Abstract: A food processing apparatus including a tank having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, the tank having a rotatable auger mounted in a compartment, the auger for advancing food product within the compartment from the inlet end toward the outlet end, the auger including flights having a flight wall with a radial edge, a clearance space being defined between the radial edge of the flights and a solid, imperforate wall portion of an inner wall. One of the inner wall and the flight wall may include a perforated wall portion. A transition zone includes a moveable surface to contain food product while in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is material for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The material includes a mixture of smokable material and elements. Each of the elements includes a closed circuit of heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

Abstract: An extraction method of a flavor constituent comprises: a step A for heating a tobacco raw material which is subjected to an alkali treatment; and a step B for bringing a release component released in the gas phase in the step A into contact with a collection solvent at normal temperature until any time from when a first condition is satisfied to when a second condition is satisfied. The total amount of saccharides contained in the tobacco raw material is 9.0 wt % or less when a gross weight of the tobacco raw material in the dry state is 100 wt %. The first condition is determined based on variations in the pH of the collection solution. The second condition is determined based on the remaining amount of nicotine component.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus may include a conduit structure including an inner surface defining a conduit extending through an interior of the conduit structure, an inlet structure coupled to an end of the conduit structure, and a plurality of sensor devices in hydrodynamic contact with the conduit. The inlet structure may couple with an outlet end of an external tobacco element to hold the outlet end of the external tobacco element in fluid communication with an inlet opening of the conduit structure, such that the conduit structure may receive a generated aerosol from the external tobacco element at the inlet opening, and draw an instance of aerosol through the conduit towards an outlet opening. The instance of aerosol may include at least a portion of the generated aerosol. Each sensor device may generate sensor data indicating a pressure of the instance of aerosol through a separate portion of the conduit.

Abstract: An aerosol generating article (10) comprises: an aerosol generating substrate (12); a mouthpiece (14); and a tipping wrapper (20) comprising: a first weakening line (22) extending around at least a portion of the tipping wrapper (20); a removable tipping wrapper portion (26) extending downstream from the first weakening line (22); an upstream tipping wrapper portion (24) extending upstream from the first weakening line (22); a first longitudinal edge (30) extending along the outer surface of the aerosol generating article; and a second longitudinal edge (32) opposed to the first longitudinal edge (30) and overlying the mouthpiece (14). The tipping wrapper (20) overlaps itself in an overlapping region (28) extending at least 45 degrees circumferentially around the aerosol generating article (10).

Abstract: A wrapper for a smoking article has a base web and a plurality of crenellated bands, each having a diffusivity value in the range of 0 to about 0.2 cm/sec. The add-on material can be applied by gravure printing in a single pass in a chevron pattern such that an apex of the element is co-linear with substantially symmetrically spaced points on a trailing, outer edge of an adjacent chevron element. Testing elements may be simultaneously printed with the add-on material to monitor diffusivity and/or presence of add-on material.

Abstract: A capsule (120) for use in a smoking article includes a liquid sensory enhancing material; and a shell surrounding the liquid sensory enhancing material. The shell has an outer surface rendered hydrophobic by hydrophobic groups covalently bond to the outer surface of the shell. The shell may be rendered hydrophobic by reacting hydroxyl groups at outer surface of the shell with fatty acid halides to covalently attach fatty acid moieties to the surface of the capsule.

Abstract: An atomizer capable of refilling tobacco liquid and an electronic cigarette having the same are disclosed, including: an atomizing body with a liquid storage chamber formed therein; the atomizing body has an injection end for injecting tobacco liquid, the injection end of the atomizing body has a liquid inlet communicated with the liquid storage chamber; an end cover, movably arranged on the end of the atomizing body and capable of reversibly moving from a first place to a second place, when the end cover is at the first place, the liquid inlet is closed, when the end cover is at the second place, the liquid inlet is opened; and an elastic element, configured to supply an elastic deforming force on the end cover opposite to a moving direction of the end cover, during that the end cover is moving from the first place to the second place.

Abstract: A cartridge for an electronic smoking device includes a heat source comprising a bulb-encased heating element. The heat source is disposed inside a compartment of the cartridge. The compartment extends from an air flow tube. The housing includes a storage area for retaining inhalant material. The cartridge includes a threaded connector that attaches to a control unit that has a power supply such as a batter. The cartridge avoids direct contact between the inhalant material and any metal components of the cartridge by either eliminating metal components or by encasing the metal components in glass, quartz, or ceramic.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electronic smoking devices and in particular electronic cigarettes. A mouthpiece for an electronic smoking device has an elongated housing having ports at opposite ends; a central passage formed as a hollow channel through the housing in communication with the ports, contact terminals for connecting to a battery of the electronic smoking device and conductive elements connected to the contact terminals, the conductive elements being configured for connecting, to the battery, an tempering element for tempering an aerosol produced by the electronic smoking device. Using the tempering element, aerosol passing through the central passage can be tempered and loss of aerosol due to condensation is reduced.

Abstract: A dispensing box holder includes a base, a plurality of walls, and a retainer member. Each of the plurality of walls extends from the base. A dispensing opening is defined in at least one of the walls. The retainer member is removably received on the base. A box receiving area is defined by the base, the plurality of walls, and the retainer member. The retainer member defines two sides of the box receiving area.

Abstract: In one example, a vaporization device includes a housing, a heating component disposed in the housing, and a first sleeving. The heating component includes an absorbent core element and a heating coil at least partially wound around the core element. The first sleeving includes an outer wall defining a notch leading to a through hole configured to receive and fixedly secure the core element. In another example, a vaporization device includes a bottom cap including an airflow sensor, a light source, and a light guide element. The light guide element is configured to operatively secure the bottom cap to a housing and to permit illuminated light from the light source to pass therethrough. In another example, a vaporization device includes a nozzle cap defining an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air channel and including a baffle and an oil-absorbing element.

Abstract: In one example, a vaporization device includes a housing, a heating component disposed in the housing, and a first sleeving. The heating component includes an absorbent core element and a heating coil at least partially wound around the core element. The first sleeving includes an outer wall defining a notch leading to a through hole configured to receive and fixedly secure the core element. In another example, a vaporization device includes a bottom cap including an airflow sensor, a light source, and a light guide element. The light guide element is configured to operatively secure the bottom cap to a housing and to permit illuminated light from the light source to pass therethrough. In another example, a vaporization device includes a nozzle cap defining an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air channel and including a baffle and an oil-absorbing element.

Abstract: A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system is provided, the cartridge including: a liquid storage portion including a housing containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a heater assembly including an electrical heating element configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol; and a capillary material disposed in contact with the electrical heating element and including a ceramic or a ceramic-based material, the capillary material being configured to convey the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the electrical heating element, the electrical heating element being supported by a support element having an opening, and the heater assembly further includes first and second electrically conductive contact portions disposed at opposite sides of the opening and being configured to contact with an external electrical power supply. An aerosol-generating system including the cartridge is also provided.

Abstract: An electronic vaporizer includes a main unit, an atomizer and a mouthpiece. The atomizer is removably coupled to the main unit. The mouthpiece is removably coupled to the atomizer. The atomizer includes an atomizer base, a heating electrode coupled to the atomizer base, a temperature sensing electrode coupled to the atomizer base, a heating element electrically coupled to the heating electrode and the temperature sensing electrode, and a heating crucible thermally coupled to the heating element. The heating element includes a heating element base, a heating circuit encapsulated within the heating element base and a temperature sensing circuit encapsulated within the heating element base.

Abstract: There is provided an electrically operated smoking device configured to receive a smoking article, including a housing defining a cavity configured to at least partially receive a smoking article; and a sensing system configured to detect indicia on the smoking article, the sensing system being disposed on a periphery of the cavity and including a light source, a mirror, an imaging lens, and an image detector, the mirror being disposed on an internal surface of the cavity adjacent to the light source and the imaging lens.

Abstract: A power supply for an electronic cigarette includes a main body, a waterproof and breathable membrane and a pneumatic sensor. The main body is provided with an internal cavity in which the pneumatic sensor is mounted and a mounting part in which the external load is mounted; the mounting part is provided with an airflow passage communicated with the outside and the internal cavity; the waterproof and breathable membrane is mounted in the main body and covers the airflow passage. When the external load is mounted in the mounting part, an air channel inside the external load is communicated with the airflow passage; and when the pneumatic sensor senses that the airflow movement in the airflow passage reaches a preset threshold, the main body is triggered to control the external load.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating element includes first and second electrical connection terminals; a first electrical element being an aerosol-generator connected between the first and second electrical connection terminals; and a second electrical element connected between the first and second electrical connection terminals. A first barrier element is connected between the first electrical element and the second electrical connection terminal, and a second barrier element is connected between the second electrical element and the first electrical connection terminal. The first and second barrier elements have opposite asymmetric conductance.

Abstract: A bib having a first panel and a storage container. The first panel has a collar constructed in a first end. The storage container has a first and a second side, an upper opening and a lower closed end. The first panel also has a second end which is attached to an upper end of the second side of the storage container in order to capture spillage while the bib is in use. The first panel can also be folded down into the storage container and secured by a fastener about the upper opening of the storage container.

Abstract: Open-palm, fingerless hand protection gloves comprising a dorsal portion, a wrist portion, and at least one finger loop, where the dorsal portion is crisscrossed proximal to the at least one finger loop, are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a dorsal portion of a hand protective glove is not crisscrossed proximal to a finger loop. In some embodiments, a finger loop surrounds multiple fingers. In some embodiments, the hand protection glove may be a sun protection glove where at least the dorsal portion is formed of ultraviolet (UV) protective material.

Abstract: This application is for an improved face mask that allows users to easily transition between a full-protection mode and a partial-protection mode. In full-protection mode, the improved face mask covers a user's mouth area and nose area. In partial-protection mode, a mask hatch removably attached to the mask frame is detached and exposes the user's face covered by the mask frame. A method of manufacturing the improved face mask is also described.

Abstract: A face mask with separate inhaling and exhaling portions can include an upper mask portion and a lower mask portion. A plurality of folds extend across each of the upper and lower mask portions. The lower mask portion can be larger than the upper mask portion. A lower edge of the upper mask portion can be secured to an upper edge of the lower portion. In use, the upper mask portion can cover the nose and the lower mask portion can cover the mouth. A user can inhale through the upper portion and exhale through the lower portion. In this manner, CO2 exhaled by the user will not mix with air that is inhaled.

Abstract: A system and method of selectively connecting at least two articles of clothing is provided. First and second articles, which may comprise a glove and jacket sleeve or cuff, have mating geometries and at least one fastener to securely and selectively connect the two articles. In certain embodiments, magnets are provided as fasteners to connect the articles. For example, in certain embodiments, a method and system is provided that comprises features adapted to allow connection of an accessory (e.g. ski glove) to a portion of another article (e.g. jacket).

Abstract: An outerwear article comprises a sleeve and a hand covering. The sleeve defines and extends from a shoulder end and an open end. The sleeve includes a liner, an outer shell extending around the liner, and a pocket defined between the outer shell and the liner. The pocket has an opening on an inside of the sleeve and on a side of the pocket nearest the open end. The hand covering is sewn to the sleeve adjacent the opening via a seam line. The hand covering is rotatable about the seam line from a storage position within the pocket to a use position extending from the seam line out the open end of the sleeve to fit over a wearer's hand.

Abstract: According to the various features, characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides reusable grip enhancing tubular members for the arm area, in particular sports sleeves for the arm and forearm, and reusable grip enhancing tubular members for the hand, in particular sports finger cots for the hand, and the uses thereof, and methods thereof, intended to increase the performance in arm and/or hand task activities.

Abstract: The present application relates to an elastomeric article, such as a glove, comprising: (i) an elastomeric film comprising one or more film layers, and including an external surface and an internal surface, (ii) an antimicrobial agent that is effective against both beneficial and harmful microorganisms on the external surface of the elastomeric film, and (iii) a skin-protective agent selected from a probiotic, a prebiotic, or a combination thereof on the internal surface of the elastomeric film; wherein the inner surface of the film is free of an antimicrobially-effective amount of an antimicrobial agent that is effective against both beneficial and harmful microorganisms. The elastomeric articles may further comprise a barrier film layer that provides separation between the antimicrobial agent and the skin-protective agent. Also described are methods for the manufacture of such articles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically manufacturing a custom fit garment is provided. The method comprises creating a pattern for the garment to be manufactured and determining at least a portion of the body of the customer to be scanned based on the created pattern and scanning at least the portion of body of the customer to determine sizing requirements for the garment to be manufactured. The method further comprises customizing the pattern for the garment to be manufactured based on the determined sizing requirement and automatically manufacturing the garment based on the customized pattern.

Abstract: A device including a crown or dome section having a proximate upper portion, a proximate lower portion, and a proximate bottom end portion, in which the proximate bottom end portion comprises an interior and outer surface area; a ring segment having a plurality of holes or vent in a mesh pattern that is configured to allow airflow or ventilation; an aperture portion that is configured to be operable for allowing the hair to project out an interior of the crown or dome section to generally prevent hat hair; a hem segment that is configured to be operable for preventing hair from snagging and tangling upon the aperture portion; and an interior padding portion configured to cover and pad the interior surface area of the proximate bottom end portion to provide comfort during wear.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for use in reducing the impact to the head during sporting activities. The present disclosure provides a helmet cap that covers an underlying hard shell helmet. The helmet cap has a durable, energy absorbing outer shell, which lessens the initial impact to the helmet. The outer shell is formed into segments of padded material that may deform on impact. The outer shell has an inner surface that allows the outer shell to slide over the surface of a helmet thereby reducing forces applied to a wearer. The helmet cap may be securely attached to helmets without modification of the helmets. The helmet cap may include an adjustable fastener that allows the helmet cap to be securely attached to helmets of varying dimensions.

Abstract: A dual functioning head protection device for a fall prone user including a c-shaped neck collar that is configured to compress the jugular veins of the user during application to the user's neck and an expandable airbag helmet that is removably affixed to the collar. The airbag helmet includes an inflatable inner bag surrounded by an outer bag, such that the structure of the outer bag defines a shape of the airbag helmet when the inner bag is inflated. The inner bag includes a number of chambers which inflate to protect the user's skull during a fall. A trigger device in the collar detects if the user is falling and inflates the airbag helmet in such instances. This dual functioning device also protects the user's brain from brain slosh because of the collar's compression of the user's jugular veins. Compression of the vein sends blood into the skull with each fall impact, which reduces the brain's freedom to jostle around in the skull in a fall.

Abstract: The helmet uses a new fastener to fasten a cage to the helmet shell allowing sides of the cage to be mounted directly against the shell, reducing the width of the shell on each side. A ball is attached to a portion of a bar of the cage to act as a limit stop precluding movements of the cage with respect to the helmet. A chin bar is fastened to the helmet at two points on each side of the shell. The shell is molded with recessed portions designed to receive the two branches of the chin bar on each side where they will be fastened to the shell so that the outer surfaces of the chin guard are flush with the shell at the locations of attachment to provide a smooth transition and reduce weight. An adjustment device to adjust the fit of the helmet to the user includes a star wheel on each side of the helmet attached to an arcuate flexible strip extending rearwardly around the occipital area of the skull.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprising a head mountable shell (10) and a transparent visor (24), the head mountable shell defining a rear portion and an opposing front portion (12) when oriented for use, the front portion being recessed, the helmet further comprising a cover portion (16) mountable over the recessed front portion so as to define a cavity, the transparent visor being pivotally mounted across the recessed front portion by means of a pair of pivot mechanisms (28), the pivot mechanisms being located at opposing sides of the recessed front portion and substantially wholly within the cavity, and configured to enable the transparent visor to be pivoted from a first position substantially within the cavity to a second, operable position generally perpendicular to a user's eyeline.

Abstract: A head unit system (24) for a head (22) of a user (20), including a headpiece (26) for being worn over the head (22) with a support structure (28) shaped to be worn over the head (22). A shield mount (30) attached to the support structure (28) is arranged for supporting a face shield (32) adjacent to the head (22). A headpiece connector (34) is attached to the support structure (28) and has a headpiece contact (36) configured for electrical connection. First and second peripheral devices are provided for being secured to the headpiece (26) for concurrent movement, and each respectively has a device connector (40) with a device contact (42) configured for electrical connection.

Abstract: A weatherproof protective gear for cycling is an apparatus which keeps the user refreshed, the upper body dry, and facilitates breathing in different weather conditions. The apparatus may include a full-head helmet, a face shield, a length-adjustable collar, a sleeveless torso shroud, a portable airflow system, and an exhaust snorkel. The full-head helmet protects the user's head while also facilitating airflow around the head from the portable airflow system. The face shield protects the user's face from the environment and facilitates vision in most weather conditions. The length-adjustable collar hermetically connects the full-head helmet to the sleeveless torso shroud to maintain a sealed environment. The sleeveless torso shroud protects the chest and the user's back from the environment and maintains the upper torso refreshed by the portable airflow system. Finally, the exhaust snorkel allows the user to breathe while wearing the present invention.

Abstract: A sole (100) or inner sole for a shoe is provided. The sole (100) or inner sole comprises: a toe region (28) for supporting a user's toes; a forefoot region (26) for supporting a user's forefoot; a midfoot region (24) for supporting a user's arch; and a heel region (22) for supporting a user's heel. A longitudinal direction (X) extends from the heel region (22) towards the toe region (28). A lateral direction (Y) transverse to the longitudinal direction (X) extends from an inner side to an outer side of the sole (100) or inner sole. A plurality of force sensors (10) distributed throughout the sole (100) or inner sole.

Abstract: A shoe assembly includes a base shoe (10), a removable outsole (25) and a removable cover (22). The base shoe (10) is defined by a skeleton insole (11) having a lower surface, a heel component (12), and an upper (13) rising from the periphery of the skeleton insole (11). The upper (13) defines a foot-retaining element. The removable outsole (25) is connected to the skeleton insole (11) to overlie the lower surface thereof. There is a releasable mechanism having a first part on the skeleton insole (11) and a second part on the outsole (25) to interconnect the two. The removable cover (22) is for the upper (13), and fits over the base shoe (10) to overlie the foot-retaining element. The cover (22) has a sole region provided with a sole opening for accommodation of the releasable mechanism interconnecting the outsole (25) with the skeleton insole (11). The cover (22) also has a heel opening (23) through which at least a part of the heel component (12) passes.

Abstract: A pair of shoes that includes a left foot shoe and a right foot shoe. Each of the shoes include an upper shoe portion and a sole coupled to the upper shoe portion. The sole provides an athletic positioning of a left big toe area of the left shoe at a lower position than a left heel area of the left shoe and at a lower position than an outer small toe area of the left shoe and wherein, from an inner edge to an outer edge of the left shoe, the left heel area has substantially no slope.

Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe having a sole portion and a rebounding portion being comprised of the same material and being a unified structure. The rapid-entry shoe has a collapsed configuration in which a perimeter of the topline is expanded and an uncollapsed configuration in which the perimeter of the topline is unexpanded, and the rapid-entry shoe is biased by the rebounding portion toward the uncollapsed configuration.

Abstract: A shoe for preventing ankle injuries comprises a sole with a ground-engaging surface, and lateral and medial edges associated with respective lateral and medial connecting portions interconnecting and extending between the ground-engaging surface and the lateral and medial edges. At least one of the connecting portions defines a surface area of reduced friction provided, e.g., in the form of retrofitted patches, which are circumferentially surrounded by adjacent surface areas having a relatively high coefficient of friction. Friction is differentiated in different areas of those parts of the shoe which are implicated in injury mechanisms, and injuries may thus be prevented in the recovery phase after injury, and primary prophylaxis may be achieved. The area of reduced friction reduces the ability of the wearer's foot to rotate relative to ground when the load of the wearer's body is shifted towards or lands near the edge of the shoe.

Abstract: A sole of a shoe includes: a rear portion; and a forward portion connected with the rear portion, the forward portion being thinner than the rear portion, the forward portion comprising a plurality of ribs that are patterned and contoured to provide different height, rigidity and flexibility characteristics at different areas of the forward portion.

Abstract: A hidden drainage system for shoes, configured on the outsole of a shoe, in which the two sides of the outsole are provided with a plurality of curved sections that are curved inward; the top of the outsole is provided with a plurality of transverse drainage troughs and several longitudinal drainage troughs; each of the transverse drainage troughs extends along the direction of the width of the outsole, and both ends are communicated with each of the curved sections, so that the two ends of each of the transverse drainage troughs will not be exposed on the side face of the outsole; the longitudinal drainage troughs extend along the length of the outsole and are communicated with each of the transverse drainage troughs; thus, water entering the shoe will flow into each of the transverse and longitudinal drainage troughs, and be discharged from each of the transverse drainage troughs.

Abstract: An air pad assembly for shoes includes a rear air pad and a front air pad which communicates with the rear air pad. The front air pad includes a release valve and an inlet. A first tube is connected between the inlet of the front air pad and a first one-way valve of the rear air pad. When the rear air pad is compressed, air in the rear air pad flows into the front air pad. The air in the front air pad releases from the release valve gradually so as to prevent the front air pad from being overly inflated to compress the wearer's foot between the front end of the vamp and the front air pad.

Abstract: A removable insole for insertion into footwear, comprises a forefoot portion integral to the insole and extending at least to a metatarsal of a foot and including a resilient layer, the resilient layer including at least two non-contiguous resilient layer sections (including a big toe section). The at least two non-contiguous resilient sections include at least four resilient layer subsections in some embodiments, a continuous rear portion that includes a medial longitudinal arch support portion, a heel surrounding portion and a lateral longitudinal arch support portion; and a heel portion. In some embodiments, the forefoot is customizable by having different levels of hardness for the subsections and big toe section. The insole is therefore tailored a particular sport. The medial longitudinal arch support portion includes a detachable cushion configured to adjust a height of the medial longitudinal arch and to support the foot during pronation of the foot.

Abstract: A fastening device including a case unit and a spool is provided. The case unit includes a wall forming a receiving space, an upper opening communicated with the receiving space, and a lower opening opposite to the upper opening and communicated with the receiving space. The spool is within the receiving space. The spool is limited by the wall, and the wall prohibits the spool from leaving the receiving space from the upper opening.

Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor, and the sensor is configured to sense changes in a foot proximity to the sensor in footwear. Information about the sensed proximity can be used to determine a foot velocity characteristic, which in turn can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot, about an activity, or about the footwear.

Abstract: A rotary belt buckle includes a belt fastener connection part, a belt connection part, and a spring mechanism. The belt connection part is connected with the belt fastener connection part through the spring mechanism, the belt connection part rotates around the belt fastener connection part; the belt fastener connection part has a slot, a strip unit which is located on the belt connection part fits with the slot; the belt connection part includes a cover plate and a box body, the strip unit includes an upper strip and a lower strip. The upper strip is located on the cover plate, and the lower strip is located on the box body. The upper strip is fixed with the lower strip to avoid the belt from being easily taken out of the belt buckle, to achieve a quick replacement of the belt, saving time of a user to replace the belt.

Abstract: A tension buckle is provided and includes a slider body and a toggle body, including features that permit “locking” the positioning of a load. The slider body includes a head with a strap receiving passageway extending there through from lateral sides thereof and positioned along a proximal end thereof, and a distal end having a neck positioned opposite the proximal end and tie section extending from the neck. The toggle body includes a top bar, a bottom bar, a first joining element, and a second joining element to provide a toggle strap receiving passageway extending though the toggle body from lateral sides thereof.

Abstract: A connector system is formed from a female portion and a male portion that slides within the female portion. The female portion has a base body, a channel, and a protrusion extending into the channel. The male portion has a base body with a locking flange extending along one longitudinal edge thereof. The spring has an aperture for receiving the protrusion when the flange is inserted into the channel. There is an actuating device connected to the spring and configured for depressing the spring. The male portion is connected to the female portion by sliding the flange into the channel until the protrusion extends through the aperture in the spring. The male portion is released from the female portion by pulling the actuating device to depress the spring until the protrusion clears the aperture, and then sliding the male portion out of the channel.

Abstract: This male member of a snap fastener is provided with a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is composed of a plastic material, and the second portion is composed of a metal portion. In addition, the male member of the snap fastener has an engaging protrusion part working together with an eyelet of a female member, and a cover which at least partially covers the engaging protrusion part is provided to a side of the male member, the side facing the female member.

Abstract: An apparatus to be used as the slider on a zipper chain is disclosed. The apparatus may include a slider that may be configured with an attachment that may add decorative elements to the slider. The attachment may be configured to the slider using a mount that may include an inner opening that may receive the slider.