Abstract: The present invention is related to a casting apparatus (100) for the production of a cast web of a material containing alkaloids, said casting apparatus (100) including: —a casting box (101) adapted to contain a slurry; —a movable support (102) having a surface and moving along a casting direction; —a casting blade (103), adapted to cast the slurry contained in the casting box (101) onto the surface of the movable support (102) along the casting direction so as to form the cast web of a material containing alkaloids; wherein the casting blade (103) includes a corrugated portion. The invention also relates to a casting method for producing a cast web of a material containing alkaloids and to cast a web of a material containing alkaloids from said method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting apparatus (100) to cast a sheet of a material containing alkaloids, the casting apparatus including:?a casting box (10) apt to contain a slurry (18) to be cast to form the sheet;?a slurry supply element (5) defining a feeding channel (15) apt to introduce the slurry into the casting box in a supply direction;?path diverting fins (19, 20) positioned within the feeding channel, the path diverting fins being apt to come into contact with the slurry inside the feeding channel;?a movable support (2); and?a casting blade (1) apt to cast the slurry contained in the casting box onto the movable support so as to form the cast sheet. The invention relates also to a method to cast a sheet of a material containing alkaloids.

Abstract: A tobacco cut filler comprises a first tobacco material cut in accordance with a first cut specification, wherein the first cut specification sets at least predetermined first cut width and first cut length.

Abstract: An aerosolizable formulation having one or more aerosol-forming agents and a flavoring agent being an extract obtained from an alcoholic beverage, and wherein the extract contains less than about 5% v/v ethanol. A process for forming an aerosolizable formulation, forming an aerosol from the aerosolizable formulation, a contained aerosolizable formulation, an electronic aerosol provision system and the use of an extract obtained from an alcoholic beverage as a flavoring agent in an electronic aerosol provision system, wherein the extract contains less than about 5% v/v ethanol.

Abstract: A cigarette injection machine may include: a cigarettes tubes chamber configured to store an empty cigarette tube; a tobacco chamber configured to store tobacco, wherein the cigarettes tubes chamber and the tobacco chamber are arranged in a horizontal direction; a tobacco feed nozzle disposed between the cigarettes tubes chamber and the tobacco chamber in the horizontal direction, to guide and feed the tobacco into the empty cigarette tube; a cigarette tube loader barrel configured to load the empty cigarette tube from the cigarettes tubes chamber, rotate to a position of the tobacco feed nozzle, and move in the horizontal direction to a requested cigarette size position; and a tobacco feeder spiral rod configured to push the tobacco into the tobacco feed nozzle until the empty cigarette tube is filled with the tobacco when the cigarette tube loader barrel is at the requested cigarette size position.

Abstract: A modular centrifuge apparatus for use in preparing and packing ready-made smokable products is disclosed including a drive assembly with a motor and a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the motor, the drive shaft defining a vertical direction, an axial direction, and a radial direction. The drive shaft extends along the vertical direction out of the motor. A sandwich hub having a notched portion is coupled to the drive shaft. The initiation of the motor rotates the drive shaft assembly along the axial direction. Each of a plurality of dynamic positioning talon assemblies includes a talon frame member and a binary linkage. Each talon frame member is fixedly attached to the sandwich hub using the notched portion and an upper plate, and extends outwardly therefrom along the radial direction. Each talon frame member includes at least one guide slot and at least one alignment post. The binary linkage is slidably coupled to the at least one guide slot of the talon frame member.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for automatic infusion of concentrate and distillate material into cigarettes or other containers. In one embodiment, a thermally-controlled infusion system is provided. The system can maintain a selected temperature of the concentrate material throughout the infusion process, using a two-stage approach. In a first stage, the concentrate material is pressure-fed to a dosing chamber. In the second stage, the concentrate material is pumped into an insertion canula and into a cigarette or container. A revolver houses the cigarettes or containers and vertically transitions them to an insertion position, where the insertion canula can infuse the cigarettes or containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aerosol-generating article including a first aerosol-generating substrate portion, a second aerosol-generating substrate portion, and a filter portion containing nicotine, and an aerosol-generating device comprising the same, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate portion includes an absorber impregnated with a liquid aerosol-generating composition.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating article is provided for producing an inhalable aerosol when heated, the aerosol-generating article including: a hollow cylindrical rod of aerosol-generating substrate; a wrapper circumscribing the hollow cylindrical rod; and a hollow tube extending along a longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical rod and defining a central airflow channel of the aerosol-generating article, the hollow tube including a plurality of openings extending through a wall of the hollow tube, such that the aerosol-generating substrate in the hollow cylindrical rod is in fluid communication with the central airflow channel through the plurality of openings, and such that a ratio between a cumulative cross-sectional area of the plurality of openings and a cross-sectional area of the central airflow channel is from about 0.042 to about 0.672.

Abstract: An aerosol generating component for a tobacco heating device includes an aerosol generating material, a mouthpiece downstream of the aerosol generating material, a first wrapper comprising a first sheet material and surrounding at least a portion of the aerosol generating material and a second wrapper comprising a second sheet material and surrounding at least a portion of the mouthpiece. The thermal conductivity of the first sheet material is higher than the thermal conductivity of the second sheet material. There is also described a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating component for a tobacco heating device, the mouthpiece comprising one or more wrappers wherein at least one of the one or more wrappers comprises a sheet material having a density in the range 0.2 g/cm3 to 0.45 g/cm3.

Abstract: A cooling filter rod and an application thereof are disclosed. The filter rod comprises a hollow tube (1). The inside of the hollow tube (1) is provided with at least one plate (2) which partition the inside of the hollow tube and is perpendicular to the axis of the hollow tube (1). The area of the plate (2) is the same as the cross-sectional area of a hollow portion of the hollow tube (1) Each plate (2) is independently provided with at least one through hole (3). The cooling filter rod reduces the adsorption of cigarette smoke, greatly lowers the smoke temperature felt by mouth, improves the sensory quality of cigarettes, and is suitable for application in new heat-not-burn cigarettes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a triple capsule includes supplying an interior material, an intermediate film material, and an exterior film material; discharging a triple molding body by receiving the interior material, the intermediate film material, and the exterior film material through a nozzle mount and performing coextrusion on the interior material, the intermediate film material, and the exterior film material through a triple nozzle in which a first nozzle discharging the interior material, a second nozzle discharging the intermediate film material, and a third nozzle discharging the exterior film material are arranged concentrically; and forming the triple capsule by circulating a coolant and cooling the triple molding body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a disposable liquid aerosol generating article which includes an aerosol generating substrate portion and a filter portion, the aerosol generating substrate portion including an absorber impregnated with a liquid substance for forming an aerosol, and an amount of the liquid substance corresponding to 10 to 30 times of inhalation.

Abstract: A water pipe (1) comprises a receptacle (3) and a heating chamber (4) communicating therewith, said heating chamber (4) having a receiving portion (5) for a capsule (10) which holds a smoking medium, said receiving portion at the same time being a heating element for the capsule (10). The receiving portion (5) accurately fits the capsule (10).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in one embodiment, an electronic smoking device comprising a mouthpiece; a vaporizer portion in communication with the mouthpiece; a filter cartridge assembly in communication with the mouthpiece; an inlet check valve; and an outlet check valve. The vaporizer portion comprises a heating element for heating a smoking material housed within the vaporizer portion. The inlet check valve permits air to be inhaled from the vaporizer portion into the mouthpiece, but substantially prohibits air from being exhaled through the mouthpiece into the vaporizer portion. The outlet check valve permits air to be exhaled through the mouthpiece into the filter cartridge assembly, but substantially prohibits air from being inhaled from the filter cartridge assembly into the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat regulating device for a hookah, including a lid and a base. The lid and the base are movably connected to form a cavity for placing tobacco or other combustible substances. The upper part of the base has an annular groove; and the lid has a fastener which is hook-shaped; the fastener extends downward and inward and is embedded in the annular groove. The fastener and the annular groove are configured to improve the connection stability of the lid and the base. In the event of an accident, such as unexpected tipping over, the lid won't easily fall off from the base, so tobacco or other combustible substances can be contained in the device to reduce the possibility of scald, even fire and other accidents, thus improving the safety performance of the heat regulating device.

Abstract: A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system is provided, the cartridge including: a first compartment containing an alkaloid source, the alkaloid source including a liquid alkaloid formulation having a polyhydric alcohol content of at least about 10 percent by weight and an alkaloid content of at least about 10 percent by weight; and a second compartment containing an acid source. An aerosol-generating system is also provided, including: the cartridge; and an aerosol-generating device including a housing defining a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge, and a heating element configured to heat the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge.

Abstract: There is provided a cartridge (100) for use in an aerosol-generating system (10) for the generation of an aerosol comprising nicotine salt particles. The cartridge (100) comprises a first compartment (110) containing a nicotine source (210) comprising a first carrier material (211) impregnated with nicotine, the first compartment (110) having a first air inlet (132) and a first air outlet (133). The first canier material (211) defines a first airflow channel (215) extending through the first canier material (211). The first airflow channel (215) defines a first airflow path (217) extending along the first airflow channel (215) between the first air inlet (132) and the first air outlet (133). The first airflow channel (215) has a cross-sectional area (219) perpendicular to the first airflow path (217).

Abstract: An atomizer includes a housing structure, a connecting structure installed at one end of the housing structure, and a heating structure installed in the housing structure. The connecting structure includes a first conductive member provided below the housing structure, a second conductive member provided in the first conductive member, an insulating member provided between the first conductive member and the second conductive member, and a third conductive member provided in the second conductive member. The heating structure includes a heating member. The heating member includes a main body, and a first electrode contact and a second electrode contact configured for electrically connecting with the main body. The first electrode contact is clamped between the first conductive member and the housing structure. The second electrode contact is clamped between the second conductive member and the third conductive member.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette atomization core and atomizer is disclosed. The electronic cigarette atomization core includes an atomization member (3), an outer sleeve (24), a connection sleeve (22), and atomization cotton (14). A lower segment of the connection sleeve (22) is sleeved outside an upper segment of the outer sleeve (24). The outer sleeve (24) is sleeved outside the atomization cotton (14). The outer sleeve (24) is provided with a first e-liquid passage hole (2401) capable of communicating an inner cavity of an electronic cigarette e-liquid bin (12) with the atomization cotton (14). The connection sleeve (22) is axially movable or circumferentially rotatable relative to the outer sleeve (24) to close or open the first e-liquid passage hole (2401). A buffer sealing structure is arranged between the connection sleeve (22) and the outer sleeve (24).

Abstract: An electronic cigarette atomizer and an electronic cigarette are disclosed. The electronic cigarette atomizer comprises an air inlet (1), an air inlet passage (2), an atomization cavity (3), an air outlet passage (4), an air outlet (5), and a suction nozzle (6) communicated sequentially, and further comprises an adjustment mechanism (7) for adjusting the air output of the air outlet. The adjustment mechanism (7) simultaneously adjusts the air input of the air inlet (1) and the air output of the air outlet (5). The electronic cigarette atomizer can adjust the air output of the air outlet (5) of the atomizer and can meet the needs of users with different lung capacities for different smoke concentration adjustment modes. The electronic cigarette atomizer can simultaneously adjust the air flow at the air inlet (1) and the air outlet (5) of the atomizer.

Abstract: An aerosol generating system includes an induction heatable susceptor, an induction coil arranged to generate a time varying electromagnetic field for inductively heating the induction heatable susceptor, a power source for supplying power to the induction coil and a controller. The controller is arranged to detect the self-resonant frequency of the induction coil and to control the operation of the aerosol generating system based on the detected self-resonant frequency. An aerosol generating device is also described.

Abstract: A temperature control method of an electronic cigarette includes the following steps: when a cigarette lighting signal is received, acquiring a preset maximum duty cycle as the initial duty cycle or determining the initial duty cycle according to the current parameters of the electronic cigarette; adjusting the battery voltage according to the initial duty cycle and outputting the battery voltage to a heating element to increase the temperature of the heating element; acquiring a temperature parameter for characterizing the temperature of the heating element; when the temperature parameter of the heating element meets a preset temperature control condition, adjusting the duty cycle according to the temperature parameter of the heating element so that the heating element retains its temperature. The temperature control method can realize the effective control of the temperature of the heating element and ensure the suction effect and the suction safety.

Abstract: A portable vaporizer system that includes two or more individual heating elements controlled by a switching element. The switching element is either an analog control such as toggle switch or button or a digitally controlled with a microprocessor. Each heating element may be individually contained within a variety of cavity types and designs. These cavities enclose both the heating element and the material to be vaporized. Cavities may be removable or permanently installed on the device. Removable cavities may include screw or plug-in attachment types. Permanently installed cavities may have a removable lid for access to the interior of the cavity. Configurations of heating elements and cavities from two to twelve are shown. Digitally controlled switching elements can be controlled from a native application installed on the vaporizer device or on a mobile computing device.

Abstract: Described is an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol for user inhalation from an aerosol precursor material, the device including comprising: a housing; electronic circuitry provided within the housing; and an electrical connection port coupled to the electronic circuitry and configured to couple to an external apparatus, wherein the electrical connection port is movably mounted relative to the housing. Also described is an aerosol system, a connection element, and a method for coupling an aerosol provision device.

Abstract: Examples of a garment having engineered lace zones are disclosed. The garment comprises a lace panel that forms at least a portion of the garment and that has a first engineered lace zone and a second engineered lace zone. The first engineered lace zone has a first structural property and the second engineered lace zone has a second structural property.

Abstract: A protective pad assembly for removably positioning on an arm or a leg of a user of the protective pad assembly for protecting an elbow or a knee of the user. The protective pad assembly comprises an inner member adapted to be positioned adjacent the elbow or the knee of the user so as to encircle the arm or the leg of the user, at least inner securing component mounted to the inner member, an outer protective pad adapted to be positioned over the elbow or the knee of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee of the user, and at least one outer securing component mounted to the outer protective pad. The at least one outer securing component is releasably attachable to the at least one inner securing component. The outer protective pad is configured to be disposed over the inner member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mask. The mask includes: a body part covering respiratory organs of a user; and a hanging part provided at each of both sides of the body part to allow the body part to be fixed to the respiratory organs of the user. The body part includes a chin cover part of a chin part, which forms a lower portion and surrounds chin of the user.

Abstract: A strip-shaped elastic member, which is adapted for being formed into an ear loop of a mask, includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a stretchable portion located between the first end and the second end and having a wave structure. When the strip-shaped elastic member is formed into the ear loop of the mask, the wave structure is adapted for contacting the ear of the user wearing the mask, thereby providing comfortable wearing experience to the user. Besides, resulted from the stretchable portion having the wave structure, the strip-shaped elastic member has a relatively larger stretchable length. A mask including a mask body and two ear loops formed from the aforesaid strip-shaped elastic members is disclosed too.

Abstract: There is disclosed a full-face mask to be worn in combination with a protective helmet having a suspension harness. The mask comprises a receiving channel interfacing with the suspension harness to secure the connection between them while preventing the safety helmet to physically interfere with or hinder wearing the mask. Thus, the combination of protective headgears may be worn with improved comfort and decreased risks of breaking the seal provided by the full-face mask.

Abstract: An illustrated view of an exemplary sun protective body barrier for protecting a left hand and arm is presented. The sun protective body barrier is useful for protecting a left arm and hand against ultra-violet (UV) radiation while driving a motor vehicle. Also, the sun protective body barrier is inexpensive and reusable while also adjusting to the width and length of a user's left arm and hand. Further, the sun protective body barrier is useful for reducing the effect of the sun's rays while driving that is quick, easy and effective.

Abstract: An illustrated view of an exemplary sun protective body barrier for protecting a left hand and arm is presented. The sun protective body barrier is useful for protecting a left arm and hand against ultra-violet (UV) radiation while driving a motor vehicle. Also, the sun protective body barrier is inexpensive and reusable while also adjusting to the width and length of a user's left arm and hand. Further, the sun protective body barrier is a quick, easy and effective solution for reducing the effect of the sun's rays while driving.

Abstract: A concealed pocket system is described herein. The concealed pocket system has a concealed pouch assembly disposed on a clothing garment. A concealed pocket of the concealed pouch assembly is disposed within a hand pouch and has at least one access point to a storage area of the concealed pocket. The concealed pocket system enables users to securely store items in the clothing garment, while effectively hiding points of access to the storage area (i.e. the interior pocket compartment) of the concealed pocket, thereby providing an additional layer of security.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a cutting structure and a sewing process for back wearing protective clothing. An eye gap is formed in the top of a cap cutting piece. An upper neck interface is formed in the bottom of the cap cutting piece. Cap top seams which are in left-right symmetry are formed in the two sides of the eye gap. Cap openings are formed in the two sides of the lower part of the cap cutting piece. An upper right sleeve seam is formed in the upper end of one side of an upper section cutting piece. A lower right sleeve seam is formed in the lower end of one side of the upper section cutting piece. An upper left sleeve seam is formed in the upper end of the other side of the upper section cutting piece. A lower left sleeve seam is formed in the lower end of the other side of the upper section cutting piece.

Abstract: Fabrics that are exhibit water repellency, abrasion resistance, and optionally flame resistance are described herein. The fabrics include a plurality of fibers (such as flame resistant fibers) and a finish that imparts water repellency and abrasion resistance to the fibers. The fabrics are free or substantially free from alkylfluoropolymers. Also described herein are garments including the fabrics.

Abstract: [Technical Problem] Provided is a garment having a soft and stretchable cloth, in which while the garment includes a windproof sheet, a napped fabric, and an outer fabric, increase in thickness of the cloth is prevented. [Solution to Problem] The garment includes a stretchable outer fabric, a lining fabric, and a windproof sheet disposed between the outer fabric and the lining fabric. The windproof sheet is an elastic film having a thickness of 13 ?m or less and having windproof performance. The lining fabric includes a stretchable base fabric and a nap on the base fabric, and the nap has a length of pile of 4.0 mm or less.

Abstract: The present invention has been conceived to overcome the problems of prior art, and is directed a garment provided with an elastic waist belt, in which the upper end of a first elastic band (300) is coupled to the upper end of a waist end (200) and the lower end of the first elastic band (300) is placed in a free state, so that the waist end (200) is tightened by the elastic force of the first elastic band (300) to prevent wrinkles from being generated, with the result that the waist end (200) is allowed to be formed straight in appearance like in a pair of ordinary pants, thereby providing a waist belt that has high wearing comfort and enhances aesthetics, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The invention concerns a headwear, in particular a cap, including a crown and a visor and a rigid sweatband integral with a curved part of the peripheral edge of the crown (and on which the visor is intended to be assembled, in which the sweatband includes at least a first hook and a second hook angularly spaced and angularly oriented in opposite directions to each other around the curved portion, and able to cooperate by elastic snap-fitting, respectively, with at least a first hook and a second hook of the visor in a direction of elastic assembly and disassembly of the visor on the sweatband.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new headgear for protecting the head of a person, the new headgear comprising: a base body; a plurality of high frequency impact absorbing elements embedded or adhered to the base body; a cover element that surrounds the base body and the plurality of high frequency impact absorbing elements; a pair of adjustment pieces partially embedded or adhered to the low portion of the base body; and an adjustment band or strap that joins both adjustment pieces; wherein the base body is made of a material capable of absorbing low frequency impacts and the plurality of high frequency impact absorbing elements are made of a material capable of absorbing high frequency impacts. The present invention further relates to a method for producing a new headgear.

Abstract: A helmet stabilization system and apparatus for reducing the incidence of whiplash and neck injuries while wearing a helmet, such as in contact sports. The invention includes a helmet mount; a base mount configured for attachment to a shoulder harness; and a flex rod interconnectable between the helmet mount and the base mount. The flex rod, when interconnected between the helmet mount and the base mount provides a resistance to an extension or a compression sequence responsive to a contact imparted on the helmet. An oobleck may be provided in a coupling between the flex rod and the base mount to permit voluntary head movements of the user and to provide a resistance responsive to an impact force.

Abstract: A hearing protection device has a base (11) configured for connecting to a lateral portion of a protective helmet (1), an ear cup (20) configured for covering an ear of a user, and a support (30) connecting the ear cup (20) to the base (11). The support (30) has a first arm (31) and a second arm (32) each having an upper part connected to the base (11) by at least one connection member (50) and a lower part connected to the ear cup (20). The at least one connection member (50) is elastically deformable to allow relative movement of the upper part of the first arm (31) relative to the upper part of the second arm (32). The hearing protection device is movable between an active position, in which the ear cup (20) is configured to cover the ear of the user, and an inactive position, in which the ear cup (20) is configured to be spaced apart from the ear of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a headset for a helmet. The headset comprises a speaker unit, a boom microphone and a skull microphone. The headset further comprises a switch configured to activate the boom microphone or the skull microphone based on the position of the boom microphone. The invention relates also to a helmet comprising the headset.

Abstract: A system for analyzing athletic activity is usable with an article of footwear including a sensor system with a plurality of force sensors configured to sense force exerted by a user's foot, an electronic module contained within the article of footwear, and a plurality of sensor leads connecting the sensors to the electronic module, wherein the electronic module collects data based on force input from the sensors and transmits the data. The system also includes an electronic device in communication with the electronic module. The electronic device includes a processor that receives the data from the electronic module, compares the data to a footstrike template corresponding to a desired footstrike pattern to determine whether a deviation from the footstrike template exists, and generates an indication to the user when the deviation from the desired footstrike pattern is determined to exist, which may also include a degree of such deviation.

Abstract: An insole for an article of footwear has a shape corresponding to an inner bottom of the footwear and includes, on its upper side, a protrusion having three apexes. With respect to total length from a toe-side end to a heel-side end, the protrusion extends from a position at about ? to a position at about ? of the total length from the toe-side end. The three apexes include a first apex located substantially at the center of the total length and substantially at the center in a width direction of the insole, and second and third apexes arranged in the width direction at positions at about ? of the total length from the toe-side end. The second apex is located at a medial-side edge of the insole. The third apex is located at about ¼ of a length in the width direction of the insole from its lateral-side edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an item of footwear. It is desired to provide an item of footwear (100) which provides an attractive appearance whilst maintaining the comfort of the user. It is particularly advantageous to deliver a thinner item of footwear (100), which still maintains the comfort of a thicker item. An item of footwear (100) comprises a securing means for securing the item of footwear (100) to a foot of a user; and a sole for engaging a foot of a user in use, the sole having a heel region (20) for supporting the heel of a wearer in use and a forward region (30) for supporting the forefoot of a wearer in use, wherein: the sole (1) has a raised protrusion (22) forming the upper surface (2) in a first portion of the heel region (20).

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear. The sole structure includes at least one support plate located on an underside of a midsole on a medial forefoot side of the midsole and extending from a medial edge of the midsole to at least a longitudinal center line of the midsole, wherein a lateral edge of the plate is located medially of the lateral edge of the midsole. The support plate may contain at least one sipe or groove extending laterally across the midsole to provide flexibility in a forefoot-to-heel direction of the midsole. The support plate may contain at least one rail.

Abstract: A multi-sided, multi-purpose liner is provided for use in footwear. Each side of the liner provides one or more benefits to the wearer. The liner is reversible, such that a first side with a first benefit can contact the wearer's foot or a second side with a second benefit can contact the wearer's foot. The wearer can flip or rotate the liner so that the side having the desired benefit contacts their foot during use. One side of the liner may include a plurality of benefits in a preselected pattern across the surface. A liner kit provides a material blank from which the liner may be cut to produce a desired distribution of benefits. The benefits of the liner may vary with respect to the location on the surface of the liner, with some areas of the liner displaying an increased or decreased degree of a specific benefit.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes a rear bottom surface part and a toe portion. The rear bottom surface part is formed to extend from a rearfoot portion to a midfoot portion and, when the shoe sole is placed on a flat virtual surface, the rear bottom surface part is in contact with the virtual surface. A height of the toe portion from the virtual surface is set to 170% or greater and 250% or less with respect to a thickness dimension in the rear bottom surface part.

Abstract: Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.