base layer, a first coating layer, and a second coating layer. A hand back functional layer is provided between the first coating layer and the second coating layer, and a glove cuff may also be provided. The material of the first coating layer and the second coating layer is natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or plastics. The palm functional layer may be an impact-resistant layer or a damping layer. The second coating layer at the palm side is provided with grip-enhancing points or grip-enhancing bands. The second coating layer at the hand back side is provided with decorative strips and decorative blocks.

Abstract: This document presents an apparel apparatus constructed in a plurality of contours, configurations, and cross-sectional portions to permit the apparel apparatus to be affixed to fingers, thumb, palm, back, or the sides of a user's hands. The apparel apparatus may also be composed of a plurality of performance layers that may be attached to or integrally constructed with a compression base layer. The performance layers may be constructed in a pre-determined configuration of layers, or they may be constructed in conformance to a user's specification for grip enhancement, shock absorption, impact resistance, microbial protection, moisture wicking, or additional functions. The apparel apparatus will be constructed so as to be worn by a user without impacting the user's ability to grip objects, catch objects, or otherwise interfere with the user's ability to use their hands in pursuit of sports, work, or other activities.

Abstract: A garment made includes at least a waist portion, a first leg portion, and a second leg portion. The waist portion further includes a pocket on the front of the garment, where the pocket is defined by at least the waist portion and a backing panel. The backing panel may be constructed from a resilient material and is reconfigurable between an empty configuration and an expanded configuration. When in the empty configuration, the backing panel may include a plurality of folded panels and may be aligned with the waist portion. When in the expanded configuration, the backing panel may be stretched to extend beyond the waist portion. The backing panel is reconfigured from the empty configuration and the expanded configuration when an object is disposed within the pocket. The pocket is sized and shaped to receive small personal items, such as smartphones, keys, money, credit carts, identification, etc.

Abstract: Transitory colored extension or wig hair have colors segregated in longitudinal strands of three horizontal sections. Top segment, attached to user's scalp has hair of a first solid color. A bottom segment composed of terminal ends of the hair strands have second solid color. A middle segment have hair strands of a mixture of the first and second solid color and form a transitory color. Transitory colored hair is formed by combining a hair group 1 and a hair group 2. Wherein hair group 1 of a certain length is color processed to a color A and hair group 2, approximately two-thirds the length of group 1 is color processed to color B. The transitory colored hair formed by combining the hair group 1+2 as a combination hair 1+2. The top one-third segment of combination 1+2 is color processing to a color C.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a strip of a polymer material having a front side and a back side. A plurality of hair strands are inserted into the front side, where the hair strands are secured to the strip and substantially cover the front side. At least one hair clip is joined to the back side. The at least one hair clip is operable for removably attaching to a user's hair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material comprising an upper layer, a lower layer and means arranged so as to diffuse substantially transversely at least part of the kinetic energy induced by an impact on one of said layers, said means cooperating on both sides, with the upper layer and the lower layer. The diffusion means can consist in a network of interassembled base elements and of cavities, forming a three-dimensional structure. The invention also relates to a protection device comprising an insert, said insert consisting of a composite material according to the invention.

Abstract: A helmet detects shear force impacts. Indicator elements in the helmet or protective gear provides a visual indication, an audio indication, or a combination is contained in the surface of the outer shell of the helmet and detects when there is a mechanical force imparted on the helmet. One or more sensors are embedded in the helmet and detect when a shear force is imparted on the helmet. In other embodiments, the sensors can detect that there was a mechanical force on the helmet and also measure the energy of the force. The outer surface of the helmet may have a lining that changes appearance with a shear impact force hits the surface of the helmet.

Abstract: A personal protection system for providing a sterile barrier around medical/surgical personnel. The system includes a helmet over which a hood or a toga suspended. A microphone, an amplifier and a speaker are mounted to the helmet. Speech of the individual wearing the personal protection system is picked up by the microphone and amplified speech is broadcast by the speaker. The speaker is outwardly directed so as to broadcast the speech out through the hood or toga covering the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet is disclosed having a padding element removably constrained to the shell and provided with a first seat so that a first protrusion integral with the shell is reversibly engaged, reversibly-coupling male-female means to reversibly male-female couple the shell and the padding element, which are adapted to define a hinge point for the relative rotation between the shell and the padding element. The helmet has restraining means to selectively restrain and release the first protrusion in and from the first seat. The restraining means are movable between a first restraint position to restrain the first protrusion in the first seat, so that the relative rotation between the shell and the padding element is prevented. A second disengagement position of the first protrusion from the first seat is also provided so that the relative rotation between the shell and the padding element is allowed.

Abstract: a sole with a light-conducting groove is disclosed, which comprises a footwear and a sole; wherein the sole includes a light-conducting groove disposed therein and for holding a light emitting device; a light incident surface; and a light irradiating surface; wherein the sole, light-conducting groove, light incident surface, and light irradiating surface allow light to communicate with each other and have light-transmitting and light-conducting characteristics; wherein the light emitting device is an independent, waterproof and portable object, and can be placed at any time or removed from the light-conducting groove, when the light emitting device emits light the light enters from the light incident surface into the sole and then diffuses outwardly to the light irradiating surface around the outer periphery of the sole, thereby emitting light to the outside.

Abstract: A pair of shoes that incorporates sound-reproducing equipment that is triggered by the detection of one or more conditions. One of the conditions is the impact of a shoe with the ground, such as when a user stomps the heel on the ground. Another condition is the proximity of a second shoe to a first shoe, such as when a user moves the left shoe of a pair close to the right shoe. The detection of an impact may be used to trigger the reproduction of any desired sound—such as the “chuff” sound of a steam locomotive. The detection of the proximity of another shoe along with an impact may be used to trigger the reproduction of a different sound—such as a steam whistle.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter pertains to a shoe comprising of a firmly embedded fastening device between multiple layers for attachable and detachable upper components and sole components such that the face of the socket may be flush with the side of the sole, allowing for an economical manufacturing process to produce truly fashionable shoes in many different styles. The fastening device comprises a locking, stabilizing, and actuating mechanism comprising of a socket and plug. A socket comprises a stabilizing lever, pawl, flexible joint, aperture, and aligning tabs. A plug comprises overhangs and at least one prong further comprising teeth complementary to teeth on a pawl. Utilizing advancement in materials with a layering design to implant a fastening device, manufacturing may be consistent and more economical and also reduce cost and inconveniences for fashion consumers in several ways.

Abstract: A football shoe or football boot including a sole, an upper, a fastening means to fasten the shoe or boot in place, and a layer of material that in situ is disposed between the fastening means and an underlying foot or hose, wherein the layer of material includes a ball control region with an outer ball control surface contactable with a football during kicking, and wherein said ball control surface lies rearwardly of a foremost region of the layer of material.