Abstract: A vapour generating device has a chamber in which strain gauges are arranged to measure a strain generated by a vapour generating material received in the chamber. The strain gauges 4 are arranged on a sidewall of the chamber. A controller determines an operation based on the measured strain; operations include selecting heating profiles to be applied to the vapour generating material, adjusting the retention to draw, and preventing or allowing the device from operating with the vapour generating material.

Abstract: Provided is an aerosol generating apparatus including: a heater generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substrate; and a controller monitoring and controlling power supplied to the heater, wherein, upon receiving an input of reheating the heater within a preset time, after the heater reaches the first target temperature and generates an aerosol, the controller controls the heater to generate an aerosol according to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for an aerosol generating device includes an LC resonant circuit including an inductive element for inductively heating a susceptor arrangement to heat an aerosol generating material to thereby generate an aerosol. The apparatus includes a switching arrangement for enabling a varying current to be generated from a DC voltage supply and flow through the inductive element to cause inductive heating of the susceptor arrangement. The apparatus also includes a temperature determiner for, in use, determining a temperature of the susceptor arrangement based on a frequency that the LC resonant circuit is being operated at.

Abstract: A vape device cartridge having multiple chambers each for holding a substance to be vaped. The multi-chamber being attachable to a vape device having at least a housing and battery. A vape device or cartridge may include multiple selectable heating elements. An interface may permit a user to select a desired one or more heating elements to activate such a desired substance or substances are vaped. A processor may be used to control certain features of the vape device and multi-chamber cartridge.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of smoking tobacco. In particular, the present disclosure relates to smoking substitute systems and particularly, although not exclusively, to a heat-not-burn (HNB) smoking substitute system. Further in particular, the present disclosure relates to a smoking substitute system having at least two different modes of operation. The present disclosure also relates to an improved housing design. The present disclosure further relates to a smoking substitute device with an improved housing design. The present disclosure yet further relates to smoking substitute systems having at least two independent display elements.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising an elongate housing containing a reservoir of inhalable composition. An outlet for the composition and suction port are provided at one end of the housing. A diaphragm is mounted in the housing defining a suction chamber such that suction on the suction port reduces the size of the suction chamber. An elongate leaf spring is mounted at one end to the housing at the end of the suction chamber opposite to the suction port, and is pivotally mounted at an intermediate portion about a pivot point. A valve element is at the end of the leaf spring opposite to the one end and is biased closed. Suction on the suction port deflects the diaphragm and hence the leaf spring between the one end and the pivot point causing the opposite end of the leaf spring to pivot about the pivot point thereby causing the valve element to open.

Abstract: A garment includes a collar stand attached to a garment body. The collar stand is formed from an inner piece and an outer piece, and wherein at least one of the inner piece and the outer piece comprises a fabric fused with a rigid fusible substrate. The fabric fused with a rigid fusible substrate has between 0% to 5% stretch, preferably between 0% and 3% stretch, and more preferably between 0% and 2% stretch in at least one direction thereof, and the fabric fused with a rigid fusible substrate has between 0% to 5% shrinkage, preferably between 0% and 3% shrinkage, and more preferably between 0% and 2% shrinkage in said at least one direction thereof.

Abstract: The collared shirt has a placket with a top piece and bottom piece extending at least a portion of the length of the shirt. The bottom piece comprises an attached collar male button, an attached first male button spaced apart from the collar male button and below the collar male button, and an attached second male button spaced apart from the first male button and below the first male button, and an intermediate male magnetic button between the first and second male buttons. The top piece comprises female buttons corresponding to the male buttons on the bottom piece. The top piece further comprises an intermediate female magnetic button corresponding to the intermediate male magnetic button and affixed to an inner side of the top piece.

Abstract: An adjustable brassiere includes a pair of cup parts, a base part supporting the cup parts, a back part, and straps. Each cup part has, on its back surface, an underbust adjustment pocket and a volume adjustment pocket. The base part is continuous with the cup parts and has a stretchable skin-side base part and a front-side base part that are layered. The front-side base part includes a wire insertion part that has substantially the same curve as a curve of a lower edge of the cup part on a front surface. The skin-side base part and the front-side base part are fixed to each other at the front center tops, side edges, and a lower end, and the cup lower edge of the skin-side base part and the wire insertion part of the front-side base part are not fixed to each other, except for both ends thereof.

Abstract: A garment includes a first garment portion including a pocket, and the pocket includes an opening. A second garment portion is movable relative to the first garment portion. An adjustment system is at least partially disposed within the pocket and couples the second garment portion and the first garment portion. The adjustment system is manipulable by the wearer to move the second garment portion at least partially into the pocket via the opening to thereby adjust a fit of the garment on the wearer.

Abstract: Surgical gowns can be configured to be worn by a human and to be sterile for use in a sterile surgical environment. Such a sterile surgical gown can include one or more pockets attached to the gown and configured to store surgical instruments. The sterile surgical gown can also include one or more rings attached to the gown and configured to hold surgical instruments. In some embodiments, a patch that is attachable to the gown. The patch can include one or more additional pockets or additional rings.

Abstract: A self-adjustable surgical garment includes a front defining a centerline, a back, and two sides connecting the front and the back. The self-adjustable surgical garment also includes a strap having a first end portion, a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and a fastening portion. The strap is attached at the first end portion to the back. Additionally, the fastening portion is removably coupled to a portion of the garment such that the second end portion is in a sterile zone of a wearer. The region corresponding to a sterile zone of the wearer being at least partially defined as a region within ninety degrees in either direction of the centerline.

Abstract: A garment attachment includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is freely connectable to and detachable from a right front part of a front-open garment. The second connector is freely connectable to and detachable from a left front part of the front-open garment. With the first and second connectors, the garment attachment is freely attachable to and detachable from the front-open garment between divided front parts of the garment.

Abstract: A fingerless computer input glove that can slide easily on a mouse pad, thereby enabling longer game play and longer work sessions using a computer mouse or trackball, without discomfort or fatigue. The fingerless computer input glove employs various sizes and numbers of glides to enable each user to customize the glove according to one's individual style of use, such as adjusting wrist angle. The fingerless computer input glove includes a palm panel having an attachment surface, a back panel joined to the palm panel, a thumb opening portion joined to both the palm panel and to the back panel, a wrist portion joined to the palm panel and to the back panel, the wrist portion having a wrist securement strap, and at least one glide attachable to the attachment surface of the palm panel OR a neoprene rubber pad attachable to the attachment surface of the palm panel.

Abstract: A sweater and necktie combination comprising a sweater having a collar, an upper slot and a lower slot. The combination further includes a necktie having a hanging portion, with the hanging portion including an upper hidden area, a middle exposed area with a design thereon and a lower hidden area. The necktie extends through the upper slot and the lower slot such that the upper hidden area and the lower hidden area are located within the sweater and the middle exposed area is located outside of the sweater. A first engaging feature maintains the lower hidden area within the interior of the sweater. A second engaging feature maintains the middle exposed area outside of the sweater.

Abstract: A reversible garment for covering at least a portion of a wearer's upper body, comprising: at least one front panel for at least partially covering a front portion of a wearer's torso, at least one back panel for at least partially covering a back portion of the wearer's torso, wherein first and second shoulder areas are formed between the at least one front panel and the at least one back panel, first and second shoulder pads for providing shaping to the wearer's shoulders, each of the first and second shoulder pads being releasably attached to a respective one of the first and second shoulder areas, wherein the reversible garment has first and second opposing surfaces, with the first surface being external and the second surface being internal when the reversible garment is worn in a first configuration and the second surface being external and the first surface being internal when the reversible garment is worn in a second, inverted, configuration, and wherein the first and second shoulder pads are configu

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to a garment that is insulating yet light weight, which may provide protection from the elements without weighing down the wearer. The garment in accordance with the technology described herein comprises a layer of thermally insulating sheet material having one or more voided portions in place of conventional down or other synthetic thermally insulating materials. The one or more voided portions allow the thermal insulation to be light weight and adequately protective in cooler/cold weather, without adding motion hindering bulk to the garment.

Abstract: A hood assembly includes a hood with a first hood semi-portion and a second hood semi-portion, the hood sized to be selectively worn over a head of a user. The hood assembly further includes a first adjustment assembly in the first hood semi-portion, the first adjustment assembly having a first channel encasing a first magnet therein, the first magnet being slidable through the first channel. The hood assembly further includes a second adjustment assembly in the second hood semi-portion, the second adjustment assembly having a second channel encasing a second magnet therein, the second magnet being slidable through the second channel. The first and second magnets can be selectively secured together to thereby bring together the first hood semi-portion with the second hood semi-portion.

Abstract: A magnetic hair extension apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus can use a magnet, which enables the apparatus to be conveniently applied and removed from the hair of a user. The apparatus includes a first portion having a magnet and a hair weft, and a second portion having magnetic material and a hair weft. To wear, the second portion is placed over the first portion with the hair of the user sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion. The magnet is attracted to the magnetic material and thus, can securely attach the apparatus to the hair of the user. A combination of these materials results in an easy to use, easy to remove, easy to transport, and harmless hair extension apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is a button attachment device adapted to attach a button having buttonholes, to a garment. A large range of buttons with small to large buttonholes, regardless of the spacing between the buttonholes. The button attachment device can be used to attach a button to said garment by placing a button in a predetermined position on one side of the garment, placing the button attachment device on the opposite side of the garment, pushing a strand forming a part of the device through the garment and then through one of the buttonholes. Thereafter, pushing the strand through a different buttonhole, and through the garment to the opposite side, Then pushing the strand into a first channel on the device to tighten said button to the garment, and subsequently, the foregoing is repeated for a second strand, and for a second channel.

Abstract: A durag is provided. The durag is configured to configured to cover a head of a user. The durag includes a tail. The tail is attached to a peripheral end of the center cap portion. The tail includes a first portion and a second portion. The tail is wrapped around the head of the user and the first portion is detachably attached to the second portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and/or an apparatus for an improved helmet system that may help reduce the severity of injuries by enhancing overall helmet protection through uniquely designed facemasks and facemask bumpers. The facemask and facemask bumpers that are particularly adapted to redistribute pressure and impact forces, decrease vibration, sudden shock, noise and/or the peak forces transmitted from the facemask to the rest of the helmet system. The facemask bumpers may be disposed into specific regions of the facemask, including the brow region, the glabella region, orbit region, the frontal region, the mandible (front, right and/or left side) region, the maxilla region, the nasal region, zygomatic region, the ethmoid region, the lacrimal region, the sphenoid region and/or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a variable helmet that can be unfolded flat and carried or kept when not in use. A configuration of the variable helmet is characterized by including a protective pad in which a plurality of unit pads are planarly coupled like a mosaic so that the protective pad is in a hemispherical shape to cover and protect a head of a wearer and is able to be unfolded flat like a plate, the protective pad having unevenness portions provided in a sawtooth shape at both ends thereof; both-end fixing means allowing the unit pads to have a hemispherical shape by tightening the both ends of the protective pad; and a chin strap allowing the protective pad to be fixed in a state in which the protective pad is covered on the head.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure. The upper is configured to receive a foot of a wearer and has a peripheral region. Further, the upper includes a ribbon structure formed of a plurality of ribbon sections, and a plurality of ribbon loops extending from a peripheral region of the upper.

Abstract: A foot switch system has an actuating button and a communication mechanism responsive to a pressure on the actuating button, the communication mechanism configured to emit a wireless signal in response to the pressure on the actuating button. The system further has an attachment mechanism to removably attach the actuating button and communication mechanism to a user's first shoe. The communication mechanism is configured to control a power output of a medical device.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper. The upper is coupled to the sole structure so as to form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween. The upper comprises a first portion, a second portion, and an expandable panel disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The upper is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the compressed configuration, the first portion and the second portion are coupled together at a location adjacent to the expandable panel and the expandable panel is collapsed. In the expanded configuration, the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart from each other at the location adjacent to the expandable panel and the expandable panel is exposed. One or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are larger when the upper is in the expanded configuration than when the upper is in the compressed configuration.

Abstract: A shoe including secure, interchangeable straps and a base is described.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a mechanism for detachable configuration of footwear, a footwear assembly comprising: a top part; a bottom part; and a plurality of first magnetic elements positioned on a lower surface of the top part and a plurality of second magnetic elements positioned on an upper surface of the bottom part. The plurality of second magnetic elements and the plurality of first magnetic elements are adapted to be attractive to one another such that placement of the top part which is proximate to the bottom part.

Abstract: A footbed having at least one of a thickness adjustment panel and a lateral adjustment fin, each configured to be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration, the first and second configurations providing different fits of a shoe into which the footbed is inserted.

Abstract: A size adjustable footwear includes an upper, an insole, a midsole, an outer sole, and a size adjustment mechanism. The midsole includes a heel plate and a toe plate. The upper is perimetrically connected around the midsole. The insole is adjacently connected atop the midsole and internally positioned within the upper. The outer sole is perimetrically connected around the midsole as the midsole is positioned in between the insole and the outer sole. The heel plate and the toe plate are slidably engaged to the size adjustment mechanism. The size adjustment mechanism is operatively integrated in between the heel plate and the toe plate, wherein the size adjustment mechanism elastically expands and contracts the upper, the midsole, and the outer sole.

Abstract: Sports shoe with a striped pattern facilitating ball handling, having an upper and a sole, wherein the surface of the upper of the sports shoe is divided into a plurality of shooting zones, namely at least into a nose zone (14), an inner shooting zone (15) and an outer shooting zone (16) and at least one of the shooting zones (14, 15, 16) comprises a plurality of ball directing stripes (20) arranged side-by-side beside and being spaced from each other and the directing stripes extend out from the surface of the upper that constitutes a basic surface (17), the directing stripes (20) have elevated outer surfaces (18) with increased grip to the ball compared to the grip of the basic surface (17), wherein the spaces between said directing stripes (20) constitute respective ball directing channels (21) and the at least one shooting zone comprises a group of at least four directing stripes (20) and a group of at least three directing channels (21) between the directing stripes, and out of these two groups the width

Abstract: A cycling shoe having a sole and an upper coupled to the sole. A projection portion extends off a bottom surface of the sole behind a cleat (attachment) portion of the sole. The projection portion has a first lateral side surface, a second lateral side surface an opposite side of the cycling shoe from the first lateral side surface, a bottom surface, and rounded lateral edges that connect each of the first and second lateral side surfaces to the bottom surface.

Abstract: A shoe having a bimodal structure at a sole, the bimodal structure configured to selectively snap to at least one of a second position and a first position. The bimodal structure is a bendable structure that selectively snaps into the first position upon being subjected to a first bending force, and that selectively snaps into the second position upon being subjected to a second bending force, where the first bending force has an opposite direction to the second bending force. A downward force applied to a heel counter of the bimodal shoe while holding portions of the shoe forward from the bimodal structure stationary causes the bimodal structure to snap out of the second position.

Abstract: A shoe device having bimodal structures, configured to selectively snap the device to at least one of a second position and a first position, which selectively snaps the shoe into a first position upon being subjected to a first bending force, apt for placement or removal of a foot, and selectively snaps the shoe into a second position upon being subjected to a second bending force, apt for securement of a foot or having no foot. A forward leaning, flexible stadium arch structure, assembled to form a heel notch mechanism, connects to a sole. A morphing shoe collar portion connects to a heel. These are combined via vector changing devices for greater functionality.

Abstract: A bimodal shoe having a bimodal structure, the bimodal structure configured to selectively snap to at least one of a second position and a first position. The bimodal structure is a bendable structure that selectively snaps into the first position upon being subjected to a first bending force, and that selectively snaps into the second position upon being subjected to a second bending force, where the first bending force has an opposite direction to the second bending force. A downward force applied to a heel counter of the bimodal shoe while holding portions of the shoe forward from the bimodal structure stationary causes the bimodal structure to snap out of the second position. A flared sole element and connecting vertical rear arms improve functionality.

Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe allows the shoe to be rapidly entered and readied for wearing by the user. The shoe may be any of a wide variety of shoe types, including shoes of a wide variety of styles and functions. The rapid entry features of the shoes utilize various movable elements that are attached to a sole portion or other portion of the shoe and allow movement of a portion of the shoe under pressure to allow rapid entry of the user's foot into the shoe.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to articles of footwear with adjustable dimensions. More specifically, the articles of footwear disclosed herein include sole structures with adjustable dimensions. In some instances, an article of footwear includes one or more removable insert members configured for adjusting the dimensions of a foot-receiving cavity of the article of footwear. Additionally or alternatively, a sole structure can include one or more flexible portions that can move between compressed and expanded states to accommodate feet of various dimensions. To accommodate the adjustable dimensions of the sole structures, an upper of the article of footwear can be stretchable.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate that has a forefoot portion with a foot-facing surface. The sole plate has at least one groove extending at least partially transversely in the foot-facing surface. The at least one groove is open when the sole structure is dorsiflexed in a first portion of a flexion range, and closed when the sole structure is dorsiflexed in a second portion of the flexion range that includes flex angles greater than in the first portion of the flexion range.

Abstract: A sole structure may include chambers and a transfer channel containing an electrorheological fluid. Electrodes may be positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the electrorheological fluid in the transfer channel. The sole structure may further include a controller including a processor and memory. At least one of the processor and memory may store instructions executable by the processor to perform operations that include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-inhibiting levels at which flow of the electrorheological fluid the through the transfer channel is blocked, and that further include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-enabling levels permitting flow of the electrorheological fluid through the transfer channel.

Abstract: Extruded components for articles of footwear and methods of making such articles of footwear are disclosed. A carrier can be formed from a first material, the carrier including an attachment surface configured to attach to an upper and a receiving surface having a plurality of receptacles. A second material can be extruded into a plurality of the receptacles to form cushioning elements of a sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole structure attached to an upper defining an internal void configured to receive a foot of a wearer is described. The sole structure includes a sole body portion having a central ridge element located in an aperture in the sole body portion and the central ridge element is configured to contact the ground and move relative to the aperture.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an interior cushioning arrangement extending from an anterior end to a posterior end. The sole structure also includes a forefoot cushioning element extending from the anterior end to a first end and including a first material having a first durometer. The sole structure further includes a heel cushioning element extending from the posterior end to a second end and including a second material having a second durometer. The first end of the forefoot cushioning element and the second end of the heel cushioning element overlap one another.

Abstract: A sole structure may include chambers and a transfer channel containing an electrorheological fluid. Electrodes may be positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the electrorheological fluid in the transfer channel. The sole structure may further include a controller including a processor and memory. At least one of the processor and memory may store instructions executable by the processor to perform operations that include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-inhibiting levels at which flow of the electrorheological fluid the through the transfer channel is blocked, and that further include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-enabling levels permitting flow of the electrorheological fluid through the transfer channel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide shoes with good fitting property. The present invention provides a shoe including: a sole 1 which absorbs landing impact; and an upper 2 which covers an instep of a foot. The upper has a first opening 3 through which the foot is inserted when wearing the shoe. The upper 2 is partly or entirely made of a material which has negative Poisson's ratios.

Abstract: A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel comprising a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the reel can include a rotation limiter which can be configured to prevent over-tightening of the lacing system and/or to prevent rotation past the substantially fully loosened state.

Abstract: The present invention is an insert having a raised region that contacts an arch region of a wearer's foot, which may be selectively reinforced with a removable supplemental support. In exemplary embodiments, the insert includes a heel region adapted to receive at least a region of a heel of a wearer, and the raised region has a length situated along a width of the insert and adapted to underlie a calcaneus-midtarsal connection of a foot the wearer. The raised region is defined by a bottom semi-cylindrical surface that forms a cavity below the raised region so that an apex of the bottom semi-cylindrical surface lies above a bottom flat surface of the insert. Inside the cavity, the support is removably coupled to the cavity for selectively increasing or decreasing a rigidity of the raised region of the insert in order to apply a user-selected therapeutic pressure.

Abstract: The manufacturing of footwear includes the joining of components. The joining may be accomplished with adhesive. The adhesive, such as a polyurethane, is applied as a single-sided adhesive to a footwear component. The application of the adhesive can contaminate the system that is applying the adhesive with intentional over spray of the footwear component. The over spray ensures adequate coverage of the footwear component to allow a sufficient bond. A masking platform of the system masks portions of the system to limit the contamination caused by the over spray. Additionally, material brushes and scrapers may engage with components of the system to remove or limit adhesive contamination on those components. A vision system maps a surface of the footwear component to ensure the adhesive is applied for the specific article.

Abstract: The improved button is of the type having: a metal backer, the backer carrying one of a safety pin and a magnetic clasp; and an overlay disposed upon and in gripping relation to the backer. The improvement includes: a chip disposed between the overlay and the backer, the chip being selected from the group consisting of Near Field Communication tag and RFID chip; and a layer of blocker disposed between the chip and the backer, the layer being adapted to permit operation of the chip.

Abstract: A buckle has a buckle mechanism with a lock pawl and a latch pin. The latch pin is designed to travel only in a longitudinal or horizontal direction relative to the buckle mechanism. When a latch plate assembly is secured, the latch pin holds the lock pawl in a latched position and prevents accidental release of the latch plate assembly. A release button is coupled to the latch plate retention bar so that all of the effective actuation and other motions are in the longitudinal direction of the buckle mechanism. The buckle mechanism has an ejector mechanism with an ejection spring for ejecting the latch plate assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are disclosed for releasably securing sections of fabric forming a belt around a user, and in particular a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative activities. The apparatus has an elongate thin strip of material having a length substantially greater than a width, divided by a first section and a second section between its end, and thereby having four surface sections. The surface sections can be configured with fastening hooks or receiving loops, or be smooth, to provide fastening surfaces, receiving surfaces, and non-fastening/receiving surfaces. In use the strip of material is looped between and around layers of a belt tied with a knot such that a first fastening surface contacts and adheres to at least a portion of an opposing receiving surface to secure the strip of material in a loop around the layers of the belt in the area of the knot to prevent unraveling during an activity.